Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Isis of Egypt: Goddess of Thrones

Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26
Rate this book
One determined goddess. Two beloved gods. Three coveted thrones.

Ancient Egypt’s most formidable goddess will stop at nothing to save her true love from the wrath of a vengeful god in this romantic retelling by the author of Neferura, perfect for readers who loved Lilith.


Isis, goddess of thrones and magic, steals the crown of Egypt and hands the power to her husband, Osiris. Together, Isis and Osiris live an idyllic life, ruling justly until the god of chaos, set on revenge for a crime Isis knows nothing about, traps Osiris in a box—a box that quickly vanishes.

Driven by rage and desperation, Isis spends decades disguised as a human woman, isolated from home and family as she searches for her lost love. When she finally uncovers the box, what she finds will change her life—and the fate of gods and mortals—forever. Unless Isis can right the wrongs of a betrayal she didn’t commit and deliver Egypt into the hands of a worthy leader, Egypt will fall to chaos. 

Isis of  Goddess of Thrones is a feminist retelling about the woman behind one of the ancient world’s most widespread and enduring cults, a goddess whose message of empathy and resilience resonates still today.

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication June 23, 2026

5257 people want to read

About the author

Malayna Evans

6 books647 followers
I'm a writer, Egyptologist, mom (2 kids and 2 spoiled Frenchies), friend, avid reader and dedicated coffee drinker.

The thing I'm most excited about at the moment is sharing ISIS OF EGYPT with readers. I waited years for someone to write a solid retelling of the Isis mythology, and finally buckled down to write it myself. I loved exploring her relationships, losses, and successes. Above all, I hope readers will be inspired by her persistence and walk away hopefully that we can all stand up to chaos and make a difference.

Fingers crossed y'all enjoy the ride! Feel free to ask me any questions. I look forward to sharing more about me and my work. Thanks for checking in. xo, me

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
6 (37%)
4 stars
7 (43%)
3 stars
2 (12%)
2 stars
1 (6%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for TheLittleLunarReads.
111 reviews24 followers
January 28, 2026
This book was wonderful. So fun to read, it touched a part of me I thought I’d never revisit, I used to love ancient Egypt and the myths and gods and goddesses. This book would have made a teenage me a very happy girl. Isis naturally being my favourite goddess too. I enjoyed the story of her and Osiris and Horus. I loved the mentions of all the minor gods you wouldn’t normal see unless you researched. Honestly it was so lovely to read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this Digital ARC copy
Profile Image for Lucia.
532 reviews38 followers
Read
March 17, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!
Profile Image for Annamaria Totagiancaspro.
288 reviews10 followers
February 4, 2026
Before starting with my review, I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher to grant me a digital ARC copy of this novel.

It's been a pleasure reading Isis of Egypt. Since I was a child, I loved Ancient Egypt history and I always feel that there aren't many novels inspired from their mythology. So when I saw this book, the child in me had to read it!

The novel starts from the beginning, narrating how Isis, Set, Osiris and Nephtys came into being from Geb and Nut. The story is told from Isis point of view, which makes the reader feel closer to her as a character. You can say that the story evolves around the four main gods with a special perspective on Isis and Osiris love.
Now, everyone knows about the legend on how Set trapped Osiris and how Isis searched for him for decades just for him to be crowned King of the Dead in the Duat. Of course, everyone knows the academic story but it felt nice reading the emotions of Isis. Her feelings for Osiris, how deeply she cared for him and the desperation that took her when he was gone. Isis was a goddess but her love for Osiris was human. She loved him and wanted to avenge him.

I would have liked to see a bit more of Osiris and Anubis but I completely understand that the main protagonist was Iris.
It was also interesting reading the relationship between Isis and Nephtys. Two sisters who love each other even though Nephtys wanted Osiris' love. A sisterhood that went beyond betrayal and showed forgiveness, mercy and love. The love that you have for your sister even if she makes you angry.

The author's style is fluid and similar to the telling of a myth but sometimes it was too much full of details that could have been avoided not to lose the readers' attention.
Profile Image for Affy Reads.
69 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
March 31, 2026
This book and I were simply not a match.

The premise is strong, and there are two brief scenes — one early moment between Isis and Osiris, and a later one involving Maneros — that genuinely moved me. Those glimpses showed what the story could have been when it allowed emotion to unfold naturally.

But the rest of the book never reached that level for me.

The narrative style leans heavily on exposition and reflection, and to me, it often read more like a memoir or an extended essay than a novel. Instead of letting scenes breathe or allowing me to experience revelations alongside the characters, the story often stepped in to explain what happened, how Isis felt about it, and why it mattered. Moments that had already been described would reappear in thoughts or dialogue, which created a sense of repetition and left many emotional beats summarized rather than felt.

I could see several twists coming long before they arrived, which normally doesn’t bother me much. Predictable twists can still be satisfying if the reveal is handled well or if there’s a clever twist‑within‑a‑twist that adds surprise. Here, however, when the twists finally appeared, I didn’t feel the tension, discovery, or emotional payoff I was hoping for.

The dialogue often felt unnatural and didactic, with characters speaking in long, polished paragraphs that explain themes or psychology rather than sounding like real conversations. I also felt that the characters fell into one‑note roles — wholly good, wholly bad, wholly wise — without the nuance or complexity that would make their conflicts more compelling.

The book’s heart is in the right place, and its themes of empathy, justice, and resilience are admirable. But stylistically, it wasn’t for me. I found myself disconnected because I was constantly being told what to think instead of being invited to truly feel.

Readers who enjoy myth retellings written in a reflective, thematic, memoir‑like voice may connect with this more than I did.

1.5 ⭐️ rounding up to 2

Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the advance reading copy of Isis of Egypt: Goddess of Thrones by Malayna Evans.


Rating Guide: My star ratings represent personal resonance, not universal value. I admire writers for the courage it takes to be seen and the discipline it takes to create. Thank you for writing, and for reading.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 – Deeply resonant, even when I can’t fully put it into words
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 – Compelling and well-written
⭐⭐⭐ 3 – Not quite my style, but still enjoyable
⭐⭐ 2 – Had promise but didn’t quite land
⭐ 1 – Fell short of what I hoped for
Profile Image for Mana.
927 reviews34 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 20, 2026
Malayna Evans skips the usual marble statue version of Egyptian gods. She puts Isis in the mud instead. This isn't just another myth about a stolen throne; it’s a long, exhausting grind. When Isis loses Osiris and has to hide as a human for decades, she loses everything that made her a goddess. It’s a story about what’s left of you when your status and your home are gone. Just a quiet, stubborn need to fix a mess she didn't even start.

Isis doesn't turn into some girl-boss cliché here. She’s just a tired survivor who finally gets what it's like to be a mortal. The other gods, especially Set, aren't just villains; they’re a messy family with way too much power. Watching her stay empathetic while being totally alone is the best part of the book. It feels like modern burnout. It’s that feeling of doing the thankless work in the background for years just to keep your world from falling apart.

The writing is blunt. No flowery prose or over-the-top descriptions. Evans keeps it cinematic and visceral. Ancient Egypt feels like a real, dirty place, not a museum. Because of that, the emotions feel heavy. When she finally finds what she’s looking for, it isn't a "happily ever after" moment. It’s just the massive, complicated relief of a burden finally moving.

Dust from the Nile and the passage of time fill the pages of this book. It matches the feminist retelling trend yet does not feel like an imitation. It focuses on how much love can actually endure over time, not just the initial spark. My only complaint is the middle part. It’s slow. It mirrors her years of waiting, which might annoy readers looking for a fast plot. But that slowness is the point. You have to feel the loneliness she’s trapped in.

This book makes you look at your own long-term stuff. We all have something we’re searching for, some goal that keeps us going through the boring or hard years. It asks what you’re willing to drop to find what matters. It’s a sharp, weary look at the kind of grit we all hope we have when things get stripped back to nothing.

3.5/5
Profile Image for Dana Sessa.
179 reviews13 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
February 28, 2026
I will be forever grateful for having the opportunity to read this book.  I have been a huge fan of Ancient Egypt since I was in elementary school and have always been fascinated by the rich history of the gods.  This book opened up doors into that history and Malayna Evans has done a beautiful job bringing the gods to life.  Although the book is based on Isis and her POV, the book also dives into other ancient gods and the roles they played.  Here we learn of their origins, power and magic bestowed upon them.  Relationships that had formed and then destroyed.  There is the before, where the gods and goddesses live in peace.  Then the after comes once Osiris has revenge set upon him for crime he knew nothing about.  From there on out, Isis takes on a different role to help search for lost love and restore the peace they so desperately want to get back too. From the outside, it looks as though there are the heros and villians of the story but what there really is, is just a family dealing with messy issues that can't be swept under the rug but instead is felt in ripples throughout the realms of the gods and humans alike.  Evans has done a great job with her writing.  It helps tell the story in a matter-of-fact way.  Although we already this story and its ending, reading it through Isis POV, you can't help but think there will be a happier ending.  But instead it is just the relief that we can finally move on. This book by far is  5 stars and highly recommended.
Profile Image for Mariah.
326 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 14, 2025
A historical fiction that Evans thoroughly deploys her in depth research and maintains the lore of Egyptian mythology. Isis is making a name for herself and that is a goddess who is remembered for her empathy and not her cruelty. The narrative classifies as Isis as more than just a romantic option – she is formidable and respectable. She stands her ground and fights for what and who she desires. A romance involving the Gods will always inspire a bit of drama that make the story interesting. A strong retelling of Isis’s story and what it means to be a goddess.
We are given a narrative where Isis lives humbly as a human. And what does it mean to accept the human condition to obtain our desires? The humanity of the Gods is what makes this drama believable with the inclusion of well researched humanity. An ancestral deity of a drama with visceral visions of humanity aside. Evans does a fantastic job of classifying the daily woes of the Gods and how they would approach each other. A fun historical fiction that is effective and to the point. Thank you Malayna Evans, Netgalley, and Alcove Press for this advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own!
Read more reviews, impressions, and tarot readings at my blog, https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Devina Yuliarni.
57 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2026
A Feminist Retelling of Isis, the Egyptian Goddess of Magic and Wisdom

With a Ph.D. educational background in Egyptian history, Malayna Evans Malayna Evans retells the story of one of the most famous goddesses in Ancient Egypt. Through the lens of Isis’s point of view, Malayna invites the readers into the realm of Egypt's powerful deities. From family affairs to battles for the throne, Isis of Egypt portrays family dynamics with her siblings, Nephthys and Set, as well as her romantic lover, Osiris. After stripping Amun-Ra’s power and securing the throne for Osiris, their happy-ever-after married life was torn apart when her husband suddenly vanished in a box game. Devoted to finding her husband, she hid herself in human form and traveled far away from home. It is a story of women's resilience from the POV of the respected goddess of thrones and magic.


Malayna Evans successfully introduces prominent Egyptian deities in a very digestible yet fluid narrative. Readers can learn more about Egyptian deities and how they interact with one another. Isis of Egypt: Goddess of Thrones is highly recommended for readers who are interested in Egyptian mythology. Though her narrative is not as beautifully written in terms of wordings, Malayna Evans fills the story with Egyptian nuances, from foods, dresses, to plants, and the famous Nile River. It felt like the author immersed its readers in Egyptian culture and history.


Another aspect that makes the story stand out is the author’s way of portraying the female lead character’s depth. Isis’s divine qualities are not only demonstrated through magic but also in noble character, which develops as the story goes on. However, some parts felt too focused on Isis’s feelings, rather than her wisdom, which weakens her divine image. I also felt that some parts of the story were too slow-paced, which might cause readers to lose their attention.


Overall, Isis of Egypt: Goddess of Thrones is a feminist retelling of the widely worshipped Egyptian goddess Isis, whose story portrays resilience and wisdom as the two most formidable powers. It is highly recommended for readers who are interested in Egyptian myths. Thank you Net Galley and Malayna Evans for the e-ARC copy of the book.
Profile Image for Grace.
32 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2026
ARC REVIEW 📚📖

Isis and Osiris live an idyllic life ruling the Egyptian gods while overseeing and improving the lives of mortals. Until Set the god of chaos seeks revenge on a crime Isis knows nothing about, trapping Osiris in a box and vanishing.
Isis spends decades disguised as a human woman, living among mortals searching for the box containing her love. When she finally discovers the missing box, what she finds will change her life and the fate of gods and mortals forever.

i absolutely love a mythology retelling and this one has me wanting to know even more about the Egyptian gods! Isis’s story is one of love, heartbreak, betrayal and an unbelievable sense of strength and resilience, it was such an easy yet powerful read that had me tearing up. my only criticism would be the ending, I’d love to have found out what came next and what happened to Set. But thank you so much to Alcove Press and Malayna Evans for the opportunity for this advanced copy, a special place it will forever hold being my first.
Profile Image for Clare.
178 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 30, 2026
🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 Isis of Egypt: Goddess of Thrones
✒️ Malayna Evans
💫💫💫💫💫

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have always had a fascination with Ancient Egypt and the myths of the Gods, Goddesses and Pharaohs. I even planned to visit prior to COVID but alas it was not, and will not be.

This is a tale of Isis, Oriris and Horus. It is a story of love, loss and the strength and resilience people have to achieve and overcome everything. We follow Isis as she navigates the human world in search of a box that contains her lover, as he was trapped due to Set seeking revenge for something Isis had no idea about.

I really enjoyed the book. I do however feel like the ending was rushed a bit.

I commend the amount of research that must have gone into writing this and the mentioning of lesser Gods and Goddess was great too.
Profile Image for Ashley.
275 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 1, 2026
Retelling of the legends of Isis that really focuses on her relationship between herself and the other Gods and Goddesses. The first part of the book Isis is a no nonsense boss who manipulates the dealings for her own advantage and the advantage of Osiris, her husband. The second part Isis has gone full scorch of the earth to rescue her husband from the trap he was ensnared in. The third part of the book shows her more nurturing side and how she protects Horus from the enemies of Osiris.

I liked this book sometimes the writing lost me a little bit but overall this was an enjoyable story.

Thank you to Malayna Evans, NetGalley, and Alcove Press for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for binkieandbooks.
91 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 8, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨ Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press.

I really enjoyed Isis of Egypt: Goddess of Thrones, but also found it frustrating because it had the potential to be an incredible 5-star Egyptian fantasy.

The mythology, gods, and unique powers were easily the highlight, and the world building felt rich and immersive. Unfortunately, the pacing was very uneven, some parts dragged while important moments felt rushed and the prose could sometimes feel overly convoluted.

Overall, this had all the ingredients for something amazing, but it needed tighter editing and polishing to fully reach its potential. Despite my issues with it, I’d still happily read from this author again because the ideas and creativity were genuinely compelling.
Profile Image for Noëmi.
341 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 19, 2026
4.5 Stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for giving me the chance to read this before it‘s release.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story of the Egyptian pantheon and especially Isis and Osiris love story told out of Isis‘s POV.

The way it described Isis finding a sisterhood, not just in Nephtys, but in other goddesses and in mortals, the way she helped women…loved that!

The only little criticism I got is the ending. The last few pages felt rushed and even though I know what happened with Set, I would have liked to read it too.

The Epilogue was great though! Sooses had my heart from the first sentence on!

Profile Image for Anya Leonard.
381 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 24, 2026
What a stunning and beautiful story. The author takes a well-known [if you are an Egyptology lover like me] story of the mother of Gods, Isis. She takes something that in any other context could possibly be confusing and probably inhibit readers and makes it into a relatable tale. It is such a great way for readers to become familiar with Egyptian history and mythology and provides a new light on these beautiful age-old stories in the same way that authors so recently have done for Greek history. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn OR re-learn the story of Isis and Osiris.

This ebook was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews