Enheduanna's Song From the Sands

by Ellen Rachlin

Discover the untold story of Enheduanna, the world’s first named author, as she navigates power, betrayal, and divine destiny in ancient Mesopotamia. A mesmerizing fusion of history, myth, and female leadership that challenges how we see the past—and ourselves.

A high priestess dethroned. A rebel with a dangerous plan. One empire hanging by a thread.

When Enheduanna is named High Priestess of Ur, her connection to the gods makes her a target. Lugalanne’s coup strips her of robes, power, and home, casting her into the perilous underworld. There, amid forests of shadows and treacherous trials, she discovers that divine favor alone won’t save her—only cunning, courage, and a willingness to embrace the ruthlessness of her enemies can restore her.

Drawing on history and myth, Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands follows the world’s first named author as she fights to reclaim her voice and her destiny. Political intrigue, betrayal, and divine tests collide as Enheduanna must decide whether to forgive, to fight, or to harness the power that could shake the foundations of an empire. For readers who love The Song of Achilles’s intimate heroism, Circe’s mythic depth, or The Daughters of Sparta’s fierce women, this is a mesmerizing dive into ancient Mesopotamia where courage and cunning are the only paths to survival.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Ancient History, Middle East, Historical

272 pages, Paperback

Published August 25, 2026

Reviews

[Bookishness · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m giving this book 2 stars and honestly, part of the reason I even finished it is because I’m Assyrian and deeply interested in our history.

The story of Enheduanna is fascinating on its own: a princess, priestess, poet, mathematician, and the first recorded author in world history. A powerful female mind in a male-dominated world. The historical material had so much potential for an unforgettable story.

Unfortunately, the writing itself never pulled me in. I never felt connected to the characters or emotionally invested in the world. It often felt more like reading a history assignment than experiencing a living, breathing story. Even Enheduanna who should have been incredibly compelling felt flat and lacked personality, which made parts of the book difficult to stay engaged with.

I want to be fair, because the history behind this story is truly incredible. But I can’t give the book credit simply for being about Assyrian history. With stronger storytelling and deeper character development, this could have been an amazing novel that truly transported readers back in time and allowed us to experience life through Enheduanna’s eyes. I was trying my hardest to love this!



~Pre-read~ I really want this arc!! (Fingers crossed)... I just pre-ordered this~~ oh my I would drop everything to read this...

UPDATE! I got the arcccccccc! Happy birthday to me! so happy, I cant wait to start this!

[Liana Gold]

Ancient Mesopotamia. Enheduanna is a princess, a priestess, mathematician, a poet and the first recorded author in the world's history. This is a story of how she became dethroned and targeted due to her connection to the gods.


Many thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op and the author, Ellen Rachlin for an early copy.

Publication date: August 25, 2026

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enheduanna herself is a figure I’ve not heard much about, so when I was reached out to to read this story, it was an immediate yes! The more I can learn about women of history and mythology, the better. Thank you to Histria books for the review copy!

I really liked Enheduanna herself, and learning about her life and story. She is a fascinating woman and important figure of history, being the world’s first known female author and priestess. Her life is interesting and her strength and growth throughout her life is what really kept me going. Her poise, her wit, and her cleverness were commendable and Inspiring.

I also really liked like the setting of ancient Mesopotamia, with lush temples, old politics, and with heavy themes of religion and ceremonies. The world felt immersive and researched, with events of Enheduanna’s life portrayed in a very factual manner. And unfortunately, this is where it fell flat for me.

While interesting, well-researched, thorough and informative, I lacked the depth of connection to characters and therefor found it hard to get into the story. I felt there wasn’t much of an actual story, but more of a biography of a persons life told in an underwhelming tone. It was immersive and informative, but not captivating and engaging. I did enjoy hearing more about Enheduanna and her family and life, but the beginning took me a bit to get into. Props to the author for the history and culture that don’t often get mentions. I recommend this one for fans of history and ancient cultures, who enjoy biographies over novels, and who want a different setting other than the well-known Ancient Greece.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 4 out of 5]

The men of the past stand proudly in the history books, their achievements and losses documented and their stories told. But what of the women? Are they to be lost to history forever, simply because their stories remained unwritten? Enheduanna is determined that she will not be another name simply forgotten and overlooked. Her legacy will endure, and her story will be told. People will remember her.

"Enheduanna's Song From the Sands" by Ellen Rachlin follows Enheduanna’s rise to the title of High Priestess, a role her father had always wanted for her, but one that Enheduanna quickly learns is far from simple. It is not an easy journey, nor one Enheduanna finds particularly enjoyable. It had been her father’s wish that she take on the role of High Priestess, for his own life had been blessed and watched over by the goddess Inanna, but without him there to guide her, achieving the dream that had taken root becomes a battle she was not expecting. With the throne overtaken by her older brother, her path in life is no longer determined by her father’s wishes, but by those of her brother, whose hold over court and subjects is not as strong as their father’s had been. It takes more effort and persuasion to ensure Enheduanna’s future unfolds as she had always imagined.

With her future finally agreed upon, Enheduanna turns to learning, her teachings preparing her to lead and to remain steadfast in her new position as the conduit between the will of the gods and the people on Earth. Her road is long, but she cannot deny that she is excited to take on the challenge her life has been building towards. However, it quickly becomes clear that her brother’s plans, though similar to her father’s, are not for her to lead the life she imagined. Rather than rising to High Priestess at home, she is appointed in Ur, a region plagued by unrest. Her father’s campaign had been a strong one, but her brother struggles to keep the peace, suppress rebellions and revolts, and maintain control.

Sending Enheduanna to Ur, so far from the home she has always known and far from the protection of Akkadian soldiers, appears to be a last-ditch attempt at regaining the trust of the people of Ur, but it is a dangerous and difficult mission. Enheduanna is understandably reluctant to take on the role so far from home, but the dream she has clung to for so long is finally within reach, and refusing the position would surely mean her destiny changing entirely, directing her instead towards marriage. Enheduanna is far from naïve; she is well versed in the dealings of Agade, in the workings of trade, and in managing accounts to ensure everything runs as it should. She knows, when she accepts the challenge, that her journey to becoming High Priestess will not be an easy one, and she bravely steps forward determined to make her father proud. Yet Enheduanna is still little more than a child when she leaves. This novel follows her transformation into a woman, as her experiences and the responsibilities resting upon her shoulders strip away the innocence of childhood and harden her into a formidable force.

Enheduanna is an incredibly strong character, a woman willing and able to stand proudly tall and unafraid to speak her mind. Although this is a period of history in which women held little control over their own lives and relied upon the men around them to lead the way, Enheduanna sees herself differently. She is not intimidated by the men around her and is more than willing to stand up to them when necessary and take the lead herself. Enheduanna does not have an easy journey to becoming High Priestess, and an attack hardens her view of the world. There are several scenes in this novel that are emotionally difficult to read, as mistreatment and abuse find their way onto the pages, and as Enheduanna attempts to move on from such experiences, she gradually becomes desensitised to violence. As she takes on the rebels and begins to exert control over the land around her, some of her actions become increasingly callous. Enheduanna is an intriguing character because, although she finds her role difficult, she never shies away from a challenge. Her indignation towards the mistreatment of women drives her forwards in her role, and as each fertility ceremony arrives, she celebrates love in all its forms, inviting not only trusted men but also women into her bed. The intricacies of religious ceremonies, life at court, and the inner workings of Enheduanna’s role as High Priestess are genuinely fascinating to read about, creating a novel filled with intrigue that opens the reader’s eyes to ways of life during this era.

The various ancient Sumerian gods and goddesses referenced, interacted with, and worshipped throughout the novel add another fascinating layer to the story. This is not simply a novel about control through politics and leadership, but also one of worship, of deep belief in a higher realm that may look favourably — or otherwise — upon humanity depending on how pleased the deities are with the actions of their subjects. The inclusion of the gods and goddesses, not merely as distant deities but as tangible presences who reveal themselves to a chosen few, adds further purpose to the narrative. Enheduanna is not simply High Priestess for the sake of suppressing rebellion and attempting to bring the people of the North into line; she is a conduit to the gods, leading celebrations in honour of their glory and ensuring their will is carried out for the sake of the land, successful harvests, and the continued prosperity of the people. One particularly compelling aspect of the novel occurs when Enheduanna travels to Kur, the underworld, and attempts to use the experience to gain insight into the future and guidance in carrying out her duties. This introduces an unsettling layer of uncertainty to the story, because although she gains valuable knowledge from her visits, it is difficult to forget that Kur is the underworld, ruled by Ereshkigal, the dread goddess, raising questions about how much Enheduanna can truly trust the insight she gains there. The inclusion not only of the benevolent gods, but also of those feared and avoided, creates a richly layered setting for the story.

The novel is written in an unusual style, primarily in the first-person present tense. While this does have the effect of drawing the reader directly into the story, making events feel as though they are unfolding in real time, it can take some getting used to, as novels written in this way are relatively uncommon. In addition, the opening section of the novel, before the narrative shifts to Enheduanna, is written in the third-person present tense. This section can be difficult to follow, as many characters are introduced very quickly, and the writing style can feel somewhat jarring and unnatural. Once the narration shifts to Enheduanna and the perspective becomes first person rather than third, the present tense narrative becomes easier to follow, although it still takes time to adjust to the style. The opening section following Enheduanna’s parents almost feels unnecessary, as it is difficult to fully understand events with so little context. Their story might have been woven more naturally into Enheduanna’s own narrative through reflection upon her father’s rise to power, as the novel does not truly become gripping and accessible until Enheduanna herself takes over as narrator.

"Enheduanna's Song From the Sands" by Ellen Rachlin is a novel of intrigue, danger, and worship set against a richly detailed backdrop of ancient history. Through the intricate inclusion of the gods and goddesses of the era and through Enheduanna’s perspective, the novel offers a fascinating glimpse into life during this period — the dangers people faced, the violence of those who sought power for themselves, but also the gentle and all-consuming worship of the gods trusted to protect and care for those who praised them. Although the writing style may take some time to settle into, and Enheduanna herself is introduced later than expected, at which point the narrative begins to flow far more naturally, this remains a gripping and thought-provoking novel that leaves the reader eager to learn more about the era and its historical figures.

Review by Ellie Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club

[Amy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The people celebrate the power and fierce spirit of their greatest god. I no longer doubt whether my work will be worthy of her. And I, Enheduanna, am building a legacy.

In Ellen Rachlin’s novel Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands, the eponymous protagonist, a priestess and history’s first named author, must overcome a horrifying ordeal, assume the mantle of head priestess among a rebellious people, and carve her name into historical and literary legend.

At the Penn Museum in Philadelphia resides a 23rd-century BCE limestone-and-calcite disc depicting a sacrificial offering on one side and an inscription on the other. The translated inscription reads: “Enheduana, priestess of Nanna, spouse of Nanna, daughter of Sargon, the king of the world, built an altar in the temple of Inana-Zaza at Ur and named it Altar, the Table of Heaven”. This archaeological remnant illuminates a shard of Enheduanna's life and legacy as someone deemed important decades and centuries after her death.

We know little of Enheduanna's life. As far as we can tell, however, she hailed from the northern Mesopotamian city of Akkad, situated between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in what has been called the “Fertile Crescent”. Enheduanna's father, Sargon the Great, was the progenitor of the Akkadian Empire (c. 2334 - 2154 BCE), the world's first great empire. Sargon elevated Enheduanna to high priestess of Ur in Sumer, the southernmost area of Mesopotamia, likely in an effort to stabilize the region prone to uprisings.

In this role, Enheduanna asserted influence and control of Ur through religious and administrative functions. She served the moon god Nanna, acting as his earthly wife. A number of works written in her name devoted their verses to Nanna and Inanna, the Sumerian goddess of love, war, fertility, and sex. Her corpus includes her most well-known works the Exaltation of Inanna, the Hymn to Inanna, and the Temple Hymns.

Enheduanna not only synthesized both Akkadian and Sumerian beliefs, leading to greater homogeneity of religion in the Empire, but also left behind a remarkable literary legacy.

Enheduanna's Song From the Sands fictionalizes her life while adhering closely to the literary and archaeological record. Ellen’s Enheduanna starts out as a bright and curious girl with the expectation of a glorious future. Her father Sargon earmarks for her a high priestesshood in the wealthy and prominent city of Ur, a position of great power and influence. Assaulted en route to Ur by the enemy Yahatti, this act steals away her innocence and security, thereby shifting Enheduanna’s ambitions and motives towards a path of power and vengeance.

Enheduanna's complexity as a protagonist shows in her development. At first, she's driven by her divine purpose as a way to honor Inanna. She recognizes the long road ahead of her, but the young woman is willing and prepared to bear the proud position and burden of priestesshood. Post-traumatic incident, however, her drive for revenge not only causes her to seek out Ereshkigal, the goddess of the underworld and the opposite of Inanna, but also ignites Machiavellian tendencies to instill fear into Ur through brutal purges, sometimes harming innocents and alienating her followers. It’s a portrayal that invites reflection as the story progresses; we may not sympathize with or “like” Enheduanna at some points. And yet, her actions don't result from a tyrannical power grab, that which motivates Yahatti; they’re cracks that fracture her polished façade and reveal her deep pain and trauma, tenacity, and desire to forcefully pursue closure.

The novel resonates and reverberates with historical and pantheonic authenticity. We experience the gifting of the aforementioned Disk of Enheduanna celebrating her transformation into high priestess. We walk up the sun-soaked steps of the ziggurat housing Enheduanna's giparu (dwelling). We commune with the gods Ereshkigal and Inanna in the Sumerian underworld. We're able to fully immerse ourselves in the period and in the story itself. Some might find the clipped tone and moderate pace a little stilted, but I think it aptly reflects the beauty and harshness of ancient Mesopotamia.

Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands reminds me of another of my favorite novels: Costanza Casati’s Babylonia, a novel about the 9th-century BCE Assyrian queen Semiramis. Both works possess meticulous historical detail, nuanced crafting of a brave-but-flawed heroine, a welcome mosaic of deeply-realized secondary characters, and a perfect chord of known fact and cultivated legend. Semiramis and Enheduanna differ in their stations, Semiramis as queen and Enheduanna as high priestess. But both protagonists highlight women who aptly wielded power in an ancient patriarchal society designed to stymy their personal voice and agency. And, in Enheduanna’s case, her legacy lives on through her poetry and hymns.

In Enheduanna's Song From the Sands, Ellen continues the recent tradition of immensely talented authors shedding light on Mesopotamian women whose lives, loves, and exploits could easily be lost to the shifting dunes of time. Instead, through vivid reimaginings of women like Enheduanna, we view these influential characters through historical, literary, and archaeological lenses intertwined with striking prose and narrative excellence.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is historical fiction, set at the onset of the Akkadian Empire (c. 2334 BCE) - the first empire in history in what is now modern Iraq. Specifically, it is a fictional account of Enheduanna, who was a High Priestess of Ur and daughter of Sargon of Akkad, also known as Sargon the Great. In history, she is remembered as the oldest author and her works are admired for their devotion to the Sumerian goddess Inanna. The book begins with the rise of Sargon and ends with the crowning of Naram-Sin. We mainly follow Enheduanna as she seeks to find our voice and carve out her path of fate.

It’s with a heavy heart that I share this review. I wanted to love this…

Tldr: Unfortunately, I was not rooting for her. Character development was poor, practically nonexistent. I was simply told she had developed, or something had changed, I didn’t get to see evidence of it. The setting and story felt flat, and I struggled to get through it. The book was well researched, poorly executed.

Now, the longer review.

Part of this poor execution was the lack of attention to detail. During this time period, they used cuneiform, and wrote by pressing wedge-shapes into wet clay, which was then sometimes fired but not always. There’s a part of the book where it’s claimed that Enheduanna is scratching writing on a stone wall… cuneiform on stone was a labour intensive job, usually reserved for monumental constructions, and required stonecutters to chisel at the stone. Not something she could have done with her fingernails.

Perhaps this is picky, but it did seem odd that Enheduanna never mentioned Inanna’s Akkadian equivalent, Ishtar, even prior to being assigned to Uruk or Ur. The Akkadian Empire absorbed Sumerian deities and aligned them with their own; Attar, goddess of the morning and evening star, merged with Inanna to become Ishtar. Throughout, Enhedduana uses Sumerian names rather than Akkadian. It would have been cool to see her fighting to use the right names in public, perhaps during one of the many outings to interact with the general populace that we’re told about and never shown. I think this could have really helped emphasise that these were different cultures on the cusp of becoming one through colonialisation and conquest as this is something we are told repeatedly but not really shown. (AGAIN.)

It might be clear, but this was actually a common theme throughout the book: I felt told, not shown. This created little connection between myself and the story or the characters. I think my favourite character was Naram-Sin, and he was mostly left out, unfortunately.

Enheduanna was not well written; she was not likeable, nor did she develop as a character, not really. Things just happened, and she declared herself changed. There was no evidence of it. She was selfish, rude and a bit of a brat and never seemed to realise it; she criticised her brothers for being power-hungry, but she was exactly the same - if not more ruthless! She also reacted quite strangely after being assaulted, and even tells someone later on that “There’s no wound that time can’t heal.” Strange thing for her to say when her whole motivation is pure vengeance even after a huge time jump… Additionally, she is supposed to be devoted to Inanna, but we don’t actually see that until the last few pages. Her chosen goddess was actually the Sumerian goddess of the underworld, Ereshkigal… and she treated the god Sin poorly, despite supposedly being his wife and High Priestess! The main solution to her problems is either slaughter, or a big feast to distract everyone. Honestly, I’ve not disliked an MC this much in a long time. Sad.

There are grammar problems throughout the book, such as commas where they are not supposed to be, incorrect grammatical case (e.g his → him), or generally clunky, confusing sentences. There were contradictions and inconsistencies, or sections that were referenced but never included, so it felt… unpolished, and at times I doubted if a human wrote it. This was particularly obvious when the Bad Guy starts talking about having funds transferred into his account!!

While I felt the book was well researched - and that is why it has two stars - I also felt that the writing fell flat. The ending felt rushed. The vivid world of Mesopotamia wasn’t conveyed well, nor was the depth of the characters. This could have been such a good book, but I just didn’t enjoy it at all. The cover, however, is undeniably attractive.

Disclaimer:
I am a specialist in archaeology and anthropology, with my primary focus being on the mythology and architecture of the Ancient Near East, Eastern Mediterranean region.

Thank you to BetaFide for granting me a free copy of this book.

[Linnea Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enheduanna's Song from the Sands sweeps you into the ancient legend of Enheduanna—a High Priestess and powerful religious and business leader in 23rd century BCC. She was the daughter of Sargon the Great who rose from humble beginnings as the cupbearer to the King of Kish to a strategic military leader that launched a campaign to conquer other nations in the Mesopotamia to build the Akkadian empire. He decrees that his elder sons inherit his empire while his daughter be anointed as the High Priestess for the patron god of Nanna to consolidate ties between the religious elites at Ur and Akkadian religion. Upon King Sargon's death, his empire is left in turmoil under the rule of his son who reluctantly appoints Enheduanna as the High Priestess at Ur. Initially trained by the High Priest of all of Akkad, she is kidnapped and violated by the rebel leader, Yahatti, while on her journey to Ur. The traumatic experience transforms Enheduanna from a naive woman into a formidable warrior priestess. With minimal support from her brother, she must put down revolts in the southern empire with brutal force. She becomes adept in political maneuvering, anticipating the moves of her rivals. Other memorable characters join her quest to maintain control of Ur, but spies within her inner circle are ready to strike.

Author Ellen Rachlin transforms the legend of Enheduanna into an engaging tale of political intrigue, vengeance, and redemption. The vivid details and references to translated versions of Enheduanna's work highlights the author's impeccable research. The narrative is primarily told in the first-person perspective of Enheduanna, but it sometimes slips into the third-person point of view of key characters providing insight into the machinations of the various players. The author masterfully captures the essence of the culture and religious beliefs of the diverse, ancient Mesopotamian regions. One of the most interesting rituals is when Enheduanna performs the pit pî ritual whereby a statue is transformed into a god. The author's note, cast of characters, and glossary help to navigate the story.

Enheduanna is an engaging, complex female character struggling to balance brutal tactics toward suspected enemies with rewards for those who show loyalty. Though she often feels isolated and abandoned, she resolutely pursues the destiny that her father envisioned. A High Priestess from a later time praises Enheduanna for her message of tolerance and her writings of exile and survival that resonate throughout the ages. Her hymns to the gods unified the land "in a way that the wars initiated by men never have." This legendary priestess is a tribute to women who have made a significant impact on history. What is most amazing is Enheduanna is celebrated as the first-named author in world history that lived in a male-dominated culture.

Enheduanna’s Song from the Sands is a compelling tale that captures the diverse culture, political intrigue, and religious beliefs of ancient civilizations where a ruler cannot build an enduring empire by the sword alone but must also rely on economic integration, political maneuvering, and cooperation of the local elites to govern effectively.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review from the ARC from Netgalley

Rounded down from 2.5 stars

Okay this will be a lengthy review. I would have liked to give this more stars truly. However there were multiple issues I had with this.
Granted this is the first time I had read historical fiction and maybe the Genre is like that but then again it still did not truly make sense.
Let me start with the positives first.

1. The ammount of research
I really liked the way the story was researched. All of this was about something I had no idea about and learning about it, was fascinating. There must have been tons of research into the history of Enheduanna and I appreciate that a lot.

2. The topic was interested
Kind of goes hand in hand with the first point but I think interesting and significant parts where chosen. I liked the little short story of her father at the start even though I did not expect that. The Gods were also explained great and I liked the way Enheduannas writing was put it. The topic is great for a book and the scenes chosen were significant.


Now to the points I had problems with

1. The tone of the story
It felt like the story could not decide if it wanted to just retell the story or actually have some fiction. I think the book didn't fully decide on the history or fiction part. If it was written in third perspective and just a retelling of the event it would have felt better. Or if it was written from first perspective but more focused on character work and story telling aspects. The way it was it felt kind of clumsy and was hard to get through, because it was a mix up of both

2. The characterisation
Enheduanna could have been interesting but honestly we did not get emough of her and I was not attached to her or anyone else. But apart from her no one else even got characterisation. They were just plot devices and name drops. No matter what gender. Points that Enheduanna struggled with she suddenly stopped struggling with later or thought about it differently suddenly which made it hard to follow who she is supposed to be.

3. The pacing
There were parts glossed over and build ups were over incredibly fast. Nothing really felt like it was dangerous or tense because it was over so fast that you got used to it just happening

4. Minor errors
There were quotation marks missing sometimes

[Torill S · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Histria Books for the free eArc of this novel.

The premisse of this book was what pulled me in to request it. I am very grateful to have learned about yet another strong female figure that has been lost in the shadows of history.

Enheduanna grew up as daughter of Sargon, the first ruler of the akkadian empire, and is known to be the first named author in history. Learning about her life, the temple life in Ur and especially the godess Innannas very "modern" view on sexuality and gender was very interesting. It is clear that Rachlin has done a lot of research to show us life in a middle eastern empire thousands of years ago.

Where the novel fell a bit flat for me, was the pacing of the plot. It feels like Rachlin couldnt quite decide what story she wanted to tell, and so she ends up telling us everything. The story starts already before Enheduanna is born, with her fathers rise to the throne and follows several decades of her lifes, and also describes the legacy she leaves behind.

The end result is that we get a lot of: This happens, and then this happened, and now its been six years and all this things happend in the mean time. This got a bit tiring after a while and also made both Enheduanna and the characters around her hard to really connect with. At some point there is a death that is supposed to have an massive effect, but since the first five years of that relationship happened off page, and we only get to read the final parts, I never really felt how hard a loss this was for Enheduanna.

I also didnt quite like the short trips we took from the main first person narative into the head of some of the main antagonists. I am sure this would have felt more cohesive if the whole book was written in third person.

This book had a lot of potential, and I really enjoyed learning about Enheduanna, but I think I would have loved a more contained narrative that was given time for the story to breathe, and less a summary of a whole life work put into relatively few pages.

[Brenda Stokvis · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐
Drawing on history and myth, Enheduanna’s Song from the Sands follows the world’s first named author as she fights to reclaim her voice and her destiny. Political intrigue, betrayal, and divine tests collide as Enheduanna must decide whether to forgive, to fight, or to harness the power that could shake the foundations of an empire.
I know I have given this a lower rating and I will explain why, but I first want to start with a positive note. The amount of research that must have gone into writing this book is enormous! And as someone who enjoys history, I can only appreciate the hard work that has gone into it. I have certainly learned a lot about a character I knew very little about.
Where I really struggled with this book is in the writing. It felt like a history book, very detailed and precise, but also very dry. A lot of: this happened and then that happened. I wanted Enheduanna's personality shining through and it never did.
I mean, the book is marketed with this: 'A high priestess dethroned. A rebel with a dangerous plan. One empire hanging by a thread.' I expected suspence, danger, excitement reading that bit of the blurb. I felt none of that reading this book unfortunately. I struggled so hard, I contemplated dnf-ing.
There are also some questionable choices made. I expect a book about Enheduanna. Why does the book then start off with chapter upon chapter about her father? The book has about 40 chapters I think, and the first 7 or 8 are about her father? I know that history might be important, but maybe tell his story in the prologue. You want to tell the story of the first known author, a woman, and you end up telling us about her father, bit weird.
If you want to learn about Enheduanna and are fine with it being mostly historical and less on the fiction, this might be just the book for you. If you expect something like Cleopatra by Saara El-Arifi, you are in for a disappointment.

[Joni Iraci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen Rachlin’s brilliant novel, “Enheduanna’s Song from the Sands,” tells the story of the little known historical figure and high priestess of the ancient Sumerian land, Ur. Rachlin, uses the stream of consciousness narrative technique to masterfully intuit the priestess, thus affording the reader a deep dive into the thoughts and experiences of this fascinating character. This extremely well-researched historical novel is an impressive recreation of Enheduanna’s life weaving together historical facts, fiction and fantasy.
Enheduanna is considered by some to be the first known author.
Rachlin’s exquisite prose is a well-deserved tribute to Enheduanna. The settings, whether in the priestess chambers, the stark cell where Enheduanna was held prisoner, or the visits to the underworld present a cinematic view of 2300 B.C. life. Rachlin skillfully portrays this ancient world’s dependency on the will of the gods, yet she demonstrates how history repeats itself. Ancient politics, plots, the power of jealousy and rivalry are reminiscent of our modern day political turmoil. The lines, “Trade, not war, will make a city-state regime last,” along with “…dangerous to misplace trust in the hands of those with grand ambitions…” are the words of a woman who exhibited not only insight but foresight. Enheduanna’s writings/hymns are woven within Rachlin’s novel revealing not only the struggles of a women in power in a world dominated by men, but how she sensitvely created instructions for woman on how to survive. Rachlin’s novel serves to validate the reign of Enheduanna and establish (finally) her place in history. I highly recommend “Enheduanna’s Song of the Sands.”

Joni Marie Iraci award winning author of “Reinventing Jenna Rose,” and “Vatican Daughter,” voted Best conspiracy thriller of the year (2025)

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Histria Fiction for the advanced review copy.

"I am a woman whose message will not be forgotten."

Countless women have been erased from history, but our oldest named author, High Priestess of Ur, Enheduanna, lives on in our cultural imagination, something that Ellen Rachlin has contributed to with her book following Enheduanna's life from a fictional perspective.

You will enjoy this book most if you have a fascination with Ancient history and religous history, as it offers glimpses into the different mindsets and cultural practices carried out by Enheduanna and other characters. No spoilers, but I was particularly interested in one ritual involving the King, which portrayed a totally different vision of what power means to today's definition.

In this brutal time period, Enheduanna shaped her own life and culture in such a way that her name was still being written 500 years later. And is now still being written thousands of years later.

Her role was a sophisticated one, not only dealing with religious worship and authorship, but covering agriculture, healthcare and politics. The novel makes it clear how religion tied all these different things together, while providing a means of union between new and old empires.

This novel contains sexual assault. My rating is 3 stars rounded up from 2.5. A rating of 2 signifies structural and writing style problems. The writing is choppy and the events are frequently told about, rather than shown. The characters feel at a distance. Nonetheless, I felt moments of tension and heightened interest at points. I also appreciated some of the phrasing, which could at times be evocative and beautiful.

The novel's conclusion felt nicely neat, referencing previous threads and reflecting them back into the final passages.

[Keturah Sergeant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the incorporation of many of Enheduanna's surviving hymns throughout the narrative. The book is clearly well researched, faithful in its representation of the history and the religious practices in Ur and Uruk, the rituals, the different attitudes to sexuality and the role of a priestess. This book combines the knowledge of ritual, archaeology and imagery, the songs composed by Enhenduanna and histories, to create a powerful narrative of slow building control, the aftermath of rape and powerlessness in the face of an assaulter, desperate communication with deities and composition of praise to maintain individual security in the midst of familial abandonment and growing rebellion. It is an epic history.

However, something about the narrative is lacking. Somewhere between the random additional narratives, the changes in person (from third to first and back again), the almost staccato writing style (endless short sentences and so many exclamation marks!) and the focus on giving a general overview of events and relationships rather than developing characters and slowly moving through each reveal, connection with the characters is lost. The story of her father is told in third person, almost a steady history, full of confidence, self-assurance and strength, then suddenly it switches to her story and it's the most naive first person. Which does shift after her horrific rape, but her attitude remains... Her narrative is self aggrandising, almost whiny at points, her relationships so skimmed over that their losses, in betrayal and death, are barely emotional....

Her story is powerful, her songs incredible, but the way this tale is written and her character is built just falls a bit flat.

[Alex Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

We've had a slew of "feminist retellings" of historical and mythological figures, from a plethora of Greek heroines and goddesses to Malinalli, Boudicca or Cleopatra. This one visits ancient Mesopotamia and centers the figure of Enheduanna, a priestess and a first known female author.

I feel those feminist retellings have a certain vibe to them. A woman is nearly always a victim in a male-controlled world. She's given impossible choices, often married against her will, sold or captured, commonly there's the undertone of sexual violence that hardens her. It's an old trope and fairly polarizing. The message is nearly always that if a woman is to do something significant in the world of men, she needs to be twice as cunning and ruthless than the men around her. The narrative tries to humanize heroine as much as possible, and interestingly also portrays her as queer.

The world, both physical and mystical (from gods to the underworld) was well researched and presented in an immersive, approachable manner, especially since we're talking about a culture that isn't very familiar to the average reader.

On the other hand, the book read more like a biography than a novel, focusing on Enheduanna's family, wider political machinations, and historical events across her life, there was a chronological order of events but there wasn't exactly a "plot". It was informative, but not really captivating. Still, commendable effort from the author to showcase a cohesive portrait of this lesser known historical figure.

Recommended for: fans of historical feminist retellings who want departure from well-treaded ground like Ancient Greece, who don't mind a book reading more like a historical biography than a novel.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ SHE LOST HER CROWN, HER HOME, AND HER POWER BUT SHE DIDN’T LOSE HER VOICE. ✨

Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands by Ellen Rachlin swept me into an ancient world of gods, power, betrayal, and rebellion, and I was completely invested in Enheduanna’s fight to reclaim what was stolen from her.

When Enheduanna becomes High Priestess of Ur, her divine connection makes her powerful and dangerously vulnerable. After Lugalanne’s coup strips her of everything, she’s forced into a treacherous underworld where survival requires far more than divine favor.

What I loved most was watching Enheduanna discover just how formidable she could be when everything familiar was taken away. Her journey isn’t about waiting for someone to rescue her. It’s about learning to trust her own intelligence, courage, instincts, and strength even when the path forward demands difficult choices.

The atmosphere pulled me in, with its shadowy landscapes, dangerous trials, ancient mythology, and ever-present sense of uncertainty. I loved the way the story blends historical inspiration with an immersive, empowering adventure while exploring what it means to reclaim your power when the world has decided you no longer deserve it.

Enheduanna’s story reminded me that power doesn’t always look like a throne. Sometimes it looks like surviving, adapting, refusing to surrender, and finding your voice when someone else has tried to silence you. 🔥

If you love historical fantasy, ancient mythology, powerful women, political intrigue, rebellion, and immersive stories about reclaiming your power, add this one to your TBR!

📚 Thank you to Books Forward PR and Ellen Rachlin for sharing Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands with me!

[MoonlightCupOfCocoa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and Netgalley for the advance review copy. As always all opinions shared below are 100% my own.

"Enheduanna's Song From the Sands" by Ellen Rachlin is a historical fiction that sheds the light on a figure I personally haven't seen featured much before. Enheduanna, considered the earliest known named author in world history. A Sumerian priestess of the moon god, Nanna, that experienced many difficulties in her life and, even now, has her legacy questioned and downplayed. But who was she? This is what the book attempts to cover.

A great deal of research has clearly gone into this book. The detailed events, names and settings are no ordinary feat. Every single page is filled to the brim with historical events and references.

Unfortunately, the actual narrative execution in my opinion didn't meet the vision. I enjoyed the first 15% or so of the book as it was told from the POV of Enheduanna's father. Unfortunately, once her own POV started, I started to struggle to stay engaged. The events are described in a style that mixes nonfiction 'matter-of-factness' with occasional emotional moments. So, you get: Then, this happened. And this happened. And this happened. Mixed with many names that we barely got to know in previous chapters or weren't introduced in detail before, I found myself flipping back and forth trying to make sense of what was going on.

I feel if you're already familiar with the events and don't mind a more non-fiction writing-style, you might enjoy this. But unfortunately for me, it didn't quite work out. That being said, I am glad it introduced me to Enheduanna.

[Andrew Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands offers a compelling reimagining of the life of Enheduanna, traditionally recognized as the world’s first named author, placing her at the center of a story filled with political intrigue, betrayal, mythology, power, and personal transformation.

Set in ancient Mesopotamia, the novel follows Enheduanna after she is appointed High Priestess of Ur and subsequently stripped of her position during Lugalanne’s coup. Forced into a dangerous underworld, she discovers that divine favor alone cannot restore what she has lost. Survival requires intelligence, courage, adaptability, and the willingness to confront the very forces that threaten her.

One of the book's strongest elements is its portrayal of female leadership in a world shaped by political power and religious authority. Enheduanna's struggle is not simply about reclaiming a position; it is also about reclaiming her voice, identity, and agency. Her journey raises fascinating questions about power, forgiveness, vengeance, destiny, and the cost of leadership.

The combination of documented history and myth gives the novel a particularly rich atmosphere. Readers who enjoy historical fiction infused with mythology, ancient civilizations, political intrigue, and formidable female protagonists should find plenty to engage with here.

With its ancient Mesopotamian setting and connection to one of history's most fascinating literary figures, Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands has strong potential for readers interested in historical fiction, historical fantasy, mythology, women's fiction, ancient history, and stories centered on resilient women reclaiming their power.

[captaincrawford · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was a slog to get through. The pacing was all over the place, characters frequently made confusing decisions, but my biggest gripe has to be with the way the story is told. The prose is flat, shows nothing and tells everything, and the dialogue not once sounds like real people talking.

Despite it being historical fiction, and while the author clearly did extensive research, the world doesn't feel real or authentic. The cast of characters that occupy the book do not come across as real people. The only saving grace is the level of research that comes across in the text.

It's been several weeks since I finished and, frankly, I can't remember much of anything that happened. Spoilers below.

Despite Enheduanna being the focus and primary character of the book, the first few chapters are devoted to each of her parents' entire life stories for... some reason? They don't add anything to the story.

The parts where Enheduanna visited Kur to gain wisdom also weakened the power of any character growth she underwent. Rather than the events of the story strengthening her by forcing her to overcome trials and tribulations, Enheduanna could simply go to Kur, whack some dead trees, and be gifted insight from the gods, making her so so wise. And even then, she continued to make confounding decisions because... plot?

Finally, the climactic scene where Enheduanna slays Yahatti lacks any meaningful triumph. He just stands there? While she leaps in there air to stab him? He grew up as a prince and yet didn't think to have guards?

[Helen Blackthorne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one, but mostly positive.

The reason I picked it up was Enheduanna herself. She's one of those historical figures I've heard mentioned before, but I didn't know much about her, so I was excited to read a novel built around her life.

The strongest part of the book for me was the setting. I loved all the details about ancient Mesopotamia, the temples, the politics, and the religious ceremonies. It felt like a world I don't see very often in historical fiction, and I learned quite a bit while reading.

I also liked Enheduanna. She isn't perfect, which made her more interesting to follow. Watching her grow into her role and deal with the pressures placed on her kept me turning the pages.

My biggest issue was the writing style. The switches in perspective and tense kept throwing me off. Just when I'd get settled into the story, it would shift again, and I found that made the reading experience feel choppy at times. The beginning was especially hard for me to get into, although I thought the book improved once Enheduanna became the main focus.

Even with those issues, I'm glad I read it. Enheduanna is a fascinating woman, and I appreciated seeing her brought to life in fiction. If you enjoy ancient history and don't mind a slower-paced story, this is worth a look.

[Miss Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Enheduanna's Song from the Sands," by Ellen Rachlin is about a high priestess from the land of Ur in ancient Sumaria. The novel is very well researched weaving historical facts, fantasy and fiction. I find it fascinating that the woman Enheduanna who is believed to have been the first known female author has until now been written out of history. It is credit to Ellen that she has brought her back to life in this tribute to her. She weaves the life of Sumerians in 2300 B.C. where the people are ruled and depend on the will of their Gods. But also, just as in modern times their political intrigues, plots, jealousy and rivalry are the same. Enheduanna shows great intelligence and foresight throughout the book, understanding the importance of trade in creating a powerful and long-lasting state in 2300BC. Rachlin weaves Enheduanna's own creative lines through the novel highlighting the struggles of a woman in power in a world dominated by men. I like the style of writing but there was just one thing that I found disappointing I just did not find the character of Enheduanna very likeable. I am sure the Ellen was trying to keep to historical continuity, but I just wanted to believe a woman could be powerful, intelligent and influential in the ancient world and still be likeable. Having said that I still think the book was a fabulous insight in to Enheduanna’s life in 2300 BC.

[Maria · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

This novel brings us into the life a little known High Priestess from the heart of Mesopotamia over 400 years ago, Enheduanna. She was the daughter of Sargon the Great and he felt it was her destiny to be the High Priestess of the land as her schooling had resulting in her talents as a writer and a poet. As she ascends the throne, a violent attack by her enemies leaves her vengeful and filled with rage. Often ignored by her brother, she fights to keep rule over her followers and dispatches brutal attacks on her enemies. But she never forgets Yahatti, the one whose attack changed the course of her life. As she begins to lose hold of her followers and her rule of the land is threatened she vows vengeance against Yahatti no matter the consequence.

I have loved Ancient Egyptian mythology but know little about Ancient Sumeria. The history of Enheduanna is fascinating as she is powerful and resilient, educated and revered. This novel is filled with the politics, subterfuge, rebellions as rulers fight for control. It also highlights the various rituals, rites, ceremonies and beliefs that were prevalent at the time. I felt this was a little dry and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. It felt a bit more like reading history than a story with fully fleshed out characters. I loved the history but felt disconnected to the story.

Thank you @booksforwardpr and @histriabooks for a gifted copy of this novel.

[Lif Strand · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I had a difficult time with Enheduanna's Song From The Sands, by Ellen Rachlin. First person present POV just wears me out as a reader. It provides an internal dialog that tells just one narrow story about a life in a world, and in order to grab me, I need to like the character an awful lot.

Unfortunately, I just could not find much reason to like Ellen Rachlin's character, Enheduanna.

In real life the only manuscripts of Enheduanna's work that have been found were not actually written by her, but were written by scribes centuries after her death. Thus, as with the words of Jesus in the Bible, we cannot know how closely the manuscripts reflect the actual life and thoughts of Enheduanna. This means that any historical fiction written about Enheduanna necessarily will be more fiction than history, and it follows that the plot of any such story is created by the modern author.

Author Rachlin has chosen to present us with a conflicted character whose story is that of a victim, and I found that disappointing. On page 250 Enheduanna hears her grandmother's words: "You are blessed by birthright. You must learn to tell your story."

The story of of Rachlin's Enheduanna was not the story I wished to read.

Written for LibraryThing Early Reviewer

[Books & Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished Enheduanna's Song from the Sands and, despite a slightly rocky start, I'm glad I kept reading.

I knew absolutely nothing about Enheduanna before picking this up, which was probably part of the appeal. It was fascinating to follow her journey from a young girl with a future planned for her by others to a woman wielding real power in a world dominated by men. The setting was probably my favourite part of the book. I knew very little about ancient Mesopotamia before starting, and I came away feeling like I'd learned a lot without ever feeling like I was being given a history lesson.

My main struggle was with the opening section. There are a lot of names and relationships introduced very quickly, and the switches between third-person and first-person narration felt quite jarring at times. Once Enheduanna became the main focus, though, I found it much easier to settle into the story.

This was a fascinating read about a woman who deserves to be far better known. If you enjoy historical fiction set outside the usual Roman, Tudor, or medieval periods, this is worth picking up.

[R. P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding ! One can think that Julian Fellowes of The Gilded Age and Downton Abbey fame will start thinking about a film version, especially as this type of historical fiction reminds me of characters from the head of NY Society and the Astor 400, Mrs. Astor, as her rich life ended in loneliness & sickness; and also the UK Royals (pick a decade !), and perhaps figures from every Century back to High Priestess Enheduanna. I enjoyed the complexities and challenges of Female vs. Male figures of power and authority, and even more so as they are lost and regained through great strength of will, chance, and the supernatural. Many of us who are skilled in sports, martial arts, other physical activities often wonder, "Well, how would I have acted in a bloody, sword, death battle against Russell Crowe's character in Gladiator? Hmmm? "What advice might I have counseled Ramses with in the first few days scheming vs. Moses?" and on and on, again, in every Century back to this book's period.

Again, Outstanding.

[Megan Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher and the author for this advance reader's copy of the book. So, I actually got approved for this after meeting the author at a convention where I bought a physical copy of the book, and I was so excited because out of all of the vendors and artists at the convention, I was not expecting this author and her book which I was really excited about. Overall I would give this 4 stars. The story was interesting and the character of Enheduanna is fascinating. (I'll probably do more research on her.) I love that this is set during the Akkadian empire of the Mesopotamian area. I could see where the author's background of being a poet came through with the repetition of things at times. I found it interesting the stylistic choice of having Enheduanna's chapters be first person perspective while those who aren't her are third person. It's a good novel. I enjoyed reading it, and it did a good job of blending myth with historical fiction.

[Nancy Spector · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts with Sargon the Great (didn’t know he was the world’s first emperor uniting ancient Sumer and Akkad) and his rise to power. It’s a bloody, unforgiving battle. He chains his foe to the gates of the temple in Nippur. And since war makes generational enemies, Sargon’s daughter, Enheduanna, was born with natural ones. She just didn’t expect that her brothers would use her as political fodder. Initially naïve, her inner strength and desire to fulfil Sargon’s dying wish that she become a high priestess, propels her forward, but her visits to the underworld is where she gets the strength and knowledge to command her people in the ancient Sumer region. There’s gods, goddesses, and ancient verses that are attributed to this fierce, brilliant woman. I loved this beautifully written story and that it took me into a new world.

[June Hayford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a wonderful time reading Enheduanna’s Song From the Sands. This is a historical fiction story about a real woman who lived more than 4,000 years ago.

Set in ancient Mesopotamia, the story follows Enheduanna—the daughter of Sargon of Akkad—as she navigates power struggles, rebellion, and the challenges of being named High Priestess of Ur.

After everything is taken from her, her journey becomes a remarkable story of strength and determination. The book blends history, politics, and mythology in a really engaging way. Enheduanna is a strong and fascinating character, and I loved seeing how she faces betrayal and fights to reclaim her place.

If you enjoy historical-based fiction with mythical elements, political intrigue, and a powerful woman at the center, you should read this novel. This book is definitely on my “could not put it down” list!

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I am a woman whose message will not be forgotten."

The story of Enheduanna is a princess, priestess, poet. A powerful female mind in a male-dominated world.

I honestly didn't know anything about Enheduanna until it popped up on my feed. I am grateful to learn about another strong female figure that has been lost in the shadows of history.

Enheduanna grew up as daughter of Sargon, the first ruler of the akkadian empire, and is known to be the first named author in history. The pacing of the plot was very slow for me.

This book had a lot of potential, I enjoyed learning about Enheduanna, but I think I needed more story then the life summary of it as a whole.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Histria Fiction for the advanced review copy.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen Rachlin’s new book, Enheduanna, brings to light the historic story of a woman who navigates peril, violence, and intrigue to reclaim the rightful power that others would steal from her. While it is set in ancient Mesopatamia, the story rings true for women today who struggle find their voice and command their own destiny. Rachlin paints the civilization of ancient Mesopotamia in brilliant color and populates it with fascinating characters who represent humanity at its best and worst. In the author’s detailed and impassioned writing, Enheduanna becomes a believable and inspiring character and her struggles grip the reader with suspense. Far from a dry, historic novel, Enheduanna is a dramatic page-turner that fascinates and inspires.

[Gwendalyn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐋𝐄: Enheduanna’s Song From The Sands
𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑: Ellen Rachlin
𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑: Histria Fiction
𝐏𝐔𝐁 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: ⁣8.25.2026
𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐑𝐄: Historical Fiction
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 @booksforwardpr @ellenrachlin

𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Sand settles over the temple steps of Ur as a priestess falls from grace. Enheduanna, history's first named author, loses everything when a rebel seizes power in a violent coup, and only her cunning and courage can carry her back.
Enheduanna's Song From the Sands blends history and myth as this real woman fights to reclaim her voice and her place in an empire built on betrayal. Fans of The Song of Achilles, Circe, or The Daughters of Sparta will be pulled into this story of survival in ancient Mesopotamia.

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐒 #EnheduannasSongFromTheSands