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Imhotep #4
The Field of Reeds
Sailing home from Ta Netjer, Pharaoh Hatshepsut falls ill from a wound suffered in the Forest of Myrrh. In the barren plains of Sinai, Pharaoh Thutmose’s reverence and bravery inspire the vaunted charioteers who form the maryannu to decide that Thutmose should rule the Two Lands alone. Caught between irresistible forces, Imhotep finds himself fighting to save his daughter and the future of the Two Lands. Years later, as Pharaoh Thutmose mounts an attack the King of Kadesh, Imhotep is forced to fight to save himself and everything that he treasures.
In this final story, the aging scribe, physician, and architect draws close to the Field of Reeds, eternal resting place of the ancient Egyptians, and the secret of his life is revealed.
The Field of Reeds is the concluding novel in the highly praised series of books about Imhotep. Books in the series are "Imhotep," "The Buried Pyramid," and "The Forest of Myrrh."
In this final story, the aging scribe, physician, and architect draws close to the Field of Reeds, eternal resting place of the ancient Egyptians, and the secret of his life is revealed.
The Field of Reeds is the concluding novel in the highly praised series of books about Imhotep. Books in the series are "Imhotep," "The Buried Pyramid," and "The Forest of Myrrh."
661 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2015
145 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Jerry Dubs
13 books57 followersI've always been drawn to science fiction. The seed for "Imhotep," my first novel, was an incident that happened in 1980, when my wife and I were in Egypt.
In the Imhotep series I explore the information divide in modern America. In a new series of books, I'm planning to explore the development of personal identity.
Of course, this is all wrapped in a gripping story with fleshed-out characters.
I'm also starting an exciting experiment on crowd sourcing creativity. For more on that, take a look at my Patreon page
Married since 1980, Deb and I have three children. Back in 2012 we became vagabonds (an experience we wrote about in Vagabond Retirement). So far, its been a blast.
Cheers! Jerry
In the Imhotep series I explore the information divide in modern America. In a new series of books, I'm planning to explore the development of personal identity.
Of course, this is all wrapped in a gripping story with fleshed-out characters.
I'm also starting an exciting experiment on crowd sourcing creativity. For more on that, take a look at my Patreon page
Married since 1980, Deb and I have three children. Back in 2012 we became vagabonds (an experience we wrote about in Vagabond Retirement). So far, its been a blast.
Cheers! Jerry
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 27, 2016
Superb an absolute tour de force.
Superb..an.absolute.tour.de force.
I read all four books of the series, virtually non stop. I have never read such a gripping piece of pre.historic fiction in my life. and I am 83 years old.
Superb..an.absolute.tour.de force.
I read all four books of the series, virtually non stop. I have never read such a gripping piece of pre.historic fiction in my life. and I am 83 years old.
December 20, 2017
To me, this was the worst one in the series and I couldn’t bring myself to finish it. There were so many inconsistencies, major characters like Hatshepsut and Maya simply dropped off and died, too many minor characters are introduced, the love story between Menwi and Neferhotep read more like teenagers horny for each other and it made little sense why Menwi would risk her and her sister’s lives to sleep with Neferhotep. Thutmose III turned out to be a boring character, definitely not as dynamic and badass as Hatshepsut was or even Djoser. And I found Imhotep’s emotional dilemma to be the same derivative thing over and over again. I really wanted to finish the series but I gave up. I did skip ahead and read the ending chapters and saw the big twist: that Tim Hope is actually the son of Menwi and Neferhotep and was brought into the modern world by an aging Akila. So really Tim Hope from the first book merely returned home, when he travelled to Ancient Egypt through the tomb of Kanakht. So does that mean that Tim Hope is doomed to live the same life over and over again?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2020
Jerry Dubs has done as well as anyone can with the time travel theme and paradoxes. I was a history major and I appreciate the research the the author has done to make his depiction of ancient and very ancient Egypt come alive. In all four books of this series I only found one historical mistake - a minor one - when he mentioned iron embalming tools back in the 3rd Dynasty. I've had historical fiction where the author had Viking eating potatoes and Aztec's raising chickens. Nothing like that in Dubs' novels. Although I do wonder about the thing with spiders...
Anyway his character development was excellent throughout as was his foreshadowing. Maybe it wasn't quite up to The Sixth Sense, but the Tim Hope Imhotep anagram was clever. (I didn't catch it until he disclosed it.) Also appreciated the DNA hint, since the twist ending would have been more of an ambush out of right field otherwise. (I will suspend questions about why she brought one to begin with.)
All in all an excellent, if somewhat bloodthirsty series. Definitely worth the time it takes to read.
Anyway his character development was excellent throughout as was his foreshadowing. Maybe it wasn't quite up to The Sixth Sense, but the Tim Hope Imhotep anagram was clever. (I didn't catch it until he disclosed it.) Also appreciated the DNA hint, since the twist ending would have been more of an ambush out of right field otherwise. (I will suspend questions about why she brought one to begin with.)
All in all an excellent, if somewhat bloodthirsty series. Definitely worth the time it takes to read.
January 29, 2017
Brings it full circle
I enjoyed this fourth book of the series. Jerry Dubs works his magic weaving the places, people, and customs of ancient Egypt into a story of time travel. Once again we follow Tim Hope on his journey through the past with a cast of new characters along with some familiar ones. All four books in the series are a must read.
I enjoyed this fourth book of the series. Jerry Dubs works his magic weaving the places, people, and customs of ancient Egypt into a story of time travel. Once again we follow Tim Hope on his journey through the past with a cast of new characters along with some familiar ones. All four books in the series are a must read.
March 9, 2020
CAPTIVATING
Imhotep Book 4 is a captivating historical fiction. It is riveting and full of interesting episodes. The narrative about ancient Egypt makes it more factual and highly interesting. It is a good read for someone interested in adaptations of a modern mind to ancient Egypt.
Imhotep Book 4 is a captivating historical fiction. It is riveting and full of interesting episodes. The narrative about ancient Egypt makes it more factual and highly interesting. It is a good read for someone interested in adaptations of a modern mind to ancient Egypt.
May 26, 2018
I have been following Jerry Dubs' books about Imhotep through 4 books. I love the author's turn of phrase and descriptions, I felt almost like I stood on the same ground as the characters. This a fascinating series, a must read for anyone interested in Egyptian history.
July 7, 2018
This series of books is sooo good. The characters and plot is totally engaging, and you learn so much about life in ancient Egypt. This is the last book about Imhotep, and I'm going to miss this character. Didn't want the story to end.
October 8, 2018
Enjoyed the series and liked tying up loose ends. However, it became predictable, barring one detail. The twist with Tim’s birth was something.
April 15, 2019
Haunts you until you return
A well crafted world filled with just enough reality to make you wish you had paid attention in Ancient History class.
A well crafted world filled with just enough reality to make you wish you had paid attention in Ancient History class.
December 5, 2021
great series
found this to be entertaining and a bit educational. enjoyed the style and characters. the way the author tied it all up was brilliant.
found this to be entertaining and a bit educational. enjoyed the style and characters. the way the author tied it all up was brilliant.
July 6, 2024
Very interesting series and unexpected ending. Thoroughly enjoyable.
May 16, 2025
Entertaining light read.
April 27, 2020
What a great book! I genuinely felt sad as I approached the inevitable end, as I knew this was the final in the series.
Mr. Dubs writes about ancient Egypt as if he'd been a visitor, and any intensity in the writing indicates a time when things were more frenetic than say, the first two novels.
These characters are so fleshed out by this period that they're almost old friends.
I enjoy the way the pace of the novels is reflected by the time in which Tim Hope lives, but these huge stories contain so much more than descriptions of the scenery, they contain the hopes, dreams, ambitions and desires of all the major characters, including some surprises, as Mr. Dubs introduces new players to flesh out the plot.
Truly a tale of the ages.
Mr. Dubs writes about ancient Egypt as if he'd been a visitor, and any intensity in the writing indicates a time when things were more frenetic than say, the first two novels.
These characters are so fleshed out by this period that they're almost old friends.
I enjoy the way the pace of the novels is reflected by the time in which Tim Hope lives, but these huge stories contain so much more than descriptions of the scenery, they contain the hopes, dreams, ambitions and desires of all the major characters, including some surprises, as Mr. Dubs introduces new players to flesh out the plot.
Truly a tale of the ages.
May 14, 2017
An epic depiction of ancient Egyptian history, intertwined with clever and satisfying time-travel twists. As usual.
Starting The Field of Reeds, the final book in Jerry Dubs' outstanding Imhotep series, I felt a mixture of excitement and melancholy; I couldn't wait to begin reading this undoubtedly epic conclusion to the series, and I had been looking forward to it for months since finishing the third book; but at the same time, obviously I didn't want it to end, so I was saddened by the thought of it.
Anyhow, the book opened on a strong note, with multiple suspenseful storylines in place for a breathtaking arc; Imhotep and the trading party facing a challenging return journey from Ta Netjer, Maya and her friends at the royal court struggling to deceive the whole of the Two Lands about the truth of the trading expedition while waiting desperately for Hatshepsut to return, a surviving Medjay warrior from the massacre at Ta Netjer fighting through the harsh jungles to deliver an important message, and then – in the midst of it all – the young co-ruler of Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, returning with the army from the deserts of Sinai as a new man with his eyes on the Throne. All of this makes for a gripping first section of the novel, in which everyone's fates are uncertain, and many of the characters quickly develop in very believable ways. I particularly enjoyed Imhotep's character growth in this book, as the weight of his situation combined with past experiences causes him to change from a resigned and accepting person to a, somewhat, anger-driven man of action, fighting for the people he loves because he can't take losing anyone else.
The second section of the book is just as exciting, which is one of the things that this final book did better than any of the others in the series – it kept the pace going the entire way through the story, unwavering. This section drives the characters towards their final epic struggle: the battle of Megiddo. Imhotep and his family make new imposing enemies as circumstances push Imhotep to take actions that end up unintentionally hurting people who get in the way. The King of Kadesh wants to challenge the might of the two lands and begins to form a threatening alliance with the many small kingdoms surrounding him, while a lesser ruler from Canaan sends his three virgin daughters to Pharaoh Thutmose to be his minor wives, hoping to win favour and power with his gifts. Imhotep's grandson, Neferhotep, gets caught up in a dangerous affair with the new Canaan wives that can only end in death and humiliation, all the while the Egyptians and the King of Kadesh race to prepare for the biggest battle in Ancient Egyptian history.
Another strength of this book – of every book in this series, in fact – is that all the characters, including the small side characters, are fully fleshed out and feel like real people. Their motivations and goals and personalities are all authentic, bringing the ancient world to life. I rooted strongly for Imhotep, Akila, Maya and Pentu, and I even grew fond of Kebu.
The third and final section of the story was a frenzy of action and emotion. The big battle ensues, many lives are lost, secrets are revealed, and climaxes are reached. The ending just blew me away; the last few chapters seized me by the heart and wouldn't let go, and when I read the last lines I was amazed and deeply moved. I can imagine the full Imhotep story as a beautiful blockbuster film, or a TV show produced by HBO or Starz... If only...
As a whole, the Imhotep series has been almost flawless from book one to the very end – and that is more than most self-published, as well as a great deal of traditionally published books can say. It is definitely one of my favourite book series ever, possibly even my MOST favourite, and I know it will always hold a special place in my heart. I can only thank Jerry Dubs for conjuring this piece-of-art tale from his fantastic imagination and writing it, bringing it to life.
I was, as already stated, sad that this was the last book. However, partway through reading it I discovered that Jerry has recently published another book called Suti and the Broken Staff, and it turns out that it's a sequel to the Imhotep books. I'm excited to know that Jerry Dubs is continuing to explore the world of the Two Lands even after Imhotep is finished, and I will most certainly be reading Suti and the Broken Staff one day. But first I need to calm down and process everything I've just read.
Starting The Field of Reeds, the final book in Jerry Dubs' outstanding Imhotep series, I felt a mixture of excitement and melancholy; I couldn't wait to begin reading this undoubtedly epic conclusion to the series, and I had been looking forward to it for months since finishing the third book; but at the same time, obviously I didn't want it to end, so I was saddened by the thought of it.
Anyhow, the book opened on a strong note, with multiple suspenseful storylines in place for a breathtaking arc; Imhotep and the trading party facing a challenging return journey from Ta Netjer, Maya and her friends at the royal court struggling to deceive the whole of the Two Lands about the truth of the trading expedition while waiting desperately for Hatshepsut to return, a surviving Medjay warrior from the massacre at Ta Netjer fighting through the harsh jungles to deliver an important message, and then – in the midst of it all – the young co-ruler of Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, returning with the army from the deserts of Sinai as a new man with his eyes on the Throne. All of this makes for a gripping first section of the novel, in which everyone's fates are uncertain, and many of the characters quickly develop in very believable ways. I particularly enjoyed Imhotep's character growth in this book, as the weight of his situation combined with past experiences causes him to change from a resigned and accepting person to a, somewhat, anger-driven man of action, fighting for the people he loves because he can't take losing anyone else.
The second section of the book is just as exciting, which is one of the things that this final book did better than any of the others in the series – it kept the pace going the entire way through the story, unwavering. This section drives the characters towards their final epic struggle: the battle of Megiddo. Imhotep and his family make new imposing enemies as circumstances push Imhotep to take actions that end up unintentionally hurting people who get in the way. The King of Kadesh wants to challenge the might of the two lands and begins to form a threatening alliance with the many small kingdoms surrounding him, while a lesser ruler from Canaan sends his three virgin daughters to Pharaoh Thutmose to be his minor wives, hoping to win favour and power with his gifts. Imhotep's grandson, Neferhotep, gets caught up in a dangerous affair with the new Canaan wives that can only end in death and humiliation, all the while the Egyptians and the King of Kadesh race to prepare for the biggest battle in Ancient Egyptian history.
Another strength of this book – of every book in this series, in fact – is that all the characters, including the small side characters, are fully fleshed out and feel like real people. Their motivations and goals and personalities are all authentic, bringing the ancient world to life. I rooted strongly for Imhotep, Akila, Maya and Pentu, and I even grew fond of Kebu.
The third and final section of the story was a frenzy of action and emotion. The big battle ensues, many lives are lost, secrets are revealed, and climaxes are reached. The ending just blew me away; the last few chapters seized me by the heart and wouldn't let go, and when I read the last lines I was amazed and deeply moved. I can imagine the full Imhotep story as a beautiful blockbuster film, or a TV show produced by HBO or Starz... If only...
As a whole, the Imhotep series has been almost flawless from book one to the very end – and that is more than most self-published, as well as a great deal of traditionally published books can say. It is definitely one of my favourite book series ever, possibly even my MOST favourite, and I know it will always hold a special place in my heart. I can only thank Jerry Dubs for conjuring this piece-of-art tale from his fantastic imagination and writing it, bringing it to life.
I was, as already stated, sad that this was the last book. However, partway through reading it I discovered that Jerry has recently published another book called Suti and the Broken Staff, and it turns out that it's a sequel to the Imhotep books. I'm excited to know that Jerry Dubs is continuing to explore the world of the Two Lands even after Imhotep is finished, and I will most certainly be reading Suti and the Broken Staff one day. But first I need to calm down and process everything I've just read.
February 19, 2017
Best book of the series. Perfect ending.
December 26, 2016
Not as good as the first two books! With almost all series of books (Except for Harry Potter, maybe), I feel that each successive book is more and more boring than the previous. The Imhotep series is no different. This book started at an interesting spot; it picks up where 'Forest of Myrrh' left off, . Starting on this note, one would expect more excitement and adrenaline filled moments, but the book just does not live up. In fact, the second half of the book felt rather arduous and seems to have been written just to ensure that this book is as long as the previous ones. By the end of the book, my interest had waned to such an extent that I was reading it just to satisfy my OCD and not out of fascination, as was the case with the first two books.
February 4, 2017
Piqued my interest
Jerry Dubs creates suspense as well as anyone else going around. At one point, I had to pluck up my courage, in order to continue reading.
The Imhotep stories have piqued my interest in Ancient Egypt to the point where I am looking for more stories written in a similar way.
Dubs makes a disclaimer, that he is not an Egyptologist. Yet, he manages to weave a narrative so well that, I could easily imagine how life would be in Ancient times. I find myself especially intrigued, by the way the many gods, play such a large role, in the goings on, of every day life.
I am saddened by the conclusion of the story of Imhotep. Yet inspired to read on.
Jerry Dubs creates suspense as well as anyone else going around. At one point, I had to pluck up my courage, in order to continue reading.
The Imhotep stories have piqued my interest in Ancient Egypt to the point where I am looking for more stories written in a similar way.
Dubs makes a disclaimer, that he is not an Egyptologist. Yet, he manages to weave a narrative so well that, I could easily imagine how life would be in Ancient times. I find myself especially intrigued, by the way the many gods, play such a large role, in the goings on, of every day life.
I am saddened by the conclusion of the story of Imhotep. Yet inspired to read on.
December 17, 2015
The Field of Reeds by Jerry Dubs
I was excited to read this last book in the series! Halfway through, the story seemed repetitive, I hoped the author was going to finish the story, not leave us hanging! Let me tell you, he came full circle! A great story with a fantastic ending! It's seems writers hardly finish a story now days. A young clerk at a book store told me he just read dead authors, so he would know the end of the story, that's just revealing about how people write, without finishing, frustrating for all readers! This is a great story and I look forward to more great work from this author!
I was excited to read this last book in the series! Halfway through, the story seemed repetitive, I hoped the author was going to finish the story, not leave us hanging! Let me tell you, he came full circle! A great story with a fantastic ending! It's seems writers hardly finish a story now days. A young clerk at a book store told me he just read dead authors, so he would know the end of the story, that's just revealing about how people write, without finishing, frustrating for all readers! This is a great story and I look forward to more great work from this author!
March 24, 2016
I really liked this series overall - but I think I could have done with just two books to this series. The story started to become a bit repetitive and redundant in my opinion. Similar set up, similar epic battles, similar conniving back stabbing. I also saw the ending coming from about halfway into the book... I don't know if I was just a good guesser or if it was just that obvious. Knowing where the book was headed made the second half of the book feel like it was dragging on for an eternity.
November 28, 2015
This is the continuing saga of Tim Hope (aka Imhotep) and his travels thru ancient Egypt. His knowledge of the history and events of the time (14th century BC) make people consider him to be a god. Pharaoh Hapsetshut and Pharaoh Thutmose III constantly seek his advice and counsel. How he deals with this and tries to protect his loved ones, is the basis of this story. The ending is unexpected, and causes one to think of the family tree of Imhotep/Tim Hope.
October 9, 2016
Awsome!
I get tired of characters when books go on & on, but NOT this! I paused after book one, but then after reading book 2, I read 3 & 4. What a great story! Everything you could want....love, time travel, deception, adventure, mystery, history, and if you like Egyptian history, you'll LOVE this!
I get tired of characters when books go on & on, but NOT this! I paused after book one, but then after reading book 2, I read 3 & 4. What a great story! Everything you could want....love, time travel, deception, adventure, mystery, history, and if you like Egyptian history, you'll LOVE this!
October 18, 2015
Fascinating storyline! Was Imhotep a time traveler who came to ancient Egypt from modern times? And the ending itself leaves your mind wondering about the very essence of time itself. Bravo, J. Dubs...well done.
April 27, 2016
Field of Reeds is Fantastic!
A most fitting end to a four book series. His characters feel so real. It was sad and happy too. It should be read by anyone interested in very good ancient Egyptian fiction. To me it was fictionalized Egyptology.
A most fitting end to a four book series. His characters feel so real. It was sad and happy too. It should be read by anyone interested in very good ancient Egyptian fiction. To me it was fictionalized Egyptology.
August 29, 2016
Like missing your best friend
Upon finishing this series I get the same feeling as being a kid and your best friend moves away. I am going to miss Imhotep. The book finished well but seemed a little drawn out at times. I did enjoy it and would definitely recommend it.
Upon finishing this series I get the same feeling as being a kid and your best friend moves away. I am going to miss Imhotep. The book finished well but seemed a little drawn out at times. I did enjoy it and would definitely recommend it.
October 12, 2016
Imhotep Returns Again
Perhaps the best in the series, this installment provided engrossing, fast-packed action and intrigue. I confess I can't quite wrap my head around the ending, but that doesn't make it any less fascinating. No spoilers.
Perhaps the best in the series, this installment provided engrossing, fast-packed action and intrigue. I confess I can't quite wrap my head around the ending, but that doesn't make it any less fascinating. No spoilers.
November 7, 2016
Utterly bewitching
I have now read all four books telling the story of Imhotep and have been completely enthralled by each one. I'm very glad to have found this story and would say thank you to Jerry Dubbs for having written them.
I have now read all four books telling the story of Imhotep and have been completely enthralled by each one. I'm very glad to have found this story and would say thank you to Jerry Dubbs for having written them.
January 6, 2017
Book 4
As the worm of time eats his own tail and the snail shell spirals ,time itself remembers the paths of the future and past. Intersections in this series draws the reader into its mists so you become trapped until the last word is read.
As the worm of time eats his own tail and the snail shell spirals ,time itself remembers the paths of the future and past. Intersections in this series draws the reader into its mists so you become trapped until the last word is read.
January 21, 2017
I guessed right
Had also guessed right in the first book!
** spoiler alert **
Had also guessed right in the first book!
** spoiler alert **
September 25, 2015
I really enjoyed all 4 books in the IMHOTEP series! Mr. Dubs closes the story in spectacular fashion, but still leaves your head spinning with his vision of time travel.
August 29, 2015
Enormously entertaining series
One of the most satisfying endings to a series I have ever encountered. Well done, Mr. Dubbs! This is how it is done!
One of the most satisfying endings to a series I have ever encountered. Well done, Mr. Dubbs! This is how it is done!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews