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The Desert Queen #2
The Falcon Rises
From the Red Sands of Egypt to the Palace at Thebes...
A New Queen Has Risen!
When Nefret, the mekhma of the Meshwesh, leads her people back to their homeland of Zerzura, everything changes. Forced to make a deal with the determined Queen Tiye, Nefret abandons her tribe and the man she loves to obey the queen’s command. As she takes her place at the Egyptian court at Thebes she quickly realizes that fate is not through with her yet. A new enemy, one with a beautiful face is revealed and Nefret — now Nefertiti — must fight again to take her place at Amenhotep’s side.
Set against the backdrop of the grand courts of Egypt, The Falcon Rises chronicles the rise of Queen Nefertiti.
A New Queen Has Risen!
When Nefret, the mekhma of the Meshwesh, leads her people back to their homeland of Zerzura, everything changes. Forced to make a deal with the determined Queen Tiye, Nefret abandons her tribe and the man she loves to obey the queen’s command. As she takes her place at the Egyptian court at Thebes she quickly realizes that fate is not through with her yet. A new enemy, one with a beautiful face is revealed and Nefret — now Nefertiti — must fight again to take her place at Amenhotep’s side.
Set against the backdrop of the grand courts of Egypt, The Falcon Rises chronicles the rise of Queen Nefertiti.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 9, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 3, 2020
The first word that comes to my head about this book it's: confused. The story, unnecessarily divided in three books since it could have been told easily in one, is - or should be - about queen Nefertiti. The result is a total mess. It's okay for me to reimagine the life of this queen non canonically. The problem is that this book messes up with historical figures put in the wrong role and in the wrong place. We know little about the period... this little we know should become a sound basis on which building the story. There's no point in overthrowing even consolidated facts.
Another thing that annoyed me was the inconsistence of charachters. The worst example is undoubdetly Ayn. The skilled warriors that deemes herself superior to other women, and then becomes protagonist of what is probably the silliest subplot in history
Another thing that annoyed me was the inconsistence of charachters. The worst example is undoubdetly Ayn. The skilled warriors that deemes herself superior to other women, and then becomes protagonist of what is probably the silliest subplot in history
February 27, 2022
I picked up the book in a sale and realised only afterwards that it was not the first; however, the book is well-written and can work as a standalone. It builds on the events of the first book, although not blatantly, and resolves its own conflict, while still leaving the greater storyline open for completion in books three and four.
The story is told through the eyes of six characters, each moving the plot along through the intrigues of power in ancient Egypt. Queen Tiye, Nefertiti, is ruling the Grand Court while her husband, Amenhotep is ill in Thebes. She has adopted Nefret of the Meshwesh tribe to be wife and queen to her son, also Amenhotep. However, Nefret was due to be the mekhma (Wise woman) of her tribe, ruling alongside the tribe’s king. Orba, one of the Council of the Meshwesh, is managing the tribe after their exile from their city of Zerzura and the almost fatal wounding of Semkah, the king and father to Nefret. The wound involved a poisoned blade which caused him to lose his arm, putting his kingship in jeopardy to the manipulations of his brother, Omel. The battle, against a band of Kiffians, also resulted in the capture of Pah, Nefret’s sister, who had been mekhma.
When Nefret arrives back from the Grand Court, she is accompanied by General Ramose, leader of the Queen’s armies, along with a garrison of his men. He is tasked with seeing Nefret’s affairs put in order that she can return to the Queen’s court with all haste. Nefret’s friend, Ayn, also her confidante and protector, takes to General Ramose and becomes his lover, creating in him a reluctant attachment to this backward group so far from the civilisation of Egypt, an attachment that goes beyond his commitment to follow his Queen’s orders.
Between Orba, Nefret, and Ayn, they position, negotiate and manipulate until they enable a plan to restore the status of the Meshwesh, before she has to return to the Queen’s court, to her adoption as the Queen’s daughter, and the plan that Nefertiti has to ensure the continuation of Amenhotep’s line.
With each new chapter, the storytelling jumped from character to character, and I realised after the third chapter or so that I had to take note of the chapter title as this gave an indication who which character held the floor – the story is told in the first person in each instance. I found it an unusual mechanism, but Ms Bullock did a really good job of moving the story along through each shift of perpective.
This was an exciting read, with a reasonable level of tension created by a lack of indication of where the story might go. There were unashamed supernatural events, foretellings and prophecies which pointed to outcomes, but at no point was anything certain. The characters were strong and beautifully drawn with a clear demarcation of heroes and villains, but a good number of characters who fell into a grey area, with unclear motives and commitments towards the protagonist/s.
The one thing I did find limiting here was the author’s focus on a character-driven narrative. As such, the location descriptions were done in a very broadbrush technique, resulting in a hazy setting Considering the era and culture of the story, what could have been a lavish, rich backdrop for the action became in my mind a very flat dropdown against which the action played out.
However, it remains a very good read. Book 1 of The Desert Queen Saga is entitled The Tale of Nefret , book 3 is The Kingdom of Nefertiti , and the fourth and final book of the series is The Song of the Bee Eater .
The story is told through the eyes of six characters, each moving the plot along through the intrigues of power in ancient Egypt. Queen Tiye, Nefertiti, is ruling the Grand Court while her husband, Amenhotep is ill in Thebes. She has adopted Nefret of the Meshwesh tribe to be wife and queen to her son, also Amenhotep. However, Nefret was due to be the mekhma (Wise woman) of her tribe, ruling alongside the tribe’s king. Orba, one of the Council of the Meshwesh, is managing the tribe after their exile from their city of Zerzura and the almost fatal wounding of Semkah, the king and father to Nefret. The wound involved a poisoned blade which caused him to lose his arm, putting his kingship in jeopardy to the manipulations of his brother, Omel. The battle, against a band of Kiffians, also resulted in the capture of Pah, Nefret’s sister, who had been mekhma.
When Nefret arrives back from the Grand Court, she is accompanied by General Ramose, leader of the Queen’s armies, along with a garrison of his men. He is tasked with seeing Nefret’s affairs put in order that she can return to the Queen’s court with all haste. Nefret’s friend, Ayn, also her confidante and protector, takes to General Ramose and becomes his lover, creating in him a reluctant attachment to this backward group so far from the civilisation of Egypt, an attachment that goes beyond his commitment to follow his Queen’s orders.
Between Orba, Nefret, and Ayn, they position, negotiate and manipulate until they enable a plan to restore the status of the Meshwesh, before she has to return to the Queen’s court, to her adoption as the Queen’s daughter, and the plan that Nefertiti has to ensure the continuation of Amenhotep’s line.
With each new chapter, the storytelling jumped from character to character, and I realised after the third chapter or so that I had to take note of the chapter title as this gave an indication who which character held the floor – the story is told in the first person in each instance. I found it an unusual mechanism, but Ms Bullock did a really good job of moving the story along through each shift of perpective.
This was an exciting read, with a reasonable level of tension created by a lack of indication of where the story might go. There were unashamed supernatural events, foretellings and prophecies which pointed to outcomes, but at no point was anything certain. The characters were strong and beautifully drawn with a clear demarcation of heroes and villains, but a good number of characters who fell into a grey area, with unclear motives and commitments towards the protagonist/s.
The one thing I did find limiting here was the author’s focus on a character-driven narrative. As such, the location descriptions were done in a very broadbrush technique, resulting in a hazy setting Considering the era and culture of the story, what could have been a lavish, rich backdrop for the action became in my mind a very flat dropdown against which the action played out.
However, it remains a very good read. Book 1 of The Desert Queen Saga is entitled The Tale of Nefret , book 3 is The Kingdom of Nefertiti , and the fourth and final book of the series is The Song of the Bee Eater .
May 8, 2018
Weird story to tell, I never read the first book. Amazon offered the second and third in the series free so I scooped them up. I' ve started T.V. series in the middle and lots of movies that way, so I figured I could catch up.
What I didn't figure was each chapter being first person point of view from a different character. It was quite jarring. I'm so used to being sucked into my books and just continuing. When I did that with this book I would be confused for two chapters until I would remember the changing view point and go back to the top and start again. I also don't think it was necessary for the story. Maybe it helps to understand what went on between Ayn and Ramose's wife, but I don't know yet. I will have to see what happens in book three.
I know very little about this time period, so this book has me running to Google every few pages to find the answers to all of my questions.
A lot of sad things are going on, but also the women are feirce. Sometimes not in a good way, but sometimes in a way that makes me want to cheer.
I know this series goes on after book three. I will have to keep an eye out for other books about this time period.
What I didn't figure was each chapter being first person point of view from a different character. It was quite jarring. I'm so used to being sucked into my books and just continuing. When I did that with this book I would be confused for two chapters until I would remember the changing view point and go back to the top and start again. I also don't think it was necessary for the story. Maybe it helps to understand what went on between Ayn and Ramose's wife, but I don't know yet. I will have to see what happens in book three.
I know very little about this time period, so this book has me running to Google every few pages to find the answers to all of my questions.
A lot of sad things are going on, but also the women are feirce. Sometimes not in a good way, but sometimes in a way that makes me want to cheer.
I know this series goes on after book three. I will have to keep an eye out for other books about this time period.
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October 26, 2017Yes, yes, YES!
Although this is part of a set, the author skillfully allows you to end the story with the book or wonder if there might be more? I am so involved in this story that I can't wait to read the next one. It's like when you finish a really good book and it's not a cliff hanger but none the less you'd like for there to be more about the books story. I have even written an author or two to beg them to write another book continuing on the story. Here you don't have to. But I must warn you-if you start this book, you will soon be addicted and not want to put it down for anything. I love this book. I loved the first one so much that I forgot to leave a review wanting to see if the story continued and it did! I'm off to rectify that and read the next book. I highly recommend this book if you want to envelop yourself in a story and spend some time away. It is appropriate for anyone. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :) :D
Although this is part of a set, the author skillfully allows you to end the story with the book or wonder if there might be more? I am so involved in this story that I can't wait to read the next one. It's like when you finish a really good book and it's not a cliff hanger but none the less you'd like for there to be more about the books story. I have even written an author or two to beg them to write another book continuing on the story. Here you don't have to. But I must warn you-if you start this book, you will soon be addicted and not want to put it down for anything. I love this book. I loved the first one so much that I forgot to leave a review wanting to see if the story continued and it did! I'm off to rectify that and read the next book. I highly recommend this book if you want to envelop yourself in a story and spend some time away. It is appropriate for anyone. :)
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! :) :D
October 22, 2017
With her tribe in turmoil, attempting to regain their homeland, and her twin sister missing, Nefert, queen of one of the tribes of Egypt’s desert, must use all her wits to secure assistance from the Egyptians, and their devious queen, Tiye. When Nefert learns Tiye’s true aim, she realizes that it will take all that she has to win, and survive, and to take her rightful place as Queen Nefertiti, sharing the throne of Egypt with Amenhotep.
The Falcon Rises is book 2 in the Desert Queen series by M. L. Bullock, chronicling the journey of Nefertiti during a pivotal era in Egypt’s history. This narrative provides a fictional account of the intervals between the chronicled history of Egypt’s royal dynasties, in a credible and authentic manner. This look behind the scenes and between the sheets will keep your attention riveted from the first page to the last.
The Falcon Rises is book 2 in the Desert Queen series by M. L. Bullock, chronicling the journey of Nefertiti during a pivotal era in Egypt’s history. This narrative provides a fictional account of the intervals between the chronicled history of Egypt’s royal dynasties, in a credible and authentic manner. This look behind the scenes and between the sheets will keep your attention riveted from the first page to the last.
January 11, 2018
I don’t know much about Middle Eastern or Tribal or Nomadic History but I do know about Ancient Egyptian History and Ms. Bulloch’s research regarding Ancient Egypt is lacking. She refers to Queen Tiye and Nefertiti wearing silk gowns! They did not wear silk gowns nor did their gowns “ rustle “in Ancient Egypt. They wore fine cotton Sheaths.
Ms. Bullock’s story telling skills are really good. I am enjoying her twists and turns. She is just off on the historical accuracy of Ancient Egypt and she lack’s Pauline Gedge’s immense description and vivid detailing abilities.
Ms. Bullock’s story telling skills are really good. I am enjoying her twists and turns. She is just off on the historical accuracy of Ancient Egypt and she lack’s Pauline Gedge’s immense description and vivid detailing abilities.
September 3, 2017
Light fare
When the day requires simple distractions, this book will do. A couple of times the words chosen did not match the historical period - so many thousands of year ago expressions that belong to the Roman and Victorian periods are really out of place when more appropriate vocabulary is available.
When the day requires simple distractions, this book will do. A couple of times the words chosen did not match the historical period - so many thousands of year ago expressions that belong to the Roman and Victorian periods are really out of place when more appropriate vocabulary is available.
September 15, 2017
Queen of Egypt
As a great reader of Egyptian history, this book was a wonderful find. The author took the few facts that are known about Nefertiti and wove them into a gripping story. Her use of chapters in the first person of the main characters let you see the story from all sides. A great book. I will have to pick up the rest of her books.
As a great reader of Egyptian history, this book was a wonderful find. The author took the few facts that are known about Nefertiti and wove them into a gripping story. Her use of chapters in the first person of the main characters let you see the story from all sides. A great book. I will have to pick up the rest of her books.
October 18, 2017
Another Interesting Ancient Egyptian Series
Well written and skillfully plotted, "The Falcon Rises" breathes life into the life and times of the ancient Egyptians and their enemies as well as the various political intrigues that were prevalent during the times of the pharaohs. Highly recommend reading this trilogy in order to appreciate this story.
Well written and skillfully plotted, "The Falcon Rises" breathes life into the life and times of the ancient Egyptians and their enemies as well as the various political intrigues that were prevalent during the times of the pharaohs. Highly recommend reading this trilogy in order to appreciate this story.
August 31, 2017
Loved it!
Second of this series. Interesting, putting life to a cold bust of a dead queen. I am hooked. On to the net in this series. So glad I have the set!
Second of this series. Interesting, putting life to a cold bust of a dead queen. I am hooked. On to the net in this series. So glad I have the set!
September 22, 2017
Poorly written, confusing.
February 6, 2018
It is a great book to read
May 9, 2020
Excellent
Very interesting story, quite different from the norm for me, I enjoyed this and will give it five stars , excellent
Very interesting story, quite different from the norm for me, I enjoyed this and will give it five stars , excellent
May 9, 2020
This one was a little better but still am not going to read the rest of the series. Just didn't light my fire.
October 2, 2020
Continuing
The story goes on and is intriguing. Much happens in book 2 of The Desert Queen books. I look forward to the ruling of the Pharaoh and his Queen.
The story goes on and is intriguing. Much happens in book 2 of The Desert Queen books. I look forward to the ruling of the Pharaoh and his Queen.
January 4, 2023
The Falcon Rises
Court intrigue in more than one nation sets events in motion to relive the history of Egypt. Lessor players also have their roles while striving to stay loyal.
Court intrigue in more than one nation sets events in motion to relive the history of Egypt. Lessor players also have their roles while striving to stay loyal.
November 4, 2023
Great book
October 2, 2019
i enjoy reading historical fiction. i like how the author tells the story. I image in my mind that Ι αm there seeing the chatacters from afar. I feel their agony wanting to leave the dessert and find their city Zazzura. The fighting that they went through and finally the victory.for the price of having their leader being taken to Egypt without ever seeing her family and country again.
May 4, 2016
Very interesting
This is a new angle to the story of Nefertiti. Most history books do not tell of her origin, but most agree that she was raised in the household of Ay and his wife was her wet-nurse. This new angle of portraying her as the queen of Meshwesh is really ingenious.
Equally amusing is the depiction of Horemheb.
I cannot wait to read how the author portrays Nefertiti's end.
This is a new angle to the story of Nefertiti. Most history books do not tell of her origin, but most agree that she was raised in the household of Ay and his wife was her wet-nurse. This new angle of portraying her as the queen of Meshwesh is really ingenious.
Equally amusing is the depiction of Horemheb.
I cannot wait to read how the author portrays Nefertiti's end.
June 17, 2016
I have read a lot of Ancient Egyptian fiction, particularly about Akhenaten and Nefertiti. This describes how I think Akhenaten was, but Nefertiti not being Egyptian is new to me. I have to admit that for fiction it really is growing on me. I like the writer's style and that she's not putting a ton of sex scenes like many do. My only gripe is that I wish the books were longer. I'm excited the read the third book and see if Nefertiti becomes ruthless!
June 2, 2016
This book was very well written. I can no wait to start the next one in minutes. You feel you are these characters as you read . I love this series just as much as the Seven Sisters series
Well written just like every one of her books. I am never disappointed in any of her books. You can tell research was done in the details
Well written just like every one of her books. I am never disappointed in any of her books. You can tell research was done in the details
February 4, 2017
Wow! Absolutely loved this book. Never could have guessed where the story would go when I started reading the first book! Now I can't wait to see where the nxt book goes! Amazing storytellling
September 3, 2016
Potential Not Met
Very disappointed with this series! The story line is wonderful, but it feels empty. I truly think this series could have been much more enjoyable if it would have been better put together.
Very disappointed with this series! The story line is wonderful, but it feels empty. I truly think this series could have been much more enjoyable if it would have been better put together.
January 21, 2017
Beautiful story
It was a very magical story. The characters in the story were very intriguing and realistic. It was confusing when as each chapter switched back and forth to a different character
It was a very magical story. The characters in the story were very intriguing and realistic. It was confusing when as each chapter switched back and forth to a different character
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews