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Lords of the Two Lands #2
The Oasis
Kamose assumes command of the rebellion of the native princes against their overlords following his father's death, making a perilous sweep up the river Nile toward the delta strongholds of the Hyksos, but the long domination of alien men and their gods have a fortuitous stronghold....
544 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
18 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
About the author
Pauline Gedge
47 books490 followersI was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on December 11, 1945, the first of three girls. Six years later my family emigrated to England where my father, an ex-policeman, wanted to study for the Anglican ministry. We lived in an ancient and very dilapidated cottage in the heart of the English Buckinghamshire woodland, and later in a small village in Oxfordshire called Great Haseley. I grew up surrounded by countryside that I observed, played in, and grew to know and love passionately, and I wrote lyrically of its many moods.
My father had his first parish in Oxford, so in 1956, having passed the eleven-plus exam, a torture now fortunately defunct, I attended what was then the Oxford Central School for Girls. I was a very good student in everything but mathematics. Any academic discipline that is expressed and interpreted through words I could conquer, but math was bewildering and foreign, a maze of numbers and ridiculous symbols with which I had nothing in common. I liked chemistry, because I was allowed to play with pretty crystals and chemicals that behaved as if they had magic in them. I studied the violin, an instrument I struggled over and gave up after two years, and the piano, which I enjoyed and continue to play, along with the recorders. Music has always been important to me.
Then in 1959 my father accepted a parish in Virden, Manitoba, and the family left for Canada. After three months at the local high school, I was sent to a boarding school in Saskatchewan. It was the most dehumanizing, miserable experience of my life. In 1961 I began one inglorious year at the University of Manitoba’s Brandon College. I did not work very hard, and just before final exams I was told that my sister Anne was dying. I lost all interest in passing.
Anne wanted to die in the country where she was born, so we all returned to New Zealand. She died a month after our arrival, and is buried in Auckland. The rest of us moved down to the tip of the South Island where my father had taken the parish of Riverton. For a year I worked as a substitute teacher in three rural schools. In ’64 I attended the Teachers’ Training College in Dunedin, South Island, where my writing output became prolific but again my studies suffered. I did not particularly want to be a teacher. All I wanted to do was stay home and read and write. I was eighteen, bored and restless. I met my first husband there.
In 1966 I married and returned to Canada, this time to Alberta, with my husband and my family. I found work at a day care in Edmonton. My husband and I returned to England the next year, and my first son, Simon, was born there in January ’68. In 1969 we came back to Edmonton, and my second son was born there in December 1970.
By 1972 I was divorced, and I moved east of Edmonton to the village of Edgerton. I wrote my first novel and entered it in the Alberta Search-for-a-New-Novelist Competition. It took fourth place out of ninety-eight entries, and though it received no prize, the comments from the judges and my family encouraged me to try again. The next year I entered my second attempt, a bad novel that sank out of sight. Finally in 1975 I wrote and submitted Child of the Morning, the story of Hatshepsut, an 18th Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh, which won the competition. With it came a publishing deal with Macmillan of Canada and the rest, as they say, is history.
My father had his first parish in Oxford, so in 1956, having passed the eleven-plus exam, a torture now fortunately defunct, I attended what was then the Oxford Central School for Girls. I was a very good student in everything but mathematics. Any academic discipline that is expressed and interpreted through words I could conquer, but math was bewildering and foreign, a maze of numbers and ridiculous symbols with which I had nothing in common. I liked chemistry, because I was allowed to play with pretty crystals and chemicals that behaved as if they had magic in them. I studied the violin, an instrument I struggled over and gave up after two years, and the piano, which I enjoyed and continue to play, along with the recorders. Music has always been important to me.
Then in 1959 my father accepted a parish in Virden, Manitoba, and the family left for Canada. After three months at the local high school, I was sent to a boarding school in Saskatchewan. It was the most dehumanizing, miserable experience of my life. In 1961 I began one inglorious year at the University of Manitoba’s Brandon College. I did not work very hard, and just before final exams I was told that my sister Anne was dying. I lost all interest in passing.
Anne wanted to die in the country where she was born, so we all returned to New Zealand. She died a month after our arrival, and is buried in Auckland. The rest of us moved down to the tip of the South Island where my father had taken the parish of Riverton. For a year I worked as a substitute teacher in three rural schools. In ’64 I attended the Teachers’ Training College in Dunedin, South Island, where my writing output became prolific but again my studies suffered. I did not particularly want to be a teacher. All I wanted to do was stay home and read and write. I was eighteen, bored and restless. I met my first husband there.
In 1966 I married and returned to Canada, this time to Alberta, with my husband and my family. I found work at a day care in Edmonton. My husband and I returned to England the next year, and my first son, Simon, was born there in January ’68. In 1969 we came back to Edmonton, and my second son was born there in December 1970.
By 1972 I was divorced, and I moved east of Edmonton to the village of Edgerton. I wrote my first novel and entered it in the Alberta Search-for-a-New-Novelist Competition. It took fourth place out of ninety-eight entries, and though it received no prize, the comments from the judges and my family encouraged me to try again. The next year I entered my second attempt, a bad novel that sank out of sight. Finally in 1975 I wrote and submitted Child of the Morning, the story of Hatshepsut, an 18th Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh, which won the competition. With it came a publishing deal with Macmillan of Canada and the rest, as they say, is history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 4, 2025
The trials and tribulations of the Tao continue in scenes painted excellently by Ms. Gedge’s prose.
November 10, 2017
You know, I have to admit that I find excellent books that are sequels in a series of excellent books to be one of the hardest to review. I can gush about the first book, and obviously consistency is something you want, so it’s always a joy to find an author who is not only a fantastic writer but keeps producing great texts. But I fear I have very little new to say about such books! So apologies if much of this review reiterates the points and praise I had for the first book!
Apart from a couple of very minor historical inaccuracies, as mentioned in my review of the first in the trilogy, this second book is an absolute jewel. Like the first, it has been extremely thoroughly researched, and boasts authentic names, phrases, culture and landscapes. The rich descriptions of culture, custom and environment I soaked up like a sponge. The characters once again are well-formed, deep, complex, and completely believable. The subtlety and hidden depths and reality of these characters, who were after all genuine historical figures, is just amazing. Gedge has brought these long dead personalities to vibrant life again, just as if they were standing before the reader in all their glory. Their reactions to changing situations are unique to each individual, but the logical conclusions to their personalities. Once more, the plot is complex and sophisticated, yet lucid and perfectly understandable.
Pauline Gedge has just always had a way with words that fascinates and entrances me. I’m not talking about the plot here, or the characters – just the breadth of her linguistic knowledge and the elegance with which she constructs sentences. If you love reading (and I’m going to go ahead and assume that most people reading this review are!), you’ll know what I’m talking about when I mention style and sophistication of writing. You’ll have encountered some writers whose prose seems about schoolchild level – shorter words, use of more common words, frequent use of well-known metaphors and idioms, rather functional and basic language. And even if you enjoyed the plot and the characters, you probably noticed that the writing itself was nothing to shout about, maybe even left you a little unsatisfied. Another type of writer you might have encountered is the sort that has broken out their thesaurus with abandon and peppers their text with a handful of alternative or obscure words with the enthusiasm of one who has only just discovered this marvellous word themselves – and like over-spicing a culinary dish, it kind of leaves a taste in your mouth of the overly-bombastic and unnecessarily cluttered. And then there’s what I consider to be the good quality writer. They write with a lucid clarity, but with a beautiful sense of fluidity; their imagery is fresh, shunning the tired old turns of phrase that we’re all familiar with, and dropping in the occasional obscure word here and there, but in places where it makes sense and never awkwardly. I love writers like that. Pauline Gedge is such a writer. In her writing, there is such a wonderful vividness of imagery that, especially important in historical fiction I think, sweeps you away and brings distant and strange times to life in the mind’s eye. Her word selection has never failed to bewitch me.
Beautiful. For example, I never would have thought to describe flowers as ‘quivering’, and yet as soon as I read this description it makes sense, and I can instantly imagine the gentle quivering when I lean in to smell a vase of delicate freesias, that way they tremble with your breath. I love the alliterativeness and the uncommon use of ‘flagrant fecundity’ and the second paragraph above is a superb illustration of how Gedge works to involve your senses when she is describing a scene; that is how description should be done, through use of innovative and unexpected imagery and engaging multiple senses. And yet so few authors do this. Truly, I have learned to treasure such authors when I find them. Why? Because engaging the reader with the ‘reality’ or ‘authenticity’, if you will, of the scene is vital to believability. I know that I have real trouble caring for characters or being interested in the plot if the setting is thinly sketched, flat, or, worse, inaccurate. It’s incredibly jarring to me, like the author is asking me to ignore the elephant in the room that their characters are speaking with 21st century slang or objects in the space which clearly don’t belong there.
Gedge’s descriptions, and characters, never feel anachronistic. And yet, despite their strange attitudes, her characters are empathetic. I know a lot of people are put off history because they either think it’s boring, or the way people thought in the past is too alien for them to understand. And part of the challenge for the historical fiction author is to retain the historic attitudes people had, whilst allowing their readers the insight to understand and empathise with them, even if we ultimately disagree with them. A good example of that in The Oasis is the Egyptian attitudes towards the Medjay, who hail from directly to the south of Egypt. Many, though not all of the characters, take a decidedly uncharitable attitude towards the Medjay. Ancient Egyptian society had a distinct streak of xenophobia towards any non-Egyptian, borne of the fundamental religious belief that they were a blessed land with a superior way of life. Their contempt for the ‘barbaric’ Medjay finds a match in their disgust for the ‘vile Setiu foreigners’ (the Setiu hailed from the Levantine coast, to the north of Egypt, if anyone’s wondering). In a sad but accurate rendering of history, multiple groups in the story are all too ready to look down on the ‘outsider’. It paints a picture of flawed and all too human beings, whose hopes and dreams for the future are tempered by their prejudices and the way they see the world. I have to admit I prefer such characters. I don’t like cackling villains and saintly heroes. I can’t get emotionally invested in their stories. But I can get emotionally invested in the stories of real people, who laugh, cry, and make stupid decisions sometimes.
I’m refraining from speaking from the plot too specifically here, as I don’t want to give spoilers, but I can say that it is a dramatic plot that swept me away, and every time I re-read this book I love losing myself in this world. The twists and turns are inspiring, gut-wrenching, and surprising, and I know this won’t be the last time I re-read The Oasis.
10 out of 10
Apart from a couple of very minor historical inaccuracies, as mentioned in my review of the first in the trilogy, this second book is an absolute jewel. Like the first, it has been extremely thoroughly researched, and boasts authentic names, phrases, culture and landscapes. The rich descriptions of culture, custom and environment I soaked up like a sponge. The characters once again are well-formed, deep, complex, and completely believable. The subtlety and hidden depths and reality of these characters, who were after all genuine historical figures, is just amazing. Gedge has brought these long dead personalities to vibrant life again, just as if they were standing before the reader in all their glory. Their reactions to changing situations are unique to each individual, but the logical conclusions to their personalities. Once more, the plot is complex and sophisticated, yet lucid and perfectly understandable.
Pauline Gedge has just always had a way with words that fascinates and entrances me. I’m not talking about the plot here, or the characters – just the breadth of her linguistic knowledge and the elegance with which she constructs sentences. If you love reading (and I’m going to go ahead and assume that most people reading this review are!), you’ll know what I’m talking about when I mention style and sophistication of writing. You’ll have encountered some writers whose prose seems about schoolchild level – shorter words, use of more common words, frequent use of well-known metaphors and idioms, rather functional and basic language. And even if you enjoyed the plot and the characters, you probably noticed that the writing itself was nothing to shout about, maybe even left you a little unsatisfied. Another type of writer you might have encountered is the sort that has broken out their thesaurus with abandon and peppers their text with a handful of alternative or obscure words with the enthusiasm of one who has only just discovered this marvellous word themselves – and like over-spicing a culinary dish, it kind of leaves a taste in your mouth of the overly-bombastic and unnecessarily cluttered. And then there’s what I consider to be the good quality writer. They write with a lucid clarity, but with a beautiful sense of fluidity; their imagery is fresh, shunning the tired old turns of phrase that we’re all familiar with, and dropping in the occasional obscure word here and there, but in places where it makes sense and never awkwardly. I love writers like that. Pauline Gedge is such a writer. In her writing, there is such a wonderful vividness of imagery that, especially important in historical fiction I think, sweeps you away and brings distant and strange times to life in the mind’s eye. Her word selection has never failed to bewitch me.
p.21: “they were bowed into a reception hall redolent with the mingled odours of food, flowers, and perfume, and seated before individual tables upon whose gleaming surfaces spring flowers quivered.”
p. 96: “all around me it is as though the paradise of Osiris has come down to earth. Luxuriant greenness is everywhere, cut through by many wide canals whose water is as blue as the sky that can hardly be glimpsed for the profusion of trees. Birds make a constant musical clamour and the air is full of the odours of ripe fruit from the orchards. I understand now why the northerners call our nome Egypt’s southern brazier, for Weset is arid indeed compared to this flagrant fecundity.”
Beautiful. For example, I never would have thought to describe flowers as ‘quivering’, and yet as soon as I read this description it makes sense, and I can instantly imagine the gentle quivering when I lean in to smell a vase of delicate freesias, that way they tremble with your breath. I love the alliterativeness and the uncommon use of ‘flagrant fecundity’ and the second paragraph above is a superb illustration of how Gedge works to involve your senses when she is describing a scene; that is how description should be done, through use of innovative and unexpected imagery and engaging multiple senses. And yet so few authors do this. Truly, I have learned to treasure such authors when I find them. Why? Because engaging the reader with the ‘reality’ or ‘authenticity’, if you will, of the scene is vital to believability. I know that I have real trouble caring for characters or being interested in the plot if the setting is thinly sketched, flat, or, worse, inaccurate. It’s incredibly jarring to me, like the author is asking me to ignore the elephant in the room that their characters are speaking with 21st century slang or objects in the space which clearly don’t belong there.
Gedge’s descriptions, and characters, never feel anachronistic. And yet, despite their strange attitudes, her characters are empathetic. I know a lot of people are put off history because they either think it’s boring, or the way people thought in the past is too alien for them to understand. And part of the challenge for the historical fiction author is to retain the historic attitudes people had, whilst allowing their readers the insight to understand and empathise with them, even if we ultimately disagree with them. A good example of that in The Oasis is the Egyptian attitudes towards the Medjay, who hail from directly to the south of Egypt. Many, though not all of the characters, take a decidedly uncharitable attitude towards the Medjay. Ancient Egyptian society had a distinct streak of xenophobia towards any non-Egyptian, borne of the fundamental religious belief that they were a blessed land with a superior way of life. Their contempt for the ‘barbaric’ Medjay finds a match in their disgust for the ‘vile Setiu foreigners’ (the Setiu hailed from the Levantine coast, to the north of Egypt, if anyone’s wondering). In a sad but accurate rendering of history, multiple groups in the story are all too ready to look down on the ‘outsider’. It paints a picture of flawed and all too human beings, whose hopes and dreams for the future are tempered by their prejudices and the way they see the world. I have to admit I prefer such characters. I don’t like cackling villains and saintly heroes. I can’t get emotionally invested in their stories. But I can get emotionally invested in the stories of real people, who laugh, cry, and make stupid decisions sometimes.
I’m refraining from speaking from the plot too specifically here, as I don’t want to give spoilers, but I can say that it is a dramatic plot that swept me away, and every time I re-read this book I love losing myself in this world. The twists and turns are inspiring, gut-wrenching, and surprising, and I know this won’t be the last time I re-read The Oasis.
10 out of 10
September 4, 2017
Bullet Review:
Book 100 of 2017 is DONE! WHEW!
Book 100 of 2017 is DONE! WHEW!
June 15, 2025
Whew. 529 pages of an action-packed sequence of events had me on edge. At the same time I felt I got to know the Tao family for who they are more deeply than in the first novel. Real ruthless storytelling full of murder, betrayal, and an insightful look into the Egyptian heart.
May 16, 2012
Ah, now this is much better! With The Oasis, Pauline Gedge has hit her stride with this story arc in general and her characters in particular. The strengths of The Oasis only serve to highlight the weaknesses of The Hippopotamus Marsh.
I mentioned in my review of The Hippopotamus Marsh how the characters seemed to suffer from a lack of realism and I think part of the problem is that that first book of Lords of the Two Lands Trilogy is a set-up book. We meet Seqenenra, the instigator of the story's plot and about whom the main action revolves, at the beginning of the book. However, before we can fully know and understand him and his motivations, he's killed and his active participation in the story is over with, about midway through the book. Then we find ourselves involved with the brothers Si-Amun, Kamose and Ahmose; nominally it's Si-Amun who leads the story line, but then he goes away and Kamose takes his place. Basically, there's so much going on and so many people weaving in and out of the main plot line, it's hard to get a grasp on who these characters really are, what drives them, what they're hiding behind their smiles. However, with The Oasis the focus pretty much stays on Kamose and to a lesser extent Ahmose. Finally we get to see more of these two characters; we get to delve into their fears and hidden talents and discover what makes them tick. Finally we get an idea of who they really are. This discovery also extends to the Tao women. We get to see beyond Tetisheri's imperious facade and see her fears and her weaknesses. Aahotep and Aahmes-Nefertari step out of the shadows and become deeper and richer, more than just mother and widow, wife and sister. Now I can see these people. Now they have become real.
Once again, though, the battle scenes are still weak and underdeveloped. The action is briefly described and hastily done with. However, the tension has been ratcheted up by several notches and there are many scenes which caused me to hold my breath as betrayals and shocking revelations threatened to derail Kamose's attempts to retake Egypt and remove the Setiu stench from his country. Several times throughout the book, I ached with him and felt as exhausted as he when events overwhelmed him. And that is the one constancy between The Hippopotamus Marsh and The Oasis: Gedge's masterful use of language and imagery. She skillfully weaves the ancient history and traditions of Egypt into the story, engaging all the senses and immersing the reader totally. As I noted before, Gedge manages to keep the reader's attention focused in that ancient period by using appropriate language without alienating the modern mindset with stuffy or awkward turns of phrase. Which is why I was quite surprised to find a slip-up. Towards the end of the book, , Prince Iasen cries out, in regards to General Hor-Aha, "We are tired of kowtowing to him." (Italics are mine.) Kowtow is from the Chinese ketou which is a combination of the syllables ke knock + tou head. I realize the ancient Egyptians were in trade with many other ancient societies at the time, but would they have used such a word? Even if they would, which I doubt highly, the use of it in the text brought me temporarily out of the story--it jarred me. I think it a better choice would've been the more neutral genuflect or prostrate. I mean, Gedge might as well have written salaam. However, that is the first and so far only error I've found in her novels.
Which is why, in the end, I'm sticking with my initial judgment which placed Gedge head and shoulders above nearly all other ancient Egyptian historical fiction authors.
I mentioned in my review of The Hippopotamus Marsh how the characters seemed to suffer from a lack of realism and I think part of the problem is that that first book of Lords of the Two Lands Trilogy is a set-up book. We meet Seqenenra, the instigator of the story's plot and about whom the main action revolves, at the beginning of the book. However, before we can fully know and understand him and his motivations, he's killed and his active participation in the story is over with, about midway through the book. Then we find ourselves involved with the brothers Si-Amun, Kamose and Ahmose; nominally it's Si-Amun who leads the story line, but then he goes away and Kamose takes his place. Basically, there's so much going on and so many people weaving in and out of the main plot line, it's hard to get a grasp on who these characters really are, what drives them, what they're hiding behind their smiles. However, with The Oasis the focus pretty much stays on Kamose and to a lesser extent Ahmose. Finally we get to see more of these two characters; we get to delve into their fears and hidden talents and discover what makes them tick. Finally we get an idea of who they really are. This discovery also extends to the Tao women. We get to see beyond Tetisheri's imperious facade and see her fears and her weaknesses. Aahotep and Aahmes-Nefertari step out of the shadows and become deeper and richer, more than just mother and widow, wife and sister. Now I can see these people. Now they have become real.
Once again, though, the battle scenes are still weak and underdeveloped. The action is briefly described and hastily done with. However, the tension has been ratcheted up by several notches and there are many scenes which caused me to hold my breath as betrayals and shocking revelations threatened to derail Kamose's attempts to retake Egypt and remove the Setiu stench from his country. Several times throughout the book, I ached with him and felt as exhausted as he when events overwhelmed him. And that is the one constancy between The Hippopotamus Marsh and The Oasis: Gedge's masterful use of language and imagery. She skillfully weaves the ancient history and traditions of Egypt into the story, engaging all the senses and immersing the reader totally. As I noted before, Gedge manages to keep the reader's attention focused in that ancient period by using appropriate language without alienating the modern mindset with stuffy or awkward turns of phrase. Which is why I was quite surprised to find a slip-up. Towards the end of the book, , Prince Iasen cries out, in regards to General Hor-Aha, "We are tired of kowtowing to him." (Italics are mine.) Kowtow is from the Chinese ketou which is a combination of the syllables ke knock + tou head. I realize the ancient Egyptians were in trade with many other ancient societies at the time, but would they have used such a word? Even if they would, which I doubt highly, the use of it in the text brought me temporarily out of the story--it jarred me. I think it a better choice would've been the more neutral genuflect or prostrate. I mean, Gedge might as well have written salaam. However, that is the first and so far only error I've found in her novels.
Which is why, in the end, I'm sticking with my initial judgment which placed Gedge head and shoulders above nearly all other ancient Egyptian historical fiction authors.
January 17, 2018
4,25 stars -English hardcover - Thanks Amy for the read of this book. 🌸🌷🌸
April 29, 2012
It's often easier for me to review the books I dislike because I can usually rant about the things I didn't like for ages. It's less easy for me to write a review about a book I love that's not all flaily and squee-ridden and basically, "OMG THIS BOOK IS SO AWESOME, EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT".
And that's basically my incredibly fangirly, immature reaction to The Oasis. It's an amazing, amazing read and I think that The Lord of the Two Lands trilogy may just be my favourite fiction books set in Ancient Egypt, ever. And that's without having even started The Horus Road.
After loving The Hippopotamus Marsh so much, I was concerned that I'd be disappointed. Yet if anything, The Oasis is an improvement on the first book. The tension rackets up and there's more action and resolution. The ending is particularly stunning.
The characterisations are also much deeper. The then-prince, now-king Kamose really comes into his own, and it's as a tragic hero that I can't help but love and pity. The character of Ahmose is also developed, given depths that weren't present in the first volume – I really like the arc he's going on, from the prince with the least responsibilities to .
The Tao women were ultimately the biggest surprise. I knew of their importance in reality, and so was surprised when they seemed to take such minor roles in The Hippopotamus Marsh. Yet they do really step out and become these admirable, amazingly strong women that I know from history, and what's more, the type of female characters that I really admire. These are strong, awesome women of history, not some Nefertiti-turned-Mary-Sue.
The effect of war, the cost of war, is also shown here. We seen the Tao family change, not always for the better, and lose loved one in the course of it. This is most evident through the character of Kamose, but it is true for all of Taos.
I can't wait to start on the next book.
And that's basically my incredibly fangirly, immature reaction to The Oasis. It's an amazing, amazing read and I think that The Lord of the Two Lands trilogy may just be my favourite fiction books set in Ancient Egypt, ever. And that's without having even started The Horus Road.
After loving The Hippopotamus Marsh so much, I was concerned that I'd be disappointed. Yet if anything, The Oasis is an improvement on the first book. The tension rackets up and there's more action and resolution. The ending is particularly stunning.
The characterisations are also much deeper. The then-prince, now-king Kamose really comes into his own, and it's as a tragic hero that I can't help but love and pity. The character of Ahmose is also developed, given depths that weren't present in the first volume – I really like the arc he's going on, from the prince with the least responsibilities to .
The Tao women were ultimately the biggest surprise. I knew of their importance in reality, and so was surprised when they seemed to take such minor roles in The Hippopotamus Marsh. Yet they do really step out and become these admirable, amazingly strong women that I know from history, and what's more, the type of female characters that I really admire. These are strong, awesome women of history, not some Nefertiti-turned-Mary-Sue.
The effect of war, the cost of war, is also shown here. We seen the Tao family change, not always for the better, and lose loved one in the course of it. This is most evident through the character of Kamose, but it is true for all of Taos.
I can't wait to start on the next book.
September 18, 2016
3.5
A reading favorite among authors writing credibly about ancient Egypt ( versus fluffy romance that aspires to be a television miniseries...or merely forgotten as soon as possible.) Loads of battles and gore. If the first volume in this trilogy had as much gore as this second volume, would have skipped reading the last two. As it is, when one isn't mentally wiping off then it's total immersion in introspection. There is also a degree of headhopping within a single scene, supposedly a no-no.
The author includes a list of characters which is quite helpful if it has been awhile since reading a prior volume. Unfortunately, there is no author's note in any of the volumes. It would have been edifying to have some idea of how much of the detail fits with what is known from the hieroglyphs and archaeology (as of when these were written). Of course it is known that the Hyksos were overcome, but how much of this story fits with known facts would be of interest.
A reading favorite among authors writing credibly about ancient Egypt ( versus fluffy romance that aspires to be a television miniseries...or merely forgotten as soon as possible.) Loads of battles and gore. If the first volume in this trilogy had as much gore as this second volume, would have skipped reading the last two. As it is, when one isn't mentally wiping off then it's total immersion in introspection. There is also a degree of headhopping within a single scene, supposedly a no-no.
The author includes a list of characters which is quite helpful if it has been awhile since reading a prior volume. Unfortunately, there is no author's note in any of the volumes. It would have been edifying to have some idea of how much of the detail fits with what is known from the hieroglyphs and archaeology (as of when these were written). Of course it is known that the Hyksos were overcome, but how much of this story fits with known facts would be of interest.
February 7, 2015
What can I say? I don't usually go in for battle and war but the author made me so invested in these brothers that I found myself marching along the Nile with the soldiers.And the women left at home had to become even stronger to manage the affairs of their little province while their men were gone. A worthy tale to be sure.
March 6, 2021
“The Oasis” is a fictionalization of the events during the late Second Intermediate period (1640-1540 BC) of Egyptian history around some known historical characters. This book is the 2nd book of the three book series written by this author. The first is “The Hippopotamus Marsh”, this one second and the third is “The Horus Road”, and you need to read them in this order to best understand the story.
Ancient Egypt had glorious Pharaonic rule from 2686 to 304 BC, but there were brief periods within when Egypt was occupied by foreigners and they ruled Egypt. During Second Intermediate period kings from Lebanon/Syria concurred Egypt (called Hyksos or Setiu or Heqa Khasut) with superior military power by use of chariots, compound arrow and bronze weapons. However, dethroned Egyptian kings continued to resist them and finally overthrew them during the New Kingdom.
This book is during period when Hyksos ruler Apepa ruled Egypt from the North, while in South in present day Luxor (Waset) dethroned Egyptian Pharaoh descendant Seqenenra Tao was defeated and killed while rebelling. His second son Kamose inherits Sequenera’s legend. He and the remaining Tao family members are punished by Apepa for treason against him. However, Kamose escapes banishment with family and assembles large army and starts military campaign against Apepa who us ruling the country from North. He gathers all the princes from south, with quickly gathered army travels along the Nile to North against Apepa. He concurs towns and forts and ruthlessly destroys those places and kills population to create fear and panic to reach the ear of Apepa. He liberates what is called southern Egypt and finally reached the capital city of Apepa Het-Urat and lays siege of the huge fort of Apepa with army and a navy. However, Apepa does not come out and fight and as the season of flood comes, Kamose returns back to Waset. After inundation he again marches army and this time he is able to entice Apepa through his spy Ramose and he sends two army of fifty thousand each led by his two generals. Kamose tactfully lures one army in never ending desert and destroys all of the them and the other army retreats back to Het-Urat, thus giving Kamose a clear victory but he still rules only southern Egypt.
However, Kamose soon faces mutiny as his Princes start disliking his ruthless style of operation and his dependence on able General Hor-Aha and black guy from Wawat. In one night, just before Kamose was to start his third campaign against Apepa, the conspirators are able to kill Kamose and injure his brother Ahmose. However, the ladies of the Tao family take decisive role and is able to prevent mutiny with the help of Hor-Aha and loyal Prince Ankhmahor and Ramose.
Ahmose slowly recover from his injury, becomes the successor of Kamose and starts planning military campaign against Apepa. He is, however, more mature than Kamose mand learns from his mistakes. For the subsequent details you need to read “The Horus Road”.
I liked the style of Pauline, he a master in knitting the story and never lets you get bored. The conspiracy and the details of the life of loner Kamose is well captured. There is a character list at the beginning of the book, which is very helpful. I wish he had added the twelve-month names of ancient Egypt there. He has also added a nice reference list. I will recommend this book to every Egypt lover.
Ancient Egypt had glorious Pharaonic rule from 2686 to 304 BC, but there were brief periods within when Egypt was occupied by foreigners and they ruled Egypt. During Second Intermediate period kings from Lebanon/Syria concurred Egypt (called Hyksos or Setiu or Heqa Khasut) with superior military power by use of chariots, compound arrow and bronze weapons. However, dethroned Egyptian kings continued to resist them and finally overthrew them during the New Kingdom.
This book is during period when Hyksos ruler Apepa ruled Egypt from the North, while in South in present day Luxor (Waset) dethroned Egyptian Pharaoh descendant Seqenenra Tao was defeated and killed while rebelling. His second son Kamose inherits Sequenera’s legend. He and the remaining Tao family members are punished by Apepa for treason against him. However, Kamose escapes banishment with family and assembles large army and starts military campaign against Apepa who us ruling the country from North. He gathers all the princes from south, with quickly gathered army travels along the Nile to North against Apepa. He concurs towns and forts and ruthlessly destroys those places and kills population to create fear and panic to reach the ear of Apepa. He liberates what is called southern Egypt and finally reached the capital city of Apepa Het-Urat and lays siege of the huge fort of Apepa with army and a navy. However, Apepa does not come out and fight and as the season of flood comes, Kamose returns back to Waset. After inundation he again marches army and this time he is able to entice Apepa through his spy Ramose and he sends two army of fifty thousand each led by his two generals. Kamose tactfully lures one army in never ending desert and destroys all of the them and the other army retreats back to Het-Urat, thus giving Kamose a clear victory but he still rules only southern Egypt.
However, Kamose soon faces mutiny as his Princes start disliking his ruthless style of operation and his dependence on able General Hor-Aha and black guy from Wawat. In one night, just before Kamose was to start his third campaign against Apepa, the conspirators are able to kill Kamose and injure his brother Ahmose. However, the ladies of the Tao family take decisive role and is able to prevent mutiny with the help of Hor-Aha and loyal Prince Ankhmahor and Ramose.
Ahmose slowly recover from his injury, becomes the successor of Kamose and starts planning military campaign against Apepa. He is, however, more mature than Kamose mand learns from his mistakes. For the subsequent details you need to read “The Horus Road”.
I liked the style of Pauline, he a master in knitting the story and never lets you get bored. The conspiracy and the details of the life of loner Kamose is well captured. There is a character list at the beginning of the book, which is very helpful. I wish he had added the twelve-month names of ancient Egypt there. He has also added a nice reference list. I will recommend this book to every Egypt lover.
May 15, 2025
Absolut lesenswert.
Ich habe schon den ersten Band, jedenfalls die deutsche Übersetzung, mit Leidenschaft geliebt. Die Fortsetzung ist genauso packend und mitreißend. Besonders beeindruckt bin ich von der wirklich meisterhaften Art, wie diese Geschichte erzählt wird, wie sie ihren Lauf nimmt, sich windet, Ecken schlägt, Spannung aufbaut und Sympathien weckt.
Die Perspektiven verschiedener Charaktere werden fließend mit unterschiedlichen narrativen Mitteln ineinandergewoben - in diesem Band ist mir ein Abschnitt in Briefform aufgefallen, was es im ersten Band, meiner Erinnerung nach, nicht gab.
Ganz große Klasse auch, wie Ahmose und später Aahmes-nofretari schleichend den Fokus der Erzählung auf sich ziehen und die Geschichte aus ihrer Perspektive erzählen. Es ist ein historischer Roman. Ich wusste schon, was passiert. Trotzdem nicht auch nur einen Deut minder spannend und fesselnd. Die große dramatische Endszene - ein Meisterwerk, bildlich. Vom ersten Band der Reihe sagte ich, ich hätte beim Lesen einen Actionfilm vor Augen gehabt. Ich wurde nicht enttäuscht. Immense, unkontrollierte Begeisterung meinerseits.
Ich habe schon den ersten Band, jedenfalls die deutsche Übersetzung, mit Leidenschaft geliebt. Die Fortsetzung ist genauso packend und mitreißend. Besonders beeindruckt bin ich von der wirklich meisterhaften Art, wie diese Geschichte erzählt wird, wie sie ihren Lauf nimmt, sich windet, Ecken schlägt, Spannung aufbaut und Sympathien weckt.
Die Perspektiven verschiedener Charaktere werden fließend mit unterschiedlichen narrativen Mitteln ineinandergewoben - in diesem Band ist mir ein Abschnitt in Briefform aufgefallen, was es im ersten Band, meiner Erinnerung nach, nicht gab.
Ganz große Klasse auch, wie Ahmose und später Aahmes-nofretari schleichend den Fokus der Erzählung auf sich ziehen und die Geschichte aus ihrer Perspektive erzählen. Es ist ein historischer Roman. Ich wusste schon, was passiert. Trotzdem nicht auch nur einen Deut minder spannend und fesselnd. Die große dramatische Endszene - ein Meisterwerk, bildlich. Vom ersten Band der Reihe sagte ich, ich hätte beim Lesen einen Actionfilm vor Augen gehabt. Ich wurde nicht enttäuscht. Immense, unkontrollierte Begeisterung meinerseits.
January 27, 2018
It broke my heart that Kamose had to die from assassination. I know from history that Kamose had a short reign, and it's up to the author to fill up the gaps by using her imagination. Overall, I like that the scenery, how Kamose was portrayed, the family, the anguish at the betrayal, the personal growth of Ramose, Ahmes-nefertari, and Ahmose. But I pity Ramose, because he lost his family due to betrayal to the Tao, but he had a good head on his shoulders, though it really is difficult for him.
I really like this book! And I am excited to continue the journey of the Taos, with Ahmose as the crowned king in the third book.
I really like this book! And I am excited to continue the journey of the Taos, with Ahmose as the crowned king in the third book.
April 6, 2021
While I enjoyed the action/adventurey parts of this book, I have to admit between my current somewhat distracted state of mind, the fact that I read the previous book years and years ago, and the similarity of the three male protags' names meant I got confused a lot during the political/intrigue parts of the book. I got it straight in the end, but I don't really think I can write a good review because I was so distracted by that. I did really enjoy the desert survival portions of the book, though; I've been reading a lot of arctic/arctic ocean survival stuff, so desert survival stuff was neat to read as kind of the polar opposite of that.
April 14, 2020
Even though this book is the second in a trilogy - I enjoyed it. After his father's death, Kamose, assumes command of the rebellion of the native princes (Egypt) to over throw the Setia (Hyksos). The cost is heavy - a lot of bloodshed. What I liked is that the book gives one an idea of an Egyptian "royal family" - the sister\wife, servants, etc. The women in the book after very strong. What I also lied is that the book had a map and index of the characters. Difficult names to remember.
October 9, 2025
This for me wasn't as good as the first novel which had echoes of Sharon Penman in style language and historical drama (High praise indeed).....The second book felt sluggish and repetitive and I managed 147 pages....I'm clearly in a minority...maybe I'm just spoiled with "Penman and Colleen McCullough "
Sorry DNF.
Sorry DNF.
August 14, 2017
tweede deel van heersers van de Nijl
August 25, 2018
Huy! Huy!
I need more...
I need more...
November 16, 2018
Anything Pauline gedge writes is going to be great!!! This book was great and the series so far is great.
June 24, 2019
An excellent second volume in the trilogy, it makes the history of that period of Egypt come alive.
July 5, 2019
I liked this one more than the first.
April 17, 2021
Continues to be amazing, this series is just so well written and riveting.
Now onto the last!
Now onto the last!
October 20, 2022
5/5 Stars
Kamose, Tetisheri, and Aahmes-Nefertari are such excellent and complex characters! Literally have not read a bad Pauline Gedge book yet.
Kamose, Tetisheri, and Aahmes-Nefertari are such excellent and complex characters! Literally have not read a bad Pauline Gedge book yet.
June 22, 2011
Hoewel Gedge veelbelovend begon met deze trilogie, worden de minpuntjes uit deel 1 benadrukt in deel 2. De Oase begint traag en in het midden lijkt het bijna volledig stil te staan.
Waar het in het begin nog wel interessant was om te lezen over de allerdaagse handelingen van de Oude Egyptenaren, zoals de badrituelen, de soort kleding en accesoires die ze dragen, wordt het na tien beschrijvingen niets meer dan saai en langdradig. Er is een opstand gaande, een oorlog aan de gang, wat interesseert het de lezer hoe vaak de prinsen van Waset zich baden per dag? Of dat ze een nieuwe linnen rok omslaan? Of welke band de prinsessen om hun pruik hebben geslagen?
De eindeloze reeks vergaderingen en krijgsraden zijn zenuwslopend, afgewisseld met bovengenoemde eindeloze beschrijvingen. Er gebeurt nauwelijks iets. De paar gevechten worden kort beschreven, of helemaal niet, maar de gesprekken daarvoor worden te uitgebreid behandeld en tot in de details aan de lezer vertelt.
Kamose bespreekt zijn tactiek met Ahmose. Vervolgens bespreken Kamose en Ahmose hun tactiek met Hor-Aha. Daarna bespreken de drie hun tactiek met de prinsen van Egypte. En elke keer worden dezelfde bezwaren naar voren gehaald tegen de besproken strategie, evenals dezelfde argumenten om hem toch uit te voeren.
Kamose en Ahmose bespreken hun ongenoegen over de prinsen van Egypte met elkaar en dan met Hor-Aha en vervolgens wordt in de krijgsraad met de prinsen beschreven dat Kamose zich ongemakkelijk voelt en zich irriteert over de prinsen.
Dat is veel te veel herhaling. En als dit dan allemaal nog weer wordt beschreven in een brief naar Tetisjeri (die de lezer ook leest) en later in het boek dan ook nog weer wordt besproken met Tetisjeri bij Kamoses thuiskomst, en daarna ook nog een keer met Ahhotep en Ahmes-Nefertari, dan is de lol van het lezen wat mij betreft een beetje verminderd.
Het is jammer dat Gedge haar herhaling dan niet afmaakt en de werkelijke strijd - die zo uitgebreid is besproken - ook aan de lezer beschrijft. Vaak worden hier weinig woorden aan vuil gemaakt, eigenlijk te weinig. De balans tussen actie en dialoog is in de eerste twee delen van dit boek volledig verdwenen.
Gelukkig kan ik dit boek toch krap aan vier sterren geven. Net over de helft van het verhaal, als de moedeloosheid dreigt toe te slaan, wordt het weer spannend. De confrontatie wordt opgezocht, er gebeuren weer dingen die ook werkelijk aan de lezer beschreven worden, in plaats van besproken in een dialoog met Kamose.
Toch kan ik het idee niet loslaten dat Gedge zelf ook blij was dat haar ei was gelegd. Soms gaat ze hier zelfs een beetje te snel, alsof ze het boek wil eindigen, en krijgt de lezer niet de tijd om te begrijpen wat er gaande is. Zo is de transformatie van Kamose na zijn campagne in Wawat onbegrijpelijk en onbeschreven. En helaas zullen we in boek 3 ook niet weten hoe dat tot stand is gekomen.
Ondanks de vrij grote kritiek op dit deel, blijft mijn respect voor het ontzagwekkende werk dat Gedge moet hebben verricht om deze trilogie te schrijven onverminderd groot. Alleen al in de beknopte bibliografie staan bijna 40 geraadpleegde boeken.
Vandaar nog altijd 4 sterren voor dit boek.
Waar het in het begin nog wel interessant was om te lezen over de allerdaagse handelingen van de Oude Egyptenaren, zoals de badrituelen, de soort kleding en accesoires die ze dragen, wordt het na tien beschrijvingen niets meer dan saai en langdradig. Er is een opstand gaande, een oorlog aan de gang, wat interesseert het de lezer hoe vaak de prinsen van Waset zich baden per dag? Of dat ze een nieuwe linnen rok omslaan? Of welke band de prinsessen om hun pruik hebben geslagen?
De eindeloze reeks vergaderingen en krijgsraden zijn zenuwslopend, afgewisseld met bovengenoemde eindeloze beschrijvingen. Er gebeurt nauwelijks iets. De paar gevechten worden kort beschreven, of helemaal niet, maar de gesprekken daarvoor worden te uitgebreid behandeld en tot in de details aan de lezer vertelt.
Kamose bespreekt zijn tactiek met Ahmose. Vervolgens bespreken Kamose en Ahmose hun tactiek met Hor-Aha. Daarna bespreken de drie hun tactiek met de prinsen van Egypte. En elke keer worden dezelfde bezwaren naar voren gehaald tegen de besproken strategie, evenals dezelfde argumenten om hem toch uit te voeren.
Kamose en Ahmose bespreken hun ongenoegen over de prinsen van Egypte met elkaar en dan met Hor-Aha en vervolgens wordt in de krijgsraad met de prinsen beschreven dat Kamose zich ongemakkelijk voelt en zich irriteert over de prinsen.
Dat is veel te veel herhaling. En als dit dan allemaal nog weer wordt beschreven in een brief naar Tetisjeri (die de lezer ook leest) en later in het boek dan ook nog weer wordt besproken met Tetisjeri bij Kamoses thuiskomst, en daarna ook nog een keer met Ahhotep en Ahmes-Nefertari, dan is de lol van het lezen wat mij betreft een beetje verminderd.
Het is jammer dat Gedge haar herhaling dan niet afmaakt en de werkelijke strijd - die zo uitgebreid is besproken - ook aan de lezer beschrijft. Vaak worden hier weinig woorden aan vuil gemaakt, eigenlijk te weinig. De balans tussen actie en dialoog is in de eerste twee delen van dit boek volledig verdwenen.
Gelukkig kan ik dit boek toch krap aan vier sterren geven. Net over de helft van het verhaal, als de moedeloosheid dreigt toe te slaan, wordt het weer spannend. De confrontatie wordt opgezocht, er gebeuren weer dingen die ook werkelijk aan de lezer beschreven worden, in plaats van besproken in een dialoog met Kamose.
Toch kan ik het idee niet loslaten dat Gedge zelf ook blij was dat haar ei was gelegd. Soms gaat ze hier zelfs een beetje te snel, alsof ze het boek wil eindigen, en krijgt de lezer niet de tijd om te begrijpen wat er gaande is. Zo is de transformatie van Kamose na zijn campagne in Wawat onbegrijpelijk en onbeschreven. En helaas zullen we in boek 3 ook niet weten hoe dat tot stand is gekomen.
Ondanks de vrij grote kritiek op dit deel, blijft mijn respect voor het ontzagwekkende werk dat Gedge moet hebben verricht om deze trilogie te schrijven onverminderd groot. Alleen al in de beknopte bibliografie staan bijna 40 geraadpleegde boeken.
Vandaar nog altijd 4 sterren voor dit boek.
March 7, 2023
Excellent second installment of the Lord of two Lands trilogy.
February 14, 2014
With his father (Seqenenra) and his twin (Si-Amun) dead, you would think Kamose would be ready to give up. But instead of standing by and watching his family torn apart by the Hyksos king, Apepa, he decides to fight. After all, he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Kamose’s decision to fight irrevocably changes both himself and the fate of Egypt.
Faster paced than her later work and filled with memorable characters, The Oasis is my favourite book in the Lords of the Two Lands trilogy. Of course I am biased because I love reading about ancient warfare, but Pauline Gedge has still penned a wonderful novel. Told mostly from the point of view of Kamose, she gives us greater insight into the man behind the ruthless reputation. His motivations are very believable and his internal struggles with the war are heart-wrenching, which makes him a very three dimensional character.
“This trilogy is dedicated to Prince Kamose, one of the most obscure and misunderstood characters in Egyptian history. I hope that in some small way I have contributed to his rehabilitation.”
I truly believe that Pauline Gedge has contributed a lot to the rehabilitation of the infamous Kamose Tao, in much the same way Marcus Crassus was rehabilitated in my eyes by Andrew Levkoff. Her trilogy certainly changed my perception of the great leader and I hope it changes yours as well.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
Faster paced than her later work and filled with memorable characters, The Oasis is my favourite book in the Lords of the Two Lands trilogy. Of course I am biased because I love reading about ancient warfare, but Pauline Gedge has still penned a wonderful novel. Told mostly from the point of view of Kamose, she gives us greater insight into the man behind the ruthless reputation. His motivations are very believable and his internal struggles with the war are heart-wrenching, which makes him a very three dimensional character.
“This trilogy is dedicated to Prince Kamose, one of the most obscure and misunderstood characters in Egyptian history. I hope that in some small way I have contributed to his rehabilitation.”
I truly believe that Pauline Gedge has contributed a lot to the rehabilitation of the infamous Kamose Tao, in much the same way Marcus Crassus was rehabilitated in my eyes by Andrew Levkoff. Her trilogy certainly changed my perception of the great leader and I hope it changes yours as well.
I give this book 5/5 stars.
October 18, 2010
A magnificent sequel which, in many ways, even surpasses the first novel. Gedge is a wonderful author of historical fiction, with the power to effortlessly recreate the mysterious and wonderful world of ancient Egypt without bogging the reader down in too much unnecessary detail. The ultimate test for the writer of historic fiction is in looking to see the balance that is struck with fact and fiction, and Gedge has blended these together seamlessly, never losing the dramatic pace and integrity essential to keep readers wanting more without abandoning her endeavour for historical accuracy.
I enjoyed The Oasis more than I did the first book, mostly because I think because the story of Egypt’s fight for freedom starts to pick up pace around the time Kamose becomes Pharaoh, but also because of the nice twists that were placed here and there in the story. Characters have developed significantly since the first novel, and Kamose is a lot more identifiable this time round - no longer just the quiet, brooding second son - than he was in the first book.
Very enjoyable and it’s sure to make readers want to know what happens next in the last instalment of this exciting trilogy.
I enjoyed The Oasis more than I did the first book, mostly because I think because the story of Egypt’s fight for freedom starts to pick up pace around the time Kamose becomes Pharaoh, but also because of the nice twists that were placed here and there in the story. Characters have developed significantly since the first novel, and Kamose is a lot more identifiable this time round - no longer just the quiet, brooding second son - than he was in the first book.
Very enjoyable and it’s sure to make readers want to know what happens next in the last instalment of this exciting trilogy.
Read
August 7, 2011Decidedly the best Gedge I have read. First and foremost, this is a powerful character study of Kamose, his drives, his insecurities and doubts, his compensations and confidence, and the ruthless decisions he finds he must make to recover Egypt for Egyptians. In this reading, I discovered a truly complex young man of power, defined by his father's initiative, driven by the the necessity he sees for himself, guided by the strengths in his grandmother, his mother, and his sister, and moderated by his brother. This book demonstrates a truly exotic culture made remarkably real, tight family bonds, deep religious devotion, and gripping politics amid civil strife. The real people truly come to life and the fictitious characters simply help give flesh to the whole story. A word of warning: The Oasis does not stand on its own; to truly make sense it does depend on volume 1, The Hippopotamus Marsh. I look forward to getting into volume 3, The Horus Road.
April 4, 2016
This is the second of a trilogy. I will do a more in-depth review once I've completed the next installment. The writing is vivid and well-researched. Pauline Gedge is a brilliant historical fiction author- her words propel you into a different time and place. Ancient Egypt is so fascinating. The more I read, the more involved I became in the story. I believe this series is good reading for all. It has many masculine qualities- brotherhood, war stratagems, familial pride and so forth. It also possesses feminine feel. There's is love and a softness that at times hard militant novels lack. Egyptian names often stem from their religion. Ra, Ka, Amun, Ankh, etc. Reading these novels feel spiritual.
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