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221 BC: Scroll 1 of the Narmer War
Set against the backdrop of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, an alternate history unfolds, linking the power of the pharaohs to magic. Brother is pitted against brother in a race to find twelve amulets, lost with the ancient pharaoh, and unlock their powers. Whoever holds the amulets holds that power; to save the world...or destroy it.
- GenresFantasy
364 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2018
5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 7, 2018
King Ptolemy IV, Macedonian ruler of Egypt mentor and good friend, Qibo is dead. The king calls on his trusted team to get to the bottom of why Qibo was so brutally murdered. It is immediately suspected that it has something to do with the ancient tablets that he had been painstakingly transcribing. The tablets are believed to hold secrets to unlocking magical powers of 12 amulets. They don't want these magical powers to get in the wrong hands as they may be able to take control of the kingdom.
I found the ancient history fascinating. It is quite apparent that the authors did a lot of research. The characters were well thought out and came to life for me. Though there were a couple parts that dragged a bit, I found '221 B.C.' very engaging and hard to put down. I felt as if I were watching a movie rather than reading a book. I also liked the occasional romance to break up the heavier parts of war and exciting twists. The novel is categorized in part, for young adults however, I think it may be a bit to dense for most in that age group.
If you enjoy historical mystery, especially from ancient times, I highly recommend '221 B.C.' This is book one of a new series and I can hardly wait for book 2! Now that the numerous cast of characters have been introduced, I think book 2 will have even better flow and it will be getting to know some of the characters better. I also hope that someone buys the rights to make a movie! I really think it would play well on the big screen. 4.5/5
I found the ancient history fascinating. It is quite apparent that the authors did a lot of research. The characters were well thought out and came to life for me. Though there were a couple parts that dragged a bit, I found '221 B.C.' very engaging and hard to put down. I felt as if I were watching a movie rather than reading a book. I also liked the occasional romance to break up the heavier parts of war and exciting twists. The novel is categorized in part, for young adults however, I think it may be a bit to dense for most in that age group.
If you enjoy historical mystery, especially from ancient times, I highly recommend '221 B.C.' This is book one of a new series and I can hardly wait for book 2! Now that the numerous cast of characters have been introduced, I think book 2 will have even better flow and it will be getting to know some of the characters better. I also hope that someone buys the rights to make a movie! I really think it would play well on the big screen. 4.5/5
November 8, 2018
Magic and Mayhem and Murder, oh my! This book had it all. What a thrill ride from start to finish. I started this book trying to keep my hopes in check. I love ancient Egyptian culture and history but I actually don't know that much about it and I've read a lot of historical novels that didn't feel well researched.
I wanted this to be a book that combines my love of ancient Egypt with some magical realism elements, drama, adventure and maybe even a little romance. This did exactly that and I was not disappointed. It's obvious that the author did an insane amount of research in order to write this but it doesn't have that dry, high school history textbook feel that some historical novels get.
The action and supernatural elements kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. Without giving away too much of the plot, the gist of the main story is that King Ptolemy's mentor and close friend is murdered. At the time of his death, the friend was working on translating some ancient tablets that are believed to have magical powers. The tablets are supposed to lead the way to these 12 amulets that are incredibly powerful and Ptolemy, of course, wants to find them. What follows is an action-packed romp through a stunningly familiar yet totally alien historical time.
There is so much going on in the story that for most of it, I couldn't put it down. I really can't recommend this highly enough and I would give it to anyone that enjoys epic war stories, magical mysteries and great writing. If you see that cover and immediately want to read the book, than you will enjoy this for sure.
I wanted this to be a book that combines my love of ancient Egypt with some magical realism elements, drama, adventure and maybe even a little romance. This did exactly that and I was not disappointed. It's obvious that the author did an insane amount of research in order to write this but it doesn't have that dry, high school history textbook feel that some historical novels get.
The action and supernatural elements kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it. Without giving away too much of the plot, the gist of the main story is that King Ptolemy's mentor and close friend is murdered. At the time of his death, the friend was working on translating some ancient tablets that are believed to have magical powers. The tablets are supposed to lead the way to these 12 amulets that are incredibly powerful and Ptolemy, of course, wants to find them. What follows is an action-packed romp through a stunningly familiar yet totally alien historical time.
There is so much going on in the story that for most of it, I couldn't put it down. I really can't recommend this highly enough and I would give it to anyone that enjoys epic war stories, magical mysteries and great writing. If you see that cover and immediately want to read the book, than you will enjoy this for sure.
November 3, 2018
I was automatically drawn in by the cover and then the summary did me in and I had to read it.
The story follows two brothers in a race to find the twelve amulets. These amulets can change the course of history and either save the world or destroy it. This is a what-if mixed with some magic. Lots of war and battles.
I really enjoyed the mix of magic. I feel like it really added to the story. It made it even better and it was for sure a game changer. I know a hair about this war (not a lot) so it was fun to see the what-if element at play. I wasn't sure WHAT was going to happen.
I liked Hannibal's story and I liked Mago. They were my favorites and I was worried about them especially taking that trip across the Alps! Scary!
The beginning was a little slow for me and I didn't connect with any of the characters right away. It took a few chapters for me to really get sucked in. Lots of world-building, but it was necessary for sure in order to really get what was going on. Thank goodness for the name list before the book started! It really was nice to give it a quick glimpse before starting. See who all the players were. Made it easier to follow.
The ending left me agape! I wanted more!!!!! Ugh!
In the end, I enjoyed this. It was fun seeing the magic and what-if elements added into this time period and these events. I am curious to see what happens next. I'll give this 4 stars.
The story follows two brothers in a race to find the twelve amulets. These amulets can change the course of history and either save the world or destroy it. This is a what-if mixed with some magic. Lots of war and battles.
I really enjoyed the mix of magic. I feel like it really added to the story. It made it even better and it was for sure a game changer. I know a hair about this war (not a lot) so it was fun to see the what-if element at play. I wasn't sure WHAT was going to happen.
I liked Hannibal's story and I liked Mago. They were my favorites and I was worried about them especially taking that trip across the Alps! Scary!
The beginning was a little slow for me and I didn't connect with any of the characters right away. It took a few chapters for me to really get sucked in. Lots of world-building, but it was necessary for sure in order to really get what was going on. Thank goodness for the name list before the book started! It really was nice to give it a quick glimpse before starting. See who all the players were. Made it easier to follow.
The ending left me agape! I wanted more!!!!! Ugh!
In the end, I enjoyed this. It was fun seeing the magic and what-if elements added into this time period and these events. I am curious to see what happens next. I'll give this 4 stars.
November 8, 2018
I like ancient Egypt and I love fantasy, so this book was a sort of Heaven sent.
It was fascinating, engaging and entertaining.
Even if it was a bit slow at beginning once you got into the story you were hooked till the last page.
I liked the characters and the world building and hope there will be other instalment in this setting.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Salem Author Services and Netgalley for this ARC
It was fascinating, engaging and entertaining.
Even if it was a bit slow at beginning once you got into the story you were hooked till the last page.
I liked the characters and the world building and hope there will be other instalment in this setting.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Salem Author Services and Netgalley for this ARC
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews