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The Amarna Age #1
Queen of Egypt
She knows she's going to kill the man she loves. She just doesn't know why yet.
Ankhesenamun needs to produce an heir to the throne -- quickly. Pharaoh Tutankhamun is young and weak. His chief advisors are planning his quiet removal and Ankhesenamun hopes to hold them off by producing an heir who can become a stronger Pharaoh.
When Pharaoh's advisors move the court from the desert city of Akhetaten back to ancient Memphis, Ankhesenamun is thrown into a new world of danger, secrets, and old gods. Her dreams warn her of a blond-haired man who she will fall desperately in love with -- and who will die by her own hand.
When the man from her dreams suddenly enters her life, she realises just how hard it's going to be to stay away from him. Forgetting the warnings, she throws herself into an affair with him. After all, she's supposed to be producing an heir. As his secrets start to be revealed, she searches for a way to save him. But saving his life might lead him to a fate worse than death.
Queen of Egypt is the first book in a series set in 18th Dynasty Egypt in a world where the old gods have been worshipped for thousands of years and magic is a matter of belief. For readers of historical fantasy who enjoy magical realism and an ancient world setting.
Ankhesenamun needs to produce an heir to the throne -- quickly. Pharaoh Tutankhamun is young and weak. His chief advisors are planning his quiet removal and Ankhesenamun hopes to hold them off by producing an heir who can become a stronger Pharaoh.
When Pharaoh's advisors move the court from the desert city of Akhetaten back to ancient Memphis, Ankhesenamun is thrown into a new world of danger, secrets, and old gods. Her dreams warn her of a blond-haired man who she will fall desperately in love with -- and who will die by her own hand.
When the man from her dreams suddenly enters her life, she realises just how hard it's going to be to stay away from him. Forgetting the warnings, she throws herself into an affair with him. After all, she's supposed to be producing an heir. As his secrets start to be revealed, she searches for a way to save him. But saving his life might lead him to a fate worse than death.
Queen of Egypt is the first book in a series set in 18th Dynasty Egypt in a world where the old gods have been worshipped for thousands of years and magic is a matter of belief. For readers of historical fantasy who enjoy magical realism and an ancient world setting.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2019
215 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
About the author
Kylie Quillinan
36 books71 followersKylie writes about women who defy society’s expectations. Her novels are for readers who like fantasy with a basis in history or mythology. Her interests include Dr Who, jellyfish and cocktails. She needs to get fit before the zombies come. You can find her online at kyliequillinan.com.
SWAN – the epilogue to the Tales of Silver Downs series – is available exclusively to her mailing list subscribers. Sign up at kyliequillinan.com.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Kylie Quillinan
1. I studied Ancient Greek at university because I wanted to read Homer in his own language.
2. I’m fascinated by miniatures and tiny things, and am building my own dollhouse.
3. I studied to be a journalist because I thought that would provide a more reliable income than writing. I hated it because I wasn’t telling my own stories, only repeating what somebody else had already said.
4. If I wasn’t a writer, I would have been a marine biologist except that I get very, very sea sick. I’m also claustrophobic under water so that was never going to work out.
5. I never ever look into a mirror in a dark room.
SWAN – the epilogue to the Tales of Silver Downs series – is available exclusively to her mailing list subscribers. Sign up at kyliequillinan.com.
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Kylie Quillinan
1. I studied Ancient Greek at university because I wanted to read Homer in his own language.
2. I’m fascinated by miniatures and tiny things, and am building my own dollhouse.
3. I studied to be a journalist because I thought that would provide a more reliable income than writing. I hated it because I wasn’t telling my own stories, only repeating what somebody else had already said.
4. If I wasn’t a writer, I would have been a marine biologist except that I get very, very sea sick. I’m also claustrophobic under water so that was never going to work out.
5. I never ever look into a mirror in a dark room.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 9, 2025
I was fully prepared to give this a scathing review before I read the authors note at the end, but I will still include some of my original thoughts in it.
Ever since I was a little girl I have been fascinated with Ancient Egypt, and finally going there and seeing all the temples and graves was a high point of my teenage years. So when I saw a story rooted in Ancient Egypt on Kobo Plus, I had to read it.
And because it's something I have long been fascinated by (although I am no historian), some of the creative liberties bothered me. First of, in this story Akhenaten outlives Nefertiti, whist in reality, the accepted theory is that Ahkenaten died either 1336 BC or 1334 BC, while Nefertiti lived up until 1330 BC. Meaning she outlived him by at least 4 years. The story also places Tutankhamun as his direct predecessor, whist consensus is that his rule did not begin until 1332 BC. The author does state that new evidence about Nefertiti (and that she probably reigned as Neferneferuaten - and if this was not Nefertiti herself it might have been her oldest daughter Meritaten) did not come to light when she wrote this book, but Smenkhkare was a known entity (whether as a co-ruler of Ahkenaten or as Pharaoh himself).
The author also takes a lot of liberties with the sisters themselves, which I don't mind as much since their fates are much more unknown. She does place Ankhesenamun as the wife of Ahkenaten's heir (who I am presuming was Smenkhkare in this story), however, Smenkhkare was husband to Meritaten, the eldest sister. In fact, if Ankhesenamun had a husband before Tutankhamun, it was probably her father. I understand having to take creative liberties when writing a book, but I also believe historical timelines should be respected.
There is some more historical wonkiness, but those are much more story focused and move the plot along, so I'll forgive those.
Ankhesenamun as a main character was annoying. She read like a spoiled teenager, which as Queen of Egypt, is exactly what she is I suppose. She keeps her servants at arms length, but then gets angry when they don't tell her everything. She wants to be Queen and rule, but she keeps making dumb decision after dumb decision.
The visions are kinda there, I am guessing those are going to pay off further on in the series. I don't think I will read those. But I am kind of intrigued how Ay is going to go from her mortal enemy to her husband.
Read this if:
- You like young girls making stupid decisions
- You like your fiction to be vaguely historical
Don't read this if:
- You have a vested interest in Ancient Egypt
- You need some plot to space out the whining
Ever since I was a little girl I have been fascinated with Ancient Egypt, and finally going there and seeing all the temples and graves was a high point of my teenage years. So when I saw a story rooted in Ancient Egypt on Kobo Plus, I had to read it.
And because it's something I have long been fascinated by (although I am no historian), some of the creative liberties bothered me. First of, in this story Akhenaten outlives Nefertiti, whist in reality, the accepted theory is that Ahkenaten died either 1336 BC or 1334 BC, while Nefertiti lived up until 1330 BC. Meaning she outlived him by at least 4 years. The story also places Tutankhamun as his direct predecessor, whist consensus is that his rule did not begin until 1332 BC. The author does state that new evidence about Nefertiti (and that she probably reigned as Neferneferuaten - and if this was not Nefertiti herself it might have been her oldest daughter Meritaten) did not come to light when she wrote this book, but Smenkhkare was a known entity (whether as a co-ruler of Ahkenaten or as Pharaoh himself).
The author also takes a lot of liberties with the sisters themselves, which I don't mind as much since their fates are much more unknown. She does place Ankhesenamun as the wife of Ahkenaten's heir (who I am presuming was Smenkhkare in this story), however, Smenkhkare was husband to Meritaten, the eldest sister. In fact, if Ankhesenamun had a husband before Tutankhamun, it was probably her father. I understand having to take creative liberties when writing a book, but I also believe historical timelines should be respected.
There is some more historical wonkiness, but those are much more story focused and move the plot along, so I'll forgive those.
Ankhesenamun as a main character was annoying. She read like a spoiled teenager, which as Queen of Egypt, is exactly what she is I suppose. She keeps her servants at arms length, but then gets angry when they don't tell her everything. She wants to be Queen and rule, but she keeps making dumb decision after dumb decision.
The visions are kinda there, I am guessing those are going to pay off further on in the series. I don't think I will read those. But I am kind of intrigued how Ay is going to go from her mortal enemy to her husband.
Read this if:
- You like young girls making stupid decisions
- You like your fiction to be vaguely historical
Don't read this if:
- You have a vested interest in Ancient Egypt
- You need some plot to space out the whining
June 16, 2019
I have always been fascinated by Egypt so it was not hard for me to decide to purchase Queen of Egypt which I did this morning. It is now 2.30 pm and the book is finished. Fascinating, intriguing, descriptive, beautiful. In fact, I think I will be re-reading shortly.
This does seem a very short review for such a special book but when all is said and done a good read is a good read. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is intrigued by the Pharoahs. The fact that we all feel that we know a lot about Tutankhamen means that the we can take a walk through his time and immerse ourselves in his life - even though we are seeing that life from his half-sister/Queen.
This does seem a very short review for such a special book but when all is said and done a good read is a good read. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is intrigued by the Pharoahs. The fact that we all feel that we know a lot about Tutankhamen means that the we can take a walk through his time and immerse ourselves in his life - even though we are seeing that life from his half-sister/Queen.
November 15, 2022
I rated this two stars because the book is set in ancient Egypt, during the reign of King Tut. The author does a very good job with the world building and setting, to make the reader feel drawn into this time and place. The rest of the book is rubbish.
There is some court intrigue, but honestly the Queen, who knows someone is out to kill her AND is spying on her, is woefully stupid. She allows people near her who are quite obviously not who they appear to be, goes to places she already knows are dangerous, and tells people WAY too much about herself. She also writes long, detailed letters to her two long lost sisters, who she sent away years ago and has no idea where they've been taken. So, she's not a bright bulb. I prefer my heroines to bother to use their brain cells. I found her irritating.
This was a free e-book hanging out in my Kindle library, so I went ahead and used it for the "Q" book in this year's A to Z Challenge. It is part of a series, but I won't read on. I'm amazed the queen managed to stay alive for five pages in THIS book. I'm thankful I didn't spend money on this.
There is some court intrigue, but honestly the Queen, who knows someone is out to kill her AND is spying on her, is woefully stupid. She allows people near her who are quite obviously not who they appear to be, goes to places she already knows are dangerous, and tells people WAY too much about herself. She also writes long, detailed letters to her two long lost sisters, who she sent away years ago and has no idea where they've been taken. So, she's not a bright bulb. I prefer my heroines to bother to use their brain cells. I found her irritating.
This was a free e-book hanging out in my Kindle library, so I went ahead and used it for the "Q" book in this year's A to Z Challenge. It is part of a series, but I won't read on. I'm amazed the queen managed to stay alive for five pages in THIS book. I'm thankful I didn't spend money on this.
January 19, 2020
A good book if you love all things Egypt. My issue with the book is a frustrating heroine. She really needed to get a backbone and figure out a way to out maneuver her foes. At first I was rooting for her but, became frustrated with her actions and lack of action. I don't mind when a book starts with a week heroine but, she needs to grow and learn. Her disinterest in the empire she was queen of was frustrating. Hopefully the in next book she will be stronger.
October 9, 2023
Little to no character development, the letters written to her sisters were so, so, stupid, and honestly so was Ankhesenamun.
Somehow though, I still found myself rooting for her. World building was good, and I liked how the author spent some time detailing the loss Ankhesenamun felt at leaving the city she grew up in.
Some side plots were left untouched but I’m hoping those get resolved in the next five books in this series.
3/5 ⭐️
Somehow though, I still found myself rooting for her. World building was good, and I liked how the author spent some time detailing the loss Ankhesenamun felt at leaving the city she grew up in.
Some side plots were left untouched but I’m hoping those get resolved in the next five books in this series.
3/5 ⭐️
April 9, 2023
The book was well written, I loved the intricate details in the representation of the ancient egyptian culture. The main problem, however, was I did not enjoy the main character at all. From the very beginning, she felt too emotionless and unrelatable, and her last deed officially made me hate her. So even though it was a pleasant book, I will not be checking the rest of the series.
June 18, 2025
Cool setting…absolutely the most stupid pathetic main character ever. Very disappointed.
October 4, 2023
Ankhesenamun
Ankhesenamun is Queen of Egypt. She is married to Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who is also her brother (half-brother).
She has this dream where she is killing the man she loves, not her brother, but she hasn't ever met this person before. Once she does, she decides she is going to do everything in her power to save him.
This is pretty much where the story lost me. If you've dreamed you are going to be the cause of someone's death, and you want to stop it. Then make the decision not to kill the person no matter what. The end. Instead she really doesn't go out of her way to avoid him much after she meets him.
Plus she has no power. No actual supernatural power and no power over her life. I feel like we spend most of the book hearing her ask, "Why didn't you tell me?" to everyone around her.
Ankhesenamun is Queen of Egypt. She is married to Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who is also her brother (half-brother).
She has this dream where she is killing the man she loves, not her brother, but she hasn't ever met this person before. Once she does, she decides she is going to do everything in her power to save him.
This is pretty much where the story lost me. If you've dreamed you are going to be the cause of someone's death, and you want to stop it. Then make the decision not to kill the person no matter what. The end. Instead she really doesn't go out of her way to avoid him much after she meets him.
Plus she has no power. No actual supernatural power and no power over her life. I feel like we spend most of the book hearing her ask, "Why didn't you tell me?" to everyone around her.
January 16, 2025
At last! I've listened to several novels set in ancient Egypt, and I always ended up pretty disgusted with them because I disliked the vain, selfish characters. Finally, Ankhesenamun is a heroine I can root for. She's KIND: to her enslaved ladies-in-waiting, to her sisters with whom she communicates only through letters, to a random market seller. Perhaps that's because Quillinan departs from the historical record and the Egyptian royals really were awful people (in addition to you know, the incest). As someone who prefers historical fiction to historical fantasy, I liked that the fantasy elements were light here, consisting mainly of prophetic dreams. Quillinan's details about ancient Egyptian life were vivid. However, the romance didn't work for me. Catherine Bilson does a fine job with the narration, though.
June 22, 2020
Ankhesenamun is the daughter of Ankheatan and the sister and wife to Tut. Tut is only a young boy and Egypt is ruled by pharohs advisers. They want the queen to bear a child to uphold the royal line. Ankhesnamun has seen a man in her dreams dying in her arms. One day there he is saving her little brother Tut. Not wanting to be responsible for his death she tries to keep her distance. Kylie Quilliman gives us a lok at the Queen of Egyptaround 1334BC. It is a fictional story with historical figures.
June 22, 2020
This was the Nook serial read for the month of June. This one took me a bit to get into. Ankhesenamun is very guarded, which I can understand based on what is going on in the book. But I felt like I just could not connect to her. It was not until she started writing letters to her sisters that we got a glimpse at how she really feels about certain things. I enjoyed the story more as it progressed, but I am not sure if I would read the next book.
June 22, 2020
This is not a book I would normally read, but it was very interesting. The history in the book was educating. I remember learning some Egyptian history years ago, and this book brought it all back including it in a love story with a message.
June 30, 2020
This is the serial read from Barnes & Noble for this month. The book is very interesting and a quick read. The only problem I had was the last chapter (44) would not load. If anyone is able to get it , could you get it to me somehow. I'd love to know the ending.
June 7, 2024
Was okay
I had read other books about this timeframe and found this not be accurate in terms of Egyptian culture. The plot was a bit predictable but this was an easy short read.
I had read other books about this timeframe and found this not be accurate in terms of Egyptian culture. The plot was a bit predictable but this was an easy short read.
August 14, 2025
Listened to the whole thing while driving all over creation for work! It seems I have a complicated relationship with PoLiTiCaL InTrIgUe because sometimes I love it and sometimes I would rather scoop out my own eyeballs than read it. Queen of Egypt sure worked for me though.
January 17, 2021
Was okay
I had read other books about this timeframe and found this not be accurate in terms of Egyptian culture. The plot was a bit predictable but this was an easy short read.
I had read other books about this timeframe and found this not be accurate in terms of Egyptian culture. The plot was a bit predictable but this was an easy short read.
October 27, 2022
3.5 stars.
Read
November 11, 2022DNF
April 4, 2023
A fun book from Ankhesenamun’s perspective as Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s wife. It’s not as grand as history made it seem.
February 10, 2024
Queen of Egypt
A different story of King Tut. It is the story of his half sister whose mother was Nefertiti. I am sure tis is fiction but still a fun read
A different story of King Tut. It is the story of his half sister whose mother was Nefertiti. I am sure tis is fiction but still a fun read
May 4, 2024
A bit vague, but OK enough start. Hope I will connect a bit more with the main character a bit further out in the series - maybe the next book?
October 17, 2024
Very believable, I lapped it up!
This is the first book of this author that I've read and I enjoyed it very much as I like stories that have history woven into them.
This is the first book of this author that I've read and I enjoyed it very much as I like stories that have history woven into them.
June 14, 2025
good twists and turns
Good story I wasn’t expecting the ending looking forward to the next installment of this series!! Highly recommend this book
Good story I wasn’t expecting the ending looking forward to the next installment of this series!! Highly recommend this book
August 21, 2025
didn't love it, didn't hate it. it's rather slow moving. I do own entire series so will plod through.
January 9, 2026
It was a pretty good story. I don't know that much about the history of Egypt, but I feel like I got a hint of flavor for it.
April 18, 2024
Seems quite well researched, but read worse than any history textbook. It bored me to tears.
July 11, 2020
NOOK. Serial read for June. It was ok up to the fake end where they want you to buy the next book in the series to find out what happened ... sucks
October 29, 2023
This novel draws you straight in to the world of Egypt at the time of Tutankhamen. Told from the perspective of his sister, the narrative evolves to include the intricacies of court life and just how powerless Ankhesenamun is though she is Queen of Egypt. Plots abound, not just to replace the weak Pharoah but also Ankhesenamun, who has been written as a strong, clever and eminently capable Queen. One of my favourite scenes is toward the start of the novel when Ankhesenamun is in her garden, wishing she did not always have to present as one without a flaw.
I kept turning pages, wanting to know more as the story unfolded. Would this young queen be usurped? Would she begin to hold sway with Pharaoh? How does this vivid and startling dream at the start of the novel unfold as the narrative progresses?
Normally I want all the answers to my questions by the end of the novel, even if it is a part of a series. I found myself reaching the end of Book 1 feeling disappointed that it was finished but eager to keep reading.
If I must add a drawback it would be the letters written to Ankhesenamun's sisters. I felt there were too many of them, they didn't add too many more details and they slowed down the narrative flow at times. Perhaps that was due to the fact that I wanted to find out answers and the importance of the letters will be revealed in the next instalment.
This is 4 stars for me.
I kept turning pages, wanting to know more as the story unfolded. Would this young queen be usurped? Would she begin to hold sway with Pharaoh? How does this vivid and startling dream at the start of the novel unfold as the narrative progresses?
Normally I want all the answers to my questions by the end of the novel, even if it is a part of a series. I found myself reaching the end of Book 1 feeling disappointed that it was finished but eager to keep reading.
If I must add a drawback it would be the letters written to Ankhesenamun's sisters. I felt there were too many of them, they didn't add too many more details and they slowed down the narrative flow at times. Perhaps that was due to the fact that I wanted to find out answers and the importance of the letters will be revealed in the next instalment.
This is 4 stars for me.
November 8, 2019
Excellent Blend of Real and Unreal about the Life of One of Ancient Egypt’s Most Fascinating Women
I enjoy historical fiction that is somewhat based on fact, but some of the earlier time periods are not well represented in contemporary publishing. I've also always had a fascination with this particular woman, as I have found her story to be an interesting one. So I was drawn to read this book for several reasons. The author did not disappoint. She blended the real and creative aspects of the story well. Much intrigue is going on, especially with the Pharaoh’s advisors. I thought the author delineated the characters well. I look forward to reading more of the books this author plans to write about the 18th Dynasty of Egypt.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I enjoy historical fiction that is somewhat based on fact, but some of the earlier time periods are not well represented in contemporary publishing. I've also always had a fascination with this particular woman, as I have found her story to be an interesting one. So I was drawn to read this book for several reasons. The author did not disappoint. She blended the real and creative aspects of the story well. Much intrigue is going on, especially with the Pharaoh’s advisors. I thought the author delineated the characters well. I look forward to reading more of the books this author plans to write about the 18th Dynasty of Egypt.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
June 23, 2020
Queen of Egypt by Kylie Quillinan is a story about King Tut's sister; it is also a story about ancient Egypt and a glimpse of the gods that they worshiped. Queen Ankhesenamun is King Tut's older sister and she is also his wife. Because Tut is young and in poor health, the queen needs to produce an heir quickly. Who will she choose to sire this child? Will she choose a foreigner who said he is a prince in exile. After all, he did save the Pharaoh's life! What about her dreams, one in which she kills the foreigner.
This is a story worth reading. It is full of mystery, danger, secrets and drama. I received it as a B&N serial read where a few chapters are delivered each day to my Nook, until the book is completed. It is a great way to meet new authors.
I recommend this book especially if you enjoy historical fiction.
This is a story worth reading. It is full of mystery, danger, secrets and drama. I received it as a B&N serial read where a few chapters are delivered each day to my Nook, until the book is completed. It is a great way to meet new authors.
I recommend this book especially if you enjoy historical fiction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews