Sara, princess of Nubia, must wed the all-powerful Pharaoh of Egypt. Matthaios, a slave from a distant land, is assigned to serve this foreign beauty. He doesn’t understand why Sara should be the fifth wife of any man. If Matthaios were pharaoh, he would place the world at her feet, but it isn’t his place to question such matters. With a conflicted heart, he accepts his duties but what happens when Sara decides she’d rather be the only love of a slave, than the fifth bride of Pharaoh?
Set against the backdrop of ancient Egypt in 1806 B.C., Infinity: The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh by Catalina DuBois is the story of Sara, Princess of Nubia who is all set to marry the Pharaoh of Egypt, and Matthaios, a slave who is in prison for falling in love with Sara. Their first meeting ends in a kiss between these two strangers and for the first time after meeting Matthaios, she felt human and vice versa. Sara’s life takes a different turn when she is sold to a ruler with a collection of women. She is given an Egyptian servant to serve as her constant companion, who will train her in the customs and traditions of Egypt. Queen Ruptah, the older sister of Sobek and Pharaoh, chooses Matthaios as she thinks he is kind and loyal. Matthaios and Sara fall in love and Sara runs away with Matthaios, which causes humiliation to the Pharaoh. Will the two lovers be united or will Sara be executed by the Pharaoh?
This is an adventurous story of forbidden love that will set the hearts of readers racing as the romance between a slave and a princess unfolds. This story of two star-crossed lovers and one curse will keep readers glued to the pages till the very end. I like the portrayal of Matthaios who, despite the torture he undergoes, stands his ground when it comes to being with the woman he loves. Sara, on the hand, is delicate yet strong and her words, ‘I would rather be the only love of a slave, than the fifth wife of Pharaoh!’ speaks volumes about her choice. The story is intense, fast paced, and I like the way the author has woven love, adventure, and cruelty deftly into an interesting plot. All the characters, as well as the main players, are strongly sketched and they complement the story well. It is definitely a story for romantics out there.
This novel had many trope- ish elements, which was perfectly okay here. It was okay because they made the book endearing, warm, and familiar for all the reasons we love. This is a creative story, a sweet story, and though believable chemistry had to be built, it was a believable journey. A few plot twists. A lovely story. Four stars for wonderful but not impeccable.
There are books that tell a story, and then there are books that awaken something within you. The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh by Catalina DuBois belongs to the latter. From the first page, it envelops you in a world of gold and shadow, where passion defies power and destiny bends to the courage of the human heart. DuBois writes with such grace and conviction that ancient Egypt feels not like history, but like memory, something alive beneath your skin.
Set in the splendor and peril of Pharaoh’s court, the novel follows Satia, a young woman chosen to become the fifth bride of Egypt’s most powerful ruler. Her new life glimmers with luxury but trembles with danger. Every choice, every glance, carries consequence. Yet Satia’s journey is not defined by circumstance; it is shaped by her will, her intelligence, and her unyielding sense of self. In her, DuBois has created a heroine of rare substance, a woman who dares to love, to question, and to reclaim her place in a world that would rather see her silent.
The Pharaoh himself is written with equal mastery. He is commanding yet conflicted, divine in title yet achingly human in heart. His relationship with Satia is not a simple romance; it is an intricate dance between power and vulnerability, longing and restraint. Through their connection, DuBois explores the timeless struggle between duty and desire, and the ways in which love, real and soul-deep, transforms even the mightiest of hearts.
What truly sets The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh apart is its breathtaking balance between grandeur and intimacy. The historical detail is exquisite, yet it never overshadows the story’s emotional core. You can feel the weight of the gold, the heat of the desert, the whisper of silk in candlelight, but it is the people, not the palaces, who linger in your mind. DuBois’s prose is both lyrical and precise, her imagery lush without excess, her dialogue alive with tension and tenderness.
She writes not just about a time long gone, but about what it means to be human, to seek freedom, to risk everything for love, to stand firm against a world that demands obedience. Beneath the intrigue and splendor, this is a story of awakening, of one woman learning the cost of her own power, and one man discovering that strength without compassion is nothing at all.
Every chapter flows like the Nile itself, steady, mesmerizing, and full of depth beneath the surface. By the end, readers will not only know Satia; they will feel her. They will walk beside her through fear, hope, and revelation, and when the final page turns, they will find themselves quietly changed.
Catalina DuBois has written more than a historical romance. She has written a living, breathing testament to resilience, love, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who refuses to be forgotten. Her storytelling is rich, thoughtful, and deeply humane, a rare blend of artistry and authenticity that leaves a lasting impression.
For readers who crave stories that are both epic and intimate, this is one you will want to keep close. Step into ancient Egypt and discover a tale that feels timeless, a love that feels eternal, and a voice that feels utterly alive. The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh is not just a journey through history; it is a journey into the heart.
This is the first book of Catalina Dubois that I’ve read. Bookbub notified me that the ebook was free. The blurb was interesting, so I decided to read it. Matthaios’ story of becoming a slave was odd to me. Towards the end of the story, the pieces of his being in Egypt were fitted together; he washed ashore when he was three years old and was sold into slavery. However, the fact that he had such clear memories of his complete family from such a young age was odd to me. Due to the inclusion of the story about the Egyptian goddess's curse on the lovers and the series of books on these lovers, I expected this story to end on a cliffhanger. Sara and Matthaios have a happily ever after.
I did enjoy that there was a lot of action in this book, even if it seemed more modern than Ancient Egypt. This was a quick read as well. This story was a clean romance, with the spiciest part being the kissing. If you like heat in your romance, this is not the novel. This story is also description-heavy, with limited dialogue.
If you love books about clean historical romance novels with some action and suspense, then this would be a good one for you!
🎧 My Review of Infinity by Catalina DuBois (Audiobook Edition) ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 3.5/5
Infinity is a beautifully written romance that reaches beyond the boundaries of time. Catalina DuBois delivers a story full of passion, fate, and longing, with a poetic, almost ethereal quality that stays with you.
I enjoyed the premise, a love that defies time, and the emotional tone was strong throughout. The connection between the main characters felt deep and spiritual, and I appreciated how the story explored the concept of soulmates and timeless bonds. The narration was soft, steady, and emotionally in tune with the story, which made listening feel intimate and immersive.
That said, I’m giving it 3.5 stars because while the emotional connection was compelling, some parts of the plot felt a bit rushed or underdeveloped. I wanted more time with the characters’ backstories and a deeper exploration of their journey across time.
Still, it was a solid listen. Romantic, thought-provoking, and ideal for anyone who enjoys paranormal or metaphysical romance with a poetic edge.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially to listeners who enjoy slow-burning, eternal-love narratives with just the right touch of heat and heart.
"The Fifth Bride of Pharaoh" (2022) by Catalina DuBois is a historical novel with potential marred by execution issues. The plot: Sara, princess of Nubia is arranged to be the fifth wife of the Pharaoh of Egypt. However, she falls in love with Matthaios, her slave, so they run off together. Issues: The book needs one more copyediting sweep, Sara is described as 150 pounds but the cover portrays a 100-pound woman, and reader flow is disrupted constantly by scenes swapping points-of-view between characters throughout the book. Some parts are engaging but not enough to recommend the book as a whole.
I'll admit that I don't usually venture towards stories like this but hey...as is becoming one of my mantras, a good story is a good story.
This was very interesting. I admit I had to pause reading it for a day or so because of where I thought it was going, but I'm glad I forged ahead. Lots of interesting twists. One stretch in particular reminded me heavily of Aladdin; I don't know if that was the aim or not. And there were a couple of things that didn't make much sense to me but overall, it was enjoyable.
I’m going to have to buy this entire collection and print. Not only are the covers beautiful, but I’m loving this series so much, and I see why it is award-winning.
I also love the princess and the pauper theme. The plot twists are very well done and I love the reference to historical fiction/horror/fairytales.
The plot is artfully developed and thick with vivid images. The story is short and sweet just like a special dessert. It's a snack just waiting to be enjoyed!!
Sara, niece of the King, and Princess of Nubia is bound to be the fifth bride of Pharoah Amenemhat. However, she only has eyes for the Pharoah’s faithful servant Matthaios. Together, they risk their lives and follow their hearts, despite the danger that awaits them, for breaking the supposed alliance between Nubia and Egypt.
Review
Infinity: The Fifth Bride of Pharoah by Catalina DuBois is a historical romance novel about a crowned princess and a servant. The book starts with a fairy-tale-like intro that the universe is ruled by gods a long time ago, and Matthaios and Sara are cursed for their affair. Then, on a different lifetime, they meet again in Ancient Egypt, 1806 B.C.
If you can imagine my big cartoon eyes in heart shape, that is exactly how I look like while reading this book. It is every romantic girl’s fantasy and it’s been ages since I’ve read something like this. It’s like a dark fairy tale story with a twist; it is truly a “love-conquers-all” kind of novel that is so captivating. Also, the characters that surround the leads are as interesting as Sara and Matthaios and there is absolutely no dull moment in this story.
Overall, I’m giving this 5 out of 5 stars. It’s a perfect romance novel with the perfect plot, perfect setting, perfect set of characters, and perfect ending. This is highly recommended to ALL mature readers who love historical novels.
This gets five stars because it is an excellent book, as stated. I love the mystery and intrigue; it captured me from the beginning. I totally recommend Catalina and am looking forward to the next one.