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The Last Heiress: A Novel of Tutankhamun's Queen
Beside the Golden Pharaoh Tutankhamun was a woman whose words were buried with her in the sands of the Valley of the Kings. She was the wife of two pharaohs, and a born princess. She was the last surviving daughter of the famed beauty Nefertiti. She bore children to sit on the throne of Egypt. Together with her husband, she brought prosperity back to her wounded nation. But after the shocking death of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, she became the unwilling bride of her husband's most trusted servant, made a desperate offer to an enemy king, and then... She vanished. This is her untold story. This is the story of the last heiress of the glorious eighteenth dynasty, Ankhesenamun.
584 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 9, 2014
WHAT IS THIS COVER ON GOODREADS. I CAN'T EVEN. (thank god the author changed it)
So, despite my reading lists, I'm not a super super huge fan of the whole Amarna period, because I feel like it's been covered to death (unless someone wants to write me some dirty dirty Horemheb/Mutnodjmet romance, cause they are my historical OTP for no good reason at all). This book is about Ankhesenpaaten/Ankhesenamun, the wife of Tutankaten/Tutankhamun.
I thought the author did a great job with the research. Like, every detail (from the wreath laid on Tut's coffin to his ankle injuries to the Mitanni letter to Suppliulima - pretty sure I spelled that wrong) were right on point with what I knew and props to her for including the whole Nefertiti-as-ruler and cameo ruling by Smenkhkare. She spun her own theory of how things played out, and I bought in.
You have to kinda roll with a few things, though, like the fact that Ankhesenpaaten is the most PRECOCIOUS six year old ever, and both she and Tut are super-old-seeming at even young ages. But just roll with it, because it's an engrossing story.
HOWEVER. If you know anything about this dynasty, it is that it is FULL OF SADS. And Ankhesenamun probably has the saddest story of all because she was probably passed around from king to king to keep the bloodlines, had lots of miscarriages, and then disappears once the throne is grabbed by Ay. This book pulls no punches and there's really no 'happy ending' for Ankhesenamun. I knew it was coming and I was still full of sads at the end.
But that's the mark of a good book, right? Cause while reading this one, I was all "LAST EGYPT BOOK FOR A WHILE NOW, FOR REALS" and after I finished it, I was all, "I wonder what other Egypt fiction is out there."
So kudos! I WAS FULL OF SADS AND STILL WANTED MORE. JOB WELL DONE.
Oh, trigger warning. Incest and lots of rapening happening in this, but I also kinda expected that because, well, Amarna period. Not that the Amarnans were like, all rape fiends or anything, but given who Ankhesenamun (god, that girl needs a nickname like YESTERDAY) was and how everyone jockeyed for the throne, I understood it. And it wasn't described, so that was good too.
So, despite my reading lists, I'm not a super super huge fan of the whole Amarna period, because I feel like it's been covered to death (unless someone wants to write me some dirty dirty Horemheb/Mutnodjmet romance, cause they are my historical OTP for no good reason at all). This book is about Ankhesenpaaten/Ankhesenamun, the wife of Tutankaten/Tutankhamun.
I thought the author did a great job with the research. Like, every detail (from the wreath laid on Tut's coffin to his ankle injuries to the Mitanni letter to Suppliulima - pretty sure I spelled that wrong) were right on point with what I knew and props to her for including the whole Nefertiti-as-ruler and cameo ruling by Smenkhkare. She spun her own theory of how things played out, and I bought in.
You have to kinda roll with a few things, though, like the fact that Ankhesenpaaten is the most PRECOCIOUS six year old ever, and both she and Tut are super-old-seeming at even young ages. But just roll with it, because it's an engrossing story.
HOWEVER. If you know anything about this dynasty, it is that it is FULL OF SADS. And Ankhesenamun probably has the saddest story of all because she was probably passed around from king to king to keep the bloodlines, had lots of miscarriages, and then disappears once the throne is grabbed by Ay. This book pulls no punches and there's really no 'happy ending' for Ankhesenamun. I knew it was coming and I was still full of sads at the end.
But that's the mark of a good book, right? Cause while reading this one, I was all "LAST EGYPT BOOK FOR A WHILE NOW, FOR REALS" and after I finished it, I was all, "I wonder what other Egypt fiction is out there."
So kudos! I WAS FULL OF SADS AND STILL WANTED MORE. JOB WELL DONE.
Oh, trigger warning. Incest and lots of rapening happening in this, but I also kinda expected that because, well, Amarna period. Not that the Amarnans were like, all rape fiends or anything, but given who Ankhesenamun (god, that girl needs a nickname like YESTERDAY) was and how everyone jockeyed for the throne, I understood it. And it wasn't described, so that was good too.
December 4, 2012
I'm a bit mixed about this novel. On one hand, I was very excited to see that some of the new theories and new research had been incorporated in The Last Heiress, though personally my own version (head-canon?) of that time is a little different. On the other hand, I felt that the writing was a little too pat and simple for me – easy enough to get into and devour, but lacking the depth to feel like I'd gotten a truly meaty read.
The Last Heiress is a novel about Ankhesenamun, the daughter of Nefertiti and Akhenaten and Tutankhamun's queen. Told in Ankhesenamun's voice, the novel covers the early days of the Amarna court, the fall of Akhenaten, the brief reigns of Akhenaten's initial successors, and Ankhesenamun at last finding peace and happiness with Tutankhamun before his untimely death.
The interpretation of the Amarna period Liaci tells within The Last Heiress is quite dark, with incidences of child abuse, rape and murder retold. Liaci doesn't gloss over the effect of these terrible things, but handles it with a light enough touch so that I, personally, didn't feel in danger of becoming overwhelmed by it. It's a very delicate balance that's needed and I think Liaci managed it.
I was wary of yet another first person, present tense historical fiction novel but I feel that it works okay within the book. That said, I felt that I didn't truly get to know Ankhesenamum beyond shy and nice, and, barring Tutankhamun, I didn't feel that the other characters were developed to the same extent as Ankhesenamun. This lack of depth in the writing is one thing that prevents me from rating it higher.
Chief amongst the new theories and research incorporated within the novel is the 2010 DNA results. This is the first historical fiction book I've read that uses the family tree produced by the DNA results. So, Akhenaten is Tutankhamun's father. Baketaten (generally believed to have been a daughter of Amenhotep III and Tiye) is the mother of Tutankhamun (the mummy known as KV35YL) – though no mention is made of the traumatic injuries that are believed to have caused the death of KV35YL.
With the KV21A mummy also identified as Ankhesenamun (admittedly in the author's note, rather than the main text), it's time for me to get my nitpicking hat on. KV21A is a mummy who has been tentatively identified with Ankhesenamun because she shares mtDNA (DNA that is only passed through the maternal line) with the two foetuses found in Tutankhamun's tomb. But, KV21A shares alleles with Amenhotep III that the mummy identified as Akhenaten's (KV55) doesn't. This opens up a can of worms.
For KV21A to be Ankhesenamun, Nefertiti must be a daughter of Amenhotep III (unlikely as she never uses the titles of King's Daughter or King's Sister), or KV55 isn't Akhenaten (which is very possible). Alternatively, it's also possible that KV21A isn't Ankhesenamun (subsequently, Ankhesenamun is not the mother of Tutankhamun's only known children).
/nitpicking
Probably the most exciting for me though it's brushed over fairly quickly, is the use of the theory that Ankhetkheperura Neferneferuaten and Ankhkheperura Smenkhkara were two different individuals, so that we get Nefertiti ruling as pharaoh and Smenkhkara. I also really loved that Nefertiti isn't the daughter of Ay (a theory generally accepted as fact but based only on circumstantial evidence) here, but Anen, the only attested brother of Queen Tiye. Oh, and I loved that Horemheb's first wife, Amenia, wasn't totally ignored.
So, while the research and theories and general "thinking-outside-the-box" makes me happy and I found the book an engaging read. But I wished for more depth in the writing, and I can nitpick some historical details. I think those who loved Michelle Moran's Egyptian novels will love this more than I, as will those those fascinated by Tutankhamun's queen. 3.5 stars.
The Last Heiress is a novel about Ankhesenamun, the daughter of Nefertiti and Akhenaten and Tutankhamun's queen. Told in Ankhesenamun's voice, the novel covers the early days of the Amarna court, the fall of Akhenaten, the brief reigns of Akhenaten's initial successors, and Ankhesenamun at last finding peace and happiness with Tutankhamun before his untimely death.
The interpretation of the Amarna period Liaci tells within The Last Heiress is quite dark, with incidences of child abuse, rape and murder retold. Liaci doesn't gloss over the effect of these terrible things, but handles it with a light enough touch so that I, personally, didn't feel in danger of becoming overwhelmed by it. It's a very delicate balance that's needed and I think Liaci managed it.
I was wary of yet another first person, present tense historical fiction novel but I feel that it works okay within the book. That said, I felt that I didn't truly get to know Ankhesenamum beyond shy and nice, and, barring Tutankhamun, I didn't feel that the other characters were developed to the same extent as Ankhesenamun. This lack of depth in the writing is one thing that prevents me from rating it higher.
Chief amongst the new theories and research incorporated within the novel is the 2010 DNA results. This is the first historical fiction book I've read that uses the family tree produced by the DNA results. So, Akhenaten is Tutankhamun's father. Baketaten (generally believed to have been a daughter of Amenhotep III and Tiye) is the mother of Tutankhamun (the mummy known as KV35YL) – though no mention is made of the traumatic injuries that are believed to have caused the death of KV35YL.
With the KV21A mummy also identified as Ankhesenamun (admittedly in the author's note, rather than the main text), it's time for me to get my nitpicking hat on. KV21A is a mummy who has been tentatively identified with Ankhesenamun because she shares mtDNA (DNA that is only passed through the maternal line) with the two foetuses found in Tutankhamun's tomb. But, KV21A shares alleles with Amenhotep III that the mummy identified as Akhenaten's (KV55) doesn't. This opens up a can of worms.
For KV21A to be Ankhesenamun, Nefertiti must be a daughter of Amenhotep III (unlikely as she never uses the titles of King's Daughter or King's Sister), or KV55 isn't Akhenaten (which is very possible). Alternatively, it's also possible that KV21A isn't Ankhesenamun (subsequently, Ankhesenamun is not the mother of Tutankhamun's only known children).
/nitpicking
Probably the most exciting for me though it's brushed over fairly quickly, is the use of the theory that Ankhetkheperura Neferneferuaten and Ankhkheperura Smenkhkara were two different individuals, so that we get Nefertiti ruling as pharaoh and Smenkhkara. I also really loved that Nefertiti isn't the daughter of Ay (a theory generally accepted as fact but based only on circumstantial evidence) here, but Anen, the only attested brother of Queen Tiye. Oh, and I loved that Horemheb's first wife, Amenia, wasn't totally ignored.
So, while the research and theories and general "thinking-outside-the-box" makes me happy and I found the book an engaging read. But I wished for more depth in the writing, and I can nitpick some historical details. I think those who loved Michelle Moran's Egyptian novels will love this more than I, as will those those fascinated by Tutankhamun's queen. 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2014
I REALLY liked this book!! I love pretty much anything Egyptian, so this was so up my ally. The book follows Ankhesenamun from about the age of 5 until the age of about 22. If you don't know, she was married to the famous Tutankhamun. It starts out in the Armana period, where her father, Akhenaten, and her mother, Nefertiti, ruled. Then it goes into how her and Tut change everything back to the original gods and their life together until his death, and what happens after his death.
I am such a sucker for these kinds of stories, and this was no exception. I love how you see the main character grow from a young girl into a woman. There is a lot of tough scenes that can be hard for some people because of the subject, but they really play an important part in the way Ankhesenamun is. I actually didn't like her too much for a little bit when her and Tut are first married. I understand the way she is, but she really couldn't see past her own previous experience, and that kind of bugged me. Eventually she does get through it and grow from it, and her character at the end of the book is probably my favorite part of her and the whole book.
There really wasn't too much world building, which kind of disappointed me. Even the palaces weren't that build up, and there really wasn't anything at all about the world outside of the palaces described except for when they first come to Memphis. There was also some spelling and grammatical mistakes that made me trip over as I was reading, which pulled me away from getting wrapped up in the world of the book.
All in all, I really did like the book and the story and it makes me want to read more stories of Egyptian history.
I am such a sucker for these kinds of stories, and this was no exception. I love how you see the main character grow from a young girl into a woman. There is a lot of tough scenes that can be hard for some people because of the subject, but they really play an important part in the way Ankhesenamun is. I actually didn't like her too much for a little bit when her and Tut are first married. I understand the way she is, but she really couldn't see past her own previous experience, and that kind of bugged me. Eventually she does get through it and grow from it, and her character at the end of the book is probably my favorite part of her and the whole book.
There really wasn't too much world building, which kind of disappointed me. Even the palaces weren't that build up, and there really wasn't anything at all about the world outside of the palaces described except for when they first come to Memphis. There was also some spelling and grammatical mistakes that made me trip over as I was reading, which pulled me away from getting wrapped up in the world of the book.
All in all, I really did like the book and the story and it makes me want to read more stories of Egyptian history.
April 13, 2020
What can I say about this book? Well it explained the ancient Egyptian Society in a clear way, so I have now learnt things I never knew or imagined before. I am just glad when I was at infant school we just stuck to the pyramids, or else I might have been scarred for life.
June 28, 2014
This is an interesting novel of the little known Egyptian Queen Ankhesenamun, daughter to Nefertiti and wife to her half-brother Tutankhamun.
Ankhesenamun was born into a unique period of Egyptian history in which her father Akhenaten's monotheistic cult tried to purge Egypt of it's many Gods in favor of worshipping Aten, a Sun God. Having read novels about Nefertiti and Akhenaten before I was familiar with the period of history that we find ourselves in at the beginning of the book. What I found to be interesting about this particular novel was the portrayal of the political upheaval that surrounded the death of Ankhesenamun's parents. She became a dynastic target from that point on, for she truly was "The Last Heiress".
It is at this point in the novel that I am out of my comfort zone. The author strives to create a legitimate sequence of events between the death of Akhenaten and the death of his son Tutankhamun. Considering that there are many gaps in what history we know and that historians are still unsure as to the familial and political connections between certain figures, Ancient Egyptian history is an immense undertaking for any historical novelist. It can get very confusing. And it did. Although this was an interesting novel with some very well-written characters I did find it rather overwhelming at times to keep everyone and everything straight. Plus, I have no idea how much of this is historically known, historically influenced and/or based upon the author's own theories. The author's note intrigued me to find out more about the DNA testing of certain female mummies in 2010. Right now though I'm a bit dazed and confused.
Ankhesenamun was born into a unique period of Egyptian history in which her father Akhenaten's monotheistic cult tried to purge Egypt of it's many Gods in favor of worshipping Aten, a Sun God. Having read novels about Nefertiti and Akhenaten before I was familiar with the period of history that we find ourselves in at the beginning of the book. What I found to be interesting about this particular novel was the portrayal of the political upheaval that surrounded the death of Ankhesenamun's parents. She became a dynastic target from that point on, for she truly was "The Last Heiress".
It is at this point in the novel that I am out of my comfort zone. The author strives to create a legitimate sequence of events between the death of Akhenaten and the death of his son Tutankhamun. Considering that there are many gaps in what history we know and that historians are still unsure as to the familial and political connections between certain figures, Ancient Egyptian history is an immense undertaking for any historical novelist. It can get very confusing. And it did. Although this was an interesting novel with some very well-written characters I did find it rather overwhelming at times to keep everyone and everything straight. Plus, I have no idea how much of this is historically known, historically influenced and/or based upon the author's own theories. The author's note intrigued me to find out more about the DNA testing of certain female mummies in 2010. Right now though I'm a bit dazed and confused.
February 12, 2019
Another favourite book
Well written this the story of Tutanankamens queen this story is placed in a turbulent time in Egypt's history.The new religion of the Aten and
The power play between those who would overthrow this heretic religion and return to the old gods.Dad ending and her mummy has never been foundAtions this book really interesting
Well written this the story of Tutanankamens queen this story is placed in a turbulent time in Egypt's history.The new religion of the Aten and
The power play between those who would overthrow this heretic religion and return to the old gods.Dad ending and her mummy has never been foundAtions this book really interesting
February 15, 2018
Quite Strenght
I just couldn't put this book down and read on to find out how this little princess turns into an unlikely avenger to her family. War, treason, and power wrapped in the sweetest love story.
I just couldn't put this book down and read on to find out how this little princess turns into an unlikely avenger to her family. War, treason, and power wrapped in the sweetest love story.
February 23, 2019
So Amazing!
This book is so beautifully written. I hope one day to read more from Stephanie Liaci. The Last Heiress will always be a favorite of mine.
This book is so beautifully written. I hope one day to read more from Stephanie Liaci. The Last Heiress will always be a favorite of mine.
February 14, 2021
This is another book that is really hard for me to review. I have mixed feelings about so many elements of the story that it is hard to say how I feel about it. I am a bit obsessed with historical fiction books about the Amarna period so I recognize a lot of the characters including Ay, Horemhab, Mutnojme, Nefertiti etc. This book does seem pretty well researched but there is still a lot we don't know about the Amarna period so there is plenty of room for speculation.
This story is historically accurate, and it doesn't shy away from some of the more uncomfortable historical details. Incest, particularly in the royal family, was common. Husbands married daughters and sisters all the time. While this is a fact, it does make reading a historical novel somewhat awkward. The love story at the heart of all this is essentially between two siblings. Even though this is very much the case and historically accurate, it does make it a bit challenging to get behind this couple without my own modern sensibilities getting in the way and making everything a bit cringey.
This book is also a pretty dark book. Anyone who is remotely familiar with the history surrounding King Tut knows that this book is not going to have a traditional happy ending. On top of that, there is a lot of rape in this book. Again, probably historically accurate but also not particularly pleasant to read. Don't get me wrong, I actually give author a lot of credit for its realistic portrayal of rape. It does not downplay the effects of rape and shows its lasting consequences. It also managed to avoid the bullshit "rape makes women strong" plotline that is used in WAY too many novels lately.
Also, from a purely writing standpoint, this book could have used a bit more editing. I noticed quite a few spelling and grammar errors throughout the book.
Despite all that, the story is interesting and offers unique and historically plausible explanation for how the Amarna period ended in ancient Egypt. The constantly shifting relationships between the main character and her family is very engaging, particularly between her sisters and female relatives. The descriptions of ancient egyptian life, politics and religion is also very entertaining.
Basically, if you're a sucker for any fictional telling of the Amarna period like myself, you will enjoy this novel. If you're looking for something a bit more positive, maybe keep looking.
This story is historically accurate, and it doesn't shy away from some of the more uncomfortable historical details. Incest, particularly in the royal family, was common. Husbands married daughters and sisters all the time. While this is a fact, it does make reading a historical novel somewhat awkward. The love story at the heart of all this is essentially between two siblings. Even though this is very much the case and historically accurate, it does make it a bit challenging to get behind this couple without my own modern sensibilities getting in the way and making everything a bit cringey.
This book is also a pretty dark book. Anyone who is remotely familiar with the history surrounding King Tut knows that this book is not going to have a traditional happy ending. On top of that, there is a lot of rape in this book. Again, probably historically accurate but also not particularly pleasant to read. Don't get me wrong, I actually give author a lot of credit for its realistic portrayal of rape. It does not downplay the effects of rape and shows its lasting consequences. It also managed to avoid the bullshit "rape makes women strong" plotline that is used in WAY too many novels lately.
Also, from a purely writing standpoint, this book could have used a bit more editing. I noticed quite a few spelling and grammar errors throughout the book.
Despite all that, the story is interesting and offers unique and historically plausible explanation for how the Amarna period ended in ancient Egypt. The constantly shifting relationships between the main character and her family is very engaging, particularly between her sisters and female relatives. The descriptions of ancient egyptian life, politics and religion is also very entertaining.
Basically, if you're a sucker for any fictional telling of the Amarna period like myself, you will enjoy this novel. If you're looking for something a bit more positive, maybe keep looking.
October 16, 2020
It just didn’t match up with my own personal views of the kingdom. Every. Single. Character. Is unlikeable. Don’t get me wrong, they are well written and are realistic to their time period, but so-so very unlikeable.
From Ank’s father raping her, her mother blaming her for it, her forgotten sisters, her husband Tut who only wants to get her pregnant regardless of the risks, down to just Ank herself being a nervous wreck (and for good reason) who prefers to just stay inside.
I loved the relationship between Tut and Ank, the ending did make me cry, but I wanted more. I wanted a smidge of a happy ending. But no. Tut dies due to an infection within his war injuries. And Ank dies after being accused of treason. This would make a great series on tv, it’s very melodramatic. I wish I could’ve read it faster but it became very dull in between the years of her father dying and Tut becoming pharaoh.
From Ank’s father raping her, her mother blaming her for it, her forgotten sisters, her husband Tut who only wants to get her pregnant regardless of the risks, down to just Ank herself being a nervous wreck (and for good reason) who prefers to just stay inside.
I loved the relationship between Tut and Ank, the ending did make me cry, but I wanted more. I wanted a smidge of a happy ending. But no. Tut dies due to an infection within his war injuries. And Ank dies after being accused of treason. This would make a great series on tv, it’s very melodramatic. I wish I could’ve read it faster but it became very dull in between the years of her father dying and Tut becoming pharaoh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 30, 2019Omg!!!! Loved the book!!!!❤
April 23, 2022
I loved this book so well written I couldn’t put it down
October 13, 2016
Firstly the reason this can never get five stars for me: the sheer number of easily avoidable spelling mistakes. Maybe it was just the edition I read or maybe this was first self-published (I know proof reading your own work can be a eyeball mutilating task) but it really annoyed me as I read.
There I was, fully engrossed in the telling of this complex, nail biting tale of intrigue and tension and then BAM a spelling mistake which draws me right out of my little zone and makes my mind wander down a path of questions such as "how did this hit print without someone noticing?"
I know, I know, that's pretty petty. It's just for me it's noticeable and really takes away from the seamless writing experience. If it had happened once or twice it wouldn't have been an issue, more a curiosity, but it was littered with them (maybe an exaggeration, but it definitely felt that way).
However, my little neuroses aside, I loved this book. I've read a lot about this period and for the most part the darker sides of this tragic tale have usually been sugar coated, which I guess is fine as not many authors would really want to delve into issues surrounding fathers sleeping with/raping their young daughters. They say sex sells, but in this case it really doesn't. It's such a taboo most authors have steered around the complexities of the elder three daughters of Nefertiti's relationship with their father, giving it a wide berth, and who can blame them?
Not Liaci.
She dives right in unapologetically, unflinchingly and with some pretty disturbing detail. It really churned my stomach to read parts of this, I don't mind admitting. It was raw and real and my skin crawled. I could feel every second of it and it was extremely uncomfortable.
Now, I don't know whether this would have been how it was, whether Akhenaten was the monster he was portrayed as her, whether he really did go from the doting father depicted in the famous artwork of this time to a desperate, soulless creature who made these horrific demands on his own children (although I do have a cultural bias and it's necessary to remember the context of this world, where women were viewed differently then and the need for an heir would probably have been seen to trump the turbulent emotions or needs of young girls. Princes and Princesses were, after all, bred for a purpose and that was the dynastic stability.)
Maybe he was gentle. Maybe it was a duty that they did not enjoy but were not harmed by. Maybe because such things were normal....although not usually the father/daughter thing but the sleeping with men for the sake of politics and heirs at young ages...the three young girls in question were not traumatised as a girl today would be in such a situation.
Maybe Meritaten's 'marriage' to her father was nothing more than another title for the up and coming young lady of the Egyptian court, never consummated. Maybe (I can hope) he never touched them like that.
Or maybe this book gave a snapshot of what those young girls really experienced in their short lives as 'privileged' princesses.
Either way I admire the guts shown in writing these scenes, it must have been a very harrowing experience for the author not just to distribute to others but to delve deep inside herself to write.
I admired the way the effects such horrors had on Ankhesenamun as she matured, too. That was realistic and really developed her character for me. Not many people after something like that can jump back into love, physically at least so her internal struggle as she grew was powerful to me as the reader, her slow recovery showing her strength in overcoming such fears while never diminishing the effect sexual abuse has on people.
The tenderness and blossoming romance between Tut and Ankhe was beautiful to read and his sensitivity to her fears was heartening, while Liaci still showed his own frustratins at not being able to show her his love while she struggled with her own past.
I loved reading Ankesenamun's journey and could relate to her on so many levels. She is a tragic figure in history and her story moves me in whatever way it is told (I've read many versions of her story but this one stayed with me the most). The vulnerability and strength in her character, as well as her genuine love for Tut moved me and while I'm loath to get soppy, this book made me feel its reality in all of its fractured, wrenching detail.
I lived it through her eyes and I shall definitely be rereading this again and again, when I have the emotional strength to put myself through it again.
***Warning though, this is not suitable reading for anyone who cannot read graphic depictions of rape against young girls***
There I was, fully engrossed in the telling of this complex, nail biting tale of intrigue and tension and then BAM a spelling mistake which draws me right out of my little zone and makes my mind wander down a path of questions such as "how did this hit print without someone noticing?"
I know, I know, that's pretty petty. It's just for me it's noticeable and really takes away from the seamless writing experience. If it had happened once or twice it wouldn't have been an issue, more a curiosity, but it was littered with them (maybe an exaggeration, but it definitely felt that way).
However, my little neuroses aside, I loved this book. I've read a lot about this period and for the most part the darker sides of this tragic tale have usually been sugar coated, which I guess is fine as not many authors would really want to delve into issues surrounding fathers sleeping with/raping their young daughters. They say sex sells, but in this case it really doesn't. It's such a taboo most authors have steered around the complexities of the elder three daughters of Nefertiti's relationship with their father, giving it a wide berth, and who can blame them?
Not Liaci.
She dives right in unapologetically, unflinchingly and with some pretty disturbing detail. It really churned my stomach to read parts of this, I don't mind admitting. It was raw and real and my skin crawled. I could feel every second of it and it was extremely uncomfortable.
Now, I don't know whether this would have been how it was, whether Akhenaten was the monster he was portrayed as her, whether he really did go from the doting father depicted in the famous artwork of this time to a desperate, soulless creature who made these horrific demands on his own children (although I do have a cultural bias and it's necessary to remember the context of this world, where women were viewed differently then and the need for an heir would probably have been seen to trump the turbulent emotions or needs of young girls. Princes and Princesses were, after all, bred for a purpose and that was the dynastic stability.)
Maybe he was gentle. Maybe it was a duty that they did not enjoy but were not harmed by. Maybe because such things were normal....although not usually the father/daughter thing but the sleeping with men for the sake of politics and heirs at young ages...the three young girls in question were not traumatised as a girl today would be in such a situation.
Maybe Meritaten's 'marriage' to her father was nothing more than another title for the up and coming young lady of the Egyptian court, never consummated. Maybe (I can hope) he never touched them like that.
Or maybe this book gave a snapshot of what those young girls really experienced in their short lives as 'privileged' princesses.
Either way I admire the guts shown in writing these scenes, it must have been a very harrowing experience for the author not just to distribute to others but to delve deep inside herself to write.
I admired the way the effects such horrors had on Ankhesenamun as she matured, too. That was realistic and really developed her character for me. Not many people after something like that can jump back into love, physically at least so her internal struggle as she grew was powerful to me as the reader, her slow recovery showing her strength in overcoming such fears while never diminishing the effect sexual abuse has on people.
The tenderness and blossoming romance between Tut and Ankhe was beautiful to read and his sensitivity to her fears was heartening, while Liaci still showed his own frustratins at not being able to show her his love while she struggled with her own past.
I loved reading Ankesenamun's journey and could relate to her on so many levels. She is a tragic figure in history and her story moves me in whatever way it is told (I've read many versions of her story but this one stayed with me the most). The vulnerability and strength in her character, as well as her genuine love for Tut moved me and while I'm loath to get soppy, this book made me feel its reality in all of its fractured, wrenching detail.
I lived it through her eyes and I shall definitely be rereading this again and again, when I have the emotional strength to put myself through it again.
***Warning though, this is not suitable reading for anyone who cannot read graphic depictions of rape against young girls***
October 26, 2016
Everyone knows about Egypt’s famous pharoah, King Tutankhamun. However, few know about King Tut’s queen, Ankhesenamun. This novel, chronicles the life of Queen Ankhesenamun and also the reign of four pharaohs. She was the daughter of Pharaoh Akhenaten and Nefertiti. Despite being a princess, Ankhesenamun was lonely. Because of her royal blood, men would use her as a pawn for becoming pharaoh. However, one pharaoh only loves her as she is, and that is King Tutankhamun. Together, Queen Ankhesenamun and King Tutankhamun are determined to rule together and make Egypt great. The only problem is that time is not on their side. Ankhesenamun has premonitions that King Tutankhamun may face an early death. Ankhesenamun is determined to fight the will of the Gods and to determine her own fate.
Before I read this book I did not know anything about Queen Ankhesenamun, except that she married King Tut. Yet after reading this book, I was inspired to learn more about her life. While there are still more details to learn about her, the fact is that Queen Ankhesenamun had a tragic life. Reading The Last Heiress retells the life of Queen Ankhesenamun from her point of view. In this story, we see a girl who was a political pawn. When she was a child she was forced to marry her father and give him a stillborn daughter at an early age. It is because of this traumatic event that it was hard for her to find love. Yet, the slow romance between her and Tutankhamun eventually softened her scars.
Overall, this story is about love, friendship, healing, and recovery. I really felt sorry for Ankhesenamun. She was a woman who was determined to find happiness. Yet, she was a smart queen. She was also very strong. She was willing to be tough in order to get her way. The only thing that I did not like about the book was I did not understand her reasoning for why she sent a letter to the Hittite King asking him to send one of his sons to marry her. I thought the reasoning was foolish and it did not make sense. I also did not like the way it ended. It was very surprising and unbelievable. Still, despite these flaws, I really did love the book. This book was meticulously researched, and I felt that she brought the Amarna period to life. I also thought this book felt like a sequel to Nefertiti by Michelle Moran. I liked Ankhesenamun’s friendship with Mutnodjmet. The Last Heiress is full of political and courtly intrigue, mystery, drama, and romance. I did not want this book to end. This book is an excellent tribute to King Tut’s queen, and will leave you wanting to learn more about Queen Ankhesenamun's tragic life.
Before I read this book I did not know anything about Queen Ankhesenamun, except that she married King Tut. Yet after reading this book, I was inspired to learn more about her life. While there are still more details to learn about her, the fact is that Queen Ankhesenamun had a tragic life. Reading The Last Heiress retells the life of Queen Ankhesenamun from her point of view. In this story, we see a girl who was a political pawn. When she was a child she was forced to marry her father and give him a stillborn daughter at an early age. It is because of this traumatic event that it was hard for her to find love. Yet, the slow romance between her and Tutankhamun eventually softened her scars.
Overall, this story is about love, friendship, healing, and recovery. I really felt sorry for Ankhesenamun. She was a woman who was determined to find happiness. Yet, she was a smart queen. She was also very strong. She was willing to be tough in order to get her way. The only thing that I did not like about the book was I did not understand her reasoning for why she sent a letter to the Hittite King asking him to send one of his sons to marry her. I thought the reasoning was foolish and it did not make sense. I also did not like the way it ended. It was very surprising and unbelievable. Still, despite these flaws, I really did love the book. This book was meticulously researched, and I felt that she brought the Amarna period to life. I also thought this book felt like a sequel to Nefertiti by Michelle Moran. I liked Ankhesenamun’s friendship with Mutnodjmet. The Last Heiress is full of political and courtly intrigue, mystery, drama, and romance. I did not want this book to end. This book is an excellent tribute to King Tut’s queen, and will leave you wanting to learn more about Queen Ankhesenamun's tragic life.
February 17, 2015
I won't go into a synopsis because you can read those yourself in the book description. For $3 this was a fantastic read, a treasure of period detail and excellent character developement. I agree with a prior reviewer that King Tut was often referred to as some sort of hunky guy, when in fact we now know him to be a bit of a skinny kid based on his mummy analysis. I was also slightly shocked that it included the birth of a son (which is highly doubtful), but given the limited information on the time I forgive the author of these two liberties taken for the benefit of enhancing a story we know almost nothing about. I do recommend this book to anyone interested in Egyptian historical fiction as it is ripe with the political intrigue and "dirty details" of life at court during this period that most prefer not to think about (incest, in particular). A great read at a bargain price. I really did enjoy it.
July 14, 2020
I personally don't like the straightforward first person point of view in historical novels, told all in present tense besides. I think is a limiting factor. Anyway Liaci succeds in giving us a quite complete overview of the historical period, that's very well researched. Even if there are some details too improbable for me, like ... I really liked the novel in its whole. I liked Ankhesenamun and adored the love story between her and Tut, as historically has been between this hopeless sweet two. I felt I couldn't give 5 stars for the reasons I listed above, but for a book so well researched, that really moved me and shaped my eyes in heart form, I can safely give 4 stars. So far one of the best novels about the pair Tut and Ankhe, my Egyptian OTP.
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July 9, 2015Мне с малых гадов интиресавало всё интиресное непозноное фантастическое ... кагда я расказывала о своих мыслях подругам они подоброму смеялись и радовались за мои амбиции. Знаете кагда в тебя верят близкие люди ты не имеешь право ошибаться. Я в школе получала одни пяторки мне было стыдно перед друзями. Они знали мои силы мой типо потенцыал. И если я стала бы хуже знасит это уже не я. Жизь без близких и любимых друзей и подруг . Нет. Я бы не смогла. Горе горе печаль. Друзя я вас люблю полюбому. Спасибо что вы подерживаете меня кагда я ною и капризничаю. @b14 #book #FKingsAbout668 надеюсь верю и люблю
я без своих близких несмогла бы.хотеть и ��идеть в жизни все те розово-синие краски которым я живю... #lovestory #friendship да каму я нужна если не моим родным друзям...
я без своих близких несмогла бы.хотеть и ��идеть в жизни все те розово-синие краски которым я живю... #lovestory #friendship да каму я нужна если не моим родным друзям...
June 19, 2015
I was annoyed at the beginning of this book because the characters were very young children who were ridiculously precocious. As the book continued and the characters aged, this ceased to be a problem and I began to enjoy the writing. I have to give the author major props because she had me cheering so much for Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun that I completely forgot they were half-siblings.
Cross-posted on Gemna's Book Gems.
Cross-posted on Gemna's Book Gems.
November 21, 2015
I ended up loving this book at the end of it but while I was reading I thought maybe I made a mistake. I didn't really like ankhesenamun and I didn't think the author did a good job of making her seem personal. I read this right after I read daughter of the gods by Stephanie thorton which I was crazy about. I think the issue was she was really young so the point of view was just whiney and annoying
December 6, 2016
I LOVED this book. I have always had a fascination for Egyptian culture because of how glamorous they were as Royalty. This book is heavy with illustrious Egyptian history and accented with intriguing fiction which transports the reader completely into the Amarna period behind the eyes of the young heiress, Ankhesenapaaten. Her story and her transition into Ankhesenamun, Great Royal Wife to Pharaoh, is as amazing and heart breaking as the author can only imagine. Give this a peep, readers!
October 8, 2013
I love historical fiction but this was the first book I've ever read that didn't take place in France or England....and I was not disappointed, this was such an interesting and entertaining story! Couldn't put it down!
March 18, 2015
Absolutely terrific..Makes me want to see Egypt again. I wish there were more books on this subject. Tut's queen is little known about in History- but Ms. Liaci makes her a little bit more relatable (and Knowable!) in her wonderful book.
April 9, 2015
Good story interesting period in history
I thought the story interesting and the author's description of life in ancient Egypt felt true. However there are numerous grammatical errors that are distracting.
I thought the story interesting and the author's description of life in ancient Egypt felt true. However there are numerous grammatical errors that are distracting.
January 20, 2014
Enjoyable Read
I chose this book because I enjoy books about Egyptian women in history. if you enjoyed Lilly of the Nile you will enjoy this book also.
I chose this book because I enjoy books about Egyptian women in history. if you enjoyed Lilly of the Nile you will enjoy this book also.
October 11, 2014
It's really good gets a like hot but other then that great book
October 29, 2014
Absolutely wonderful historical fiction. If you like Egyptian history this is great. I am now hesitant to read other stories about these characters because I love how the author told their story.
May 7, 2015
I have always been interested in ancient Egypt and their monarchy. I wish we knew more about Ankhesenamun, and what happened to her.
May 22, 2015
Great story
Great story but editing was awful! I have never read anything published with so many grammar errors, misspellings and missing/incorrect words.
Great story but editing was awful! I have never read anything published with so many grammar errors, misspellings and missing/incorrect words.
May 1, 2016
Breathtaking
I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful descriptions written by the author. I liked the level of detail,twists and turns. The ending was very moving.
I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful descriptions written by the author. I liked the level of detail,twists and turns. The ending was very moving.
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