Daughter of the Nile (Classic Historical Fiction Book 3)

I loved some previous novels set in ancient egypt and was hoping this would be the same - not so. It was not well written and didn't build any excitement as you get towards the end. I barely finished this one.

This was the most poorly written book I have cever come across. I know it gets tiring writing a book but you need to have someone proof it for you before you put it out on the market. I gave up on trying to read it,

Didn't see the movie with Elizabeth Taylor and never read anything in depth about Cleopatra but just tiny blurbs here'n'there to make her mysterious to me. I don't know how much of it followed the truth since I'm basically ignorant of her life. I even thought I read about her in the Bible going to visit a King, arriving with many gifts of Egypt's wealth for the King but I couldn't find it.
The slant was of her childhood raising of "beware..." messages from her father, the King, and her being thrusted into becoming Queen at a very young age, untrained, but determined to "BE" powerful. In this story she worked hard to take care of her people & country as a good ruler. She seemed intelligent but men leaders were extremely hesitant to follow her suggestions. She was labeled a "slut" by other countries, leaders, & their society. According to the story presented she was not as promiscuous as labeled.
She was a "survivor" up to a point.

Although I found the descriptive prose to be very entertaining and informative for the settings and places, the same was not true for the characters and action. All men in this book are portrayed as egomaniacal tyrants, drunken fools, silly sycophants or chronic complainers. The women, on the other hand, are portrayed as clear-thinking, purposeful and virtuous victims of the men's excessively flawed personalities. I found it hard to believe that an army would follow any of these men despite documented history to the contrary. Additionally, I found descriptions of battles and major military engagements to be virtually non-existent. Perhaps the author considered actual events to be unimportant when compared to the need for further analysis of poor little Cleopatra's thoughts on her trials and tribulations.

FALCONER IS ALWAYS GOOD WITH HISTORICAL FICTION AND THIS BOOK WAS NO DIFFERENT.HE ADDED A GOOD STORY LINE TO A TALE ALL OF US KNEW ABOUT AND OF THE BROAD OUTLINE ACCORDING TO THE MOVIES AND HISTORY ITSELF

Unfortunately this is a poorly written book. The story is of course interesting from a historical point of view. The grammar and word usage is appalling. I suggest you skip this one. I like history but the grammar made it a tiresome read.

Does no one do any editing any more? Napoleon said that an army travels on its stomach, not Cleopatra! I also seriously doubt that any one from that era ever referred to Julius Caesar as "old boy." Having said both of those things, I probably would have persevered to the end had it not been for a racial slur about half way through the book. Really, people? Please give me an author with a little class!

I agree with all the reviews staying this book needs to be edited better. Also, I was constantly looking up arcane words. That was tedious, especially because on the same page the author would use modern slang. The author also jumbled up which point of view he is writing from, switching from first to third and back in the same sentence. Then, suddenly the book will have a clunky, short and dirty sex scene. If you're going to be a historic romance novel, go for it. Don't touch upon it barely and just come off as crude.

I did like the author's description of setting.

The Blighted Troth: A Historical Novel of New France

Throughout the centuries, the legend of Cleopatra VII, Queen of Egypt, has fascinated and intrigued. But it has also been clouded by speculation, embellishment, and stormy controversy. Thousands of years after her death, she remains an iconic figure, an enigma; her fascinating life the fodder for numerous novels and movies. Of all the books I've read about this notorious heroine, Colin Falconer's version is perhaps the most plausible and realistic version. He has struck a suitable balance between circumspect and entertainment.

Cleopatra was born into the Ptolemaic dynasty sometime in late 69 BC - August 12, 30 BC. She was considered the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. She spoke Greek and later Egyptian, flaunting herself to the world as Isis, an Egyptian goddess. After the death of her father, as was tradition for Egyptian royal families of the time, she married her brothers, but after their deaths or murders, she became Egypt's sole ruler. Her liaisons with Caesar strengthened her power and she bore him a son whom she named Caesarian.

After Caesar's horrific assassination, Cleopatra united with Marc Antony, handsome, powerful, and natural leader of men who loved the decadent life.

Together with Marc Antony they set out to defeat Caesar's power hungry and ruthless nephew and heir, Octavian.

Cleopatra bore the handsome, charismatic Marc Antony twins, Selene and Alexander.

But the fates brought little luck to Marc Antony and he committed suicide after failed battles. Heartbroken, Cleopatra followed him to the grave by allowing the bite of a poisonous asp to kill her.

The novel opens when Cleopatra is 18 years old at the death of her father, Ptolemy. Intrigue and danger follows as powerful men try to usurp the throne of Egypt from her. My favourite passage in the novel is the very first scene where Marc Antony is introduced. I must have read and re-read that scene no less than ten times just for the pure enjoyment. Nothing short of brilliant and so much fun! The story unfolds chronologically, realistically, and with a wonderful mix of fiction and fact. I cannot state it enough how real the story seemed and how believable the author portrayed Cleopatra to the reading audience. Her cunning and wisdom was more than adequately captured, as was her devotion to her children, her country, and her love for Caesar and Marc Antony.

The author's writing style is direct and easy, allowing the reader to immerse themselves into the story seamlessly. Cleopatra evolves as a sensual, strong, woman trapped in a world of betrayal and the constant battle for power and supremacy. I liked this author's prose and the way he tells a story. He worked hard to present the facts, but was able to add enough color and individuality to keep me turning and turning the pages. The level of detail made this novel real as life itself. This is the first novel I've read by Colin Falconer, but it won't be the last. I'll be collecting all of his books and will avidly follow his career from here on in. Bravo Mr. Falconer! Thank you for the pleasure of reading such a fine book. Now, off to the store to acquire The Sultan's Harem.

Couldn’t put this book down!!! I love historical fiction and tend to stick mainly with British/Euro history anywhere from the 800-1600’s so this was new for me.
I also do love to switch into Non fiction reading about history mainly, and bios. Rome is one of my favorites for that, and I got to add a lot to my imagination with this book through Falconers perfect descriptions of the countries, and characters inner dialogue.
I found myself completely engrossed by this Author and book !! I have actually started another book by Falconer and in just a day am halfway thru it...Harem. Different. Equally good if, if not better idk..
If your a person who likes History you will love this book.
If your a person who likes a book that moves along quickly you will like this book.
I plan on reading more and more of Falconer.

Cleopatra is known as one of history's most famous femme fatales. This novel portrays her in a way that she shines out for her wit and political acumen in addition to her good looks. Falconer has created a believable and relatable Cleopatra and it was one of my own inspirations for my own series. Highly recommended!

This novel has been overlooked, and that’s too bad. Colin Falconer recreated ancient Egypt and Rome with a vibrancy that cannot be attained in a biography. Most of what we know about Cleopatra was written by her enemies, and so has to be read with skepticism. Falconer fanaticizes about her as a woman. This tale treats her with a respect lacking in the "histories" and most other historic novels about Cleopatra. What a remarkable women. So young, with so many enemies and no one to trust!
I am somewhat startled by the Book Description ...but then I realized that most of it was taken from the back of the book. So much of this hype does not represent the wonderful novel inside the covers. Cleopatra did not inherit “ the richest empire in the world”; she inherited a contested claim to share the throne of Egypt with her younger brother Ptolemy. Her father was deeply in debt to Rome for his throne. Cleopatra did not “brazenly” seek “a partnership with the only man who could secure Egypt’s safety.” She was smuggled into Alexandria to meet Julius Caesar in the hope of staying alive and on the throne, and maintaining some semblance of an independent Egypt.
This is a wonderful historical novel that combines the best of historic fact with the imagination needed to reconstruct ancient characters. I highly recommend “When We Were Gods”.

I read Silk Road and enjoyed the historical details, so I was hopeful when I picked up Cleopatra. The history in Cleopatra is pretty good, but I am troubled by all of the homophobic slurs and the author's tendency to use racial, ethnic, and even religious stereotypes to demean unsavory characters. I wish that Falconer would continue to write historical fiction because he has a great talent for weaving accurate history into his narratives, but please, let the characters stand on their own merits and don't typecast them according to their "group". Let a gay character be manly and a hero; let a religious cleric be devout and misguided not a crazed fanatic; let a spurned wife be something other than a wicked shrew.

I ordered this book after looking for a good book to purchase for my Kindle. I chose this after getting a couple refunds for books I didn't want to keep. This book looked good and I know the authors work. I read some content online and, while it seemed similar to something I remembered reading, the title was different and wording too, I thought at first. Well, after reading a bit I realized I had in fact read this book a few years back (or more than that). The content was similar but did seem to be different. I swear the book is the same!

I requested yet another refund! I will have to be very careful in the future if books are periodically edited and re-released under different titles. I must admit I'm not happy about this. The book is good, content wise but the 2 stars are for what I view as under-handed tricks to sell more books.

This novel has been overlooked, and that’s too bad. Colin Falconer recreated ancient Egypt and Rome with a vibrancy that cannot be attained in a biography. Most of what we know about Cleopatra was written by her enemies, and so has to be read with skepticism. Falconer fanaticizes about her as a woman. This tale treats her with a respect lacking in the "histories" and most other historic novels about Cleopatra. What a remarkable women. So young, with so many enemies and no one to trust!
I am somewhat startled by the Book Description ...but then I realized that most of it was taken from the back of the book. So much of this hype does not represent the wonderful novel inside the covers. Cleopatra did not inherit “ the richest empire in the world”; she inherited a contested claim to share the throne of Egypt with her younger brother Ptolemy. Her father was deeply in debt to Rome for his throne. Cleopatra did not “brazenly” seek “a partnership with the only man who could secure Egypt’s safety.” She was smuggled into Alexandria to meet Julius Caesar in the hope of staying alive and on the throne, and maintaining some semblance of an independent Egypt.
This is a wonderful historical novel that combines the best of historic fact with the imagination needed to reconstruct ancient characters. I highly recommend “When We Were Gods”.

I read Silk Road and enjoyed the historical details, so I was hopeful when I picked up Cleopatra. The history in Cleopatra is pretty good, but I am troubled by all of the homophobic slurs and the author's tendency to use racial, ethnic, and even religious stereotypes to demean unsavory characters. I wish that Falconer would continue to write historical fiction because he has a great talent for weaving accurate history into his narratives, but please, let the characters stand on their own merits and don't typecast them according to their "group". Let a gay character be manly and a hero; let a religious cleric be devout and misguided not a crazed fanatic; let a spurned wife be something other than a wicked shrew.

I ordered this book after looking for a good book to purchase for my Kindle. I chose this after getting a couple refunds for books I didn't want to keep. This book looked good and I know the authors work. I read some content online and, while it seemed similar to something I remembered reading, the title was different and wording too, I thought at first. Well, after reading a bit I realized I had in fact read this book a few years back (or more than that). The content was similar but did seem to be different. I swear the book is the same!

I requested yet another refund! I will have to be very careful in the future if books are periodically edited and re-released under different titles. I must admit I'm not happy about this. The book is good, content wise but the 2 stars are for what I view as under-handed tricks to sell more books.

This looked fairly interesting when picked up. Before I started, I spotted that the back of the novel contained a Q&A with the author which claimed that the aim of the novel was to produce a story based on fact rather than myth or fiction set against the Roman Empire - ignore the fact that this is incorrect. The Roman Empire began after Cleopatra's death.
It disappointed on so many levels. The characterisation of the main protagonists - Caesar, Octavian, Anthony, Cleopatra - and the supporting Roman and Alexandrian characters was as far removed from historical fact of any Cleopatra novel I have read.
Caesar comes across as a monarchy-obsessed philanderer, Anthony as permanently drunk yet with a Herculean disposition and Cleopatra herself as a naive girl trying to manipulate the greatest politicans of the time. The depiction of Rome was also somewhat startling.
There seemed to be an application of twenty-first century morality to this ancient society which was equally unrealistic and the author made several historically inaccurate mistakes.
The novel reads well and you can get through it at a fair pace and it possesses that 'gripping' edge to ensure you keep going.
But it is not historically accurate at all and on that level it comes somewhere at the bottom of any recommended list of the genre. It is actually a good historical fantasy.

Who doesn't have preconceptions about the famous/infamous Cleopatra and her legendary beauty? Thanks to Elizabeth Taylor and Claudette Colbert before her, we have been swamped with images and myths about the woman and her men. Falconer has written a sumptuous (though I suspect less than totally accurate historically) tale of the woman who nearly brought Rome to its knees. Most fascinating to me was the less than reverent depiction of Mark Antony, and a glimpse inside the corridors of power in both Rome and Egypt at that time. The details are exquisite - from Antony and Cleopatra's first meeting to their sensual couplings, to the final drama which claimed their lives - Falconer conjures a world where one strong woman almost toppled an empire. A great summer/beach read, just don't take it too seriously as far as history goes.

I read this novel and read the Margaret George novel on Cleopatra right after. There is no comparison. Whereas George's characters have depth, Falconer's are one-dimensional. Would it really be possible for Antony to have been the total drunk portrayed here and have accomplished what he did? Would Cleopatra really have been attracted to such a lout? She seems too smart for that - but not in this book. The characters in this book are so lacking in depth and likable qualities I felt like I was just waiting for them to all die.
The novel also lacked the richness of detail that attracts me to (good) historical novels and allows me to feel as though I am there - a witness to history. There are several good novels about Cleopatra. Why bother to read this one?

I put this book down several times before I finished it - then I sold it back to the used book store.

Being a fan of historical fiction who was completely blown away by Margaret George's "Memoirs of Cleopatra," I picked up this book for its title and wanted very much to like it. Unfortunately, although Falconer has vast powers of description (many of the settings and costumes were beautifully portrayed), his Cleopatra seems less a queen of flesh, blood, and iron -- i.e. a real woman -- than a stereotypically alluring, painted, exotic doll. This cardboard quality extends to most of the other characters in the vast cast; I never formed a connection to any of them. Falconer's omniscient position is occasionally irritating, as he chooses to throw his characters' thoughts down on the page in lieu of revealing their true personalities through words and deeds. (Other quibbles, quite minor: some jarring anachronisms, some lengthy passages that have all the authentic feel of a history book, and a seeming preoccupation with sex.)
If the author had applied his descriptive talents to human actions and relationships as well as temples and palaces, this version of Cleopatra's story could have wielded some actual power. As it is, though, "When We Were Gods" is a lifeless soap opera on an epic scale, a disappointingly flat historical production. The wonderful descriptions, nice details, and the unconventional ending earn it, in my book, one more star than the bulky rest deserves.

It is pleasingly written, but I was seriously annoyed by the several liberties he took with history. Oftentimes it seemed to me he got much of his "research" from the 1963 movie with Elizabeth Taylor. He has, for example, Octavian being given the title "Augustus" three or more years prior to when he was awarded it. Falconer also cannot seem to keep it straighter whether it is "Forum Romanum" (accurate) or "Forum Romanus" (inaccurate). He also used the slang term "gypo" too frequently----way too frequently, as well as the word "pelegrina". Terribly annoyed with the novel throughout, although, as I said, it is engagingly written. Totally besmirches Octavian, the future first emperor of Rome, although, since the novel is written from Cleopatra's point of view, I suppose that may be granted.

I like historical fiction, and the stories that authors weave around historical figures make the history come to life. But, I'm just not getting it with this book. I'm only 100 pages into the book, and I'm trying to decide whether or not to just move on, simply because I don't like the writing, the characters or the author's view of the characters. I'm fairly well versed in ancient (specifically Roman) history, so the story and the history are good, but these characters Falconer has created are one dimensional. For instance, Caesar is just boring and Cleopatra is neurotic AND boring. I have lost count with how many times the author refers to people as slabs of fat and barrels of pork. And Caesar's "black, piercing eyes" turn miraculously blue about page 90 or so. I'm curious as to why the author would refer to Cleopatra's "Egyptian nose", since she wasn't Egyptian, or her "tight, little Asian body" (that was just offensive) since she wasn't Asian. Asian refers to ethnic groups and countries specific to the continent of ASIA. Yes, Egypt and the near east were considered Oriental by Roman standards, but that is a term that is not interchangeable with Asia.

Phew! I talked myself into it, I'm chucking this book. I hope his other novels are better written than this, or that he at least picked up a decent editor along the way.

When I started reading this book I was rather optimistic. However, after the first 100 pages I feel I learned nothing new about the characters. The description of Cleopatra maturing from an adolescent that had just become the sovern of Egypt to a becoming a confident ruler was interesting. However, the remaining 400 pages of the novel just had her going back and forth like a ping-pong ball, between trusting Caesar to being betrayed by Caesar, to trusting Caesar to being betrayed by Caesar. (Actually, for the last 200 pages it was Mark Antony that she was trusting and being betrayed by, but he seems to be interchangable with Caesar for the purposes of this novel.) It became exasperating that Cleo couldn't seem to remember anything from more than 5 pages back. In the end, I feel the time spent reading this book was mostly wasted.

Having read a multitude of books on Cleopatra (some fictional and others factual) this book left me with mixed emotions. While it was refreshing to read yet another perspective on this fascinating woman's character, I was ultimately disappointed. Falconer clearly depicts her political acuity and that aspect I found far more realistic than the self-serving seductress Rome portrayed her as, but his book did not show her as the multi-faceted woman she truly was. Nowhere did I find the wit, the charm or the graciousness this woman would have posessed. Her romances (if you could call them that) with Caesar and Anthony were without depth or passion. While I do not require sexually graphic writing to hold my interest, there was little to elude to the level of intimacy she must have enjoyed with these men. Cleopatra's and Caesarion's relationship was stilted, and treated almost as an after thought. The ending was abrupt, cold and unbelievable. Can anyone really believe that after all of his years of service and loyalty, Cleopatra's most trusted advisor would turn traitor simply because the winds of fortune had shifted? Hard to believe a woman so perceptive would have confided in such a person. The few things I did like about this book were the characters of Apollodorus, the scenery depictions, and the different spin on Octavian after he had control of Egypt. Most books depict him as wanting Cleopatra preserved at all costs for his Triumph in Rome, but here he actually wanted her to commit suicide. It was an interesting twist,and quite possibly, the most interesting part of the entire book. I recommend reading The Alexandrian by Martha Rolfhart, or even That Egyptian Woman by Noel Gerson, both of which give interesting theories on this marvelous woman.

A passion for ancient history, "When We Were Gods," didn't disappiont this reader. Historians may not have much knowledge on the daily life and tasks of the last Ptomely, but Colin Falconer has ad libbed Cleopatra VII's life in a very believable manner. This is not just an eppict tale of love, lust and lies. "When We Were Gods," is about a young woman's struggle to survive in a Roman world where men ruled and their women followed. Cleopatra was the Queen of Upper and Lower Egypt, the Incarnate of Isis, scholar, lover, sister, single mother and the first feminist in history.

"When We Were Gods," begins with a young Cleopatra taking the crown and by the laws of Egypt, marrying her younger brother, Ptolemy. She's forced into exile by her brother's advisors only to return rolled up in a carpet as a present for Julius Caesar, who is residing in Cleopatra's personal chambers. Thus begins the exploits of Julius and Cleopatra's love affair that is sunonomius throughout history. A son, Caesorian, is born, next heir to the throne of Egypt, but Cleopatra's life doesn't end there. After the murder of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra begins a love affair with the general of Julius' army and his friend, Marcus Antonious. Together, Cleopatra and Marcus scandalize Rome by getting married, having three children, and by their equal partnership in waging war on Julius' heir, Octavious. In the end Cleopatra and Marcus lose their battle to the empire and their lives. Rome may have destroyed the city of Alexandria, but Cleopatra's legend of heroism and strength will stand still in the sands of time and her life will live on in history as long as we have authors such as Colin Falconer retelling tales of ages gone by.

Mr. Falconer's work had some imaginative dialogue, but overall, I was very disappointed with this novel. As a student of Roman history, I found his Julius Caesar and Octavian to be the most accurate and his Octavia to be the most uplifting. However, I felt that many of the other characters had major flaws. Cleopatra was just TOO cold and unappealing. Such a woman would not have captivated the two most powerful men of her day. I can perhaps percieve Fulvia as a shrew....but Calpurnia? It was almost as though Falconer had something AGAINST a few of the characters in his book. As for Caesarion's character, Falconer had me CHEERING for Octavian by the end! But the WORST was poor Antony! Granted, the man was probably an alcoholic (many people were back then), but great day! Did Falconer forget that most of what we know about him was written by his ENEMIES?! Also, Antony could not have been the wine-soaked fool his book portrayed him as. He was a man who had elevated himself under Caesar's "tight-ship" command, and went on to be a fine general in his own right. Lastly, I found the sex scenes unappealing and unnecessary, lowering the story-line to the level Octavian would have always wanted. Granted....sex WAS involved, but adults have imaginations! And, for those of us who read Margaret George's EXCELLENTLY researched novel, "The Memoirs of Cleopatra", I sensed Falconer mirroring too many of her ideas in particular scenes: ex. the feast at Caesar's, and the party in Rome mocking her country. Readers, for a much better attempt at constructing the world of Cleopatra, turn to Margaret George!

I've always been fascinated with Cleopatra and tend to eat up literature and film on the subject matter. I have to say there was just something very special about this book to me. I found it well written with an excellent flow. I just couldn't put it down and then when it was over I felt a sense of loss. It's Cleopatra in a whole new way.

Unlike other reviewers, I haven't read Margaret George's "The Memoirs of Cleopatra." I completely loved the novel and read through the first 300 pages in a couple of days. Falconer combines both the modern and historical to make a great story. I'm not entirely sure if this is historically accurate as he claims since I only have a breif history of the subject. But overall, it's a very good book, though I'll have to read "The Memiors of Cleopatra" next to find out the other side of the story...

Although The Memoirs of Cleopatra is my ALL time favorite book of the Queen of Egypt, I have to admit that this is a very good book.
My advice would be to spread these reads apart. Whichever one you read first you will take as GOSPEL for a very long time so read one, read a lot of books in between, and then read the other.

This book reads like an abridged version of Margaret George's "The Memoirs of Cleopatra" which was published in 1998. The two books are so similar that I figure there must be a real wealth of detailed historical information on Cleopatra's reign; no publisher could have taken a chance with something that appears to be plagarized. Don't bother with it - get George's book and enjoy the rich history and character development.

Cleopatra is an exciting step back in time. Colin is a master of research and takes his readers on on trip from cover to cover. You are left wishing it wasn't over and having learnt a lot in a way much more interesting than any history lesson. Colin shows us a different version of Cleo exciting to the finish!

... especially when compared with "The Memoirs of Cleopatra," as so many people are doing. This book has some characterizations I did like -- namely, Caesarion as a spoiled palace brat and Antyllus as an insecure, awkward teen -- but the rest of it seems pretty lacking. Half the book seems to be sex scenes that might as well have come from some trashy teen romance novel, and Antony and Cleopatra are just too one-dimensional to be enjoyable. Check this one out from the library first, or borrow it from somebody, before you spend money on it.

I was looking for reading entertainment and I chose well. Well written and Very historically enlightening. May read again. After 3 two hour sessions I am not tired of this author's work. Will try to find some more of his work as soon as possible.

I absolutely loved this novel... it portrayed such a lively and realistic view of how Cleopatra's life was and could've been that i couldn't help but become absolved in her beautiful world of luxury and love. The vocabulary was extensive and the descriptions indescribeably receptive. I truly enjoyed this book and look foward to reading more of Colin Falconer's wonderful historical novels.