Lily of the Nile (Novel of Cleopatra's Daughter Book 1)

First we need to cover the fact that Michelle Moran released "Cleopatra's Daughter" in the not so distant past. Michelle's novel and Cleopatra's daughter Selene was more of a traditional historical fiction novel. I know everyone is thinking that two books on the same person; how the heck is that going to work? In my mind ever since I saw a real mummy in an exhibit in the art museum, I have always felt that ancient Egypt holds a mystical power that is deeply etched in to the culture. I have to admit this is the perfect book for anyone who has ever day dreamed of the secrets that Egypt has hidden beneath the desert sands. Covertly Dray sets the stage for Cleopatra's children to find the magic within them and find the strength to move on in a future full of hostile enemies.

Cleopatra Selene was the daughter of one of Egypt's most alluring queens Cleopatra and Rome's most gallant warriors. Her father Mark Antony as most know was a Roman and a high ranking one at that. Rome turned its back on Mark Anthony when he chose Cleopatra over his own birth city. Selene was about 10 or so when the political fight with Rome came to a standoff of emotional and physical warfare. Mark Antony was led to believe Cleopatra was dead and he ultimately committed suicide letting the flood gates open to the Romans. The Romans would waste no time and go in for the kill, they took over Cleopatra's Egyptian city Alexandria and ultimately she lived up to the family motto "Win or Die". She chose death and Selene was the one that brought her the snake. Carrying the deadly basket she went to her mother who was hidden away in her sanctuary. Before her mother sent the children away she gave each child a gift; the gift of her magic and a necklace with each child's own proclamation inscribed in it. Selene's necklace and gift changed her instantly and forever, her mother stated she was "The Resurrection". When Selene left her mother's presence with her twin brother Helios and younger brother Philadelphus they all knew it would be the last time they ever saw her again.

With both of her parents gone and her older half-brother by the great Julius Caesar; Caesarion on the run there was no hope of rescue. The Roman captors locked the children up in their mother's room. It was only when the brutish Roman general Agrippa came to interrogate the children about their mothers death, Agrippa boasted that the children were to be shipped off to Rome by the orders of Caesar.

Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus the imperator and victor of Actium in other words he was Caesar and also known as Octavian. He marched the children into Rome as war trophy's and it was gratifying for him to march Cleopatra's children in such a degrading way because he could not have their mother Cleopatra she was already dead. Selene and her two brothers struggled under their golden gilded collars and chains that were pulled by Octavian's chariot. The crowds of Romans were viciously infested with rage at Cleopatra. The people pelted the children with things and cursed fiercely at them. The people of Rome hated the children because of their mother "the great whore" who stole Julius Caesar and Mark Antony from Rome. Selene put on a brave face and with what little dignity she had left. She made it part of the way through Emperor Caesar's great deliverance when out of sheer fear Selene begged for her life and the lives of her brothers. It took a lot out of her pride to beg but she felt she must beg or die trying. Just as Octavian had planned she begged and Octavian's sister who was also her father's ex-wife Octavia pledged with Caesar to spare the children's lives.

Stripped of everything she ever loved including her right to worship her beloved goddess Isis Selene found herself trapped in Octavia's house of "lamentable embassy of royal orphans" with her unwanted numerous half brothers and sisters. Rome was nothing like Egypt it was painfully brought to light in everything even down to the way the houses were built. The beauty of Egypt was incomparable and Selene tried to console her-self but when the first message appeared it scared even her the first time. It was suddenly that magical hieroglyphics scrolled themselves all the way up her arms and down her hands. It had never happened before in Egypt. The messages hurt and bleed profusely which meant she could not hide it. The messages scared her because she had no idea where they were coming from and why they were happening to her. The messages would led her on a perilous task of protecting her beloved Isis and saving herself from being devoured by her new forced home the barbaric Rome.

This is a re-post of my posted blog review,technically the rating is a 4.5 but since there are no halves here I went with 5.

While I studied Latin and so had some background, I admit that I did not know much about Cleopatra Selene. In fact, though she seems to be popular now, I don't think I heard much about her until recently, so I went into this book with no expectations of what Selene would be like or what the book might entail. I admit, that at first, I wasn't sure if I enjoyed the childish heroine. Cleopatra Selene and her siblings start out pretty young. However, the book ages them quickly, and some of the maturity seems to derive itself from the weight of their experiences, which makes the last half of the book seem like a natural progression. I knew when I opened this book that there would be some magic inside, which is surprising in historical fiction. However, I felt it was entirely appropriate, and though I can't speak to what the author meant, I feel like it was very representative of how the Romans must have seen Cleopatra and Cleopatra Selene. In that day and age, it was difficult for women to wield power that they did not steal through their husbands. The Romans must have seen Cleopatra and her daughter as unnatural and it would not be hard to believe, for a lack of explanation about their intelligence and capability, they would seek out a mystical one. I did not take to Selene right away, though I think this was purposeful, as she starts out in a place of youthful confusion over her role in the new world around her. Over time, however, I grew to appreciate the girl who had grown into a young woman. Surrounding her are delightful characters, ones both familiar and unfamiliar. I found myself delighting in bad guys, like Livia, and good guys, like Julia, equally. The characters are all very balanced and alive. They go through ups and downs, villains and heroes alike. If you are unfamiliar with this historical period, this is the sort of novel I imagine would encourage readers to want to know more. If you are familiar, you will find enthusiasm in seeing some of history's big names come to life right before your eyes. I enjoyed this read, but I've heard that Song of the Nile matures the conflict a bit, and for me, that evolution is absolutely perfect.

My thoughts:
This is book one about Princess Selene, but it is a novel that easily can stand on its own. One aspect of her life ends when the book ends, and it's a good solid ending. But she has more to experience, and that will come later.

This is then the story of Selene, daughter of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony. A girl who managed to stay more in the shadows of time than her famous mother. She, her twin Helios, and their younger brother was brought to Rome as prisoners and were taken in by Octavia, sister of Octavian. This time in Rome is what this book is about.

Again I must say that I am pretty appalled by the Romans. A woman had no real worth or say in things. Her only duty was to marry a man, and bear him a son. That's it. She should not speak or have ideas, and if the man said she was unfaithful she suffered while he could marry someone else. It was a man's world. And this is one of the things the novel does well, Selene is from another culture, one where woman has opinions, and it's a clash of cultures.

One thing about the book that makes it less historical fiction is the magic. There truly is magic and Selene is getting messages from the Goddess Isis, carved into her arms. At first I was not sure, about magic but I just had to adjust and think that who knows, maybe there was magic then. That way I could still feel it was historical fiction, and not something else.

And I just have to mention one thing about Octavian, Ceasar, what a self-righteous ass he was.

Recommendation and final thoughts:
It's a shame that Selene is not more known. She is getting her story told now, and that is good. Because it is fascinating and she lived at a thrilling time. The book is an interesting mix of facts, fiction, and fantasy.

Stephanie Dray deftly weaves elements of magic and ancient mysticism into the coming-of-age story of the daughter of ancient Egypt's most famous woman without losing a bit of the sense of realism and authenticity that's crucial for satisfying historical fiction. Readers get to see Selene grow from a frightened girl into a confident young woman as well as the inner machinations of Caesar Augustus's court and even hints about the broader religious environment that would one day give rise to Christianity. Highly recommended.

first fell in love with Cleopatra through Elizabeth Taylor...while I realize now the movie didn't portray the actual events very well I still enjoy the idea of a woman who could stand toe to toe with a Roman Emperor using her charm, wit, and guile (and prolly some other things) to get what she wanted.

I must admit while I do enjoy Egyptian lore and history I'm not particularly up to snuff when it came to the FULL history of Cleopatra...including that she had children by Mark Antony! So I was very intrigued and excited when I was offered an advanced reading copy of "Lily of the Nile" by Stephanie Dray.

Before I even received the book I did some light research to discover a little more about Cleopatra's children. Caesarion who was fathered by Julius Caesar and then Cleopatra and Antony's children, twins - Cleopatra Selene, and Alexander Helios and the younger son, Ptolemy Philadelphus. I don't want to go any further into what history I found on the children because you might want to research on your own, or let the book unfold for itself. However I do want to tell you how much I enjoyed "Lily of the Nile"!

From the very first chapter Stephanie Dray endears you to her characters especially Cleopatra's young daughter Cleopatra Selene. There are many times in the book where I just want to gather up Cleopatra's children to hug and protect them so powerful is Dray's writing as to draw out so much compassion from the reader. Selene and her siblings endure much after their mother's death at the hands of the Romans, especially Octavian. Throughout it all Selene, Helios, and Philadelphus all deal with their situation differently and they all struggle with their reality and the choices they make versus what they believe would be expected of them as children of Cleopatra and future rulers of Egypt. Those conflicts are very universal as I believe we all struggle with the choices we make versus what we feel might otherwise be expected of us from others.

Lily of the Nile is a wonderful work of historical fiction with touches of fantasy and magic! I won't spoil it, but the parts with magic are intriguing and kept me waiting with baited breath to see when they would happen again!

If there is any complaint to be found with this book it's I wish it were longer! I completely understand the book is about Cleopatra's children and what happens to them in the wake of her death, but Dray introduces such rich characters like Julia, Octavian's daughter and only true heir, and Octavia, Octavian's sister and Mark Antony's widowed Roman wife, it kinda made me wish the book were longer just so I could get more of them!

I really look forward to the other two books of the trilogy and Selene's further adventures maneuvering through the perils of being not only Cleopatra's daughter, but also now being a woman of Rome and all that it entails! Perhaps if we're lucky someone might option the trilogy for a movie or TV deal! I do love the Tudor Dynasty, but I think it's far past time for Ptolemaic Egypt to get a chance to shine!

Oh and a few minor warnings that I'd like to mention, though given the subject matter and the historical time frame it shouldn't be too surprising. There is a light touching upon incestuous relationships (nothing graphic), animal sacrifices, and gladiatorial sport (which includes both human and animal)....again nothing too surprising given the book involves Egyptian Royalty and Romans!

I enjoyed this book. The story of Selene, daughter of cleopatra. I like how the author mixed fiction with the history of Rome and Egypt. My only concern was the ages of the children. so many adult things happening to 12 year olds. I was looking for some growth as far as age. I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

Selene and her brothers are transported to Rome after her parents, Cleopatra (yes that Cleopatra) and Marc Antony commit suicide. Here, in this new world, she must learn to fend for herself. Lily of the Nile is a story about a survivor who calls on every bit of magic and will to survive her captivity by the Romans. Blending research with her beautiful prose, Ms. Dray has written a wonderful book and created some magic ofher own.

Princess Selene has everything going for her: beauty, incredible wealth, and the future throne of Egypt. But when her mother, the fabled Cleopatra, commits suicide, Selene's world dies with her.

She is plucked from the marble halls of the palace of Alexandria and deposited in the confining rooms of a humble manor in Rome. Once the beloved children of a divine queen, she and her brothers are now hated orphans.

They are not completely powerless, however. Just before their mother died, she gave each of her three children a magical amulet. Selene soon learns that she is a vessel of the great goddess Isis, who carves bloody messages in hieroglyphs into her arms.

Will she embrace her heritage and sacred vocation? Selene wants to honor her mother and her beloved goddess, but patriarchal Rome is not a safe place for a magical girl who worships a goddess of love and justice.

Dray weaves history, fiction, and fantasy into a compelling tapestry. A few times the goddess allusions are a little jarring, such as when Selene's brother Philadelphus tells her, "Without Isis, people forget female divinity." Philadelphus sees the future, true, but this still seems like a curiously modern thing to say.

For the most part, though, Selene's devotion to Isis fits smoothly into her historical landscape. The Isis cult was extremely popular throughout the Mediterranean, and its values of peace, love, and justice paved the way for Christianity.

Lily of the Nile is a smart, complex novel that transcends most of the "women's fiction" that I've read. It doesn't serve up a predictable romance or predictable conflict. It's compelling in part because the conflict is so unpredictable. Selene's nemesis--and guardian--is the wily emperor Augustus, and she must learn to be as clever and secretive as him. In the words of the Ptolemy motto: "Win or die."

This review was adapted from one originally posted on my blog.

It really was hard not to compare this to Cleopatra's Daughter. This book had a slightly more childish undertone, and maybe a step too far into the unbelievable. Made for an interesting read...just not the most exciting.

I really enjoyed this book! Selene is such a survivor. She's caught in a terrible situation, but, manages to come to grips with her ties to her mother and to Isis as well as making a strange sort of ally of Augustus. I also love how filled with bitterness and resentment Helios is -- he's definitely Marc Antony writ small, just unable to accept the injustice of his situation. Also, I loved the portrayal of Octavia, who could have so easily been cruel, but is a good soul even in the face of the humiliation Antony served her.

In 31 BC, Roman legions loyal to Octavian defeats married couple Cleopatra and Mark Antony at the battle of Actium. They follow that victory with a successful invasion of Egypt leading to the suicide of the royal opposition leaders. Afterward to insure no more Egyptian uprising behind a martyr and to extinguish the prophesized Golden Age for Isis worshippers, the young Roman emperor takes the vanquished Egyptian queen's preadolescent children in chains to Rome. He incorporates the older twins Cleopatra Selene and Alexander Helios and the youngest offspring Ptolemy Philadelphus into his household.

Helios is irate as he loathes bowing down to the barbaric Roman Emperor who has taken away his divined destiny. His wiser sister Selene works the court though she conceals her Isis worship from those who scorn her beliefs as primitive. Selene soon learns she possesses inner strengths, outer enticing beauty to rival her mom, and a need to defend her religious beliefs and her people. She refuses to back away from the emperor as she challenges the man who defeated her mother in ways her mom tried to do but ultimately failed.

Mindful of Michelle Moran's delightful young adult targeted Cleopatra's Daughter, Stephanie Dray provides a wonderful adult entry that enhances the first century BC thriller with a touch of magic. Selene is strong as she tries to protect her siblings and her people from the wrath of Rome. Historical armchair readers will enjoy a trip to the Mediterranean escorted by the charming Lily of the Nile.

Harriet Klausner

Wrapping historical figures in a fictional world doesn't always work. This time - it does! While written, mostly, from the perspective of a young girl, the novel doesn't talk down to the reader or feel contrived in any way. You relate and sympathize with Selene, even though her beliefs and culture are drastically different from the norm. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel to this and recommend it to anyone who enjoys literary minded historical fiction.

After the deaths of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, Princess Selene and her two brothers are brought to Rome as high-profile hostages and installed in the household of the emperor. What follows in this first of a planned trilogy are Selene's plots with twin Helios trying to escape their confinement, the battle of wills they wage with the emperor, as well as the mysterious *writings* from Isis that appear and disappear on Selene's hands.

Yep, there's a lot more to it than that, but plenty of other reviewers have recapped it quite nicely. Full disclosure, I wasn't predisposed to love this book, as 1) I don't have much interest in ancient Greece and Rome, 2) I don't care much for YA and 3) I generally loathe first person narratives. This book was passed along to me by a friend and fellow reader and since I needed something in this period for a reading challenge, I decided to give it a shot.

My thoughts? I found Selene's voice a bit too modern with too much teenage angst for my tastes, and not terribly compelling for me, although I suspect that the younger readers would like this a great deal and I'd recommend it for them. I'm also not big on fantasy and magic, so be warned if that's not your *cuppa tea* as well,

"The family had seen me bleed before, at the Trojan Games, but how would the girls treat me when they heard that crocodiles had submitted themselves to me and flowers had sprung from my blood?"

You'll have to decide if that kind of magic and hocus pocus floats your boat or not. Thumbs up to the author for being upfront at the front of the book about some historical changes/name changes she's made, as well as well as not succumbing to the temptation of making your baddies really really bad - kudos for that.

I'm just about finished reading this story. I love how Stephanie Dray portrays Cleopatra's daughter, Selene. Once I started reading, I found it very hard to put the book down. This is the type of story that everyone from 13 years old all the way up to adults will love! I also had the fortune to meet Stephanie Dray & she is as sweet as can be! Pick this book up at once.

This book was really intriguing. The storyline was interesting and pretty believable as far as the time period goes. I actually went and bought the next book in the series "Song of the Nile" after I read this one. I don't always buy the second book, so that to me says I liked it enough to keep going with the series!

I decided to read this book because of many wonderful reviews I saw. THANK YOU! I would not have picked it up if it weren't for them. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one in this series. I loved how I was transported to Rome in this book. I was there with Selene as she first gazed eyes on the ancient city. I am not sure how historically accurate the book may be but it was 100% entertaining.

Princess Selene struggles to survive, protect her brothers, defend her faith and attempt to bring a Golden Age all while adapting to a new place, a new family and a changing body. I couldn't put this book down.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction. I can't wait for October 4th for Song of the Nile to come out.

If you like antiquity, you will enjoy "Lily of the Nile." As an undergrad Classicist, I have to say it makes for a good introduction to Roman and Egyptian life as seen through the eyes of its heroine Selene. If you want a more detailed history of Cleopatra and Anthony, look elsewhere, but if you want an engaging what-if about Cleopatra's children, Stephanie Dray gives a great read. I have few memories of "Mara Daughter of the Nile" but it is similar in how quickly the pages turn. Two downsides of "Lily of the Nile" that spring to mind are the protagonist's realistic fluctuations as she denies a part of herself (much to this reader's frustration) and its ending. Come on, Dray, give us more!

If you like ancient Rome, Greece, or Egypt, this is a must-read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a gripping page-turner bringing history to life. I never knew about the daughter of Cleopatra and her brother until recently. Stephanie Dray brings their story to life, as they are taken in bondage to Rome and raised in the household Caesar Augustus. I can't wait to read the sequel.

Loved this book, historical fiction never looked so good. I believe Stephanie is one of those authors that one day we'll look back and realize we read the first works of one of the greatest out there.