One year ago, Malayna Evans released her adult debut novel, Neferura: The Pharaoh’s Daughter. Set during the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt (1550-1292 BCE), it draws a political power struggle between pharaohs, with plenty of dark secrets and subterfuge to keep our title character guessing… and then plotting her own schemes, too.

Why I Chose This Book:
There are so many historical novels inspired by Greek mythology and figures, and as much as I love those, I’m always on the lookout for similar books that shine a light on other cultures. Ancient Egypt has always been fascinating to me, so I was excited to read a book about pharaohs and those close to them.

What I Liked:
- Ancient Egyptian culture and politics
- So many secrets and schemes! Spying and sneaking!
- Neferura seems to have a lot of power… but she’s actually quite vulnerable to the power struggle between her mother and half-brother
- Forming a collective of women

What Didn’t Work for Me:
- The story took some odd turns that lost me partway through
- I wanted a more immersive Egyptian setting

Final Thoughts
Neferura was an engrossing novel that fans of ancient history, court politics, and mystery will enjoy. I liked seeing Neferura transform over the course of the book, though the story ended up going in directions I didn’t expect. I hope to read more novels like this that are set in Ancient Egypt and further highlight its culture.


*My sincere apologies for being so late on reviewing this book! Between late 2023 and 2024, I had a series of health issues, a difficult pregnancy, and then a very active baby to care for. I’m only just finally starting to catch up and hope to be through all the late 2024 books before summer.

Neferura by Malayna Evans is a mesmerizing historical fantasy that transports readers to ancient Egypt, where politics, power, and magic intertwine in a tale of intrigue and self-discovery. The story follows Neferura, a young woman with a destiny that challenges the limits of her identity and her loyalty to the throne. Evans' world-building is rich and immersive, capturing the grandeur and complexity of ancient Egyptian society while weaving in captivating elements of magic and mystery. With a strong, resilient protagonist and a plot filled with twists, betrayal, and romance, Neferura is a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and epic fantasies.

*Neferura: A Novel* by Malayna Evans is an intriguing historical fiction that transports readers to Ancient Egypt, offering a glimpse into the life of Neferura, the daughter of Pharaoh Hatshepsut. The world-building is rich, and Evans does a commendable job of evoking the grandeur of Egypt’s past, along with the political intrigue and family dynamics that shaped the period.

However, while the story has promise, the pacing at times felt uneven. The character development, especially Neferura's own journey, is somewhat surface-level, leaving me wanting more depth and emotional connection. Additionally, some of the secondary characters didn't feel fully fleshed out, making it harder to invest in their fates.

Overall, *Neferura* offers an interesting look into a historical figure often overlooked in popular media, but the execution could have been stronger. Fans of historical fiction may enjoy it, but those seeking a deeply emotional or fast-paced read may find it lacking.

This book just wasn’t for me. I felt like the pacing was a little too slow and I never found myself eager to pick the book back up. It wasn’t the writing that I didn’t care for but the development of the story.

This book was very well researched, and I really enjoyed the historical aspect. However, the characters felt very two dimensional and not fully developed. I think this book had real potential but ultimately fell a bit flat for me.

This was a solid mythology book! I enjoyed the concept! I thought an Egyptian mythology story was a really amazing idea but I did wish that a bit more of that mythology was explored and incorporated into the story. I enjoyed the characters in this book and the overall plot was really interesting and easy to get into! Definitely recommend checking this book out!

Nefura took me a really long time to get through. The lore and backdrop were stunning, but it did take all of my concentration to take in. I absolutely adored the setting and atmosphere, but the plot fell short for me and I think that was what made the reading experience extended.

This is something that I was so excited to get and once I got it, it exceeded all expectations. The elements were all there and the author did a great job sucking you in and making you want to keep flipping the pages! Definitely worth the read!

Neferura is a High Priestess and daughter of the Pharaoh, and due to her position she is in a position to stop a plot against her mother

However, this will be at a high cost to Neferura when finds herself set up in a match she doesn't want with the aim of producing an Heir

She must decide where her loyalties and heart lie, and how much she will be willing to sacrifice to protect herself and the people she loves...

I really enjoyed the setting of this book, I love Egyptian mythology and the political intrigue was well set out as well

The wolf den but make it ancient Egypt.

You will find no magic nor gods in this, but if you read and loved Elodie Harper's wolf den you will still sing songs of praise for Neferura! Astoundingly well researched and captivating, this story follows the name giving heroine, and her journey to nagivate the treacherous Egyptian court. Not entirely my forte as I'm more of a fantasy girl, but I was flabbergasted by the historical accuracy and in-depth insights into Egyptian court intrigues.

As a historian, the description of this book is what drew me in. Overall, the story and the premise were cool, but overall the story was confusing.

The pace of the book was fast at times and then super slow. It made it hard to keep focused and follow. It was a little confusing as the element of magic was introduced with no warning. The two main love interests go from 0 to 100 in their relationship so we didn’t get much romantic development.

I feel as though we didn’t get enough character development and the writing could have used some work.

Thank you for the ARC and exchange for an honest review.

This was, at times, a very difficult book to read. I think, because I wanted to be rooting for Hatshepsut (The King Herself) and this author just... didn't depict her in a very pleasant light.

I do, however, like the way she ended it, which was consistent enough with history but also left alive some hope.

Neferura is the only daughter of the first and only Queen to name herself Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt. Her mother is beloved by the people but, behind closed doors, Neferura has an increasingly difficult relationship with the mother who only wants to secure her own legacy and will do it in whatever way she can.

For the first half of the novel, we are shown an incredibly powerless Neferura right up to the point where she is married to her half brother Thutmose (incredibly common in those times, no consideration towards incest) and Thutmose is even worse than her mother. He intends to kill her as soon as securing his heir and he's not shy of letting her know it.

Although this is a work almost entirely of fiction - we don't have enough historical accounts to make for a full narrative in truth - the story is incredibly tense the entire way through. Neferura's friends and allies are few and hard won but it's a story that will absorb the entire way through with a very tight feeling of being in an ancient world.

This book was decent to me. I believed the lore and mythology was well done. However, I believed it needed more imagery and the faster pacing. Overall, I would recommend this book for someone that is into fiction that has historical elements.

A secret network of tattooed women spies? Uh, hell yeah!

It's no secret that I love a modern, feminist retelling and this one was no different. The author's clear depth of knowledge of Egyptology made this one even better. Filled with intrigue and tension and shocking moments that you would expect during a power struggle. I loved Neferura but I loved the people she surrounded herself with even more. They played her power-hungry, cruel half brother like a damn fiddle and what a glorious song it was.

A really solid addition to this genre of literature, hope this author is planning on using her expertise to write more books about pharaohs!

This is historical fiction set in ancient Egypt. (Yay for historical fiction not set in our around WWII!) Intrigue, politics, family drama, both likable and unsavory characters, it’s an intriguing story that I enjoyed reading.

*3.5 Stars*
Neferura is a mixed experience for me. The pacing was a bit uneven—some parts felt slow, while others picked up quickly, which made it hard to stay fully engaged at times. However, if you push through, the book has a lot to offer. The plot is intricate, but with so many secondary characters, it was tough to keep track of everyone. Despite that, the political intrigue and the depiction of strong female relationships were definite highlights. The ending seemed a bit forced and abrupt.

One thing to note is that there aren’t many fantasy or magical elements, despite the way the book is marketed. You can tell a lot of care and research went into keeping it historically accurate, which I appreciated. However, the writing itself felt like it lacked a bit of flavor. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t quite evoke the rich, mythological atmosphere you might expect from the setting. Overall, Neferura is worth the read for those interested in historical fiction (Egyptology) with a focus on female dynamics, but it might not fully satisfy fans looking for more fantasy elements.

"Neferura" by Malayna Evans is a captivating journey into the heart of ancient Egypt, where history and mythology intertwine beautifully. The story follows Neferura, a young woman navigating the complexities of her royal heritage while grappling with her own identity and destiny. Evans masterfully weaves rich descriptions and intricate details, bringing the vibrant world of pharaohs and gods to life. The characters are well-developed and relatable, adding emotional depth to the narrative. With its blend of adventure, romance, and cultural exploration, "Neferura" is a compelling read that will transport you to another time and place. A must-read for fans of historical fiction!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

*Neferura* by Malayna Evans delves into the complexities of power, loyalty, and the struggles of womanhood within the historical tapestry of ancient Egypt. Centered around Neferura, the only child of the Pharaoh Hatshepsut, the novel paints a vivid portrait of the political intrigue and familial turmoil that characterizes her life against a backdrop of shifting allegiances and court conspiracies.

The novel begins with Neferura’s precarious position as both a daughter of a powerful Pharaoh and a pawn in the scheming machinations of her half-brother, Thutmose. The author's meticulous research shines through as she explores the societal structures of Kemet (ancient Egypt) and the struggles that women faced, particularly in relation to power and agency. Hatshepsut, as a female ruler, provides a compelling figure through which themes of female empowerment and the bonds of sisterhood can be examined.

The story is particularly rich in its portrayal of female friendships, highlighting the supportive relationships among Neferura, her handmaiden Iset, and her priestesses. This aspect of the narrative provides a refreshing contrast to the male-dominated court and offers a nuanced exploration of women's roles in a patriarchal society.

While the first third of the book leans heavily on character development, revealing Neferura's internal conflicts and moral dilemmas, it can feel slow-paced. Neferura’s character arc is compelling, showing her growth from naivety to a more empowered figure navigating the treacherous waters of palace intrigue. However, some readers may find inconsistencies in characterization, particularly with Thutmose, whose motivations sometimes lack depth, rendering his actions less believable.

The middle and latter parts of the book shift focus towards plot-driven narratives, filled with scheming and betrayal. While this transition adds intrigue, the pacing suffers from abrupt changes, leading to a somewhat disjointed reading experience. The rapid development of plot points may leave readers yearning for more depth and elaboration, particularly in key moments of tension.

Evans' writing is marked by beautiful prose that brings the ancient setting to life. Descriptive imagery and historical detail are well-crafted, showcasing the richness of the world Neferura inhabits. However, some critiques arise regarding the simplicity of the prose in parts, particularly in dialogue and action sequences, which can feel flat compared to the vivid descriptions of the setting and character emotions.

The book's marketing as a fantasy novel may mislead readers, as the narrative is grounded in historical accuracy with very few magical elements. The inclusion of a glossary of ancient Egyptian terms is a thoughtful touch, aiding readers unfamiliar with the subject matter and enhancing the accessibility of the story.

In summary, *Neferura* is an engaging exploration of ancient Egyptian history, centered on a strong female protagonist navigating the intricacies of familial loyalty and political power. While the book presents some pacing issues and character inconsistencies, the richly imagined world and the themes of female empowerment and friendship offer compelling reasons to delve into this retelling of a lesser-known historical figure. Readers seeking a light yet thought-provoking historical fiction novel will likely find *Neferura* a satisfying read, even if it lacks the depth and complexity some may desire. Overall, Evans’ debut serves as both a tribute to a fascinating period in history and an invitation to reflect on the enduring struggles for female agency.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love a well-told historical fiction tale, and Neferura by Malayna Evans did not disappoint. Neferura, daughter of two pharaohs in 18th Dynasty Egypt endures a power struggle as she is caught between her mother and half-brother.

I really enjoyed the female relationships in this book and would recommend it if you want a fast paced historical fiction story involving strong women.