I'm pretty sure every child has gone through an "Egypt" phase in their life, and maybe some of us have never grown out of it, we just need to be reminded. I remember as a child being given a papyrus with an ancient Egyptian myth handpainted on it, around the age of 8 or 9 and I would always remain fascinated with the Egyptians and their stories and beliefs.

Neferura combines the dynamics of the history of the Egyptians, the power of women (or lack of power of women) in ancient times, and the personal stories of the women in this novel. While much of the novel is speculation, as most of the real Neferura's story is unknown, this is an interesting re-telling of some of what could have happened, blending lore, religion, and politics for a tense and interesting book.

Overall, I struggled between rating this between a 3 and a 4. I erred on the side of rounding up. There were some parts of the storytelling that I felt were repetitive and re-hashed. The history and myth re-telling I enjoyed, and it brought me back to my childhood of hyperfocusing on learning everything about Egyptian culture and life. I wanted to shout at some of the political tensions, and the mother-daughter relationship could be a struggle to watch which added to the realism of the story.

Please be advised I received an Advanced Readers Copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The premise was a great idea and could’ve been a fascinating book.

Instead the main character inserts herself into a spy ring (not a very secret one) and consistently puts people she cares about in danger by passing page long letters using real names and spilling plans. It’s unfathomable she was not caught.

Additionally, the ending was telegraphed in the first part of the book and should come as no surprise.

Well written story with lots Egyptian history woven in. The characters were enjoyable, but the story missed something that meant I wasn't entirely hooked. Overall it is a good book and an enjoyable read, but not my favourite

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This book is about a forgotten daughter, Neferura, born of a legendary Egyptian pharaoh and the path she must take to escape her own dangerous fate.

I absolutely love Egyptian history so to be able to read this story about Neferura, the daughter of Hatshepsut, was wonderous. The story was beautifully written and i found it an exciting read with beautiful written characters that peaked the imagination, I felt like I was there.

I would definitely love to read more books from this author

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc of this book!

It is come to my attention that I have a thing for retellings. This gave everything I needed and wanted. All the while peaking my curiosity. Fascinating in one word

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for this eARC.

First of all, the cover is sooo gorgeous?? And it's giving you the vibe of a powerful, intelligent, beautiful, elegant Queen.

I was soooo invested especially after Part 2 because that's where the action starts. And the ending? well written.

However, I just cannot shake this feeling - Hatsheput - who was supposedly a powerful, intelligent, fearless, chosen by God - is not so much after all. One accusation and she's powerless. I feel like she can do so much more. The detail about her being breastless also feels unnecessary especially when it all leads to nothing.

But overall, it is recommended to anyone who enjoys Egypt Mythology.

Neferura will transport you back to ancient Egypt, into a world filled with drama, espionage, and court politics. It is a fascinating, account of one of the only daughters of two pharaohs. Hatshepsut was the first female pharaoh who did amazing things with her rule during a time when women ruling should have been unthinkable. This story delves into her rule but the main focus is on her daughter, Neferura. What I really enjoyed about this book was Neferura is portrayed as a strong female whose life is not as easy as one would think for having a mother who is a pharaoh. She has always had to placate her half-brother Thutmose III, who is co-ruler with her mother. Thutmose hates Neferura and will do all that he can to over throw Hatshepsut and Neferura. Neferura must use her own wits to figure out a way to out smart Thutmose before he finds out a way to get rid of her permanently.

I love a story that is set in ancient Egypt and this one did not disappoint. I also love the fact that Neferura is a real person and although this story is fictional the author did her research. The setting and background was historically accurate. There also was a historical note which I think is essential in any historical fiction novel. This was a great read and I highly recommend it for all historical fiction lovers!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetaGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

DNF, unfortunately. The topic is so interesting, but the writing style is not for me. Gave it the college try. Maybe I’ll revisit another time.

I almost forgot how much I love historical novels set in Egypt. This was pure joy to read, not a single moment without intrigue, deception or scheming. There are several whodunit plots within the story, with Agatha Christie-esque twists, which I enjoyed immensely.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an Advance Review Copy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I rather enjoyed this unique historical fiction read! It was very well written and the setting and detail were just outstanding. I also liked the themes emphasized, such as the life of women in this time and their struggle for autonomy and power.

As a person who was somehow able to find ways to relate to the main character despite having very little in common, I must give credit where credit is do. The main character is very interesting to read about. The writing is solid, providing good escapism for me. I would say the pacing in the middle is a tad slow, but it's not bad. I really enjoyed it by the end.

Loved this historical fiction about Neferura about a pharaohs daughter and the things she must endure for the sake of her family name. Her expectations of how she should be able to live her life versus what happens when her half brother comes back after being banished from their court. This tale talked a lot about the expectations placed upon women at this time even with different social standings. But at its core, I do feel like this book was a love story about the love for yourself and how you have to put what you want above others expectations of you and your life.

I'd give this a solid 3.5 stars. It was well written, and the setting was incredibly detailed which I appreciated. But it wasn't a book for me for some reason, I found it a bit hard to get through and wasn't that compelled to find out what happens next. Others who are interested in Egyptian history might find it much more compelling than I did.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story particularly the second half. Based loosely on actual characters who lived and loved in ancient Egypt, the author cunningly adds those she’s imagined to bring history not exactly to life but to empowerment. An odd thing for me to say but this charts the lives of a female Pharaoh who many have forgotten and the two children that seemed to forever be caught up in political machinations, power struggles and a thirst to survive. Our young heroine changes greatly throughout this book and realises not only her own potential but also that of those females around her. It’s a love story in parts but more than that it’s a coming of age with tragedy played out on the page but in those brutal times isn’t that what we expect ? I will admit I kind of guessed the ending but the epilogue was written in a way that I hadn’t expected but that didn’t mar my enjoyment.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

5 stars for this bold feminist book.

Neferura is a well researched feminist tale, that does an exceptionally good job regarding world building. Throughout the whole book I was *there* with Neferura, watching her struggles and limitations during a time period where womens power was severely restricted as were their basic human rights. The setting is good on its own but the politics and power struggles were phenomenal.

I loved and I mean LOVED Nefuras character. Such a well written fmc, I was actually rooting for her through the whole book, her emotions were portrayed perfectly.

This is a MUST read for fans of historical fiction. I'll be looking forward to anything else the author puts out!

"If you are to survive this, Neferura, you must learn to curate your options. Stop confusing prestige with power. Don't wait for someone else to give you permission to be potent."

Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks and Malayna Evans for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Set during the Eighteenth Dynasty in Ancient Egypt, during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut, <i>Neferura</i> paints a story of political intrigue, corruption and power struggles within the royal family, with Neferura, daughter of Hatshepsut and Thutmose II, Lady of Upper and Lower Egypt, Mistress of the Lands, and God's Wife of Amun caught up between her mother's pragmatism and desire for a legacy, and her half-brother's lust to rule Egypt.

Malayna Evans breathes life into Neferura's story, previously a footnote in her mother's legacy and primarily forgotten in history. It is altogether a story of political scheming, power struggles and the pursuit of a legacy, but Neferura, at its heart, is a beautiful, feminist perspective on life for women in Ancient Egypt. Evans' characterisation of Neferura and Hathor highlights the different kind of power held by women in Ancient Egyptian society and the importance of female relationships. Neferura's development throughout the novel is vibrant and carefully cultivated by Evans via key events and the introduction of other strong female characters.

However, I was left a little dissatisfied with some of the pacing (Part I and some of Part II were more of an info dump and subsequently dragged on a bit), but as an ancient history nerd, I didn't mind this too much. What irked me was Hatshepsut's characterisation, which I understood was necessary from a narrative perspective, but I felt there was a missed opportunity in writing her. Especially for a novel centred around female empowerment and feminism, when there was a vibrant, exciting and intriguing story/character<i>right there</i> that was not utilised properly.

Hatshepsut went from Great Royal Wife of Thutmose II to regent for her then two-year-old half-son Thutmose III to Pharaoh in her own right. She ushered Egypt into a period of peace and economic prosperity, marked by renewed trade with western Asia, Punt and the Aegean Islands in the Mediterranean and exceptional architectural feats, namely her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri. Not utilising a character with such a rich history surrounding her feels like a missed opportunity.

All things considered, Neferura by Malayna Evans is an excellent piece of historical fiction; Evans's work as a historian and her love for ancient history shines in this retelling.

This is a fascinating Historical fiction story, I had a vague idea about the Egyptian culture and deities before this, so it was really interesting to venture into the topic and know further. Even though it is fiction, many characters, artifacts and beliefs reflect the true history of ancient Egypt.

• This book gives a intimate look into the life of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and priestesses, what are expected of them and the schemes, revenges, spies, murders that go hand-in-hand with these. The plot is mostly fiction but so well researched that felt captivating from the very start.

• Neferura and Iset were my favourite characters in the story, their friendship was worthy between all the political intrigue going on. I loved the evolution of Neferura throughout the story, and also all the other strong women featured in this amazing story. I also loved Hathor, Senenmut and Satiah for their part.

• Thutmose, the main antagonist and Hatshepsut, the current pharaoh were such complex characters ... They were the ideal examples of greed, hunger for power gone wrong. They would stop at nothing to secure their place at the top.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I would highly recommend this if you love Historical fiction and Egyptian culture.

"Neferura" by Malayna Evans is a historical tale set in ancient Egypt, focusing on the intriguing world of palace politics. The story revolves around Neferura, the daughter of the renowned Pharaoh Hatshepsut. Neferura, both a princess and a high priestess of Kemet, faces the challenge of balancing her mother's ambitions for her and dealing with her malicious half-brother, Thutmose, who is determined to obstruct her path to power.

As the plot unfolds, Neferura uncovers a conspiracy aimed at dethroning her mother. In her quest to prevent this upheaval, she forms an alliance with a mysterious tattooed wisewoman and her network of spies. However, due to her royal status, working closely with them is a risky endeavor. Neferura must navigate the precarious terrain of palace intrigue and make difficult choices and sacrifices to protect her beloved kingdom and its people.

Neferura left me with mixed feelings regarding its suitability for an adult audience. Since the book's description didn't explicitly state its intended readership (whether adult, young adult, or middle grade), my critique is rooted in my personal preferences as an adult reader. However, the book still possesses some strengths that make it a valuable reading experience.

A primary concern I have lies in the limited character development beyond the protagonist, Neferura. While the narrative's exclusive focus on Neferura's perspective can be seen as a stylistic choice, it unfortunately results in underdeveloped supporting characters. This lack of depth in the cast made it challenging for me to fully connect with them.

Furthermore, I found the dialogue in the narrative less impactful than I would prefer, ultimately affecting the pacing. Much of the text consisted of Neferura's internal musings, and a more pronounced emphasis on interactions and conversations between characters could have enriched my connection to them and intensified the emotional stakes. Given the tale's theme of treachery and intrigue, I anticipated a more thrilling reading experience.

Another element potentially affecting the book's resonance with an adult audience is the language used. While Malayna Evans demonstrates commendable familiarity with ancient Egyptian names and cultural elements, there are instances where modern idioms and expressions are introduced. This juxtaposition of ancient and modern language occasionally felt discordant and disrupted my immersion into the historical setting.

Nonetheless, it is worth acknowledging that “Neferura” delves into the life of an enigmatic historical figure about whom little is definitively known. I appreciate Evans's decision to shed light on the life of a young woman who might otherwise have been forgotten by history. Her willingness to engage in historical speculation and imaginative storytelling adds a layer of drama to the narrative. This approach may resonate particularly well with readers who enjoy historical fiction infused with speculative elements.

While “Neferura” may not align perfectly with the preferences of an adult audience due to limited character development, dialogue, and occasional modern language intrusions, it offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a historical figure. The book may find a more enthusiastic reception among younger readers, especially those in middle school, who can relate to Neferura's perspective and journey and appreciate the straightforward storytelling.

Based on Malayna Evans's other published works, it appears that her target audience primarily comprises middle-grade readers. “Neferura” could be viewed as a step forward for fans of her earlier works as they mature and seek more in-depth engagement with stories rooted in ancient Egypt.

An ARC was provided by the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is very well written and the plot is very intriguing, but for some reason I just didn’t connect with it. I think a big part of the reason is because I didn’t connect with any of the characters and most of the time I didn’t understand their actions.

I do however want to recommend it, because all around it was pretty good and I think a lot of people would enjoy this very much.

Thank you so much Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for this ARC.

This is the book that I have been waiting for. As an Egyptian mythology obsessed girlie, I have been begging for a feminist Egyptian retelling and this book was it. I really became invested in the characters, especially the side characters, and how everything would work out. Since there is not a lot known about the real Neferura, I was constantly guessing how it would end. The Ancient Egyptian vibes are 10/10, and I felt like I was transported back in time.

This story is all about Neferura, the daughter of legendary, female pharaoh Hatshepsut. It’s a story of power and political intrigue of Ancient Egypt. Neferura finds herself in the middle of a power struggle when her half brother Tutmose III returns to court seeking his throne. She is forced to shred her naivety and take control of her own future.

The main reason this wasn’t a 5 star for me was the writing style wasn’t my favorite. Sometimes it felt a little forced with all the Egyptian lore and background information. With that being said, the author is an Egyptologist and you can really tell how much study and research went in to building the world and the story.

If you never grew out of your childhood ancient Egypt phase, this book is for you! I cannot wait to see what Malayna writes next.