3 stars This was written well in a historical aspect but the story itself was written dryly. I did finish it but it was predictable and even though I kept looking for a possible twist, to see if the story would get better, it never happened.

This is a review for the book Neferura by Malayna Evans. This books takes you back to ancient Egypt. Its captivating, picturesque and descriptive of th
e times. I love the mystery and the deadly political games of the regime.

I loved the protagonist of this book, Nefrura, herself. She starts off at a low key, being the high priestess with limited power. She's aghast at the games of deception played by her own mother, the queen and has no interest in following her, much to her mother's dismay. She loves the people and wants to do good by them. We travel through a maze of trickery and various murder plots to ultimately come to a thrilling end.

This novel highlights women power in a world controlled by men and is a refreshing take of ancient Egypt. I think there's a lot to explore about its mysteries and many a tale hidden. I would love for this to be a book series.

I was excited to read this one, not knowing much about Egyptian mythology. It was interesting from that perspective, however, I found that the plot and characters didn’t resonate fully with me. The ending also wasn’t fully satisfying and left me with a lot of questions.

Additionally, while the book is marketed as adult fantasy/mythology, I found that it read very YA. I did not mind, as I love YA stories, however, readers looking for an adult retelling or fantasy involving Egyptian mythology may be disappointed.

Court Intrigue in the heart of ancient Egypt!

It reminded me of Vikings (TV) produced by the History Channel because it crafts a fictional drama that breathed life into the historical details of Ancient Egypt. I was not surprised to find that the author has her Ph.D. in Egyptian history. The storytelling is masterful as you are introduced to a different reality where gods are idols, and women are their wives and the belief in the afterlife shapes daily living.

Neferura is the eldest daughter of two Pharaohs - her deceased father and her mother Hatshepsut who rules as one of the few female Pharaohs in history. Neferura is also in a position of power as the God's Wife, the spiritual leader and human wife of the god Amun. She will never take a husband or a lover, and so the entire country are hers to care for. She guides the priestesses in works of welfare, charity and ceremonies to keep the gods happy.

Her half-brother, Thutmose, is bitter that he is not the reigning Pharaoh and stirs up the court to take down Nerferura's mother. It's a scheme that could destroy the entire family due to the superstitious nature of their faith. Rumors spread that Neferura's father, the late Pharoah, died of unnatural causes. The idea that someone could manipulate who becomes Pharaoh challenges everything that she knows.

If her mother was not chosen by the gods, then maybe she wasn't either? If we can choose our own destinies, then what is stopping Neferura from changing hers? She will uncover lies, murder plots, spies and a secret association of women called 'The Scorpions' who find ways to change the future every day. Will Neferura continue to be a pawn in other's game or will she finally learn how to play.

The exploration of women in power and the way motherhood can hijack your destiny was incredible. There's a romantic subplot between Neferura and her guard was delicious, yet discreet. For reader's with an interest in ancient history, this will be the perfect read.

Book Name: Neferura

Author: Malayna Evans

ARC
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark.

Stars: 2

- Thoughts.
- Court Politics
- Historical Fantasy
- Lack of World Building
- Weak Characters
- felt middle grade
- Pacing Issues
- Strong Potential Lack of Follow Through

Malayna Evans' *Neferura* is a captivating historical novel that transports readers to ancient Egypt, immersing them in a world of intrigue, power, and deeply felt emotions. From the very first page, Evans’ meticulous attention to historical detail and her vivid storytelling create a sense of awe and wonder, making you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to witness the splendor and complexity of ancient Egyptian civilization.

The story revolves around Neferura, a young princess caught in the intricate web of palace politics and familial expectations. As Neferura navigates the treacherous waters of royal life, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster. You will feel her courage and determination as she faces daunting challenges, her vulnerability and fear as she confronts her deepest insecurities, and her resilience as she strives to carve out her own destiny amidst the pressures of her royal lineage.

Evans’ character development is exceptional, making Neferura a deeply relatable and sympathetic protagonist. Her journey is filled with moments of triumph and heartbreak that will tug at your heartstrings. You will feel the weight of her responsibilities, the intensity of her desires, and the depth of her inner conflicts. The relationships she forms, whether filled with love, rivalry, or betrayal, add layers of emotional complexity to the narrative, making you feel as though you are experiencing every twist and turn alongside her.

The rich, immersive setting of ancient Egypt is brought to life through Evans’ evocative prose. The descriptions of grand palaces, bustling marketplaces, and sacred temples are so vivid that you can almost feel the heat of the sun and the cool shade of the palace walls. This sensory richness enhances the emotional impact of the story, making every scene feel immediate and real.

What makes *Neferura* particularly compelling is Evans’ ability to weave universal themes of identity, duty, and personal growth into the historical context. As Neferura grapples with her role as a princess and her desires as an individual, you will find yourself reflecting on your own struggles with identity and self-fulfillment. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment is inspiring and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impression.

By the time you reach the climax of the novel, you will be fully invested in Neferura’s fate. The tension and stakes are masterfully built, leading to a resolution that is both satisfying and thought-provoking. Evans’ skillful storytelling ensures that the emotional journey is as impactful as the historical adventure, leaving you with a profound sense of connection to the characters and their world.

Malayna Evans' *Neferura* is a richly textured and emotionally compelling novel that will captivate your heart and mind. With its vividly drawn characters, immersive setting, and profound themes, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction that resonates on a deeply emotional level. Prepare to be transported to ancient Egypt and to feel every moment of Neferura’s remarkable journey.

Why are there so few fiction books that take place in ancient Egypt outside of Cleopatra? Its a fascinating time in history and we know enough about them to tell great stories. Thank you for writing this book. It was a good, quick read and it took me to a place that I like to go and would like to go more often.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 3/5

I’m a huge ancient Egypt fan so knew I had to read this one as soon as I saw it! I did enjoy the setting of the book.

I did also love the character of Neferura, if you’re a fan of books with female empowerment then this one is for you.

I did have to keep taking breaks away and coming back to this one as the writing style just wasn’t what I would normally go for, it felt a little simplistic at times. That being said, I did finish with an overall positive feeling about the book, hence my rating of 3 stars.

Wow. The main theme of this book, women empowerment, is unquestionably superb. From Queen Hatsheput to her only daughter, Neferura, to the mysterious wisewoman to the female supporting characters, I have no words to say than, way to go girls! Their dynamics, they way they asserted themselves in a patriarchal world feels refreshing, did not feel forced, and did not give me the feeling that “bohohohohoh… these girls are a bunch of morally superior wokes that talk about feminism on Twitter all day.” I am glad that this was not the case with this book.

Please note that I picked up this book because any story about Egypt is appealing to me, more so that it’s about Queen Hatsheput. Although I am not well-versed with the history of Egypt, I liked reading about it because its rich, it’s one of the ancient civilizations, and well, I do like the royal scandals. :D This book, Neferura, delivered all the things that I was looking for when I picked it up from Netgalley. Malayna Evans did a good job in staying almost faithful to history and its chronology of events. Yep, after I read this book, I immediately jumped to Google and made some light reading about Egyptian History.

Another thing that I liked about Neferura is the several mysteries woven into the story. Oh, they did not feel like Game of Thrones heavy but I like how the author structured the plot to make each mystery interesting and surprising upon revelation.

Now, for what irked me about this book was Neferura herself. She’s main the female protagonist and the book was titled after her and told from her point of view. Look, Malayna Evans’ way of writing is perfect but it cannot change my mind that I really don’t like Neferura. As the main character, Neferura comes as this irritatingly morally superior princess and tells us, the readers, that she’s a good priestess to her constituents and she’s the best person for the position. But she’s telling us, not showing us. And you know, as I followed her journey in Waset, she seemed so naïve and even has the guts to question more competent people about what they’re actually doing to help the peasants. She has good intentions, for sure, but she’s way up her head thinking that she’s better than anyone else. I haven’t seen her getting to know the masses or immersing (incognito of course) herself in deplorable communities so she would actually know what it’s like being a commoner. All throughout the book, she’s busy telling us that she is better than her half-brother Thutmose III but spends all her time running around the castle spying on Thutmose, her mother, her tutor, and scheming on things. I did not see her actually working to better the lives of the commoners.

So yes, this book gets 3 stars from me because Neferura has gotten to my nerves so much I just want to slap her. She’s supposed to have more wisdom, more emotional control, has a more profound problem solving skills and yet, her brash actions have just led to a lot of fucking deaths. And that ending, really? Why her? The wisewoman could have made a better choice.

I am frustrated.

"neferura" transports readers to ancient egypt, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of an egyptian priestess during a time of political upheaval. neferura, the daughter of the powerful pharaoh hatshepsut, faces a profound disruption when her half-brother thutmose arrives with a sinister plan. he aims to accuse his stepmother of their father’s murder to usurp power. determined to thwart his deceitful schemes, neferura's story is vividly brought to life with beautiful prose and intricate character development. the first part of the book delves deeply into the characters' relationships and motivations, while the latter half shifts to a more action-driven narrative.

the novel imagines a scenario where neferura marries her half-brother, adding a compelling, albeit historically unsupported, layer to the plot. the shifting alliances among the trio create a complex web of loyalty, betrayal, and intrigue, with elements of spies, murders, revenge, and scheming. despite some secret revelations lacking intensity, the richly imagined characters and their situations are enhanced by impressive prose. the book balances historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, focusing on themes of love and power while providing a deep insight into the mind and experiences of a woman in ancient egypt.

neferura's unique position as the only child of two pharaohs, with no precedent to guide her, makes her journey particularly compelling. her struggle to find her own path to power, navigate her half-brother’s return, and deal with the ensuing chaos is captivating. readers will root for her as she tackles numerous challenges and pitfalls, supported by a strong inner circle of women. the novel beautifully honors neferura's legacy, delivering a fascinating historical fiction that encourages readers to make a difference and take the road less traveled. recommended read.

thank you to netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Neferura is a historical fiction about the daughter of the pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of the female pharaohs. Neferura is the highest priestess of Kemet, and after the pharaohs one of the most important people of Egypt. Even though she has all this power, in the beginning of the book she does not feel powerful at all.

As the book progresses, her hot-headed half-brother, the pharaoh Thutmose, returns to the palace. Thutmose is plotting to take the throne for himself instead of sharing the throne with his step-mother. Neferura does her best to uncover Thutmose’s schemes such that her mother can remain on the throne and the country will not decline into despair.

I loved that Neferura grows throughout the book. In the beginning she is a naïve, kind of spoilt girl, and throughout the book she experiences real friendship, betrayals and a first love. The beginning I struggled a little with the reading pace and Neferura her behaviour. Luckily, towards the second half of the book the pace quickens and Neferura makes better decisions and stands up for herself. Also, the further into the book, the higher the stakes, introducing a wisewoman, sneaking around, spies, death and growing friendships.

My favourite part of the book was the friendship between Neferura and Iset, her handmaiden. Iset is my favourite character, being a brazen girl from the village, sometimes forgetting her standing as a servant a little bit.

The part I was most disappointed by was the character development of Hatshepsut. As one of the few female pharaohs, she would have survived a lot of court politics, scheming and intrigues, but by the end of the story, it felt like she was giving up a little instead of staying the strong woman she showed to be her entire life.

It is impressive how the writer produced such a well-written story about one of the most unknown figures in Egyptian history. The Egyptian every day life was portraited well, and also the use of Egyptian terms made it great. Additionally, the introduction of people who actually existed, such as Hathor and Semenmet, elevated the story to another level.

Concluding: a fun historical fiction about the coming of age of the daughter of a pharaoh with lots of court politics, intrigue, lies, spying, manipulation and murder. I would give the book 3.5/5 stars (rounded up to 4).

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love feminist retellings, so I was intrigued by a story about the Egyptian Pharaoh Hatshepsut’s daughter, Neferura. I was excited to see that the author was an Egyptologist, so I expected the historical aspects to be well done.

Unfortunately, the book was just okay for me. I don’t know a lot about the actual history here, so I cannot comment on its accuracy. However, the writing was overly simplistic for my tastes. I found the story quite bland and boring.

While I love anything Ancient Egypt, this story didn't wow me. I felt like there was a lot going on, and most of it didn't interest me.

DNF at 7%

I could not get into the book and I personally did not like the writing style. At first I soft DNF’d it but I never had the urge to pick it back up.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the early read.

The heroine was relatable and well written. She didn't always do the expected thing, which kept the story moving and realistic. You also got to know other characters and could understand their motivations.
It was a great way to learn about ancient Egypt. She wrapped up the story in a very natural way.

"Neferura" by Malayna Evans presents an intriguing exploration of ancient Egyptian politics and court life. While the historical details are meticulously researched and the setting vividly portrayed, the novel falls short in a few areas. As a fan of historical fiction with fantasy elements, I was disappointed by the lack of any significant fantasy components. The plot, though engaging, could have been enhanced by integrating more supernatural or fantastical elements, which would have added a unique layer to the story.

Additionally, the romance subplot felt underdeveloped, leaving much to be desired in terms of emotional depth and connection between characters. A more robust romantic storyline could have added a compelling dimension to Neferura's character and the overall narrative. Furthermore, while the prose is functional, it lacks a certain stylistic flair that could elevate the reading experience. Stronger, more evocative language would have made the historical setting come alive in a more immersive way. Overall, "Neferura" is a well-researched and engaging read, but it could benefit from more fantasy elements, a deeper romance, and a stronger prose style to truly captivate its audience.

This book did not read like an adult book. The basics of the story held up but that's the most I can say, positively, about it. While the copious gaps in Ancient Egyptian history allow for generous artistic license, Evans fumbles the ball. The spying attempts by the titular character are quite laughable. The plot reads like a poorly executed YA historical fantasy with an incredibly convenient ending.

My time with NEFERURA by Malayna Evans was complicated. I was ecstatic to see there was a new retelling wrapped up in the story of Egypt's fifth Pharaoh Hatshepsut 's daughter Neferura! Thank you to the author, @netgalley and the publisher @sourcebooks for the e-ARC.

I loved the plot of this story which revolves around an ancient society of female spies that use their influence to elevate and promote other women. Neferura finds out about this society and I wanted more, more, more of that storyline. Unfortunately for me, in the second half of the book, the romance storyline started to take center stage which I was not expecting. I felt that the romance scenes were pretty forced which kind of threw me off. I think this would have been an even more impactful book if that portion was left out honestly.

So all in all this one was just ok for me. I liked the intrigue, the secret society, females using their collective agency to lift each other up - but kinda lost its mojo with the pivot into romance. However, maybe that was just my experience? I am not generally a huge fan of romance plot lines in books so this might be a personal problem.

I really enjoyed Neferura, with its political intrigue and backstabbing and its mysterious characters. Neferura herself was strong, clever, and devoted to helping her people even when it meant sacrificing her own happiness. I especially enjoyed the characters of Hathor, and Neferura's priestesses and maids. Working together, these women strive to keep Kemet thriving, even when the rules, Neferura's mother and brother, seem determined to ignore the country's best interests for their own vanity and reputation. Overall, an interesting historical fantasy.

This book wasn't for me.

The writing felt very much YA, heavily skewed toward a young audience in its style. The dialogue and even the exposition didn't fit the period, but instead felt modernized and simplified, almost dumbed down, for ease of reading.

I just wasn't connecting at all.

DNF