I have always loved anything with Egyptian Mythology, and this book gave me everything that I wanted being a historical novel taking place in Ancient Egypt. I have wanted a book like this for years. Neferura is an amazing character. She is strong, and a great character to look up to. She is given amazing character growth, and I got so attached to her. I couldn't put down this book. I will 100% be recommending it to everyone that reads, and even some friends that I have that are trying to get into reading.

Almost nothing is known about the historic figure of Neferura (Neferure), the only child of the Pharaoh Hatshepsut and Pharaoh the Tutmoses II. What little information there is suggests an early life of great power, conferred upon her by her mother the Pharaoh, and the suggestion of either a rivalry, a marriage, or both with her half-brother, the Pharaoh Tutmoses III.

Into this gap steps Malayna Evans, an Egyptologist, with her adult debut. Modeled after recent hit novels exploring relatively relatively unformed female side characters of famous stories (see: All of Madeline Miller's works, all of Jennifer Saint, etc), Neferura attempts to fashion, whole-cloth, a character who was a fascinating character in her own right. She wielding her unusual position to deliver stability and power for the families and women of her kingdom (a la Vaishnavi Patel’s Kaikeyi, Sophie Keetch’s Morgan le Fay), and deeply romantic, making the best of a terrible situation (Saint’s Ariadne, Isabelle Schuler’s take on Lady Macbeth in Queen Hereafter).

This is one of my favorite genres, and I had high hopes. Though Neferura did not meet those expectations, by the end, I found it to be an enjoyable story that nonetheless failed to be assured enough of its own point of view to stand up to all the books it was trying so hard to emulate. The first 40% or so of the book felt more YA than adult, which made more sense once I learned Evans only other published fiction is a middle grade series. Unfortunately for its apparently feminist ideals, Neferura only really gets interesting once her violent, angry younger brother shows up and starts taking away everything Neferura holds dear. He, alongside Hatshepsut, aren’t the layered characters Evans clearly means for them to be, so it’s not a surprise to the reader when both end up betraying Neferura for their own (baldly telegraphed) aims.

And yet: There’s a lot to like here. The complex workings of the royal court, the dangerous (and yet helpful) network of female spies called the scorpions and the wisewoman Hathor who leads them for her own ambiguous purposes, the sweet (if one-note) romance between Neferura and her guard, the warm, grounding friendship she shares with her lady’s maid and her troupe of priestesses, and the love she shares with her tutor Senenmut.

Evans took a big swing. She didn’t quite connect, but Neferura shows a lot of potential.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 stars rounded down

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. As someone who has been interested in Ancient Egyptian history and culture for most of their life, I was very please with how Malayna Evans portrayed such a rich culture. I found this book to be as respectful as it was adventurous. There was a lot of care taken by Evans and it shows. I loved that this was a love story without a focus on romantic love, rather self love and the bonds of female friendships along with paternal love. I adored Iset, rooted for Neferura, and remained intrigued by Hathor. I thought this was a wonderful, intriguing, edge of your seat historical fiction.

When I first started Neferura, I thought it would be a quick read, being only 300 or so pages.

However, I main found Neferura a slog to get through. Despite all the “court intrigue”, nothing really happened and it was very dull. It got better in terms of things actually happening in the plot but that was at the 75% mark of the story so it took way too long to get here. The ending is very obvious where it was going to go and very abrupt in its execution.

I feel like the world building was not super well developed. It just let the reader rely on their own preconceived knowledge of Ancient Egypt. There would also randomly be modern sayings or words like bartender or ass that would take me right out of the story.

It tried to make it seem like the main character has agency and doesn’t just wait for stuff to happen to her. However she is very naive and sheltered and that naivety made being in her thoughts irritating at times. All she does is hope for other people to come help her find a solution. Eventually Neferura does develop her own agency but it came about very suddenly and was not very believable.

Other characters in the story spoke of the main character’s stunning intellect and personality however you as the reader don’t really ever see evidence of that in the text. She doesn’t really have much of any personality.

It’s very dense at times and the tense jumps around a lot. Fought really hard to not DNF.

I enjoyed this book. I loved the setting and it seemed well researched. I loved the friendships. The beginning was a bit slow but it did end up picking up enough for me. I will say the writing felt quite young. A little too young.

Neferura is the daughter of Pharaoh Hatshepsut and must navigate court to protect not just her mother's legacy from her power-hungry half-brother, Thutmose, but also herself from a dangerous fate. I don't often read Ancient Egyptian retellings simply because I've always preferred Ancient Greek retellings, but after Neferura that might have to change.

I loved the mystery and intrigue interwoven through the story and the moments where it read like an ancient Agatha Christie novel. The characters too, were extremely well written: none were cartoonishly villainous or cartoonishly good, which I often find in myth retellings and more often than not takes me out of the story. And, of course, Nefurura herself. I loved how she grew through the story without becoming as cruel or as ruthless as her mother.

My favourite thing about the novel, however, was the female characters that carried it. The underlying theme of the novel was sisterhood and female solidarity, and that's what made the novel tick for me. So often in retellings, especially retellings with a woman at the forefront, the idea of female solidarity is used to promote the novel - only for it to take a step back for a romance subplot. And whilst there is still romance in this novel, it doesn't take up more room than it should.

I can't wait to read more from Malayna Evans!

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Neferura, A Novel by Malayna Evans from Net Galley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark.

…a captivating and interesting read with strong, intelligent female characters, beautiful friendships, drama, and intrigue...

Fascinated by Ancient Egypt since I was eight years old and even going on to study Egyptology later in life, I jumped at the chance to read and review Neferura by Malayna Evans.
Neferura is the well-written tale inspired by Neferura, the only daughter of the Pharaoh Hatshepsut and Thutmose II and first daughter born of two Pharaohs. Hatshepsut was the first woman to hold regent as Pharaoh in 3,000 years of ancient Egypt, ruling from 1473 to 1458 B.C.E.


Neferura author Malayna Evans transports you back to ancient Egypt to the 18th century where royal court is rife with power struggles, drama, espionage, secret societies, and betrayal often coming from those in their inner circle. Well-researched and entertaining this historical novel inspired by real people who ruled Ancient Egypt tells a fictional account of Neferura and the animosity that had developed between her mother Hatshepsut and her half-brother Thutmose III. Upon the death of Thutmose II, Thutmose III had been far too young to become the sole pharaoh of Egypt, so Hatshepsut became his co-regent and, not long after declaring herself to be the pharaoh while denying kingship to Thutmose III. To add insult to injury Hatshepsut fully intended to have Neferura become regent upon her death. As an adult Thutmose III is known as a powerful soldier and this story is fueled with his intent to ruin Hatshepsut, Neferura and all those who stand in his way to what he feels is his rightful place.

In Neferura we get a glimpse of life in ancient Egypt, the politics of the time and it’s strong leaning towards their religious beliefs. The book beautifully highlighted the friendship, strengths, and insights of what life for women in ancient Egypt was like. We follow Neferura’s journey from a naïve child to what then was considered an adult, married and with child (albeit in her early teens). The author and Egyptologist definitely gives the reader an interesting glimpse into history that is a perfect blend of facts and creativity.

Overall, I really found this to be a captivating and interesting read with strong, intelligent female characters, beautiful friendships, drama, and intrigue. My only complaint would be the pacing. The first part of the book felt a bit slow but picks up in the second part and in my opinion the ending feels abrupt but is explained in the epilogue. All in all, I really did enjoy the book and would highly recommend it.

Real Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars

When this widget crossed my email I decided to pick it up because I’m always intrigued by the lesser-known female Egyptian royals and I rarely get a chance to read these ancient historical fiction novels (think like Madeleine Miller’s books). The female Egyptian queens and pharaohs are always intriguing figures, but the daughter of Hapshetsut, whom little is known about? That had the potential to be a great story.

It’s an interesting story, but the execution was average.

Evans, an expert in ancient Egyptian history, clearly knows what she's doing when it comes to world building and imagery. I had no trouble imagining the Egypt of Neferura’s time, from the land to the people. Likewise, her characters were interesting, if a little rote.

The issue I had is that the storytelling was lacking in any kind of flair or color. While readable, it wasn’t special. It was okay for one read, but I wouldn’t read it again. I’d consider it if you’re really digging some ancient Egypt vibes, but not if you’re looking for a dynamic story.

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction/Women’s Fiction

Thank you to Sourbooks for providing me with a digital copy of “Neferura.” I think the last time that I may have read any Egyptian mythology was back in elementary or even middle school - so a very long time! I am partial to Greek mythology but this was a great way to expose myself to another ancient civilization inspired story. Overall, I think this was a good read but I did struggle quite a bit. Neferura was extremely naive which was frustrating that she took so long to realize her privilege of ignorance. There were parts where I was sucked in because it suddenly became fast-paced but it was mostly slow, medium, slow, fast, slow, slow pace. I do want to try and find more reads based on Egyptian mythology and this was a great place to start!

I generally love all things Egyptian. The novel was slow to start and had quite a rushed end. Ultimately I became quite bored and struggled to finish the story.

This book was a mixed bag for me. There were a few elements that I really enjoyed, but I also had some issues.

First, let’s talk about what I struggled with. Something to know about me: I hate unnecessary repetition. This is a frequent issue throughout the book. As a result, things/situations are also constantly over-explained.

There is very little action in the book and it feels like it is made up mostly of conversations. This wouldn’t be a bad thing if it didn’t feel like we were witnessing the same conversation over and over again, even between different characters. It makes the plot lag and messes with the pacing. There are times where it feels like we are being built up to some action, but it is always quickly brushed over and resolved.

I couldn’t emotionally connect to any of the characters, they felt underdeveloped.

I also wanted it to feel more atmospheric. We’re given this really cool setting of ancient Egypt, yet I never felt like I was really put into the story.

Regardless of these issues, I was still able to find some enjoyment. The research that was done for this was absolutely stellar. The author has a PhD in Egyptian History and it shows. From their gods, to their culture and customs, materials and foods, and their language: you could tell everything was accurately depicted of this time and I really appreciated that. It was my favorite part of the book.

I also really enjoyed the network of female spies and the examples of strong, healthy, and supportive female friendships and relationships - there is no backstabbing here, which is nice.

I found that even when the plot itself was lagging, it was still easy to read. It did have a YA feel to it (it is not marketed as YA), so keep that in mind if you decide to pick this up.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this to everyone, but if you have a strong interest in ancient Egypt, love a band of strong, vigilante women, and/or are a fan of YA writing, I think you could enjoy this!

3.5 stars rounded up.

As a historical fiction fanatic, when I saw there was an historical fiction set in Ancient Egypt I was immediately intrigued. I have read countless retellings of Ancient Greek lore recently and yet none set in Egypt. I had never heard of Neferura and found her journey navigating her friendships, strength and autonomy incredibly interesting. As a reader, you feel incredibly immersed in the Egyptian culture of the time; the overwhelming lack of female autonomy and agency makes you empathize and feel angry on behalf of our protagonist.

I enjoyed watching Neferura really come into to her own by the end of the story amidst her mother (who's a pharaoh) and her brother (who's also a pharaoh) destructive battle for the throne. I have not hated an antagonist like her brother in a very long time. Truly, I hated him to my core.

Unfortunately I found the ending quite rushed (everything seems to happen in the last 15%). Furthermore, while I was hoping for more lyrical prose and writing style, I would say the writing feels very direct, literal, and YA-esque.

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

It's 3.5 stars for me, with the first part being towards 2,5-3, and the last part a solid 4. The main issue was the pacing of the book. It started pretty slow, and I had to push though to get to the interesting part of the plot. Plus, it has many secondary characters and names. Maybe a few less would have helped.

On the positives, the plot surprised me, and I loved the plot twists after 50%. The pace picked up, and I read it very fast to find out what happened next.

I loved Neferura and her relationships with the women close to her,the whole concept was well thought and structured.

The fact that Evans has a PhD in egyptology showed, and I thoroughly enjoyed the accuracy and the little details on customs, religion, politics, and even fashion.

I also loved the ending, I was worried how it would pan out, but my little heart was happy.

one thing about me is i will read any feminist mythology retelling. i had bare minimum knowledge of ancient egypt, which took me a little longer to to really get into the story. however, the writing was simple and easy to understand, though sometimes TOO simple and easy that it's hardly believable...

ARC/ Book review: Neferura by Malayna Evans

It has been well established that I love Greek mythology (retellings), so it’s not far fetched for me to sign up for an ARC for Neferura by Malayna Evans, which takes readers to Ancient Egypt. This book follows the story of Neferura, princess and high priestess of Kemet, and daughter of Hatshepsut, the great Pharaoh. When her half-brother Thutmose comes back to court and plots to end her mother’s rule, Neferura knows he must be stopped.

This book was marketed as adult historical fiction, but in tone and style, it felt more YA to me, which was a bit confusing at the beginning. I also had issues with the pacing: it started off really slow, then things suddenly spiraled out of control very quickly, and the ending felt extremely rushed.

What I enjoyed most about Neferura was the aspect of friendship and sisterhood, and I’m glad that the author decided to give it so much weight and importance; I also liked seeing Neferura coming into her own: at the beginning of the book, she’s nothing more than a naive supplicant, but as the story continues, she finds strength, power and agency.

I think this book could have been more than it turned out to be; it had great potential but ultimately fell a little bit flat. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC. Neferura will be published on February 13.

3.5/5

The first third of this book is perfect. We get to meet the characters and their stories and it’s absolutely divine. But then the tone shifts and it’s action action action with “twists” and turns and reveals that just didn’t land for me. It would have been nice to have it balanced a bit more but overall it’s an incredibly enjoyable read.

Neferura -a standalone

By : Malayna Evans-1st time read author for me

Publication: 2-13-24, Read 2-10-24

Format: eBook, 354 pgs.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC! I voluntarily give an honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔📔
Heroines:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: 3.5/5 ✨✨✨

Summary: Neferura is a princess and high priestess of Egypt and the daughter of Queen Hatshepsut-the great Pharoah. King Thutmose II died, his son Thutmose III is heir but he's too young to rule. Hatshepsut stands as regent but when he gets older he's co-pharaoh. When he wants his throne Hatshepsut isn't backing down.

What I Loved: The historical information about Egypt, the past pharaohs and commoners, and the powerful female relationships. There was a romance between Neferura and Kamut but with all the other characters, it got a little lost.

The plot of the story was Neferura learning how power corrupts and who she wanted to be in that world. Her mother and half-brother are cut throat and she starts off as a naive supplicant. As she meets other women with their own power- seen and unseen- she taps into her own strength. From Iset, Hathor, Thuiu, and to Satiah, they all brought something to further the plot and help Neferura.

What I Struggled With: The pacing made it hard to really enjoy this novel. Part I was very dense and had too much information . I felt like I was reading a textbook. Part II and III sped up but the ending was very abrupt. I hated that you had to read the epilogue to see everyone's end game.

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Fic, Sci Fi/Fantasy, Mystery/Suspense, Adult Fic, Women's Fic
Character Types: corrupt politicians, ladies in waiting, wisewomen, naive/coming of age heroine
Themes: female empowerment, 18th Dynasty of Egypt, Egyptian culture and rituals, royal court intrigue/politics

Book Perspective
One POV, the h
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A mix of both

I really enjoyed this take on ancient Egyptian history - it has all the trappings of a good story, the magical princess, the evil halt-brother, the cunning woman and the fight for the throne. I don’t know much about Egyptian mythology so I can’t tell you how accurate the story is, but it’s fun and easy to read. Perhaps a little too easy in parts - I found the language pretty unsophisticated, but that just means less barrier to entry for younger readers.

I think most of the reasons I didn’t enjoy this had to do with unfulfilled expectations. For example, this seemed to be marketed as an adult novel, but the dialogue skewed younger (like the surprisingly constant jabs at Hatshepsut’s appearance). Despite the entire story being so deeply entrenched in this specific setting and with these specific characters, the plot was also very formulaic, which was hard to reconcile in my mind. Like Claire Heywood, I think some scholars should stick with academic writing and leave historical fiction to others

As the daughter of Egyptian pharaoh Hatshepsut, Neferura is used to following her mother’s orders and carrying out her duties as a god’s wife and high priestess. When Neferura’s half brother Thutmose—heir to the throne and co-pharaoh with Hatshepsut—returns to Waset, a royal squabble and grab for power ensues promising chaos and spectacle. In a world where men are granted power for simply being men, this book celebrates how women—who on the surface may not appear to hold the same influence—have many ways of wielding their skills.

I mostly enjoyed this historical novel inspired by ancient Egyptian rulers. While the story took awhile to capture then keep my attention, the celebration of sisterhood and Neferura’s growth had me turning pages to get to the end. Neferura evolves from a naive supplicant to a scheming royal. She learns to trust which leads to strong female friendships that are life-saving.

This book is categorized as adult, however it read YA to me. Once adopting that lens, I was able to enjoy the book more. The pacing of the first half of the book was difficult to get through. The world building did not keep my attention and I continuously was pulled out of the story to look up words and reference the glossary of terms. The author does make a point at the end of the book to note that selecting word choice was difficult when writing the book. While she intended on being faithful to the time period, I was lost without the glossary and my reading experience was disrupted.

The second half of the book contained more action and was faster paced. I was lost in the story and surprised to get to the epilogue, the ending have made up for the initial slow start. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.