Overall, I really enjoyed learning about this era of history. There's so much written about Alexander the Great and Cleopatra VII, but this is the first time I've read something this in depth about the centuries in between. The only minor complaint I had is that I wish the information about the more day-to-day life in the era was incorporated into the book better. There were a few times where a chapter would leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger about what happened next, and then the next chapter would dive into temple politics and agriculture.

Toby Wilkinson has cemented himself as a reputable and fair Egyptologist, looking at all viewpoints in the historical periods he covers. This latest book of his was well-written and insightful.

Wilkinson again confirms his preeminent position as the foremost contemporary scholar of Ancient Egypt. Fantastic look at an Empire in decline and the figures that made the Last Dynasty such a captivating moment for everyone from historians to Shakespeare. An essential read.