Book Review: 221 BC by Kendall Price and Laura Vosika

Author:  Kendall Price & Laura Vosika 
Title: 221 BC - Scroll 1 of the Narmer War
Genre: Historical Fiction & fantasy
Pages: ebook
Published: January 31st 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher honest unbiased opinion)

Set against the backdrop of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, an alternate history unfolds, linking the power of the pharaohs to magic. Brother is pitted against brother in a race to find twelve amulets, lost with the ancient pharaoh, and unlock their powers. Whoever holds the amulets holds that power; to save the world...or destroy it

I was automatically drawn in by the cover and then the summary did me in and I had to read it. 

The story follows two brothers in a race to find the twelve amulets. These amulets can change the course of history and either save the world or destroy it. This is a what-if mixed with some magic. Lots of war and battles. 

I really enjoyed the mix of magic. I feel like it really added to the story. It made it even better and it was for sure a game changer. I know a hair about this war (not a lot) so it was fun to see the what-if element at play. I wasn't sure WHAT was going to happen. 

I liked Hannibal's story and I liked Mago. They were my favorites and I was worried about them especially taking that trip across the Alps! Scary! 

The beginning was a little slow for me and I didn't connect with any of the characters right away. It took a few chapters for me to really get sucked in. Lots of world-building, but it was necessary for sure in order to really get what was going on. Thank goodness for the name list before the book started! It really was nice to give it a quick glimpse before starting. See who all the players were. Made it easier to follow. 

The ending left me agape! I wanted more!!!!! Ugh! 

In the end, I enjoyed this. It was fun seeing the magic and what-if elements added into this time period and these events. I am curious to see what happens next. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: Cleopatra Unconquered by Helen R Davis

Author: Helen R. Davis  
Title: Cleopatra Unconquered
Genre: Historical Fiction & What-If
Pages: ebook
Published: December 2nd 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher)



The first book of three in a richly imagined ancient world where the course of history is altered by one battle. In this world, Antony and Cleopatra triumph at the Battle of Actium, and Cleopatra emerges as a queen, stateswoman, and politician. Those around her come to life as the reader returns to those days to live them with her.



Oooh I adore what-if tales so I had no choice but to give this a read. I especially adore Cleo and it always upsets me when her fall happens. In this story, Antony and Cleo win. 

The beginning was pretty much the same from what we know of her life. What made this good it all seemed legit and I could believe this was the real story. 

At first, I wasn't huge on the mixing of the fantasy aspect, but it grew on me. It was interesting to hear the gods opinions on these matters. It didn't take up too much of the plot or story, so the balance was good and I grew to really like it. 

The beginning had me hooked and I was able to breeze through this. A fun what-if story for sure. I wish this had happened. Yes, yes, I am on Cleo's side of course. ;)

Not a huge fan of the end. I hope there is more to come! 

What else to say without ruining it?

I liked how Cleo was depicted. The beginning was a little rushed, but there was a lot to go through.

In the end, this was a quick read and an interesting one. I enjoyed the what-if twist there. If only! As always, Cleo was fun to read about. The fantasy aspect added grew on me as the story progressed. I shall stamp this with 4 stars. Worth the read!

Book Review: For All Time by Caroline B Cooney

Author: Caroline B. Cooney
Title: For All Time (Time Travelers #4)
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, and Historical Fiction
Pages: 272
Published: Oct 2001
Where I Got It: My Shelf (I honestly can't remember)

Annie Lockwood is testing Time. She’s traveled through it before, but always at Time’s bidding. Now she is asking Time to take her to the year 1899, when Strat is in Cairo. But Time doesn’t like to be tested. In what feels like a cruel joke, Annie is transported to ancient Egypt, thousands of years before Strat was born — to a world far removed from the one she knows. Meanwhile, in 1899, Strat is photographing the same pyramids that Annie walks among. But while Strat eagerly awaits Annie’s arrival, another visitor arrives: his father, Hiram Stratton, Sr., has come to Egypt to collect his son.

Powerless, Annie and Strat both look to Time. Can its force, which brought them together once, help them find each other again?

I swear my memory is getting so bad. I swear I read this and the other books in the series an eon ago...but after reading this I don't recall anything. Lucky me, though, this stands well as a stand alone so I was able to read this even though I couldn't remember the events of the past. 

This story follows a few characters. There is Annie who is from the 1990s and she has a special bond with Time..it likes to sweep her around. Strat is a young man in the 1890s whose dad is rich and crappy, so he decides to run away and become an archaeologist. Annie and Strat met in the past books and are in love. The author also included a couple side characters: Rennifer (a girl in Ancient Egypt), Camilla (a woman who dresses as a man to be a hired secret agent), and a couple others who got their two cents in. 

I felt bad for Annie and Strat. Time is a cruel wench who likes to put them together for a day or two and then tear them apart again. That would really stink. However, it was fun to cheer for them!

I really loved the interplay of all the different time periods and locations. The author did wonderful mixing everything together. The author did a good job at writing the different POVs. However, I do think that some of the POVs were not really needed and seemed to slow the pace of the story. The pace wasn't consistent. 

Also...I hated the ending. I get what the author was doing...but GAH *throws book*. Annie needs a kick in the butt. I felt bad for her, but I was so annoyed with her the entire time, but the ending made me loath her. Stupid chit. However, Strat was a cutie and I think he deserves a better everything...better family, a better lover, etc. Poor guy has had a hard time.

I am curious to see what happens next. I do recommend this even if you skip the other books. This was a fun book, but it did have some issues. I'll give this 3 stars.   

Book Review: The Egypt of Cleopatra by TD van Basten

Author: T.D. van Basten
Title: The Egypt of Cleopatra
Genre: Nonfiction
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 29th 2015
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon Freebie)

Cleopatra VII (69 BC - 30 BC), the last Pharaoh of Egypt, was a very educated, crafty, ambitious and clever woman. Her intellect and charisma – far greater than her beauty and sexuality - allowed her to keep the power for nearly twenty years by fighting against – and allying with - the greatest power at the time, Rome. Although her history was written by who defeated her and, therefore, modified according conveniences of them, there have been found, in recent archaeology researches, evidences of her intellect and achievements that portrayed her beyond her beauty and sexual power. She captivated the two greatest Romans of her time, and destroyed herself. Cleopatra was representing everything that the Romans didn't like. Not only was she a woman, but she was a woman with power. 

Cleopatra, one of the most famous of all of Egypt's illustrious Pharaohs, has become an indelible part of our understanding of ancient Egypt. What is less well known is the context of her reign - the cultural and political climate at the time of her birth, rule, and death. As a leader, Cleopatra was much more than just a seductive, beautiful temptress. She was a young woman brought to power during a tumultuous time in the history of her country, as well as during the rise of what would become one of the biggest and most powerful Empires in the history of the world: Rome. 



I have always had a huge interest in Ancient times, especially with Ancient Egypt. I took a class about the Ancient World. We spent a good deal on Ancient Egypt, but we really didn't spend ANY time on Cleopatra who was the last and most famous of Pharaohs. Isn't it funny how the last is always the best? The first and the last are the most remembered in many situations. 

I like Cleopatra for many reasons. However, I think people give her too much credit. Yes, she was beautiful and smart and charismatic. She got the throne and held onto it longer than someone else might have. The fact remains though....she lost in the end. She lost everything, so she wasn't the best Pharaoh. Sure...she gave a hell of fight, but she was the last and lost it to Rome. 

The question, now, remains. Was it hopeless the moment she got the throne? Was she doomed to fail? Or was there something else she could have done to save her throne? After reading this, I am leaning more towards the hopeless at the beginning. Egypt was in bed with Rome and Greece for a LONG time. I feel her ancestors set her up to fail ultimately. However, I do feel she made her bed too. Getting with two Romans of power didn't help matters. Especially with Antony....the man had a Roman wife who was sisters with Augustus. Yes, yes, you damn romantics...I agree you can't help who you fall in love with. BUT IT WAS FOOLISH!!!! It was truly dooming her to love Antony. 

Anyways. This was a quick read that shared more background knowledge of the Egypt Cleopatra was walking into. I truly wasn't that aware that her ancestors set her up to fail in many ways. They had caused such friction inside the country and set up too many ties with the Greeks and Romans for comfort.

Now, my only real complaint with the book were the repeats. He repeated himself a few times about the same thing. I get it. Please don't repeat. I understand trying to drive the point home, but it was tiresome at some points.

I do wish there was a small section about the clothing style of the day. I'm probably biased, but understanding the fashion choices of a time period helps understand the mindset and personality of the historical figures. 

Overall, though, this was a simplistic read even for those that do not have a great love of reading history books. This would be a good read for someone in college who wanted a quick summary. 

I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 

Book Review: Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

Author: Michelle Moran
Title: Cleopatra's Daughter
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 447
First Published: 2009
Where I Got It: My shelf (Birthday gift

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two– the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander–survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts. 

Honestly, Michelle Moran has become one of my favorite historical fiction writers throughout the last few years. She is an amazing writer and she has such a powerful voice. She brings not only the characters to life, but the world around them to life as well. This is one of her older novels, but I've been dying to read it. Lucky me and someone got this for me for my birthday this year. 

Now, the story follows the journey of Selene and her twin Alexander. They had a little brother, but he did not survive the journey to Rome which made me really upset. The two are Cleopatra's children with Marc Anthony (we all know the story with those two). Now, Rome has conquered Egypt and the twins are taken hostage back to Rome. They are forced to be part of Octavian's household. Which...I never understood WHY he did this. Was it guilt because they are kids and he didn't want to be known as a kid-killer? Would it be easier to turn them to his side and marry them off? IDK - that is too work for me honestly.

Selene and Alexander are 12, but they seemed so much older! I guess it makes sense, because they witnessed such horrible, horrible things at the beginning. I'm glad the author constantly reminded the reader that they are so young and so mature in many aspects now. 

Well, this was a tough journey for me. The beginning was great and had me hooked. The ending was amazing and I had to read like a madwoman, because I wanted to know how it was all going to end. Now...the middle was rough. It was extremely slow for me. Nothing really happening. Just SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW. It took me forever to get through the middle, because I felt nothing. I was annoyed with everyone including Selene. Once the tension started building I was back into the story, but it took forever. 

Also, I hated the vast majority of the characters. I've read a couple other books about Selene and I had found that I either pitied, understood, or liked. There were only a few I hated. But in this one I hated many of them. Selene was okay, but very childish in many of her decisions. Alexander seemed to conform really quick and that annoyed me. Juba was SUCH a butt! Why? Normally I really love him, but in this he was SO overly nasty to Selene. Even near the end, I was annoyed with him. Julia was an air-headed moron. Marcellus was too flirtatious, but I did like him overall. Octivia was nice. Oddly, I feel like Octavian was around enough to understand him. Tiberius and Livia were of course the "baddies" of the book like always. Livia, especially, is a special kind of snot! The rest of the people I didn't really care about. 

Overall, this was okay. I really felt the middle was super slow and it really did take me forever to get through it. Also, I didn't feel as connected to some of the characters as I wanted to be. Total bummer, because I do really like Selene. The rest of the book was addicting! I had to know what was going to happen next! I do recommend this to lovers of history. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3. 

Movie Review: Alexander - Director's Cut (2004)

Length: 3h & 34m
Released: 2004
Genre: Action/Adventure & Drama
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:
Alexander, the King of Macedonia and one of the greatest military leaders in the history of warfare, conquers much of the known world.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:

I have seen the TV version of this movie a handful of times. However, Netflix offers the director’s cut of this and I have been itching to give this movie a rewatch….soooo….sorry Boyfriend for making you watch 3 hours of Alexander-ness! 

If you don’t already know…I am a history-nerd to the extreme, however, even this was a wee bit long for me. Normally, I drool over director’s cuts, because I adore the extra film. This, though, was over-the-top and long. There were scenes that were not needed to move the plot forward. Some added scenes needed to be in the film to make people understand.

I have been battling myself since I first saw this film many moons ago about if I like Colin Farrell as Alexander of not. I have finally decided my opinion on him being Alexander. I love him as the war-ridden, complex, scarred, and anguished hero. I do NOT like him as young and naïve Alexander who is still just a prince and under his mommy’s thumb. Also, I do not like the blonde on him. Black hair is fitting, but alas, Alexander was a golden hero and thus needs blonde hair. 

My other complaint is the layout of the film. I hate the time jumps…it confuses the plot in this one. I had to explain many times to Boyfriend what was going on and WHY. The story needed to be told from point A to point B. Historical films need that flow for people who are not as knowledgeable about the time period and/or the character.

Poor Pony! Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still cried! :(

Now, I must give kudos to Angelina Jolie who played the sassy and bitchy Olympia, Alex’s momma. This has always been one of my favorites by her. She does this role justice and plays her how I envision her. The accent is super strong, but oddly…I think it fits this character who is SO proud of her heritage and whatnot. Much like Southerners who accent shouldn’t be THAT thick, but they make it thick because they are proud to be Southern. 

Even though I have mixed reviews on the actor who plays Alexander, I must say this film does well in presenting the man who is a Great. He was both a hero and a villain – it depends on your view and feelings. He had good attributes, ideas, and had a heart. However, he was taking over people’s lands. The biggest thing I am glad they made a HUGE note on is that he was a bisexual (leaning toward more Gay). People are so sensitive towards this even today. Why? That is a whole different post. I’m glad they showed the truth. People tend to forget homosexuality has been around since the dawn of man. Hell – many other mammals have the same gene. But yes, Alexander the Great was bisexual and I am glad they didn’t “forget”/”neglect” to leave that out. 

Overall, this is entertaining and a great portrayal of one of the most remembered historical figures. I have my mixed opinions on the person who they selected to play him, however, I am pleased the with entire cast. This was the first time I watched the undirector’s cut and I felt like it was TOO long. Some scenes that had been deleted from the TV version NEEDED to be in there, but there were others that did not. I highly recommend this film to those that love history or who are looking for a good film. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3 stars. 

Re-watch?: Maybe I'll stick with the TV version

Book Review: The Princess of Egypt Must Die by Stephanie Dray

Author: Stephanie Dray
Title: The Princess of Egypt Must Die
Genre: Historical Fiction, Short Story, Young Adult
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 26th, 2012
Where I Got It: On my shelf (Amazon)

"Princess Arsinoe came of age in the glittering court of Ptolemaic Egypt. Abused by her ruthless sister, a pawn in the dynastic ambitions of her father, and dismissed by the king who claimed her for a bride, young Arsinoe finds herself falling in love with a young man forbidden to her. She dreams of a destiny as Egypt's queen, but first she must survive the nest of vipers otherwise known as her family."



Like earlier stated...this is a short story, so one has to take that with a grain of salt.

I went through some of the reviews on Goodreads last night, so I ran out of time to write the review. >.< I was astounded by how many people gave this low ratings due to the length. PEOPLE short stories are SHORT! Things will happen quickly and time skipping will indeed happen. 

And I am done with my little rant.

ANYWAYS, I forgot how much I adore Stephanie Dray. I really must catch up in her series; I had read the first one and then got sidetracked with other books. Sighs. Maybe in Feb I'll be able to read a book or two of her books. 

But yes, this book reopened my eyes to Stephanie Dray. She is an amazing writer. Even with the limited pages, she brought Egypt and the characters to life. I felt I was there like Arsinoe's guard or a fly. I prefer the guard personally. I adored Arisnoe; I really seen myself in her. It was great to see her before she became a legend. Like so many of us, she had many flaws. She was weak, but due to losing her love she became strong and vengeful. She took the bulls by the horns and became Queen and a legend. I really like her and I MUST read more about her. 


Well, in the end this was really, really good. It was a good snapshot of Arsinoe in her early years. It was a short story and I do wish it was longer, but Stephanie Dray did not disappoint. Egypt and the characters seemed so real that I was watching a movie, not reading. I shall stamp this with 5 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Arsinoe and Arsinoe's mother
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Pretty much everyone else. 

Book Review: Lily of the Nile

Author: Stephanie Dray
Title: Lily of the Nile (Cleopatra's Daughter Series, #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance  
Pages: 351
First Published: 2011
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)


"To Isis worshippers, Princess Selene and her twin brother Helios embody the divine celestial pair who will bring about a Golden Age. But when Selene's parents are vanquished by Rome, her auspicious birth becomes a curse. Trapped in an empire that reviles her heritage and suspects her faith, the young messianic princess struggles for survival in a Roman court of intrigue. She can't hide the hieroglyphics that carve themselves into her hands, nor can she stop the emperor from using her powers for his own ends. But faced with a new and ruthless Caesar who is obsessed with having a Cleopatra of his very own, Selene is determined to resurrect her mother's dreams. Can she succeed where her mother failed? And what will it cost her in a political game where the only rule is win-or die?"


Even though I was dying to read this book, I kept putting it off. I'm not sure why, but I regret not reading this right away. I love this book! I loved how Stephanie Dray sucked me into the story and I felt like I was there. I felt like a fly on the wall or a ghost watching Selene's story unfold; I love when authors have that ability!


Too be honest I never knew that the legendary Cleopatra had children. Shows what I know about Egyptian history (which isn't a lot at all). As I later discovered that their isn't much concrete information on the life of Selene and her brothers. However, I believed that Stephanie Dray did a lovely job mixing facts, rumors, myths, and just plain ol' imagination into a great story. It's takes a really good writer to do that.


There are a lot of people who tsk at the magic aspect of this novella. However, I loved it! I felt like it gave the book just that extra zing that made this book sparkle. It's like adding hot sauce to a taco. It made it EVEN better! Sometimes adding magic makes books TOO much, but if added just right it make the book. It's a risky thing to add, but Stephanie Dray did a wonderful job. The magic didn't overtake the story, it just enhanced it, so that makes me happy. 


I also read a few reviews that pooped on the fights about religion. I say this to those who say it isn't "christian" enough....that was how the world use to be. Christianity wasn't a world religion yet. Roman gods, Egyptian gods, and etc were the biggies in that time period, so Stephanie Dray was presenting how the world use to be. Sorry, but that's the facts and I'm glad Stephanie Dray presented that world how it was suppose to be. 


As in life there is negatives...I felt like many spots were dry and action-less. I know not that every page has to filled with drama or action, but I felt some little parts were unnecessary. I also wasn't a huge fan of Selene. I felt her loyalty is fickle. She even began to look down at her parents and her goddess, which I think is very fickle of her. Yes, everyone has spells of doubts about things like that, but....I don't know. Besides for those two things, there was nothing else I didn't like...I adored this book.


Overall, this was an adventure and I regret not reading this sooner. I can't wait to read this next book in the series! Stephanie Dray is an excellent author and I look forward to other adventures she'll put my mind through. I recommend this novel to those who love Historical Fictions and Ancient civilizations. Out of five stars, this will be given 5! Woot woot! ^.^


Favorite Character(s): Julia (I don't know why, but I really liked her), Philadelphus (a little cutey, who is just along for the ride), and Helios (another one I can't explain why)
Not-so favorite Character(s): Selene (okay, it was a love-hate thing with Selene. One moment I really liked her, but she made me not like her a lot, maybe that will change in the next book. I found that she was really fickle in a lot of areas) and Octavian (a pompous ass). 

Book Review: Heart of the Falcon

Author: Suzanne Robinson
Title: Heart of the Falcon
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 272
First Published: 1990
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon)


"Only one woman could win the...Heart of the Falcon.

All her life, raven-haired Anqet had basked in the tranquility of Nefer...until the day her father died and her uncle descended upon the estate, hungry for her land, hungry for her. Desperate to escape his cruel obsession, she fled. But now, masquerading as a commoner in the magnificent city of Thebes, Anqet faces a new danger. Mysterious and seductive, Count Seth seems to be a soldier loyal to the pharaoh. Yet soon Anqet will find that he's drawn her into a web of treachery and desire, where one false move could end her life... and his fiery passion could brand her soul forever.

Set against the glorious opulence of the pharaoh's court, this is a breathtaking tale, rich with pageantry and aflame with unforgettable romance."




I will admit I haven't read many books set in Ancient Egypt (a shocker I know) and this was my first Historical Romance set in this setting. Another shocker. I was a little unsure how I would like this book, but I was dying to read it, so I ignored my reading list and began this journey. 


Its a decent sized book, but for some reason I felt like I was taking forever to get it done. The plot was entertaining and I liked the story, but some spots were very....blah. I just would put it down at those points and play the Sims or something and I would have to force myself to continue to read the next day. At some other spots I felt like the story was being rushed and I felt like the author was rushing through some important moments. I would get a little annoyed, but I accepted it and can't reading.


Besides for some blah and rushed spots, I really liked this book. It was cute and a fun read. I loved the world that Suzanne Robinson showed me and I loved her detailed writings. I felt like I had become a part of the world and was seeing the story with my own eyes. Also, I really liked the characters, even though I couldn't help but giggle at the name Seth. I kept envisioning Seth Green, who is completely different then Count Seth. However, both are red-heads and I couldn't help myself. Sometimes I wonder about my brain.


ANYWAYS, it was a decent read and I would recommend this to Historical Romance lovers (like moi). I'll probably revisit this book sometime in the future and I'm looking forward to other Historical Romances and etc set in Egypt. Out of five stars I grant this one.....3 stars. ^.^




Favorite Character(s): Khet and Anqet
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Sennefer (he confused me and made me mad)

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<3CR