Customer Reviews

Cleopatra's Moon

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Cleopatra Selene is a force to be reckoned with, as were her mother, Cleopatra, and father, Marcus Antonius, yet who today knew she existed? Cleopatra Selene, as she prefers to be called,not only exists, she lives on every page of CLEOPATRA'S MOON, from her home in the palace in Alexandria, Egypt, to Rome where she and her brothers are taken by Octavianus after he conquered Egypt and her parents take their own lives. We follow her from 34 BCE to 25 BCE in her determination to return to and rule Egypt, to survive the threats on her and her brother's lives from Octavianus and Livia, and to serve and follow the Great Goddess, Isis. Who are her real friends..and enemies? Who truly loves her, Marcellus or Juba? Vicky Alvear Shecter's novel introduces us to a multifascited character as she steers Cleopatra Selene and us through the beauty of Alexandria to the rough-and-tumble, dirty, smelly Rome,full of intrigue and murder. Along the way, we meet historical figures, learn bits of the seven languages Cleopatra and her children spoke, see the customs of Alexandria and Rome, and live through the anxiety Cleopatra Selene feels, wishing we could help her. This is a MUST READ!

Vicky Alvear Shecter has shaped a world, an ancient world, vivid with sights and sounds and smells, to allow the reader to feel what it might have been like to live in ancient Egypt or Rome - a true treat. The multiple dieties and beliefs are so well woven into daily life, the reader gets a true sense of the morality of the times. And as Queen Cleopatra experiences her downfall, we are beside her, feeling the devastation and disappointment.

Through it all, we meet Cleopatra Selene - a young girl stuck in the middle of high politics who grows into a woman as capable as her mother. Brilliant, inquisitive and curious, she is a heroine for modern times as she struggles with the issues of free will and whether or not her destiny has already been decided by the gods.

Not only is this a great young adult read, adults will fall into the grand scape of the story as well. It would also make an excellent mother-daughter book club read as it deals with expectations and filling shoes (sandals!) that perhaps no longer fit a young heroine. Be prepared to fall into this sumptuous story that brings up so many interesting questions. GREAT read - five stars!

I've always loved Michelle Moran's Cleopatra's Daughter but left me wondering whatever happened to Selene and Juba after.And this is it!I loved the twist of the love story, the love triangle and Selene's more daring portrayal though w/ a tinge of foolishness,after all, she's only a teenager.I really enjoyed it.Hoping for a sequel,but please keep Selene's dignity unlike some other version I recently read where Selene has turned out to be some desperate w###e.

I loved this book.

I, being a lover of historical fiction and all things Ancient Egypt, have read my fair share of books on Cleopatra Selene and her mother Cleopatra, the last Queen of Egypt. Like all books, some are better than others and one usually becomes the standard by which all other books on that same topic are measured. Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter is that standard.

Told from the view point of Cleopatra Selene, the book follows the children as they are forced to leave Egypt by Octavianus, known to history as Augusts, and watch as they try to navigate and make sense of their new lives and circumstances. Living in Octavianus's household, the children, more specifically Cleopatra Selene, attempt to figure out just who to trust while trying to maintain both their faith and ideals.

What I really liked about this book is the role reversal of two of the characters. In every other book I have read or movie I have watched about this period and instance, these particular characters have been portrayed in the opposite fashion. It was really refreshing to see that character reversal, whether it was true or not. I also liked the fact that even though you know the basic premise of the story, you never find yourself thinking 'well that certainly didn't happen' or 'that's not realistic at all'. You are able to immerse yourself in the story and simply enjoy it for what it is.

In Cleopatra's Moon, the author has managed to create dynamic, engaging and flawed characters that bring to life one of history's most fascinating time periods. Weaving the tale of the little known story of what happened to the children of Cleopatra once Egypt finally fell into complete control of the Roman empire, the story contains both mystical elements and a love story that leaves you questioning just what is fact and what is fiction.

CLEOPATRA'S MOON is Vicky Alvear Shecter's debut novel, an entertaining work of historical fiction that should appeal to teens who enjoy history or more pensive reads. This colorful, sophisticated tale brings to life an ancient religion with some unusual and mysterious beliefs, but its main focus is both passionate and philosophical, telling of the emotional journey of one person with whom most people are unfamiliar. Cleopatra Selene is the daughter of Cleopatra the Pharaoh, the heiress to the Kingdom of Egypt. She is unique not only for her being the last survivor of the Ptolemies, but also for her own strengths and exclusive position as witness to the rise and fall of the Egyptian Empire of the Antiquities.

Shecter's book begins in Selene's tender years with the story of her childhood in Egypt as the daughter of the only female Pharaoh in history. The book stretches on through Selene's young adult years as a captive in Rome, long after the deaths of her parents. As a child, Selene is headstrong and intelligent, a spoiled girl who enjoys a privileged existence for years, but who --- solely because of her mother's influence and culture of the Egyptians --- does appreciate the unique exposure and worldly atmosphere she's surrounded by. This is an atmosphere that values intellectualism, tolerance and philosophy ---- impressive achievements for the era. Raised by unusual parents, she is fearless and instilled with confidence and character. The art of the time records her mother as rising to power because of beauty and lust, but Selene quickly recognizes the truth: that Cleopatra's power comes from her respect for others. Even after her death, Cleopatra's personal values are ones that Selene remembers and emulates for the rest of her life.

The turning point for Egypt comes in the moment that Mark Antony, carried away with his own power and pride, publicly boasts of Egypt's elevated station and names his stepson, Caesarion, as Caesar. Many readers will recognize this as the inciting event that sparked a war between Rome and Egypt, the beginning of the end. Cleopatra's downfall is documented as due to her husband's pride, but Shecter makes the case here that Cleopatra also underestimated Octavianus. Her son's half-brother is corrupt and powerful, and has already established control over Rome and the senate. His influence is substantial enough that he possesses the power to stamp out any opposition.

As Octavianus marches on Egypt, marshaling Rome's vast armies in person, he's leading an unstoppable force toward certain victory. Cleopatra faces his armies herself, but, returning in defeat, is stunned as her oldest son is murdered in cold blood while attempting to flee. In short time, she must witness her homeland being annexed as yet another territory of Rome. Heartbroken, she turns her attention away from her country toward protecting her children from the brutality of a notoriously corrupt man.

Propelling forward in disturbing and moving directions, Cleopatra and Mark Antony commit suicide just as history records. But surprising events unfold surrounding Cleopatra and her death, the most striking being the total absence of any asp in the death ritual. Perhaps the mystery surrounding her passing is purposeful, turning the reader's attention toward other, more important things. In any case, Octavianus spares the lives of the remaining Ptolemy children in order to enslave and parade them, bound in chains, for all Roman citizens to taunt in public and to demonstrate the overwhelming power of the Roman Empire.

The entire second half of the book dwells upon the many grueling and emotionally taxing years as Selene and her brothers are held captive in a strange city. They are raised by Octavianus's wife, Livia, and also under the frequent supervision of Caesar's sister, Octavia. Ironically, these years among enemies are not without value and triumph, at least for Selene. She experiences episodes of happiness and matures both as a leader and as a great person in her own right.

Readers who are already familiar with the story of Cleopatra and the Ptolemies will find in CLEOPATRA'S MOON an illuminating perspective on the Pharaoh as a leader and also the lesser-known story of her daughter, an impressive young woman who Shecter argues is actually the better of the two, more influential and positive in what she accomplishes. Those unfamiliar with this history will find it very informing and quite empathetic, particularly regarding the suffering of conquered peoples. Cleopatra Selene's love story is a sideline here, but it is well written, touching, and true to history as much as we know it. Philosophical questions on free will and tolerance guide the moral side of contemplations, and anyone who enjoys philosophy should appreciate the tidbits about great philosophers from centuries ago.

--- Reviewed by Melanie Smith

The details in this book are so lovingly and lavishly filled in. The sights and sounds and smells make the story world come alive. But all those details also work to heighten the main character's emotions. The setting, the political climate, the religion...all of these worked together to be almost a character in the book. They were so important to the story, and I liked the faithful way the author handled the life and times of the ancient Romans and Greeks and Egyptians.

I loved Cleopatra Selene and her commitment to her family and her calling. I loved best that she was a strong character who made her own choices and didn't feel compelled to follow her mother in every way.

When I stop to consider all that this girl lost, I can scarcely take it in. She fell from such a height--being the entitled daughter of Cleopatra, the goddess queen who had such wealth and power. And from there Selene went to being a captive with no rights at all. How many people in the history of the world have been at either of those extremes? Because of her unique life, Cleopatra Selene is a fascinating character. And yet, because she also lost people she loved, she is universally relatable. Anyone who has lost a loved one can sympathize with Cleopatra Selene. On the one hand she's a powerful princess and on the other she's a little girl who has buried family members she loves. She's a wonderful character, and I feel the richer for having met her in the pages of this book.

Happily Vicky Alvear Shecter did this girl justice.

Enter the world of ancient Egypt through this historical novel. A fascinating culture comes alive through the pen of Vicky Alvear Shecter. Vicky knows her subject well. A docent at the Carlos Museum in Atlanta, she's been interpreting the customs and beliefs of the Egyptians to visitors - young and old - for years. There's nothing stilted or forced about her presentation of this complex and intriguing world. Instead, the reader walks inside the royal palace as an insider and feels the danger of the power struggles and sees the passions of iconic figures, such as Cleopatra.

PRINCESS OF EGYPT
Cleopatra Selene is the only daughter of the brilliant Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and General Marcus Antonius of Rome. She's grown up with jewels on her arms, servants at her feet, and all the pleasures of a palace at her command, and she wants only to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a great and powerful queen.

PRISONER OF ROME
Then the Roman ruler Octavianus, who has always wanted Egypt's wealth, launches a war that destroys all Selene has ever known. Taken to live in Octavianus's palace in Rome, she vows to defeat him and reclaim her kingdom at all costs. Yet even as she gathers support for her return, Selene finds herself torn between two young men and two different paths to power. Will love distract her from her goal--or help her achieve her true destiny?

Epic in scope and ravishing in detail, this novel reveals the extraordinary life of a girl long hidden in history: the remarkable Cleopatra Selene.

The romance of Anthony and Cleopatra has been known throughout history as one of the most passionate and tragic love stories of all time. The story not as commonly known, however, is what became of the children of Anthony and Cleopatra, particularly their only daughter, Cleopatra Selene, after their deaths. As intelligent, strong-willed and beautiful as her mother, Cleopatra Selene is just a girl when Octavianus of Rome, commonly known as Augustus Caesar, conquers Egypt, murders her older brother, and pushes her parents into committing suicide. Soon after, Cleopatra Selene, her twin brother, Alexandros, and their younger brother, Ptolemy, are sent to Rome to be raised in Octavianus' own household. Cleopatra Selene and her brothers must fight for their lives in Rome, never certain of whom they can trust and always aware that Caesar will take any opportunity to end their lives. As Cleopatra Selene grows older, she begins to realize that, like her mother, she has the power to seduce men with her beauty and intellect. Determined to restore her family to their beloved Egypt, Cleopatra Selene must devise a plan that will keep her and her brothers safe and ensure that their fates are different from their parents'.

Based on the true story of Anthony and Cleopatra's only daughter, Cleopatra's Moon is an entertaining and informative novel that holds a great deal of appeal for any reader with an interest in ancient Egypt. Shecter does an excellent job of presenting the history of Cleopatra Selene and the other royal children of Egypt. A character list at the start of the book helps to prevent any confusion about the various people involved in the life of Cleopatra Selene as she experiences the destruction of her family and her exile to Rome. Cleopatra Selene is a very likable heroine, particularly because she actually lived and, based on her life, most likely had as much intelligence, determination and loyalty as Shecter portrays in the novel. In fact, the entire story is very interesting in its depictions of some very famous historical figures. Readers who are not as familiar with the history will, undoubtedly, be prompted to research the actual events and characters in the book, making Cleopatra's Moon the grounds for a very interesting educational experience.

As a fan of historical fiction and Ancient Egypt, this novel was pretty easy for me to enjoy. Despite these personal prejudices, however, I did find the book to be well-written and a really excellent way to make someone who lived thousands of years ago relatable to modern-day readers, especially teen girls. Anthony and Cleopatra are almost a household name, and the thought of Cleopatra's daughter being just as intelligent and beautiful as her mother makes for an intriguing story. Overall, an excellent book for fans of historical fiction, Egyptian history, or strong women in history.

Like my review? Go to my profile to find the link to my blog to see other books I recommend!

I've always been fascinated by ancient history and originally majored in it at college...until I realized I would eventually have to do my own research and write my own papers (can you believe that? shocking). I figured out I prefer to read others' books on the subject, so hear I am. It's rare to find a YA fiction book set in ancient Rome and Egypt so I was excited when a co-worker told me about Cleopatra's Moon. The best words I can give this book are "beautiful" and "epic."

To make it clear for those not familiar with the book, it follows Cleopatra's daughter Cleopatra VIII Selene, not Cleopatra VII who we're all familiar with. I think it's rather difficult to write a historical fiction novel that doesn't feel a little dry at times, but that's not the case with this book. Shecter made these famous historical characters come to life. Congratulations Vicky! You win my smiles. Even though I knew most of what was going to happen (history buff, I am), I couldn't put the book down. I really felt for Cleopatra Selene; when she cried, I cried. It's been a while since a book has made me cry and I got teary eyed twice. Another example of the realism, I've always had an intense love for Roman history and, for the first time, Shecter made me hate them. What a society of bastards. I already knew this, but it was interesting to see them from another point of view.

This book is a must read for historical fiction fans, though I would say for older teens than younger. It does contain sensuality, but there is so much substance and detail that I feel it would go over the heads of the younger audience. This is definitely a book adults will enjoy, if not more so than the the YA audience.