Sphinx's Queen (Princesses of Myth) [Hardcover]

Esther Friesner (Author)

Book Description

Series: Princesses of Myth | Publication Date: September 28, 2010

Ancient Egypt springs to life in this enthralling sequel to Sphinx’s Princess. As she did in Nobody’s Princess and Nobody’s Prize, author Esther Friesner offers readers a fresh look at an iconic figure, blending historical fiction and mythology in a heady concoction.

Hunted . . . Overnight, every aspect of Nefertiti’s life has changed. She is no longer living at the royal palace as the intended bride of the crown prince. Instead, she is being chased by the prince and his soldiers for a crime she did not commit.

Hidden . . . Traveling with two of her dearest friends, including the crown prince’s brother, who helped her escape, Nefertiti takes shelter in the wild hills along the Nile’s west bank. She must rely on her own resourcefulness and skills (all those secret archery lessons prove very useful) as the fugitives fight to survive.

Haunted . . . But the need for justice gnaws at Nefertiti. She is determined to plead her case to the Pharaoh and set things right. As she begins to question long-held sacred beliefs—a questioning that could alter the fabric of Egyptian society—her extraordinary journey from commoner to royalty brings adventure, intrigue, and romance.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 6-9–Friesner continues the story of young Nefertiti, betrothed of Prince Thutmose but friend (and, later, wife) to Prince Amenophis. In Sphinx's Princess (Random, 2009), Nefertiti is falsely accused by Thutmose of blasphemy for killing his cat, sacred to the Egyptian goddess Bast. As this story opens, she has escaped from prison with the help of Amenophis and her Hebrew (“Hebiri”) servant, Nava. Nefertiti is unhampered by religious orthodoxy, reflecting a very modern sensibility. She and the other characters reach their greatest humanity when they tear aside priestly hypocrisy and political intrigue and make peace with one another despite the adults' machinations. All of this is done in fine prose that expresses the questioning of religion that most young people experience as they approach maturity. A statement made by Amenophis after he has impersonated the goddess of truth (Ma'at) and saved Nefertiti could, with little revision, come from any human era: “If the gods have any real power, why do they stand by and allow us to buy and sell their voices? If Ma'at is the goddess of truth, why does she remain silent and permit so many lies to flourish?” This deeply moral book tells a good story; or, rather, this good story reveals deeply moral truths.–Corinne Henning-Sachs, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, MEα(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

From Booklist

Picking up where Sphinx’s Princess (2009) left off, Nefertiti is escaping Thebes with her secret love, Prince Amenophis, and her slave girl Nara. The three are sailing to Dendera to reunite with Nefertiti’s family, hoping they can save Nefertiti from her charges of treason. The villainous crown prince Thutmose, Nefertiti’s betrothed, relentlessly pursues the trio. Turns of events leave the door open for Nefertiti and Amenophis to finally be together, and Nefertiti is still the same strong-willed, independent girl based on the mysterious Egyptian queen. This sequel does not stand alone, but fans of the first book will want to know Nefertiti’s fate. Grades 6-9. --Shauna Yusko

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (September 28, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375856579
• ISBN-13: 978-0375856570
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 1.2 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #632,875 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, June 13, 2011

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sphinx's Queen (Princesses of Myth) (Hardcover)

Nefertiti and Amenophis are on the run. They're desperately trying to escape from Prince Thutmose. Together with an ex-slave, they're floating down the river in an attempt to reach the Pharaoh.

They must reach the Pharaoh in order to clear Nefertiti 's name. After much hardship and a little luck, they reach his side, only to discover that Prince Thutmose has beaten them there. Now, Nefertiti must stand before the Pharaoh and clear herself from the false charges thrown her way by the Prince.

It doesn't help that she has fallen in love with Amenophis - the Prince's brother. It also doesn't help that the Pharaoh himself is in awe of her beauty. She must prove herself before the gods.

How will Nefertiti prove her innocence? With so many people against her, is it possible for her to have a happy ending?

I love Esther Friesner's strong historical female characters, and Nefertiti doesn't disappoint readers. For much of the book, Nefertiti remains isolated, even heartbroken. Still, she manages to gather strength for herself and to instill strength in others. Despite all the hardships she must endure, the author imagines the character as both powerful and vulnerable.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a good read! ^^, December 12, 2011

By 

Aspiring Dreamer (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sphinx's Queen (Princesses of Myth) (Paperback)

I must admit, I was slightly wary of this book in the beginning. I don't tend to read many of the books aimed at girls my age because, despite a seemingly intriguing plotline, they usually degenerate into sappy romances, which I deplore. This, however, was different. It was a romance, yes, but it was about so much more than that! It was about Nefertiti and her growth from a girl running away from her life to a woman strong enough to stand her ground and face it.
One of the best aspects of this book, in my opinion, is the characters. There is such a wide cast, and I grew to love all of them in the end, even Thutmose, who began as the most annoying, spoiled brat. There's Nava, the Jewish slave, who often testifies her faith in the One, Amenophis, who is sweet and gentle and wise, Sitamun, who, like her mother, Queen Tiye, is a strong, persistent woman, and of course, Nefertiti herself, a girl who is beautiful, intelligent, and courageous enough to stand up for herself even when Pharaoh, the god-on-earth, is doubtful of her word and her aunt would destroy her at the first opportunity.
Nefertiti's journey throughout the book is one of danger and excitement, love and loneliness, doubt and victory, revenge and forgiveness. She's a remarkable character, and the love of her circle of friends is her greatest source of strength.
Then there was the story...I laughed and I cried, and the author even managed to coax a gasp out of me at parts. I was hooked, and for the most part, didn't put the book down until I had finished it.
It was a great read, and definitely one that I would recommend!

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good, November 19, 2011

By 

Iwalkbyfaith57 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sphinx's Queen (Princesses of Myth) (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed this book. It was very captivating, could not put it down. I read it in less than a week! Esther Friesner did a great job of bringing the characters to life. I would suggest anyone read this book!