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beccadavies's review against another edition
5.0
A work of fiction using famous historical figures, Cleopatra's daughter brought the world of Augustus and Rome vividly to life. Cleopatra's Daughter is Selene, a Princess of Egypt who lived in the grand city Alexandria where she was taught languages, architect, philosophy and the arts. Her world is shattered when Octavian, the later Emperor of Rome, invades her country forcing parents to committ suicide. Of course, that story is famous. I liked how the author didn't dwell on it but quickly got to how Octavian takes Selene and her brother Alexander were taken to Rome as captives and made to live with his sister, Octavia.
The story is really about these years Selene is in Rome and what she observes. From slavery to the constant degregation of women, Selene continued to stay strong and focused on her goals of returning to her beloved Egypt.
What really struck me about the book was the writers amazing ability to make you feel like you were actually there in Rome with Selene as she was witnessing law trials, games and even the odd riot. I was both shocked and delighted to hear that most of these dramatic instances were based on actual fact. Indeed, her detailed descriptions and her meticulous reasearch really made this book was it was: A book you can get lost in
The story is really about these years Selene is in Rome and what she observes. From slavery to the constant degregation of women, Selene continued to stay strong and focused on her goals of returning to her beloved Egypt.
What really struck me about the book was the writers amazing ability to make you feel like you were actually there in Rome with Selene as she was witnessing law trials, games and even the odd riot. I was both shocked and delighted to hear that most of these dramatic instances were based on actual fact. Indeed, her detailed descriptions and her meticulous reasearch really made this book was it was: A book you can get lost in
bookwitchgwen's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cleopatra’s Daughter was an enjoyable read that took me back to ancient Rome during the time of Agustus. I enjoyed the time with Cleopatras children and appreciated a more innocent Cleopatra Selene than what has been explored in other fictional writing I’ve read.
Because I am honest I thought the ending fell a little flat, but it may be that I had my hopes set too high. I’ve also read Nefertiti by Michelle Moran, and find that book to be better in comparison. However I’ll probably still go on to read The Heretic Queen.
Because I am honest I thought the ending fell a little flat, but it may be that I had my hopes set too high. I’ve also read Nefertiti by Michelle Moran, and find that book to be better in comparison. However I’ll probably still go on to read The Heretic Queen.
ncurtain's review against another edition
4.0
Again author knocks it out of the park. I was always fascinated by Cleopatra. Excellent book
theyalife's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kellykern's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
ashleysilver7's review against another edition
4.0
After starting this book, I realized I already read it a few years ago - thankfully Goodreads is in my life now, and I won't make that mistake again! It is a great historical fiction novel about life in Ancient Rome, and how life could have been like for Kleopatra's daughter, Selene. A must-read for those who love historical fiction, or who enjoy a well-written book.
thejadylady's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, and Slavery
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Violence, and War
nessymouse's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
bec_wheels's review
5.0
I would definitely recommend. It's an interesting read and wonderful insight on how war and men can impact a woman's life.
reka111's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
And when that time comes, let's hope your friends outnumber your enemies.
I died with this book, even though I felt it would never end. Honestly, I had a terrible time sticking to this book, but when I did, I could barely put it down.
Selene was arguably my favorite character. Even despite her young age, she was full of dreams, desires and passion for the world around her. And, of course, there was the endless hatred and fear that made her so human. I loved her relationship with her twin brother and Octavia. The other characters were lovable in their own way, Alexander for his love of life
I don't want to go into it too much, but it hurts that Selene, tried to balance between loyalty to her homeland and hopeless love for Marcellus, only to lose both of it at the end. But as the saying goes, if you lose, you win something back, and this time was no different, because as in real life, with her marriage
Basically, I'm not familiar with Selene's life, only her mother's life and her father's life a bit, and for some reason I never questioned what happened to her afterwards. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed her journey and everything she did to remain the master of her own destiny. The plot, as I said, was easy to follow, even for those who are not aware of history. The composition was nice, but not outstanding. The pace was slow and tuggy for me at the beginning, but by the middle I was quite used to it. The ending was nicely closed and I really liked the Red Eagle side thread as well.
Overall, I recommend it to those who love Egyptian and Roman history, who are attracted to Cleopatra's legacy, or just want an interesting read interwoven with politics and family ties.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Death of parent