Thursday, September 1, 2011

Review: Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

August 1, 2011
Arthur A. Levine Books

Synopsis:
"The Luxe" meets the ancient world in the extraordinary story of Cleopatra's daughter.
Selene has grown up in a palace on the Nile with her parents, Cleopatra & Mark Antony—the most brilliant, powerful rulers on earth. But the jealous Roman Emperor Octavianus wants Egypt for himself, & when war finally comes, Selene faces the loss of all she's ever loved. Forced to build a new life in Octavianus's household in Rome, she finds herself torn between two young men and two possible destinies—until she reaches out to claim her own.
This stunning novel brings to life the personalities & passions of one of the greatest dramas in history, & offers a wonderful new heroine in Selene.


My Review:
Since I am a huge fan of Egyptian history, I jumped at the chance to read CLEOPATRA'S MOON. I couldn't wait to read from Cleopatra Selene's perspective on the happenstances of her time and Shecter's fascinating imagining of her experiences based on the little that is known. I was blown away by the events, history, and the characters who came to life from the pages. Do not miss out on this fabulous debut.

Cleopatra Selene is a strong-willed and extremely intelligent girl. I greatly enjoyed reading about her life, from the age of 9 until the age of 16. Her life was lavish and extravagant until it all changed when Octavianus declared war on Egypt and her parents. Reading about the horrors that she had to go through made my stomach hurt. I came to respect her for standing strong in tough times and never losing hope in herself and her Egyptian heritage. She is determined to prevail and to take back Egypt from the evil Octavianus. In the process of figuring out a way to claim Egypt again, Cleopatra Selene finds unexpected love in the process that greatly affects her future.

Cleopatra Selene's family also play huge roles in the novel. Cleopatra Selene's mother, Cleopatra, inspired her to be a great leader and to become someone her mother would be proud of. Then there are her brothers, Ptolly and Alexandros. They go through so much together and the love they have for each other is obvious. Ptolly is the youngest and he is so cute! And while I didn't really like how Alexandros acted at times, I could tell that he truly cared for his sister.

CLEOPATRA'S MOON is a beautifully crafted novel that is elegantly written and filled with rich history. I couldn't put it down once I picked it up! I will definitely be reading more from Shecter in the future.

My Rating:

8 comments:

  1. I'll have to check it out, then! I also love books that are centered in Egypt and with Cleopatra's daughter... This seems to be just what I need :)

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  2. I haven't read any books set in Egyptian times so I am excited for this one. Awesome review :)

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  3. I really enjoyed this one too Bailey! I just wanted to reach in the book and hug the entire family, I felt so awful for what happened to them. And I wanted to punch Octavianus when he paraded them through the streets.

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  4. You know, I hadn't heard much about this book, but it sounds amazing! I like that Cleopatra's family plays a large role in the book--it seems parents are rarely present in YA! :)

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  5. Jenny's review made me put this one on my wishlist so this review just confirmed that this one is worth keeping there. I love that family plays such a big role in the story. Too often you don't get that with YA books.

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  6. Wow! Cleopatra Selene sounds like such a remarkable heroine. The fact that this book takes place during such a fascinating time in history really makes me want to read it.

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  7. Ya know, I didn't even know this book existed and probably would not have picked it up if it wasn't for your review. I'm totally adding this book to my TBR list. Thanks for the awesome review, Bailey! :D

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  8. It sounds amazing!!!!
    Your review is very good!!!!
    YOU did it... I added it to my TBR...
    :)

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