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Cleopatra's Daughter #2
Song of the Nile
Sorceress. Seductress. Schemer. Cleopatra's daughter is the one woman with the power to destroy an empire... Having survived her perilous childhood as a royal captive of Rome, Selene pledged her loyalty to Augustus and swore she would become his very own Cleopatra. Now the young queen faces an uncertain destiny in a foreign land.
The magic of Isis flowing through her veins is what makes her indispensable to the emperor. Against a backdrop of imperial politics and religious persecution, Cleopatra's daughter beguiles her way to the very precipice of power. She has never forgotten her birthright, but will the price of her mother's throne be more than she's willing to pay?
The magic of Isis flowing through her veins is what makes her indispensable to the emperor. Against a backdrop of imperial politics and religious persecution, Cleopatra's daughter beguiles her way to the very precipice of power. She has never forgotten her birthright, but will the price of her mother's throne be more than she's willing to pay?
398 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2011
215 people are currently reading
5090 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Dray
19 books4,544 followersSTEPHANIE DRAY is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into eight languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. She lives with her husband, cats, and history books.
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February 6, 2012
I was extremely disappointed in this second book in the Cleopatra's Daughter series. I read Dray's first novel, Lily of the Nile and was excited for the follow-up. I enjoy reading about Cleopatra and Augustus, and this novel infuriated me. The first book focused on Cleopatra and Marc Antony's children: Alexander Helios, Cleopatra Selene, and Philadelphus as they were taken to Rome after their parents suicide. This series includes a magical aspect, and Selene is portrayed as very haughty albeit royal girl with mysterious wind powers. In Song of the Nile, Selene is married to her tutor, Juba, and they are awarded Mauretania as a kingdom. On her wedding day, Selene dresses proactively and most of Rome is up in arms since it signifies that she is Augustus' whore. After this event, the book goes completely bonkers!
First of all, Selene has a prior yet interesting relationship with Emperor Augustus. In this novel, Dray turns on the creepy factor and has Augustus RAPE Selene and possibly impregnate her. Yes, this is fiction, but there are some liberties that I just can't accept. I have read many books about Augustus, and even though he was somewhat evil and manipulative, he was still responsible for bringing the Golden Age of Rome. It has been written that he would condemn people who would not be of pure Roman value and virtue, so I cannot think he would find it acceptable to rape his own ward. (Especially the children of two of his greatest enemies). So in the story, Selene consents to Augustus since she wants to reclaim her mother's kingdom of Egypt. This bothered me since it somewhat propagates the stereotypical Cleopatra myth that she would sleep with anything just to keep her kingdom. Cleopatra Selene was only 10 when her parents died. Is that enough time to teach a girl on how sex is a weapon? Perhaps. Perhaps not.
If that wasn't enough drama, Selene decides it would be an awesome idea to sleep with her brother. Oh excuse me, not just her brother but her TWIN brother. Yeah they shared womb time. (Apparently inside and outside which is just gross). Sure, Egyptian pharaohs "married" their siblings and what not, but having sex with your twin is a little too Flowers in the Attic for me (at least those two weren't TWINS! TWINS! Same womb! Ok, enough, I'm sorry.)
I hate that this book didn't focus on the love between Selene and Juba since they really were a love match.
First of all, Selene has a prior yet interesting relationship with Emperor Augustus. In this novel, Dray turns on the creepy factor and has Augustus RAPE Selene and possibly impregnate her. Yes, this is fiction, but there are some liberties that I just can't accept. I have read many books about Augustus, and even though he was somewhat evil and manipulative, he was still responsible for bringing the Golden Age of Rome. It has been written that he would condemn people who would not be of pure Roman value and virtue, so I cannot think he would find it acceptable to rape his own ward. (Especially the children of two of his greatest enemies). So in the story, Selene consents to Augustus since she wants to reclaim her mother's kingdom of Egypt. This bothered me since it somewhat propagates the stereotypical Cleopatra myth that she would sleep with anything just to keep her kingdom. Cleopatra Selene was only 10 when her parents died. Is that enough time to teach a girl on how sex is a weapon? Perhaps. Perhaps not.
If that wasn't enough drama, Selene decides it would be an awesome idea to sleep with her brother. Oh excuse me, not just her brother but her TWIN brother. Yeah they shared womb time. (Apparently inside and outside which is just gross). Sure, Egyptian pharaohs "married" their siblings and what not, but having sex with your twin is a little too Flowers in the Attic for me (at least those two weren't TWINS! TWINS! Same womb! Ok, enough, I'm sorry.)
I hate that this book didn't focus on the love between Selene and Juba since they really were a love match.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2012
The sequel to Lily of the Nile, Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray continues the story of Cleopatra Selene, daughter of the more famous Cleopatra. In this installment, Selene marries, becomes queen of Mauretania, and continually longs and schemes for the return of her birthright: the throne of Egypt.
Song of the Nile begins with a prologue that refers to the myth of Persephone’s descent, and so we know from the start that this book will take Selene into some painful emotional territory. There are two elements here that may trouble some readers, so I’ll get those out of the way while also saying that, in my opinion, they are handled well and are not gratuitous.
SPOILER AND TRIGGER WARNING
Hopefully I haven’t scared you off yet, because Song of the Nile is a very good book, and a beautifully written one. It begins with Selene’s wedding to Juba, whom Octavian has named king of Mauretania. Selene and her new husband were friends once, but bitterness has arisen between them, and the marriage gets off to a disastrous start. It’s heartbreaking to read, because there are so many moments where they almost reach a truce, and then both characters’ anger and pride get in the way and make a mess of things yet again. We root for them to get it right, even as they get it wrong again and again. Meanwhile, Selene learns how to be a competent ruler, becomes a mother, and gets more in touch with her magical connection to Isis than ever before.
But as mentioned above, Selene can’t avoid Rome and Octavian for long. She sees a chance to regain Egypt for herself and her family, but it means returning to the political games of Octavian, this time with the previous trauma adding further pain to the experience. Selene must decide what she is willing to give up to achieve the goal she has cherished since childhood.
Song of the Nile moves a bit more slowly than Lily of the Nile, simply because there’s a large amount of waiting built into the plot. It can be frustrating, too, because during this wait Selene is trying to screw up her courage to do something that we readers don’t want her to do anyway, so it can make us want to shout at her through the pages even though it’s great character development. This isn’t just a descent story in terms of what others do to Selene, but also in terms of Selene potentially becoming a more “gray” character herself. And she has to reach this nadir, I think, to get to the epiphany she has at the climax.
This epiphany, when it comes, is wonderful, requires a heavy sacrifice from Selene, and fits fantastically well with the mythological themes that have been worked into the series from the very beginning. As for the ending, if Song of the Nile were the last book, I’d want to see Dray expand upon it. But another book is in the works, so I’m fine with this ending as it is. It may not be full daybreak yet, but we can see the sky lightening after the darkness that has gone before.
After the end of the novel, Dray includes substantial author’s notes in which she explains what’s real, what’s made up, and why she made the authorial decisions she did. For history geeks, this afterword is nearly as fascinating as the novel itself!
Song of the Nile is a worthy follow-up to Lily of the Nile and will be an addictive read for historical fiction and historical fantasy fans, as long as you’re not put off by the use of some dark themes. As for me, I’ll be first in line when book three hits the shelves.
Song of the Nile begins with a prologue that refers to the myth of Persephone’s descent, and so we know from the start that this book will take Selene into some painful emotional territory. There are two elements here that may trouble some readers, so I’ll get those out of the way while also saying that, in my opinion, they are handled well and are not gratuitous.
SPOILER AND TRIGGER WARNING
Hopefully I haven’t scared you off yet, because Song of the Nile is a very good book, and a beautifully written one. It begins with Selene’s wedding to Juba, whom Octavian has named king of Mauretania. Selene and her new husband were friends once, but bitterness has arisen between them, and the marriage gets off to a disastrous start. It’s heartbreaking to read, because there are so many moments where they almost reach a truce, and then both characters’ anger and pride get in the way and make a mess of things yet again. We root for them to get it right, even as they get it wrong again and again. Meanwhile, Selene learns how to be a competent ruler, becomes a mother, and gets more in touch with her magical connection to Isis than ever before.
But as mentioned above, Selene can’t avoid Rome and Octavian for long. She sees a chance to regain Egypt for herself and her family, but it means returning to the political games of Octavian, this time with the previous trauma adding further pain to the experience. Selene must decide what she is willing to give up to achieve the goal she has cherished since childhood.
Song of the Nile moves a bit more slowly than Lily of the Nile, simply because there’s a large amount of waiting built into the plot. It can be frustrating, too, because during this wait Selene is trying to screw up her courage to do something that we readers don’t want her to do anyway, so it can make us want to shout at her through the pages even though it’s great character development. This isn’t just a descent story in terms of what others do to Selene, but also in terms of Selene potentially becoming a more “gray” character herself. And she has to reach this nadir, I think, to get to the epiphany she has at the climax.
This epiphany, when it comes, is wonderful, requires a heavy sacrifice from Selene, and fits fantastically well with the mythological themes that have been worked into the series from the very beginning. As for the ending, if Song of the Nile were the last book, I’d want to see Dray expand upon it. But another book is in the works, so I’m fine with this ending as it is. It may not be full daybreak yet, but we can see the sky lightening after the darkness that has gone before.
After the end of the novel, Dray includes substantial author’s notes in which she explains what’s real, what’s made up, and why she made the authorial decisions she did. For history geeks, this afterword is nearly as fascinating as the novel itself!
Song of the Nile is a worthy follow-up to Lily of the Nile and will be an addictive read for historical fiction and historical fantasy fans, as long as you’re not put off by the use of some dark themes. As for me, I’ll be first in line when book three hits the shelves.
February 28, 2012
I was really disappointed with the second book of the series on Cleopatra's daughter. There was nothing in this book that you looked forward to (no love story that was not disgusting, no regaining of a crown etc). She distrusts her husband and even though it is obvious that he loves her, she remains cold with him (going so far as to say that there is shame in kissing him because she does not love him...) even though he is kind and has taken her daughter with another man (apparently Helio's)as his own.
You alternate between her prostituting herself to an old man or her brother. Even though it may have been the tradition of Egypt to marry siblings... it still is disturbing and her crazy desire for her brother is not fun to read.
I ended up skimming the end of the book. In the end she goes back to Juba and says that she needs a son, and he gets all excited because he is in love with her and she remains the horrible character that she is and is like "I chose Maurentania and you are the king of Maurentania".
I really enjoyed the first book Lily of the Nile, but this book turned Selene into a very unlikeable character.
A very disappointing read.
You alternate between her prostituting herself to an old man or her brother. Even though it may have been the tradition of Egypt to marry siblings... it still is disturbing and her crazy desire for her brother is not fun to read.
I ended up skimming the end of the book. In the end she goes back to Juba and says that she needs a son, and he gets all excited because he is in love with her and she remains the horrible character that she is and is like "I chose Maurentania and you are the king of Maurentania".
I really enjoyed the first book Lily of the Nile, but this book turned Selene into a very unlikeable character.
A very disappointing read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2011
Stephanie Dray continues the story of Cleopatra's daughter Selene as she travels into adulthood, marriage, motherhood - and queenship? Certainly Selene is hoping so: a timely political marriage has made her queen of Mauretania, but she won't rest until she has her mother's kingdom of Egypt back. The creepy and complicated Emperor Augustus is Selene's ticket to that fate, but as his obsession with her deepens, Selene has to ask if the price of becoming Pharoah is more than she is really willing to pay. I like an unashamedly ambitious heroine, and Selene really fills the ticket, a girl who can worry about the practical details of ruling like drainage and building programs, dream about founding her own dynasty back in Egypt, and lose herself in religious exaltation to Isis. Complicating Selene's life are three complex men - her intellectual husband Juba, her golden twin brother who is in rebellion against Rome, and the looming figure of Augustus - but refreshingly, Song of the Nile is less about Selene's romantic choices than her political ones. Will she ever be happy with Mauretania, or will she stake everything on a throw for Egypt? The answer may surprise you as much as it did her.
March 30, 2012
Anytime you have a Caesar in the picture, you know it's going to be epic. I came into this reading, not having read the first in the series (I was fortunate enough to win this copy in a Goodreads giveaway), even so, I didn't feel that I'd missed anything. Perhaps this is because one of my favorite periods of time is Ancient Rome & Egypt, so I didn't feel like I was walking in on complete strangers.
Selene is obsessively & singularly focused on the resumption of the rule of Egypt to her family with herself at the helm. When we come into the story, she's being married off to Juba of Mauritania & also has the fates of her brothers to be concerned about. And then there's the creepy matter of the ever dangerous Augustus. I think it's safe to say that other women have had better wedding days. Honestly, & I'm not giving anything away here, considering where this story goes, this may actually have been one of Selene's better days. The author did a very good job of giving a sense of place & when things turned toward harrowing, I honestly felt unnerved. I stressed about Selene a lot & that's a good thing. She has to make some unenviable decisions & sometimes I found that I was annoyed with her because I wanted to her decide differently. I wanted her to give up her quest for Egypt more than once (Helios, dude I'm on your side!) & clearly Selene had more fortitude for the journey that I could conjure. I would have been her weary companion hedging & wondering if each step would be the one to finally hasten us to our end.
As one who reads a fair bit of historical fiction, I was not expecting a happy ending or nice neat currently palatable situations & found this to be deeply satisfying. I very much liked the magical bits with Selene (& Helios). Also, I enjoyed her reverence for her mother & father because it so drove her. I quite liked Julia & must admit I often felt a bit badly for Juba. By the end, I can't say that I was happy but I was satisfied with where Selene was in herself. She realized the toll her obsession had taken & that she was as much a spinner of the wed as she was a prisoner. She is of course, still at the whim & mercy of Augustus but she did see that she can choose joy, happiness & freedom in the interim. It is a victory in and of itself.
I quite enjoyed this & am inclined to go back & read the first book. I'm glad to have found another writer of historical fiction to add to my "must reads".
Selene is obsessively & singularly focused on the resumption of the rule of Egypt to her family with herself at the helm. When we come into the story, she's being married off to Juba of Mauritania & also has the fates of her brothers to be concerned about. And then there's the creepy matter of the ever dangerous Augustus. I think it's safe to say that other women have had better wedding days. Honestly, & I'm not giving anything away here, considering where this story goes, this may actually have been one of Selene's better days. The author did a very good job of giving a sense of place & when things turned toward harrowing, I honestly felt unnerved. I stressed about Selene a lot & that's a good thing. She has to make some unenviable decisions & sometimes I found that I was annoyed with her because I wanted to her decide differently. I wanted her to give up her quest for Egypt more than once (Helios, dude I'm on your side!) & clearly Selene had more fortitude for the journey that I could conjure. I would have been her weary companion hedging & wondering if each step would be the one to finally hasten us to our end.
As one who reads a fair bit of historical fiction, I was not expecting a happy ending or nice neat currently palatable situations & found this to be deeply satisfying. I very much liked the magical bits with Selene (& Helios). Also, I enjoyed her reverence for her mother & father because it so drove her. I quite liked Julia & must admit I often felt a bit badly for Juba. By the end, I can't say that I was happy but I was satisfied with where Selene was in herself. She realized the toll her obsession had taken & that she was as much a spinner of the wed as she was a prisoner. She is of course, still at the whim & mercy of Augustus but she did see that she can choose joy, happiness & freedom in the interim. It is a victory in and of itself.
I quite enjoyed this & am inclined to go back & read the first book. I'm glad to have found another writer of historical fiction to add to my "must reads".
October 21, 2011
I love reading about Cleopatra, so I already knew a little about her daughter, Cleopatra Selene. Maybe I had too many preconceived notions to really enjoy this version of the story, plus a lot of the elements really took me out of my comfort zone. I think I would have liked the story more if it had been a YA book or historical romance. The Historical Fiction genre is often too gritty and dark for me, which was true of this book. I just didn't like reading detailed rape scenes or the main character having sex with her twin brother. If you are ok with reading these types of things, this may be the book for you.
I'm not sure about the magic in the book. While I understand that the magic and goddesses theme ties in with the beliefs of that time period, it's hard to read a book based on real people and really believe that they had magical powers.
There was a lot of action and lot of drama here so the book was very fast paced. It's almost like an R-rated soap opera set in ancient times. This book has been getting many amazing reviews, so I encourage you to try it if you think you will be okay with the difficult themes.
A fast-paced read, however a lot of the themes were too graphic for my tastes.
book sent by publicist in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
I'm not sure about the magic in the book. While I understand that the magic and goddesses theme ties in with the beliefs of that time period, it's hard to read a book based on real people and really believe that they had magical powers.
There was a lot of action and lot of drama here so the book was very fast paced. It's almost like an R-rated soap opera set in ancient times. This book has been getting many amazing reviews, so I encourage you to try it if you think you will be okay with the difficult themes.
A fast-paced read, however a lot of the themes were too graphic for my tastes.
book sent by publicist in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
October 30, 2011
It's always such a joy when I come across books like Song of the Nile, books that bring together my two favorite genres which are fantasy and historical fiction. I'd looked forward to this novel ever since I finished reading its predecessor Lily of the Nile, and it did not disappoint.
Song of the Nile continues the story of Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony. When we last left her, she was growing up as a ward/hostage in the household of the Roman emperor Augustus. This book focuses on the next chapter of her life -- her marriage to King Juba II and her journey to become queen of Mauretania. All the while, however, Selene cannot leave behind the memories of the loved ones she has lost, and continues to fight for her beloved Egypt and to claim her birthright to her mother's throne.
In this sequel I felt a shift in style from the first book. While Lily of the Nile was very subtle in its themes and symbols, Song of the Nile takes a more head-on approach at tackling the story. This might have something to do with the fact that the subject matters in this book are a lot darker. Selene has grown from a child to an adult so it makes sense that the themes in this novel would be more mature, but I was surprised to see that they were also more controversial. This and other factors made this book feel very different and Selene is no longer the Selene we knew from Lily of the Nile, but all this is good in a way. The character shows depth and growth, and the author makes the reader feel that we are with Selene every step of the way
As Selene becomes a woman, her quest for her own identity continues. At times her narrative makes her seem like she is confused with who she is, or that she is everywhere at once. For example, one moment she would identify with her mother, and in another she would identify with Augustus, or she would think highly of her own abilities in one paragraph, then despair of her helplessness in the next. There was also her single-minded goal to become Queen of Egypt, and the disturbing lengths she would be willing to go to in order to achieve it. This made the book frustrating to read at times, but also hard not to sympathize when I knew this was simply Selene struggling to find herself and come out from under the emperor's thumb as well as her mother's shadow. She's not perfect, and that's okay.
After reading both books, I think I still like Lily of the Nile more, which is why I rated this book the way I did, but by no means does this indicate I think that the second book fails to live up to the standards of the first. On the contrary, I thought this was an excellent follow up, but the first time you meet a character is just always so much more powerful.
As before, I am impressed with the amount of work that must have gone into the researching for this novel. Ms. Dray covered much of what is known about Selene's life, but also added her own flair to the story to fill in the many gaps we don't know. What makes this series even more unique is that there is also a heavy dose of fantastical elements, such as Selene's and her siblings' abilities to work magic. I know some people don't like fantasy in their historical fiction, but I'm personally okay with it as long as it's done well and done tastefully, and I feel the author strikes a good balance in these novels. This is why I love reading historical fiction, for the creative elements that fuel our imaginations and make what we know more alive and interesting.
Song of the Nile continues the story of Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony. When we last left her, she was growing up as a ward/hostage in the household of the Roman emperor Augustus. This book focuses on the next chapter of her life -- her marriage to King Juba II and her journey to become queen of Mauretania. All the while, however, Selene cannot leave behind the memories of the loved ones she has lost, and continues to fight for her beloved Egypt and to claim her birthright to her mother's throne.
In this sequel I felt a shift in style from the first book. While Lily of the Nile was very subtle in its themes and symbols, Song of the Nile takes a more head-on approach at tackling the story. This might have something to do with the fact that the subject matters in this book are a lot darker. Selene has grown from a child to an adult so it makes sense that the themes in this novel would be more mature, but I was surprised to see that they were also more controversial. This and other factors made this book feel very different and Selene is no longer the Selene we knew from Lily of the Nile, but all this is good in a way. The character shows depth and growth, and the author makes the reader feel that we are with Selene every step of the way
As Selene becomes a woman, her quest for her own identity continues. At times her narrative makes her seem like she is confused with who she is, or that she is everywhere at once. For example, one moment she would identify with her mother, and in another she would identify with Augustus, or she would think highly of her own abilities in one paragraph, then despair of her helplessness in the next. There was also her single-minded goal to become Queen of Egypt, and the disturbing lengths she would be willing to go to in order to achieve it. This made the book frustrating to read at times, but also hard not to sympathize when I knew this was simply Selene struggling to find herself and come out from under the emperor's thumb as well as her mother's shadow. She's not perfect, and that's okay.
After reading both books, I think I still like Lily of the Nile more, which is why I rated this book the way I did, but by no means does this indicate I think that the second book fails to live up to the standards of the first. On the contrary, I thought this was an excellent follow up, but the first time you meet a character is just always so much more powerful.
As before, I am impressed with the amount of work that must have gone into the researching for this novel. Ms. Dray covered much of what is known about Selene's life, but also added her own flair to the story to fill in the many gaps we don't know. What makes this series even more unique is that there is also a heavy dose of fantastical elements, such as Selene's and her siblings' abilities to work magic. I know some people don't like fantasy in their historical fiction, but I'm personally okay with it as long as it's done well and done tastefully, and I feel the author strikes a good balance in these novels. This is why I love reading historical fiction, for the creative elements that fuel our imaginations and make what we know more alive and interesting.
August 28, 2011
Selene's fascinating story continues in Stephanie Dray's Song of the Nile, sequel to January's Lily of the Nile.
After being ripped away from her home and taken to Rome at a young age, Selene has found herself as little more than a political pawn of Augustus. Though she has pledged to become Augustus' own Cleopatra, she is married off to an African king to help solidify the kingdom's connection to Rome. Though she finds herself far from the center of the Empire, and from her brother Helios, Selene remains entangled in the complex web of politics, lust and religious persecution that could keep her from her beloved Egypt, as well as the goddess Isis.
Basically, everything that was good about Lily of the Nile was even better in Song of the Nile. It seems like all the bit flaws and kinks that still needed to be worked out in the previous novel were completely flawless here. From the very first page, Selene grabs readers and entraps them in her world, refusing to let them go. Selene is a strong, powerful woman who leaps off every page. I became so invested in Selene that I sympathized with her struggles, and took joy in her victories. How she managed to find strength despite everything she went through is amazing, and her political prowess and intelligence is some of the most developed and believable I've ever read in a historical novel.
Selene is almost so strong of a character that she completely overshadows virtually every other character in the novel, though for the most part I really didn't mind this. It would have helped balance the novel better, but I was so enchanted by Selene that I was honestly fine with it.
Aside from the characters, the ancient world really felt like it came alive to me. Filled with luscious detail, Song is obviously thoroughly researched and has strong attention to every word and every detail -then there's all the magical realism. Some readers have trouble with novels that combine history with magic realism, but I usually don't have a problem with it if it's done well. Song of the Nile is one of the those instances where the magical realism adds so much to the overall plot and tone of the novel -as well as define the main character -that it just wouldn't be the same novel without it.
Overall, an excellent read for fans of historical fiction that's even better than the first book.
After being ripped away from her home and taken to Rome at a young age, Selene has found herself as little more than a political pawn of Augustus. Though she has pledged to become Augustus' own Cleopatra, she is married off to an African king to help solidify the kingdom's connection to Rome. Though she finds herself far from the center of the Empire, and from her brother Helios, Selene remains entangled in the complex web of politics, lust and religious persecution that could keep her from her beloved Egypt, as well as the goddess Isis.
Basically, everything that was good about Lily of the Nile was even better in Song of the Nile. It seems like all the bit flaws and kinks that still needed to be worked out in the previous novel were completely flawless here. From the very first page, Selene grabs readers and entraps them in her world, refusing to let them go. Selene is a strong, powerful woman who leaps off every page. I became so invested in Selene that I sympathized with her struggles, and took joy in her victories. How she managed to find strength despite everything she went through is amazing, and her political prowess and intelligence is some of the most developed and believable I've ever read in a historical novel.
Selene is almost so strong of a character that she completely overshadows virtually every other character in the novel, though for the most part I really didn't mind this. It would have helped balance the novel better, but I was so enchanted by Selene that I was honestly fine with it.
Aside from the characters, the ancient world really felt like it came alive to me. Filled with luscious detail, Song is obviously thoroughly researched and has strong attention to every word and every detail -then there's all the magical realism. Some readers have trouble with novels that combine history with magic realism, but I usually don't have a problem with it if it's done well. Song of the Nile is one of the those instances where the magical realism adds so much to the overall plot and tone of the novel -as well as define the main character -that it just wouldn't be the same novel without it.
Overall, an excellent read for fans of historical fiction that's even better than the first book.
January 27, 2014
Okay so first up, this has a whole bunch of R18+ kind of things going on. There's rape, and there's incestuousness. For the first, I hated that obviously, and I hated that Selene would even consider letting a similar situation happen again (only with her in control). The second, it was something common for brothers and sisters to wed each other and become Pharaoh and Queen, but still, since society these days look down on brother and sister love, it was incredible uncomfortable to read about Selene and Helios sex life.
Second, this book has a lot more blood, betrayal and pain than the first and there was a lot more for Selene to fight for. It was still a very strong story for a fiction, and reading the afterword was always bound to be interesting for filtering the fiction from the historical details.
Juba was such a decent guy in this novel, it was sad to read Selene's constant rejection of him. History says they had a quiet reign and they ruled well together, I wonder what it was really like. Because I definitely know, I feel incredibly sorry for Juba in this representation of their life together. I wonder what will happen in Book 3. I'm just glad that she gave it up to go back to him. I'm glad she chose him over Caesar.
What else? It's strange, I have very little to say about the first and the second book of this series. I guess maybe it's the kind of historical fiction that is almost completely based on true historical people than fictional people in a historical time period.
ANYWAY for a good fiction about Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene, then this is a good series to turn to!
Second, this book has a lot more blood, betrayal and pain than the first and there was a lot more for Selene to fight for. It was still a very strong story for a fiction, and reading the afterword was always bound to be interesting for filtering the fiction from the historical details.
Juba was such a decent guy in this novel, it was sad to read Selene's constant rejection of him. History says they had a quiet reign and they ruled well together, I wonder what it was really like. Because I definitely know, I feel incredibly sorry for Juba in this representation of their life together. I wonder what will happen in Book 3. I'm just glad that she gave it up to go back to him. I'm glad she chose him over Caesar.
What else? It's strange, I have very little to say about the first and the second book of this series. I guess maybe it's the kind of historical fiction that is almost completely based on true historical people than fictional people in a historical time period.
ANYWAY for a good fiction about Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene, then this is a good series to turn to!
September 26, 2011
Last winter, as Minnesota received roughly eighteen inches of snow over the course of twelve hours, I stayed indoors with my Snuggie and devoured Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray. So naturally, as soon as the cover and synopsis were released for Song of the Nile, I knew I’d have to pick up a copy and find out where Cleopatra Selene’s story went. While I didn’t adore every detail of Song of the Nile’s plot, it’s intricacy and quick pace kept me satisfied.
As the novel begins, Selene is starting a whole new chapter of her life. I loved Selene because as a character, she raised quite a few questions. Are her actions based on her love of Egypt, Helious, Isis or pure selfishness? Dray has created a female protagonist that feels real and three dimensional.
Song of the Nile moves along at a nice pace. The story was packed with action, and even as I turned the pages, I found myself wanting more. I loved the intrigue that filled every page. I will admit that the romantic aspects of the novel struck me as particularly odd, and I’m still not sure what to make of them. I’d be happy to see where all of her characters end up in a third book.
Dray has written yet another novel that has satisfied my desire for historical fiction yet left me wanting more of her characters. I’m eager to share these books with my friends who are intrigued by this particular historical period. If you like intrigue, sex and magic mixed in with your historical fiction, I highly recommend picking up Dray’s novels.
November 11, 2011
Once again Stephanie Dray has created a novel of fast paced intrigue, gripping plot twists, and intense emotion. Picking up where Liliy of the Nile left off (my review), Song of the Nile tells the story of Cleopatra Selene's life as the new queen of Mauretania and her ongoing pursuit for the throne of Egypt. Throughout the novel we witness the transformation of Cleopatra Selene from a young and vulnerable girl into a woman of strength and cunning spirit....
Read the full review on my blog:
http://muse-in-the-fog.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-song-of-nile-by-stephanie-dray.html
Read the full review on my blog:
http://muse-in-the-fog.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-song-of-nile-by-stephanie-dray.html
January 3, 2012
Received for Review
Overall Rating 2.75
Character Rating 2.75
Story Rating 2.75
NOTE: This book was extremely well written and researched. I believe those more interested in this period of history (and historical fiction readers) will love Song of the Nile! I had to write this review based on my personal reading experience but wanted to point out how much I think others will like the story.
What I Loved: Stephanie Dray has a wonderful way of making you feel like you are located right there with the characters through her rich detail. She manages to do this without weighing down the story in an overly descriptive narrative. In fact, there were many times that I was in awe of just how well I could picture the settings.
What I Liked: Queen Selene, the central character in Song of the Nile, is an intense and interesting leading lady. She has moments of extreme despair and manages to pull herself up by her bootstraps every time. I liked her resilience and determination to do right by her family.
Complaints: There just wasn't enough uplifting moments in Song of the Nile for the story to work for me. I believe it was historically accurate in that life was not easy and most of the time not happy. I just need more of the "washed" history in my fiction. I like my characters to be happy. That, however, is just my POV and not something that will effect everyone while reading this story.
Why I gave it a 2.75: I wanted to give credit where it is due. The story was well written and researched. The characters were richly developed and investigated. Historical Fiction readers will love this story.
Overall Rating 2.75
Character Rating 2.75
Story Rating 2.75
NOTE: This book was extremely well written and researched. I believe those more interested in this period of history (and historical fiction readers) will love Song of the Nile! I had to write this review based on my personal reading experience but wanted to point out how much I think others will like the story.
What I Loved: Stephanie Dray has a wonderful way of making you feel like you are located right there with the characters through her rich detail. She manages to do this without weighing down the story in an overly descriptive narrative. In fact, there were many times that I was in awe of just how well I could picture the settings.
What I Liked: Queen Selene, the central character in Song of the Nile, is an intense and interesting leading lady. She has moments of extreme despair and manages to pull herself up by her bootstraps every time. I liked her resilience and determination to do right by her family.
Complaints: There just wasn't enough uplifting moments in Song of the Nile for the story to work for me. I believe it was historically accurate in that life was not easy and most of the time not happy. I just need more of the "washed" history in my fiction. I like my characters to be happy. That, however, is just my POV and not something that will effect everyone while reading this story.
Why I gave it a 2.75: I wanted to give credit where it is due. The story was well written and researched. The characters were richly developed and investigated. Historical Fiction readers will love this story.
October 18, 2011
Stephanie Dray has a talent for drawing the reader into the story as if you are there observing all that takes place. I for one would love to have seen all that took place during the Roman/Egypt conquering and then come back to this time to record all I saw and witnessed. How fantastic that would be!
Cleopatra Selene when taken captive of Augstus is a political pawn and married off to the Western land of Mauretania. With hopes of recovering her title and lands of Egypt Selene must decide what is more important to her: revenge or the love of her new people. An accomplished woman in her own right, Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Cleopatra and Anthony, manages to feed the entire Roman Empire from her new homeland of Mauretania but Agustus wants more from her.
Stephanie brings alive the woe of Women everywhere in her story of Cleopatra Selene. That of being used, of feeling powerless under the control oppressive powerful men. That of the loss of family and loved ones. Another fabulous read from Stephanie Dray!
Cleopatra Selene when taken captive of Augstus is a political pawn and married off to the Western land of Mauretania. With hopes of recovering her title and lands of Egypt Selene must decide what is more important to her: revenge or the love of her new people. An accomplished woman in her own right, Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Cleopatra and Anthony, manages to feed the entire Roman Empire from her new homeland of Mauretania but Agustus wants more from her.
Stephanie brings alive the woe of Women everywhere in her story of Cleopatra Selene. That of being used, of feeling powerless under the control oppressive powerful men. That of the loss of family and loved ones. Another fabulous read from Stephanie Dray!
November 14, 2011
As much as I want to give this book five stars I really can't. Selene was just that annoying as a narrator in this book. While I can understand her focus about wanting to gain back Egypt it kinda became TOO much in this book to really bear. I mean would someone really stoop to the level that she did and try to sleep with Caesar after he raped her? That just doesn't even logical, but I suppose Selene wasn't all that logical mostly driven by her magic. This book had a different feel than the first one. This felt more grown up rather than a childish touch like the first one did. I enjoyed it more because of that. There were more adult themes in this one and helped the plot move along. I had to read the authors note at the end to get more of a meaning in the story because for most of the part it had me gritting my teeth to get through some parts of it. And I'm glad to hear that there will be a next part in the series. Especially if she still reigns/lives for 14 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2013
In a sequel darker than Lily of the Nile, Stephanie Dray once more breathes life into the story of Cleopatra Selene, this time as an ambitious young woman intent on reclaiming her throne as Queen of Egypt while maneuvering amongst the games of Roman politicians. Selene is more than just the daughter of Cleopatra; for now she is wife, mother, and a sorceress learning to manipulate both her political and magical powers.
I loved this sequel, complete with twists and turns that kept me up until all hours of the morning to read what would happen next to this amazing woman from history. Selene is a tough and determined heroine who can hold her own against the likes of Augustus and King Herod, but the love triangle (or square, perhaps) also kept me frantically turning pages.
I loved this sequel, complete with twists and turns that kept me up until all hours of the morning to read what would happen next to this amazing woman from history. Selene is a tough and determined heroine who can hold her own against the likes of Augustus and King Herod, but the love triangle (or square, perhaps) also kept me frantically turning pages.
September 1, 2011
The second installment of Stephanie Dray's Nile trilogy continues the story of Selene, Cleopatra's daughter. I am now anxiously awaiting the third book! As in the first book, Lily of the Nile, the story is fast-paced, well-researched and well-written. There is something for everyone--romance, intrigue, a tour of the ancient world, an updated historical perspective and characters the reader learns to care about.
I recently had the privilege of hearing Ms. Dray's presentation "Bad Girls of the Ancient World." It was a delightful talk and the minutes flew by. Don't miss meeting this author if you have a chance. She, too, is delightful!
I recently had the privilege of hearing Ms. Dray's presentation "Bad Girls of the Ancient World." It was a delightful talk and the minutes flew by. Don't miss meeting this author if you have a chance. She, too, is delightful!
October 15, 2011
a note before reading: not only was the copy i received autographed but also there was a handwritten note from the author with a pretty little charm included. when my copy hadn't arrived in a few weeks (and i passive-aggressively posted about it), the author commented on my post, offering to have another copy sent. based on the condition of the envelope, it was definitely a mail-issue,not a goodreads one, but stephanie dray clearly understands and appreciates her readers. that's the sort of classy treatment that is going to make me even more excited to read the novel (and i haven't even cracked the cover yet!).
October 17, 2011
Release date has been announced ^.^
I love the cover of this book, very powerful.
I love the cover of this book, very powerful.
March 31, 2025
I think I enjoyed this more than the first one. My knowledge of this time period and part of the world is pretty low, so any opportunity to learn about Northern Africa under Roman control is fascinating. I think Dray does a great job of bringing these real characters to life in a narrative way, especially with Selene and Augustus.
There was so much about this that made me angry, uncomfortable, vindicated, and relieved. I like that Selene isn’t necessarily likeable or correct at all times, which makes for a refreshingly done woman in a leadership position. She’s so smart and empathetic, but can also be super grumpy and immature. Her complexity is well done and relatable (though I can’t relate to like 99% of her plights).
I also recognize that a lot of people may be super uncomfortable with Selene’s romantic relationship with Helios, her twin, but I think Dray handles it really well. This was a normal practice of the time for Selene’s bloodline, and Helios serves as such a refreshing foil to all the other men in Selene’s life who take advantage of her and mistreat her. It’s also depicted as something transcending their physical selves, as if they’re both a reincarnation of ancient Egyptian gods. It’s done elegantly enough that it doesn’t leave too much of an ick, especially in comparison to all the actually terrible things Selene experiences.
There was so much about this that made me angry, uncomfortable, vindicated, and relieved. I like that Selene isn’t necessarily likeable or correct at all times, which makes for a refreshingly done woman in a leadership position. She’s so smart and empathetic, but can also be super grumpy and immature. Her complexity is well done and relatable (though I can’t relate to like 99% of her plights).
I also recognize that a lot of people may be super uncomfortable with Selene’s romantic relationship with Helios, her twin, but I think Dray handles it really well. This was a normal practice of the time for Selene’s bloodline, and Helios serves as such a refreshing foil to all the other men in Selene’s life who take advantage of her and mistreat her. It’s also depicted as something transcending their physical selves, as if they’re both a reincarnation of ancient Egyptian gods. It’s done elegantly enough that it doesn’t leave too much of an ick, especially in comparison to all the actually terrible things Selene experiences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2018
I didn't enjoy this one as much. I loved Selene in the previous book but an older Selene wasn't nearly as likable. I was disappointed by the state of Enjoyed the secondary characters of Talia (sp), Cassandra, Tribesman (apologies but I have no idea how to spell the names since I listen to AB's). Hoping the last installment will redeem this read. Somewhere between a 2.5 - 3 stars... Narration was good, 4 stars.
July 28, 2020
I loved this book because it brought together two of my favorite genres which are historical fiction and fantasy. It continues the story of Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene, but it throws in a little bit of magic too which I just love. It was an interesting quick read for the beach and I am looking forward to reading the last book in this trilogy. Interesting enough, my library only has the first to books so I had to grab the last one on my kindle. I need to know how it ends.
May 26, 2024
Ovde me je Selena malo iznervirala svojom opsjednutošću vlašću i spremnošću na sve uključujući i brak sa Oktavijanom koga prezire.
Mišljenja sam da propušta dobre stvari i trenutke u životu zarad te osesije i možda pomalo pohlepe.
Mišljenja sam da propušta dobre stvari i trenutke u životu zarad te osesije i možda pomalo pohlepe.
August 14, 2017
Originally posted on Small Review
I have also written a review for Book 1: Lily of the Nile
Fire up the Delorean
Song of the Nile picks up right where Lily of the Nile left off and I was immediately sucked back into Selene's world. I don't know whether it is Selene's captivating first person narrative or if it is Stephanie Dray's meticulous attention to detail, but rarely have I been so thoroughly absorbed in a book as I was with this series.
I could clearly picture everything Selene saw, taste what she ate, and feel what she felt. I felt like I was growing and changing along with Selene as she developed as a mother and a ruler.
At one point, I was so into what I was reading that I actually angrily cursed a character who was INFURIATING me for the way they were treating Selene. It was totally an involuntary reaction, and I cursed them vehemently...and, erm, out loud (that was an interesting reaction to explain because I was NOT alone when that happened. But luckily I was not at work, either).
I am so proud of you!
Selene's growth was tremendous, and while she matured a lot in Lily of the Nile, she still had a long way to go. Song of the Nile sees her finally breaking the shackles of her past and becoming the mighty woman I knew she could be. I am so proud of her.
But Selene's triumph comes late in the book and the time leading up to that is filled with delicious tension (oh my gosh--white knuckled, PLEASE THAT CAN'T HAPPEN! kind of tension!). The game of political chess Selene engaged in with Octavian in Lily of the Nile continues in Song of the Nile, but the stakes are higher. Selene's position is significantly more powerful than it was, but instead of adding security that only elevated the danger.
Like her mother before her, Selene uses her sexuality as a weapon and a snare. However, Selene is not simply another version of Cleopatra. She is both like and unlike her mother, and this internal struggle over following in her mother's footsteps or finding her own path takes a more prominent role in Song of the Nile. Selene's struggle to find herself and the right path for her--despite the expectations of others, resonated strongly with me.
A note on the historical accuracy
This is historical fiction, but it is not a straight restatement of events. Many of the events did happen, however, after looking into Selene's history a little (and reading the author's note), it seems like documentation of Selene's life is pretty sparse.
The more specific things Selene does in Song of the Nile are not backed up by history (as far as my very limited research shows), but they are not contradicted either. We just don't know. So could Selene have engaged in intense political and personal sparring with Octavian? Possibly.
Even more important (to me) is that Stephanie Dray wove in her fiction with reality in such a way that her fiction enhances and explains the gaps in what we know of the historical facts while staying true to the spirit and personalities of the historical players. Her characterizations of the Roman characters, especially through what would have likely been Selene's perspective, seems spot on to me.
Romance?
Whoa baby! Everything I was hoping would happen did happen. Remember, this is an upper YA/Adult book.
And I'll just leave it at that.
Bottom line
There is another book planned, but Song of the Nile ends perfectly and more isn't necessary to make the story feel complete (but more is totally welcome!)
I really hope Stephanie Dray continues to write historical fiction because she is now solidly on my (very short) list of favorite historical fiction writers. I am left breathless by her powerhouse combination of tangible world building, historical reverence, fluid writing, and incredible character depth. More, please?
Originally posted on Small Review
I have also written a review for Book 1: Lily of the Nile
Fire up the Delorean
Song of the Nile picks up right where Lily of the Nile left off and I was immediately sucked back into Selene's world. I don't know whether it is Selene's captivating first person narrative or if it is Stephanie Dray's meticulous attention to detail, but rarely have I been so thoroughly absorbed in a book as I was with this series.
I could clearly picture everything Selene saw, taste what she ate, and feel what she felt. I felt like I was growing and changing along with Selene as she developed as a mother and a ruler.
At one point, I was so into what I was reading that I actually angrily cursed a character who was INFURIATING me for the way they were treating Selene. It was totally an involuntary reaction, and I cursed them vehemently...and, erm, out loud (that was an interesting reaction to explain because I was NOT alone when that happened. But luckily I was not at work, either).
I am so proud of you!
Selene's growth was tremendous, and while she matured a lot in Lily of the Nile, she still had a long way to go. Song of the Nile sees her finally breaking the shackles of her past and becoming the mighty woman I knew she could be. I am so proud of her.
But Selene's triumph comes late in the book and the time leading up to that is filled with delicious tension (oh my gosh--white knuckled, PLEASE THAT CAN'T HAPPEN! kind of tension!). The game of political chess Selene engaged in with Octavian in Lily of the Nile continues in Song of the Nile, but the stakes are higher. Selene's position is significantly more powerful than it was, but instead of adding security that only elevated the danger.
Like her mother before her, Selene uses her sexuality as a weapon and a snare. However, Selene is not simply another version of Cleopatra. She is both like and unlike her mother, and this internal struggle over following in her mother's footsteps or finding her own path takes a more prominent role in Song of the Nile. Selene's struggle to find herself and the right path for her--despite the expectations of others, resonated strongly with me.
A note on the historical accuracy
This is historical fiction, but it is not a straight restatement of events. Many of the events did happen, however, after looking into Selene's history a little (and reading the author's note), it seems like documentation of Selene's life is pretty sparse.
The more specific things Selene does in Song of the Nile are not backed up by history (as far as my very limited research shows), but they are not contradicted either. We just don't know. So could Selene have engaged in intense political and personal sparring with Octavian? Possibly.
Even more important (to me) is that Stephanie Dray wove in her fiction with reality in such a way that her fiction enhances and explains the gaps in what we know of the historical facts while staying true to the spirit and personalities of the historical players. Her characterizations of the Roman characters, especially through what would have likely been Selene's perspective, seems spot on to me.
Romance?
Whoa baby! Everything I was hoping would happen did happen. Remember, this is an upper YA/Adult book.
And I'll just leave it at that.
Bottom line
There is another book planned, but Song of the Nile ends perfectly and more isn't necessary to make the story feel complete (but more is totally welcome!)
I really hope Stephanie Dray continues to write historical fiction because she is now solidly on my (very short) list of favorite historical fiction writers. I am left breathless by her powerhouse combination of tangible world building, historical reverence, fluid writing, and incredible character depth. More, please?
Originally posted on Small Review
January 17, 2024
Even if it was historically accurate, the descriptive scenes of incest were a little much for me. I also got tired of her back and forth, wishy-washiness throughout the whole novel. Pick a course of action! I did, however, enjoy learning about this era through the lens of historical fiction.
November 1, 2011
I must admit, I haven’t read the first book in this series by Stephanie Dray, yet when we were asked to review Song of the Nile by the author I immediately jumped on the opportunity because I love stories about Egypt as well as goddesses and Song of Nile promised both. I am so glad I said yes to this book and I feel as though this second book in the series really does stand by itself quite well.
It is obvious that Ms. Dray has put in countless hours of research for this historical novel that features Cleopatra’s daughter, Selene, and I found myself engrossed in the political workings of Rome, the turmoil in Egypt and the changes in Selene as the story unfolds. What I loved the most though in this novel was Selene. I found her to be so captivating, intelligent and full of strength. I felt we could watch Selene grow up in this novel; the girl in the beginning of the book is not the woman at the end. We are taken on a journey of discovery where the young girl who blindly is following her mother’s destiny at all cost grows into the realization that she has her own destiny to fulfill. It is a wonderfully powerful lesson that many of us can learn from today. There is a maturity that comes with realizing you have your own dreams and life to follow; the dreams of your parents are not yours. The strength in Selene is encouraging and inspiring as well. I marveled in her ability to learn from the resources around her and command respect in a day and age when women really weren’t given much freedom to choose their own way. How far she rises from her circumstances is an encouragement for us all.
Selene is also devoted to her goddess Isis and I enjoyed the stories of Isis and those who followed her immensely as I read this book. I felt that Ms. Dray was drawing analogies between Selene’s story and Isis’s story as well and this added even more depth to Selene. Knowing that this is the 2nd book in a trilogy I also realize that Selene is in a dark place throughout the novel. I feel she has plummeted to the depths of despair and has visions of her brother to get her through the difficult times but you can decide for yourself if these are visions or reality, I don’t want to spoil it for you. This sadness moves her to discover herself and I found myself pondering the process we go through when we are in the darkest places of our soul. There is also just enough of an element of magic in this book to be intriguing. I felt the magic was just enough to add to the story and didn’t overpower the plot.
All in all the Political workings of Rome and the tenuous relationships come together to create an exciting backdrop full of allies and enemies blended with power struggles and Selene is caught in the midst of it all. The book was a fast read that left me feeling stronger and more powerful myself
I am anxiously awaiting the next novel in this series. I look forward to seeing what wonderful things Selene will do as a leader in her own right now that she has discovered her own destiny and perhaps a little of what makes her happy and what she wants in life. Thank you Ms. Dray for this historical novel of a truly amazing woman, I feel she is an inspiration and I found myself pondering what I wanted to do with my life as I read this book. I am very glad to have discovered Ms. Dray’s work and look forward to reading more in the future. I recommend this novel for those who enjoy historical fiction, magic, and myth.
It is obvious that Ms. Dray has put in countless hours of research for this historical novel that features Cleopatra’s daughter, Selene, and I found myself engrossed in the political workings of Rome, the turmoil in Egypt and the changes in Selene as the story unfolds. What I loved the most though in this novel was Selene. I found her to be so captivating, intelligent and full of strength. I felt we could watch Selene grow up in this novel; the girl in the beginning of the book is not the woman at the end. We are taken on a journey of discovery where the young girl who blindly is following her mother’s destiny at all cost grows into the realization that she has her own destiny to fulfill. It is a wonderfully powerful lesson that many of us can learn from today. There is a maturity that comes with realizing you have your own dreams and life to follow; the dreams of your parents are not yours. The strength in Selene is encouraging and inspiring as well. I marveled in her ability to learn from the resources around her and command respect in a day and age when women really weren’t given much freedom to choose their own way. How far she rises from her circumstances is an encouragement for us all.
Selene is also devoted to her goddess Isis and I enjoyed the stories of Isis and those who followed her immensely as I read this book. I felt that Ms. Dray was drawing analogies between Selene’s story and Isis’s story as well and this added even more depth to Selene. Knowing that this is the 2nd book in a trilogy I also realize that Selene is in a dark place throughout the novel. I feel she has plummeted to the depths of despair and has visions of her brother to get her through the difficult times but you can decide for yourself if these are visions or reality, I don’t want to spoil it for you. This sadness moves her to discover herself and I found myself pondering the process we go through when we are in the darkest places of our soul. There is also just enough of an element of magic in this book to be intriguing. I felt the magic was just enough to add to the story and didn’t overpower the plot.
All in all the Political workings of Rome and the tenuous relationships come together to create an exciting backdrop full of allies and enemies blended with power struggles and Selene is caught in the midst of it all. The book was a fast read that left me feeling stronger and more powerful myself
I am anxiously awaiting the next novel in this series. I look forward to seeing what wonderful things Selene will do as a leader in her own right now that she has discovered her own destiny and perhaps a little of what makes her happy and what she wants in life. Thank you Ms. Dray for this historical novel of a truly amazing woman, I feel she is an inspiration and I found myself pondering what I wanted to do with my life as I read this book. I am very glad to have discovered Ms. Dray’s work and look forward to reading more in the future. I recommend this novel for those who enjoy historical fiction, magic, and myth.
June 8, 2013
From historical obscurity has sprung Cleopatra Selene, brought to life by Stephanie Dray through Lily of the Nile and Song of the Nile, a fully-developed and now unforgettable character. Both books are in my top ten reads of the last 2 years, and both books are amazing achievements- Dray is an absolutely gifted writer who deserves wide acclaim.
Don't read these books for the cover, because they in no way adequately communicate the wealth of written worth beneath. Don't read them solely for the history, because the author uses fictional license to create a what-could-have-been for the stories of Selene's brothers Alexander Helios and Ptolemy Philadelphus.
Read it, first of all, for the exquisite writing. Dray's main characters Selene and Augustus are astonishingly detailed and well-developed, the depths of their motivations, desires and ambitions plumbed and laid bare. Hardly have I ever understood the motivations of such complex characters, sympathetic though I may be of one and disapproving of the other, as I have with Selene and Augustus, respectively.
Read it, secondly, but to me, most importantly, to bring magic and wonder into your consciousness. Lily of the Nile, in particular, was a revelation: the rich history of feminine goddess worship and the power-driven conspiracy that brought it down to be replaced by the version of monotheistic religion we have today- male-deity centric; moreover, Isis worship as a forerunner of Christianity in terms of its focus on a personal and experiential relationship with the deity. And Song of the Nile was nothing short of my world being rocked by the destiny-defying bond between Helios and Selene. Already in the first novel their relationship was a beautiful one- 'The sun lets the moon rest and the moon shines when the sun is tired'; Helios as Selene's undisputed king and Selene as his beloved queen. (Possible spoilers ahead) But the turn their relationship took in the second novel absolutely blew me away. For days after I could not stop reading about soul mates, could not stop dwelling on their what-could-have-been in another River of Time- their triumphant return to Egypt as King and Queen together, god and goddess to revive the thirsty land. I mourned what Helios lost and what Selene sacrificed. I rejoice in the brief time they had together- in the fruition of their incomparable love for one another. It gives me great comfort to think that in this incarnation, in this time, Helios and Selene may still walk and live, one soul reunited; that in this lifetime their destinies are not star-crossed but closely entwined; that nothing- not the machinations of those in power, nor the thirst for revenge, nor the curse of ill fate, has kept them apart. That they have found their happily ever after.
And on that trite phrase I will end this review. There is so much I haven't described about the rich imagery, the skillful blending of the aspect of magic with the rest of the story, etc., but for the rest, you'll just have to read this incredible series yourself.
Don't read these books for the cover, because they in no way adequately communicate the wealth of written worth beneath. Don't read them solely for the history, because the author uses fictional license to create a what-could-have-been for the stories of Selene's brothers Alexander Helios and Ptolemy Philadelphus.
Read it, first of all, for the exquisite writing. Dray's main characters Selene and Augustus are astonishingly detailed and well-developed, the depths of their motivations, desires and ambitions plumbed and laid bare. Hardly have I ever understood the motivations of such complex characters, sympathetic though I may be of one and disapproving of the other, as I have with Selene and Augustus, respectively.
Read it, secondly, but to me, most importantly, to bring magic and wonder into your consciousness. Lily of the Nile, in particular, was a revelation: the rich history of feminine goddess worship and the power-driven conspiracy that brought it down to be replaced by the version of monotheistic religion we have today- male-deity centric; moreover, Isis worship as a forerunner of Christianity in terms of its focus on a personal and experiential relationship with the deity. And Song of the Nile was nothing short of my world being rocked by the destiny-defying bond between Helios and Selene. Already in the first novel their relationship was a beautiful one- 'The sun lets the moon rest and the moon shines when the sun is tired'; Helios as Selene's undisputed king and Selene as his beloved queen. (Possible spoilers ahead) But the turn their relationship took in the second novel absolutely blew me away. For days after I could not stop reading about soul mates, could not stop dwelling on their what-could-have-been in another River of Time- their triumphant return to Egypt as King and Queen together, god and goddess to revive the thirsty land. I mourned what Helios lost and what Selene sacrificed. I rejoice in the brief time they had together- in the fruition of their incomparable love for one another. It gives me great comfort to think that in this incarnation, in this time, Helios and Selene may still walk and live, one soul reunited; that in this lifetime their destinies are not star-crossed but closely entwined; that nothing- not the machinations of those in power, nor the thirst for revenge, nor the curse of ill fate, has kept them apart. That they have found their happily ever after.
And on that trite phrase I will end this review. There is so much I haven't described about the rich imagery, the skillful blending of the aspect of magic with the rest of the story, etc., but for the rest, you'll just have to read this incredible series yourself.
July 10, 2013
p. 96: “I… realised he was vulnerable to me… I could take him as my lover or cast him away. It was my choice. Mine. And I chose him.”
I really liked this book, even more so than the first one. Again, the magical elements of Song of the Nile seemed unnecessary because Dray can write the unadorned history so well. Once again, I enjoyed the voice of Selene, our narrator, and this time since this book spans roughly from when she’s 14 to about 25 the maturity and sophisticated strategizing of this character felt more plausible and real this time round – in addition to generating a lot of interest for me in the story and empathy for the character. The other characters, in their grey, evolving glory are a great strength of the story too, although, again, Octavian and Livia remained pretty dark. I don’t think I really agree with the accuracy of this personality portrayal of Octavian and Livia, but they become ever more complex and fascinating in Song of the Nile, and that definitely contributes to making it a good read.
Spoiler/squick time:
Despite the fact that I enjoyed Selene as a character, I did get annoyed with her towards the end of the book, for the decisions she makes. This wasn’t because this was poorly written however, but because Dray had really made me care, and personally I wouldn’t have made the choice that Selene makes. I felt compelled to keep turning the pages, and even though some readers have talked about slower parts of the book, I barely noticed the plot slowing down, I was so engrossed in the vivid environments, interesting characters, and fascinating political manoeuvrings and machinations.
Confession time: I’m honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed Song of the Nile and its prequel, Lily of the Nile. I read Dray’s short story about Arsinoe II a while ago and my reaction to it was so-so, plus I’m not the biggest fan of historical fantasy. But I genuinely enjoyed these, and I’m looking forwards to reading the third book.
8 out of 10
September 18, 2011
After reading an earlier book about Cleopatra Selene, I have been fascinated by her life so when I was asked to review Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray, I was thrilled.
Song of the Nile is actually the second book in the Cleopatra's Daughter series by Stephanie Dray. The first book is Lily of the Nile, which I also have, but have not had a chance to read yet. I do want to read it, but I think Song of the Nile stands on it's own just fine. Song of the Nile picks up Cleopatra Selene's story on her wedding day when she's 14 years old. Yes 14. At times I had to remind myself that she is that young and at times she very much acts her age and then I had to remind myself again that she is young, not in her 20s as we often think of married women. Of course all is not simple for Selene, nor does she make it simple. There is political intrigue throughout the book. She is always thinking, always plotting and always trying to get ahead. But not in a ruthless, hurt others at all cost way. Selene is actually very caring and she comes to care for those in her new country more than she ever thought she would.
I really enjoyed watching the development of Selene through this book. It's written through her eyes, but you can see the development through the ways others interact with her as well. I liked how she began to assert herself but she watched others enough to know how to do things right. She still made mistakes from time-to-time, but she spent a lot of time just watching when she was younger to see how to rule others and you can tell she really learned from it. Selene has many layers. There is the political layer, the Queen. The religious layer, or the one that worships and is a conduit to Isis. I found the sorceress in her to be a fascinating storyline to watch develop. There is also the Mother, which she tries hard to do right because she feels like she never had a childhood. I love that she's multifaceted and feel that Ms. Dray did a wonderful job with characterization of Selene along with the other characters in the book.
After the characterization comes the plot. The plot was a major driving force and kept me enraptured through the entire book. I kept wondering what intrigue would happen next. What would the emperor want? Would Selene see Helios? Would she and Juba become close? What would happen in their kingdom of Mauretania? There was so much going on in the book but not too much that made it confusing, it was just enough to keep the plot moving at a great pace.
With great characterization and a fast-moving plot, Song of the Nile is a great read. Between the political intrigues of Rome to the personal intrigues between the characters, there is enough to keep you guessing in Song of the Nile and have you eagerly anticipating the next installment, as I am.
Song of the Nile is actually the second book in the Cleopatra's Daughter series by Stephanie Dray. The first book is Lily of the Nile, which I also have, but have not had a chance to read yet. I do want to read it, but I think Song of the Nile stands on it's own just fine. Song of the Nile picks up Cleopatra Selene's story on her wedding day when she's 14 years old. Yes 14. At times I had to remind myself that she is that young and at times she very much acts her age and then I had to remind myself again that she is young, not in her 20s as we often think of married women. Of course all is not simple for Selene, nor does she make it simple. There is political intrigue throughout the book. She is always thinking, always plotting and always trying to get ahead. But not in a ruthless, hurt others at all cost way. Selene is actually very caring and she comes to care for those in her new country more than she ever thought she would.
I really enjoyed watching the development of Selene through this book. It's written through her eyes, but you can see the development through the ways others interact with her as well. I liked how she began to assert herself but she watched others enough to know how to do things right. She still made mistakes from time-to-time, but she spent a lot of time just watching when she was younger to see how to rule others and you can tell she really learned from it. Selene has many layers. There is the political layer, the Queen. The religious layer, or the one that worships and is a conduit to Isis. I found the sorceress in her to be a fascinating storyline to watch develop. There is also the Mother, which she tries hard to do right because she feels like she never had a childhood. I love that she's multifaceted and feel that Ms. Dray did a wonderful job with characterization of Selene along with the other characters in the book.
After the characterization comes the plot. The plot was a major driving force and kept me enraptured through the entire book. I kept wondering what intrigue would happen next. What would the emperor want? Would Selene see Helios? Would she and Juba become close? What would happen in their kingdom of Mauretania? There was so much going on in the book but not too much that made it confusing, it was just enough to keep the plot moving at a great pace.
With great characterization and a fast-moving plot, Song of the Nile is a great read. Between the political intrigues of Rome to the personal intrigues between the characters, there is enough to keep you guessing in Song of the Nile and have you eagerly anticipating the next installment, as I am.
October 3, 2011
I have found that reading about Cleopatra's daughter has been fascinating! I love historical fiction because you can imagine things that really happened. Even if it's a fictional story at least pieces of it were taken from history. To me that's just astounding. And especially for this ancient history where there really isn't that much detailed history left. Though I suppose that made it possible to weave in her own elements to create the story she did.
I really have to give the author props, because it couldn't have been easy digging for all that history and picking out the pieces and trying to be somewhat accurate on time periods, etc. And then to make a story with it, a real story. She did such a great job! And what I love about this series is that there is magical realism. It definitely was heavier on the magical aspect in this book but I really think that it made it better. And it makes it different from others. Well, I haven't read others about Cleopatra's daughter yet, but I'm guessing maybe they don't have the magical realism? Maybe I'm wrong though. Either way, it made this book better. And it fit. I mean, this whole thing took place so long ago and the history has been messed with in the history books, etc. But we know they believed in gods and goddesses and so the magic she weaves in, well, it's not so far fetched and it fits the story.
In this book we see Selene grow up into a woman. We see her go through so much and her mind is stuck on one thing, getting Egypt back. Everything she does is to get herself one step closer. And sometimes she has to do things she hates but she does it anyway. The thing is, it became such an obsession at times that she forgot about the other things she could be doing, should be doing, and instead was wasting her years away trying to work her way back into her lands. And well, there's only one man who can give her Egypt and you can bet that it's not going to be a pretty road. Or an easy one. At all. And there were times that I got angry at her. I mean, it was just a little frustrating. But that's kind of how it was suppose to be. We are watching her grow as a person and to find even more of her strength and her making mistakes is part of that. It's just hard to sit and watch her make them.
Selene's story isn't done yet, but I was concerned with how the ending would be (as always) and I have to say that even though it wasn't exactly what I expected, it was actually what I wanted. I was very happy with the ending. I'm very anxious for the next book though!
This review was first posted on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com
I really have to give the author props, because it couldn't have been easy digging for all that history and picking out the pieces and trying to be somewhat accurate on time periods, etc. And then to make a story with it, a real story. She did such a great job! And what I love about this series is that there is magical realism. It definitely was heavier on the magical aspect in this book but I really think that it made it better. And it makes it different from others. Well, I haven't read others about Cleopatra's daughter yet, but I'm guessing maybe they don't have the magical realism? Maybe I'm wrong though. Either way, it made this book better. And it fit. I mean, this whole thing took place so long ago and the history has been messed with in the history books, etc. But we know they believed in gods and goddesses and so the magic she weaves in, well, it's not so far fetched and it fits the story.
In this book we see Selene grow up into a woman. We see her go through so much and her mind is stuck on one thing, getting Egypt back. Everything she does is to get herself one step closer. And sometimes she has to do things she hates but she does it anyway. The thing is, it became such an obsession at times that she forgot about the other things she could be doing, should be doing, and instead was wasting her years away trying to work her way back into her lands. And well, there's only one man who can give her Egypt and you can bet that it's not going to be a pretty road. Or an easy one. At all. And there were times that I got angry at her. I mean, it was just a little frustrating. But that's kind of how it was suppose to be. We are watching her grow as a person and to find even more of her strength and her making mistakes is part of that. It's just hard to sit and watch her make them.
Selene's story isn't done yet, but I was concerned with how the ending would be (as always) and I have to say that even though it wasn't exactly what I expected, it was actually what I wanted. I was very happy with the ending. I'm very anxious for the next book though!
This review was first posted on my blog at http://www.candacesbookblog.com
September 18, 2011
I was absolutely thrilled to receive this book in my mailbox, because the first story written by Stephanie Dray - Lily of the Nile - was absolutely fantastic. So, it is not a huge surprise that this beautiful book was just as good as the first one.
We have been following Cleopatra’s children since Cleopatra killed herself within her tomb, and Octavian took the children back with him to Rome. I won’t go through all of it with you because, readers, you HAVE to read this series for yourself. This story follows Selene, Cleopatra’s much beloved daughter, who was the last of the Ptolemaic queens (Cleo VII). Now, Selene will do anything to get back her beloved Egypt, and that includes marrying a man she likes but doesn’t exactly love, in order to make the Roman Emperor happy enough to return her birthright to her. Selene has always had the reputation of being a sorceress - that the gifts and magic of Isis flow through her veins. She is also in love with her twin brother, who escaped from Rome and is now leading an army in order to take back Egypt, so that he and Selene can rule together.
Selene must do her part by convincing Octavian that she is on his side. In doing this, she must marry Caesar’s hand-picked groom - a young man named Juba who has been given the title of royalty and is being sent back to Africa to rule his people.
Selene goes with Juba, dutifully, and begins to create in Africa the same type of beauty and monuments that the lovely Egypt always had. She makes friends with the people there, and becomes a woman who all of the Africans believe is a good, honest, and decent ruler. She calms the natives and builds her empire, as Juba stays away from Cleo because he knows that she does not love him. She is in love with Helios, her missing brother, and has also been manhandled by Octavian.
Although Selene was dragged into Rome as a child in chains, she leaves Rome as a bride - a scion - who will be Queen over all she surveys, and take charge of the new, untamed world. However, her beloved Egypt is still what calls to Selene every minute of every day. And she must find a way to get the throne of Egypt back before it’s too late.
The Nile books have been outstanding. The story of Selene is intriguing, adventurous, and powerful, and every reader will be enthralled by what Stephanie Dray has accomplished!
We have been following Cleopatra’s children since Cleopatra killed herself within her tomb, and Octavian took the children back with him to Rome. I won’t go through all of it with you because, readers, you HAVE to read this series for yourself. This story follows Selene, Cleopatra’s much beloved daughter, who was the last of the Ptolemaic queens (Cleo VII). Now, Selene will do anything to get back her beloved Egypt, and that includes marrying a man she likes but doesn’t exactly love, in order to make the Roman Emperor happy enough to return her birthright to her. Selene has always had the reputation of being a sorceress - that the gifts and magic of Isis flow through her veins. She is also in love with her twin brother, who escaped from Rome and is now leading an army in order to take back Egypt, so that he and Selene can rule together.
Selene must do her part by convincing Octavian that she is on his side. In doing this, she must marry Caesar’s hand-picked groom - a young man named Juba who has been given the title of royalty and is being sent back to Africa to rule his people.
Selene goes with Juba, dutifully, and begins to create in Africa the same type of beauty and monuments that the lovely Egypt always had. She makes friends with the people there, and becomes a woman who all of the Africans believe is a good, honest, and decent ruler. She calms the natives and builds her empire, as Juba stays away from Cleo because he knows that she does not love him. She is in love with Helios, her missing brother, and has also been manhandled by Octavian.
Although Selene was dragged into Rome as a child in chains, she leaves Rome as a bride - a scion - who will be Queen over all she surveys, and take charge of the new, untamed world. However, her beloved Egypt is still what calls to Selene every minute of every day. And she must find a way to get the throne of Egypt back before it’s too late.
The Nile books have been outstanding. The story of Selene is intriguing, adventurous, and powerful, and every reader will be enthralled by what Stephanie Dray has accomplished!
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