The Oracle's Tale: Sekhmet & The Mines of Anubis

by E.Y. Laster

Aiyah is the only daughter of the Master of Horse, one of a thousand servants of the Pharaoh of the 25th Dynasty of Egypt. In the world of the pharaoh, there is one chief rule: Only the Pharaoh and High Priests can communicate with the gods. All others who claim the honor are forced to prove it by any means necessary - or die trying. When Set, god of chaos, and Sekhmet, mistress of dread, summon Aiyah, they open a doorway that will force Aiyah to do their bidding, or risk the death of her family if she refuses or fails. Raised outside of the palace, Aiyah’s courage and wit quickly thrust her into a world full of royalty, secrets, murder, and plots. Will Aiyah be able to outwit the gods without anyone discovering her secret? Or will she die trying?

Genres: Fantasy

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2019

Reviews

[Sleepseeker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book and the main character. This was a quick and easy read, with it being a short story.

This is a story about Aiyah and we follow her journey. The book starts with Aiyah, Sekhmet and Set who comes to Aiyah in her dreams. From there we see Aiyah try to navigate her life, with nobody finding out she can talk to the gods, and doing the demands of Sehkmet and Set.

The ending was pleasing and because the story is so short, it teases you because you want to know more about this world and the players in it. At the end I couldn't help wonder, Why does the Pharaoh kill all oracles? Is it because he wants to be the most powerful one in Egypt or because of something else. We see early on how the Pharaoh tests those who claim to be Oracles. That test didn't seem to me to be the best way to test if one was an Oracle. It seems the Pharaoh wants to just kill Oracles and I want to find out why.

The story is good and I wished it was longer. I hope the author continues to flesh out this story more in another book. I would read more on Aiyah and her journey.

I won this in a giveaway.

[The Litt Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find the full enchanting review over at The Litt Librarian! https://thelittlibrarian.wixsite.com/...

Sooooo Egyptian Mythology is my new favorite thing. It is a quick, enjoyable read with room for improvement that already had me running towards the next book in the series.

I like these characters. They were very likable, Aiyah especially. Each played their role very well, with room for growth. I also loved that the author did some research for this story. Though fictional, Laster uses real-life historical figures, such as Pharaoh Neferkare Shabaka, Prince Haremakhet, and Queen Qalhata. We don't hear much about the Kushite Pharaohs anytime the magic of Egypt is talked about, but I'm glad Laster brought them to light.

Even though the story started off to a great start, it can use more development. The author could have used more world-building better to describe the surroundings or the characters' actions. In ways, it felt like I was dropped off in the middle of a continued story, even though this is the first book in the series. But I see the potential.

I rated 3 stars and immediately grabbed a copy of Book 2!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn between the demands of the gods and those of the pharaoh, a girl has to make a decision. Defying either one will result in her death. The otherworldly first chapter grabbed my attention and never let go. It's a quick read, but it did end rather abruptly. I got the impression that it may continue from there into book two, which I'm looking forward to reading.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Oracle's Tale: Sekhmet and The Mines of Anubis by E.Y. Laster is a historical fiction and adventure book set in ancient Egypt's Nubian dynasty. The first of what looks to be an excellent up and coming series, introduces readers to the oracle Aiyah as her powers blossom and she is pitted against gods and men to save her family and pharaoh. The tale is well paced with evenly spread action and suspense to keep you wanting to read more. E.Y Laster also masters the difficult task of making the necessary fictionalization and historical liberties needed for this genre fit smoothly. Too often in historical fiction of ancient Egypt these inaccuracies are too glaring they feel wrong even for the fiction aspect of the story. That problem does happen in The Oracle's Tale. The fictional world feels real in the story. There are a few consistency issues like a scene speaking of princess Iset with bouncing curls then in the next paragraph a fishtail braid and the next its Aiyah who is the curly haired on, and a scene where when pharaoh is attacked and Iset screams Uncle for him but then he becomes Father again the next page. But, these were the only two instances so it doesn't take away from the story too much. I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction, suspense, adventure, and YA genres as well as readers who enjoy ancient Egypt and Nubia.