Song of the Nile (ARC)

Title: Song of the Nile


Author: Stephanie Dray


Publisher: Berkley Trade


Pages: 416


Read Time: Read this one for the intent of editing.


Tag Words: Cleopatra's Daughter series, Selene, Helios, historical fiction, magic, coming of age, young royals


Summary:


Sorceress. Seductress. Schemer. Cleopatra’s daughter has become the emperor’s most unlikely apprentice and the one woman who can destroy his empire…


My Review:



I was given the amazing gift of reading a pre-release copy of this book. In fact I read the manuscript off my computer and got to make suggestions to the author before ARCs were even printed up! Yes! I nearly died "flipping" the pages!

If you read my blog, or follow me on Goodreads, you will know I adored the first book in this series. How? Because I suggested it to all of you. Why? Because it was incredible.

Since then the author and I have grown close and when she offered me the chance to read book two *super* early I couldn't refuse, I needed more Selene, I craved more Helios, and my mind raced with the possibilities of where Song of the Nile could go.

I will admit, I was surprised, and at first confused, I was so invested in these characters, Selene especially, I didn't want them hurt more than they already were. They get hurt, they get hurt badly. I was reminded of this quote while reading some of the more emotionally grueling scenes, "There's a crack in everything- that's how the light gets in." Leonard Cohen.

There are cracks in this book, cracks that push the boundaries of believing Selene would ever bounce back, ever hold power, or be with the one she loves. I even doubted Steph, she took it all away... and gave it back to me again. I am still a tad flabbergasted- how in the world did she do that? I thought all hope was lost, and then, there was a lighthouse, welcoming me back home, flooding me with beauty and brilliance. There is a reason why Stephanie Dray is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors, because she pushed it to the edge, she did something so many authors are afraid to do, and she did it well.

Read it, you won't be disappointed one iota.

  
Notes on the Names:


Isidora, gift of Isis. Couldn't have chosen a better moniker myself. Read the book to know who this fab name belongs to!


Thoughts on the Cover:


I also saw the cover before any of you and I loved it even then! These book covers are magic.


Parental Book Review *spoilers*


Sexual Content: 


There is a lot of sexual content, and what Steph has dubbed, "twincest." Not for the squeamish, or those who cannot bend with the story.


Language: 


None.


Violence:


Rape.


Other Notables:

Selene uses magic given to her by her goddess, Isis.