I’ve been fascinated with early Egyptian history since I was a child, so I was immediately attracted to Markie Madden’s novelette, Liberty: An Electric Eclectic Book. The story begins in the present with Chelsea Freeman who is visiting Egypt for the first time. As she explores the Valley of the Kings she experiences deja-vu. Everything seems familiar to the young woman, as though she had been there centuries prior. Touching a stone wall where a carving had obviously been chipped away she is suddenly transported to the distant past.
This is the story of Hatshepsut, the King of Upper and Lower Egypt. AAfter the death of her husband, the King, she assumed the throne. Her daughter, Neferure, assumes the role of the King’s Great Wife because the rituals of the time required both a male and female. Although the title is in name only, Neferure is devoted to her mother. She is attracted to a boy of royal blood, Haremsat, and hopes her mother, the Pharoah, will choose him for her husband. Neferure also practices using traditional male weapon’s and is trained by the Vizier. This is very unusual, but she is a unique young woman.
Neferure has a step-brother named Thutmose who she believes plans to poison her mother and assume the title of Pharoah. He has been enticing others to join him against Hatshepsut, including members of the army. Neferure informs her mother of her suspicions and what follows is both mystical and physical.
Madden has woven a fascinating tale combining fiction and history. It is apparent she has done research in crafting this story. Her descriptions of the settings and clothing of the time period are detailed. The characters practically leap off the page. Although this story is short, it is rich in aspect, both in the present and the past. The story is compelling and comes to a satisfying conclusion.
A reader who enjoys historical stories, especially those about ancient Egypt, will love this book. In fact, it is so well written, any reader will undoubtedly find this a good read.
I have read several of the Electric Eclectic books and each has proved to be a wonderful introduction to authors that were new to me.
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Reviews with images
What a surprise
I just finished Pharaoh's Destiny and then followed with Liberty. Little did I know it would be a deeper study into Hatchepsut's daughter. It was rewarding to read them one after the other. It is my fault I wasn't prepared for the gift of reading them. The characters are so real, that I almost forget this is fiction. As a long time history buff, this book added so much to my knowledge of a half-erased woman, daughter and time in ancient history. I suggest this book to everyone interested in history, women and Egypt.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2019
I just finished Pharaoh's Destiny and then followed with Liberty. Little did I know it would be a deeper study into Hatchepsut's daughter. It was rewarding to read them one after the other. It is my fault I wasn't prepared for the gift of reading them. The characters are so real, that I almost forget this is fiction. As a long time history buff, this book added so much to my knowledge of a half-erased woman, daughter and time in ancient history. I suggest this book to everyone interested in history, women and Egypt.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2021
