100 Pages A Day...Stephanie's Book Reviews

Cleopatra VII was raised in the tumultuous Egyptian political climate.  From her infancy she was prepared by her father to one day rule Egypt beside her brother.  As a daughter of Isis, Cleopatra prayed to the goddess for support and guidance.  Little did Cleopatra know of the road ahead with death, deception, love, loss and the eventual happiness that Isis had in store for her when Cleopatra showed her worth. 

Cleopatra Unconquered is another wonderful story of 'what if," an alternative history to Cleopatra VII life and reign if she and Marc Antony were not defeated by Octavian in the Battle of Actium.  As the first of a three part series however, most of the book is deeply rooted in Cleopatra's history and not turning the tides until the end.  I enjoyed learning about how Cleopatra might have grown up and the trials she had to endure, especially within her own family.  I was very interested in her time away from Egypt and how she followed her father into his Exile in Rome; this seemed to have a great impact on her later decisions.  A wonderful layer that was added to the story was the point of view from the Vault of Nut where Isis, Athena and Cleopatra's mother, father and others in her life who had passed could look down on her, affect her decisions and move ahead through time.  This perspective allowed another layer of depth to Cleopatra's winding path through life and the choices she made.  Cleopatra's story intensifies as she heads into battle and becomes a commander and financier and I was enveloped in her battle.  I am so glad that Cleopatra's story no longer has to end so soon and can't wait to see where it leads next. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.