Review - Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh by Katie Hamstead

KIYA: Hope of the Pharaoh by Katie Hamstead 

Release date - April 30th 2013

Published  by Curiosity Quills Press - Website

Ebook, 257 pages

Source - NetGalley

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Description (from Goodreads)

 When Naomi’s sisters are snatched up to be taken to be wives of the erratic Pharaoh, Akhenaten, she knows they won’t survive the palace, so she offers herself in their place. The fearsome Commander Horemheb sees her courage, and knows she is exactly what he is looking for…

The Great Queen Nefertiti despises Naomi instantly, and strips her of her Hebrew lineage, including her name, which is changed to Kiya. Kiya allies herself with Horemheb, who pushes her to greatness and encourages her to make the Pharaoh fall in love with her. When Akhenaten declares Kiya will be the mother of his heir, Nefertiti, furious with jealousy, schemes to destroy Kiya.

Kiya must play the deadly game carefully. She is in a silent battle of wills, and a struggle for who will one day inherit the crown. If she does bear an heir, she knows she will need to fight to protect him, as well as herself, from Nefertiti who is out for blood.

Quote

"Yes, little princess, I can see your future. In fact, today it begins with a brave choice. Your choice will shape the course of this land. And although many may try to erase your legacy, you will be recalled or thousands of years to come" - Soothsayer

My Review

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 Naomi and her sisters lived in Thebes and were the  daughters of Jorem of Epheaim, descendants of Joseph which made her family the closest thing to royalty that her people had, so when the Pharaoh Akhenaten needed a  new Hebrew wife, Naomi's family was the first place he looked. Knowing that her sisters weren't mentally or physically strong enough to survive the trip to the palace, she willing sacrifices herself to save her them.

She was to be a gift from Aten, sent to bare Akhenaten a heir. She was held in high esteem to the pharaoh, much to Nefertiti's dislike, she was the #1 and chief wife to the pharaoh and was willing to do anything necessary to keep things that way. Naomi is stripped of her Hebrew heritage and given a new name, she is now Queen Kiya. She quickly becomes allied with Horemheb, the chief commander, in hopes of earning high favor of the pharaoh and surviving the wrath of the highly jealous Nefertiti. She is able to make friends and gain the love of Akhenaten, but can she give him the son he wants so badly?

 Praises be to Aten, this story was awesome! I am a huge fan of the ancient Egyptians, especially the 18th dynasty and this story includes my favorite royals from that time, Akhenaten and Nefertiti. Even if you have never liked Egyptian history before this book will keep you entertained.

 I loved Kiya. She was a strong woman who stood up for what she believed in and would not back down from a fight. How she willingly took her sisters place to be taken away from her homeland to become one of Akhenaten's many wives shows how protective and loving she is. She is also smart and understands the dangers of living with Nefertiti so close by and quickly learns how to protect herself.

 There was something happening in the story at all times so I never lost interest even for a minute. I kept on reading until my eyes were going fuzzy. I loved the friendships Kiya made with Mordad, Malachi and Horemheb and her time spent with her slightly crazy husband.
 I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.

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Would I read it again? Yes

Buy it here:
Chapters/ Indigo
Amazon.com

If you would like to learn about the real Kiya just 
click here (wikipedia) or here (tripodcom)

Places you can find Katie Hampstead
Links
Twitter - https://twitter.com/KatieTeller1
Goodreads - www.goodreads.com/author/Katie_Hamstead/blog