Queen of Kings
The Immortal Life of Cleopatra
by Maria Dahvana Headley
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Queen of Kings
Prologue
I, Nicolaus the Damascene, once philosopher to a king, once tutor to the children of a queen, once biographer to an emperor, now live in exile. I move toward the tomb, whether to journey into Hades or to wander as a spirit lamenting on the shores of Acheron. I cannot say which gods will claim me, for I left behind Damascus and her gods long ago for those of Egypt and of Rome. My body will end its days here at Avernus, unmourned.
The one thing I know with certainty is that she will come for me. By virtue of position, I have been witness to more than any other man. I have seen rooms filled with gold, and streets stacked with bones. I have seen lakes turn to blood. I have watched the moon dance on the fingertips of witches, and stars extinguishing their lights at the behest of immortals. I have seen the beasts of the wilderness commanded into war by a woman. I have seen a lioness become a queen, and a queen become a monster.
I have seen things I cannot say aloud, though I am bound to write them here.
I will recount the story the emperor forbade me to tell. I will write the truth as far as I know it, in desperate hope that this may be enough. I cannot fight alone. All I have are words.
May these words be enough to save you.
Published by arrangement with Dutton, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc. Copyright© Paper Trail, Inc., 2011.
Queen of Kings
The year is 30 B.C., and Octavian’s legions have invaded Alexandria. Antony, believing himself betrayed by his beloved wife—Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt—has died by his own hand. Desperate to save her kingdom and resurrect her husband, Cleopatra summons Sekhmet, the fearsome goddess of war, and, against the warnings of those around her, she strikes a grim bargain. But not even the wisest of Egypt’s scholars could have predicted what would follow….
In exchange for Antony’s soul, Cleopatra is transformed into a creature of mythical proportions, an immortal shapeshifter with superhuman strength and an insatiable hunger for human blood—a being at once ferocious and seductive. And she is bent on vengeance against those who have wronged her family and her kingdom. Clashing with witches and monsters, gods and warriors, Cleopatra journeys from the tombs of Egypt to the great amphitheaters of Rome to the ancient underworld, Hades—where she will meet her love once again, and where the battle between men and monster will decide the fate of the world.
Blending historical fiction and the darkest of fantasy, Queen of Kings by Maria Dahvana Headley brings the timeless story of Cleopatra to life as never before.
Hardcover : pages
Publisher: Dutton/Div Of Penguin Usa Inc ( May 12, 2011 )
Item #: 13-373452
ISBN: 9780525952176
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 inches
Product Weight: 15.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
May 07, 2012
This book was a good read. If you like paranormal or historical books you will enjoy this book! Well written and able to keep your interest throughout.
Reviewer: Alice T
I Like...
January 20, 2012
I am a mythology buff, and I love how the author entwines mythology from several different cultures. It is fluent and it makes sense. Background research is done well and the story flows as it should. After reading this novel, Cleopatra is the man! LOL
Reviewer: Kevin M
Suspenseful, Lush Historical Fantasy
July 21, 2011
I loved this book. Headley is a new author for me, and I'm very happy I went out on a limb and gave this novel a chance. I read it in two sittings. The depth of research, the level of detail and attention given to the places, customs and people of Alexandria and Rome were wonderful and welcome. I didn't think there were any cardboard characters in this book. Even the supporting cast felt like real people, with their own thoughts, motivations and feelings made known to the reader. The supernatural angle was well done without being hokey, and the uses of Egyptian, Roman, Greek and Norse myth were an excellent touch that served to enrich the thrilling story. This book made me fall in love with the beautiful and tragic love story of Cleopatra and Antony all over again. An excellent novel of Cleopatra, second only to Margaret George's excellent "The Memoirs of Cleopatra".
Reviewer: Rachel K
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