Two sisters. One legend. Two religions. One Egypt. Nefertiti and her younger sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries. Ambitious, charismatic, and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped by all that her strong personality will temper the young Amunhotep’s heretical desires. From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people. But as she turns her attention to producing a son, she fails to see those plotting against her husband’s rule. The only person wise enough to recognize the shift in political winds is Mutnodjmet. Observant and contemplative, Mutnodjmet has never shared her sister’s desire for power. Her greatest hope is to share her life with the general who has won her heart. But as Nefertiti learns of the precariousness of her reign, she declares that her sister must remain at court and marry for political gain, not love. To achieve her independence, Mutnodjmet must defy her sister–while also remaining loyal to her family. Love, betrayal, political unrest, plague, and religious conflict–NEFERTITI brings ancient Egypt to life in vivid detail. Fast-paced and historically accurate, it is the dramatic story of two unforgettable women living through a remarkable period in history.
Download and start listening now!
"I bought this book out of sheer interest in all things Egyptian, especially the reign of Akhenaten and Nefertiti. This book exceeded all of my expectations. The writing style has a precise, beautiful flow, and Mutnodjmet's voice is completely compelling. Moran is an artist with the words that she chooses, the pictures that she paints. I felt like I was actually in Egypt experiencing everything right along with the characters. This was a perfect book to read at the beach."
— J. (5 out of 5 stars)
“Before there was Cleopatra there was the notorious Nefertiti, Queen of the Nile. Moran recreates her story with a vibrancy, drama, and compassion that would make the queen proud. As in The Other Boleyn Girl, the relationship between sisters sets this novel apart and makes Nefertiti’s story powerful and memorable. It belongs alongside the finest fictional biographies.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars)" If you enjoy historical fiction, I would definitely recommend this book. Wish I could give it 3.5 stars. "
— Kristin, 1/14/2014" A good book,recommended to every one to likes to read about ancient History. "
— Edith, 12/26/2013" This book weaves an intriguing tale of daily life in Egypt thousands of years ago, while holding true to fact whenever possible. I was totally captivated! "
— Ann, 12/25/2013" too narrative, and got too much of a beat-around-the-bush stuff for pages together. didn't feel reading further. "
— Shrihari, 12/22/2013" This is such and AMAZING book! It is a fun approach to a historical event. Mutjnomet makes a great heroin and I would recomend this book to everyone. "
— Emilyla, 12/22/2013" I LOVE Egyptian history, and I love historical fiction even more. This book satisfied both for me and I couldn't put it down. In fact, the author just wrote a sequel to this book so I picked it up again to read before reading the sequel. Its even better the 2nd time around! "
— Fern, 12/22/2013" Moran does it again! I loved cleopatra's daughter, and this is on the same level. It is not the best historical fiction book i have ever read, but it is light reading, with captivating details and rich descriptions of an entrancing Egypt. "
— Alina, 12/15/2013" Superb debut novel from Michelle Moran. "
— Mark, 12/3/2013" Great Novel . Entertaining , well written probable dipiction of the lives of ancient rulers "
— Mcs, 12/2/2013" This book was hard to put down. It was an intriguing story and after finishing it, I immediately went online to read more about the royal Egyptian families. It's fascinating stuff! I highly recommend this book and this author. She brings to life things that happened thousands of years ago. "
— Chelsea, 11/28/2013" I have read all of the egyptian series by Michelle Moran and they are a lot of fun. if I remember correctly, there are some potentially inappropriate moments but I dug the series so I don't think it was too bad... "
— Danceteacherkc, 11/26/2013" Great page turning historical fiction book. The author did a great job of drawing in her reader and making her care about a queen who lived thousands of years ago. "
— Carolyn, 9/20/2013" I really enjoyed this book and am delighted to learn that there is a sequel, The Heretic Queen! It made me want to learn more about the Egyptians, other than Cleopatra. "
— Sandra, 8/21/2013" I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, however it did seem to be very reminiscent of Tudor history, particularly the relationship between Anne and Mary Boleyn. I know very little of Egyptian history and this has definitely sparked an interest. A good read. "
— Dawn, 7/12/2013" I enjoyed this as summer reading. I liked the historical context of the novel and the characters. "
— Amanda, 6/18/2013" I really enjoyed this. Writing from Mutnodjmet's point of view was a good choice as Nefertiti might not have been a very sympathetic character. Can't wait to get the other 2 books from the library. She also has a book on Madame Tussaud coming out sometime this year "
— Carissa, 1/4/2013" I FINALLY finished this novel... it took me awhile. It was a fun, interesting read about Queen Nefertiti and her reign. I loved the main character, Mutnodjmet; she was simply amazing-- she kind of reminded me of Moran's character, Mme. Tussaud, from her latest novel. Good read! "
— mELT, 12/8/2012" Story of the Queen contradicts with her image elsewhere...story is more about her sister than the Queen itself :( "
— Sonia, 11/12/2012" Not mu usual type of book but fascinating and hard to put down. The book is so well written that you end up wanting to learn more about Ancient Egypt. "
— Beth, 2/5/2012" I really enjoyed this book. It is real history with the development of compelling relationships that may have been. What an amazing time in history! Nefertiti was the Queen whose likeness we are all familiar with today through the artwork from that period of time. "
— Terri, 12/5/2011" Very interesting read. Recommended for fans of historical fiction. "
— Kenechi, 9/3/2011" This book is really amazing! Nefertiti and her sister (can't spell her name, lol) remind me so much of me and my little sister. I'm pretty self centered and stuck up sometimes and my sister is more down to earth. Anyway, it was a great book, I learned a lot too. "
— Kathryn, 6/9/2011" You've heard of her, but how much do you really know? A friend recommended this book and author to me as engrossing historical fiction. You can see and feel the times in ancient Egypt as she recounts the tale of how it could have happened. Looking forward to the next one. "
— Liz, 5/21/2011" Well told with many delightful insights into Egyptian culture. I enjoyed this book. "
— Jami, 5/16/2011" I think that Nefertiti was a fabulous book filled with great <br/>ancient Egyptian history that will mesmerize you till the end. "
— Aphrodite, 5/15/2011" Young Kings and Queens. Interesting facts. "
— Karen, 5/14/2011" This is really an amazing book. I read it in one breath!! "
— Sophia, 5/12/2011" I feel really smart after reading this book :) Great read, crazy lives "
— Kendra, 4/30/2011" Was an interesting book. Really liked the history. "
— Lesli, 4/30/2011" Great book! I love Egypt and really liked the story<br/> "
— Haan, 4/28/2011" Politic, Jealousy, beauty, rumor, believes, and authority. The novel has it all...<br/>this is a story of Nefertiti, y know. The strongest women in Egypt history "
— Nidya, 4/21/2011Michelle Moran was born in southern California. After attending Pomona College, she earned a master’s degree from the Claremont Graduate University. She is the international bestselling author of Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, Cleopatra’s Daughter, Madame Tussaud, and The Second Empress. Her novels have been translated into more than twenty languages.
Cassandra Campbell has won multiple Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and the prestigious Odyssey Award for narration. She was been named a “Best Voice” by AudioFile magazine and in 2018 was inducted in Audible’s inaugural Narrator Hall of Fame.