It's the most bizarre thing. Full of historical details, a sweet romance, and unique characters, Daughter of the Gods should be a knock-out success. In spite of those attractions, the book just falls flat. With each new chapter, you pick it up, you start to become engrossed, and the next thing you know, you're counting down until it ends. This book isn't bad by any stretch of the imagination. It's just a bit boring.

As one of Egypt's most well-known female pharaohs, Hatshepsut is an intriguing and complex character. In Thornton's novel, you glimpse some of that complexity, but it's mostly buried underneath pages and pages of hugs and kisses between her and her commoner lover Senenmut. It's hard to root for a character when they are always happy and when everything always goes their way. Just when you think the witch's prophecy of Hatshepsut ruining everyone's lives with her ambition is about to come true, everything works out. It was that prophecy that kept me going, kept me hoping that Hatshepsut's greed would eventually get in the way of things, but it never does. I have never wanted a powerful woman to screw up so badly.

Let me just say that I love romance and I love reading about royal women. However, Thornton's novel is sorely lacking in conflict. Every time an issue pops up (the Nubians revolt, the expedition fails, there's a coup, her lover might be cheating on her), Hatshepsut is confident she can overcome it, and she does. She's never concerned. She's never afraid, and it just becomes repetitive and boring. I want to read about a woman struggling to hold onto her throne because that is never easy regardless of who you are. Instead, any of her real struggles are relegated to a paragraph of off-page action, at most. As a result, when things finally fell apart, I felt more relieved than anything.

If you're looking for historical fiction lite and are inclined towards Ancient Egypt, then this is the book for you. Otherwise, if you want a story you connect with, read one of Michelle Moran's novels. Her ability to get inside her heroines' minds is more gripping than Thornton's big, long love story. ( )

“faithful, resolute, alive, You and the Two Lands that has no enemies; This life is no more than a dream, so seize the day before it passes!”
― Stephanie Thornton, Daughter of the Gods: A Novel of Ancient Egypt

Anyone who knows me knows I adore Historical Fiction and love Historical fiction about EGYPT.

It was my first book about Hatshepsut so I went in knowing little about her. I knew some of her story because I have read so many books about Cleopatra and those books made so many references to Hatshepsut that I did pick up some information.

This book was good. Very good. But it also left me strangely a little let down, despite my love of Historical Fiction especially when it comes to royalty.

I did read it to the end and I did enjoy reading it. I would actually give this 3.5 stars if I could.

But what was missing for me was the furious page turning that I get when reading certain books, the strong need to get to the end, the electrifying atmosphere and tension. I did not feel any of that. At the end of the day I was glad I read it as it was well researched and interesting but it did not have that "wow" factor for me although I think I am in the minority on this one regarding that.

I am not sure why. Maybe because I did not feel transported there. My favorite books in this genre are ones where I feel I am there. And I can feel the beauty and strong atmosphere all around me. That did not happen her e and it was also a book that took me some time to finish. ,My favorite books are ones that become all night page turners for me and that really did not happen here.

It is a great book to read if one is a fan of Historical Fiction. I would say this one's in the middle for me. I did enjoy it but I did not feel love it. Still recommended though as it was an obviously very well researched book. ( )

This is Stephanie's second book about mostly forgotten historical women who made history. Her first work, which I loved, followed the captivating Theodora. This book follows the equally captivating Hatshepsut, a princess who became Pharaoh.

Theodora left me thirsting for more and researching .... did this really happen? Hatshepsut left me wondering what she actually accomplished. The book mentioned many times how the people loved her and the granaries were full. What were actually her big accomplishments? I'm wondering that her biggest accomplishment was building monuments that expounded her many accomplishments.

I did love the little details (e.g. food) throughout the book and I'm entertaining the idea of growing myrrh trees myself (I live in a place apparently weather wise similar to the legendary Punt)

Stephanie raised the bar with Theodora so much that this second novel just had too many expectations. I look forward to her next adventure when we ride with Genghis Khan. ( )

My fascination with ancient Egypt began when I was eleven years old. While browsing at the library one day, I came across some books on the discovery of and what was found in King Tut's tomb. I was hooked. My obsession continued into my high school years when I wrote my tenth grade term paper on ancient Egyptian burial customs (on which I received an A, I might add). However, despite my great interest in the culture and time period, I have not read many fiction books set in Ancient Egypt. I have read River God by Wilbur Smith, which I really enjoyed and, of course, my beloved Anne Rice set the origins of her vampires in ancient Egypt, but my repertoire of ancient Egyptian historical fiction reads is severely lacking. And now, along comes this fantastic novel of Ancient Egypt, Daughter of the Gods, about the life of Hatshepsut, an historical figure I greatly admire.

As she did with her first novel, The Secret History, Thornton has once again created a heroine to root for. Although completely different from The Secret History's Theodora and her origins, Hatshepsut is still an endearing and inspiring character. In a time when the Great Royal Wife of the pharaoh is destined to live out her days in the Hall of Women, Hatshepsut seizes the opportunity to rule when misfortune befalls her pharaoh husband. She brought success and great temples to Egypt and yet her reign was obliterated from history. I guess the dominant male culture of ancient Egypt didn't want it to be known that it was once ruled by a great and powerful female pharaoh.

Thornton is an historical fiction author that really engages a person who is truly interested in history. As much as I know and have read on ancient Egypt, I did not know that the women were bare breasted even when dressed. Very interesting. As I was reading Daughter of the Gods, I kept thinking to myself, "I really must read more in depth about ancient Egyptian culture." And so, this leads me to state something that I have said many times before. Great historical fiction leads us to history. It leads us to learn more, above and beyond, what's in the book we're reading. This is an accomplishment that any author should keep in their back pocket.

If you have not read Stephanie Thornton yet, I urge you to do so...sooner rather than later. She is a new and exciting voice to the historical fiction genre. I can't wait for her next one, which just happens to be The Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan, coming this November. ( )

A novel telling the story of Hatshepsut, Egypt's most effective female Pharaoh.

Although there were a few things in the early part of the book that felt a bit anachronistic to me, I enjoyed the story, and learned a few things I hadn't known before about Hatshepsut from the author's note at the end. ( )

The story of Hatshepsut, one of the few female Pharaohs of Egypt who reigned from 1508 - 1458 BC. I alternated between really liking this and impatience with the parts that read like a romance novel. Fortunately, they were infrequent enough for me to keep this review at 4 stars. Hatshepsut was a remarkable woman who brought glory to Egypt during her reign and a quick review of actual history proved the author did a good job of keeping to historical fact with a few added characters for a good story. ( )

Daughter of the Gods, the latest novel from Stephanie Thornton, tells the story of Hatshepsut, one of only a few females to ever rule as an Egyptian pharaoh. Having read and enjoyed Thornton's first novel, The Secret History (click here to read my thoughts on it), I jumped at the chance to review this one. Am I ever glad I did - I loved this book!

There is a lot to like about Daughter of the Gods. The novel's heroine, Hatshepsut, is vividly portrayed. Even though I didn't always agree with the choices she made, I quickly came to admire Hatsheput's intelligence, perseverance, dedication and sacrifice. It was not difficult to understand why she is considered one of ancient Egypt's greatest rulers. In addition to Hatshepsut, Daughter of the Gods is full of memorable characters whether they are figures central to the story or just sit on the periphery of it. I particularly enjoyed Thornton's characterization of Hatshepsut's nephew Tutmose, her friend Aset (who is also mother to Tutmose), and her bodyguard Nomti.

Thornton's writing is lovely, and her descriptions of Egyptian royal life and customs help to create a strong sense of both time and place. I was captivated by Hatshepsut and the world in which she lived right from the opening pages. Given few details concerning Hatshepsut's life and rule exist, Thornton had significant latitude to fill in the blanks. Using what little is known of Hatshepsut as a foundation, Thornton has crafted a thoroughly engaging and entirely plausible narrative. The story moves quickly, never losing focus or getting bogged down in excessive detail. While the novel comes in at well over 400 pages, Daughter of the Gods doesn't feel like a long book. In fact, I enjoyed the novel so much that I wouldn't have minded if it had been even longer.

I noted in my review of The Secret History that Thornton's writing reminds me of Kate Quinn's, and that is still the case. As I was reading Daughter of the Gods, however, I found myself thinking of Michelle Moran's Egyptian novels. While I'm a big fan of both Quinn and Moran, after reading both of Thornton's novels she is now the one whose works most stand out for me. As such, if you love Kate Quinn and Michelle Moran's books you definitely need to check out Stephanie Thornton. You won't be disappointed.

Highly recommended to all fans of historical fiction, especially those who enjoy reading novels about lesser known historical figures. I can't wait to read Thornton's next novel, The Tiger Queens.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Source: I received an advanced copy of this novel from the publisher as part of Stephanie Thornton's virtual book tour, in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )

Ah Stephanie Thornton, another gem has come from your pen... I adored the historical jewels that she's given us in this engrossing work. The reader breathes and experiences the words, just doesn't read them. I could feel the heat of the Egyptian son, see the glare of the waters of the Nile, and hear the chants to the ancient Egyptian Gods.

I especially liked this look into ancient Egyptian religion, the role it played in society, and the society in general. It seems that the Gods had an almost physical presence in the story with how closely they were incorporated into the narrative, a fact that was very true in ancient Egypt from what I've read. The look into the ancient Egyptian royal court and the life of the royal family was also fascinating. I had never heard of certain facts like the Hall of Women and how limited the true position of women were in this society, at least those in the royal lineage. The author does a fantastic job of incorporating historical and cultural details throughout the story that brings this all to life without detracting in any way from the engrossing story. A true skill of a top writer...

And oh that story! Seeing the rise of Hatshepsut, in all its different stages and all the different players in that rise, made for a very gripping story. She's a woman who has a will of iron and a courage as big as the pyramids. With intelligence to match these other virtues, Hatshepsut rises to a position to help her nation through what could have been a chaotic time, all the while overcoming prejudice due to her sex, intimate enemies close to her, and a curse that seems to doom her loved ones as she grows great. With such sensual surroundings provided by the author, this engrossing story just grows and grows until the climatic resolution that provides some good postulations about why the archeological record is the way it is.

This is another win by Stephanie Thornton. She is one of those historical writers that makes her readers literally experience the past through details that appeal to all the senses. She tells a gripping story about a woman who was large in history and whose name still lives today, thousands of years later. Yet, the reader gets to know this woman intimately, feeling her emotions and thinking her thoughts with her. All through the superb skill of Stephanie Thornton. I so can't wait for her next book in Nov 2014! ( )

Having recently read a nonfictional look at Hatshepsut's life, this fictional novel was somewhat disappointing. While it's nice to imagine certain things about this female pharaoh (such as a love affair with her adviser Senenmut) and much of the actual history is lost, the inaccuracies and misrepresentations were all the more glaring to me. Overall, this novel makes for an enjoyable escape, but fails to do a good job of truly portraying Ancient Egypt. ( )

This book is awesome! It has it all -- history, romance, intrigue, female friendships, loyalty, betrayal. Have I missed anything? Of yes, battle scenes. I love reading about Middle East history. I loved seeing the pyramids and tombs in Egypt. Hatshapsut's temple was of special interest to me. Hatshepsut was the only female pharaoh of Egypt.

The novel is set in the 1400s BC. Hatshepsut has grown up with her half-brother Thut. Her older sister dies at the very beginning of the novel, thus sealing Hatshepsut's fate as the next Great Wife of the Pharaoh. Her only job after marriage is to produce a male heir to the throne. However, a commoner has beat her to that. When Tut dies unexpectedly, Hatshepsut steps in as regent to the throne until the rightful heir, Tutmose III, is old enough to do so. Thus sets the scene for this very ambitious woman and the ones she loves.

Ms. Thornton brought these historical figures to life for me. She revealed Hatshepsut's ambition, flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Senenmut was so well portrayed! I want a man like him! Tutmose III and Nerferure gave me a glimpse of the future of the Egyptian kingdom.

I received this book via the First Reads program and the publisher. Thank you so much. I am now eager to read Stephanie Thornton's other books. Coming out in November is her new novel "The Tiger Queens". In it we will learn about the wives and daughters of Genghis Khan. It is going to be a long five months waiting for it. ( )

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Alluring Angel - Kathy:
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review

The first word that comes to mind after reading Stephanie Thornton’s Daughter Of The Gods is "epic".

I was blown away by the power of this book. Not my normal reading genre, this telling of the life on one of Egypt’s lesser known pharaohs was compelling from start to finish.

Stephanie Thornton took known fact, supposition, and keen imagination to bring to life the world and times surrounding Hatshepsut.

Daughter Of The Gods takes the reader from when Hatshepsut is a free spirited younger sister, to the events that force her to be come the leader of Egypt.

Murder, intrigue, war, love and sacrifice twine together to make this a must read for anyone.

5 skulls for a book that will stay with me for a long time! ( )

I love stories about strong women from history in times when women were supposed to do nothing but produce heirs and look pretty. Who knows how many more have been lost to history because their stories were stricken from the historical record much like successive rulers tried to do with Hatshepsut, the heroine of the riveting Daughter of the Gods.

Hatshepsut is the second daughter of Thutmose II and not expecting much more from her life other than to do as she pleases but then her sister dies and she suddenly finds herself as bride to her brother as tradition demands. Her only job now is to produce a son to carry on the blood line. But she is too intelligent to be caged in the women's quarters and she finds ways to co-rule with her brother who cares little for Egypt and is truly unable to make a good decision. When her brother Thumose III, dies Hatshepsut finds herself as regent for her stepson and she comes alive as steers Egypt through a major crisis and brings her into a time of prosperity and peace. She soon realized that to maintain that state she will have to take on the title of Pharaoh - putting her stepson aside until she dies.

I had a hard time putting this book down. It is so rich in detail and story! Hatshepsut is a fascinating character and Ms. Thorton does an excellent job of taking what little is left to history about this amazing woman and creating a tale that transports the reader into Ancient Egypt. I swear I felt the heat and the sand of the desert as I traveled with Hatshepsut and her entourage. Even knowing that history would not be kind to her I so wanted it all to end differently. The times were just not ready for a woman of her brilliance. Fortunately all of her was not lost as many of the building projects she spearheaded as still here for us to view and enjoy.

This thoroughly enjoyable story of a magnificent woman will take you out of the everyday for a period of time so that you can revel in the life of one of the greatest Pharaohs of Egypt. ( )

Story went like a whirlwind though Hatshepsut's life. I had wanted to read this after reading the author's novel on Theodora, and this one was no disappointment. It begins at the death of Hatshepsut's elder sister; Hatshepsut's loveless marriage with her brother; after his death, her regency of the young 'hawk in the nest' [crown prince]; successful coup de palais upon treachery of a former paramour-turned-statesman; and brilliant achievements as woman pharaoh. This was a good fictional summary of Hatshepsut's life and reign. The author brought ancient Egypt to vivid, colorful life; she has a gift for description. I felt right in media res. The characters were all well-rounded. Hatshepsut herself was a powerful, larger-than-life figure. Supplementary material was very helpful. To me, the ultimate compliment: my intention to buy another copy as a gift for someone I feel will enjoy it and learn a little something along the way, as I did. ( )

I can now say I've been to Ancient Egypt...well...sort of. I've visited through Stephanie Thornton's fabulous novel. I've seen Nubia through the eyes of Hatshepsut, I've seen the inside of the Hall of Women, I've travelled the Nile and visited the temples.

I could hear and see the sights and sounds of Egypt in the time of the pharaohs. This book is that good. Hatshepsut herself is an amazing character. She has an inner strength that will fascinate and leave the reader spellbound. I've always considered her an amazing person. Now, I feel as if I know her. Her and Senenmut. I must admit, I can understand her fascination with this incredible man, I think I sort of fell in love with him myself. The chemistry between Hatshepsut and Senenmut is palpable. These are two people who deserve to be together.

This is truly an incredible book. The writing is so well done, the reader will believe they are lost in Egypt while reading. The descriptions are so well written, I can honestly 'see' the palace, temples and characters. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you are a fan of Ancient Egypt (and who isn't, I think we all have some kind of love for the glory days of the pharaohs), don't miss this book! If you aren't a fan of Egypt, but love a good story, read this book. Lastly, if you like strong women...you get the picture...just read this book! ( )

I was just swept up by Stephanie Thornton's first novel, The Secret History, about Empress Theodora and as a result, was waiting impatiently for this book and her third novel (about the women in Genghis Khan's life!). Thornton has that wonderful knack for finding nearly forgotten women from history and giving their credulity-straining lives notice, dignity, and vibrancy.

In this book, she turns her attention to Hatshepsut, an Egyptian royal who ascended to Pharaoh, only to be almost completely erased from history after her reign.  A prophecy warned her that while she would bring glory to Egypt, it would come at the cost of everyone she loved -- a warning Hatshepsut was determined to circumvent.  She wanted glory, but she wanted love, too.

When it comes to drama and big emotions, Thornton doesn't hold back. By page 10 -- the end of the first chapter -- I was wiping away tears.  The reign of peace that Hatshepsut brought really came at dramatic cost for her, and I was hanging on every page. Love, betrayal, friendship, motherhood, war, and artistic endeavors: this book has it all!

Her Hatshepsut is strong-willed, occasionally stubborn, clever and ambitious -- believable traits in a woman who would crown herself Pharaoh.  While many of her personality quirks and preferences are wholly invented by Thornton, they rang true for me, and felt authentic to her heroine and the era she was from -- something I always appreciate in a historical novel!

As with her previous novel, Thornton makes the scandalous grounded and what could be tawdry or licentious touched with humane warmth.  Haptshepsut is married to her half-brother and is to sire his children, and Thornton handles that element in a way that recognizes history without totally alienating modern readers.

The historical details were well integrated in the narrative; through context, the reader is able to understand some of the more alien aspects of life in Egypt in 1400ish BC, and there's no over-explaining or info-dumping to slow things down.

Readers who love splashy historical novels with royal intrigue will want this one; Thornton joins the host of authors who shine a light on dynasties and families that give the Tudors and Borgias a run for their money.  Those who are obsessed with Egypt will also want this one, as well as fans of Stephanie Dray, Kate Quinn, and Michelle Moran.  Another highly recommended read -- perfect for the beach! ( )