Michelle Moran (1) (1980–)

This is the tale of Queen Lakshmi and her all-female guard, and the trusted friendship she develops with her most skilled of soldiers Sita. Sita was a motherless child raised in poverty. Seeking a way out for her family and being the protector of her little sister, Sita trains to be a warrior, in hopes of being selected to join the Queen's army. And this is exactly what she does, going on to become a friend and confident to the Queen.

This story has a little of everything. Full of adventure, adversity and even a little romance, Sita is a heroine for today. The author always writes an engaging and easy-to-read story. While I enjoyed this story, it wasn't quite as good as her earlier novel Madame Tussaud. Nevertheless I would recommend this one.… (altro)

I went into CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER with almost no idea at all about her children by Marc Antony. This isn't to say I had no idea who they were, but I didn't know their fates beyond that they didn't die with Cleopatra. Moran is careful to note any historical changes she made in the Historical Notes section, although she stayed as true to what is factually known as possible, in as much as possible.

There are smaller details that are interesting and noteworthy—such as Livia's (Octavian's obsequious, spiteful wife) purposeful misspelling of Kleopatra, substituting the 'C' for the 'K' or the topical references to Spartacus, not as a historical mark piece, but as a rebellious slave that cost hundreds of thousands of lives. Or Octavian's careful cruelty (challenging a father to duel his son to the death) and fake humbleness (visitors only see the crude wood benches when visiting, not the luxurious silver-gilted tables and couches his friends dine at).

The key is in the details, after all.

We follow Kleopatra Selene and her twin brother, Helios Alexander (Marc Anthony's 'Sun and Moon'), from the age of 11 years old (in 30 B.C.), all the way to 25 B.C. when they are 15 years old. We start with Octavian storming Kleopatra the VII's palace and taking the children captive for his 'Triumph' in Rome, and end things with Selene finally leaving Rome.

Selene is depicted as being willful, clinging to a past that can never be again and searching for a way to keep herself alive in a kingdom where its ruler will kill a trusted friend's son just because he speaks rashly. I felt pity for Selene, for the troubles she had to endure and rise above, but some of that she brought on herself by being stubborn. Her brother, in contrast, tries to fall into line as quickly as possible. He is the more practical one, but also tends to make foolish choices to 'impress' others.

The cast of characters surrounding Selene are all, with the exception of one, true historical personages she met and interacted with. Most interesting to me was Gallia (a Gallic Princess enslaved three decades before by Julius Caesar after his conquering of Gaul) and Octavia, Octavian's sister. Octavia was at times the most caring, compassionate person Selene had ever met, but she was Roman to her core—employing slaves, devoted to her brother's politics (if not his practices, and a worshiper of the Roman Gods.

This is a wonderful, remarkable book that historical fiction lovers will be immensely pleased with.… (altro)