Neferura: The Pharaoh’s Daughter

Historian Evans (the Egyptified Joneses middle grade series) channels her knowledge of Egyptology into a gripping political drama of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. Neferura, the daughter of female pharaoh Hatshepsut, has settled into her prescribed role carrying out duties typically performed by a male pharaoh’s royal spouse, including serving as the country’s most powerful priestess. But threats come from within the royal family; Neferura’s half brother, Thutmose, a formerly shy boy who joined her in pretending to be a ruler when they were very young, has unexpectedly appeared at court, where he spreads the rumor that Hatshepsut poisoned their father to claim the throne. Neferura fears her brother will make a public accusation, which could plunge the kingdom into chaos—and lead to her death. She schemes to thwart Thutmose and debunk his claim, even as she worries that it might have a basis in fact, and that she’s underestimated her mother’s own ruthlessness. Evans seamlessly integrates vivid period details into the clever and tense plot, including the practice of ingesting crocodile dung to terminate a pregnancy. Admirers of Nick Drake’s Rai Rahotep trilogy will be pleased. (Feb.)