The Heretic Queen

A Novel

By: Michelle Moran

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

In this stunning novel of passion, power, and redemption, a forgotten princess in ancient Egypt must overcome her family’s past and remake history—from the internationally bestselling author of Nefertiti and Maria.

The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the Eighteenth Dynasty’s royal family—with the exception of Nefertari, the niece of the reviled former queen, Nefertiti. The girl’s deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names. But this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharoah’s aunt, then brought to the temple of Hathor, where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen.

Soon Nefertari catches the eye of the Crown Prince, and despite her family’s history, they fall in love and wish to marry. Yet all of Egypt opposes this union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one. While political adversity sets the country on edge, Nefertari becomes the wife of Ramses the Great. Destined to be the most powerful Pharoah in Egypt, he is also the man who must confront the most famous exodus in history.

©2008 Michelle Moran (P)2008 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

“Nefertari tells her story simply, humbly, and in a clear voice that will attract readers.”—Romantic Times

“Moran’s careful attention to detail and her artful storytelling skills bring these people to vivid life, imbuing ancient history with suspense and urgency.”—Boston Globe

“Performing deft feats of Egyptian magic, Michelle Moran transforms stone-cold history-from-hieroglyphs into gripping narrative, peopled by unforgettable characters seething with conflict and passion. I couldn’t stop reading, but I didn’t want this book to end.”—Robin Maxwell, author of Mademoiselle Boleyn

“Michelle Moran breathes new life into the faded paintings on tomb walls, bringing Ramesses, Nefertari, and the whole panoply of ancient Egyptian splendor to vivid, bustling, page-turning life.”—Lauren Willig, author of The Secret History of the Pink Carnation

“Authentic, captivating, and beautifully rendered, Michelle Moran’s The Heretic Queen brings to vivid life the ancient courts and distant vistas of New Kingdom Egypt. A fascinating read.”—Susan Fraser King, author of Lady Macbeth

An entertaining take on history

If you could sum up The Heretic Queen in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, empowering, smouldering

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nefertari, she is a smart young woman who truly loves her country and her pharaoh husband

What about Cassandra Campbell’s performance did you like?

She captures the intelligent air of the young lady main character, Nefertari

If you could rename The Heretic Queen, what would you call it?

The Warrior Wife

It was amazing!

Just a wonderfully written story that imagines this moment in history so well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend! Especially for readers who enjoy stories that have happy endings and not an over-the-top amount of suspense. I appreciate, too, that Moran doesn’t include super graphic love scenes as many other authors do—the love scenes in this novel were descriptive enough to feel the beauty of the moment, but still discreet. Thank you for that!

Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought the voice of Cassandra Campbell was well suited for the parts. I listened to this one before Nefertiti and wished now that I had read them in order.

Lost sleep

I love Historical Fiction, great sequel to Nefertiti if not better, I could not stop listening.

History imagined clearly

Like other books by this author, Heretic Queen gives a glimpse into the past. Ancient Egypt with all the Majesty and corruption one would imagine.

Fantasy novel of historical fiction

Took a chance on an author I was previously unfamiliar with. couldn't put this down .

The Heretic Queen

The Heretic Queen is a worthy sequel to Nefertiti. Moran continues to draw you into the exotic world of Ancient Egypt, weaving an intriguing story with historical details that bring that era (1200s BC) completely to life. This is the story of Mutnodjmet's daughter, Nefertari, and her triumph over her past (as the niece of Nefertiti, the Heretic Queen). Nefertari is an incredibly strong character--much like her mother was in Nefertiti. It's amazing to think that the rulers of Egypt at this time were largely teenagers, counseled by older, wiser viziers, but teenagers, nevertheless.

Both of these books made me appreciate how the women of that time knew how to care for their skin and use make-up and accessories to dramatize and enhance their features, drawing parallels to the use of skin care products, makeup and jewelry today.

I could envision being in the court

A great writer provides descriptions that take you there this was definitely well done historical fiction from the court of pharaoh Rameses in queen Neferatari's perspective

fantastic book!!

Michelle Moran has not disappointed me. her books grab your attention at first sentence. I love this book. it is intense. intriguing, and beautiful written!!

must read (listen) series

the story is well written and the narrator is very skilled. Easy listening! looking forward to book 3