Daughters of the Nile

Wow. Wow. It's been a few days since I've finished this one, and I'm still struggling with how to articulate just how much I adored this book. Loved it so much I want to just yell at everyone in all caps to convey my deep passion for it! 

Daughters of the Nile is the final volume in Dray's trilogy about Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene. (I've reviewed both the previous volumes, Lily of the Nile and Song of the Nile.)

At this point in Selene's journey, she's begun openly resisting Roman emperor Caesar Augustus in her endeavor to fully own her life.  After struggling with the heavy weight of her family's name and legacy, the lure of ruling Egypt always tempting her, Selene has paid for her ambitions -- and what was just her burden show more is now affecting others: her husband, King Juba, her daughter, Isadora, her niece, Phythodorida.  But pursuing her own dream isn't easy nor gifted to her by Augustus, and as with the previous novels, Dray doesn't coddle the reader nor hold back on the brutality, cruelty, and gutting reality of life for women in this era.

This is a historical fantasy, technically, but Dray's use of magic in this series is subtle and understated and felt so natural that I never noticed it.  The characters aren't using magic to enchant people or get work done; like everything else in this series, using magic comes at a considerable cost, and the decision to evoke magic is weighed carefully. 

Dray's storytelling skill is just marvelous, and seen not only in this book but in the trilogy over all. Selene's life is one of tragedy, and yet, as a heroine she is dynamic, determined, and dedicated toward getting what is hers. Dray artfully conveys Selene's growth, from a young prisoner of war in Lily of the Nile to a teenaged monarch and mother struggling with demons and her desperate desire to win at all costs in Song of the Nile to, finally, a woman fully realizing what must be sacrificed to save what she loves in Daughters of the Nile.

There are no static characters in these books; everyone changes, grows, develops, and their actions make complete sense.  Even the twisted, torturous Augustus -- a monster -- had moments of humanity, and had characters who loved him as much as they loathed him.

And oh, how I loved these characters.  Dray is as hard on everyone else as she is on Selene and to say Dray gutted me is an understatement.  As I was finishing this book, my wife woke to find me sobbing -- shoulder-shaking sobs! -- at 3am.  I had my heart broken about ten times in this book, and the way Dray built up, drew out, and brought all that pain and pathos to life was just astounding.  I loved every agonizing minute.

Here's the bottom line: Daughters of the Nile might be one of the best concluding volumes in a series I've ever read, and Dray's Cleopatra Selene trilogy among the best historical fiction trilogies out there.  It has everything for hungry readers of historical fiction: rich and atmospheric details that evoke a foreign time and place, a standout cast of characters that live and breath, resonant themes and deep emotional interactions that are impossible to shake off, and some deliciously disturbing soap opera-y elements in case you were feeling safe.  show less

Daughters of the Nile wraps up the trilogy on Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of the legendary Cleopatra of Egypt and Marc Antony of Rome that started with Lily of the Nile and continued with Song of the Nile. You do have to have read the first two books to enjoy the third but they do add to the richness of all of the characters' back stories. Such is the power and brilliance of Ms. Dray's writing skills.

I must admit to a partiality to books that take place in Ancient Rome. It's a time period that fascinates me and this book is no exception. I had a very hard time putting it down and I suspect had I not been reading it around the holidays I would have finished it within two days but the obligations and general busyness kept me from show more reading as much as I would have liked. It's not a short book at just under 600 pages but it read like a novella. I simply did not want it to end but like all good things, end it did. This book covers the period of Selene's life where she truly comes into her own as queen of Mauretania, mother to her children and goddess of Isis. While Ms. Dray adheres to history she does add a fair bit of magic and mysticism into the tale but it fits both the times and the character. You never feel as if you've fallen down some rabbit hole never to return.

Selene and her husband, Juba were historically good rulers of their country. They brought a period of peace that hadn't been seen before or sadly after they died. In the novel Selene is always trying to do what is best for her family, her dynasty and herself while trying to keep Augustus at bay. There isn't a single character that is simple or one-note; they are all that complex mixture of good and bad that makes us all human. They grow and learn and the reader shares their triumphs and failures because you become so invested in their stories because of the writing. You enter their worlds and you don't want to come out. Which makes the ending of the series all the more devastating. I'm not giving anything away or posting any spoilers by telling you that Selene dies and it's never easy to lose a beloved character when you have been reading through her life for three books.

I highly recommend this series if you are looking for a trip through history with a fascinating woman and a very complicated, calculated and at times downright evil man. As much as this is Selene's story it would not be what it was without Augustus and Ms. Dray wrote him I believe, as the damaged human he was. Read the books - you won't be disappointed. show less

Daughters of the Nile is the third book in a trilogy about Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. The trilogy starts with [Lily of the Nile] and then [Song of the Nile]. Selene is married to King Juba II and together they rule the Kingdom of Mauretania, a safe haven away from the conniving clutches of Augustus, Emperor of Rome. Augustus is obsessed with Selene, he is jealous of the life she leads with Juba and wants her to himself. This is not what Selene wants so the Emperor will extract a price for her lack of cooperation.

Selene must protect her family from the obsession and wrath of Augustus. She will use anything in her power to keep her family safe, including using the magic she inherited from her mother show more Cleopatra. The use of magic has a price, which Selene will eventually have to pay.

This was a great book to finish of the trilogy. All the key players were there, Livia and her sons, Julia and Agrippa and their sons, Selene's brothers. My favourite secondary character was Julia. I would really like to read more about her so I will be on the look out for Julia books in the future. Selene and her family travel between Mauretania and Rome. There were wonderful descriptions of the architecture of the time, the food, and the clothing. There was definitely a couple of "pass me the tissues" moments in this one. show less

This is the final book in an excellent trilogy of Cleopatra's daughter. This daunting book of 576 pages tries to tell of a story of a dauntless queen who lived in the turbulent and twisted early period of the Roman Empire.

Most people are at least vaguely aware of Caesar, Marc Anthony, Cleopatra, and Augustus. They were giants and legends in history. Selene was a byproduct of that age .... and a byproduct of Anthony and Cleopatra love. No one remembers her and I applaud Stephanie Dray for telling a remarkable story about Selene.

My main grievances with the book are the length and complications of Selene's family tree. I wonder if this book could have been broken in two? Not much can be done about the bewildering family tree.

It's a long show more read. There were times I thought about putting it down and moving on to another book. But I'm glad to have stuck around to read about this Daughter of the Nile. show less

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

Daughters of the Nile, written by Stephanie Dray, is the 3rd and final book in her Cleopatra’s Daughter series.

Cleopatra Selene, daughter of Cleopatra and Marc Anthony, is now queen, wife and mother, and together with her husband, King Juba, they rule the kingdom of Mauretania.

Hoping and praying that Augustus, the emperor of Rome, has gotten over his obsession with her, Selene wants nothing more than to raise her children in the new land that she now calls home. Unfortunately, Augustus has other plans. And no one says no to the emperor and expects to live.

Stephanie Dray is a very talented wordsmith who brings to life the time of show more 19 B. C. The reader will be drawn in, feeling all the emotions that her characters feel. Daughters of the Nile is a must read for any fan of historical fiction. And if you are not a fan of historical fiction, this series will convert you. It did me. show less

DAUGHTERS OF THE NILE by Stephanie Dray is an exciting Historical Fiction based on the true story of Cleopatra's daughter. Book # 3 in the "Cleopatra's Daughter" trilogy, but can be read as a stand alone. Although, I would recommend reading the others in this Trilogy. However, with this said, I have not read the others but do intend to go back and do so. See, "Lily of the Nile" and " Song of the Nile". Written in first person. Oh my what an intriguing and interesting tale of Cleopatra's daughter, Cleopatra Selene, orphan, and despised daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and Rome's emperor's captive who suffers years of abuse. Now wife to King Juba II, and out to revive a dynasty in Mauretania. But her peace is once again threatened show more when Augustus Caesar demands her children be fostered in Rome.

Empowering as well as gut wrenching tale of love, ruthless rivals, intrigue, unfailing courage, determination and destiny. Ms. Dray has weaved a story of a lesser-known historical character into a tale of magic, intrigue and used an exotic setting. History buffs are sure to enjoy "Daughter of the Nile" as well as romance readers, and historical fiction readers. An intriguing tale in which Ms. Dray brought the characters to life on the pages of "Daughters of the Nile". A great read! Received for an honest review from the publisher.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More show less

The final instalment of Stephanie Dray's trilogy about Cleopatra Selene.

Despite family tragedies, Cleopatra Selene and Juba win their way through to a better, happier, relationship. Wonderful deathbed scene.