I have always been intrigued with Queen Cleopatra. I’ve watch numerous documentaries about her rise to power, reign as queen and her life. Unfortunately, not much has been told about her life outside her affair with Julius Caesar. That said, I was happy to see this story being told from her perspective as well as from someone close to her - Servilia. Opposed to simply being a historical figure (as she is typically presented), these POVs allowed us to see Cleopatra as the human element that she may have been - a strong brave black woman who ruled alongside powerful tyrannical men. We get to understand her thoughts and how she was more than likely perceived. She is finally depicted as a brilliant tactician who ruled a nation. In most depictions of Cleopatra, the focus is on her beauty and seduction. I was so glad to see the focus on her reign, her as a mother, and some of her personal relationships (ie. her slave).

The book captured the part of her life that people seem to be most interested in - her affair with Caesar. While I understand that their stories will forever be intertwined, I would’ve loved for Caesar to be further in the background keeping the focus strictly on Cleopatra. I would’ve also love a bit more context about her childhood and development.

Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable read for historical and biblical enthusiasts alike. It presented us with an alternate perspective of one of the few African Queens in history, and exalted her accordingly. Thank you NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for the e—ARC!

this book wasn’t for me. i found it a little difficult to get through and it didn’t capture my attention as much as I thought it would based on the content. that being said, i really loved the authors writings style

This captivating historical fiction novel tells the story of one of the best Queen’s in history and that is Cleopatra. I have always neen fascinated by the story of Cleopatra and I will admit it has been a while since I've read a nook that featured her as a character but coming across this arc really sparked my curiosity and I knew that I just had to read it and I am so glad that I did.
We are introduced to Cleopatra who is the ptincess of the Nile and she has grown up in a life of luxury and receiving the brst education. She has the potential to become a great ruler although there is much unrest in her country as the people are not fond of her father.
After her father dies she ends up having to share the role of the throne with her brother who doesn't see eye to eye with her. Realizing she needs a eay to get rid of him she decides to go to Rome in search of an alliance. From her arrival in Rome she is introduced to Julius Ceasar which will cause some major sparks in the Empire.

I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own

This one just didn't get me hooked for some reason. It could have been the writing style or something else, but I just couldn't get through it.