Overall, really enjoyed this book and probably my favorite from this author! I loved learning about Egyptian history and it's just not something I have read a lot about, so I felt like it was different. I enjoyed both character's perspectives and their storylines. I thought this was going to be a 5 star read but it did get a bit boring in the middle and seemed to drag on BUT still really liked it!

I actually finished this book! I’m so proud of myself! I am not much of a history buff- unless it is my family history. So that is all on me. The writing was good and the story itself wasn’t bad. I just had a hard time with some of the long descriptive stuff. I enjoyed the “current “ story more than the B.C. sections. The characters were interesting. I would read another book from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy for my honest review.

I really enjoyed the dual storylines and the characters in both timelines. The historical details were wonderful, as always—I love how much I learn while reading. My only wish is that the ending hadn’t felt so abrupt; I would have loved more time with both stories and their characters. Overall, though, it was an engaging and memorable read. Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

My first book by Marie Benedict, but will definitely not be my last. I loved this story and learned so much history that I was not aware of. She does a wonderful job of researching and bringing the characters to life. Can't wait to read more of this author!

Thank you to net galley for the arc in exchange of an honest review.

I recently read Marie Benedict's upcoming book, Daughter of Egypt. I have read several of Marie Benedict's books, and I love the author's style of historical writing. She has a style that is completely her own. She uses first person narrative to tell a fictionalized story of a real person.

First person pulls the reader in more deeply to the character's point of view, and Benedict's research is always impeccable and transport me to the time periods of the events. Daughter of Egypt is no different. The 1920's European time period and 3,000 years earlier Egyptian time period give the reader a genuine feel of the times. Both main characters- Lady Evelyn Herbert and Hatshepsut- come alive, from the hats (or crowns) they wear to the settings they are placed in. If you are a history buff, you will fully enjoy this novel.

However, from a storytelling point of view, there are often places where the author seems to jump ship at very important moments of the plot line. Instead of showing these important events as they happen in the story line, the narrator gives a retelling of the events a few pages, or even a chapter later. Therefore, there is some confusion when the reader is told the main character cannot do something, and next scene she is doing it; but if the reader keeps reading, the explanation of why and how will come. Several arguments with the main character's mother happens this way.

I would have liked to see the the character development and the relationship growth of the main character and her mother. The mother is, after all main protagonist in the story. Seeing HOW the main character handled her disagreements with her mother over her desire to be an archaeologist would make the story much more interesting and relatable.

Absolutely loved this book! The two storylines were both very engaging and educational. Marie’s style of writing and story weaving is at its best in this book!

As a little girl, I was fascinated by Egypt. I dreamed of becoming an Egyptologist, building pyramids out of sugar cubes and devouring every book I could find about the pharaohs. Of course, life has a way of shifting our paths, and not all childhood dreams come true.

But when I picked up Daughter of Egypt by one of my favorite authors, Marie Benedict, I was instantly transported back to that little girl. I connected deeply with Eve—her longing to discover, her passion for Egypt, and her determination to bring to light the reign of a woman who deserved her rightful place among the great pharaohs.

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, King Tut was everywhere. Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter were household names—but Lady Evelyn Herbert was never mentioned. Knowing that a woman was not only present, but instrumental in such discoveries, could have given hope to so many little girls that they, too, could follow those dreams.

I felt such admiration and sorrow for Hatshepsut—a brilliant, ambitious woman born into a world that denied her the crown simply because of her sex. It made me pause and wonder: has time really changed all that much, or are we still fighting the same battles in different ways?

That’s the magic of Marie Benedict. Every one of her books shines a light on remarkable women who shaped history, yet whose stories were pushed aside or forgotten.

Marie Benedict has done it again. Another amazing book and a 5-star plus review. My favorite book of 2025 so far!

I'm a fan of Marie Benedict, and this book did not disappoint. This was a dual timeline book that will appeal to both fans of Egyptology and fans of Downton Abbey. While a few scenes were a bit farfetched because of the luck the characters had, the story still had a great deal of suspense. This book left me wanting to learn more about the actual people , places, and events in the dual timelines. I resisted looking up more about what really happened because I didn't want to spoil the book for myself while reading. With many recent stories about repatriation of art and antiquities, this book lets the reader consider what could have been had marginalized voices been elevated throughout the different times of this story.

I was excited to read this book as this is a part of history that I’m extremely fascinated by and the love of all things Egypt has shaped my vacation destination choices many times over the years.

I’ll admit to a little trepidation, as I’ve read a few books with a similar focus, but I was impressed with how Benedict gave us insight into the life of the times; readers get a full meal deal! I’ve been disappointed before by the narrow focus authors have chosen, but Benedict gives us a full picture of what it was like, during different slices of history, for women to grasp power during a time when it wasn’t accepted, and to live under the thumb of societal and parental expectations. She plants our feet on the hot sand, allows us to adjust our breathing to the climate, and then dazzles us with a pacey narrative that keeps readers spellbound. I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough.

This will be one of my top reads for the year because it allowed me to go back and revisit 5-star vacations where I experienced Egypt and stood in the same places Benedict’s characters roamed. Like Benedict, “history has always been my chosen companion.”

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I was lucky enough to receive this pre-publication version of the latest by @authormariebenedict
I have read nearly all her wonderful,historic accounts of women who are forgotten or just left behind the scenes in our recounting of history. This one did not disappoint.

The story is comprised of dual timelines. One involves an important female Pharaoh, Hatshepsut, who reigned for over 20 years as one of only a few women who ruled ancient Egypt and was famous for establishing flourishing trade routes with many new parts of the world and many amazing building projects. Her reign was nearly forgotten, wiped out.

The other, nearly 3000 years later, involves a woman with a passion for discovery and history who dares to enter the masculine world of archaeology to find out what happened to Hatshepsut. Lady Evelyn Herbert is portrayed as being responsible for the long search for Hatshepsut’s tomb.

Both these women had roles unimaginable in their times. Both gave their heart and mind to their work. Both changed history! This is a wonderful, if fictionalized, account of their acts, works and passions. A very engaging story as always from this author, Marie Benedict. The book is due out in March of 2026!

Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

Thank you for letting me read this intense & wonderful book! I adore historical fiction, and this story is a breathtaking tapestry of ambition and legacy. I adore the characters and appreciate all the notes and research that clearly went into this lovely tale.

Oh I really enjoyed this one. Eve is a character worth reading about. She’s full of strength and resilience and is not one to hold back from challenging tradition. The research and care Benedict put in to this book are clear. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is incredible historical fiction; I couldn't put it down. Following two women at two points in history, both pushing the boundaries to break with convention and live their dreams.
Beginning in 1486 BC, we follow the story of Princess Hatshepsut of Egypt, daughter of Pharaoh Thutmose, and God's Wife of Amun, is destined to marry the next Pharoah. When that pharaoh dies young, there is only one person brought up with the skill and knowledge to lead Egypt in the future: Hatshepsut herself.
In 1919, Lady Evelyn Herbert daughter of the Earl of Carnarvon, dreams of accompanying her father and archaeologist Howard Carter on their excavation in Egypt's Valley of the Kings. Evelyn's mother, Lady Almina Herbert, is determined that she remain in England for the season to tend ho her duty: husband hunting. While Lord Carnarvon dreams of finding treasures of the pharaohs, Evelyn dreams of discovering the tomb of ancient queen who dared to rule as Pharaoh in her own right: Hatshepsut.
While the English dream of excavating Egypt's past, and taking home many of its treasures, the modern people of Egypt are rising up to throw off colonialism and demand the right to rule themselves and own their own present, future, and indeed their own past.
Marie Benedict has written an astonishing tale of two parallel, yet intersecting moments in time.
Than you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review

Marie Bennedict does her research. She has a true gift for educating the reader while keeping your interest. She leads you along a story of determined and strong willed women protagonists (both based upon real people) in this dual timeline. From ancient Egypt’s late 1400s BC, you meet Hatsepsut, a female Pharaoh nearly erased from history and Eve Herbert, daughter of Lord Carnarvon, with a passion to uncover Hatsepsut’s tomb and become an acknowledged archeologist in the 1920s.
Each chapter is presented from one of the two women’s perspective, showing you the daily lives and struggles to prove themselves as worthy of their destined and/or earned positions. The story reveals the political and societal expectations of not just these two women, but also the politics, traditions and customs of the times. You learn the history of Egypt’s unease from constant rule by foreign powers, and their desire to be under their own rule. There are interesting facts about The Valley of Kings along with the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. Of royals only marrying their royal siblings (since power is passed through blood lines). Tomb raiders and Egypt’s willingness to allow archeological digs, as well the ability to take a portion of the findings.
There are still so many unknown facts about ancient Egypt. Why is it that Hatsepsut’s history as a female Pharaoh was almost entirely chiseled from history? These are questions still unanswered and debated.
If you are interested in ancient Egypt this is the book for you.

The story about a female pharaoh is told in the 1920's and 3,000 years earlier in the time of Hatshepsut. The storyline switches between these two timelines and gives a view of how the pharaohs lived and the restrictions for females in 1920. These same restrictions were in place even for a female pharaoh. Who should marry who and who should be pharaoh for Egyptian times and the same for who females should marry in 1920. The story also tells of the splendor and wealth the pharaoh's had and the ceremonies/festivals they held. It also describes the parties the wealthy held in the 1920. Beyond the comparisons to each era of time, there are two love stories being told as well. If you like Egyptian history/1920 history, this book will be something you will enjoy.

Daughter of Egypt is a lovely dual timeline story aet to come out in March of next year! This is actually my first time reading anything by Marie Benedict so I will say that I was quite impressed with what I read. The firat timeline takes place in the 1920's while the second goes back to ancient times when Egypt was ruled by pharaohs. I will say that this was a very exciting story to read!

In the 1920's we are introduced Evelyn Herbert who was the silent partner in helping her father and his assistant finding a lost tomb of a forgotten Pharaoh. This takes place during a time when it was still frowned upon for women to be working Archeology. You really have to admire Evelyn for going against the patriarchy in order to make a difference.

In ancient times we are introduced to Hatshepsut who is the daughter of the Pharaoh. She is determined to leave a mark on the world to avoid being forgotten about. However with her being a woman that is easier said than done.

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

After reading (and loving The Personal Librarian), I knew I had to get my hands on this book. I am happy to say it did not disappoint!

The story is told in dual POVs: Lady Evelyn (Eve) Herbert in England during the early 1900’s and the life of Hatshepsut in Egypt beginning in 1486 BC. Hatshepsut spent all of her life serving Egypt as the wife of Amun and later as the Pharoah, but she was quickly erased from history. Eve is determined to find Hatshepsut's tomb and finally give her the recognition she deserves.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to historical fiction lovers. I did feel that Hatshepsut's storyline was stronger and I could have read an entire book just about her. My only complaint about the book was how it ended. I spent over 300 pages being completely invested in these characters' goals and then didn't get to read what actually happened to them. 4.25/5⭐.

The story is told by two women: a 1920’s daughter of an archaeologist, Lady Evelyn, searching for a woman pharaoh and from the 1400’s life of Hatshepsut, who was a woman pharaoh. The story is too slow and there isn’t enough plot,. There is too much focus and detail of the archaeological digging. This is one of my favorite authors but the book is not up to her work.

Daughter of Egypt
Marie Benedict

The determination and brilliance of female archeologist, Lady Evelyn Herbert, deserves to her heralded as the primary reason that today we have knowledge and proof of the first female ruler of Egypt. Hatshepsut disguised herself as a man and her work benefited Egypt by bringing peace and prosperity to the area. Unfortunately, once her true sex was discovered, jealous male archeologist did their best to erase her existence. Lady Herbert’s father and his associate, both famous archeologists, are credited with many important finds.

In the 1920s as Lady Hatshepsut strived to work as an archeologist her life was more similar to the years of Hatshepsut’s reign than one would want to believe, as she encountered sexism and bias at every turn.

A heartbreaking message for women and girls around the world. Stressing the importance of a woman staying true to her dreams and being honest with herself and those around her. A detailed story of a historically important woman. A fascinating story. Another terrific look at powerful women in history through the eyes of Marie Benedict. Interesting but less compelling than many of Benedict’s prior work, three stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley, Marie Benedict and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC of Daughter of Egypt. Publication due March 24, 2026

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This was a sensational, page-turner of an historical novel.

I loved learning more about Howard Carter’s relationship with his patron, Lord Carnarvon , but the emphasis on Carnarvon’s daughter Eve was the center piece of the fascinating story . I have filled in my very sketchy understanding of ancient history through historical novels such as this. I fully understand I am reading fiction, but the political and sociological background to the story is real, and the book gave me a greater understand of Great Britain’s relationship to Egypt…and, to the broader subject of who has the right to own another country’s cultural patrimony..

I was sorry to see this book end, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent with it.