Review of Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh by Katie Hamstead

Ugh, the cover does not do B&W well

Title: Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh

Author: Katie Hamstead

Rating: 4/5

Firstly, I’d like to state I am crazy about Ancient Egypt. More precisely, the mythology before this period (Atenism seems so bland next to the customary religion of that time). Let’s just say that, while I enjoyed the story later on, there was a niggle right at the beginning that left a lingering unpleasantness in my mind, even after putting it down to “unreliable narrative” status. Part of that might just be me.

Beyond that, it is a great story.

So the story is about Naomi being chosen to become the Pharaoh’s wife (or, at least, one of them) and her adjustment to the whole lifestyle while trying to remain true to her Hebrew roots. It took me a while to get into it, possibly because of the aforementioned jolt, but once she’s settled, the story really kicks off. There were quite a few scenes that had me sniggering, especially when it came to the wives and the overall interaction with Nefertiti.

I’ve mixed feelings about the ending though. How wicked to finish a story that way. This is why I rarely read a series before I’ve got all the books.

You’re evil, Katie, you better be quick with the sequel. I want to know what happens