The incredible untold story of the children of Cleopatra, Egypt’s most powerful and notorious ruler—a novel that “brims over with rich details of Roman life, historical personages, and political turmoil” (Romantic Times)—from the internationally bestselling author of Nefertiti and Maria “Fast-paced, intriguing, and beautifully written.”—The Boston Globe
The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. When their orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome, only two—the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander—survive the journey. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings deep within their own hearts.
Recounted in Selene’s youthful and engaging voice, Michelle Moran introduces a compelling cast of historical characters: Octavia, the emperor Octavian’s kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra; Livia, Octavian’s bitter and jealous wife; Marcellus, Octavian’s handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir apparent; Tiberius, Livia’s sardonic son and Marcellus’s great rival for power; and Juba, Octavian’s watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals.
Based on meticulous research, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a fascinating portrait of imperial Rome and of the people and events of this most tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of the past, Selene must confront the same forces that destroyed her mother and struggle to meet a different fate.
Loved this. While Moran sticks to her Egyptian roots with her main character, Cleopatra Selene, really this book is about post-Julius Caesar Rome. Selene, her twin brother Alexander, and younger brother Ptolemy are taken to Rome by Octavian (future Emperor Augustus) after the death of their parents, Cleopatra and Mark Antony. They are his trophies, and will live with his sister, Octavia. Soon, Selene finds herself wrapped up not only in the politics of being part of the Caesar’s extended family, but also in the mystery of the Red Eagle, a mystery man (or woman) who fights for the freedom of Rome’s slaves.
Not much is known about Selene’s early life, but I can completely buy that a strong, independent woman such as Cleopatra would have a strong, independent daughter. She longs for a return to Egypt, but still finds herself wrapped up in the normalcy of a pre-teen/teenager’s life — school, shopping, gossip, and crushes. Through her experiences, we learn what life for a girl in Rome’s aristocracy may have been like. It’s a little bit difficult to keep track of who everyone is and how they’re related to each other (especially the children, who all tend to be either step-siblings or half-siblings with each other), but there is a guide in the front that helps.
Also, this book is being marketed both as a YA novel and as an "adult" novel (whatever that means). It’s definitely more on the YA side, but enjoyable for adults as well.
