Cleopatra's Daughter

by Michelle Moran

Loved it. A great piece of historical fiction about loss, power, ambition and politics set against the backdrop of Ancient Rome after the deaths of one of the most passionate couples ever, Cleopatra and Marc Antony. The story is riveting and complex with a heroine, Queen Kleopatra Selene, who is charming and intelligent. Indulge in the rich details of historical figures and political strife of Imperial Rome and and you won’t be disappointed.

Selene and her twin brother Alexander are taken from Egypt after the death of their parents by Octavian, Antony’s conqueror, and shipped to Rome to become guests of Caesar.  Selene’s narration of the world around her is vivid with an authentic clarity. She is proud, charming, extremely intelligent and longs for the attention of handsome Marcellus, heir to Octavian. But she is unaware of the one man who can truly love her.

Selene is a pawn in the political and personal ambitions of Octavian and his wife as well as those around her. Realizing the dangers around her Selene navigates the treacherous minefields of power and privilege to stay alive and free…

The tension as Selene and Alexander become of age and a threat to Octavian and Rome is what makes the story jump from the page. Who can save the heirs to Egypt? The Red Eagle, Juba or Marcellus…or perhaps they must take matters into their own hands and realize the same fate as their mother.

If you love or even like historical fiction you will truly enjoy this book. Imperial Rome is a tumultuous setting and is filled with fascinating facets of life and intrigue to keep you engrossed until the end. Moran’s command of the material will have you grasping for more as you turn each page.