The story of Hatshepsut begins in childhood. A precocious princess, who can both read and write, she is destined to be the wife of the next King of Egypt.
Unfortunately, her husband dies young. There is only a toddler to take his place. Thutmose III (“the Great”) ascends to the Throne of Horus at the age of three.
As Hatshepsut’s nephew, Thutmose cannot be protected by her in the role of co-regent.
There is only one option if the throne of Egypt is to be saved.
Hatshepsut must become King.
Reviews
Hatshepsut is often forgotten by other authors who write about Ancient Egypt but she was an interesting woman – as much if not more so than her better well known successor Cleopatra. By the time I had finished this book I really felt I had a better understanding of this period of Egyptian history and a greater understanding of what life was like in Ancient Egypt. A really enjoyable book.
Catherine G – Goodreads Review
I loved this fictional book from Hatshepsut, I’m glad that that it was a unique concept for this series. The characters worked well and I was invested in the story. Sharon Janet Hague has a great writing style and I’m so glad I got to read this.
Kathryn – Amazon Review
Excerpt
Chapter 1
‘‘Hatshepsut! Put your sandals on, now!’’
Nanny Aya’s face was purple. Shoving on her footwear, the little girl rapidly obeyed. She leaned forward. Gleaming gold filled the harbour. Her father, King Tuthmosis, was arriving from the battlefields of Nubia. His queen, the Great Wife Ahmose, and Hatshepsut’s brothers, Wadj and Mose, huddled together under the royal pavilion. In the chilly dawn, they could make out the ships. Wadj jostled his mother’s skirts. Peering frantically across the water, he tried to spot his father. Mose was dignified and sat still. Hatshepsut put her hand in her mother’s and smiled up at her. Tired, Ahmose did not respond. Having worried for months, she did not know whether her husband was returning to Egypt wounded or whole. Dangerous and unpredictable, the southern Nile cataracts had prevented regular updates from Nubia.
Now, with the crowds of common Egyptians, they awaited Pharaoh. Egypt’s subjects knew Tuthmosis was conquering foreign lands and making his kingdom great. However, Ahmose was aware of a more homespun truth. The only reason her husband had endangered his life was because their country needed resources. The trip to Nubia was important. Egypt’s economy was at stake.
Finally, the king’s flagship swung into port, followed by his royal fleet. Cheering subjects crowded on the pier in the frosty morning air. With loud shouts, crew members flung ropes to men waiting on the shore. Sliding up against the bank, King Tuthmosis’ ship docked as the sun struck the top of the palm trees. Hatshepsut wanted to rush forward, but the family had to remain seated under the protective awning of the royal pavilion.
Dressed in a white robe and carrying a staff, Vizier Ptah-hotep stepped forward. Catching the girl’s eye, he inclined his head. She knew him well from visits to his home. It was a place where she could play with other children of her own age and where tasty cooking smells filled the air. Ptah-hotep’s cooks were also better than the palace chefs. This morning, the vizier made her feel important. Hatshepsut sat up straight and the nanny’s admonition rolled off her.
Crew lowered a wooden gangplank from the royal flagship. Porters carrying chests and sacks, disembarked. Officers followed. A group of prisoners in chains and wooden handcuffs shuffled onshore. Suddenly, Pharaoh appeared. Clad in a ceremonial kilt and war crown, Tuthmosis moved swiftly down the gangplank. He accepted his people’s adulation while his bodyguards desperately tried to keep the unruly masses at bay.
‘‘Daddy!’’
Tuthmosis waved to his daughter. Excited, Wadj and Mose followed their sister’s lead, calling out to their father. The king’s officers disembarked and joined their leader. Finally, they moved as a group towards the royal pavilion to where the royal party waited. Tuthmosis scooped up his daughter into brawny arms. She smelled his myrrh gum, which he chewed to keep his breath fresh.
‘‘Miss me, petal?’’
Hatshepsut hugged his neck. Gently, he kissed the top of her head. The child relaxed and dangled her legs. Her sandals fell off. Rubbing noses with his wife Ahmose, the king stroked her long tresses. Wiping tears from her pale cheeks, he spoke softly. Then, deciding his family needed to get out of the morning chill, Tuthmosis headed for the palace, dragging everyone in his wake. Ptah-hotep, who had a speech prepared, picked up the hem of his garment and trotted behind them. Catching up to the royal party, he took Mose and Wadj by the hand. The princess gazed over her father’s shoulder. The sun was still rising. On the jetty, empty boats lay in a long line. In the distance, she noticed a naked man hanging from the prow of the flagship. Rocking back and forth, he dangled upside down, hands bound behind him, an arrow sticking out of his chest.
Hatshepsut turned her head on her father’s shoulder. Birds rose out of the marshes. Still as the royal fleet of ships, the Nile gleamed like a mirror. Up since an early hour, the child fell asleep.
