It was good but I just didn't like this story as much as the previous two books in this series. I just didn't find myself as engrossed in Selene's conflicts as I did Munty's or Neftertari's.

I picked up this book after seeing some praise for it on Tumblr, and after reading it for myself, I’m a little mixed. On the one hand, I loved Selene and the efforts the author took to portray Roman society. On the other, the book did a lot of things that annoy me about historical fiction in general. Overall, it’s an enjoyable read, but not one I’d recommend for someone who is looking for an accurate portrayal of history.

Things I Liked

1. Culture Shock: A lot of books I’ve read about Ancient Rome portray Roman culture as the height of civilization, despite many of the “barbaric” customs. With our main character, Selene, being the lens through which the reader sees Rome, we get a very different take on Roman culture. Everything seems to be shocking and the negative aspects are clearly highlighted. The book even makes an effort to separate Greek and Roman culture while also highlighting its similarities, which I appreciated (since a lot of people seem to say they’re the same). It’s a welcome change from books where Rome can essentially do no wrong.

2. Challenge of Slavery as an Institution: There were some moments in this book that asked readers to think about slavery as an institution. Roman slavery is different from the slavery in early America, and I think this book did a good job of portraying how it is still reprehensible despite appearances of slaves being valued members of a Roman family (such as the character Gallia). I liked that scenes in the book asked readers to contemplate what would happen to Rome if slavery were repealed or even if certain laws were changed to improve the life of slaves. Of course, this isn’t me saying that I condone slavery or think Roman slavery wasn’t so bad... I just like it when novels explore culture in a way that’s nuanced.

3. Octavian: The character of Octavian surprised me. One moment he was a paranoid, power-hungry caesar and the next, his attitudes were being positively influenced by the people around him. He desires power, but at one time, he intervenes in the treatment of a slave (surprising, given that the slave has no importance to the story as a whole). He also comes to treat Selene with some degree of reverence and respect, even admiring the work she does for his architect. I like characters that are complex, even if they are villainous or antagonistic.

Things I Didn’t Like

1. Portrayal of Women: Look, Rome wasn’t a feminist utopia, but I do wish authors would default to something other than “women were breeders with no rights and were horribly oppressed.” Moran doesn’t quite go this far, but she toes the line, in my opinion. The book continuously talks about how girls were only valued for marriage, and several sexual assaults (or attempted assaults) occur in the book (one against Selene when she is only eleven years old). One minor character is only really in the novel to be an example of a thirteen year old girl who is married to an old man, only to be impregnated and have her daughter ordered to be abandoned to die because it isn’t a male child. The female characters in this book also seem to be at war with one another, with a few exceptions. Livia, in particular, was way too cartoonish for my taste.

2. Prose: Most of this book is dialogue, which means a lot of info is told to the reader instead of shown. Roman culture is told to Selene, which means a lot of it is simply related to us, the reader. I get a little tired of constant dialogue, which makes the prose feel uninspired and plain.

3. Pace: I feel like, because so much is explained to the reader instead of shown, this book moves at way too quick a pace. But also, in parts, it seems to drag. Perhaps it’s because of the focus of the novel: Moran is much more interested in Selene’s childhood in Rome than she is in the historical Selene’s marriage to Juba and her influence over his policies. It’s not that Selene’s childhood isn’t interesting - maybe such a meandering story through the various aspects of Roman life isn’t for me.

4. Historicity: There are several aspects to this novel that feel more modern than Roman, including the treatment of homosexuality. Same-sex relationships are treated with shock and speculation, though never openly condemned. Selene also seems to be shocked by a few things because they’re different from life in Egypt, but some of these things make out Rome to be barbaric and violent while Egypt is refined (a dichotomy I don’t think is as simple as that). A few other things felt modern as well, and while it can be a reflection of how ancient Rome was similar to today in some senses, I don’t think enough work was done to normalize ancient culture.

Recommendations: I would recommend this book if you’re interested in ancient Rome, Roman culture, rule of Gaius Octavius (Augustus), life of Kleopatra Selene, and coming of age novels.

After Cleopatra's defeat and suicide, her children Selene, Alexandre and Ptolemy are taken to Rome as captives. The little Ptolemy doesn't survive the long journey (this was my first crying moment). Once in Rome, they are treated as a Prince and Princess of Egypt, though in golden chains, but all effort is put into making them as Roman as they could be. Their intention is to return to Egypt, but Caesar Octavian has other plans. So does the Red Eagle, a rebel who fights against slavery and threatens to shake up the foundations of Rome, where a third of the population are slaves. Who is the Read Eagle? How does Selene get involved into his fight, and will Octavian succeed in his plans to remove the only surviving descendants of the Ptolemy dynasty?

I was never much of a history fan, but this story has swept me off my feet. It's wonderful when the passion of the author shines through the pages as it does here; Michelle, who has been to numerous archeological sites all over the world, has resurrected Rome to every single detail. I never experienced Rome so real, starting from the descriptions of the buildings, inhabitants, arts and customs to weather, clothing and food. Though the novel is based on historical facts, I never got the impression that any of them were slowing down the action.Michelle Moran has turned a history lesson into an exciting, thrilling, compelling novel that kept me up reading deep in the night, ans I only wish I had it few years ago, when this era was taught in school!

Cleopatra's Daughter was an exciting read from the very first page. It's narrated from the perspective of Selene, a pretty, but also very intelligent, artistically talented and responsible girl who is determined to survive and revive her mother's kingdom. Selene is a character whom you'll sympathize with throughout the novel and keep your fingers crossed for. She's the heiress of Egypt, but she's also a young girl (eleven when she comes to Rome, fifteen at the end of the novel) who experiences first love, broken heart, injustice and treachery, political games and social ailments. Can you imagine what were teenagers like in ancient Rome? They loved shopping, games, nice clothes, make-up, being pretty for the guys they like. They didn't like school much either and would rather spend the time hanging out and partying with their friends. Sounds familiar?
Each character is well-developed and unique. They all have their own stories and carry their burdens, and it was fascinating to watch them grow as they come of age. At the end of the book is an appendix on what happened to them afterwards. The sad story of Julia and Marcellus was a bitter surprise. Who would have thought it would end up so tragically? There's also a timetable, a map of Rome, a list of characters and a glossary for better understanding.

The mystery of the Red Eagle had me guessing to the last page. There were just so many characters who might have been the mysterious fighter for abolition of slavery.When the veil of mystery was finally lifted, it was so perfectly obvious. That simple and yet powerful resolution and the revelation of a beautiful love story was my last crying moment and a reason for another squeal-I want more!

I doubt this review has captured how I fell about Cleopatra's Daughter. It's definitely one of my favorite books this year. It's also a book I'd recommend to everyone, no matter of what age and interest in history or historical fiction. Indulge yourself in this time-travel and find out what is so enchanting about Cleopatra and her daughter.

Very well written historical fiction. The book follows the story of the twin orphans of Cleopatra & Marc Antony. Taken to Rome as part of the spoils of war, Selene and Alexander are raised in the home of Octavian's sister, Octavia. (who was also Marc Antony's ex-wife) Well researched and detailed, the story is intriguing and engaging. Recommended!

If you are a fan of Ancient Roman history and enjoy historical fiction, this book is for you. It brings to life the lives of Cleopatra's children.

Things I liked:
- I like Moran's writing style. I was invested into the story immediately.
- Great historical background. I had a very limited background in Roman history (knowing only what I learned from Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra and Julius Caesar). I learned a lot from this book.
- I like that Selene ends up with Juba in the end. At first I didn't like Juba, but after learning how he was taking care of Selene and Alexander changed my mind. He was in love with Selene even while she was desperate about Marcellus.
- I was genuinely shocked that Juba was the Red Eagle. I wasn't expecting that at all, and that made me have more respect for him.
- The ending is the best part of the book because it is action packed and fast paced.

Things I didn't like:
- Livia is a horrible person! She is spiteful, jealous, and violent.
- Alexander's and Julia's relationships came out of nowhere. There wasn't any real indication that Marcellus reciprocated feelings for Julia until it was found out that they had an affair. Alexander's feelings for Lucius just popped out of nowhere as well. I wish there would have been more foreshadowing for these relationships instead of just blindsiding the readers. However, I grew to like Lucius and Alexander together.
- The fact that Alexander hides important information from his twin sister, but instead confides in Lucius. Alexander is supposed to have Selene's back!
- Alexander's death is so awful!
- I really liked Marcellus in the beginning, but after he starts sleeping with Julia, everything changes. He is no longer kind and compassionate, but greedy and self-centered.

Things I learned while reading/researching:
- I didn't know that Cleopatra had children, much less with both Antony and Julius Caesar. I also did not know that two of her children were twins- Cleopatra Selene and Alexander Helios. I also was unaware that her son Alexander was named after Alexander the Great.
- The area now known as France, was known as Gaul.

I enjoyed the details about Roman life. It is interesting how much of what goes on in daily life in Rome, at least in this story, mirrors what goes on in society today. I was shocked by the brutality—I assumed that Romans were smarter or more fair I guess.
As to the story itself I was disappointed that the author went on for about 360 pages and then ended it in the last 40 pages—rushed to say the least. Someone in book club said her editor probably told her she needed to tie it up.

My two years of Latin were of some use in reading this novel and it is obvious that the author performed a great deal of research to concoct the stories; however, this type of novel does not whet my interest in ancient history! Not really impressed with Young Adult fiction (and all those shopping trips, REALLY!)!

I enjoyed learning about Rome and what it was like to live during that time, and the fiction aspect of the book was also entertaining. I also appreciated the way the author distinguished between the two at the end of the book, as well as providing the fate of some of the main characters.