The story of Cleopatra is a story that almost everyone knows – the story of what happened to her children after her death is one few know. Michelle Moran tells an instantly engrossing story that sucks you in to the world of Rome during the reign of Octavian. As Selene and Alexander try to navigate their way through this new world, full of intrigue and fear, the reader is treated to an experience of a lifetime.

Selene and Alexander are taken to Rome to live with Octavian’s sister after Cleopatra and Mark Antony commit suicide. Here they are treated as members of the royal family but are always questioning what will happen to them. The twins are immersed into a completely different culture, and despite being very well educated, this world is very different from the life they left behind in Egypt. The nice thing about this, as a reader, is that coming into this book not knowing too much about daily life in Rome you get to explore it though their eyes and learn about the culture just as the kids would.

Knowing from the day they were taken to Rome that their 15th birthday would be an important life changing event, the age when marriages would be arranged for them, the children look toward this day with apprehension. Would they marry well, or would Octavian take out his conquest on them by arranging a terrible marriage? Would any harm come to them – as it could be a hazard to have children of Cleopatra and Mark Antony that could become a rallying point for those opposed to Octavian? Would they ever get to go back home and take the place they rightfully deserve? They would just have to wait and see…

Michelle Moran again creates a wonderful world that you cannot remove yourself from once you start reading – it will engrain itself in your mind and you will think about it even when you are not reading. The characters are very true to the historical way they are thought to be. Reading the descriptions of events that really took place it is so unbelievable that it really happened this way and is not just a creation of the author. These are some of the best stories! I really loved the character of Selene – she is just the right amount of trusting and reserved – she stays true to who she is, even in a very different culture. I also really loved the use of Latin and period appropriate vocabulary used. I have never studied Latin – but I have a good enough handle on Latin root words that I could easily discern what they were talking about (and if not, there is a glossary at the back of the book). It made the story that much more realistic – people were talking more of the way they would.

I can tell you that I really never saw the ending coming – and interestingly I had done some of my own research and never put the pieces together within the story. The ending has quite a full circle feel to it and is definitely worth the wait.

Michelle Moran receives my highest praise for this one and I can’t wait for the next.

This book was received for review from the author - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.

Another good read by Michelle Moran. This one is different then the Heretic books because it takes place in in Rome. This book is about Selene, the daughter of Antony and Kleopatra. Selene and her brother Alexander are brought to Rome as prisoners of war. I read this book in 2 sittings because the characters keep the novel moving along.
I had to get used to the style of life in ancient Rome. The main characters in this book are all adolescents yet they live very much as adults. Boys train, fight in wars and vie for political allies. Girls marry and have babies at 13.
I definitely recommend this as well as Moran's other books. I enjoyed this book but preferred the Egyptian novels a little more.

I loved this book! Of course I did - it's historical fiction, my favorite genre.

There were several strengths to the story worth mentioning:

1. Moran has obviously done her research. The details about the clothing, the food, the architecture, etc. really added to the feel of the novel.

2. I had to do quite a bit of research to understand the "characters" in the novel. Even though I knew how the story would end based on history, I thought Moran was clever to add the mystery of the "Red Eagle" as a plot device. It certainly kept my interest.

3. I love how Moran took historical details (and myths) to weave a clever story.

I have a few minor critiques of the book. I felt like the novel (for whatever reason) was Egyptian-biased. Perhaps it's just me, but I felt as though Moran was inaccurately portraying Egypt as the more civilized culture than Rome (e.g. Selene's "shock" at the treatment of slaves).

It was also slightly jarring when Moran would use improper terms, which she admitted on her Website, for certain items. For example, I'm sure that sailors wouldn't use the term "miles" when discussing the distance to Rome. For someone who did so much research, making it "easier" for the readers seems a bit of a cop out.

Overall, a wonderful story that will teach you about history and culture at the same time!

Moran's portrayal of women still confuses me. Julia's depiction is so nuanced -- she is deeply selfish and spoiled, and yet Selene still makes an effort to be her friend and show empathy. Yet Livia is outwardly bitter, cruel, and without a single redeeming factor. How could a woman like that have risen to such power? It makes no sense!
This is my fourth or fifth time reading this book, though, so obviously it doesn't bother me TOO much!

I have to say that Michelle Moran is a master story teller and if it's possible her third book is even better than the previous two. This book swept me into a world I had never imagined, it is filled with tragedy and yet has an ending that will take your breath away. Selene and Alexander (twins) are the last remaining children of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra who die by suicide when Egypt is conquered by Caesar. Selene and Alexander are taken to Rome to be raised by Octavia, Caesar's sister. While Alexander is able to find enjoyment in his new life, Selena lives with much fear for their future. However, through Octavia's care and generosity she is trained as an architect, an unheard of privilege for a woman in Rome. This gives Selene hope for the future.

What moved me most about this book is the attention to the details of the setting, yet at no time was I bored, if anything I was captivated. Michelle describes the events of everyday life for Romans and the slaves in a way that makes you realise what fear many of these people lived with especially women. It is a good reminder of how lucky we are to be living in this time in history. This isn't just a story about the ruling family of Rome, it describes in detail what it's like to live as a citizen, slave or Senator.

There are no words that I can use to do this book justice, I can only say that if you like historical novels then this is a must read. It is a fantastic book!

A little hard to get used to the crazy Egyptian names... but another good historical fiction book by Michelle Moran. I did prefer her Madame Tussaud book though.

This was such an imaginative story about the children of Cleopatra and Mark Antony.

Review to come :-)

I loved taking a trip in Clepatra Selene's world. I quite enjoyed the book and somehow miss it now that its done.