They were assassinated by their peers without warning, so I understand why he's the way he is, and Dray did a great job portraying that.įor me, I saw Selene really struggling with becoming an adult. During that time period, emperor's had to be ruthless to keep their place. Now, I must explain why I said I understand him. I feel so bad for Selene that she has to deal with these people. I am so mad at how he treats her, uses her, I want to jump within the pages and punch him! His wife, Livia, is even worse. The relationship between Octavia and Selene really puts me through an emotional wringer! I really don't like him-yet I understand him (except for the rape-that I was really tormented over). There is no historical evidence that his relationship actually occurred, but I applaud the author for taking a leap, and for doing it in a tasteful way. Two: Selene herself explains that she does not see him as her brother. They've grown up believing they will be married. One: in the first book it is said they are to be married. I must say that within the context of this book, it did not bother me for a number of reasons. I've read conflicting reviews about the relationship between Selene and her brother. Many royals have married within the family to keep the crown, money, lands for themselves. Cleopatra-Selene's own mother-married her brother. It was not done in a gross or icky way, and if you read the first story, or have some knowledge on Egyptian culture, then you would realize this was not taboo in the time period. Please keep reading for a full understanding of this. There is a lot of controversy regarding a topic that takes place in this novel-incest. When an author does this extent of research and weaves it into the story so well that I feel I am deep within a the period-as if I time-traveled-then they've done a great job! And Ms. The author has done a lot of research into her setting, events during the time period, the people, materials, food, clothing, dye, ships, religion, and so much more. This book starts out just as riveting as the last book, pulling me in.

Would she find her brother? What would happen between her and the emperor? Livia? Everyone else? Would she ever regain her mother's kingdom? She was such a strong young woman with so much going for her. I really really really liked the first book in this series and so I was looking forward to seeing what happened next in Selene's life. MY REVIEW: (may contain some spoilers, but not really) Berkley Trade October 2011 (Trade Paperback)

Song of the nile stephanie dray