The Son of the Light (Ramses Series)
Original UK cover
This title is the first in a series of five novels chronicling the life of Egypt's greatest pharoah, Ramses II.
The story opens with Ramses aged 14 years. His father, Seti, has created a powerful empire and favours Ramses as his successor, rather than Ramses' scheming older brother, Chenar.
Review
I can't even begin to remember where I heard about this book but boy am I glad that I did. I was entranced by this novel which is about Ramses before he became king of Egypt. It begins with the first time that Ramses meets his father, the Pharoah of Egypt and Ramses is fourteen years old. From then on Ramses is never sure if his father is training him to be the next Pharoah or whether his destiny might lie as something other than king. The book continues on with the struggles that Ramses faces as well as the triumphs. Because not everyone wants Ramses to come to power including Ramses' older brother who plans on being Pharoah himself.
I loved this book! I was transported into Ancient Egypt with this novel and I was entralled. The writing was gorgeous and I was marking passages to share left and right. The best part of the book though was that the author captured my interest and I was caught up within the story. There were times that I just couldn't put the book down. Ramses was a strong and likeable character but realistic at the same time. He wasn't without his flaws and as the reader I wanted to see him overcome his enemies and become the future Pharoah. I'm really looking forward to the 2nd book in this series! Here is a little teaser to share a taste of this wonderful novel:
"A courageous man goes to the limit of his strength. A king goes beyond it. If that is not in you, you are not meant to rule and we will never see each other again. No test should daunt you. Leave, if you wish; otherwise, capture the bull."
All in all, this was a wonderful novel that I highly recommend to anyone that enjoys historical fiction.
External Resources
- Buy The Son of the Light from Amazon
- Wikipedia's page on Christian Jacq's books
- Librarything.com's page on The Son of the Light
External Resources
The Temple of a Million Years (Ramses Series)
Original UK cover
The second title in the fictional biography of Ramses II, a sequel to "The Son of the Light". Ramses is about to be crowned and faces a fight to hold onto his throne. Can the building of the Temple of a Million Years really help to vanquish his enemies, visible and unseen?
Review
Simply fantastic, you are drawn into a world of illusion, senusality, and mythical adventure. Ramses and Nefartari once again manage to deservedly take centre stage with a cast already introduced to you from the 1st book Ramses - again the plot moves along like a gentle wave and leaves the reader ready to book a one-way fare to this far off land, just to stand by his pyramid and imagine.
If you have read the first book,Ramses this will again continue that magical love affair, if not it's still a great adventure but you'll rush to read it's predecessor before plunging headlong into the next exciting chapter, the battle of Kadesh. I found I couldn't put it down - worth every one of the 5 stars I rated it.
External Resources
The Battle of Kadesh (Ramses Series)
Original UK cover
To save Egypt from the Hittites, Ramses II must face the might of their powerful army, whose weapons are vastly superior to Egypt's own. How can Ramses prepare himself for the battle at Kadesh when the health of his beloved wife, Nefertari, is failing rapidly?
Review
'The Battle Of Kadesh', the third instalment in the acclaimed 'Ramses' series, is thus far the best and most compelling. It chronicles the next few years in Ramses' reign, during which the Great Pharaoh must confront the near invincibility of the Hittite forces who crave expansion at Egypt's expense.
Before he can concentrate on war, however, Ramses' reign is being undermined by a network of different alliances against him, most notably that of Ofir, the sorcerer, trying to use black magic to weaken the Pharaoh's defences; And an underground network of Hittite spies intent in bringing about Egypt's downfall. Heading these operations is Shaanar, Ramses' jealous elder brother who is consumed with his desire to rule. When the Battle of Kadesh finally dawns, Ramses is left alone to confront the entire barbaric Hittite army, forcing him to call upon his late father's divine assistance. Will his prayers be answered ?
This book had me up reading until the early hours of the morning. With spectacular landscape descriptions, charismatic protagonists, and suspenseful plots it truly is impossible to put down.
External Resources
Lady of Abu Simbel (Ramses Series)
Original UK cover
Despite the tremendous shock of the Battle of Kadesh, Ramses has not managed to bring the formidable Hittite might to its knees. Rather than continue the struggle he decides to engage in negotiations.
At the same time, he makes a promise to Nefertati that two temples will be built at Abu Simbel.
Review
This was an excellent book. The history was quite accurate as were the everyday activities. The characters were multi-dimensional unlike many historical fictions involving royalty. There was enough action and intrigue to interest all readers. The writing style was fantastic.
Perhaps the most depressing and downbeat book in the series so far. A book about loss - Ramses loses people close to him, and this volume also briefly covers the flight of the Hebrews from Egypt, downplaying the biblical story and yet portraying a matter-of-fact believable set of events which one could imagine being the basis of mythology grown up around it.
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Under the Western Acacia (Ramses Series)
Original UK cover
Ramses is now fifty years old. After bringing outstanding prosperity to Egypt, he could have hoped to enjoy a serene old age. But he must still continue to rule. Above all, Ramses strives to preserve Egypt's hard-won peace, in spite of many obstacles: the Hittite Emperor exhorts him to wed his daughter under the threat of a new war; the Libyans, greedy for revenge, are rebelling.
When, in his old age, the time comes for Ramses to meet his final enemy, he goes to sit in the shade of the western acacia to prepare for his last journey. Only then can the scribe Ahmeni, who has faithfully served his sovereign for the 67 years of his reign, lay down his brush.
Review
Jacq rounds off his tale based on the story of Ramses. A highly readable blend of history, supposition, adventure, politics and sex. Ramses is an aging Pharaoh leading a dominant Egypt, but his friends and colleages are themselves dying of disease, old age and foul play.
