Of Egypt, Rome, & an Imprisoned Princess

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter
"The Luxe" meets the ancient world in the extraordinary story of Cleopatra's daughter.

Selene has grown up in a palace on the Nile with her parents, Cleopatra & Mark Antony—the most brilliant, powerful rulers on earth. But the jealous Roman Emperor Octavianus wants Egypt for himself, & when war finally comes, Selene faces the loss of all she's ever loved. Forced to build a new life in Octavianus's household in Rome, she finds herself torn between two young men and two possible destinies—until she reaches out to claim her own.

This stunning novel brings to life the personalities & passions of one of the greatest dramas in history, & offers a wonderful new heroine in Selene.

I was so excited about this book, but its like it let me down. I went to Barnes and Nobles and read some of it, I stalked it at my public library all because it seemed like it was going to be super amazing! I mean really, a story about Cleopatra's daughter based on the real life is suppose to be totally awesome, but it was a huge let down. I'm not the biggest fan of realistic fiction, but some of the stories I've read, like Anastasia's Secret by Suzanne Dunlap, were really amazing, so I've been trying to go with women from history that interest me, but this story just fell a little short. It's killing me to be so disapproving of this book right now.

I'm not saying that the story didn't have it's high points, it's just that it was so inconsistent with its high points that it made it anti-climatic. I'd compare it to a roller coaster ride; the story went up, up, up, then down, down, down. The characters were great, and you can really tell that Vicky did here research and I commend her for that, but I personally think that it could have used a little umpf! Just something to keep the reader more focused. The book was so well researched that I was borderline non-fiction. 

All of this doesn't mean that I think that Vicky is a horrible author. I think she is a great author, I just feel like there should have been more fiction and action in the story to keep it interesting. The lulls in the story made it boring. Vicky's writing is exceptional and her plot building is phenomenal, it just needed PIZZAZZ (insert jazz hands)! This book required more patience and a true appreciation for history. 

Overall, this book rated:

-Gilbert