by Judith Tarr
First published 1994
Meriamon, daughter of the last Egyptian pharaoh, serves as priestess in the Temple of Amon while Persian governors rule her homeland. In 336 B.C., Egypt has suffered under foreign domination since her father Nectanebo fell to Darius's forces. But the priests of Amon recognize a new destiny approaching from the north. Alexander of Macedonia has defeated the Persian king at the Plains of Issus, and the gods have chosen him to wear Egypt's double crown. The temple sends Meriamon on a dangerous mission to find this Macedonian conqueror and convince him to abandon his eastward march toward Persia. She must persuade Alexander to turn south toward Egypt, where ancient magic and political necessity converge. Meriamon carries the weight of her people's freedom and her father's legacy as she seeks to redirect the course of one man who will reshape the world.
Genres: historical-fiction, fantasy, ancient-history, historical-fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, destiny
Setting: Egypt, Macedonia, Persia, Issus
Period: 336 B.C.
416 pages · Paperback · Tom Doherty Assoc Llc