essays

This is my favorite book of all time! My sixth-grade homeroom teacher read this to my class years ago, and I've loved it ever since. Ancient Egypt is alive and tangible in these pages, the characters real and human. I love the author's skill in bringing to light numerous different personalities: Mara, the clever but impetuous slave girl; Inanni, the timid but warmhearted princess; and Sheftu, your classic suave nobleman who is both street smart AND politically aware. I love the history, the references to customs and gods and geography and Egyptian clothing. And the plot is well-written, too, with plenty of intrigue and drama, and also a few touching moments. I could go on and on, but I'll save everyone the time by saying it's a great read for kids and adults alike. I wish it had a sequel!

This book is the ultimate Egypt book. It is about a fictional girl named Mara who helps overthrow the Queen of Egypt, Hatshepsut. Along the way you are thrown into a world of secrecy and danger, where anything can happen at any moment. You'll be transfixed with an unsual love story, and amazed with Mara's cunning when she plays a double spy. I promise you . . . you will NOT want to put this book down!!!!!!! And your life is not complete if you don't read it! When I picked up this book in my school library, I was really interested, because I think McGraw is an awesome author. I had read her book, The Golden Goblet, in class, and loved it. So when I read this book, it was as though I knew Mara herself. McGraw paints a picture so life like, so real, that you too, like I was, will be a witness to Mara's extrordinary adventure. If your a coward, well then . . . don't read this book. If you're not, then sit back, and dare to dream.

This is a wonderful story. I read it years ago when I was little and had to search it out now so my daughter could read it.