Review by Library Journal Review
El-Arifi (Faebound) branches out from her SF/fantasy titles to focus on Cleopatra in her newest work, beginning with Cleopatra's earliest, most trusted relationship with her servant, friend, and lover Charmion. As Cleopatra navigates multiple betrayals by her siblings, especially by her sister Arsinoe, it is Charmion who remains steadfast. Cleopatra tells her story from the future, reflecting on her choices, relationships, and political moves, all juxtaposed against the context of history's selective facts and patriarchal misjudgment of her life. The narrative moves in a linear fashion, separated into three sections: "The Witch," "The Whore," and "The Villain." Her love affairs with Julius Caesar and Marc Anthony are intertwined with the constant threats to her throne, and her attempts to raise children from both men with a sense of clarity and purpose. Cleopatra's relationship with the gods, and their judgments and gifts, occupy a large portion of her personal quest, with the investment contributing to an intriguing and rewarding twist at the end of the story. VERDICT Historical fiction fans who revel in a woman reclaiming her story will identify with this novel, as will readers of Marie Benedict.--Tina Panik
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