Cleopatra's Daughter... Alive and Well

So, you guys know I love teaching world history and that I am a new fan of historical fiction. Well, it's no surprise I am anxious to get my hands on Cleopatra's Daughter, a soon to be released novel by Michelle Moran. Read the summary I posted below from the author's website and tell me you don't just want to read it! I believe you won't be able to!

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s vengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome, but only two—the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander—survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

The fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in Cleopatra’s Daughter. Recounted in Selene’s youthful and engaging voice, it introduces a compelling cast of historical characters:

Octavia: the emperor Octavian’s kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra
Livia: Octavian’s bitter and jealous wife
Marcellus: Octavian’s handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir-apparent
Tiberius: Livia’s sardonic son and Marcellus’s great rival for power
Juba: Octavian’s ever-watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals

Selene’s narrative is animated by the concerns of a young girl in any time and place —the possibility of finding love, the pull of friendship and family, and the pursuit of her unique interests and talents. While coping with the loss of both her family and her ancestral kingdom, Selene must find a path around the dangers of a foreign land. Her accounts of life in Rome are filled with historical details that vividly capture both the glories and horrors of the time. She dines with the empire’s most illustrious poets and politicians, witnesses the creation of the Pantheon, and navigates the colorful, crowded marketplaces of the city where Roman-style justice is meted out with merciless authority.

Based on meticulous research, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a fascinating portrait of Imperial Rome and of the people and events of this glorious and tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of history, Selene, a young woman of irresistible charm and preternatural intelligence, will capture your heart.

I'll be promoting this novel the rest of the week...the author has several contests, an awesome book trailer, and a Q & A. Plus, she is providing a guest post for Athena's YA Book Reviews!

COMING SEPTEMBER 15!

CONTEST! FOR TEENS ONLY A chance to win a $250 gift certificate for Hollister. See details here - http://michellemoran.com/teencontest.htm STARTS SEPT 15

CONTEST! FOR ALL Win a box of Cleopatra's goodies (signed novel, earrings, fun stuff) by participating in a literary treasure hunt hosted by the author and independent book stores across the nation. See details here - http://michellemoran.com/treasurehunt.htm STARTS SEPT 15

MONTHLY CONTESTS! Win a signed copy of the novel and an authentic Roman coin by answering a question based on Roman history.

See details here - http://michellemoran.com/contests.htm Come on all you history buffs... this contest is for you!