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Thursday, March 2, 2017

Time Traveling with Hairballs

The Eye of Nefertiti

33192292

Title: The Eye of Nefertiti (A Pharaoh's Cat Novel)
Author: Maria Luisa Lang
Publisher: Self published
Date published: November 29 2016

Goodreads Summary: The Eye of Nefertiti is both a stand-alone novel and a sequel to The Pharaoh’s Cat. The time-traveling ancient Egyptian feline with human powers returns together with his beloved Pharaoh and his close friends, the High Priest of Amun-Ra and Elena, an Egyptologist’s daughter. 

The cat is quick-witted, wise-cracking narrator as well as free-spirited, ever-curious protagonist, and the story he tells is an exotic, imaginative, spell-binding tragicomedy. The cat travels from present-day New York City to England, both ancient and modern, then to ancient Egypt, where he confronts a horrible demon and experiences a sublime emotion. Once back in England, he descends into a psychological abyss so deep only the Pharaoh can save him.

The Eye of Nefertiti interweaves feline and human, past and present, natural and supernatural. It contains numerous surprises, twists and turns, intriguing characters, both human and animal, fascinating revelations about ancient Egyptian history and culture, and an ingenious application of the Tarot and an Italian opera.


My Thoughts:
Having not read the first book of the series I was a bit worried that I would be unable to follow the events, or be confused about characters, thankfully that was not the case. Lang did a fantastic job summarizing when needed and making this book be both a sequel and a stand alone. Hats off. 

I have to admit at first I wasn't keen on the time travel mixed with a talking, walking cat. However, to my surprise it worked, although I still have some questions on how an animal without opposable thumbs could accomplish some of the feats which Wrappa-Hamen does. 

The historical parts of the story were very detailed and I could tell Lang had put much research and time into their depictions. Early British history - specifically that concerning the Romans, Picts and Stonehenge - is one of my favorite topics, so I much appreciated those scenes. Once the story really started I found myself quite addicted and worried about the characters. I loved how the magic became part of the story allowing the reader to think that anything was possible. It generally bothers me when time travel is part of a story but magic is not, so I was glad that both were a part of this one. I loved the magic boat, as well as the Egyptian god and general amnesia of Nefertiti. 

However, there was one thing I definitely did not like - the high priest's general manner towards Elena. He was rude. Honestly I felt it could become slightly abusive or controlling. I wasn't sure there was very much love in that relationship due to his harsh treatment and brash manner toward her. I understood that he was from a different time, but I honestly wondered why Elena kept him around. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and would suggest it to lovers of Egyptian history and mythology. 

Rating: 

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