Sphinx's Princess
by Esther Friesner

    SPHINX'S PRINCESS by Esther Friesner
    Category:  Historical
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  9/22/09
    Publisher:  Random House
    Reviewed by:  Jennifer Rummel
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Nefertiti is not a princess but her father is the brother of the Royal Wife to the Pharaoh. When Queen Tiye hears
    about Nefertiti's beauty, she's determined to make her a Princess in order to marry her firstborn son. She orders
    Nefertiti's family to her side, where she manipulates the family into giving Nefertiti's hand in marriage.

    There is a catch, of course.  Nefertiti will not marry for three years, but in that time she must reside in the royal
    household. Sadness overwhelms her as she says goodbye to her family, not knowing when she'll ever see them
    again.

    She moves into the women's suite where she's given a comfortable room. The other women in the suite are junior
    wives of the Pharaoh. Due to Queen Tiye's paranoia, she's not allowed to communicate with any of them. Instead,
    her loneliness threatens her state of mind.

    Before long, she begins to take secret scribing lessons again. While Nefertiti rarely spends any time with her
    betrothed, a cold man, she enjoys his brother's company greatly. He teaches her how to drive a chariot and shows
    her around the city. But when Nefertiti's betrothed learns of this, he threatens his bride-to-be.

    When the Pharaoh leaves the palace for an extended period of time and leaves his firstborn son in charge, the
    change in him is overwhelming. Nefertiti can't believe the difference, and she just might fall in love with him.  But
    when an accusation comes her way, can he save her?

    An enchanting beginning tale of the strong feisty character of Nefertiti left me wanting to read more; the cliffhanger
    ending leaves me anxiously awaiting the next installment about this fascinating woman.