Kindred Reads {2}

You know when you read a book with a plot that you really enjoyed and you wonder what else like it might be out there for you?

This post is for you!

These books contain similar elements, whether it's content, writing, or other themes found in the stories.

If you like...
Legacy by Cayla Kluver

You might want to read...

Aurelia by Anne Osterlund

The plots of Legacy and Aurelia are so similar, they're practically twins. But then again, it isn't really a new idea to have a princess torn between love and royal duty. The execution is simlar as well, and Alera and Aurelia come across as similar kinds of young women. They both have a strong sense of responsibility for their country, and they want to do the right thing...whatever that may be. That being said, where Legacy is rich in description and details Aurelia seems to have more action in it (and its sequel, Exile, is already out).




Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

While Aurelia and Legacy are both set in a kind of historical fantasy, renaissance-esque world Cleopatra's Moon revolves around the story of Cleopatra's only daughter in the Ancient, Classical world. But it still has a similar feel as her daughter, Cleopatra Selene, struggles to find her place in a kingdom that's quickly crumbling apart and desires to step out of the shadow made by her mother, the ruler of Egypt. You have the same theme of princess trying to fulfill her royal duty, and the political intrigue that make Legacy and Aurelia so enjoyable, but with a smaller dose of love and a bit more historical fact behind it.

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter
Release Date: August 1, 2011
Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic)
ISBN13: 9780545221306

4/5 Stars

Goodreads Synopsis:
Selene has grown up in a palace on the Nile with her parents, Cleopatra & Mark Antony—the most brilliant, powerful rulers on earth. But the jealous Roman Emperor Octavianus wants Egypt for himself, & when war finally comes, Selene faces the loss of all she's ever loved. Forced to build a new life in Octavianus's household in Rome, she finds herself torn between two young men and two possible destinies—until she reaches out to claim her own.
This stunning novel brings to life the personalities & passions of one of the greatest dramas in history, & offers a wonderful new heroine in Selene

I've read quite a few Cleopatra books- but none quite like this.
Cleopatra's Moon is about the daughter of Cleopatra VII, Cleopatra Selene. And rather than focusing on the events leading up to the death of Cleopatra VII, Vicky Alvear Shecter focuses largely on the aftermath of her death and the impact it has on her children, particularly her only daughter.

Historical fiction based on the story of Ancient Egypt and their famous Pharoah Queen are some of the best books out there; but this one is definitely unique compared to others. Shecter's writing is stunning, as she enticingly describes the story of Cleopatra Selene and draws you in to this fascinating world. But she also chooses to fill in the blanks of history, rather than rewrite it. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending, and I was so pleased to see that she included some historical facts at the end to compare to her novel. Historical fiction is a tricky genre to write, but Shecter succeeds in doing so and produces an enjoyable read at the end of it.

There were parts of the book that seemed to move along rather slowly to me, but I'm sure that this was written for a certain effect since Cleopatra Selene seemed to feel the same way (and from her perspective, it must have been agonizingly slow). My one complaint is how there is a large build up to her "purpose" or "fate" (whatever you want to call it) but at the end of the book, I found it somewhat disappointing to see what its cumulation ended up being (but then again, Shecter does not rewrite history). Still, I was satisfied by the ending and by the book as a whole.

One thing I was particularly pleased with is how dimensional Shecter designed the characters; there is obviously the bias of Selene, but not everyone is who they appear to be at first by the end of the book. The Egyptians are not the obvious good guys, nor are the Romans the obvious villains.

A review copy was provided to me in advance by Scholastic Canada in exchange for my honest and candid review.