11 Jan 2017

(A PHARAOH'S CAT NOVEL #2): THE EYE OF NEFERTITI.

THE EYE OF NEFERTITI by MARIA LUISA LANG.

BACK COVER BLURB: 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

FIRST SENTENCE {CHAPTER 1}: It's summer, and I'm stretched out on a windowsill in my bedroom with the sunlight warming the fur on my back.

MEMORABLE MOMENT {PAGE 102/103}: "You see immortality as a curse, but many people would see it as a blessing."

"They are fools. I am a slave to all I have witnessed over the centuries. You cannot know, Wrappa-Hamen, what it means to live with ancient memories that remain as fresh as the rose you picked for Elena in the garden."

SOURCE: Received for review from the author.

MY THOUGHTS: A sequel to the author's 2015 novel, The Pharaoh's Cat. Whilst this, the second instalment, reads perfectly well as a novel in its own right, its predecessor is well worth reading.

Certainly not short on intrigue, for me The Eye Of Nefertiti had the feel of a cosy mystery ... albeit it a 'cosy' with a difference.

And yet is it really accurate to term it as such?

Certainly our 'sleuths' are amateur 'detectives'. 'Bouncing off' each other so to speak, it is the interaction (much of it humorous) between the High Priest and the Pharaoh's cat, Wrappa-Hamen (aka Puss-In-Boat), which makes the book for me.

The supporting 'cast' most definitely eccentric. Equally as well written as the major characters, Elena goes from strength to strength as a character. Rosa (a 'stocky woman with a glint of mischief in her eyes), Nanette and Pauline's story incredibly moving. The very British 'man servant' John a nice touch. 

The pieces of the puzzle all there, slowly revealed as we travel from present day New York to Ancient Egypt by way of Stonehenge circa 1500 - 1000 B.C and present day Bath (England).

Either way, whatever the genre, a fun, well-paced, entertaining read. The author, proving herself a more than competent writer and gifted story teller. I'm hoping for yet more adventures with The Pharaoh's Cat. 


16 comments:

So many books, so little time said...

I haven't read any of these but I do like the sound of them, thanks for highlighting them. Historical fiction isn't my thing usually but in the past few years I have picked up one or two from fellow bloggers and enjoyed them.

Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

Gina said...

I read the first and was certainly entertained, but was uncertain as to whether I would venture another spin with this time traveling duo. Sounds like it turned out well. Thanks for the share!

Natasha said...

This sounds great, and just like the kind of thing I love to read! I'll have to hunt down the first book so I can catch up with the second. Thanks for the recommendation Tracy! - Tasha

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

I'm pleased that you enjoyed this sequel to 'The Pharaohs Cat'. Knowing how much I am afraid of cats, this definitely isn't one for me, with even that opening line sending shivers down my back.

I hope that all is well with you, it seems like ages since we last spoke :)

Yvonne

frayed at the edge said...

Ah well, you know that I won't read this, given my aversion to cats!!

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Aah! But this really isn't any old cat.

Kelly said...

Looking back at the first review, I didn't seem that impressed - but you've captured my interest more with this one. I'll definitely be telling my younger daughter about it.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh this one sounds like something I would enjoy. Different enough to really capture my imagination. Brilly review. I will have to look for this one.

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

This sounds like a very good mystery. Good. Thanks for sharing about it. :)

Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer said...

This sounds delightful, I love a good mystery, and I love the characters! Wonderful review Tracy! Thanks for mentioning it works as a standalone, although I think I will start with book one. OCD and all that...lol

Suko said...

Tracy, I like the sound of the quick-witted, wise-cracking narrator. This sounds like a fun series, Tracy!

Anonymous said...

Tracy,
After I read your reviews of
this- and the first book of
the series (and keeping your
reservations in mind). These
still sound like books which
I would enjoy and I have added
them to my list.
Raven

Barbara said...

Morning Tracy, I’m pretty sure I would not have picked this up had a noticed it in a bookshop. However, your review has me thinking I might enjoy it so perhaps I should give it a go. Barbara

Brian Joseph said...

This sounds like a very original idea.

I think that my wife would like this series as she loves cat related mysteries. I will recommend these books to her.

Melliane said...

I'm happy you had a good time and I hope you'll have more!

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Perhaps best read by an adult first if this book is intended for a pre-teenager as there is some mild adult language.