Books like 'Bright Air Black'
Readers who enjoyed Bright Air Black by David Vann also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
historical fantasy africa northern-africa egypt myths historical-fiction retellings literary-fiction ancient-civilization
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Queen of Oak: A Novel of Boudica by Melanie Karsak
Rated: 4.58 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFated to lead a rebellion against Rome.Destined to become a legend.Britain, A.D. 42—Boudica, second daughter of a Celtic king, has little concern for tribal tensions and political intrigues. Called by the gods and the stirrings of her own wild heart, she listens instead to whispers of the oaks. But Boudica would be wiser to heed the warning cries of eagles...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction literary-fiction myths adult book fae fiction -
![King of Gods Book IV by Fast Food Restaurant]()
King of Gods Book IV by Fast Food Restaurant
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn this fourth installment of King of Gods, Zhao Feng takes on entering the Broken Moon Clan's Floating Crest Trial—which only occurs every five years—in order to secure his future and prove his worth...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization literary-fiction myths retellings adult ancient-china book epic -
![The Conspiracy at Meru by Shatrujeet Nath]()
The Conspiracy at Meru by Shatrujeet Nath
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsVICTORY IS TEMPORARY. THE BATTLE IS ETERNAL.Vikramaditya and his Council of Nine have fought valiantly to repel the rampaging hordes from Devaloka and Patala – but Avanti has been brought to its knees. Ujjayini lies battered its citizens are scared and morale is badly shaken... -
![Servant of the Bones and The Feast of All Saints by Anne Rice]()
Servant of the Bones and The Feast of All Saints by Anne Rice
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratings...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction myths northern-africa retellings 20th-century -
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![Return to Ithaca by Glyn Iliffe]()
Return to Ithaca by Glyn Iliffe
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe thrilling final instalment of the epic and bestselling Adventures of Odysseus Odysseus has been to Hell and back. Deserted by the Gods, and now in bitter conflict with his friend Eperitus, times look bleak. He dreams of returning to his home; to Ithaca. But back on Ithaca things look little better... -
![The Fall of the Phoenix by Daniel Kelly]()
The Fall of the Phoenix by Daniel Kelly
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe long siege of Troy, the battles fought over it, and the city's eventual capitulation and incineration are events which have often been retold since their first recitation by Homer. Seldom, however, will they have been narrated with such close attention to the minute particulars of battle, to its reek and terror and pain, as in this startling account by Daniel Kelly... -
![Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati]()
Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFor fans of Madeline Miller's Circe, a stunning debut following Clytemnestra, the most notorious villainess of the ancient world and the events that forged her into the legendary queen.As for queens, they are either hated or forgotten. She already knows which option suits her best...You were born to a king, but you marry a tyrant...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction literary-fiction myths retellings adult audiobook book -
![Aeneid Book VI by Virgil]()
Aeneid Book VI by Virgil
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA masterpiece from one of the greatest poets of the centuryIn a momentous publication, Seamus Heaney's translation of Book VI of the Aeneid, Virgil's epic poem composed sometime between 29 and 19 BC, follows the hero, Aeneas, on his descent into the underworld...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction literary-fiction myths retellings adult book classics -
![Tarikshir: The Awakening by Khayaal Patel]()
Tarikshir: The Awakening by Khayaal Patel
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA small princely state in Rajasthan is the last bastion of resistance against the might of the British Empire. While unrest surrounding the sudden death of the king of Devangarh grows, young prince Rudra Pratap Chauhan prepares to ascend the throne.But the kingdom is in turmoil. The Devangarh army is outnumbered and the British forces are closing in... -
![Vikramaditya Veergatha Book 1 The Guardians of the Halahala by Shatrujeet Nath]()
Vikramaditya Veergatha Book 1 The Guardians of the Halahala by Shatrujeet Nath
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe deadly Halahala, the all-devouring poison churned from the depths of the White Lake by the devas and asuras, was swallowed by Shiva to save the universe from extinction.But was the Halahala truly destroyed?A small portion still remains – a weapon powerful enough to guarantee victory to whoever possesses it...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction myths retellings action-adventure adult book epic -
![Daughters of the Nile by Stephanie Dray]()
Daughters of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray’s historical fiction series comes to a stunning conclusion as the daughter of Cleopatra risks everything to revive her dynasty.After years of abuse as the emperor’s captive in Rome, Cleopatra Selene is now a powerful queen, ruling over the exotic kingdom of Mauretania with her husband, King Juba II, by her side...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction myths northern-africa audiobook book -
![Raj Kahini by Abanindranath Tagore]()
Raj Kahini by Abanindranath Tagore
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings<span><span>An unforgettable historical novella that leads you to the flowing sand dunes of Rajasthan, the clash of swords, to the courtyard of kings and queens. The book captures the spirit of a heroic past that never fails to move readers even today...Categorized as:
historical-fiction literary-fiction myths retellings action-adventure adult book classics -
![The Voyage of Odysseus by Glyn Iliffe]()
The Voyage of Odysseus by Glyn Iliffe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOdysseus’s greatest challenge is only just beginning The armies of Troy have been defeated and the city lies in ruins. His oath fulfilled, Odysseus can at last sail for Ithaca and the long-awaited reunion with his family. But the gods, who were once his allies, have turned against him.Exiled with the warrior Eperitus, he is thrust into a world of seductive demi-gods and man-eating monsters...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction myths adult book fiction historical sword-sorcery -
![The Oracles of Troy by Glyn Iliffe]()
The Oracles of Troy by Glyn Iliffe
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe siege of Troy has reached its tenth year without an end in sight. Helen remains safe behind the city walls, sharing her lover’s bed while Menelaus, the husband she abandoned, rages without, desperate for revenge and yet impotent against the stalemate imposed by the gods...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction myths adult book fiction historical sword-sorcery -
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![Enamored in Death: A Story of Thanatos and Makaria by Molly Tullis]()
Enamored in Death: A Story of Thanatos and Makaria by Molly Tullis
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsPerfect for fans of Madeline Miller's Circe, Jennifer Saint’s Elektra, or Scarlett St. Clair's A Touch of Darkness, this story combines romance and Greek mythology in a twist of several famous myths.In the belly of the Underworld, Thanatos has reigned as the God of Death since time immemorial, disregarding his own fearsome reputation and the loneliness that comes with it... -
![House of Odysseus by Claire North]()
House of Odysseus by Claire North
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThis "powerful, fresh, and unflinching" reimagining from the award-winning author of the Penelope trilogy breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men (Jennifer Saint). On the isle of Ithaca, queen Penelope maintains a delicate balance of power. Many years ago, her husband Odysseus sailed to war with Troy and never came home... -
![Here, The World Entire by Anwen Kya Hayward, Anwen Hayward]()
Here, The World Entire by Anwen Kya Hayward, Anwen Hayward
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAfter being accused of desecrating Athena's temple and subsequently cursed with monstrousness, Medusa lives alone on the outskirts of the world, secluding herself from everyone so as to keep both herself and the rest of the world safe. When Perseus comes to ask for her help, Medusa tries desperately to make him leave, but no matter what she does, Perseus stays... -
![Vimuktha by Volga]()
Vimuktha by Volga
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsValmiki’s Ramayana is the story of Rama’s exile and return to Ayodhya, a triumphant king who will always do right by his subjects. In Volga’s retelling, it is Sita who, after being abandoned by Purushottam Rama, embarks on an arduous journey to self-realization...Categorized as:
historical-fiction literary-fiction myths retellings adult book female-author feminism -
![Karna: The Great Warrior by रणजित देसाई]()
Karna: The Great Warrior by रणजित देसाई
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratings'Who am I?' It was a question that had troubled him all his life. His whole life had seemed entangled in the answer. His dignity, his destination, his ambitions - they all seemed linked to that entanglement. The irony was that the truth, instead of liberating him, had made him rudderless. In the Mahabharata, Karna is known to be the only warrior who could match Arjuna... -
![Medusa by Rosie Hewlett]()
Medusa by Rosie Hewlett
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsGORGON. KILLER. MONSTER. VICTIM. SURVIVOR. PROTECTOR.You know her name, you know her story. Just not the right one.Within the depths of the Underworld the formidable snake-haired Gorgon has finally had enough. Tired of being eternally and unjustly brandished a villain, Medusa has found the courage to face her tragic past and speak out...Categorized as:
myths retellings historical-fiction ancient-civilization fantasy fiction feminism historical -
![Princess of Sparta by Penelope Haines]()
Princess of Sparta by Penelope Haines
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShe’s Helen of Troy’s older sister.She’s a Spartan Princess.She’s High Queen of Mycenae.Her name is Clytemnestra.In a world where women are submissive, she rules.In a world where wives are loyal, she is unfaithfulIn a world where honour and blood feuds abound she exacts the ultimate revenge...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction myths retellings adult book dark-academia female-mc -
![Secret of the Prince's Tomb by Marianne Hering, Marshal Younger]()
Secret of the Prince's Tomb by Marianne Hering, Marshal Younger
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratings"The Egyptians believe that whoever opens a tomb will be cursed!"The hot sun and sand of ancient Egypt await Patrick and Beth in their next Imagination Station adventure. The cousins are caught between a terrible ruler and a nation bound for slavery. To help their new friend Tabitha, the cousins must seek out a great secret--one that will give hope to her family and future generations...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction northern-africa action-adventure book children -
![The Mythology Handbook: An Introduction to the Greek Myths by Hestia Evans]()
The Mythology Handbook: An Introduction to the Greek Myths by Hestia Evans
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsGods! Heroes! Monsters! Explore the amazing myths of ancient Greece with this fun, interactive workbook — an essential companion to Mythology...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction myths retellings book children children-books fiction -
![Valley of Kings by Michael Northrop]()
Valley of Kings by Michael Northrop
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsFrom the team that brought you The 39 Clues and Spirit Animals comes book 3 in an epic adventure filled with the magic of ancient Egypt!The adventure continues in Book 3!If Alex and Ren are going to stop the Death Walkers, they know they have to find the powerful Lost Spells. So they head to the Valley of Kings, deep in the Egyptian desert-where they discover that Egypt is in the grips of madness... -
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![Helen in Egypt by H.D.]()
Helen in Egypt by H.D.
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe fabulous beauty of Helen of Troy is legendary. But some say that Helen was never in Troy, that she had been conveyed by Zeus to Egypt, and that Greeks and Trojans alike fought for an illusion. A fifty-line fragment by the poet Stesichorus of Sicily (c. 640-555 B.C.), what survives of his Pallinode, tells us almost all we know of this other Helen, and from it H. D. wove her book-length poem...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt myths northern-africa retellings 20th-century adult -
![Seer of Egypt by Pauline Gedge]()
Seer of Egypt by Pauline Gedge
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHuy has risen from lowly origins to become the Seer of the King. Yet Amunhotep’s patronage is both a blessing and a curse to Huy, who feels imprisoned by the gift Thoth has imposed on him and by the life he must live to keep it. Though rewarded with wealth and influence, Huy longs for the pleasures of those he sees around him, especially love, which seems forever lost to him... -
![Sovereign of Stars by Libbie Hawker]()
Sovereign of Stars by Libbie Hawker
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHatshepsut has fulfilled her divine destiny and taken the Pharaoh's throne. But she knows her position is precarious. In all Egypt's long history, never has a woman ruled as king -- and Hatshepsut must use all the cleverness and bravery at her disposal to keep the reins of power from tangling in her fist...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction northern-africa adult book epic -
![The Twice Born by Pauline Gedge]()
The Twice Born by Pauline Gedge
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsYoung Huy's family is thrilled when his uncle offers to pay for the boy to attend a prestigious school at Iunu. Thanks to his generous benefactor, this farmer's son will now have a chance at a better life as a scribe...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction literary-fiction myths northern-africa adult -
![The Arabian Nights: Tales of 1001 Nights, Volume 2 of 3 by Anonymous]()
The Arabian Nights: Tales of 1001 Nights, Volume 2 of 3 by Anonymous
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEvery night for three years the vengeful King Shahriyar sleeps with a different virgin, executing her next morning...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization literary-fiction myths retellings adult anthologies apocalyptic classics -
![Heir of Ra by M. Sasinowski]()
Heir of Ra by M. Sasinowski
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAlyssa signed up to study history, not to rewrite it. An excavation of the fabled Hall of Records beneath the Sphinx unleashes an ancient disease that leaves her father fighting for his life. As Alyssa races to find a cure, she stumbles onto an impossible artifact that could change history—or destroy our future... -
![House of Illusions by Pauline Gedge]()
House of Illusions by Pauline Gedge
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsPauline Gedge is a master at recreating the golden age in Egypt. Her heroine, Thu, a peasant girl from the village of Aswat, possesses both beauty and intelligence. To her good fortune Thu is found and brought to the center of society. She is chosen and trained for the court of Pharaoh Ramses. Her talent and guile win her a post in the harem...Categorized as:
africa northern-africa egypt historical-fiction ancient-civilization myths romance historical -
![Sita's Sister by Kavita Kané]()
Sita's Sister by Kavita Kané
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom the bestselling author of Karna's Wife, comes this book about Urmila, Sita's sister and the neglected wife of Lakshman, and one of the most overlooked characters in the Ramayana. As Sita prepares to go into exile, her younger sisters stay back at the doomed palace of Ayodhya, their smiles, hope and joy wiped away in a single stroke... -
![Sinuhé, el egipcio I by Mika Waltari]()
Sinuhé, el egipcio I by Mika Waltari
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTranslated by Naomi...Categorized as:
africa northern-africa egypt historical-fiction myths ancient-civilization fiction historical -
![Boudicca's Daughter by Elodie Harper]()
Boudicca's Daughter by Elodie Harper
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsDeploying the same gripping plot dynamics and unforgettable sense of time and place that she used in the bestselling Wolf Den trilogy, Harper tells the thrilling story of the child of one of Ancient Rome's most implacable foes, Boudicca.There is more than one way for a woman to fight. From the author of the bestselling Wolf Den Trilogy...Categorized as:
historical-fiction myths retellings ancient-civilization fiction historical fantasy roman-empire -
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![The Egyptian Royals Collection: Three Historical Novels by Michelle Moran]()
The Egyptian Royals Collection: Three Historical Novels by Michelle Moran
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThree beloved novels by national bestselling author Michelle Moran are now available for the first time in one complete digital collection. Delve into these stories for an engrossing trip back in time, full of powerful family dynasties, court intrigue, and brave heroines... -
![Euripides IV: Rhesus / The Suppliant Women / Orestes / Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides]()
Euripides IV: Rhesus / The Suppliant Women / Orestes / Iphigenia in Aulis by Euripides
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsIn nine paperback volumes, the Grene and Lattimore editions offer the most comprehensive selection of the Greek tragedies available in English. Over the years these authoritative, critically acclaimed editions have been the preferred choice of over three million readers for personal libraries and individual study as well as for classroom use...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization literary-fiction myths retellings adult anthologies classics drama -
![Soldier of Arete by Gene Wolfe]()
Soldier of Arete by Gene Wolfe
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 17 ratingsOf all mortals, Latro was the least favoured - or the most.The wound that had destroyed his memory had given him the ability to see the unseen: the world of the gods, the demi-gods and the fabulous.Each day events were entered on a scroll so that the next morning he could know his friends, his rivals and have some understanding of what had gone before... -
![Ramses: Under the Western Acacia by Christian Jacq]()
Ramses: Under the Western Acacia by Christian Jacq
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn the final novel in the bestselling series, Christian Jacq writes of the Hittite king who wants Ramses to marry his daughter, while revolt is brewing among the revenge-driven Libyans...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction myths northern-africa action-adventure book -
![Ramses: The Lady of Abu Simbel by Christian Jacq]()
Ramses: The Lady of Abu Simbel by Christian Jacq
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsSaga about ancient Egypt & the powerful struggle between Ramses & his enemies...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction myths northern-africa action-adventure book -
![The Cure at Troy by Seamus Heaney, Sophocles]()
The Cure at Troy by Seamus Heaney, Sophocles
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsSeamus Heaney's version of Sophocles' Philoctetes is responsive to the Greek playwright's understanding of the relations between public and private morality...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction literary-fiction myths retellings adult book classics -
![Secrets of the Desert by Christian Jacq]()
Secrets of the Desert by Christian Jacq
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHaving found a conspiracy to overthrow the pharaoh, Ramses II, Judge Pazair has been sentenced to die. But the conspirators have reckoned without the love of Neferet, the young woman doctor Pazair has just married, and the courage of Suti, his friend with the hot head and the generous heart...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction myths northern-africa action-adventure adult -
![Scroll of Saqqara by Pauline Gedge]()
Scroll of Saqqara by Pauline Gedge
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsPrince Khaemwaset is a powerful man. The son of Ramses II and a revered physician, his wisdom is respected throughout Egypt. But Khaemwaset harbours a strong and secret desire—to find the mysterious Scroll of Thoth and receive the power to raise the dead...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction myths northern-africa adult book -
![Shadow of the Sphinx by Christian Jacq]()
Shadow of the Sphinx by Christian Jacq
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe time has come for the final confrontation. Appointed supreme magistrate and first minister of Egypt, Pazair and his wife Neferet must join forces against the Finance Minister, Pazair's sworn enemy, now openly presenting himself as spokesman for the conspirators who plan to overthrow Ramses the Great in order to seize supreme power. The situation appears desperate...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction northern-africa adult book crime -
![The Secret Book of Kings by Yochi Brandes, Yardenne Greenspan]()
The Secret Book of Kings by Yochi Brandes, Yardenne Greenspan
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsStories are deadlier than swords. Swords kill only those who stand before them, stories decide who will live and die in generations to come.Shlom'am, a young man from the tribe of Ephraim, has grown up in the shadow of several secrets. He wonders why his father is deathly afraid of the King's soldiers, and why his mother has lied to him about the identities of those closest to him...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction literary-fiction myths retellings adult book christian -
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![A Spartan's Sorrow by Hannah M. Lynn]()
A Spartan's Sorrow by Hannah M. Lynn
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsAll murders must be avenged. While the rest of Greece mourns for the war that has taken their husbands away, Clytemnestra fears the day it will bring hers back. When her husband willingly sacrifices their eldest daughter to appease the Gods, Clytemnestra vows to do whatever it takes to protect her remaining children. But in doing so she faces losing them altogether...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction literary-fiction myths retellings adult book classics -
![The Flaming Sword by Christian Jacq]()
The Flaming Sword by Christian Jacq
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsIn the north, the barbaric Hyksos still rule with unimaginable brutality. Queen Ahhotep, meanwhile, has recaptured much of the south -- but at a terrible price: her husband has been killed in combat and her elder son, Kames, was mysteriously poisoned. Ahhotep refuses to be crowned pharaoh and prepares her second son, young Amose, to take power instead...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction myths northern-africa adult book -
![Out of the House of Life by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro]()
Out of the House of Life by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMore than a third of Saint-Germain's long, long life was spent in the shadow of the Pyramids, in service to the temples of Egypt--but the tale of those years has never been told before...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction northern-africa adult book dark -
![Dark Empress by S.J.A. Turney]()
Dark Empress by S.J.A. Turney
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe nomads of the southern deserts have a saying: “When something is broken it should never be discarded. So long as the pieces remains, the whole can be remade.”A time of trials, war and terror is coming to the desert city of M’Dahz, the Empire’s southernmost outpost. As Imperial power falters, then withdraws, the population lives in constant fear of invasion by vicious Pelasian satraps... -
![Elektra by Jennifer Saint]()
Elektra by Jennifer Saint
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe House of Atreus is cursed. A bloodline tainted by a generational cycle of violence and vengeance. This is the story of three women, their fates inextricably tied to this curse, and the fickle nature of men and gods.ClytemnestraThe sister of Helen, wife of Agamemnon - her hopes of averting the curse are dashed when her sister is taken to Troy by the feckless Paris...Categorized as:
ancient-civilization historical-fiction literary-fiction myths retellings adult audiobook book -
![The Way of Fire by Christian Jacq]()
The Way of Fire by Christian Jacq
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe young scribe Iker has finally realised that, in pursuing Pharaoh Senusret with his hatred, he chose the wrong target. The real enemy, the one who is attacking the Tree of Life at Abydos, is in fact the Herald, that baleful individual who is rallying troops on the border in order to invade Egypt and annihilate her...Categorized as:
africa ancient-civilization egypt historical-fiction literary-fiction northern-africa adult book
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