Book Review Summary: The Sekhmet Bed (The She-King, #1)

Introduction

"The Sekhmet Bed" by Libbie Hawker is a captivating historical fiction novel set in ancient Egypt. It tells the story of Ahmose, the second daughter of the Pharaoh, who dreams of a quiet life as a priestess. However, when her father dies without an heir, she is given as Great Royal Wife to the new king - a soldier of common birth. Ahmose is god-chosen, gifted with the ability to read dreams, and it is her connection to the gods which ensures the new Pharaoh his right to rule. As Ahmose fights the currents of Egypt's politics and her sister's vengeful anger, she must face her most visceral fear: bearing an heir. But even her sacrifice may not be enough to restore the Two Lands to safety.

About Libbie Hawker

Libbie Hawker is an author who was born in Rexburg, Idaho and has divided her childhood between Eastern Idaho's rural environs and the greater Seattle area. She currently resides in Seattle, but has also lived in Salt Lake City, Utah; Bellingham, Washington; and Tacoma, Washington. Hawker loves to write about character and place, and is inspired by the bleak natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region and the fascinating history of the Puget Sound. After trying to break into the publishing industry with her various books under two different pen names, Hawker finally turned her back on the mainstream publishing industry and embraced independent publishing. She now writes her self-published fiction full-time and enjoys the fact that the writing career she always dreamed of having is fully under her own control. Hawker's writerly influences include Vladimir Nabokov, Hilary Mantel, Annie Dillard, George R. R. Martin, songwriter Neko Case, and mixed-media storyteller Chris Onstad, to name a few.

Analysis of Views

1. Complex Characters: Readers praise Libbie Hawker's ability to create complex characters that are multi-dimensional and well-developed. Ahmose, the protagonist, is portrayed as a strong and independent woman who must navigate the challenges of her new role as Great Royal Wife. Her relationship with her sister Mutnofret, who is jealous and vengeful, adds depth and tension to the story. The secondary characters, such as Thutmose and Hatshepsut, are also well-crafted and add richness to the narrative.

2. Engaging Historical Setting: The Sekhmet Bed is set in ancient Egypt, a time period that fascinates many readers. Hawker's research shines through in her descriptions of the setting, transporting readers to the bleak natural beauty of Egypt and immersing them in its history. The author's attention to detail brings the historical context to life and provides a sense of authenticity to the story.

3. Well-Researched: Readers appreciate Libbie Hawker's thorough research into ancient Egyptian history and culture. The author includes a section at the end of the book detailing her sources and speculations, which adds credibility to the story. Hawker's writing is not overwhelming with historical facts but seamlessly weaves them into the narrative, making it accessible to readers who may not be experts in the subject matter.

4. Slow Burn Pacing: While some readers enjoy the slow burn pacing of The Sekhmet Bed, others find it to be a bit too slow for their taste. The story takes its time developing and progresses at a measured pace, which may not appeal to those who prefer fast-paced action or quick resolutions. However, those who appreciate character-driven stories and a more introspective exploration of themes may find this aspect of the book appealing.

5. Engaging Writing Style: Libbie Hawker's writing style is praised for its descriptive qualities and ability to transport readers to ancient Egypt. Her use of language creates vivid imagery and evokes a sense of atmosphere that immerses readers in the setting. The author's writing is also compared to that of other notable authors such as Hilary Mantel and George R. R. Martin, indicating a level of skill and craftsmanship in her storytelling.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Engaging Historical Fiction: The Sekhmet Bed offers readers an engaging historical fiction experience that transports them to ancient Egypt. Libbie Hawker's attention to detail and well-researched writing bring the setting to life, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction.

2. Complex Characters: The complex characters in The Sekhmet Bed add depth and intrigue to the story. Readers appreciate the multi-dimensional portrayal of Ahmose and her relationship with her sister Mutnofret, which adds tension and emotional resonance to the narrative. The secondary characters are also well-crafted and contribute to the overall richness of the story.

3. Engaging Writing Style: Libbie Hawker's writing style is praised for its descriptive qualities and ability to immerse readers in ancient Egypt. Her use of language creates vivid imagery and evokes a sense of atmosphere that enhances the reading experience. This aspect of the book makes it a standout in the historical fiction genre.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Slow Burn Pacing: Some readers find the slow burn pacing of The Sekhmet Bed to be too slow for their taste. They prefer faster-paced stories with quick resolutions or action-packed sequences. While this may not be a dealbreaker for all readers, it may not appeal to those who prefer more action-packed narratives.

2. Limited Action: While there are moments of conflict and tension throughout The Sekhmet Bed, some readers feel that there is not enough action or excitement in the story. They may prefer more action-packed sequences or faster-paced storytelling that keeps them engaged throughout the book. However, this may also be seen as a strength by readers who appreciate character-driven stories with a focus on character development and exploration of themes.

Conclusion

"The Sekhmet Bed" by Libbie Hawker is a captivating historical fiction novel set in ancient Egypt that offers readers an engaging exploration of a fascinating time period. With complex characters, well-researched historical settings, and a descriptive writing style that immerses readers in ancient Egypt, this book has garnered positive reviews from readers who appreciate character-driven stories with a focus on character development and exploration of themes. While some readers may find the slow burn pacing or limited action appealing, others may prefer faster-paced narratives with more action-packed sequences. Overall, "The Sekhmet Bed" is recommended for fans of historical fiction who enjoy character-driven stories set in rich historical settings.