From Publishers Weekly
Like her well-received Child of the Morning, Gedge's atmospheric new historical is a novel of ancient Egypt. Set in the court of Ramses III, it draws considerable narrative energy from the wanton ambitions and unpredictable fortunes of its narrating heroine, Thu. Eschewing the humble life of a peasant girl, Thu persuades her brother to teach her all he learns at the temple school. When Pharaoh's famed seer, the royal physician Hui, anchors in Thu's village of Aswat, the girl steals to his barge hoping to barter herself for a glimpse into the future. Impressed by her courage and innate ability, Hui makes Thu his apprentice physician. Before long, Thu, though not yet 15, is called upon to treat the ailments of Pharaoh himself. Charmed by the aggressively capable and fiercely complicated young physician, the god-king honors her with a place in his harem. But as she luxuriates in Pharaoh's favor, Thu must contend with the treacherous vortex of court intrigue-and with her love for Pharoah's son, and her desire to be his queen. Deft prose, charismatic characters and a vivid, wholly persuasive rendering of ancient days distinguish this multilayered historical, which may tax readers with its plot convolutions and complicated politics but will reward them in equal measure. British, trans., first serial, dramatic rights: Bella Pomer. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

She grew up on the reed-lined banks of the Upper Nile but she was not like the other villagers of Aswat. Intelligent and ambitious, Thu is convinced that her destiny is greater than to marry a peasant, tend crops and breed sons. She wants more. When Hui, aristocrat, healer and famed seer, anchors his barge at the nearby temple, young Thu swims to it, willing to offer him anything, even herself, for a glimpse of her future. And so she starts a journey that finally leads her to power as Lady Thu, beloved concubine of Ramses III - until, once again, she wants more.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly