Cleopatra Victorious (Cleopatra Reimagined Book #2) by Helen R. Davis: A Book Review
Author: Helen R. Davis
Genre: Alternative Historical Fiction
Publisher: Savant Books and Publishings
Release Date: April 30, 2020
Pages: 364
Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: CLEOPATRA VICTORIOUS is the alternative history sequel to Helen R. Davis' award-winning novel, CLEOPATRA UNCONQUERED (Savant 2015). Cleopatra VII, queen of Egypt, has triumphed at the Battle of Actium, which in the annals of history cost her and her lover, Mark Antony, their lives. She has won the battle, but will she be able to win the war and create a new place for her, her dynasty and Egypt in the annals of history?
My Review: The Battle of Actium was one of the most pivotal events in Western history. The battle marked the beginning of imperial Rome. This battle was so important to Western civilization that many began to wonder what would have happened had Cleaopatra and Antony won the Battle of Actium. The novel, Cleopatra Victorious, attempts to answer the question by giving us an alternative historical take on the tale.
Cleopatra Victorious was truly a pleasure to read. I had read many biographies and novels on Cleopatra, and this was a very refreshing story that kept me intrigued. Cleopatra Victorious shows Antony and Cleopatra are not only a power couple, but they also have an enduring love between each other. They respect, rely, and trust each other. Even though they are mostly separated from one another because Antony rules in Rome and Cleopatra in Egypt, they both work together to form a common goal. I find it interesting that it takes a long time for Cleopatra to be accepted in Rome. This shows that while she may have won the battle, she is still not well-liked in the capital. She has to slowly win the Romans’ hearts. I also thought it to be very interesting that the couple wanted to conquer other kingdoms through marriages rather than war. Thus, Cleopatra proved to be intelligent, resourceful, and a pragmatist. Unlike how some novels portray Cleopatra as a woman who neglects her children for the men in her life, Cleopatra is shown to be a loving and caring mother.
Overall, this novel is full of twists and turns! The plot line seemed very realistic to me that I was convinced the events described would have happened had Cleopatra and Antony won the battle. The world-building is very vivid and filled with historical detail. The only drawback to this novel was that many of the scenes were mostly told to the reader rather than shown. I would have liked the novel to have more action. Still, I did not want Cleopatra Victorious to end, and I am eager to see what the final novel in the trilogy has in store! The Cleopatra Reimagined Series is a trilogy that should not be missed if you love reading about the last Egyptian pharaoh!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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