Synopsis
When his position at court is usurped by his half brother, a young Egyptian nobleman seeks to regain his standing through military victories against the enemy.
Janice DeLong - Children's Literature
After years as captain of desert scouts, Rahotep is called home to pay his respects to his dying father, the Viceroy of Nubia. Upon arriving, the second son discovers that his father is already being mourned and—as the offspring of a lesser wife—Rahotep has essentially been banned from his country by his powerful older half brother. Finding asylum with his noble band of archers in neighboring Egypt, Rahotep attempts to prove his loyalty to the Pharaoh and his two sons. However, fate strikes again, and the once honored desert captain—unjustly accused of an assassination attempt—is severely beaten and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Escape offers more adventure, and finally, the twice-maligned officer is honored for his ingenuity, bravery, and loyalty. Set in 1500 B.C, this historical novel provides the adolescent reader with an intimate view of the court intrigue that naturally stemmed from warring factions, both internal and external. Vivid battle scenes realistically depict the frantic efforts of small tribes to survive the crushing rule of the Hyksos Empire. Reference to varying deities and their vastly different demands enlightens the audience as to the influence of spirituality and its power over worshippers of the era. 2001 (orig. 1960), Bethlehem Books, Ages 12 to 18.
Editorials
Children's Literature
After years as captain of desert scouts, Rahotep is called home to pay his respects to his dying father, the Viceroy of Nubia. Upon arriving, the second son discovers that his father is already being mourned and—as the offspring of a lesser wife—Rahotep has essentially been banned from his country by his powerful older half brother. Finding asylum with his noble band of archers in neighboring Egypt, Rahotep attempts to prove his loyalty to the Pharaoh and his two sons. However, fate strikes again, and the once honored desert captain—unjustly accused of an assassination attempt—is severely beaten and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Escape offers more adventure, and finally, the twice-maligned officer is honored for his ingenuity, bravery, and loyalty. Set in 1500 B.C, this historical novel provides the adolescent reader with an intimate view of the court intrigue that naturally stemmed from warring factions, both internal and external. Vivid battle scenes realistically depict the frantic efforts of small tribes to survive the crushing rule of the Hyksos Empire. Reference to varying deities and their vastly different demands enlightens the audience as to the influence of spirituality and its power over worshippers of the era. 2001 (orig. 1960), Bethlehem Books, Ages 12 to 18.—Janice DeLong