Pharaoh's Lightning
by M.B. Nasdeo
KFR Communications


"Lightning flashed through the room. Kelly turned, expecting to see the handsome face of her lover, but instead, two Egyptian soldiers materialized before her."

Kelly and Jeff are reporters assigned to travel to Egypt and cover the story of King Tut's return. There are rumors of several sightings, and the two are to track down the story and try to get pictures. Of course, neither reporter believes the boy king has returned from the dead, but a free vacation to Egypt while uncovering a hoax sounds fun. With the help of a local guide, they track down a couple of witnesses and meet members of an ancient, secret cult that has been trying to summon King Tut since his death. In addition, Kelly begins having strange visions of the boy king and ancient Egypt. Soon, it is noted that Kelly looks remarkably like King Tut's concubine, Resha. It isn't long before Kelly begins having memories that could only belong to Resha and begins to believe she really is being transported back to ancient Egypt by her lover, King Tut. She realizes how dangerous this is as the Queen doesn't wish to share her King and plots to have his concubine killed. However, a counterplan is also in play to dispose of the queen. Is it possible that Kelly, reincarnated as Resha, can change history?

Combining elements of multiple genres, Nasdeo's book is a bit difficult to define. To simplify things, it could be identified as an Egyptian romantasy. It does include some elements of time travel and historical fiction, but those elements can be included in the worldbuilding. A good example of romantasy is Deborah Harkness' A Discovery of Witches, which also became a popular television series. That series follows the romance of a vampire and a witch. Both titles feature fantastic storylines, with a romantic theme central to each. Nasdeo's book differs only in that it involves magic and reincarnation in Egypt rather than supernatural beings. Often, romantasy books feel like fairly standard fantasy series with steamier romance, but that isn't absolutely necessary, as is evident in a rising movement of authors dedicated to writing clean romantasy. Nasdeo hints at the steamy romance but takes a gentler approach, fading to black when the scenes get heated. Other elements in the book which lend it to an Egyptian romantasy label include reincarnation, the resurrection cult, the in-fighting with the queen and soldiers, and the magic of the gods.

The writing throughout the book is clear and capable of transporting the reader both to modern Egypt and to King Tut's era. It is well-edited with only a couple of minor grammatical errors. The sentences are sufficiently detailed to create the scene without weighing on the story's pace. The novel is at its best when it begins offering differing theories about the king's return, allowing the reader to get lost in the mysteries of wondering if this is all a hoax, if the cult has resurrected Tut, or if King Tut's great love has become strong enough to cross the barriers of death and time. Readers who love the idea of King Tut crossing centuries to reunite with his reincarnated lover will enjoy perusing this title.

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