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The First Dynasty #2
The Dagger of Isis
Dangers lurk for the first woman Pharaoh.
The Dagger of Isis, Book II of the The First Dynasty Series, traces the life of Meryt-Neith, the first female ruler of a united Egypt. From her marriage to King Wadjet to her eventual coronation after his death, this tale of intrigue and betrayal follows her ascension, the wars she fought and the loves that gave meaning to her life.
The Dagger of Isis saga takes us on a journey throughout ancient Egypt and into nearby lands, as Meryt-Neith, the great-granddaughter of King Narmer, struggles against her cousin, Nubiti, the Head Priestess of the Temple of Isis, to bring honor to her family’s dynasty. But Nubiti and her mother have far different plans, ones that threaten The Two Lands and the very lives of Meryt-Neith and her son, who is heir to the throne.
In Nubiti’s retinue is Bakht, a powerful shaman of the dark forces and an adept of the Apep priesthood. As Meryt-Neith fights foreign enemies to save a united Egypt, the forces of darkness gather to capture the crown from within.
The Dagger of Isis, Book II of the The First Dynasty Series, traces the life of Meryt-Neith, the first female ruler of a united Egypt. From her marriage to King Wadjet to her eventual coronation after his death, this tale of intrigue and betrayal follows her ascension, the wars she fought and the loves that gave meaning to her life.
The Dagger of Isis saga takes us on a journey throughout ancient Egypt and into nearby lands, as Meryt-Neith, the great-granddaughter of King Narmer, struggles against her cousin, Nubiti, the Head Priestess of the Temple of Isis, to bring honor to her family’s dynasty. But Nubiti and her mother have far different plans, ones that threaten The Two Lands and the very lives of Meryt-Neith and her son, who is heir to the throne.
In Nubiti’s retinue is Bakht, a powerful shaman of the dark forces and an adept of the Apep priesthood. As Meryt-Neith fights foreign enemies to save a united Egypt, the forces of darkness gather to capture the crown from within.
- GenresHistorical FictionEgypt
416 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2012
94 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Lester Picker
8 books18 followersAs a journalist, Les Picker has cruised on a nuclear attack submarine deep in the Pacific Ocean and has climbed the highest peak in the Pyrenes. He has withstood -50-degree Fahrenheit temperatures photographing in the Arctic and survived +120-degree Fahrenheit temperatures living with a Bedouin tribe in Egypt's Eastern desert. He was nearly bitten by a sea lion in the Galapagos (never stand between a mother and her pup while photographing!) and was chased by a 16-foot alligator in South Africa. His tripod and camera were carried off into the Arctic tundra by a curious Grizzly.
Les has more than 600 writing and photo credits in publications that include National Geographic publications, Better Homes & Gardens, Forbes, Time, Inc., Money, and dozens of others. In 2011 Les was named Best Travel Photographer in the prestigious Canada Northern Lights Award.
While a well-known travel writer and photographer, Les is also passionate about his fiction writing. He has written two works of historical fiction and two of general fiction.
The First Pharaoh is the lead book in The First Dynasty Series. It follows the life, loves and adventures of the first Pharaoh, King Narmer (also known as Menes), the man who unified Upper and Lower Egypt into one rule that lasted for 3,000 years. Anhotek, Narmer's scribe, Vizier and personal shaman, protects Narmer throughout his early years, even from the destructive influence of Narmer's own father, King Scorpion. Through loves, wars and palace intrigue, The First Pharaoh tells the story of a real-life king who created a dynasty that became perhaps the most admired civilization the world has ever known.
Les has more than 600 writing and photo credits in publications that include National Geographic publications, Better Homes & Gardens, Forbes, Time, Inc., Money, and dozens of others. In 2011 Les was named Best Travel Photographer in the prestigious Canada Northern Lights Award.
While a well-known travel writer and photographer, Les is also passionate about his fiction writing. He has written two works of historical fiction and two of general fiction.
The First Pharaoh is the lead book in The First Dynasty Series. It follows the life, loves and adventures of the first Pharaoh, King Narmer (also known as Menes), the man who unified Upper and Lower Egypt into one rule that lasted for 3,000 years. Anhotek, Narmer's scribe, Vizier and personal shaman, protects Narmer throughout his early years, even from the destructive influence of Narmer's own father, King Scorpion. Through loves, wars and palace intrigue, The First Pharaoh tells the story of a real-life king who created a dynasty that became perhaps the most admired civilization the world has ever known.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
dnf
February 3, 2014Too much sex. I'm not a prude, but if I'm in the mood for erotic romance, I seek erotic romance, not historical fiction. Also, I like for the sex to add something to the story, not just feel "throw in". It's like the author decided, "Oh, I'll have her masturbate here. It does nothing for the story, but I'll have her diddle herself anyway."
In just 15%, there were pages dedicated to Mery "discovering" herself, giving a blowjob, almost being raped, and then there was a masturbation scene with the sister and another sex scene.
It's not done in a sexy way either. I'm turned off, not on.
Also, lots of telling vs showing. While one can get away with this when using the first person, I didn't care for it.
In just 15%, there were pages dedicated to Mery "discovering" herself, giving a blowjob, almost being raped, and then there was a masturbation scene with the sister and another sex scene.
It's not done in a sexy way either. I'm turned off, not on.
Also, lots of telling vs showing. While one can get away with this when using the first person, I didn't care for it.
August 26, 2013
I know pretty much all there is to know about Queen Hatshepset, but there were two other women before her who took on the reins of rulership by becoming Pharoah. This historical fiction novel about the first, Meryt-Neith was chock-filled with action, adventure, treachery, war and romance. I could feel the heat of the sun on the sand and smell the black silt from the life-giving Nile. The fact that the ancient Egyptians were depicted as people of color was a definite plus--because they were. When characters described the Ta-Seti people as "black", it was not in a perjorative sense as much as it was depicting their most notable physical characteristic.
There's a certain irony that while the ancient Egyptians were far more progressive when it came to the rights of women, they were also notoriously hidebound when it came to their being allowed to rule. There is also an irony that, at least in Hatshepset's case, hers was a highly successful rule for both trade, a florishing of the arts, and even a decisive military victory. Hmm, the same can be said of Elizabeth I. Just a thought. Unlike Hatshepset, it seemed that Meryt-Neith would have been happy to have remained Queen Consort rather than thrust onto the role of pharoah by her young husband's untimely death. She has to deal with raising a young son alone while struggling to hold on to her great-grandfather, King Narmer's (of the famous Narmer Palette) dream of a unified Egypt. Something many in the battered yet bitter Lower Egypt, do not want.
The weakest and most predictable aspect of this book was Nubiti, Meryt-Neith's half-sister. She is the daughter of the old king's Second Wife Shepsit and a member of the royal house of Lower Egypt. Unification did not sit very well with those conquered and Nubiti becomes a typical foil to separate Upper and Lower Egypt. While her reasons seemed motivated by loyalty and patriotism, it just seemed she was power-hungry, if not patient. Still, hers was a character that didn't feel as fleshed-out or somewhat sympathetic.
Still, for those like me who fiend hard for historical fiction about this fantastic culture, and who've read everything Pauline Gedge, Michelle Moran and Moyra Caldecott have written, this second book in the series about the First Dynasty is great stuff. The author even thanks Dr. Zahwi Hawass, which to me is very very cool!
There's a certain irony that while the ancient Egyptians were far more progressive when it came to the rights of women, they were also notoriously hidebound when it came to their being allowed to rule. There is also an irony that, at least in Hatshepset's case, hers was a highly successful rule for both trade, a florishing of the arts, and even a decisive military victory. Hmm, the same can be said of Elizabeth I. Just a thought. Unlike Hatshepset, it seemed that Meryt-Neith would have been happy to have remained Queen Consort rather than thrust onto the role of pharoah by her young husband's untimely death. She has to deal with raising a young son alone while struggling to hold on to her great-grandfather, King Narmer's (of the famous Narmer Palette) dream of a unified Egypt. Something many in the battered yet bitter Lower Egypt, do not want.
The weakest and most predictable aspect of this book was Nubiti, Meryt-Neith's half-sister. She is the daughter of the old king's Second Wife Shepsit and a member of the royal house of Lower Egypt. Unification did not sit very well with those conquered and Nubiti becomes a typical foil to separate Upper and Lower Egypt. While her reasons seemed motivated by loyalty and patriotism, it just seemed she was power-hungry, if not patient. Still, hers was a character that didn't feel as fleshed-out or somewhat sympathetic.
Still, for those like me who fiend hard for historical fiction about this fantastic culture, and who've read everything Pauline Gedge, Michelle Moran and Moyra Caldecott have written, this second book in the series about the First Dynasty is great stuff. The author even thanks Dr. Zahwi Hawass, which to me is very very cool!
February 8, 2013
Continuing the stories (and there are many) of the ancient Pharaohs, the reader becomes a participant in the extraordinary life of Meryt-Neith, the first female Pharaoh of Egypt. There is a LOT in this book- passion, romance, ancient medicinal practices, family drama, terrifying mystical characters (the evil Bakht of the underworld is truly creepy), vivid battle scenes, and -oh yeah- history. The reader is immersed in the ancient world - you experience what the ancient Egyptians ate, how they worshipped, their architecture, government, what they wore, their education, their art- how they loved---the reader EXPERIENCES one of the most fascinating cultures ever to exist.
December 24, 2020
A little bit of Egyptian History
I gave this book, and the series as a whole , two stars because the bits of Egyptian history were interesting. Otherwise this is a typical example of why men should not write books with a female character in the first person. I was unable to get beyond maybe 15% of each book because of constant references to breasts, being naked, and discussing sex with other female characters. Lester ,we don't spend much time thinking about our breasts or sex. Oh, did I mention the attempted rape of a young princess with budding breasts in the first few pages of one of the books?
If you want ant a little history mixed into stories Romance novels then these books are for you.
I gave this book, and the series as a whole , two stars because the bits of Egyptian history were interesting. Otherwise this is a typical example of why men should not write books with a female character in the first person. I was unable to get beyond maybe 15% of each book because of constant references to breasts, being naked, and discussing sex with other female characters. Lester ,we don't spend much time thinking about our breasts or sex. Oh, did I mention the attempted rape of a young princess with budding breasts in the first few pages of one of the books?
If you want ant a little history mixed into stories Romance novels then these books are for you.
May 30, 2017
Good, but very long
The writing again, is very strong for this series. It's intriguing, it sucks you in. But the problem is the sheer LENGTH of each book. To be honest, the only thing that kept ,e going was that I was halfway through and need to meet my Goodreads book challenge for the year. Nubiti doesn't really get a satisfying ending, Meryt is sort of fizzling "and now I can die" at the end, and nothing is really wrapped up re: Den getting an heir if he's gay. Would have felt better as a duology, if only to flesh out those details and streamline others.
The writing again, is very strong for this series. It's intriguing, it sucks you in. But the problem is the sheer LENGTH of each book. To be honest, the only thing that kept ,e going was that I was halfway through and need to meet my Goodreads book challenge for the year. Nubiti doesn't really get a satisfying ending, Meryt is sort of fizzling "and now I can die" at the end, and nothing is really wrapped up re: Den getting an heir if he's gay. Would have felt better as a duology, if only to flesh out those details and streamline others.
July 23, 2023
Picker does a great job recreating a believable picture of early Ancient Egypt, grounded in extensive research. He just isn't great portraying women, which is too bad because this is one of the few novels about the one who might have been the first female pharaoh Meritneith. She and others around her spend too much time worrying that she is losing her femininity being a pharaoh. I would have liked to see a stronger portrait.
September 19, 2017
Awesome endeavor, well done,
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Lester Picker ' s previous work. The story 'rang true' with very few exceptions (the term 'partying' comes to mind, lol.) No glaring improbable issues raised their heads. Looking forward to reading more from this author as well as checking out his photography work. Thanks for the great ride Lester!
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed Lester Picker ' s previous work. The story 'rang true' with very few exceptions (the term 'partying' comes to mind, lol.) No glaring improbable issues raised their heads. Looking forward to reading more from this author as well as checking out his photography work. Thanks for the great ride Lester!
September 16, 2019
Way too much sex. Wasn't necessary.
October 10, 2020
Ancient Egypt at its best
I enjoyed this book just as I did the first one of this trilogy. Author gives such vivid descriptions of the culture. An excellent read!!!
I enjoyed this book just as I did the first one of this trilogy. Author gives such vivid descriptions of the culture. An excellent read!!!
February 17, 2016
The Dagger of Isis is the second book in Lester Picker 19s First Dynasty series about the early pharaohs of ancient Egypt. The novel is set in the 30th century B.C. and it is about Maryt-Neith, the daughter of Djer, and the wife of Djet. She rose to the lofty height of pharaoh upon her husband 19s death.
Tales about women who rise to power in male dominated worlds is always of fascination, for it is clear that in order to do so, they must possess extraordinary strength and qualities. Of course, there will always be enemies who do not want to be ruled by a woman, those with their own ambitions, and this makes for plenty of good conflict.
Lester Picker has penned a novel that depicts the brutality and mysticism of this old world with all its decadence and romance, dangers and drama. It is evident the author has spent a great deal of time immersing himself in research to demonstrate the smallest details of what everyday life in this ancient civilization was like.
Nice, readable prose, and a compelling story make this a very enjoyable book. Evil, betrayal, intrigue, and a good romance kept me tuned into the story. This book can stand alone, but I urge you to read The First Pharaoh so you have the complete tale. It is historical fiction at its finest.
Tales about women who rise to power in male dominated worlds is always of fascination, for it is clear that in order to do so, they must possess extraordinary strength and qualities. Of course, there will always be enemies who do not want to be ruled by a woman, those with their own ambitions, and this makes for plenty of good conflict.
Lester Picker has penned a novel that depicts the brutality and mysticism of this old world with all its decadence and romance, dangers and drama. It is evident the author has spent a great deal of time immersing himself in research to demonstrate the smallest details of what everyday life in this ancient civilization was like.
Nice, readable prose, and a compelling story make this a very enjoyable book. Evil, betrayal, intrigue, and a good romance kept me tuned into the story. This book can stand alone, but I urge you to read The First Pharaoh so you have the complete tale. It is historical fiction at its finest.
July 3, 2015
The Dagger of Isis by Lester Picker
I like these books about ancient Egypt, their customs and way of life. They are easy books to read. The characters are well defined and continue throughout the series. Understanding upper and lower Egypt through this early history gives you a different perspective of the time and the people. I'm on to the third book in the series.
I like these books about ancient Egypt, their customs and way of life. They are easy books to read. The characters are well defined and continue throughout the series. Understanding upper and lower Egypt through this early history gives you a different perspective of the time and the people. I'm on to the third book in the series.
December 2, 2015
Most interesting depiction of an ancient era
The author has brought to life an obscure era without sacrificing known history. The ancient characters are excellently portrayed. All known historical and recent archeological finds have been nicely woven into the fabric of the novel.
The author has brought to life an obscure era without sacrificing known history. The ancient characters are excellently portrayed. All known historical and recent archeological finds have been nicely woven into the fabric of the novel.
February 8, 2013
What a great book! It is so wonderful to get a lesson in history, obviously researched, wrapped around a fascinating story. Strong characters and fast paced, and well written, couldn't put it down.
April 3, 2017
I received this free from good reads first reads. It was okay. Not to bad.
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January 26, 2016The only problem I have
The book was entertaining. Lots of details and not necessarily character driven. I've come this far, I guess u will read the third installment!
The book was entertaining. Lots of details and not necessarily character driven. I've come this far, I guess u will read the third installment!
April 25, 2016
Book 2
The character Meryt- neither made the reading very interesting because of her strength & strong character. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The character Meryt- neither made the reading very interesting because of her strength & strong character. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews