Child of the Morning A Novel

Thirty-five centuries ago the sun had a daughter: Hatshepsut. Youngest daughter of the Pharaoh, she was a lithe and magical child. But when her older sister died, it became her duty to purify the dynasty's bloodline. She was to wed Thothmes, her father's illegitimate son, who was heir to the throne. But fearing his son's incompetence, Hatshepsut's father came to her with startling news. She was to be Pharaoh, ruler of the greatest empire the world had ever known--provided, of course, that the unprecedented ascension by a woman did not inspire the priests to treason or instill in her half-brother and future consort sufficient hatred to have her put to death. This is the premise forChild of the Morning,based closely on the historical facts. Hatshepsut assumed the throne at the age of fifteen and ruled brilliantly for more than two decades. Her achievements were immortalized on the walls of her magnificent temple at Deir el-Bahri, built by her architect and lover, Senmut. Sensuous and evocative,Child of the Morningis the story of one of history's most remarkable women.

Pauline Gedge is the author of more than 10 novels, including The Eagle and the Raven, The Hippopotamus Marsh, and The Oasis. Michelle Moran is author of several books, including Cleopatra's Daughter, The Heretic Queen, and Nefertiti.