When I was in the fourth grade, I went through an Ancient Egypt phase. Everything about it fascinated me: the strange ritual of mummification, the many gods, the beautiful hieroglyphics, everything. My mother, noticing this near obsession, remembered a book she had loved in her childhood called Mara: Daughter of the Nile and suggested I read it. I did, and loved it, but eventually my Egypt phase gave way to some new excitement (electronic pets, I think) and the book was forgotten. Then, years later, I read a wonderful book called Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce, and some similarities between to two brought memories of Egypt and Mara back. I bought a copy not long after and fell in love with it all over again.

     Mara is an Egyptian slave girl with quick wit and stunning features, most notably lotus blue eyes that make her look more like a noble than the common slave she is. One day is spotted stealing bread from a young man, while ostensibly flirting with him, by two powerful men: the Pharaoh Hatshepsut's right hand man and spy master, and Sheftu, who was devoted to removing Hatshepsut from power and installing the queen's brother Thutmose III as Pharaoh.

     The nameless spy master decides that Mara would be just the person he needs for a special position, trying to determine who is getting messages from the Prince to his supporters, and buys her from her brutal master. He gives her a choice: danger with possible death but also possible freedom, or the safe life as a slave. She chooses to become his spy, with the promise that should she do well, she would be set free.

     She leaves her city to begin her work, and meets Sheftu, who remembers her instantly, on the way. He assumes that she has run away, but keeps any knowledge of her former life to himself. There are instant sparks between the two of them, although Mara finds him as frustrating as she does attractive. On their final night aboard the ship they have been traveling on together she listens as
Sheftu tells the captain of his cause. Sheftu is aware that she is listening and captures her. He decides that rather than kill her he will use her as his messenger to and from the prince, and so she becomes the very person she is supposed to discover for her master.

     Mara decides to play both sides against the middle and go with whichever side comes out ahead. The problem is, Mara, who has never cared for anyone in her life, does not count on falling in love with Sheftu, or finding herself loyal to the Prince, or becoming friends with his supporters.

     It's an exciting book with lots of twists and turns, danger, intrigue, and a few kisses that are sure to turn any hopeless romantic into a puddle. I give it 5 stars and hope that you will find a copy as soon as possible.