KIYA: Hope of the Pharaoh

KIYA Trilogy, Book 1

By: Katie Hamstead

Narrated by: Dara Rosenberg

When Naomi’s sisters are snatched up to be taken to be wives of the erratic Pharaoh, Akhenaten, she knows they won’t survive the palace, so she offers herself in their place. The fearsome Commander Horemheb sees her courage, and knows she is exactly what he is looking for…

The Great Queen Nefertiti despises Naomi instantly, and strips her of her Hebrew lineage, including her name, which is changed to Kiya. Kiya allies herself with Horemheb, who pushes her to greatness and encourages her to make the Pharaoh fall in love with her. When Akhenaten declares Kiya will be the mother of his heir, Nefertiti, furious with jealousy, schemes to destroy Kiya.

Kiya must play the deadly game carefully. She is in a silent battle of wills, and a struggle for who will one day inherit the crown. If she does bear an heir, she knows she will need to fight to protect him, as well as herself, from Nefertiti who is out for blood.

©2013 Katie Hamstead (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Fascinating and engaging

In Kiya, Hope of the Pharaoh, Egyptian soldiers visit a Hebrew village to find a new wife for the Pharaoh. The Egyptians desire one of Naomi's younger sisters, but Naomi bravely volunteers herself in order to protect her sisters' virtue. When she arrives at the palace, she continues to show strength and bravery, as she stands up for the other wives and concubines, fights the tyrannical first wife, and stays true to her religious beliefs despite threat of death.

I usually do not read historicals, but I'm so glad I made an exception for Kiya. I was immediately fascinated by the world she created and rooted for her characters. I loved stepping into a different world and was impressed by all the detail, such as social norms, culture, food, clothing, and marriage traditions. However, a world is nothing without its characters, and this book has fantastic ones. Naomi/Kiya is a wonderful strong, female character. She is courageous, moral, and easy to root for. I also found the Pharaoh's character to be complex and fascinating. I expected him to be more of a traditional "bad guy" type, but he was very layered and unusual. And the love story between Naomi and Malakai was noble and heartwarming. When he told the story of Rachel and Leia, I admit to tearing up a bit.

I'm so excited to read the rest of the series! Well done Katie Hamstead!

Cheesy

I liked the story but listening to it made me feel like I was watching one of cheesy old Barbie movies and it was a little irritating

Couldn't put it down. Fantastic!

The story went from drama to more drama. Fast paced! Great Read. On to the next one.

Can't get to the story

The narration of this story is just awful in my opinion... over acted. I can't even get past it to find out if I like the story. I'll try reading it myself as it received good reviews for the story itself.

terrible reading, bad writing, good story

This is a terrible reading that makes not-great writing sound even worse. Somebody else described it as "A kindergarten teacher reading Cinderella," which is accurate. Her villains' voices are AWFUL. However, the story of this trilogy is very interesting, and I'm finishing it because I'm still into it despite its faults. I feel bad to be harsh, but I kind of just wish someone else had written it. The writing is almost entirely free of any color, e.g. "I felt fear for my family, knowing that the army would be nearby." (Not quite a direct quote, but as good as). I think maybe the author was trying to achieve the tone of a simple ancient lifestyle, but it comes off as a lot of telling and little showing. I would recommend "Child of the Morning" and "The Red Tent" as better-written alternatives with similar aspects of this story.

Thoroughly Enjoyable

Exceptional series by Katie Hamstead and Dara Rosenberg narration keeps you wanting to hear more.

Historical Fiction at Its Best!

The book was superbly written with much attention true to the historical period in time! I felt transported back in time and felt as thought I was in attendance in the Pharoh's palace. The cast of characters, the attire descriptions, the women's wing for wives and concubines, the gala feasts - drew me in and I could hardly wait for the line of the story.

I would recommend this to anyone interested in the life of a Pharoh and his Queens and life in early Egyptian history. And I was impressed by the descriptive life surrounding the Hebrews and their treatment under Egyptian rule.

Can hardly wait to read more about Queen Kiya be it truth or fiction.

Easy listening historical fiction

Engaging way to pick up bits of history...not necessarily 100% accurate, but adequate!! Story paints vivid picture of the period.

Very Early Reverse Book Of Esther Style Read

Narration was good, especially because I could just hear the story, not being distracted by the person reading.

I've been listening to lots of books re: Akhenaten lately as well as many about the Exodus! Kiya is mentioned as being very loved by the Pharaoh, but not much else is related about her. If, she was indeed a Hebrew, that would explain why. Clearly the storyline follows an early take on the book of Esther, and what could have happened if she had not been the "primary" queen. Nefertiti is cruel in this book, but considering the historical understanding that no other wives or concubines were allowed to bear sons for Akhenaten and the reality that first wives usually ran the harems, this is very plausible. I loved Malachi (no spoilers, get the book) and even seeing a possible, different, more tender side to Akhenaten. Thoroughly enjoyed it... looking forward to the next two.

Great Series

Would you consider the audio edition of KIYA: Hope of the Pharaoh to be better than the print version?

No both versions are great.

What did you like best about this story?

Her version of the truth of Queen Kiya. Most writers mention her as a conniving person. She was a mother, wife and Queen.

What about Dara Rosenberg’s performance did you like?

She was great, made me feel as though I was witnessing it first hand.

Who was the most memorable character of KIYA: Hope of the Pharaoh and why?

Kiya, she is a strong women who faced ridicule based on her religion and race.

Any additional comments?

I do hope to see more from Katie Hamstead about the lives of the Pharaohs.