Origins

Song of the King's Heart, Book 1

By: Nicole Sallak Anderson

Narrated by: Leah Romano

This is the lost story of Lord Ankhwenefer, known to the Greeks as Chaonnophris the Rebel, the last native Egyptian Pharaoh. The brilliance and heartache of his rebellion weave a tale that history has forgotten.

Until now.

In the year 205 BC, after centuries of Persian and Macedonian occupation, a rebel king rises from the south to take ancient Egypt back unto native hands. He will battle the Ptolemy line for twenty years, and rule almost 80 percent of Egypt, yet in the end, history will never mention his name.

Born Prince Ankhmakis, the last in a line of native Egyptian kings, he is raised with one purpose - to help his father reclaim Egypt from the Macedonian occupiers and return their country to dynastic greatness. Fate, however, has its own plans. For lies and deceit live in the hearts of all involved, from his family to the priesthood, and the Greeks aren’t the only ones who seek to destroy him.

Natasa is in training to become the High Priestess of the temple of Isis. Her task is to strengthen the royal family with the magic of the goddess through love and pleasure. She never thought the connection between her and Ankhmakis could be so strong, or carry a power coveted by those lurking in the shadows. Nor did she know that the child they would create would have her own great destiny to fulfill.

Together, Ankhmakis and Natasa must defend the potential of their love from those who would seek to use it for their own gain. Theirs is a world of magic, power, riches, and lust, and there are those within the court who would do anything to keep Ankhmakis and Natasa apart. Between mystical forces, murder, and illicit schemes - only the gods know if they’ll survive.

"Origins is an enthralling, cinematic tale set in Ancient Egypt, seeping with magic, intrigue, treachery, and romance. I was hooked from the beginning and holding my breath until the very last page." (Stephanie Diaz, author of the Extraction Series)

"Nicole Sallak Anderson's detailed research of costumes, history, and rituals illuminate a long-vanished culture and makes it interesting and she has skillfully breathed life into mere hieroglyphs turning them into vibrant people whose lives are filled with love, jealousy, intrigue, and ambition. A must-read for anyone fascinated by Egyptology or who just wants to read a great story." (Nancy Lynn Jarvis, author of the Regan McHenry Real Estate Mysteries series and the PIP Inc. series)

©2019 Nicole Sallak Anderson (P)2021 Nicole Sallak Anderson

Origins, Song of a King’s Heart, captivated me from the outset!

This tale of ancient Egypt was intriguing and more than I expected. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical vignettes at the start of each chapter and then was absorbed in the complex tale of Lord Ankwenefer’s thirst for power, his young and ambitious princes, each with his own story to tell. But what most captivated me was the tale of the High Priestess of Isis, and the training of her daughter Natasa, where mystery and Temple magic unfolds in support of those who seek to reclaim Egypt from it’s Greek captives. As with any court drama, this story is ripe with celebration, treachery, intrigue, jealousy and it hosts a cast of characters, savory and unsavory, the established order exhibiting a lust for power, while the next generation, the young princes, lords, ladies and priestesses, begin to step into their own. I can’t wait to listen to Book 2!

Engaging story, impressively researched!

Wow - I was drawn in by the timeless human story of love, loyalty, power, family, and politics. I have never been one to study ancient history or Egypt but was captivated by the retelling of life at that time in that place. Nicole’s writing is incredibly detailed and thoroughly researched - the book transports you back to ancient Egypt and you become deeply connected to the story and the characters. The narrator does an excellent job in bringing the story to life. The book leaves the reader reflective and wanting more. I can’t wait for book #2! Will love and the power of good win out over evil and hate? Will father betray son? Will brothers unite or destroy one another and potentially their country in the process…

Can't wait for Book 2

As a lover of historical fiction, this book did not disappoint. The story wove together well-researched information about a little-known period in Egyptian history from military, religious, and social perspectives. Well worth a listen.

I'm in love!

Ankhmakis and Natasa are relationship goals and this story is captivating from beginning to end. Do yourself a favor and grab this one!

Wow, so much more than I expected!

This story drew me in almost immediately and never lost my interest. Lots of characters with difficult names but the narrator gives each such distinct ways of speaking that I was never confused. Loved the narration.
Nicole Sallak Anderson really gave life and depth to ancient Egypt her book. There is real dimension and humanity to her story. Fascinating-a good read and definitely not what I expected! You won’t be disappointed.
Now I have to read the next book.

Great story

Great story. I could imagine it as a movie throughout the book. The visuals painted with words transports you to Ancient Egypt. The rise and fall, the love and hate. It’s a fantastic journey.