As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
(3.5* stars)When Emily Holleman first released Cleopatra's Shadows and the galley found its way to my mail box, I just knew that Holleman was someone to watch in the world of historical fiction. While The Drowning King, the second in her Fall of Egypt series, is less compelling to me than the previous installment; there is something utterly astonishing about the way that Holleman crafts this passage of time and history. What's for certain, is that she captures it all vividly and doesn't slack out on research like many others in the genre.
Tricky as it can be to navigate history and turn it into something both realistic and fictional, Emily Holleman is the rarity of modern authors who can express so expertly. Truly, the tales she weaves are bold and telling without watering down the aspects of who these names were once upon a time. Coherent and woven bluntly--that's what you need to know about her prose. All you need to know, before picking this up, is that Holleman does not play around.
Despite the respectful manner in which she approaches these stories, she tells her own tale. It's that mix of history and fiction that not everyone will love. Many will hate it. Many will love it. I can't explain it beyond this. For many, it will be hit or miss. I find that all historical fiction is as such.
But that being said, if you, like me, are highly fascinated by specific eras in history than the entire series is crafted just for you. There are inaccuracies and yet the utmost respect for reality. There are still liberties in the genre and one should note the embellishments taken. The Drowning King is highly entertaining and full of life. I wish there had been more to it, is all.
The Ptolemys hold a certain kind of intrigue and always will. This is a good, old fashioned historical fiction that doesn't hold a candle to history but still gives readers an escape to the pages of the past as well as a whole new view of things. Part entertainment, part education, there is something about it that clicked with me.