Sunday Showcase: CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER by Michelle Moran

Michelle Moran's newest Historical novel, CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER, hit the shelves September 15th. I received a gorgeous hardback copy from the publisher and was giddy with book-junky delight. My review will be up next month. Meanwhile, pop on over to http://www.cleopatrasdaughter.com/ for the book trailer and such. Also, check out Michelle's blog, History Buff, for cool articles on historical and archaeology things.

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Here's more about the book-

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The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s vengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome, but only two—the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander—survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

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The fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in Cleopatra’s Daughter. Recounted in Selene’s youthful and engaging voice, it introduces a compelling cast of historical characters:

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Octavia: the emperor Octavian’s kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra

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Livia: Octavian’s bitter and jealous wife

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Marcellus: Octavian’s handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir-apparent

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Tiberius: Livia’s sardonic son and Marcellus’s great rival for power

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Juba: Octavian’s ever-watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals

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Selene’s narrative is animated by the concerns of a young girl in any time and place —the possibility of finding love, the pull of friendship and family, and the pursuit of her unique interests and talents. While coping with the loss of both her family and her ancestral kingdom, Selene must find a path around the dangers of a foreign land. Her accounts of life in Rome are filled with historical details that vividly capture both the glories and horrors of the time. She dines with the empire’s most illustrious poets and politicians, witnesses the creation of the Pantheon, and navigates the colorful, crowded marketplaces of the city where Roman-style justice is meted out with merciless authority.

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Based on meticulous research, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a fascinating portrait of Imperial Rome and of the people and events of this glorious and tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of history, Selene, a young woman of irresistible charm and preternatural intelligence, will capture your heart.