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I recently went on a deep dive looking for Ancient Egypt historical fiction books to read, and I was truly amazed at how deep and broad this genre is. If you are a fan of exploring ancient times and worlds, it will take some time before you run out of books to read!
As a former Classics major, I love ancient history and ancient civilizations. The Classical World primarily focuses on Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. While they do intermingle with Ancient Egypt quite a bit, I have recently found myself wanting to know more.
I love a good, well-written historical fiction novel. I find it’s a great way to learn some historical facts about a particular time and place, while also enjoying a good story.
Not only are there several standalone novels that explore this ancient time and place, but there are also several series that focus on Ancient Egypt. (One series, which I detail below, contains 20 titles!)
The Ancient Egyptian period lasted from approximately 4300 B.C. to 642 A.D. Most historical fiction books about this period focus on the 18th, 19th, and Ptolemaic Dynasties during the Roman Empire.
The 18th Dynasty includes the monotheistic pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife Nefertiti. The 19th Dynasty focuses on Ramses II. During the reign of the Roman Empire, we meet characters such as Queen Cleopatra.
Below, you will find both series and standalone historical fiction novels about the Ancient Egyptians to whet your appetite for the ancient world.
I wanted this list to include the best books in this genre I could find, so all of the books included are highly rated by fans of historical fiction. I only included books that have a consistent four-star rating or more.
This post is all about the best Ancient Egyptian historical fiction books. Happy Reading!!
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Ancient Egypt Historical Fiction Book Series
First up is the series. This is not an exhaustive list, but like I mention above, I wanted to focus on those that have stood the test of time and that continue to be highly-rated. I have put these in order from oldest to newest.
01
The Egyptian Trilogy by Naguib Mahfouz (1939-1944)
Naguib Mahfouz, an acclaimed Egyptian author, has used his homeland’s richly captivating history to craft timeless tales of the Pharaohs’ divine rule, war, and tragic love.
His first book, Khufu’s Wisdom, follows the Fourth Dynasty monarch as he faces a challenging transition from ruling power to finding out that his daughter is in love with his successor.
His second book, Rhadopis of Nubia, paints a vivid picture of the beloved Pharaoh Merenra II and his captivating courtesan Rhadopis — an affair that enlivens all of Egyptian society. The third installment, Thebes at War, chronicles the epic story of Egypt’s triumphant victory over the Asiatic outsiders who had controlled the country for two centuries.
Mahfouz’s timeless stories continue to inspire and captivate audiences all around the world. You can get all three in a single volume published by Everyman’s Library.
Where to Buy:
02
Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters (Amelia Peabody Series Book 1)
Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody Series is a 20-book series. The first novel in the series is Crocodile on the Sandbank , was first published in 1975.
From the Publisher: “In this first adventure, our headstrong heroine decides to use her substantial inheritance to see the world.
On her travels, she rescues a gentlewoman in distress — Evelyn Barton-Forbes — and the two become friends. The two companions continue to Egypt, where they face mysteries, mummies, and the redoubtable Radcliffe Emerson, an outspoken archaeologist who doesn’t need women to help him solve mysteries — at least that’s what he thinks!”
This is a very popular and highly rated series, and with a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago, Peters knows her stuff.
Where to Buy:
03
Nefertiti by Michell Moran (Egyptian Royals Collection Book 1)
The Egyptian Royals Collection is a three-book series by Michelle Moran that begins with Nefertiti, first published in 2007. This series has been praised for its historical accuracy.
From the Publisher: “Nefertiti and her younger sister, Mutnodjmet, have been raised in a powerful family that has provided wives to the rulers of Egypt for centuries.
Ambitious, charismatic, and beautiful, Nefertiti is destined to marry Amunhotep, an unstable young pharaoh. It is hoped that her strong personality will temper the young ruler’s heretical desire to forsake Egypt’s ancient gods.
From the moment of her arrival in Thebes, Nefertiti is beloved by the people but fails to see that powerful priests are plotting against her husband’s rule. The only person brave enough to warn the queen is her younger sister, Mutnodjmet. Observant and contemplative, Mutnodjmet has never shared her sister’s desire for power. She yearns for a quiet existence away from family duty and the intrigues of court. But remaining loyal to Nefertiti will force Mutnodjmet into a dangerous political game; one that could cost her everything she holds dear. Teeming with love, betrayal, political unrest, plague, and religious conflict, Nefertiti brings ancient Egypt to life in vivid detail.”
Where to Buy:
04
Ramses: The Son of Light by Christian Jacq (Ramses Series Book 1)
The Ramses Series by Christian Jacq is a five-book series that begins with Ramses: The Son of Light, which was first published in 1997. As the name suggests, this series focuses on the legendary Pharaoh Ramses II.
From the Publisher: “At fourteen, Ramses, the second son of the Pharaoh Seth,
must begin to pass a series of royal tests designed to build his mental and physical prowess-or break him. Is Seth planning to leave the world’s most powerful empire to Ramses, and not his corrupt brother, Shaanar? Before he knows it, the younger prince is surrounded by enemies and turning to his friends: Moses, the brilliant young Hebrew; Setau, the snake charmer and mage; Ahmeni; the frail scholar; and Set and Nefertari, the two beautiful women Ramses loves. And so begins the journey of the hero the world has yet to know… Let the saga begin.
“The first in Christian Jacq’s bestselling Ramses series, recounting the thrilling story of Ramses, the legendary king who ruled Egypt for more than 60 years. Ramses sets into motion a tapestry of royal intrigue, treacherous plots, and romantic adventures that will keep readers spellbound and hungry for more.”
Where to Buy:
05
River God by Wilbur Smith (The Egyptian Series Book 1)
The Egyptian series is an eight-volume series by Wilbur Smith that begins with River God, which was first published in 1993.
From the publisher: “Taita is a humble slave; an expert in art, poetry, medicine and engineering, as well as keeping important secrets. He is the most treasured possession of Lord Intef.
Yet when Intef’s beautiful daughter Lostris is married to the Pharaoh, Taita is commanded to follow her, and swiftly finds himself deeper than he ever could have imagined in a world of deception and treachery. But outside the palace, the great kingdom of Egypt is divided, and in even greater danger. Enemies threaten on all sides, and only Taita holds the power to save them all.”
Where to Buy:
06
House of Dreams by Pauline Gedge (Lady of the Reed Series Book 1)
The Lady of the Reed series is a two-book series by Pauline Gedge that begins with the House of Dreams, first published in 1994. Gedge has ten other novels, which are also based on Egyptian historical events and characters.
From the publisher: “In the tiny hamlet of Aswat, far to the south of the royal capital, a beautiful young girl wants more than the meager prospects her village offers. Determined and resourceful, she is quick to leap upon an opportunity when the great seer Hui, who is also physician to Pharaoh, visits Aswat to commune with its god, Wepwawet. Taken under Hui’s wing to become a healer, she has no idea of his real plans for her—plans that will bring her close to Pharaoh as his favorite concubine, but will ultimately enmesh her in court intrigue of the most dangerous kind. House of Dreams is a powerful story of passion and jealousy, rich with the details of Ancient Egyptian life.”
Where to Buy:
07
The Red Pyramid Rick Riordan (Kane Chronicles Book 1)
The Kane Chronicles is a trilogy by Rick Riordan that begins with The Red Pyramid. While this series is for middle-grade readers, don’t let that stop you from enjoying this fun series that focuses on Ancient Egyptian mythology.
From the publisher: “Since their mother’s death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers.
While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane. One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a “research experiment” at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives. Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them–Set-has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe — a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family, and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.”
Where to Buy:
08
Beneath the Pyramid by Christian Jacq (The Judge of Egypt Series, Book 1)
Beneath the Pyramid is the first book in The Judge of Egypt trilogy. It’s set in ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramses III. The story follows our main character, Pazair, a young judge with a knack for solving mysteries and a strong sense of justice. In this adventure, Pazair finds himself tangled up in a web of intrigue and danger centered around the construction of Ramses III’s grand funerary temple.
There’s corruption, murder, and secrets lurking around every corner. Pazair, along with his wife Neferet (who’s a pretty awesome doctor), has to navigate through political schemes and religious conflicts to uncover the truth. The best part? Jacq knows his stuff about ancient Egypt, so you’ll feel like you’re right there in the bustling streets of Thebes or the shadowy corridors of the temples. It’s like a history lesson wrapped up in a suspenseful mystery — perfect for anyone who loves a good historical thriller with a dash of Egyptology.
Where to Buy:
09
The Mask of Ra by Paul Doherty (Amerotke, Book 1)
The Mask of Ra is set in ancient Egypt during the reign of Tutankhamun, and follows our clever protagonist, Chief Judge Amerotke, as he tries to solve a series of puzzling murders.
But Pharaoh Tutankhamun dies under suspicious circumstances, and Amerotke is tasked with investigating. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of conspiracy, betrayal, and dark secrets surrounding the royal court
Doherty blends historical accuracy with a gripping murder mystery. You’ll feel like you’re right there in ancient Thebes, navigating through its bustling streets and grand temples, all while trying to piece together clues alongside Amerotke.
Ancient Egypt Historical Fiction Standalone Novels
Next are the standalone novels. Again, I only focused on top-rated novels by looking at the ratings on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Audible. These are all four-star or greater.
First up are a couple of middle-grade novels. These are quick reads and a great way to whet your appetite for more Ancient Egypt, and then we move on to a few adult historical fiction novels.
01
Mara, Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (1953)
From the publisher about Mara, Daughter of the Nile: “Mara is a proud and beautiful slave girl who yearns for freedom in ancient Egypt, under the rule of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara is not like other slaves; she can read and write, as well as speak the Babylonian language. So, to barter for her freedom, she finds herself playing the dangerous role of double spy for two arch-enemies —
each of whom supports a contender for the throne of Egypt. Against her will, Mara finds herself falling in love with one of her masters, the noble Sheftu, and she starts to believe in his plans of restoring Thutmose III to the throne. But just when Mara is ready to offer Sheftu her help and her heart, her duplicity is discovered, and a battle ensues in which both Mara’s life and the fate of Egypt are at stake.”
Where to Buy:
02
The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw (1961)
From the Publisher about The Golden Goblet: “Winner of a Newbery Honor, an exciting ancient Egyptian mystery! Ranofer wants only one thing in the world: to be a master goldsmith like his beloved father was. But how can he when he is all but imprisoned by his evil half brother, Gebu? Ranofer knows the only way he can escape Gebu’s abuse is by changing his destiny.
But can a poor boy with no skills survive on the cutthroat streets of ancient Thebes? Then Ranofer finds a priceless golden goblet in Gebu’s room and he knows his luck−and his destiny−are about to change.”
Where to Buy:
03
Child of the Morning by Pauline Gedge (1977)
I had to include this intriguing novel because it’s the first I’ve ever heard of this female Pharaoh.
From the publisher of Child of the Morning: “Based closely on historical events, this sensuously beautiful, astonishingly evocative novel tells the story of one of history’s most remarkable women—the first female Pharaoh of Egypt.
Thirty-five centuries ago, Hatshepsut, the youngest daughter of the Pharaoh, was to marry her father’s illegitimate son and heir to the throne, Thothmes, in order to cleanse the bloodline in accordance with Egypt’s supreme law. Fearing his son’s incompetence, Hatshepsut’s father chose her as the heir—provided that the unprecedented ascension by a woman did not inspire the priests to commit treason or instill enough hatred in the envious heart of her half-brother and future consort to have her put to death. Rich in historical detail, this account recalls the rule of one of Egypt’s greatest queens who, under her father’s guidance, assumed the throne at the age of 15 and ruled brilliantly for more than two decades.”
Where to Buy:
04
Ancient Evenings by Norman Mailer (1983)
Norman Mailer published the novel Ancient Evenings in 1983, which was about the world of the Pharaoh Ramses and Queen Nefertiti from the perspective of Menenhetet.
From the publisher: “Norman Mailer’s dazzlingly rich, deeply evocative novel of ancient Egypt breathes life into the figures of a lost era: the eighteenth-dynasty Pharaoh Rameses and his wife, Queen Nefertiti;
Menenhetet, their creature, lover, and victim; and the gods and mortals that surround them in intimate and telepathic communion. Mailer’s reincarnated protagonist is carried through the exquisite gardens of the royal harem, along the majestic flow of the Nile, and into the terrifying clash of battle. An extraordinary work of inventiveness, Ancient Evenings lives on in the mind long after the last page has been turned.”
Where to Buy:
04
Akhenaten: Dweller in Truth by Naguib Mahfouz (1985)
This book is a take on one of ancient Egypt’s most controversial pharaohs, Akhenaten, who shook things up by introducing monotheism to Egypt. What’s unique about this book is its structure – it reads like a detective story. The story follows a young scribe named Meriamun trying to uncover the truth about Akhenaten’s reign.
He interviews various people who knew the pharaoh, getting different perspectives on this enigmatic figure. Each person Meriamun talks to — from Akhenaten’s wife, Nefertiti, to his political rivals — has their own version of events, and it’s up to you, the reader, to piece together the real story. Mahfouz does an awesome job of exploring themes like truth, power, and religious faith, all while bringing ancient Egypt to life in vivid detail.
Where to Buy:
05
Memoirs of Cleopatra (1997)
Margaret George specializes in historical fiction that focuses on famous historical women. George brings Memoirs of Cleopatra from the era of Ancient Egypt, first published in 1997.
From the publisher: “Told in Cleopatra’s own voice, The Memoirs of Cleopatra is a mesmerizing tale of ambition, passion, and betrayal in the ancient Egyptian world,
which begins when the twenty-year-old queen seeks out the most powerful man in the world, Julius Caesar, and does not end until, having survived the assassination of Caesar and the defeat of the second man she loves, Marc Antony, she plots her own death rather than be paraded in triumph through the streets of Rome. Most of all, in its richness and authenticity, it is an irresistible story that reveals why Margaret George’s work has been widely acclaimed as ‘the best kind of historical novel, one the reader can’t wait to get lost in. (San Francisco Chronicle).”
Where to Buy:
06
The Cat of Bubastes: A Tale of Ancient Egypt (1889)
The Cat of Bubastes follows the journey of Amuba, a young prince from Rebu, who becomes a slave in Egypt after his father is defeated in battle. Along with his friend Jethro, Amuba serves in the household of an Egyptian high priest. The boys quickly find themselves caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue and danger when they accidentally cause the death of a sacred cat — a crime punishable by death in ancient Egypt!
As the story unfolds, we see Amuba and Jethro navigate the complexities of Egyptian society, learning about their customs and beliefs along the way. They make new friends, including the priest’s son and daughter, who help them in their adventures.
The boys face numerous challenges and close calls as they try to escape punishment for the cat’s death and eventually find their way back to Amuba’s homeland. It’s a thrilling tale that is not only an entertaining read but also teaches a lot about life in ancient Egypt.
Where to Buy:
07
Pharaoh’s Daughter: A Novel of Ancient Egypt (2009)
The Pharaoh’s Daughter is a creative retelling of the biblical story of Moses but with a unique twist. The story is narrated by Almah, the daughter of Pharaoh, who rescues baby Moses from the Nile River. Lester weaves a captivating tale that brings ancient Egypt to life, filled with rich details about the culture, religion, and daily life of the time.
We follow Moses as he grows up, torn between his Hebrew roots and his Egyptian upbringing. Almah, too, struggles with her own place in society as she questions the beliefs and practices of her people. The story touches on themes of slavery, freedom, identity, belonging, and faith, all while keeping you hooked with its engaging narrative.
Where to Buy:
What Are You Going to Read Next?
Have you read any of these books? I would love to hear what you think of them. Are there any others you think should be on this list?
Which one are you going to read next? Please share below.
