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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 wide this genre really is. If you are a fan of exploring ancient worlds, it will take you some time before you run out of books to read!
As a former Classics major, I have a love for 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.
Not only are there several standalone novels that explore this ancient time and place, there are also several series that focus on Ancient Egypt. (One series, which I detail below, contains 20 titles!)
The Ancient Egyptian historical period spans from approximately 4300 B.C.E. to 642 C.E. Most of the historical fiction books about this time period focus on the 18th Dynasty, the 19th Dynasty, and Ptolemaic Kingdom, during the Roman Empire.
The 18th Dynasty includes the monotheistic pharaoh Akhenaten along with his wife Nefertiti. The 19th Dynasty focuses on Ramses II. During the reign of the Roman Empire is when we get to meet characters such as Queen Cleopatra.
Below you will find both series and standalone historical fiction novels about the Ancient Egyptians to wet your appetite for the ancient world.
All of the books included on this list are highly-rated by fans of historical fiction. I only included books that have a consistent four star rating or more.
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Ancient Egypt Historical Fiction Book Series
First up are the series. This is not an exhaustive list, but like I mention below, 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 (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.
02
Crocodile on the Sandbank (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 that 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.
03
Nefertiti (Egyptian Royals Collection Book 1)
The Egyptian Royals Collection is a three book series by Michelle Moran that begins with Nefertiti, which was 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.”
04
Ramses: The Son of Light (Ramses Series Book 1)
The Ramses Series by Christian Jacq is a five book series that begins with Ramses: The Son of Light that 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.”
05
River God (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.”
06
House of Dreams (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, which was first published in 1994. Gedge has 10 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.”
07
The Red Pyramid (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.”
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. Then we move onto a few adult historical fiction novels.
01
Mara, Daughter of the Nile (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 language of Babylonian. 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.”
02
The Golden Goblet (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.”
03
Child of the Morning (1977)
I had to include this intriguing novel because it’s the first I’ve ever heard of this female Pharaoh.
From the publisher about 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.”
04
Ancient Evenings (1983)
Norman Mailer published the novel Ancient Evenings in 1983, about the world of the Pharaoh Ramses and Queen Nefertiti told 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.”
04
Akhenaten: Dweller in Truth (1985)
Norman Mailer published the novel Ancient Evenings in 1983, about the world of the Pharaoh Ramses and Queen Nefertiti told 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.”
05
Memoirs of Cleopatra (1997)
Margaret George specializes in historical fiction that focuses on famous historical women. From the era of Ancient Egypt, George brings Memoirs of Cleopatra, which was 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).”
What Are You Going to Read Next?
Have you read any of these books? I would love to hear about what you thought of them. Are there any others you think should be on this list?
Which one are you going to read next? Please share below.
