Reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite

Valley of the Kings: The 18th Dynasty by Terrance D. Coffey is the historical saga of one of the most controversial pharaohs to ever come to power in Egypt. Amenhotep III had built a powerful dynasty, ruling Egypt with a firm hand. When his son and heir, Tuthmosis, dies in battle, there is only one left to rule as Amenhotep’s heir: his deformed second son, Teppy. With his mother behind him, Teppy marries the beautiful Nefertiti. Along with their marriage comes a religious conflict unlike any other. Unimpressed with the god of his father, Amun, Teppy urges a conversion to Aten, taking on the name Akhenaten. Moving from the old capital of Thebes, Akhenaten forms a new city with Nefertiti by his side. Their reign is doomed with illness and suspected vengeance by the priests of old. When Akhenaten passes, the most well-known pharaoh, Tutankhamun, rises to power. However, someone close to the family lurks in the shadows, waiting to strike.

Mr. Coffey has portrayed the 18th Dynasty in story fashion, applying a personal touch to the legends of Egyptian history. I enjoyed reading this saga, having always been fascinated by Egyptian history and culture. I would have liked to see more about the distinction between gods Amun and Aten, but I was aware of the early attempt to have people worship one god. I do hope Mr. Coffey goes on to write other story-like histories of the Egyptian dynasties. Valley of the Kings: The 18th Dynasty by Terrance D. Coffey is a great novel for someone wanting to learn a bit of history, but who doesn’t want to go through dense historical texts.