Book Review and Giveaway: Lily of the Nile « Kelly's Lucky You
Book Review and Giveaway: Lily of the Nile
By Kelly, on January 8th, 2011
About the Book
“With her parents both dead, the daughter of Cleopatra and Mark Antony is left at the mercy of her Roman captors. Heir to one empire and prisoner of another, it falls to Princess Selene to save her brothers and reclaim what’s rightfully hers…”
Lily of the Nile, the debut novel by Stephanie Dray, sweeps you into the glittering and treacherous corridors of ancient power where gods intervene and destinies hang by a thread. Dray takes us beyond the legend of Cleopatra into the coming-of-age of her daughter, Selene. Stripped of title and dignity, Selene must navigate Roman slavery, political intrigue, and divine whispers from Isis herself. When blood-red hieroglyphs mysteriously appear on her skin, she realizes that a hidden force has chosen her to restore a fallen dynasty.
Why This Story Feels Fresh
1. A Heroine Born of Two Worlds
Cleopatra was the last Pharaoh of Egypt; Antony, Rome’s fiercest general. Selene inherits both legacies—Egyptian mysticism and Roman discipline. Dray’s detailed historical research brings each scene vividly to life.
2. A Vivid Ancient World
From Alexandria’s libraries to Rome’s brutal arenas, the novel is rich in historical texture. You’ll feel the scent of incense, the heat of desert wind, and the clang of sword against shield.
3. Magic Woven Through History
This isn’t just historical fiction—there’s a spiritual thread throughout. Selene’s bond with the goddess Isis shapes her fate, and every omen or vision carries mythic weight.
4. A Heartbeat of Sisterhood and Sacrifice
Selene’s devotion to her brothers and longing to rise above her chains resonates with anyone who’s ever felt powerless. Her transformation is both moving and empowering.
About the Author
Stephanie Dray is a lawyer, game designer, educator, and storyteller with a deep love for Rome and Egypt. Her background in Middle Eastern studies and her passion for collecting antiquities add depth to her fiction. She also founded a literary contest supporting young female writers through mentorship and awards—helping nurture a new generation of storytellers.
My Verdict
If you enjoy epic family sagas, political drama, or myth-infused storytelling, Lily of the Nile delivers. The writing is richly detailed, transporting you straight to marble palaces and temple altars. I devoured its 400+ pages and can’t wait for Book Two. This is a trilogy in the making, and it starts strong.
What Reviewers Are Saying
- “Meticulously researched, thoroughly believable—Dray’s magic weaves through history.”
- “Rich with subtle mysticism and fierce female power… simply unputdownable.”
Giveaway: Win a Copy of Lily of the Nile
To celebrate the release, I’m giving away a copy to one lucky reader!
How to Enter
- Visit the Cleopatra Literary Contest site and share one thing you learned about it.
- Subscribe to Kelly’s Lucky You by email or RSS.
- Follow Kelly’s Lucky You on Google Friend Connect or Twitter.
- Like Kelly’s Lucky You on Facebook.
- Blog, tweet, or share this giveaway—each action counts as an extra entry.
Deadline: January 22 at midnight CST
Eligibility: Open to U.S. residents only
Note: One winner will be randomly drawn and notified by email. Full rules available on the Giveaway Rules page.
Good luck—and happy reading!
