Eye of the Sun
by Susan Pfeffer
Dianne Hofmeyr's atmospheric new novel takes us back to ancient Egypt and continues the story of Tuthmosis and Isikara, which began with Eye of the Moon. Amenhotep is now King, although the crown should rightfully have gone to his maimed brother, Tuthmosis. The opening of the sequel is narrated by Ta-Miu, handmaiden to one of Amenhotep's junior wives.
The proud queen Nefertiti, hearing of Tuthmosis' arrival in Thebes, is suspicious, fearing that he intends to assert his right to be King. The story is shared between Ta-Miu, Nefertiti and Isikara, all linked by the mysterious Samut Ð horseman, tomb-robber, spy, lover - we're never quite sure. This tale of power, rivalry and manipulation, full of sumptuous scene-setting, culminates in a nail-bitingly dramatic scene in a burial chamber. Although some effort is required at first to adapt to the changes of viewpoint, Dianne Hofmeyr's fans won't be disappointed.