Publication Date: July 2, 2015
[easyazon_link identifier=”0996275029″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]Hidden by Moonlight[/easyazon_link] is the story of the five immortal children of Nut (primary Gods of Egypt). Nebt-Het (Nephthys) longs to be remembered and interacts in a way that could be damaging to the emerging civilization. Can she make her mark without destroying what her brother and sisters have done?
The author, Embahara Maart, gave me a copy of this novel in exchange for my review.
[easyazon_link identifier=”0996275029″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]Hidden by Moonlight[/easyazon_link] is a classic Egyptian Neopaganism story from the perspective of Nebt-Het. The language of the piece is ancient and beautiful. The author is a teacher of Kemetic tradition and her comfort with the subject and traditions glows throughout the piece.Maat leaves few lyrical stones unturned in her 367-page account of the genesis of civilization. Crowns are decorated with flowers and the interplay between the gods are the building blocks of epic mythology. Ausar (Osiris), Auset (Isis), Setesh (Seth) and Heru (Horus) are written in a way that is educational and easy for modern audiences to follow. The pantheon of gods is clear and unique in personality and attributes. As complex and inaccessible mythology can be, Maat brings the story under a brilliant spotlight. Neb-Het’s opinions of her siblings are given freely and with a contemporary eye. She is petulant, impulsive and not always willing to take cues when given.
The scene in which Ra gives each god their direction is done with delicacy and humor. Ra realizes that Neb-Het will feel less important than her siblings. Neb-Het`s reaction to Ra’s insight is telling of her evolution in the story. She is insecure but greatness has been predicted if she does as instructed. She feels both isolated and pensive. The emotions on the page are visceral.
[easyazon_link identifier=”0996275029″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]Hidden by Moonlight[/easyazon_link] is smart literature that brings oral history to life and embraces a world audience. Maat’s writing style is fluid lending itself to a quick read. The editing of the piece is flawless. There are moments when the reader gets a bit bogged down in the musings of Neb-Het but the whole of the work rises above those spare distractions.If you’re interested in Kemetic fiction, pick [easyazon_link identifier=”0996275029″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]Hidden by Moonlight[/easyazon_link] up today. It is a good read that will add to your knowledge base while providing entertaining content for a lazy afternoon.
Read an excerpt and buy Hidden By Moonlight by Embahra Maat on:
Amazon U.S. • Amazon U.K. • Amazon Canada
For more information aboutEmbahra Maat and her work, visit her website. You can connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook and Twitter @embahra.