Mary Feeney Boeken

Despite the tremendous shock of the Battle of Kadesh, Ramses has not managed to bring the formidable Hittite might to its knees. Rather than continue the struggle, he decides to engage in negotiation. But more important than anything to Ramses is the love he bears the Great Royal Consort, and he decides to offer Nefertari the most fabulous of gifts: at Abu Simbel two temples will be built - symbols of their eternal love. Meanwhile shadows are gathering, from Nubia to the sovereign's own capital of Pi-Ramses and Ramses must come face to face with Moses, the childhood friend whom he had lost sight of for so many years: Moses, who has returned to Egypt to demand the exodus of the Hebrew people.

Ramses II, the most famous of the pharaohs, who reigned for 60 years, is just 14 years old. His worshipped father, Seti, has built up the most powerful empire in the world. But who will succeed him? Should it be the calculating oldest son, Shaanar, or the passionate Ramses? Unbeknownst to Ramses, Seti sets about teaching him his supreme duty. But will Ramses escape the machinations of his brother? With only three friends to trust and a choice of woman to make, these are difficult first years for this celebrated ruler.