Cleopatra's Daughter

Hellooww...
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
I'm sorry I have been MIA this holiday, I just simply refuse the holidays to end ^o^
Now I finally got the spirit to work so let's continue to this very first post of 2010!

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When I had the chance to review a book on historical fiction I jumped for joy! I love history especially when it involves royalty or some famous person. So when I knew I had the opportunity to review a book by Michelle Moran called Cleopatra's Daughter I was very excited! Little did I know that it would turn out to be a very captivating book.

I only know a little about Cleopatra and Marc Antony's love story but this book has opened my eyes and it has given me much more than a glimpse of their life and their children's life in ancient Rome and Egypt.

In Cleopatra's Daughter we learn about the history of Marc Antony and Cleopatra as told by their daughter Selene who was around ten to eleven years old at the time. Before I read this book I didn't even know that Cleopatra has three children with the two of them being twins!

The story begins with the death of Marc Antony and Cleopatra who were being conquered by their enemy, Octavian from Rome. She then took her own life and leave her three children behind. Upon their parent's death, the children were brought to Rome by Octavian and only two of the children survives the trip, the twins Alexander and Selene.

The story then tells us about the children's life in Rome, being taken care of by Octavian's sister, Octavia who was also an ex-wife of their father Marc Antony. From there, the story goes on.. but I wouldn't tell you more details on that, you're gonna have to read it yourself ^o^

Michelle Moran is so kind she even autographed my book!
I was very thrilled. She is very nice! And pretty too! :D

All I can say to you is ever since the beginning of the first pages I have a hard time of putting the book down because Michelle Moran writes a very detailed descriptions of the story's background, from the vivid decorations at the palace of Alexandria to the room-by-room details in Octavia's dwelling in Rome. It helps make the imagination on my head runs wild, it feels almost real in my head, as if I'm walking the path that Selene took herself ^o^
Michelle also tells the story with much detailed history facts that makes me really appreciate the book. The characters are great too and the story itself is very captivating!

I am now definitely a fan of Michelle Moran. I love the way she tells a story, her hard work and all those deep research she did before writing this book make this historical novel a Must-read!

I love her website too, aside from the three great books she wrote: Cleopatra's Daughter, The Heretic Queen and Nefertiti (and upcoming Madame Tussaud!), the website also offers many features which the history buffs like me would like, such as the ancient Rome map the way Selene (the character) remembers it (complete with photos taken by Michelle herself when she was there) or the many links that direct us to additional info on the character's real life. Lots to explore there, a true history lover website. I think Michelle and I could become bestfriends ^o^
Website highlight: Based on meticulous research, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a fascinating portrait of Imperial Rome and of the people and events of this glorious and tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of history, Selene, a young woman of irresistible charm and preternatural intelligence, will capture your heart.
It will indeed!

A bit about Michelle Moran:
Michelle Moran was born in the San Fernando Valley, CA. She took an interest in writing from an early age, purchasing Writer's Market and submitting her stories and novellas to publishers from the time she was twelve.
A public high school teacher for six years, Michelle Moran is currently a full-time writer living in California with her husband. She is the author of Nefertiti, The Heretic Queen, and Cleopatra's Daughter. Her fourth novel, Madame Tussaud, will debut in March 2011.
So, What prompted you to write a novel about Cleopatra’s daughter?
I do a great deal of traveling both for research and for fun, and most of my destinations are archaeological sites. On a trip to Alexandria in Egypt, I was afforded the amazing opportunity of participating in a dive to see the submerged remains of Cleopatra’s ancient city. More than ten thousand artifacts remain completely preserved underwater and it changed the way I looked at Cleopatra. I immediately wanted to know more about her life, and it was mere coincidence that my next trip took me to Italy, where her ten year-old children were brought to live after her suicide. While in Rome, I was able to retrace her daughter's steps, and upon seeing where her daughter had lived on the Palatine, I knew I had my next novel.
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GIVEAWAY!
And lucky for you, Michelle Moran has very kindly offered a Free Hardcover copy of Cleopatra's Daughter as well as an ancient Roman coin complete with certificate of authenticity.

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Now Please pay attention to The RULES before you enter.

RULES :

(To be eligible for this giveaway contest you MUST do the MANDATORY below. You only need 1 Mandatory entry to enter, but you could also have Additional entries to maximize your chances, please remember to leave each entry in a separate comment box or it won't be counted)

To ENTER (MANDATORY) : You must visit Cleopatra's Daughter page on Michelle Moran website, click any of the links there and tell me something you learn from the link you clicked. (1 entry)


For Additional entry :

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NOTE : Remember to include your email in the comment box so I can reach you if you win.
Your entries will be visible after my approval so All entries that does not apply with the rules will not be counted and I will not published the entry!

This giveaway will end on Jan 20, 2010 at 24:00 pm.
Yeah baby, this giveaway is open for WORLDWIDE !
Winner will be announced here on Jan 21, 2010.

I will use random.org to pick the winning number. If the winner does not respond within 48hrs then I will have to choose another winner and will announce it again in my blog.

Good luck to everyone! ^__^

Disclaimer:
I did not receive any form of cash for this review and this is written based on my own honest opinion (other people opinions may vary). Michelle Moran gave me the book to be reviewed but it does not affect my personal review.