I went into CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER with almost no idea at all about her children by Marc Antony. This isn't to say I had no idea who they were, but I didn't know their fates beyond that they didn't die with Cleopatra. Moran is careful to note any historical changes she made in the Historical Notes section, although she stayed as true to what is factually known as possible, in as much as possible.

There are smaller details that are interesting and noteworthy—such as Livia's (Octavian's obsequious, spiteful wife) purposeful misspelling of Kleopatra, substituting the 'C' for the 'K' or the topical references to Spartacus, not as a historical mark piece, but as a rebellious slave that cost hundreds of thousands of lives. Or Octavian's careful cruelty (challenging a father to duel his son to the death) and fake humbleness (visitors only see the crude wood benches when visiting, not the luxurious silver-gilted tables and couches his friends dine at).

The key is in the details, after all.

We follow Kleopatra Selene and her twin brother, Helios Alexander (Marc Anthony's 'Sun and Moon'), from the age of 11 years old (in 30 B.C.), all the way to 25 B.C. when they are 15 years old. We start with Octavian storming Kleopatra the VII's palace and taking the children captive for his 'Triumph' in Rome, and end things with Selene finally leaving Rome.

Selene is depicted as being willful, clinging to a past that can never be again and searching for a way to keep herself alive in a kingdom where its ruler will kill a trusted friend's son just because he speaks rashly. I felt pity for Selene, for the troubles she had to endure and rise above, but some of that she brought on herself by being stubborn. Her brother, in contrast, tries to fall into line as quickly as possible. He is the more practical one, but also tends to make foolish choices to 'impress' others.

The cast of characters surrounding Selene are all, with the exception of one, true historical personages she met and interacted with. Most interesting to me was Gallia (a Gallic Princess enslaved three decades before by Julius Caesar after his conquering of Gaul) and Octavia, Octavian's sister. Octavia was at times the most caring, compassionate person Selene had ever met, but she was Roman to her core—employing slaves, devoted to her brother's politics (if not his practices, and a worshiper of the Roman Gods.

This is a wonderful, remarkable book that historical fiction lovers will be immensely pleased with. ( )

7/5 easily. This is the best book I've read all year. I'm still in awe. It was a roller coaster from start to finish. I laughed. I cried. I clenched my book and sat on the edge of my seat. I never guessed the ending, and it was fantastic. After all the books I've read, it's wonderful when one surprises you. It's like getting a puppy at Christmas or falling in love.

Everything about this was flawless. The characters were three-dimensional and two-faced. You never knew what anyone was thinking, and neither did the heroine Selene, which is as it should be. I grew with her. As she learned more about the people around her and shed her judgements, so did I. This book was a great reminder that you should always treat people with kindness because you never know what they're dealing with, and everyone has their own problems. That wasn't the message from the book, but it's one I took.

The pacing was perfect. It flowed seamlessly from action to expositional to emotional; from sad to happy to scary. There was never a dull moment in this book, and every scene had a purpose. It's so rare to find a book like that. I must extol its virtues when I do find it.

Due to the expert sprinkling of historical facts, complex characters, and dramatic scenes, I felt fully immersed in Ancient Rome (and Alexandria for the brief time we were there). I thought only Kate Quinn could bring ancient civilizations to life. While I enjoy all of Michelle Moran's books, this is her best work of what I've read so far (I've read Nefertiti, Heretic Queen, and Second Empress). It's not as sweeping or emotional as her other works. It's more balanced, more nuanced. All of her books are worth reading, but if you only have time for one, make it this one. ( )

The strength of this book was the author's ability to describe various places and customs of Rome and to a lesser extent Alexandria. Some depictions of characters were also interesting- my favorite was the depiction of Augustus as somewhat detached, calculating and intimidating.

Perhaps because the story is based from the perspective of a young girl, I felt this often read more like young adult fiction. Many of the personal interactions involving Cleopatra Selene were simplistic and frankly not particularly compelling.

Also important is that no aspect of this novel covers Selene in her years as a co ruler with Juba in Mauritania. Instead, this work is devoted entirely to her childhood and adolescent years in Alexandria and Rome. ( )

Historical not-so fictitious story about well, Cleopatra's daughter in Rome. Excellent period writing and very authentic. ( )

Following their defeat at the Battle of Actium, Cleopatra of Egypt and Mark Antony of Rome commit suicide, leaving behind their twins Selene and Alexander and younger son Ptolemy, in the hands of Octavian and his invading army. The children are bound and transported to Rome where, to their surprise, they are settled rather comfortably in the household of Octavian's sister Octavia. However, as the only living heirs to the throne of Egypt, they know their fates are still uncertain.

What I enjoyed about this book was the fleshed-out imaginings of Selene's and Alexander's lives after their removal from Egypt, even though a reader must always take historical fiction with a grain of salt. The entire length of my read I was itching to research Selene to discover how much of the detail was factual and what her fate really was, but I managed to hold off until finishing the story. I was a little dubious about Marcellus' and Juba's surprisingly modern opinions on the less palatable aspects of Roman culture. It was probably meant to make them more sympathetic to contemporary readers, but it sort of rings falsely. Overall, an entertaining if fanciful read. ( )