This is always the nail-biting time for a writer, when review copies are sent out and there’s nothing to do but wait for the reaction. So far, so good:

“Dray deftly mixes magic and history in her debut, the first of a projected trilogy set in ancient Egypt. After Octavian defeats Cleopatra and her husband, Mark Antony, in battle, Octavian takes the Egyptian queen’s three children–twins Cleopatra Selene and Alexander Helios and younger son Ptolemy Philadelphus–as spoils of war to Rome, where he makes them part of his family. While Helios rages against submitting to Octavian, Selene adopts a diplomatic path to ensure her survival and her brothers’. Selene discovers hidden powers within herself to fight for her Egyptian beliefs and proves an active, vibrant take-charge protagonist as she goes toe to toe with Octavian and staunchly defends her people. Readers will eagerly look forward to the next installment.” ~Publishers Weekly

This reviewer has read Michelle Moran’s book:

“Mindful of Michelle Moran’s delightful young adult targeted Cleopatra’s Daughter, Stephanie Dray provides a wonderful adult entry that enhances the first century BC thriller with a touch of magic.  Selene is strong as she tries to protect her siblings and her people from the wrath of Rome.  Historical armchair readers will enjoy a trip to the Mediterranean escorted by the charming Lily of the Nile.” ~Genre Go Rounds

And this review really thrills me because I always worry about readers being too hard on heroines:

“I loved the book. I found it to be extremely well written and well researched. The characters, even those who did not appear often had depth and a history all their own…[Selene] fights to protect her family, her people, her goddess, and herself. But it isn’t just about family, loyalty, faith or empowerment, though it is about those things. Its about learning who you are and what you are willing to do to achieve your dreams and protect those you love. And what you are willing to give up. In this, the author has done an excellent job. She could easily have made Selene the perfect historical figure – kind, loving, determined and without any qualms about the things she had to do to survive, or the darker sides of her personality. Instead Mrs. Dray has given us the whole person: she worries about what she’s doing, she lies, she has a temper, has a crisis of faith, and makes mistakes.” ~ 5 out of 5 Stars from Vanessa Barger of Slightly Skewed