I’m planning to go on with excerpts from WARRIOR OF THE NILE until it’s released by Carina Press on September 16th, assuming I can do that without giving away too many spoilers and ruining the fun of reading the novel itself. Last week Pharaoh had just begun telling the warrior of the title, Khenet, about the details of this assignment, as the goddess Nephthys has requested. I’m doing a bit of creative editing to fit the 8 sentence format (and I had to include one extra sentence so pretend 9=8, ok? LOL). Pharaoh is speaking:
“According to the goddess, the provincial ruler practices black magic so powerful even the Great Ones can’t enter his realm. His plans are reaching a climax and he wants a Theban noblewoman of one particular lineage to marry. Nephthys intends to take over this girl’s body at the right moment and cross the border in secret, hidden in human form.”
Khenet was shocked at the notion of a goddess taking the body of even a willing priestess. Poor girl, loss of a home for one’s soul is worse than death. “To what purpose?”
“It’s part of a larger scheme ending in the Nomarch’s death…and the girl’s.” Staring across the table at Khenet, Pharaoh lifted the dagger and pointed the blade at him. “And the death of my envoy as well.”
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And the blurb for WARRIOR OF THE NILE (which is available for pre-order at Amazon:
Egypt, 1500 BCE
Lady Tiya is bound to the service of the goddess Nephthys, who plans to sacrifice Tiya’s body to protect Egypt from an ancient terror. She embarks to meet her grim fate alone but for the hardened warrior Khenet, who is fated to die at her side. Tiya’s dreams of love and family now seem impossible, and Khenet, who is the last of his line, knows his culture will die with him. Struggling with the high cost of Nephthys’s demands, both resolve to remain loyal.
Neither expects the passion that flowers when Tiya’s quiet courage and ethereal beauty meet Khenet’s firm strength and resolve. On a boat down the Nile, their two lonely souls find in each other a reason to live. But time is short and trust elusive.
Without the willing sacrifice of Tiya and Khenet, a great evil will return to Egypt. How could the gods demand their deaths when they’ve only just begun to live?
Excellent snippet! I love how this excerpt is fused with an equal mix of history and plot tension!!! 🙂
Um, this is a terrible assignment. Is he allowed to say no? I didn’t think so. Great Snippet!
Love this whole premise. Can’t wait for more!
I love the paranormal insight… how the goddess must be suffering without a “home for its soul”. Scary, too… but also realistic. Nice 8-sentences, Veronica!
Poor Khenet!!! Definitely an intriguing snippet – well done. Hopefully Khenet, the girl and the goddess will find another way.
Well the goddess is kinda determined on having it all go her way LOL!
interesting melding of history and magic
Question is, how much of the Goddess’ plan has been revealed to the pharaoh, and how much has he in turn revealed?
You ALWAYS ask such good questions! Nephthys probably held something back LOL.
Very intriguing taste 🙂
I enjoy the Egyptian theme. Can’t wait for more.
Interesting plot the goddess has going. The end was a bit of a shock — if things weren’t bad enough, they just got worse!
That’s a whole lot of sacrifice going on–sacrifice overkill, even. I’m hoping there turns out to be another way to defeat the Big Bad.
It would be hard to have the HEA without something LOL. Fortunately they have a long, if not smooth cruise down the Nile ahead.
Great drama in this excerpt. Nice job!
t’s never good when goddesses start playing musical kas ! except for readers, of course. 🙂
I love ancient history and this story is fascinating! Here’s hoping these two will somehow overcome their fates.
I wish he could say no, but the girl is going to need him. Ugh. Veronica! 🙂 Great snippet.
Love the Egyptian setting, and the premise is so intriguing! Great 8!
Yikes that’s quite the disturbing meeting to have with Pharaoh. Love your setting / world for this one.
Bad assignment. If he can’t say no, I guess he’s toast.
Oh I just love characters who have evil plots! Loved the snippet. The blurb promises a good story. Congrats on your future release.
History Sleuth’s Milk Carton Murders
Ooo! Intense! Loved the drama and the premise is so intriguing. Excited to learn more about the body takeover 🙂 Great 8!
Oh god, Egyptian inspiration, LOVE! The whole concept of the sacrifice for the greater good (presumably) as decided by those in power…big themes here, really looking forward to more.
I’m glad people are up for some ancient Egypt! I hope you’ll enjoy the twists and turns…pretty sure I can find enough enticing snippets to share till the book is out in September. I NEVER want to bore my #8Sunday friends!!! Thanks for all the comments and support 🙂
Intriguing story line! I want to read more!
I’m really intrigued by this — I’ve always loved Egyptian history and I love the conflict here. I’m looking forward to more snippets!
Wow, talk about a dharmic struggle. Do what’s right, not what’s easy. Nicely done conflict, Veronica. 🙂
I love this story premise, Veronica! And I can hardly wait to read this one 🙂
Tiya and Kehnet seem the perfect two to have each other during this difficult time. None of us know how long we have. Time to start living each day.
Great excerpt! I can tell that this is a story riddles with tension!
That is really bad news! Poor Khenet! And the girl too.
So intriguing. I like how the characters’ personalities come out in this excerpt. Khenet seems like a thoughtful guy; I hope things don’t get *too* rough for him!
Oh, well, when he puts it that way, I’m sure Khenet’s just thrilled to be included in this suicide mission. I would’ve skipped the boat and taken a loooong camel ride elsewhere:)
When people have great plans like that, it always seems that everyone is going to die but I’m not sure Khenet will totally agree to it.
Some great tension in there.
Nice snippet and I love the concept behind that. Sounds like an interesting story.