Monday, August 31, 2009

A Very Special Giveaway: Cleopatra's Daughter

Summary: The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two– the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander–survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

The fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in Cleopatra’s Daughter. Recounted in Selene’s youthful and engaging voice, it introduces a compelling cast of historical characters: Octavia, the emperor Octavian’s kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra; Livia, Octavian's bitter and jealous wife; Marcellus, Octavian’s handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir apparent; Tiberius, Livia’s sardonic son and Marcellus’s great rival for power; and Juba, Octavian’s watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals.

Selene’s narrative is animated by the concerns of a young girl in any time and place–the possibility of finding love, the pull of friendship and family, and the pursuit of her unique interests and talents. While coping with the loss of both her family and her ancestral kingdom, Selene must find a path around the dangers of a foreign land. Her accounts of life in Rome are filled with historical details that vividly capture both the glories and horrors of the times. She dines with the empire’s most illustrious poets and politicians, witnesses the creation of the Pantheon, and navigates the colorful, crowded marketplaces of the city where Roman-style justice is meted out with merciless authority.

Based on meticulous research, Cleopatra’s Daughter is a fascinating portrait of imperial Rome and of the people and events of this glorious and most tumultuous period in human history. Emerging from the shadows of the past, Selene, a young woman of irresistible charm and preternatural intelligence, will capture your heart. -- Crown

A few months ago, I shared my excitement about Michelle Moran's new book CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER by showing you the beautiful trailer. I have been anxiously awaiting Ms. Moran's new novel for what seems like forever. (It really hasn't been that long but I'm not a very patient person when I really want something.) I am so happy to announce that the wait is almost over -- CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER will be available on September 15th!

As many of you know, I am a HUGE fan of Ms. Moran's! I have read all of her books and have even had the opportunity to talk with her one evening with my book club. She is truly a gracious person and such a friend to the blogging community! I really can't say enough good things about her and her books.

So you can probably imagine how excited I am about this news! Ms. Moran has offered to send one very lucky reader a signed copy of CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER! If you'd like to enter this giveaway, please leave a comment with a valid e-mail address telling me why you want to read this book. To double or triple your chances, you can blog and/or tweet about this giveaway with a link back to this post. This contest is open until Thursday, September 10th at 11:59 p.m. EST, and I will notify the winner the following day. Oh and by the way, Ms. Moran is willing to send her novel to a winner in any country (isn't that just so nice of her?) Good luck!

93 comments:

mariag said...

I have read books about Cleopatra but know very little about her daughter.
I would love to learn more through this book.
Please enter me to win.
Mariag

Beth F said...

After reading The Memoirs of Cleopatra earlier this year, I've developed a fascination with her and her family. I haven't yet bought or read Moran's Cleopatra books, but I do want to read them.

BFish DOT Reads AT gmail DOT com

I've tweeted this: http://twitter.com/BethFishReads/statuses/3664614615

Jenn's Bookshelves said...

I'd love to win a copy! I, too, love Moran's writing.

I tweeted about it here:
http://twitter.com/jennsbookshelf/status/3664662695

bookmagic said...

I just read about this book on Lost in Books blog this weekend and added to my tbr list. I would love to win a copy.
bookmagic418@gmail.com

I retweeted Beth F's tweet
https://twitter.com/debbook

Jen - Devourer of Books said...

I'm a huge fan of Michelle ever since reading THE HERETIC QUEEN, which absolutely captivated me. Like Beth F, I'm also quite interested in the aftermath of Cleopatra's story after reading George's MEMOIRS OF CLEOPATRA. All this adds up to really wanting to read CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHtER.

Anonymous said...

I would like to expand author list and this is why I would like to win this book.

Linda said...

I've never read much about Cleopatra, but having read and enjoyed Nefertiti, I'm sure I'd like this novel. Hope I'm lucky enough to win it.
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

Bridget said...

This sounds fascinating! Just posted about it on Win A Book. No need to enter me, though.

Tam @ Bailey's and Books said...

I would love to read this book. I love historical fiction and this is an area of history I only really know the highlights for.
My email is baileysandbooks (at) gmail (dot) com, and I will also be Tweeting this giveaway!

Brittany said...

I listened to The Heretic Queen on audiobook, and would love the chance to actually *read* one of Moran's books. Please enter me in this giveaway!

Lexie said...

Oddly this is the book that would cross my Ancient World Interests with my father's. I have always been a fan of Cleopatra and my father has always been a fan of the Roman Empire...so it would be fun for the two of us to read it!

Lexie.Cenni(@)gmail.com

Melanie said...

You have me intrigued by this book and author. I am not familiar with the author - obviously I'm missing something. I enjoy historical fiction so I can learn about new periods, places and people. And Cleopatra is someone I don't know much about. I'd love to win this book.

jpetroroy said...

I love books about that era. I'd love to win!
jpetroroy@gmail.com

Irene said...

So much has been written about Cleopatra, yet I never knew she had a daughter, nor do I know who fathered her! Please enter me.
Thank you!!

cyeates AT nycap DOT rr DOT com

Libby's Library said...

No need to enter me - but wanted to take a moment to thank you for your wonderful giveaways!

Sue said...

I love historical novels. This looks great. Thanks for the giveaway.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Gerbera Daisy Diaries said...

Another book that looks like a great read.

I didn't know Cleopatra had a daughter??!! :) Would like to read more about her!

melmccurdy@sbcglobal.net

Katrina said...

I want to read this because it is everything I look for in a good fiction book. IT sounds like a great read!

ykatrina at hotmail dot com

Laura's Reviews said...

I love historical fiction and have always been fascinated by the story of Cleopatra. I have not yet read any historical fiction novels about her! I would like to rectify this. I would love to win this book. My email address is: laarlt78 at hotmail dot com.

Thanks!

Kelly said...

I would love this book. I read mostly historical fiction. This one sounds really interesting.
kmanfredini AT gmail DOT com

BurtonReview said...

(don't enter me)
I just wanted to say that for those who don't win this I'll be hosting a giveaway on the 14th for it.
And I just started Cleopatra's Daughter! AND LOVE IT! WOOOO
And I love Michelle Moran as a person, and now her written words.
She is a sweetheart!!!!!!!!!

GenreReviewer said...

I love reading well-researched historical fiction. Please enter me.

genrereviewer (at) hughes (dot) net

I also tweeted about this giveaway as @GenreReviewer (I don't know how to do that direct link to the tweet thing.)

Mom of 5 Boys said...

I have read two of Moran's prior books, and LOVED them. I want to read everything she has written, because she writes so well. Thanks for the giveaway!

Park Avenue Princess said...

Two of Michelle Moran's books (that I've previously read) were wonderful and I'd really like the chance to read and review this one for my blog as well!

Thank you both for holding such a fantastic giveaway!

xoxo AMY (Park-Avenue Princess)

Park Avenue Princess said...

I ALWAYS forget my email address! I hope you'll stop by my blog and enter some of my giveaways as well!

xoxo Amy (Park-Avenue Princess)

IAmHiMaintenance(at)aol(dot)com

iridessa said...

This sounds like a really good read, I have always been fascinated by the story of Cleopatra, and would love to read her daughters story.

iridessa76@yahoo.co.uk

ellen said...

I can't believe I have never read a book by Michelle Moran! I just read the summary of Cleopatra's daughter and a few of her other books and can't wait to get stuck in one now. I always love it when I discover a new writer. Really hoping to win, but if not I will definitely put the book on my Christmas list!

I tweeted about the competition as well:
http://twitter.com/_novo/status/3675599503

viervlak@hotmail.com

Jenny N. said...

I was excited about this book ever since I saw the book trailer. I was a fan of the Tv series Rome from HBO and I'm sure I would enjoy this book too.

jen4777[at]hotmail.com

Pam said...

I've read so many great reviews of this book. Also, I don't know very much about Cleopatra (I didn't even know she had a daughter) and would love to learn more about them.

melacan at hotmail dot com

Beverly said...

I love historical fiction and have enjoyed the author's other books.

Thanks for the wonderful giveaway

beachlover20855[AT]yahoo[DOT]com

Lisa said...

Love historical fiction, especially when it offers me something new! I had no idea that Cleopatra's children survived.

litandlifeATgmailDOTcom

throuthehaze said...

I would like to read this because I love reading this genre
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

lag123 said...

I have never read any of her books. I would love to read this one. Thank you.

lag110@mchsi.com

Virginia C said...

I love to read about this memorable period in time through Selene's words. gcwhiskas at aol dot com

Jennifer said...

I have yet to read Moran's works, but they are in my TBR list at the very top. The topics interest me and I cannot wait to delve in. I keep hoping I will win a copy!
knittingmomof3(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Amanda said...

I'd love to win this book! I love Michelle Moran and have her Nefertiti book. Thanks!

nycbookgirl at gmail dot com

Karlie said...

I'm really into historical fiction right now. This books looks like a great read.

Sandra K321 said...

Historical fiction is my favorite type of book. From several reviews I have read I think I would find this enjoyable.
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

This era fascinates me...a fabulous giveaway...and a great review.

karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this book because I've heard so many good things about it!
Please enter my name in your draw.
Thanks!
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com

M.A.D. said...

Mary D
zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com

I am truly wanting to read Cleopatra's Daughter because I've long had a fascination with anything Egyptian!!!
Please count me in to win and thank you so very much :)

holdenj said...

I have heard wonderful things about Moran here and have yet to read one of her books. I think I need to fix that! It's sounds like a great story about a girl who happens to be Cleopatra's daughter. Thanks.

JHolden955 (at) gmail (dot) com

Cheryl said...

I love these types of books. I have had my eye on this book for a while now.

Thanks Cheryl K

clbstitch at yahoo dot com

Jasmine said...

I love historical fiction and after reading Margaret George's Cleopatra's Memoirs I have wanted to learn more about this strong, capable, fascinating woman.

My email is enchantingdragon@gmail.com

Thanks
Jasmine

Rachel C. said...

Just looks incredibly interesting...would love to win it and read it!

Rachel
rlcohee@hotmail.com

Julie! said...

This book looks good! I want to read something different than what I normally read- scifi. It will be a whole new experience for me!

Julie

Julie102794@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love history. Certainly I've read about Cleopatra. But her daughter? I'd love to read about her.


bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I absolutely love Michelle Moran's work. I have read both of her other books and they were sooo good.

I retweeted this as well.

amandarwest@gmail.com

HODGEPODGESPV said...

i've not read any of her books yet but i did visit (probably will again) her blog. i love the time period...the story of cleopatatra i have read thru many different writers but nothing of what happened to the children after...for some reason, i thought all of them died so this is sort of like the rest of the story...i do so like those and that is why i would like to read this book.

tweet
http://twitter.com/spvaughan/status/3708022493

spvaughan@yahoo.com

Debbie Rodgers said...

I love historical fiction & biography. I would really enjot this book!


tatamagouche AT netbundle Dot ca

ossmcalc said...

I have not read any of her books before but especially hope to do so now. I love books about history. The story of Cleopatra is well known but little has been told about what happened to her children. This would be a fantastic opportunity to learn more. Please enter me.

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

ossmcalc said...

I tweeted http://twitter.com/ossmcalc/status/3714643633

Thank you,

Christine
womackcm@sbcglobal.net

Mozi Esme said...

I love historical fiction, especially this area!

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

budletsmom said...

I have never read anything by this author but she is now on my TBR list - I want to read this because it sound interesting I love historical fiction.

budletsmom at yahoo dot com

GabbyLowe said...

I love historical novels and have always had a interest in ancient Egypt so I think I'd really enjoy this book

timmiedeluca@comcast.net

GabbyLowe said...

timmiedeluca@comcast.net

http://twitter.com/GabbyLowe/status/3745061492

heatherzilla said...

I would love to win this. I love historical novels.
heatherzilla(at)care2(dot)com

PerpetualMist said...

Please enter me, perpetualmist at gmail dot com

I have posted the contest on my sidebar
http://perpetualmist.blogspot.com/

I have read 'Nefertiti' and 'The Heretic Queen'.I simply loved it.The way author Michelle Moran has written about these ancient characters is fascinating.I am just waiting to read Cleopatra's Daughter as soon as I have my hands on it.

Thanks for the contest.

Rose Red said...

I'm a huge fan of Michelle Moran and have been eagerly waiting for something new. This one has been on my TBR list because I love everything about ancient Egypt and an author that can bring that era to life. Thanks for the entry!

espressogurl at hotmail dot com

Annmarie Weeks said...

This book sounds fabulous! What a great period of time to read about and I'd love to "meet" these characters!

Annmarie Weeks said...

I tweeted! http://twitter.com/amweeks/status/3762912701

Emma said...

I love historical novels.I've read a lot of great reviews for this book.CLEOPATRA'S DAUGHTER sounds wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway.augustlily06(at)aim(dot)com.Thank you.

Denny, Alaska said...

This era of history is so incredibly interesting: the crossing of two empires, Roman and Egyptian.

Please enter me in the book giveaway; thank you!

denny(dot)gill(at)gmail(dot)com

A Bookshelf Monstrosity said...

I am a huge fan of historical fiction and have been hearing alot of good things about Michelle Moran. Please enter me!

Thanks,
Amanda
fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com

A Bookshelf Monstrosity said...

I also Tweeted:

http://twitter.com/fitz12383/status/3818273093

Amanda
fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com

Melissa N. said...

I Love Michele Moran! And I would love to win this book!

BlackWolf said...

I would love to win this.please count me in..
darksiry@gmail.com

Bonnie said...

I would love to read this book as I have read books about Cleopatra but haven't read anything about Cleopatra's Daughter which sounds fascinating!

I've blogged about this in my sidebar under Other Blog Giveaways.

http://redladysreadingroom-redlady.blogspot.com/

redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom

Anonymous said...

I'd love to read this because Egypt's culture and history interests me :) *Thanks* for the giveaway!
blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

Anonymous said...

Tweeted
blog[at]theluckyladybug[dot]org

FlyFreeMyBooks said...

I loved Michelle Moran's book Nefertiti, and would love to read this one too.

I blogged about this giveaway for an additional entry here:
http://giveawayroundup.blogspot.com/2009/09/cleopatras-daughter-giveaways.html

ludeluh at yahoo dot com

Mitzi H. said...

I'd love to win one of her books!! This is a time when I wish I had a blog...but just don't have time.

I'm a follower

mitzihinkey at sbcglobal dot net

Thank you for the contest

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Because I am history teatcher I would like to read and share this book with students!
mauagd@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Because I am great fan of this writer.
tanialexandralves@gmail.com

Joana Dias said...

Beacause I loved the trailer of the book.
joanapatriciadias@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Beacause I adore historical novels
luisfilipebarros88@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Because I want know the story after the death of Cleopatra.
rosamariabarrosmaria@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Cause I love eveything about the ancient Egypt.
joaomiguelrocha85@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Because the cover is so beautyfull.
augustod56@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Because I love everything about Egypt!
isispath@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Because I like history so much.
mariabarros1987@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Because I always loved the story of Cleopatra I want to know the story of her daughter.
filipemaria90@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Because I am the number 1 fan of Moran.

migueljardim85@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Because I liked the synopsis.
alexsweetbabygirl@gmail.com

Ruth (Book Focus) said...

kiwibooklover at gmail. com

I tweeted about this contest here: http://twitter.com/phyntosia/status/3861509500

Cleopatra's Daughter sounds fascinating - I love historical fiction, and this is a period that isn't often covered in fiction. I also love finding out what happens AFTER the big climax... after Romeo and Juliet die; after the happily ever after; and so on.

Helen M said...

I have just recently been really getting into historical fiction. This book sounds so interesting. Please enter me. Thanks so much! Helen

hmmccusker@mindspring.com

Sheila Kishi said...

Cleopatra's Daughter sounds greate.
i want the book because i love the history of cleopatra, i love the history egipcian.plase could me in

Ashley said...

I want to read this book, because michelle is an incredible author and her last book was great. i would love to read this one because i know its gonna be awesome!!!

Ashley
arudd908@gmail.com

Aik said...

I love reading ancient Egyptian stories and Cleopatra's Daughter really captures my attention!

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I tweeted.

http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/3884163145

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

The book sounds interesting! Please enter me.

~Evelyn~
eggyc@hotmail.com

renee said...

I have read great reviews of this book and would love a chance to read it
reneetaylor at sympatico dot ca