The story is set in ancient Egypt, during the reign of Queen Hatshepshut, with the imminent ascent of her half-brother Prince Thuthmose to become Pharaoh. The change of Mara's fortunes begins when she is suddenly purchased by Nahereh, a loyal follower of the Queen who has observed her potential. He elevates her to an important position as intepreter for Prince Thuthmose's foreign bride, so that she can uncover who in the Queen's house are loyal to her rival Prince Thuthmose. "In short, I am a spy." "Exactly." But before she begins her task as secret agent, she is approached by the noble Sheftu, to act as his secret messenger to Thuthmose. So she becomes a double agent. "For the second time in one week she was being threatened with her life, being maneuvered with almost identical phrases into the position of spy and intriguer - and by two who were deadly enemies fighting in opposing camps, for opposing causes!" "She herself would become the messenger she had been ordered to discover and betray." So begins a thrilling tale about Mara's fortunes, which are inextricably tied together with the fortunes of all of Egypt! Will she be exposed? And will Thuthomse succeed in overthrowing Queen Hatshepshut? What will happen to Mara?
Are there weaknesses? Perhaps. The constant use of phrases such as "the devil take him" seemed more a reflection of twentieth century expletives than ancient Egypt. And Mara has one weakness of character that one wouldn't want readers emulating. Mara's rebellious attitude to her master is not exactly exemplary. And she seems driven by a quest for freedom and wealth. "Nobody must stand in the way of her possessing such things always, freedom and gold and a life worth living." When the fate of Egypt is in her hands, her choice is not directed by what is best for Egypt, but by what is best for herself. "Why not play both ends against the middle - serve both, meanwhile serving only herself?" However, this contrasts with the motives of many of the other characters, who are willing to die for the well-being of Egypt - "I do it for Egypt." With Inanni's help, perhaps Mara herself learns to share this conviction towards the end of the novel, rather being led merely by her feelings of self-preservation or romantic love.
But these minor blemishes don't detract significantly from a stellar book which I really can't speak highly enough about. This novel excels on several levels. The setting is portrayed with authenticity and realism, geographically, culturally and religiously, and is both captivating and convincing. The characterization is superb, both with respect to the protagonist Mara herself, as well as the sypathetic manner in which the Babylonian princess Inanni is portrayed, as a stranger in a strange land, and to whom Mara becomes a confidant. McGraw also has a perceptive insight into human nature, as is evident from the comment that everyone can be bought with money, the only difference being the price. The language is descriptive and eloquent, with one memorable metaphor about a hawk and a lark especially outstanding. But the real strength is the suspenseful plot full of espionage. When all these elements are combined with a mystery-thriller of a story, it's the formula for a page-turning success! Particularly enjoyable for young girls, it's enjoyable for people of all ages. It may a story that's fifty years old, but it brings you far back in time to ancient Egypt, and will continue to entertain for a long time into the future! -GODLY GADFLY
