Nicole Sallak Anderson

Origins is the first book of a trilogy and if they are all as well written and exciting as this first it will be a reading experience. I love ancient history and most that I end up reading takes place in Rome, not Egypt so this was a lovely change of place. I admit to not knowing much about this period of time or about what was going on in Egypt at the time which is why I so love reading historical fiction; it gets a person intrigued and then you go and learn more and more. After I get through my American history books that I ordered I will be looking into early Egypt next.

Ankhmakis knows he was born to rule even though he is not the intended. His plan is to return his family line to rule in Egypt from the Macedonian occupiers. He knows this is his destiny. The book is based in fact and Ms. Anderson uses the historical traces of this real life prince to create a page turning read. She has taken bits and pieces to form unique and fascinating characters. The mystical aspects add so much depth to the overall story. It packs a punch on many levels from the history to the family drama to the love story. I will look forward to the continuing saga.… (meer)

Egypt has been under Ptolomeic rule for centuries. In 205 B.C., Prince Ankhmakis, the last in a line of native Egyptian kings, prepares for the war that will place the power back into his father's and the Egyptian's hands. Ankhmakis' journey to be a successful soldier was filled with a lifetime of careful planning by those around him, demanding training, sacrifice and an incredible transformation through the love of Natasa, a High Priestess in Training for the Temple of Isis. Ankhmakis and Natasa have an incredibly strong bond that only intensifies through their practice of Anit-Shadya. With practice, they are able to astral project, protect one another and create a power for good. However, there are many people working against them who covet their power and their love.
Ancient Egypt is brought to life in Origins: Song of the King's Heart. Egypt is under Greek rule and the passion of the Egyptian people shines through the writing. Not much is known about Ankhmakis or his father, however a complete story is weaved out of what is known. I loved reading about the belief system, magic and politics of the time. The characters were full and easy to relate to for people living so long ago. Ankhmakis' growth and willingness to do what is right for his home and family showed an amazing maturity. Natasa was easily my favorite with her caring nature, sense of duty and abilities. The practice of Anit-Shadya astounded me with the power that could be wielded through what the Egyptian's called sex magic. The family dynamics that were created next to the political drama created the right amount of tension and intrigue throughout the story. With a promise of more to come for these characters, I can't wait to read the next installment.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (meer)

Nicole Anderson interjects a lot of historical flavor into this introductory novel about an Egyptian insurrection that occurred late in the reign of Ptolemy IV. A king from Upper Egypt, Hugronophor, begins a civil war, with his three sons playing varying roles. The book is mostly about the sons (one of which succeeds Hugronophor, but the actual history of these two seem poorly documented). There is a fair amount of mysticism thrown in, but thematically so; I didn't have a problem with it being too much of a distraction in the narrative. Otherwise, the novel seems like a plausible tale set during this period.. I look forward to the next book.… (meer)

NOTE: I won a free, unproofed copy of this book in eBook format from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers (August 2019).

This novel is equal parts engrossing historical fiction, guilty romantic pleasure, and mystic dream. Anderson gives readers a glimpse into an ancient Egypt unfamiliar to most readers, using an obscure historical episode as the basis for the novel’s imaginative plot. I enjoyed the portrayals of different episodes in the lives of different ancient Egyptians and Greeks, both noble and common, and the different settings, including the famous Library at Alexandria. A strong start to a promising series!… (meer)