Member Reviews

An amazing story of a boy coming of age in Hammurabi’s Babylon. I can’t wait for the next book! I want more!

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Thank you NetGalley for this eCopy to review

A great historical read on a period of history I don't know much about. Set in Babylon (Modern Baghdad) in 1765BC it follows Bani and his mother as they race to stay alive. The characters and setting are well described and the pace flows well full of action and intrigue!

I can't wait to find out what happens next

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A captivating historical fiction novel set in the tumultuous backdrop of ancient Babylon. The story revolves around Bani, the son of a king and a favored concubine, whose life takes a dramatic turn when their kingdom is invaded. The author skillfully immerses readers in the treacherous world of court politics, betrayal, and the indomitable spirit of a mother-son relationship. The book is a gripping tale of courage and sacrifice, where the reader can almost hear the clash of swords and feel the tension of the characters' struggles.

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An absolute gem of a historical adventure! From the very first page, I was hooked into the mesmerizing world of ancient Babylon. This book isn't just about history; it's about the pulse-pounding journey of Bani and his mother, a bond that's as unbreakable as it is inspiring.

With every turn of the page, I was transported to a world of clashing swords and heart-pounding moments, and I couldn't help but root for Bani and his mother as they faced insurmountable odds. Pugsley's storytelling is so vivid and relatable that you'll feel like you're right there with the characters, sharing in their triumphs and heartaches.

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I loved this novel. It opened a new area of historical interest since I knew little about the reign of Hammurabi, except for his name! It gives us a glimpse of early Babylonian history (today's Baghdad) and the tribal conflicts and conquers. The story gives us royal intrigue, a coming of age passage, war and battles, peace and love, father and son conflicts, sibling rivalries and sibling loyalty, and much more. I would have liked a smoother finish to the story or at least a small hint of what was to come from all of the strings that were left hanging. But, overall this is a good book to pick up and start reading.

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