3 stars (rounded up from 2.5)

Nephthys reads very much like an adventure movie. Maybe it’s the Egyptology or the Lara Croft/Indiana Jones angle, but it offers a distinctly female take on a mummy adventure—one that merges curses and myths with emotions and legacies.

The narrative structure jumps between timelines, revealing character backgrounds with some delay. While this approach builds suspense, it also leaves characterization feeling flat until key revelations, making it difficult to fully connect with the characters.

The protagonist, who acts too maturely for her age, presents a characterization fallacy. Why was she made 23 years old? To keep her appealing for love interests? Although the narrative attempts to establish a sense of sisterhood or camaraderie, it contradicts itself at times. The lack of depth in female characterization is particularly noticeable—even the protagonist remains underdeveloped. Similarly, the antagonists’ development is quite flat—not given much depth, motivation, or complexity, which makes the novel feel even more like an adventure movie.

The novel does make an effort to critically engage with heritage looting, even adopting a didactic tone in its emphasis on repatriation. However, the presence of a white saviour narrative remains unavoidable.

One aspect I really appreciated was the integration of etymology and how its elaboration worked within the narrative.

Overall, a great attempt with a well-integrated mythological angle, but at times too superficial—making it perfect for a movie adaptation but not necessarily for deep reading.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the advance copy to review!

Two sets of sisters from two very different times.
This book has a great story and is well written.
Great strong women and a strong mix of Victorian and Ancient Egyptian history.
Great book

𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ★★★★.5☆

☁️ Historical Fiction
☁️ Mythology
☁️ Gothic atmosphere
☁️ Family ties

Nephthys tells the story of two pairs of sisters, thousands of years apart but hopelessly intertwined. Victorian intrigue into Ancient Egypt unravels into hysteria, deception, and betrayal on a mythological level.

This book follows Clemmie on her journey along the Nile with an accidental travel party, battling to save what remains of the family she holds dearest. Hauntings from her own past and those she is entwined with hide around every corner.

I absolutely adored this book, the fast pace and mythology had me fully held captive and I couldn’t put it down. With complex characters and historical influence, it’s such a unique but captivating story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Vintage for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

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I love books which retell myths, and knew nothing about Nepthys so couldn't wait to try this! I was not disappointed, though the pace was quite slow at times.

Intricately researched, and slow in the unravelling of the myth, this is story which follows Clemmie who believes her family are cursed and doomed to die. The description of Egypt, its historical riches and the stories which surround them was fantastic and Driscoll really brought them to life for me. However, the unravelling of the mummies bodies, which was such a craze in Victorian times, has really unsettled me and makes me question why we think it is acceptable to put these artifacts on display in museums; it seems inhumane to dig up the dead and do this to them. The Ancient Egyptians deeply believed in the power of the afterlife and worked tirelessly to ensure their dead rulers would be protected when they left earth - only for Victorian trophy hunters to dig them up! I am definitely seeing this part of archaeological endeavors in a new light as a response to reading this novel!

I think this book would make an amazing novel. It is rich in description and corrupt double-dealing men who need to be taught a lesson or two. There were some surprises along the way as the characterisation developed - trust no-one and you won't be shocked. The visit to a tomb was compelling and I found myself holding my breath along with Clemmie!

An interesting read, slow-burning but thought provoking!

Nephthys is an immersive read that brings ancient mythology to life in a fresh and captivating way. The story delves into the complexities of the titular character, Nephthys, exploring her inner struggles and her role in the Egyptian pantheon. The book offers a unique perspective on familiar myths, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and mythology. Thoughtful, rich in detail, and full of heart—Nephthys is a compelling journey worth taking.

Give me mythology, Victorian times, a curse (possibly?): I’m happy! Oh I loved this. I read this quite slowly in rather sleepy moments over about a week, and the slow tension building up with little twists actually made this kind of perfect?!

My entire knowledge of ancient Egypt is based off The Mummy movies - so basically I know Anubis was the god of the dead and that I fancy both Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, top tier stuff. Had I even heard of Nephthys before this book existed? No! But I loved how much I learnt about her and her story and so much around that.

And I loved how well certain aspects of Nephthys’ story paralleled with Clemmie’s. My heart really was aching for Clemmie throughout this!! Whilst the writing was beautiful and so wonderfully descriptive, there was plenty of drama to have me stressed out a lot!

Wow just a wonderful read that kept me hooked whilst slowly immersing me in the wonder of Egypt, both ancient times and Victorian times. I can’t wait to see what Rachel comes out with next!

Nephthys by Rachel Louise Driscoll is a captivating novel that seamlessly blends Victorian intrigue with the mystique of ancient Egypt. From the outset, I was drawn into a world where the past and present intertwine, creating a rich tapestry of mystery and emotion.

The protagonist, Clemmie, is a quietly compelling character whose unique talents and personal journey form the heart of the story. Her experiences are both relatable and extraordinary, making her a character that lingers in your thoughts long after the final page.

Driscoll's meticulous research shines through, painting vivid scenes that transport you to another era. The narrative is imbued with a sense of authenticity, capturing the essence of the time while weaving in elements of mythology and suspense.

While the plot unfolds deliberately, it allows for a deep immersion into the characters' lives and the atmospheric setting. The themes of sisterhood, resilience, and the quest for understanding resonate throughout, offering a profound reflection on the ties that bind us.

This was a thoroughly absorbing read, that centres around Egyptology, greed and obsession. It's told over 2 timelines, the past and present, and we're introduced to a world where Clemmie is travelling back to Egypt to right wrongs, and end a curse that struck tragedy on her family.

Her father is a renowned Egyptologist and she gets her interest from him, and she becomes a hieroglyphist much in demand for translating the ancient scripts. But when her father, in pursuit of fame and glory, dissects a mummy for his clients it unleashes a curse and now she's on a path to stop the curse inflicting more damage so travels back to Egypt where she meets up with fellow travellers.

This is a really good mystery/adventure/historical read that shows up the roles of women during the Victorian age where they aren't taken seriously and I really enjoyed the character of Clemmie as she always keeps her cards close to her chest, being very wary of letting people in for her real aims of travelling and wanting to be taken seriously in her own rights, while being loyal to her family.. Really enjoyable.

This book was decent, the writing kept me engaged most of the time and the story was interesting. However, I often found myself not really understanding what the point was? For the first half of the book I understood, but once past the half way mark it just seemed to ber all over the place. I understand this may have been the wanted effect, but it didn't land with me. Not disappointed to have read it, but it will be quite low on my list of recommendations unless someone is specifically looking this type of story.

An intriguing novel set in a country and a time period I haven't engaged with much in books before - very interesting to learn more while also enjoying the depiction of the female friendship. The author's breadcrumbs setting out initial intrique and questions was done well and kept me engaged. Enjoyed, but perhaps not a novel that will stay with me.

A fascinating read from Rachel Louise Driscoll, well researched and full of life and engaging facts. I am entranced by the descriptions of Egypt and almost felt as though I were there. Clemmie makes a strong leading character but did I like her ? Not so sure.

An unusual explorer. Travelling in Egypt with her own destination in mind that she shares with no one. Why?

A marvellous read. Thoroughly enjoyed.

This is a deeply moving and timely book. It explores well the issues of illegal excavation and removal of cultural heritage objects from their homelands in a compelling narrative. It fairs nicely with non-fiction reads such as Angela Stienne's Mummified. The characters are for the most part compelling and the female friendship is particularly well written.

What I really liked about this tale is the historical facts which I didn't know about . I had heard about Isis and Osiris but not Nephthys and so that was interesting to find out more. The story itself was neatly interwoven between the past and the present and certainly gave the reader something to think about in respect of how much destruction was done throughout Egypt at the end of the 19th c and beginning of the 20th c., all in the name of discovery. It was also good to have two strong female characters in it.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.

It is imperative that I begin the review by thanking the author for taking the time to address the white vs color dichotomy that is intertwined with world history. She explains with adept words that just because wealth belongs to a certain side does not make them more informed /more intelligent/rightful dictators of the beliefs or cultures of different people. As someone who hails from the losing side of this battle, every time she brings this up it sends a pang of unsettling emotions straight to the heart.
At its core this is a book of contrasts. Love and resentment, acceptance and defiance, appreciation and apprehension coexist on paper, as in our characters and as in me as a reader. The story shines in its exquisite descriptions of Egypt (exotic and underdeveloped as viewed from the perspective of the English tourist in the 19th century amid rising Egyptomania), and its witty descriptions of the otherwise mundane. It offers a snapshot of the period and the stark class divide and how little agency women were allowed, without being preachy. It takes you from your comfy spot and plants you into their lives. At the hear of it is a daughter stuck between attempts to regain her dead father’s appreciation and her identity.
The story jumps around in time, serving a healthy dose of curses, amulets, and the awe that Egypt’s history and mythology that it has always been surrounded in. My favourite bits were the interactions between Clemmie and Rowland
That said, I did enjoy the themes the story but not the protagonist if that is even possible. Clemmie comes dangerously close to becoming the ‘not like my peers because I am well read and have no interest in their hobbies’ architype. She was quite difficult to read at certain places even though her insecurities and mannerisms are explained as the story progresses. The writing style took some work to settle into, and for the first 15ish percent I had no idea what I was up against. I stayed for the atmosphere and came out the other side with a contented sigh. The book is for the reader who is looking for a change of flavor, something darker, a little harrowing but nothing too extravagant , just a notch different enough to keep you going.

Nephthys follows Clementine Atridge as she travels to Egypt in hopes of breaking a curse that plagues her family. I was instantly sold on the premise of this book. A historical fiction set in Victorian times but with a huge focus on the 'Egyptomania' craze that swept London at that time. It's a refreshing take, and one I've not come across before. This book jumps back and forth from a mummy unravelling and Clemmie's time in Egypt five years later, and at first I will admit that the frequent jumping back and forth is what stopped me from immediately getting into the story. However, when I was a few chapters in and each part of the story was fully fleshed out, I was hooked and demolished the rest of the book in two days.

The tale follows two sets of sisters; the relationship of our protagonist Clemmie and her sister Rosetta is mirrored in the Egyptian myth of Nephthys and Isis, and this, for me, is the real shining star of the book. The emphasis on familial love and going to great lengths to protect your family is so well written. The only thing that really keeps this from being a fully five-star read is that I feel as though the more romantic elements of the book were a little shoehorned in towards the end, and I don't believe that the story would have been any worse off without that thread of the story.

The amount of love and work that Driscoll is so apparent in Nephthys, and a real respect of the subject matter shines through her writing. This is an enjoyable, action-packed, and richly immersive novel that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any lover of historical fiction.

Gods,Mythology and Egypt tick,tick,tick everything i enjoy. Set in the victoriana period when Egyptology really took off you find yourself enrolled in a race against time to fix surprise, suprise a curse. Overall the plot did grab me it seems like a stereotypical story where Egypt is involved......would i recommend it yes would I recommend to someone who is into Egyptology maybe ....

From Hercule Poirot in Death on the Nile which I know gave a romanticised view, to Boris Karloff in The Mummy I’ve always had a weakness for Egyptian mythology, the mystique and history of a people that was once the greatest and most powerful civilisation in the history of the world and of course the dark curses written in hieroglyphs on the tombs of Pharaohs so when I read the blurb for Nephthys I knew I had to read this book. Rachel Louise Driscoll has woven a tale with enough twists and turns that will pull you deeper into the story with each turn of the page. Her words are darkly atmospheric and evocative easily setting the mood and allowing this reader to visualise scenes in my minds eye as I read. In a story that spanned several years beginning with the young Clementine, translating the writing on an amulet that invoked a curse to five years later, her parents are dead and her sister ill, with Clemmie setting off for Egypt to return the amulet in a last effort to save her sister. While I did enjoy the overall story for Nephthys, what let it down for me was the character of Clementine. She just seemed a bit of an insipid character and I just didn’t care what happened to her which although it didn’t affect my rating, I don’t think this is a book will be going on my re-read pile.

What’s not to like? All the components are there: Egyptian myths, gods and artefacts, greedy grave robbers. A curse upon Clementine’s family? Legend, archaeology and the translation of hieroglyphs found on a most unusual mummy make this a must-read. The research is immaculate, the characters perfect for such an adventure, the Nile as enigmatic as the historical sites on its banks – cleverly woven past and present and a heroine who must overcome.
It’s a great read, with fine writing and tremendous page-turning pull.