Unfortunately this just didn't inspire me in the way that I wanted or expected it to. It's clearly well-researched, both in terms of Egyptian mythology and archaeology and also the period setting. But unfortunately that didn't make it good. In fact, I found so much of it incredibly repetitive, and, once the antagonist arrives, the main character's decision-making is horrendously flawed.

There's a sort-of love interest going on? But it's very unclear whether Clemmie actually has any feelings towards him, or just Stockholm Syndrome from her cruise up the Nile and entombment with him ... And he's instantly dismissive of her idea that she has been cursed by Nephthys and Isis, yet she still goes to him for help?
And the parallels of each character representing one of the original Egyptian four gods is a bit heavy ...

There are so many strange decisions made by the characters here. And the consideration of the Egyptomania of the early 1900s is initially really interesting, until it gets pushed over and over again. The word repeated, references to mania. Mania! And Clemmie's realisation of her role in it is also initially interesting, until she takes up the white saviour mantle ...

It felt like it was going to be a good story, but needed a stronger change of direction, unfortunately.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What more could you want - Gothic Victorian manors. Egyptian mummies, curses and a feisty heroine. A rollercoaster of an adventure and mystery that follows Clemmie as she attempts to extricate her family from an evil curse that seems to be placed on them. But who can she trust especially as not everyone is who they seem to be. A fascinating insight into the world of Egyptian mythology and in particular the story of the Nephthys. A thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this novel in return for an honest review..

I really liked the premise of this story and I as excited to read it. I was hoping to love it, but I found it a very slow read and wouldn’t have minded giving up at times. However I persevered and did find some parts which moved much quicker. Overall an interesting debut. I liked the ancient Egyptian theme and some of the main characters.

I love ancient history and all things mythology so I was interested to read a book featuring Nephthys.

I enjoyed the intriguing opening to this book with the unwrapping and discovery of the tyet. I found the writing style beautiful and atmospheric. The book also highlights the impacts of Egyptomania, the plundering of graves and our responsibility to respect the deceased. All emotive themes.

While I was entertained by the plot I did find the pacing a bit slow and repetitive in places, with the plot not seeming to move forward during the first half of the book. I didn't connect with the characters, which all felt a little one dimensional. However the pace does pick up in the latter chapters, giving us a satisfying ending.

In conclusion this is a promising debut novel from Rachel Louise Driscoll. I will be looking out for future books from this author and watching how her writing grows and develops.

My thanks to Vintage and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary copy for review consideration

As a fan of stories about ancient Egypt, this book was an instant must-read for me. Fortunately, it did not disappoint.
Strong female characters paired with Egyptian mythology, curses, and betrayal - what's not to love?

This is a fun, fascinating read in which we meet Clementine as she journeys down the Nile at a time when the world is gripped by Egyptomania. Having grown up with an Egyptologist father, Clemmie is well versed in Egypt’s mythology, and increasingly sees parallels between her own life with her sister Rosetta, and that of the goddess Nephthys with her sister Isis.

With her sister becoming increasingly unwell, at a time in Victorian society when this would not have been looked on favourably, Clemmie becomes convinced that her only hope is to return a rare amulet to Egypt.

On her mission, Clemmie meets up with three other Brits travelling through Egypt, upon whom she must increasingly rely if she wants to succeed in her quest. The characters are intriguing, and this is a slow burn of a book that is rich in vivid descriptions.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

What an interesting premise - a bit of relief from the plethora of Greek myth retellings that we've seen so many of lately. I hope this heralds the dawn of the age of Egyptian myth retellings.

I was a big fan of Clemmie as a protagonist; she reminded me rather of Evie Carnahan from The Mummy, which is never a bad thing. I did get a tad frustrated at the romantic element, purely because I always find it a bit frustrating when the conflict could easily be resolved by two characters just having an actual conversation, but the chemistry was good, and I liked the way that Clemmie always felt independent outside of the romantic arc.

I also liked the way that Driscoll tackles the issue of looting / grave robbing. I don't think that, in 2025, you could publish a book about archaeologists from this particular period without at least paying lip service to the fact that most of what they did was incredibly destructive, and I appreciated that this book does tackle it head on.

A really great read, even though it does make me want to rewatch The Mummy for the 1,000th time.

I have been obsessed with Ancient Egypt since I was 7, spending hours pouring over books about it learning about everything I could get my hands on.

it's perhaps unsurprising then that I loved this booj and felt a strange sort of kindship with Clemmie. Travelling to Egypt alone Clemmie is desperate to reverse the curse unleashed on her family by her father, during a mummy unwrapping 5 years earlier. The father who had indulged her academic obsessions and allowed her to become an expert in Heiroglyphs that inturn made him the toast of the Egypt obsessed victorian society that prevent her from rising beyond being her father's assistant.

The story unfolds carefully Driscoll carefully peeling away the layers of what happened 5 years ago and the aftermath that led to the current timeline; beautifully weaving it in with the myths of the the egyptian gods most specifically, Osiris, Isis, Set, and Nepthys. Nepthys is almost forgotten overshadowed by her more famous siblings but without her none of what happened could have happened. Clemmie has always empathised with Nepthys, forced to play her in the games she and her sister, who always took the role of vengeful, scorned Isis played out as children, the women set against each other by the men, but who in Clemmie and her sister's life is Set and who is Osiris.

I loved the way Clemmie's relationship with her unexpected travelling companions unfolds, the way her journey challenges her views, and those of Rowland. I love Rowland's journey too and his gentle handling of Clemmie, even when the inevitable foul up comes - (is it a romance if there is not an obstacle caused by avoidable nonsense if people just TALKED to each other!) he makes amends without expectation and it soothed my heart. I adored this book, the twists, the turns, the adventure. This is a story to sink into time and again.

Thank you NetGalley and Vintage for this eCopy to review

"Nephthys" by Rachel Louise Driscoll is a spellbinding historical novel that transports readers to the late 19th century, blending elements of Egyptology, mythology, and adventure. As someone who enjoys a well-researched and immersive story, I found myself captivated by Driscoll's ability to bring the past to life through her vivid descriptions and intricate plot.

The story follows Clementine (Clemmie), a young woman with a talent for reading hieroglyphs, who assists her father at Egyptian relic parties in Victorian society. Clemmie's life takes a dramatic turn when she interprets an unusual amulet at one such party, uncovering beautiful yet dangerous glyphs that will change her life forever.

Five years later, Clemmie travels to Egypt on a mission to save her sister, Rosetta, from being put into an asylum. Along her journey up the Nile, she encounters unexpected allies and enemies, and the childhood game she used to play about the immortal sisters, Isis and Nephthys, takes on a devastating resonance. Clemmie must navigate long-buried secrets and betrayals, stepping into the light to undo the mistakes of the past.

Driscoll masterfully creates a sense of time and place, with much attention to detail and use of the senses. The novel critiques the antiquities trade and the effects of colonialism, adding depth to the narrative. Clemmie's journey is filled with danger, mystery, and self-discovery, making for a compelling read.

"Nephthys" is an impressive debut that offers a perfect blend of historical fiction, mythology, and adventure. Driscoll's meticulous research and evocative prose make the story come alive, inviting readers to join Clemmie on her perilous journey.

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.