From the international bestselling author comes an unmissable new untelling of the life of one of the most captivating and misrepresented female figures in history.

Cleopatra, Egyptian Princess, grows up the favoured daughter of the Pharoah, hiding amongst the scrolls in the great library of Alexandria with her beloved slave Charmian, longing for the chance one day to write her own story.

Then when her father dies, willing that Cleopatra rule with her selfish brother Ptolemy, danger stirs. As the young Egyptian Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, he plots to destroy her and take the throne for himself.

But while Ptolemy has the power of Egypt behind him, Cleopatra has her wits. And when the great Caesar arrives from Rome, she realises he could be the key to her salvation - though courting this powerful man could cost her everything.

Can Cleopatra save her life, her throne, her beloved Egypt and finally command her own history?


A powerful, unmissable new retelling, this is a captivating story of female power and vulnerability, of love and loss, fierce friendship and terrible betrayal. It's time to meet the real Cleopatra.

Praise for Natasha Solomons

'Irresistible. An excellent spin on a timeless classic' Jennifer Saint

'Gripping, spellbinding and wonderfully immersive' Elodie Harper

'A thought-provoking reimagining of the classic tragedy. This is a rich and atmospheric work that, despite its historical setting, feels intensely relatable thanks to Solomons' resilient heroine' Katherine J. Chen, author of Joan

'A revelatory feminist retelling' Anya Bergman, international bestselling author of The Witches of Vardo

'Brilliant and beguiling. A terrific novel - very clever and alluring' William Boyd

'Vivid, turbulent and compelling' The Independent

'A deliciously dark take on the iconic love story' Woman & Home

'Immersive, original and thought-provoking, this is brilliantly done' Best Magazine