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Malayna Evans was raised in Utah and spent her childhood climbing mountains and reading Sci-Fi. She moved to Chicago in her early twenties where she earned M.A.s in the ancient history of the Mediterranean and the Near East and a Ph.D. in ancient Egyptian history. She enjoys sharing her passion for the ancient world with readers, adores travel, and plays a mean game of cards. A single mom, Malayna lives in Oak Park, IL, with her two children and two very spoiled Frenchies.
Here are a few early reviews of Malayna's adult debut, Neferura:
"A tale of court intrigue and women’s empowerment...refreshing." ― Historical Novel Society
"Historian Evans channels her knowledge of Egyptology into a gripping political drama of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty…[and] seamlessly integrates vivid period details into the clever and tense plot." ― Publishers Weekly
"Part coming-of-age story, part political period drama...Hatshepsut’s personal journey is compelling [with its] combination of court intrigue, a light romance, and a feminist focus...historical-fiction fans who miss the heyday of royal novels full of court intrigue will be glad to see this book." ― Library Journal
"The narrative is filled with murder, intrigue, and scandal, presenting Neferura with the dilemma of choosing between familial loyalty or carving out her own path, mirroring the the strength and power her mother showed to become pharaoh. Evans infuses the novel with rich and historically accurate details that will transport readers to ancient Egypt." ― Booklist
"Neferuraby Malayna Evans explores the tense political landscape of Ancient Egypt through the eyes of Neferura, princess and high priestess of Kemet. Neferura’s story is excellently researched and I especially enjoyed Evans' close attention to detail, demonstrating her impressive knowledge and background in Egyptology." ― Rosie Hewlett, author of Medusa and The Witch of Colchis
"An insightful and timely tale of female power…Evans’ deft and illuminating book shows us little has changed in three and a half thousand years. How do women wield power? In the shadows, like scorpions. With cunning and guile and through alliance and solidarity. She shows us true power is not found in dominating others but in the simple freedom to live and love as you choose." ― Nikki Marmery, author Lilith
"Set in ancient Egypt, Neferura plunges the reader into a fascinating world of unfamiliar beliefs, traditions, and social mores. At the same time, its focus on the trifecta of power, ambition, and desire feels very modern indeed. As Neferura surrounds herself with potential allies, she must struggle to decide whom she can trust ― with her kingdom, her love, and in the highest stakes of all, her life. A compelling and intriguing read." ― Liz Michalski, author of Darling Girl
"This fast-paced novel takes us through the illustrious 18th Dynasty of Egypt's New Kingdom when a woman pharaoh sought to have her daughter succeed her on the throne! This tale, both murder mystery and love story, shares a coming-of-age story in which the power of women's friendships, women's wisdom, and women's autonomy combine in the surprising conclusion." ― Solange Ashby, Ph.D., Egyptologist and Nubiologist
"A lively reimagining of one of the most intriguing women of ancient history, all set in the context of the author’s deep knowledge of Egyptian history, culture, and religion." ― Peter F. Dorman, Egyptologist, University of Chicago
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