DAUGHTER OF EGYPT, by Marie Benedict, St. Martin’s Press, March 24, 2026, Hardcover, $29 (Young Adult/ New Adult/ Adult Fiction)
A young woman unearths the truth about a forgotten Pharaoh in Daughter of Egypt, a historical fiction novel by Marie Benedict.
In the 1920s, archeologist Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon of Highclere Castle made headlines around the world with the discovery of the treasure-filled tomb of the boy Pharaoh Tutankhamun. But behind it all stood Lady Evelyn Herbert―daughter of Lord Carnarvon―whose daring spirit and relentless curiosity made the momentous find possible.
Nearly 3,000 years earlier, another woman defied the expectations of her time: Hatshepsut, Egypt’s lost pharaoh. Her reign was bold, visionary―and nearly erased from history.
When Evelyn becomes obsessed with finding Hatshepsut’s secret tomb, she risks everything to uncover the truth about her reign and keep valued artifacts in Egypt, their rightful home. But as danger closes in and political tensions rise, she must make an impossible choice: protect her father’s legacy―or forge her own.
Propelled by high adventure and deadly intrigue, Daughter of Egypt is the story of two ambitious women who lived centuries apart. Both were forced to hide who they were during their lifetimes, yet ultimately changed history forever. —Synopsis provided by St. Martin’s Press
Author Marie Benedict (The Secrets of Lovelace Academy, Her Hidden Genius, The Other Einstein) is known for her fiction novels that often feature extraordinary women from history.
Daughter of Egypt is no different.
This time, Benedict takes readers to 1920s England and Egypt and Egypt some 3,000 years ago. And what a journey it is.
The story alternates between Lady Evelyn Herbert, daughter of Lord Carnarvon, and Hatshepsut, one of the only women to rule Egypt as pharaoh.
Evelyn is smart and driven. She dreams of becoming an archeologist in a world where she is expected to marry well and have children. But she has a passion for Egypt and becomes a key figure in the discovery of King Tutankhamen.
Hatshepsut is Thutmose I’s beloved daughter. She spends much of her time at his side, learning how to govern Egypt. She is strong and independent. And when her father and her husband both die, she uses her training to take what she believes is hers, becoming one of the most prosperous and peaceful pharaohs in history.
Daughter of Egypt is a compelling story full of mystery, suspense and wonder. It’s a must read for those drawn to the history of ancient and more recent history of Egypt and its storied rulers.
Though much of what Benedict imagines is pure conjecture, it’s clear she’s done her research. Her understanding of ancient Egyptian practices as well as the revolution against British rule in the 1920s is strong. It’s easy to appreciate the work that went into understanding the intricacies.
But what makes Daughter of Egypt so successful is Benedict’s ability to mix those historical truths into a fictionalized story that moves forward at a good pace and holds interest throughout.
Note: Though Daughter of Egypt is intended for the adult fiction market, there’s nothing in it precluding a young adult audience. It should appeal to young adult readers who enjoy history and strong female protagonists.
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