Imhotep and the Quest to Kush (The Imhotep Chronicles)
In Al Sirois’s novel, a young man named Imhotep embarks on a perilous journey up the Nile to the land of Kush in search of a cure for the ailing King Sanakhe, elder brother to the future king Djoser. Throughout Imhotep’s quest, the narrative explores various aspects of ancient Egypt’s Old Kingdom. Imhotep experiences life as a sailor, a healer, and a spy, and is the confidant of a royal prince. He crosses paths with individuals who have nefarious intentions against the king and encounters diverse groups of people and cultures. Some readers will likely recognize the name of our main character: the architect credited with building Djoser’s step pyramid, yes, that Imhotep.
Early on, the main female character expresses that she doesn’t see the point of an education and that her sole aspiration is to find a partner and have babies. Sadly, a pattern quickly emerges as almost all the female characters show little depth and primarily serve the purpose of flirting with Imhotep.
I noticed some errors in the book. First, the Temple of Khnum at Elephantine wasn’t erected until the Middle Kingdom era. Also, one of the male characters is named Henuttawy, which is the name of a 19th-dynasty princess meaning “Mistress of Two Lands.” Lastly, expressions like “oh pooh” and “answering the call of nature” feel out of place.
Despite being the second installment in a series, the narrative allows for a seamless and engaging read. I believe the book will captivate male readers as our young protagonist embarks on a daring journey. This adventure is particularly suitable for readers aged 9 to 12 who might enjoy an initial exposure to a fascinating ancient culture and an immersion into distant lands.
