Title: The Falcon and the Dove
Author: Bonnie Vanak
Published in November 2002 by Leisure Books
Genre: Historical
IBSN: 0-8439-5132-X
Related Books: (2) The Tiger and the Tomb (3) The Cobra and the Concubine (4) The Panther and the Pyramid
Elisabeth Summers is finally here. Egypt has held her fascination and she has studied long and hard to get this far. Her uncle, Nahid Wilson, is not quite what she expected. She really thought she would be more welcome, and able to use her formidable talents, not shoved into a clerk's role. Archeology is Elizabeth's life. She started at an early age at her father's side, and now hopes to continue in her own right. The ruins she is standing near are a clue to what she really seeks, but only Uncle Nahid is aware of her secret quest. He has offered to help her, and she is grateful.
Amarna is a desolate, yet beautiful place. Once the capital of Akhenaten, it could hold the hope for a cure to her Nana's illness beneath its sands. The Almha, buried by the Queen Kiya, could hold the key. The golden disk, made for Akhenaten and consecrated to the Aten he worshipped, was taken back by Kiya and hidden in the sands surrounded by mystery and legend. Elizabeth has hopes that the tales of cures inscribed on the back are true, and will hold the promised recipe. Now all she has to do is find it…and avoid that enigmatic and handsome Khamsin warrior while she's at it, which might not be easy.
Jabari bin Tarik Hassid is a man of power and might. Even at the tender age of 26 years, he is a well-respected and much feared warrior. He is also Sheikh of the tribes of the Khamsin, the fierce tribes of desert warriors who guard the sacred Almha, and descendants of the guards who were loyal to Queen Kiya. They have a rich past, and an ancient legend tells of the great love that Kiya had for her Khamsin lover. Before she was taken away and killed by Akhenaten, she pledged that when the falcon and the dove came together, she would return to the line of Renefer, be bride, and bring peace and prosperity to the tribes.
Jabari is not sure he believes in the legend, but he does believe in the Almha. He is sworn to protect the Almha with his life, as is every Sheikh from the line of Renefer, and every Khamsin warrior. Now the English are digging in Amarna. They have chased them away once, but they are pernicious. But the woman? She is a mystery he wants to solve. Bold and brazen, she is an affront to everything he has been taught about women, but she is also a challenge. Who is she? Why have their paths crossed?
To those historical fans who wish a truly exciting read, say hello to Bonnie Vanak! She has written a book set in late 1800's, in the times of the British exploration and exploitation of Egyptian wealth, and flown with it to new heights. Taking from historical facts, she has woven a tale of legendary proportions around the ancient capital of the Pharaoh Akhenaten, his once favorite Queen Kiya, and her jealous nemesis the beautiful Queen Nefertiti. Akhenaten's rule is hidden in the mists of time, but there is Amarna, and its artifacts prove his existence and have helped to tell some of his story. The Falcon and the Dove takes you to one of the excavations of Amarna, gives the story of a legendary couple, and the prophecy that surrounds them.
This past is then blended into the lives of two people and the strife of their times. The British plunder of ancient sites, a young American woman looking for a remedy, a ferocious sheikh trying to protect his heritage, and a greedy uncle all come together to give the reader a daring story of ancient passions and timeless love. Through past hatreds and present suspicions, Jabari and Elizabeth must find their own path to the love that was destined for them long ages ago. The Falcon and the Dove is a beautiful but fearsome tale of betrayal, hatred, lost love, and an unexpected set of circumstances that will leave you hoping for more. Strong in style and character, the talents of this first time author deserves a place of honor on your keeper shelf. Look for Jabari and Elizabeth's story, The Falcon and the Dove, in the line of November's releases from Leisure Books.
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
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