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Max Overton
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The Amarnan Kings, Book 1: Scarab - Akhenaten (The Amarnan Kings, Ancient Egyptian Series) Kindle Edition

by Max Overton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 190 ratings

A chance discovery in Syria reveals answers to the mystery of the ancient Egyptian sun-king, the heretic Akhenaten and his beautiful wife Nefertiti. Inscriptions in the tomb of his sister Beketaten, otherwise known as Scarab, tell a story of life and death, intrigue and warfare, in and around the golden court of the kings of the glorious18th dynasty.

The narrative of a young girl growing up at the centre of momentous events--the abolition of the gods, foreign invasion and the fall of a once-great family--reveals who Tutankhamen's parents really were, what happened to Nefertiti, and other events lost to history in the great destruction that followed the fall of the Aten heresy.

Meticulously researched; the book unfolds a tapestry of these royal figures lost in the mists of antiquity.

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  1. Book 1 of 6
    The Amarnan Kings, Ancient Egyptian Series
  2. Print length
    421 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 6, 2010
  5. File size
    6.5 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00427YN78
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Writers Exchange E-Publishing (September 6, 2010)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 6, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 421 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 190 ratings

About the author

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Max Overton

Max Overton

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Max is a published author of varying genres including historicals, a contemporary thriller, and a western.

He has lived all over the world, from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to Townsville, Queensland, Australia; from Gerrard’s Cross in England to Kingston, Jamaica; from Düsseldorf in Germany to Wellington, New Zealand; from Antwerp in Belgium to Collinsville, Illinois, USA.

Max has a Master’s degree, with Honours, in Plant Physiology, and has worked as a university lecturer and demonstrator, a research scientist, a school teacher, a technician, a quotes officer for a microscopy supply house, an assistant manager at Walmart and Max has even caught bumblebees for a living.

Max's main occupation these days is as an author. Having always had a great love of history and recently discovering writing, it made perfect sense combining the two, writing historical fiction – from ancient Egypt to World War II – but he is not limited to that genre. He has also tried his hand at horror, paranormal and westerns, and has plans to write fantasy and science fiction.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
190 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this historical fiction book for its storyline, with one review highlighting its interesting daily-life details. Moreover, the writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how the author makes history come alive. Additionally, the book features well-developed characters, and customers find it an enjoyable read.

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29 customers mention "Storyline"27 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of this historical fiction book, which is peppered with historical details and features a story within a story, making it an excellent narrative of ancient Egypt.

"...Great plot - heaps of twists along the way. Fascinating characters - whom I either loved and loathed depending on their role in the story...." Read more

"...Enjoyable story peppered with historical details about Egypt that time period. Fun intro to the era. Looking forward to volume 2 in the series" Read more

"...history and culture lessons, but always returns to the energetic, suspenseful tale of the coming of age of a young woman, who I suspect will..." Read more

"...It is a combination of history and fiction. The author does a nice job of telling the story and keeping the flow through the books." Read more

25 customers mention "Readability"23 positive2 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining, with one describing it as mesmerizing from the start.

"...Life in all it's ugly, painful, joyous, beautiful, messy glory. The style of writing is very clever and very insightful...." Read more

"What a joy to read (and own) Overton's "Scarab-Akhenaten" (book #1). Max did his homework and wrote a masterpiece...and what a ride it is!..." Read more

"Entertaining & well written. Looking forward to the rest of the series." Read more

"...If you are a fan of Egyptian history this is an interesting read of what life may have been like at that time...." Read more

15 customers mention "Writing style"13 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, describing it as well-written historical fiction, with one customer noting how the author makes history come alive.

"Max Overton - Master Wordsmith. Honestly..... buy it!! Buy it! Buy it! Buy it!..." Read more

"...Max did his homework and wrote a masterpiece...and what a ride it is! And best of all, it was offered in PAPERBACK (as well as kindle)...." Read more

"Entertaining & well written. Looking forward to the rest of the series." Read more

"...This book not only delivers on a rational and reasonable explanation but does it in a manner that draws you in completely...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one review specifically mentioning the vibrant young woman character.

"...Great plot - heaps of twists along the way. Fascinating characters - whom I either loved and loathed depending on their role in the story...." Read more

"...So begins a series of 5 novels that have love, beauty, the lure of ancient Egypt and a plot line that takes the most unexpected turns...." Read more

"...The characters come alive, the events flow and you become part of the story...." Read more

"Providing clear details and imaginative characters, Scarab tells the story of the discovery of an Egyptian tomb in the present day, and then flashes..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Elizabeth~N
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow. Just Wow.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Max Overton - Master Wordsmith. Honestly..... buy it!! Buy it! Buy it! Buy it! Then Wishlist the next four books in the series, put the kettle on and get ready for a REAL story.

    It was captivating and thought provoking. This book is just one "chapter" of a long lifetime which is covered from start to finish through the five books in the series. My review today is not only about this book but the entire series.

    Mr Overton has taken a name that history has remembered only twice and blown the breath of life into a strong, vibrant young woman. Her entire life....with all the hardship, the betrayals, the scheming plotting relatives, the love, the loss, the fear, the joy, the....LIFE! Life in all it's ugly, painful, joyous, beautiful, messy glory.

    The style of writing is very clever and very insightful. Mr Overton has shared a lot of historical fact throughout the story adding authenticity to Scarab's life. At other times, he's drawn on Biblical inspiration and raised some interesting questions.

    The story is told not purely from Scarab's point of view, but occasionally switches to other significant characters too, giving us some insight into their motives and mannerisms. I didn't notice any typo's or grammatical errors.

    Great plot - heaps of twists along the way.

    Fascinating characters - whom I either loved and loathed depending on their role in the story. I don't think I've ever hated a "bad guy" more than Ay.

    Beautiful setting(s) - makes me want to buy a plane ticket and see it for myself but I was there... I saw Kemet! I saw the White Walls and the temples, I saw the hot desert and I sailed the river along with Scarab. It takes a true wordsmith to take you back to ancient Kemet.

    Some fascinating theories about the Exodus.... it's so plausible. It takes a great mind to piece all of that together and tell such a wonderful story in such a skilful manner.

    The start and close of each book is set in 1940's (...or was it the 30's....??) Syria and by the end of the series I was deeply invested in the archaeological team despite their "small" part in the story. That was clever Mr Overton....that was just pure unadulterated clever.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • siberacuse1
    4.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining tale ancient Egypt
    Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I read this book to learn something about 18th dynasty Egypt prior to an Egyptian tour. Enjoyable story peppered with historical details about Egypt that time period. Fun intro to the era. Looking forward to volume 2 in the series
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  • Sheila R.
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fabulous book...in PAPERBACK!!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    What a joy to read (and own) Overton's "Scarab-Akhenaten" (book #1).
    Max did his homework and wrote a masterpiece...and what a ride it is!
    And best of all, it was offered in PAPERBACK (as well as kindle).
    I can't do kindle (eyestrain), and frankly, I love the independence of
    real books in paperback and hardcover. If the grid goes down, I can
    still happily read. Book #1 of his "Scarab' series is SO good that I
    desperately want to read books #2 - #5 ... but I can't, because they're
    only offered in kindle forrmat. That ain't right. Not all of us are
    fans of ebooks. I wrote to the publisher (writers exchange.com) and
    perhaps they will disregard my feedback as a memo from a dinosaur.
    But Overton's "Scarab-Akhenaten" is a real GIFT to my library, and
    to yours. How I wish that we could have the freedom to choose paperback
    (or kindle). This would increase book sales too.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Carl E Finfrock
    3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining & well written. Looking forward to the rest ...
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Entertaining & well written. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
    Helpful
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  • pjburn
    4.0 out of 5 stars Scarab no beetle
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Charmingly nameless for her first few years, then named almost randomly for a beetle that devotes its life to tidying things up, Scarab/Beketaten - the daughter of a king - sees the Egyptian kingdom decline under the influence of her willfully neglectful brother and then her ambitiously greedy uncle. She slips out of the palace often as a young girl with another brother a few years older and learns much about the people her family has ruled for so long. A maker of glass, a priest of Amun, a baker, a soldier, and even a pimp. Overton tells the story with occasional lapses into history and culture lessons, but always returns to the energetic, suspenseful tale of the coming of age of a young woman, who I suspect will eventually play a part in straightening out the mess that threatens her beloved country, Kemet/Egypt.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Wendy Wilson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great new discovery in authors
    Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Ok, I gave this book a try; I love historical fiction, the more ancient the better. No one knows for sure what happened that far back, tantalizing clues and some historical records are all we have and I've seen some pretty strange interpretations of the clues. This book not only delivers on a rational and reasonable explanation but does it in a manner that draws you in completely. It drew me in so far that, even though I knew I was getting close to the it, the end came as a complete surprise and threw me right out of the story. I bumped down and quickly proceeded to download the next book. I enjoy the world Overton has created and will most definitely visit more of it.
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  • Wendy Darling "Wendy"
    5.0 out of 5 stars Scarab
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This is the beginning of a five book series which tells the story of Scarab's life as a princess in one of the well known Egyptian royal families, Her father is Amenhotep and she is sister to Tut, the heretic king Akhenaten, and Smenkhkare. Being a princess at that time in history was not always a healthy position to hold and Scarab is at the core of the plotters who surround her during her life. If you are a fan of Egyptian history this is an interesting read of what life may have been like at that time. It is a combination of history and fiction. The author does a nice job of telling the story and keeping the flow through the books.
    Helpful
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  • SignoftheTimes
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    This is the story of Pharoah Ahkenaten, otherwise known as The Heretic King, as told by his sister Beketaten.
    It follows the rise of young Ahkenaten and Queen Nefertiti and their worship of their one god, the Aten, and how this worship and the banning of all other gods from Egypt, led to their downfall. There is supposed to be a Part 2 to this book, which I am looking forward to. It was an enjoyable read and worth the price.
    7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very immersive
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Well researched and written. Of course, there is some poetic licence, such as the now debunked exile of Nefertiti, Akhenaten’s extended coregency with Amenhotep III. But overall this novel is a lot more accurate than many historical fiction books. I really enjoyed the excursions into the lives of ordinary people, those added a lot of background and brought the society to life. Looking forward to reading the whole series.
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  • Bea Purkis
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you are interested in Egyptology - this is the book for you...
    Reviewed in Canada on March 14, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Max Overton has certainly done his research. He sweeps one back into time, making one feel that they are actually there. His knowledge of the warfare of that era is excellent. However, I have read that Nefertiti was the warrior queen and not Scarab but that could be poetic license. I particularly like the way he has developed the character Scarab from her childhood to maturity. Max is also gifted with insight in his weaving of the emotions of women and men. It was such a good read that I have purchased all of the Amarnan Kings' books. He cleverly made the endings a prerequisite for seeking the next book. Well done!
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  • Mirjana Fogel-Petrovic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very entartaning
    Reviewed in Australia on May 2, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is very Interesting and entertaining book, author has good knowledge in ancient history. Good plot. I love this book. Can not wait to read others .
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  • David Mawson
    4.0 out of 5 stars Remember it's a novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 15, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    An enjoyable read which gives a reasonable exploration and explanation of the events during the reign of Pharaoh Akhenaten (there are others). Lots of "historical facts" though the veracity of some of them are questionable e.g. I can't say I've come across Akhenaten having a flushing toilet before. However, I have to credit the author for even tackling the subject of sanitation in Ancient Egypt, a subject that even textbooks avoid. An altogether realistic portrayal of daily life in Pharonic Egypt, even if it borders on the incredible at times. Recommended , and I'll certainly be reading the other books in the series.
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  • Mizmckin
    5.0 out of 5 stars really interesting series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I had never read ancient Egypt stories before, but wanted to know more after reading Ms McCullochs Anthony and Cleopatra(Masters of Rome series, which along with O'Briens Master and Commander series, the best historical novels ever, I think so anyway!). I found all the Scarab books great,and they are longish, good for quick readers .The characters are fascinating, and since reading these books I have read other series with similar Egyptian themes.But to me ,these are my favourites, better by far than most.There is a lot of drama and revenge and bloodshed .Nice to have a female hero too.I cant comment on the historical accuracy but the author gives reasons for his take on it, and however true to the actual events ,it is a great story.well worth buying or get a sample and see.
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