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Max Overton
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The Amarnan Kings, Book 3: Scarab - Tutankhamen (The Amarnan Kings, Ancient Egyptian Series) Kindle Edition

by Max Overton (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 117 ratings

The heretic pharaoh Akhenaten is dead and the exiled King Smenkhkare has been defeated outside the walls of Thebes by General Horemheb. Details unknown to the history books are revealed on the walls of the rock tomb of Beketaten, princess of Egypt.

Beketaten, known as Scarab to her friends, has joined her brother Smenkhkare as he flees into Nubia to raise an army. He vows he will take back his kingdom, but first he must defeat the armies of the boy-king Tutankhamen and the man who really controls the kingdom - Vizier Ay.

Book 3 in the series follows Scarab as she marches with Smenkhkare, knowing that defeat will mean his death, but victory will mean the death of her other brother, Tutankhamen.

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  1. Book 3 of 6
    The Amarnan Kings, Ancient Egyptian Series
  2. Print length
    635 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    October 27, 2011
  6. File size
    6.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 6 books in this series.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0060M6RWM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Writers Exchange E-Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 27, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 635 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1921636608
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 3 of 6 ‏ : ‎ The Amarnan Kings, Ancient Egyptian Series
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 117 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

4.3 out of 5 stars
117 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book intelligently written with vivid descriptions and excellent knowledge of Egyptian history. Moreover, the story maintains suspense throughout, with engaging characters that keep readers interested. Additionally, they appreciate the series format, with one customer noting it consists of five books.

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ReadabilityWriting qualityHistorical accuracyStory qualityInterestCharacter developmentSeries
14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a great series that is fabulous in every aspect.

"...of the storyteller Max Overton that it all goes down smoothly, and delightfully, as Scarab's marvelous resilience and resourceful character grow..." Read more

"...The story is so enlightening and amazing I think about it all most all day. What a great story teller and historian...." Read more

"...Its fast reading and the story flows nicely through the series. I enjoyed the books and it has increased my interest in learning more." Read more

"...Excellent value for money as well. I am really enjoying the series of books!!" Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as intelligently and excellently written, with one customer noting its vivid descriptions and another highlighting how it brings the historical context to life.

"...books delve into the lives of each of these characters and make it all so very real." Read more

"...Amarna period of Egyptian history, it still makes for some rewarding descriptive chapters spanning action all over the plance within and without..." Read more

"...As always, Overton does an excellent job of writing and researching." Read more

"...What a great story teller and historian. fabulous in every aspect...." Read more

10 customers mention "Historical accuracy"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, with several noting its excellent knowledge of Egyptian history, and one customer mentioning it is based on actual events.

"...As always, Overton does an excellent job of writing and researching." Read more

"Well researched, great information. However, this series would have made one great book instead of many...." Read more

"...What a great story teller and historian. fabulous in every aspect...." Read more

"I am enjoying the historical aspects of the books. I am reading book 5 now. Very vivid descriptions you get a feel of what that time was really like." Read more

7 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, with one mentioning that the author maintains suspense throughout.

"...The story is so enlightening and amazing I think about it all most all day. What a great story teller and historian...." Read more

"It was a very absorbing experience. The author maintained a suspense similar to a mystery novel without any conflict with known history." Read more

"...n't finish it completely but read enough to know that the story is really far fetched...." Read more

"Volume 3, writing still good. Storyline progressing well. We have a battle, we have a challenge for superiority. Ay, by now id totally pissed off...." Read more

6 customers mention "Interest"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, with one describing it as a very absorbing experience and another mentioning it's a pleasure to read.

"Each of the books in this series has been a pleasure to read. I love to step back in time and imagine another culture and life there...." Read more

"It was a very absorbing experience. The author maintained a suspense similar to a mystery novel without any conflict with known history." Read more

"...I enjoyed the books and it has increased my interest in learning more." Read more

"Just love the subject he picked. Well written and keeps interest high...." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning the excellent villain and another noting the exciting heroes.

"...and delightfully, as Scarab's marvelous resilience and resourceful character grow slowly from the little girl playing with a dung beetle in Book 1..." Read more

"Hugely dense with life of the times, plot and characters so I have to stay on my toes after reading Vol 1 and 2 to keep it all straight...." Read more

"...It is a thriller based on actual history. Exciting with heroes and an excellent villain. Not a history but it's not a total fabrication either." Read more

"Love, love, love this series! Very intelligently written. Engaging characters. A must read for all who are interested in Ancient Egypt!" Read more

3 customers mention "Series"3 positive0 negative

Customers love this series, with one customer noting it consists of five books.

"...The series is five books and I have read them all. Its fast reading and the story flows nicely through the series...." Read more

"...I am loving this series and look forward to reading the remaining books in this series." Read more

"Love, love, love this series! Very intelligently written. Engaging characters. A must read for all who are interested in Ancient Egypt!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Bella Mia
    5.0 out of 5 stars A lot of drama and back stabbing in ancient Egypt
    Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I am on the fourth book of this series. If you’re like stories about ancient Egypt and intrigue this is the series for you. Max Overton really knows how to pull a story together with a lot of action. This volume is about the life and demise of Tutankhamen. You will enjoy.
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  • pjburn
    4.0 out of 5 stars No beetle, Scarab bewitches us
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Scarab, previously known as a no-name child of King Nebmaetre of Egypt's Middle Kingdom, then named Beketaten, who in previous books of Overton's series came of age (Bk 1), fought against her usurping Uncle Ay on the side of her brother Shmenkhkare (Bk 2), continues the battle alongside her older brother Shmenkhkare against the cruel and ambitious Ay and her younger brother Tuthankamen (Bk 3), finally falls under the power of King Ay's adopted son Nakhtmin, then turns the tables on her worst enemies, clearing the way for Horemheb to come to power and her ex-lover Paramessu to become Horemheb's successor and eventually her son Set to sit on the throne of Egypt (Bk 4). In The Amarnan Kinds Book 5: Scarab - Horemheb, Overton combines his story with the Biblical story of the Hebrews' escape from Egypt, with former King Ahkenaten resurfacing as Yahmose (Moses) aided in the Hebrews/Khabirus' exodus from slavery in Egypt by Jesua, a warrior follower of Scarab. This tale has been 'read' to us from the beginning by a British female archaeologist Dani, who has found Scarab's tomb, apparently, in modern-day Syria, on the walls of which the aging Scarab had recorded her life story. It emerges at the end of Book 5 that Scarab is not buried in the tomb in Syria, as we had thought all along, but that her husband Khu had taken her body to her brother Shmenkhkare's hidden tomb in Egypt and secretly buried her there. So the stage is set for Book 6, where archaeologist Dani, apparently a descendant of Scarab's, is going to wield the golden scarab she found in the Syrian excavation, to assist her as she deals with unearthing her ancestor's body and story and fending off the efforts of a Saudi Arabian official who threatens the lives of the British archaeologists as well as the integrity of the history of Scarab. If this sounds a bit far-fetched, it is to the credit of the storyteller Max Overton that it all goes down smoothly, and delightfully, as Scarab's marvelous resilience and resourceful character grow slowly from the little girl playing with a dung beetle in Book 1 into the queen wielding the power of the gods of Egypt in Book 5. She restores Ma'at, the balance of justice and peace, to her country, just as any good fictional heroine should. We wait on Book 6 of The Amarnan Kings: Scarab - Descendant to see if Dani can do as well as her ancestor against the greed and ambition of present-day despots!
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  • Gabriele Bryant
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Amarnan Kings Book 3: Scarab - Tut
    Reviewed in the United States on September 19, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Book 3 was by far my most favorite so far. The more I read, the more I want to know so I jumped right into Book 4! This series is very realistic. I read other books that portrayed the characters all to be kind, caring people, and although I am glad I read those books first, I am so thrilled that Max Overton took the time he did to write these books. Of course, there were power struggles and devious plans made to dethrone kings or heirs to the throne. These books delve into the lives of each of these characters and make it all so very real.
    Helpful
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  • Lorraine Jones
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoying the ride.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Hugely dense with life of the times, plot and characters so I have to stay on my toes after reading Vol 1 and 2 to keep it all straight. Fanciful as the plot and characters are in this redo of the Amarna period of Egyptian history, it still makes for some rewarding descriptive chapters spanning action all over the plance within and without ancient Egypt. Enjoying the book reading a little bit every day. Will continue with the final 2 volumes when I've finished this one.
    Helpful
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  • decio1948
    5.0 out of 5 stars Scarab - Sister to Three Pharoahs
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Scarab is in the highly desireable ( or perhaps dreadful) position of being the sister of three different pharoahs. Since pharoahs usually only marry within their bloodline, she is the perfect candidate for Great Queen, Sister Wife. The story, which has been centered on Scarab, takes an interesting twist by focusing on her brother, Tutaknhamen - now known as the Crocodile King. Why? You'll have to read it to find out. As always, Overton does an excellent job of writing and researching.
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  • Jay Charles
    3.0 out of 5 stars great information. However
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Well researched, great information. However, this series would have made one great book instead of many. Very drawn out and repetitive; we do not need to read a description of every arrow that was shot. And why do the lesser Egyptians all speak with a Cockney accent?
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Scarab I have enjoyed this book and the previous ones
    Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The Amarnan Kings Book 3: Scarab
    I have enjoyed this book and the previous ones. I do not know how accurate they are, but there is information I had not been aware of before. The descriptions of life at that time were so vivid you almost felt as though you were there.
    Mary
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  • Malcolm Sullivan
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great story, Great history lesson.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    If they taught history in this fashion at school every child would have a fabulous account of our past.
    I can't put the book down, morning lunch dinner before bed any time.
    The story is so enlightening and amazing I think about it all most all day.
    What a great story teller and historian.
    fabulous in every aspect.
    But you must read the first 2 books to follow the history, you will love it.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mirjana Fogel-Petrovic
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exelent book
    Reviewed in Australia on May 2, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is very interesting, with a good combination of the known facts from the ancient history and writer’s imagination. I really enjoyed riding it.
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  • English Pete
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What a story
    Report
  • marielouise
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 16, 2017
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Again another great book.
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  • M
    5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favourite series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 29, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The character of Tutankhamen grew on me as he developed from a petulant child into a brave hunter and ‘warrior’. Scarab’s and Smenkhkare’s adventures are a gripping read.
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  • Amazon Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Wanted to love it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 7, 2012
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a big, bold project; and I want to love it. The writing is good, very descriptive and evocative. Scarab is a likeable, engaging character, and three books in is a great link in the stories of the Amarna (and later) kings. But I can't help thinking aiming to do a whole book per king is a bit ambitious. It does feel as if some of the books are being strung out endlessly and for little purpose. For example, in Scarab Tutankhamen, there are pages and pages about Smenkhkare's rabble of soldiers learning to fight ... then pages and pages of Scarab herself fighting one of the Nubian chiefs. All rousing stuff, but to what purpose? It seems all we're doing is filling in time so Tutankhamen can be old enough for the next bit of the story. I actually found myself skipping much of it. I don't want to give the plot away (and it's worth reading despite my criticisms) but when it comes to the crucial confrontation between Tutankhamen and Smenkhkare, all of this is thrown to the wind. Anyone who knows anything about Egyptian history knows that Tutankhamen has to die aged around 19 - and that Smenkhkare certainly does not outlive him ... but in terms of the plot, I was frustrated by the way these characters seemed to throw themselves away ... allow themselves to be pawns in a bigger game ... without thinking of the bigger picture for Egypt. The author has done a great job up until this point in developing my sympathy for both kings, only for me to be thoroughly irritated with both of them at the end. Such a shame, when I wanted them both to be big and brave - but I ended up thinking they both finished looking (and acting) small and stupid. And then we come to Scarab herself. 3 books spent establishing her as fearless, clever, intuitive etc etc ... and at the last stand in book 3 she seems to offer herself up for capture ... why??? Surely she's proved she's smart enough to outwit Ay and his henchmen - yet after all her battling and cleverness she seems to walk right into the trap. This just felt like an artistic device to get her from brave and fearless sister to Smenkhkare to the mystical goddess-like creature she seems to be being set up as for the next books. I found this annoying and unconvincing.
    I like the characters of Paramessu and Horemheb. Also the beginning and end of each book, set in the 1960's and hinting at the link between Scarab and the modern archaeologist, is clever ... it makes me want to know more.
    I guess it's a shame for the author that there's been so much publicity over the last year or two about the DNA testing on Tutankhamen's mummy as this makes it clear he's almost certainly Akhenaten's son (or, perhaps Smenkhkare's !!) not Amenhotep III's as this book proposes. But very happy to suspend disbelief on that point. I know I'm being hyper-critical. But actually that's because this author is a cut above others writing about the same subject. He takes an intriguing stance on the characters of the Amarna period ... and I'm willing to go along with him on most of it. So, a mixed review. Please read the novels - they're definitely worth it - but I wanted to be devastated when Smenkhkare died rather than feeling thoroughly put out with him !
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