Twice Born: Volume One of the King's Man Trilogy

After reading Pauline Gedge’s novel The Child of the Morning, I knew I had to read all of her work! Gedge is the queen of ancient Egyptian historical fiction. She creates vivid, dynamic characters that speak through the gulf of time, reminding you of their humanity. The characters in The Twice Born and the subsequent novels in this trilogy, are no different. The story of Huy, a peasant turned scribe, and his battle between good and evil, right and wrong, is peppered by his thoughts and emotions. Huy is definitely a complex character. The reader simultaneously grieves with him as the gap between his friends and himself grows, yet scorns him as the novel progresses and his courage fails him. Born from a working class family, Huy is allowed to go to school thanks to the patronage of his uncle, a wealthy perfume merchant. As he is learning the sacred art of becoming a scribe, reading and writing shorthand Egyptian, a schism with a fellow classmate leads to his death. Finding himself in a heaven-like world, Huy comes face to face with the famous scribe Imhotep, revered as a god for his knowledge. Imhotep gives him a choice, join Anubis, the god of death, to face judgement before reaching the other side, or return to the world, but as Amun’s prophet. If he accepts the latter, he must find the meaning of the elusive Scroll of Thoth, the patron god of scribes, to eventually assist Pharaoh before the balance of Ma’at is disturbed. Huy, his interest now piqued by the challenge, accepts the task. He is resurrected as “Amun’s tool.” There begins a lifelong struggle where Huy, now imbued with the power to see people’s futures, must devote his life to Amun’s commission. Huy cannot make love, father children, or have his own life. He must give himself to the duty before him. At times indignant, and concurrently pious, Huy rages and prays to Amun for guidance. How can he solve the puzzle of the mysterious missing Scroll of Thoth and help a wayward Pharaoh? Read The Twice Born to find out! While this novel can be at times heavy with ancient Egyptian theology, if you skim past those parts, the reader will really enjoy this epic tale. Gedge creates memorable characters that will entrance you long after the book is finished. She vividly brings to life Anubis, god of death, and many of the other deities. Truly, there is no one like Gedge for spectacular imagery. I would recommend the whole series. After you finish The King’s Man series, read The Twelfth Transforming for a continuation of the storyline.