Of Captivity & Kings by E.Y. Laster

Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: May 25, 2017
Pages: 376
Format: Paperback
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The laws are different in the Kushite ruled Kingdom of Nabara. The penalty for involvement in the slave trade is death, and if the King fails to provide justice and order under ma'at, the High Priests can order him to commit suicide. When a Roman slave ship wrecks off the coast of Nabara, peace is shattered. Ancient caravan routes, pastoralists, and nomadic hunters are threatened by kidnappings, robbery, and murder, forcing Nabaran High King Amkar Kashta to invoke the power of the six-kingdom alliance that is Nudolla. Each member of the ruling families finds themselves thrust into the rising slave trade, and the corruption of everything and everyone it touches.

It is an adventure told from the secret sanctuaries of the desert fathers in the Scetes Desert, and the massive pyramids of Meroë, to the Skeleton Coast, and over the Great Barrier Mountains of Apedemak. Here, kings and queens, princes and princesses, slave traders and gladiators, high priests and slaves, scribes and warriors, caravan robbers, and hermits collide under the thread that links them all- Captivity and Kings.

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I received a copy of this book from the author for free and I am leaving a review voluntarily.

Wow, this was quite the read. This novel was so rich; from the carefully crafted characters to the cities and the villages where they all dwelled, plus the historical accuracies. This author is definitely someone to look out for. 

The only complaint I would have is the mixed POV's as they were confusing at first, even with the handy appendix. Some of the voices kind of blended together and I had to go back to see who it was that was speaking. 

Regardless of my complaint, it is still an excellent read and I absolutely recommend it. It gives a wonderful view of a side of history that the West doesn't always get to see. 

Rating

4.75 Stars

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E. Y. Laster is the author of the book Of Captivity & Kings, the first installment in the Of Captivity & Kings series.  It is her debut novel and a work created from a curiosity and love for history, travel, film, and literature.  Having held a number of jobs including one as a former waitress, she never sits still for long.  This book began in 2013 – yes 2013 - on the back of old receipts and continued being written during commutes on buses and trains, while sitting in waiting rooms, during lunch hours, and even while running (very slowly) to train for racing competitions like the Rock N’ Roll Half Marathon and The Color Run.  In the spring of 2016 she decided to publish.  When you decide to chase your dreams it’s better to wear sneakers! 

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