Review of Mithra

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Mithra" by John M. Rattenbury.]

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2 out of 5 stars

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Mithra by John M. Rattenbury is a historical fantasy novel that takes readers on a vivid journey through ancient Egypt, blending myth, magic, and political intrigue. At the heart of the story is Mithra, the titular character who navigates her role as the granddaughter of Cleopatra amidst the tumultuous dynamics of power and prophecy. Will she reclaim Egypt from Roman rule?

With rich and vivid descriptions of Alexandria, bustling markets, and the grandeur of temples, the book transports readers to a bygone era, offering an authentic taste of ancient Egyptian culture and settings. The author's evocative portrayal of the era's atmosphere draws readers deeply into the book's world. This backdrop, combined with the elements of magic and prophecy, creates an engaging and imaginative setting that captures the reader's attention from the start. For readers unfamiliar with ancient Egyptian culture, this book brings a lot of new things to the table.

However, despite its strong world-building and intriguing premise, Mithra falls short in several areas that prevent it from achieving a higher rating. One of the primary issues is the pacing. The narrative often drags in places, with lengthy expository passages and dialogue that slow down the plot. In particular, the action takes a backseat to politicking and character introspection during the book’s middle section. This can make it challenging for readers to maintain their interest.

Another downside is the character development of secondary characters. Although the protagonist Mithra has a clear personal journey, many key figures, like Mithra's matron Kiya and the Roman centurion Quintus Varus, lack depth and complexity. Their motivations and backgrounds are not sufficiently explored, rendering them somewhat one-dimensional. Instead of feeling like living people, they feel like props to move the plot forward and nothing else. This can make it hard for readers to form strong connections with these characters.

To sum up, Mithra is a novel with a captivating premise and a richly detailed setting, but it is hindered by slow pacing and underdeveloped characters. Fans of historical fantasy may find enjoyment in its pages, but it may not leave a lasting impression. Besides, I found many punctuation errors while reading, so the editing needs improvement. Therefore, I rate this book 2 out of 5 stars.

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Mithra
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[Gerry Steen]

The vividly descriptive backdrop of Ancient Egypt combined with magic and prophecy make this story enticing. It is unfortunate that the pacing is slow and the secondary characters are not developed. The many punctuation errors make it less enticing. I hope the author takes your critiques into account because this book has potential.

[Seetha E]

Errors can be ignored. The plot, writing and character development are key. It lacks on many fronts, I will pass this one. Thank you for your honest review.