Eye of the Moon
| Company type | Children's historical novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Founder | Dianne Hofmeyr |
Eye of the Moon is a historical novel for children set in ancient Egypt, authored by Dianne Hofmeyr and released in 2007. The narrative centers on Isikara, the daughter of the embalmer serving at the temple of Sobek, who escapes alongside Tuthmosis, the son of King Amenhotep III. Their flight is pursued by Wosret, the high priest determined to eliminate them.
Plot
Isikara and her brother Katep resided with their father, Henuka, at the Sobek temple in Thebes. After Katep suffered serious injuries from a crocodile attack and left the temple, the royal barge carrying Queen Tiy arrived. However, Wosret, the high priest, had seized power. He falsely declared that the queen and her eldest son Tuthmosis had died and demanded their mummification.
Isikara accidentally overheard Wosret's plot to poison Tuthmosis to secure the throne for his younger sibling. Henuka refused to complete the murder by stabbing Tuthmosis’s heart. Upon discovering Isikara spying, her father assisted her escape with Tuthmosis through a hidden passage.
Disguised as commoners and supported by Ta Miu, a Nubian girl, they managed to avoid Wosret while crossing the desert. At an oasis, Medjay nomads captured them, where they encountered Anoukhet who devised an escape plan involving an elderly camel tender. The attempt was unsuccessful, leading Isikara to kill Naqada, the nomads’ leader, before fleeing to Syene. There, Anoukhet arranged for them to join a delivery caravan heading south.
As they neared Nubia, Tuthmosis sought to form an alliance with the Kushites, promising peace in exchange for their assistance in regaining his throne. They met Kushite forces commanded by Katep, now a leader of a phalanx. Recognized for Anoukhet’s archery talent and Isikara’s skill in fletching arrows, they were accepted into the Kushite army.
When Egyptian troops arrived, Isikara was captured and used as a human shield. Anoukhet rescued her but both were taken prisoner again; Anoukhet suffered mutilation with her bow fingers cut off, and Isikara’s fingers were also amputated after she protested.
During Egyptian celebrations believing they had defeated the Kushites, Tuthmosis disclosed his identity and warned that every soldier was targeted by an unseen arrow. The Egyptian commander was killed, resulting in a Kushite triumph.
Anoukhet reproached Tuthmosis for not reclaiming his kingdom through force; he responded that he intended to govern without fear or violence and planned a return to Thebes soon.
Reception
The book has received predominantly favorable reviews. Eye of the Moon was evaluated by publications such as the School Library Journal, Library Media Connection, and Children's Literature. The School Library Journal commended its "vivid sensory" imagery. Library Media Connection described it as "informative and engaging." Children's Literature observed that "the intricate names and cultural details might prove difficult for less experienced readers."