Book Blurb:
Prehistoric coming-of-age siblings. The longest river on Earth. The adventure of a lifetime.
Geb and Lunah depart their Lake Tana home for distant lands beneath a mysterious star that never moves. They face challenges around every bend of the Nile River as they journey with three friends in search of their missing friend, Ari. To save Ari and the ancient world, they must remain united in a life-and-death battle against Seth, the ancient Egyptian god of storms, violence, and the desert.
Geb and Lunah’s battle for survival resonates in the present.
To learn more about modern-day efforts to tackle Sahara desert expansion and poverty in Africa, visit https://www.treeaid.org.
To learn more about sustainable socio-economic development in Africa through the equitable use of common Nile Basin water resources, visit https://www.nilebasin.org.
If you enjoy Andreja's novel, plant a tree:-)
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/JX21E
Author Bio:
"Where the Nile Meets the Sea" is Andreja Gunjaric's debut novel. She thanks her husband for his unending support as she embarked on this exciting Nile River journey with Geb and Lunah.
Andreja loves exploring planet Earth, its beautiful lands, and its diverse creatures. To learn more about preventing Sahara desert expansion search "The Great Green Wall Project."
If you enjoyed Andreja's novel, plant a tree!
Andreja plans to write additional novels that bring to life the migratory adventures of Geb's descendants from Doggerland in the North Sea to Central Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, the Balkans, and eventually North America.
Thank you for reading!
Editorial Review:
"Where the Nile Meets the Sea" by Andreja Gunjaric is a captivating tale that weaves together history and ancient Egyptian mythology, offering readers a journey into the mysterious world of prehistoric Northeast Africa.
Gunjaric's writing impresses with rich details, memorable scenes, and the symbolism she gives to natural elements, such as the North Star, a guiding landmark for the main characters, siblings Geb and Lunah, as they depart Lake Tana on a thrilling Nile River adventure. The way Gunjaric skillfully creates an authentic atmosphere, rich with details about the daily lives of the people from prehistoric times, makes the book special. Relationships between the characters are portrayed with sensitivity, reflecting the spiritual complexity of their experiences.
The book explores a search for meaning in life and the preservation of Earth for future generations. The scene in which Geb’s father, Memnon, shares the story about the constellation Orion and the importance of caring for Earth’s creatures is a powerful example of how Gunjaric blends moral teaching in a captivating story. Memnon’s death is a turning point, prompting Geb to reflect on his future and how he can honor his father's legacy. Moments of family intimacy, such as when Geb cares for his dying mother, are emotional and well-crafted, adding a deeply human dimension. Geb's encounter with Ari, a young woman from another tribe, brings hope and optimism—and drives his future.
The preface opens with the image of a Wanza tree bending towards the edge of Lake Tana, seeking sunlight through the dense foliage of towering trees above her: “Furrows engrained her trunk, gnarling her with age”. Gunjaric masterfully describes the tree's age, offering a powerful visual image of the passage of time and accumulation of wisdom. This scene, where a father teaches Geb to carve his first fishing spear, is profound and meaningful. It emanates familial warmth with a sense of vulnerability, especially when the tree, a silent witness, wishes it could warn them about impending danger: “The tree shuddered. She wished she could speak the human language. To warn the father. And his son.” The desire of the tree to intervene highlights its dual role as a "Witness Tree” and a “Tree of Life.”
Readers are drawn deep into the universe created by the author as the story progresses. Every decision and encounter can change the course of the characters' destinies. The intrigue deepens, promising new revelations, personal growth, and conflicts, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating what will happen next. The characters’ confrontations with Badarians, dangerous animals, and ancient Egyptian gods reflect the brutality and cruelty that dominate their world as they near Hut-Ka-Ptah (ancient Cairo).
Alongside Geb and Lunah’s adventures, the story is enriched by the presence of supporting characters: friends Tawel, Adare, Yesha, and Kaloni. Each brings unique dilemmas and perspectives on life. Despite intense conflicts, the author maintains a delicate balance, offering readers moments of peace and reflection, such as scenes where Lunah overcomes her fear of crocodiles and saves herself and others.
The novel explores themes of loss, loyalty, remaining united to face evil, and hope. Geb, Lunah, and their friends must demonstrate courage and ingenuity to survive. The interaction with the Badarians adds a layer of realism and depth to the novel's universe. Confrontation with primitive boomerangs intensifies the drama and highlights the raw nature of survival in an archaic world. Hiding beneath the water’s surface, inspired by the behavior of a gazelle, highlights their adaptability and spirit of survival.
The book explores the fight for freedom and justice with personal sacrifice. A central conflict of the book unfolds with an intense confrontation between Geb and Seth, an ancient human who becomes known as the ancient Egyptian god of storms, violence, and the desert. Gunjaric viscerally captures Geb's pain and determination. Scenes in which Geb and Ari interact in captivity bring forth a complexity of feelings and human relationships.
A tale within a tale, "Where the Nile Meets the Sea" is a thrilling and adrenaline-filled story that masterfully combines adventure, prehistory, and ancient Egyptian mythology to create a rich and vibrant narrative. Gunjaric captures the essence of the deep connection between humans and nature in a setting that reflects the fragile harmony between past and present. It offers an escape into a forgotten world, inviting us to reflect upon the connection between all humans and universal values that transcend time and space.
*****
"Where the Nile Meet the Sea" by Andreja Gunjaric receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company.
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed, please go HERE
Comments