DA VINCI CODE meets MISSION IMPOSSIBLE in this multi-award-winning standalone thriller from international bestselling author Avanti Centrae. It's a fast-paced bombshell of a story about royal secrets and epic lies. Born a goddess, Cleopatra died a prisoner. But the cobra's deadly kiss was just the beginning... Global Thriller First Place Winner — Chanticleer International Book Awards Runner Up — Paris Book Festival Bari, Italy, present day. Think tank Special Ops leader Timothy Stryker and his wife Angie, a self-made CEO, haven’t exactly been seeing eye-to-eye. They take a much-needed Italian holiday, but it comes to a shocking end when Angie and their daughter are kidnapped. Still raw from the death of their infant son, Stryker is desperate to rescue Angie and reconcile their differences. As he works to locate the captors’ lair, he discovers the kidnappers are behind a string of recent assassinations and attempting another high-profile hit in only seven days. But when he learns their plans for his only remaining child, the scab on his heart tears open and blood begins to spill. Working from inside her brutal captors’ high-security compound, Angie realizes the cabal is hiding an ancient secret using modern propaganda techniques. And as Stryker races hitmen across India, Egypt, and Greece to thwart the next assassination and save his family, he has to connect a series of deadly dots tracing all the way back to the time of Cleopatra. Ultimately, the estranged pair must shake the deeply buried pillars of western civilization to save their four-year-old daughter from an unspeakable fate. Fascinating, provocative, original, and timely, Cleopatra's Vendetta is a sizzling novel that paints a disturbing picture of some of the most intricate issues that have plagued humanity’s past…challenges that color our days and provide the blueprint for our future. “Action, adventure, and suspense! A juicy thriller.” —Robert Dugoni, New York Times & International bestselling author of the Tracy Crosswhite Series "A fascinating look at the 2000-year culture clash between male and female power systems." —Katherine Neville, New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Internationally bestselling author “Race-against-time, action-packed adventure. This is a thriller that will captivate its audience from the first page.” —Manhattan Book Review "An adventure that will appeal to fans of Dan Brown. It's one of those rare birds: a thriller that will have you turning the pages and leave you thinking." —Debbi Mack, New York Times bestselling author of the Sam McRae and Erica Jensen mysteries “If you like your modern global threats to have a dash of ancient mystery and mysticism, you’re going to find yourself with some sleepless nights while reading Cleopatra’s Vendetta.” —Kevin Tumlinson, bestselling and award-winning author of The Coelho Medallion "Dangerous and intoxicating." —Audrey Wilson, screenwriter, producer, and award-winning author of Wrong Girl Gone

The next standalone installment of the #1 international bestselling "Da Vinci Code meets Tomb Raider" VanOps thriller series is a heart-stopping story of spies, lies, and family ties. WINNER, POLITICAL THRILLER OF THE YEAR - BESTTHRILLERS.COM BOOK AWARDS HONORABLE MENTION - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BOOK AWARDS GLOBAL THRILLER FINALIST - JUNE 2022 CHANTICLEER INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS Sixteenth-century French prophet Nostradamus predicted the Great Fire of London, Napoleon’s conquest, Hitler’s rule, and the atomic bomb. Can the VanOps team keep the old seer’s secrets out of blood-stained hands? Aikido black belt Maddy Marshall is celebrating the completion of her black ops training when news of a military takeover in the South China Sea shocks the world because it was predicted by a sixteen-year-old French student. When intel chatter spells danger to Avril, the young seer, VanOps Director Bowman assigns Marshall and her twin brother, Will Argones, to protect the girl. Emotions between the siblings are running hot due to their aunt’s recent stroke, which has reminded them of the childhood accident that scarred both his chin and her heart. Tensions ratchet higher when they arrive at Avril’s home to find the instant social media star has been kidnapped, leaving them with only clenched fists and cryptic clues that lead to a formula encoded on an etched-bronze medallion. While Taiwan fears an invasion that will set off an apocalyptic chain of events, Marshall and Argones race through medieval French towns, Italian cathedrals, and ancient Greek temples attempting to find Avril before their enemies use the girl to discover the Holy Grail of military intelligence. If the team fails, they won’t need a crystal ball to know millions of innocent souls will be destined to join Nostradamus in the afterlife. The Doomsday Medallion is an electrifying, globe-trotting thriller that delves into humankind’s timeless fascination with prophecy and illuminates the mesmerizing and dangerous potential of a weaponized oracle. Fans of Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins will get an adrenaline rush turning the pages of this standalone thriller. "With a jaw-dropping, rewarding twist at the end, every mystery, crime, and thriller fan should read Doomsday Medallion." —San Francisco Book Review “Epic.” —BestThrillers.com “Masterful. A perfect blend of roller-coaster thrill ride and historical revelation.” —David S. Brody, bestselling author of Cabal of the Westford Knight "An action-packed, high-stakes journey through ancient European landmarks in search of a secret so powerful it can explain the past and predict the future." —Al Pessin, multi-award-winning author of the Task Force Epsilon thrillers "One of the best thrillers of the year." —Rick Treon, author of Divided States, a 2021 Best Thriller Book Awards finalist Awards and critical acclaim for the VanOps series: THE LOST POWER (VanOps #1) won: - Genre Grand Prize - Chanticleer International Book Awards - Honorable Mention - Hollywood Book Festival - Bronze Medal - Wishing Shelf Book Awards SOLSTICE SHADOWS (VanOps #2) won: - Global Thriller Genre Grand Prize - Chanticleer International Book Awards - Bronze Medal - Readers' Favorite Awards "The Lost Power opens a tantalizing new series that combines historical mystery and cutting-edge science into a masterwork of international intrigue." ~ James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestselling author "...a good ole' fashioned rip-roaring adventure from start to finish." ~ Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author "From Mexico to Jordan, the action never stops until the nail-biter of a conclusion." ~ Chico Enterprise Record

Delve into the heart of ancient Egypt with "The Handmaiden's Deception," a captivating historical fiction novel that weaves a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and forbidden love. Step into the opulent palace walls and witness the treacherous world of courtly intrigue through the eyes of Nefertari, a handmaiden caught in a web of political machinations. As Nefertari serves the enigmatic Queen Cleopatra, she finds herself torn between her unwavering loyalty and a growing affection for Marcus Antonius, a Roman envoy sent to negotiate a fragile peace. When a hidden chamber unveils a potential plot against the queen, Nefertari is thrust into a perilous game. Should she expose the truth, risking Cleopatra's wrath and jeopardizing her position? Or should she remain silent, allowing a web of deceit to ensnare both Egypt and Rome? Unraveling secrets and navigating forbidden alliances, Nefertari finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew. Is the ruthless queen she serves truly deserving of her devotion? Is the charming Roman envoy hiding his own motives? As the line between loyalty and rebellion blurs, Nefertari must make a choice that could rewrite the fate of nations. "The Handmaiden's Deception" offers a thrilling journey through ancient Egypt, perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance and suspense. Get swept away by a captivating narrative filled with unforgettable characters, palace intrigue, and a fight for truth in a world of deceit.

Although there are many books written about the most famous Cleopatra, this is the only study in English devoted to her less well-known but equally illustrious namesakes. Cleopatras traces the turbulent lives and careers of these historically important women, examining in particular the earlier Macedonian and Ptolemaic Cleopatras, and the impact of their dynastic marriages on the history of the Hellenistic world. John Whitehorne also evaluates current views of Cleopatra VII's dramatic suicide, and considers the evolving political significance of royal women in the last three centuries BC. Clearly and engagingly written, Cleopatras reveals the true significance to the ruling dynasties of the 34 known Cleopatras who were not Cleopatra the Great, and illuminates some fascinating but little-known aspects of ancient Greek and Egyptian history along the way.

Cleopatra Jonez: The True Story of the Greatest Queen Who Never Died by Audrey Star.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer brings to life the most intriguing woman in the history of the world: Cleopatra, the last queen of Egypt. Her palace shimmered with onyx, garnets, and gold, but was richer still in political and sexual intrigue. Above all else, Cleopatra was a shrewd strategist and an ingenious negotiator. Though her life spanned fewer than forty years, it reshaped the contours of the ancient world. She was married twice, each time to a brother. She waged a brutal civil war against the first when both were teenagers. She poisoned the second. Ultimately she dispensed with an ambitious sister as well; incest and assassination were family specialties. Cleopatra appears to have had sex with only two men. They happen, however, to have been Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, among the most prominent Romans of the day. Both were married to other women. Cleopatra had a child with Caesar and -- after his murder -- three more with his protégé. Already she was the wealthiest ruler in the Mediterranean; the relationship with Antony confirmed her status as the most influential woman of the age. The two would together attempt to forge a new empire, in an alliance that spelled their ends. Cleopatra has lodged herself in our imaginations ever since. Famous long before she was notorious, Cleopatra has gone down in history for all the wrong reasons. Shakespeare and Shaw put words in her mouth. Michelangelo, Tiepolo, and Elizabeth Taylor put a face to her name. Along the way, Cleopatra's supple personality and the drama of her circumstances have been lost. In a masterly return to the classical sources, Stacy Schiff here boldly separates fact from fiction to rescue the magnetic queen whose death ushered in a new world order. Rich in detail, epic in scope, Schiff 's is a luminous, deeply original reconstruction of a dazzling life.

"Biography of Cleopatra" invites readers to journey back to ancient Egypt and uncover the captivating life of one of history's most legendary figures. From her ascent to the throne of the Ptolemaic dynasty to her captivating relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, Cleopatra's story is a mesmerizing tale of power, love, and political intrigue. Through meticulous historical research and vivid storytelling, this book brings to life the opulence of ancient Egypt and the indomitable spirit of a queen whose legacy continues to captivate the world. Delve into the mysteries of Cleopatra's reign, her strategic brilliance, and her enduring impact on history in this compelling biography.

The acclaimed historian reveals the truth behind the myths of antiquity’s legendary lovers in “this thoughtful, deeply satisfying” dual biography (Publishers Weekly, starred review). In Antony and Cleopatra, preeminent historian Adrian Goldsworthy goes beyond the romantic narratives of Shakespeare and Hollywood to create a nuanced and historically acute portrayal of his subjects. Set against the political backdrop of their time, he presents two lives lived at the center of profound social change. It is a narrative that crosses cultures and boundaries from ancient Greece and ancient Egypt to the Roman Empire. Drawing on his prodigious knowledge of the ancient world, and especially the period’s military and political history, Goldsworthy creates a singular portrait of two iconic lovers who were, in his words, “first and foremost political animals.” With a close analysis of ancient sources and archaeological evidence, Goldsworthy explains why Cleopatra was often portrayed as an Egyptian, even though she was Greek, and argues that Antony had far less military experience than popular legend suggests. At the same time, Goldsworthy makes a persuasive case that Antony was a powerful Roman senator and political force in his own right. A story of love, politics, and ambition, Goldsworthy’s Antony and Cleopatra delivers a compelling reassessment of a major episode in ancient history.

The entire Witches of Cleopatra Hill paranormal romance saga, now available in one super-sized boxed set! This set includes the complete text of all fourteen books (11 full-length novels + 3 novellas) — more than a million words! DARKANGEL The future head witch of her clan, Angela McAllister must bond with her consort during her twenty-first year, but her dreams are haunted by a man she’s never seen. She faces a hard choice: give up her dreams of the man she may never meet, or leave her clan at the mercy of those who seek their ruin. DARKNIGHT Forced to re-evaluate everything she’s ever known about the Wilcox witches, Angela begins to explore the powerful connection that binds her to Connor Wilcox, despite the generations of hostility between their families and the disapproval of those closest to her. DARKMOON One hundred and fifty years ago, a terrible curse descended on the Wilcox clan, dooming generations of women to an early death should they bear a child to the bloodline of Jeremiah Wilcox. Now Angela McAllister is carrying Connor Wilcox’s child, and if she can’t find a way to break the curse, that same doom will fall upon her…. SYMPATHETIC MAGIC Warlock "Lucky" Lucas Wilcox has a gift that ensures his success in all things, but his magic fails him completely when it comes to sexy Margot Emory, the vibrant “elder” of the McAllister witch clan. A CLEOPATRA HILL CHRISTMAS Connor and Angela Wilcox return to Angela's hometown of Jerome, Arizona, to spend the holiday with the McAllister witch clan and attend Lucas Wilcox's and Margot Emory's wedding. But problems arise as they try to juggle new parenthood, interfering relatives, and romantic complications in this lighthearted holiday novella. PROTECTOR Caitlin McAllister has been keeping a secret. While her clan suffers for lack of a seer, she’s been hiding her gift of second sight—hiding and running away from a destiny she does not want and has done her best to escape. Unfortunately, she finds that keeping secrets carries its own price when she and two of her friends end up in the hands of three evil warlocks who seem intent on using the young witches for their own dark purposes. SPELLBOUND Damaged and desperate, Danica Wilcox searches for sanctuary and peace of mind after enduring vile and brutal treatment by the dark warlock Matías Escobar. Hoping for safe haven at an old summer cabin owned by the Wilcox witch clan for more than a hundred years seems to be her safest option. But when her rejuvenating R&R is interrupted by a ghostly visitor, Danica sets out to solve the mystery of his death. THE ARRANGEMENT Jeremiah Wilcox's wife died cursing him and all the sons of his line. Struggling with his solitary existence, Jeremiah has spent the days since her death ensuring his family prospers…even while wishing for what he knows he'll never have. IMPRACTICAL MAGIC Still struggling to deal with the brutal murder of her younger sister at the hands of a dark warlock, Jenny McAllister is going through the motions, doing her best to pick up the pieces and move on with her life. Meeting Colin Campbell at a family event changes everything…. STRANGE MAGIC Life for Zoe Sandoval, the future prima of the de la Paz witch clan, is not going as planned. As if being almost kidnapped by a dark warlock wasn't bad enough, Zoe’s struggling with her birthday closing in — and she still hasn’t found her destined soulmate. Frustrated and at the end of her rope, Zoe takes matters into her own hands, using her magical gifts to conjure the perfect man of her dreams. DEFENDER The last thing Detective Jack Sandoval needs is another witch-related crime to sweep under the rug. As the de la Paz witch clan’s expert in defensive magic, Jack knows there is some deeper form of ritual dark magic involved…and one look into the beautiful, stricken face of the victim’s widow tells him she isn’t the culprit. BAD BLOOD As she journeys from Scotland to Arizona to wed her dull-as-dishwater betrothed, Hannah McAllister encounters a handsome, compelling warlock, Nathan Wilcox. A walk in Central Park, a kiss, and the die is cast for love, betrayal, and a spell whose impact will reverberate for generations to come… DEEP MAGIC Hayley McAllister has a rare gift that an evil warlock covets for his own. Levi would give every last drop of his high-octane magic to save her…but it might cost him his life. DARKTIDE When Angela and Connor try to find out who — or what — killed a de la Paz clan member private investigator, they realize the clans are being set up for destruction. The clans must unite and learn to control dangerous new powers to defeat their deadliest enemy…once and for all. witch, warlock, witch clan, magic, spell, enchantment, soul mate, psychic, demon, devil, angel, black magic, Arizona, Jerome