by KarenEssex | Nov 29, 2022 | BLOG: Women, History, Sex & Power
From NOW through midnight December 2nd, KLEOPATRA BOOK I: The Early Years will be on massive discount at $1.99. Grab a copy for your holiday reading.

“A spectacular read for those who love historical fiction about strong willed women!”
—Gwendalyn Books
You might also want to preorder the sequel, PHARAOH: Book II of Kleopatra, now at a special pre-order price – which will be increasing on December 15th, which is publication day.

For physical book lovers, PHARAOH will have its paperback debut early in 2023 (which is scarily soon!). Thanks to all who convinced me to produce a paperback version of KLEOPATRA, and special thanks to all who ordered … Read more.
by KarenEssex | Nov 29, 2022 | BLOG: Women, History, Sex & Power
A few trees are down, but we now have a paperback edition of Kleopatra Book I: The Early Years.

I was surprised by the number of people who requested non-digital copies, so here they are, and the quality of printing is beyond expectation. They’re gorgeous and will make lovely holiday gifts. You can get a copy here.
And…we have a cover for

which chronicles the extremely tumultuous later years of the queen’s life as she goes to war to preserve her marriage and her kingdom.

One of the things I love most about these covers is that they are inspired by an … Read more.
by KarenEssex | Jul 13, 2022 | BLOG: Women, History, Sex & Power
No, I’m not dead and not even slacking! I’ve been largely focused on developing projects for TV, exciting but invisible work until it comes to your screen. I can’t make announcements just yet (contractual) but please stay tuned. Fans of female forward fiction and history will not be disappointed.
MY BIG NEWS: I’ve reclaimed worldwide rights to my popular KLEOPATRA novel series and will reissue the books September 15, 2022. Based on my graduate studies and walking in the queen’s footsteps … Read more.
by KarenEssex | Oct 6, 2017 | BLOG: Women, History, Sex & Power, books, history, leonardo's swans, power, sex, travels, women
On a trip to Milan, I visited The Last Supper, which can only be seen by appointment and in small groups. After everyone had left the room, I remained, strangely drawn to the mural on the opposite wall, the Crucifixion scene by Giovanni Montorfano. In the lower right corner, witnessing the Crucifixion, are several Dominican nuns. This caught my eye, having been educated by the Dominicans in New Orleans. Who, I wondered, was the ghostly figure kneeling in prayer, virtually nestled in the skirts … Read more.
by KarenEssex | Sep 30, 2017 | BLOG: Women, History, Sex & Power, books, history, kleopatra, pharaoh, power, sex, travels, women
Of all the women distorted by history and myth, Kleopatra is the most vivid example. Far from the sexual and treacherous archetype of feminine evil who lives in the popular imagination, Kleopatra was one of the ancient world’s most brilliant and powerful rulers. She survived blood-curdling family rivalries for the throne, single-handedly ruled a rich nation with an eye for turning a profit, and kept Egypt independent while all its neighboring countries had been annexed to the Roman Empire. … Read more.