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The Queen’s Dog (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Queen's Dog (Empire at Twilight #3)The Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Queen’s Dog is Book Three in the Empire at Twilight Series. It is a historical crime mystery that centers around the character of Naheshi who is the Queen’s slave. Naheshi is a eunich who yearns for the love of the self-absorbed Queen and feels rejected when she does not love him back. Feeling scorned he spies on her and reports all of her disloyal activities in the hopes that she will get a divorce. When Naheshi learns that the Queen is set to be executed he must try to save her and free himself of the burden of his own guilt. Another well written book in this series with vivid details and historical information. This book had action, drama, betrayal, lies, deception, revenge, secrets, and love from afar.

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Christine Baranek

The Queen's Dog (Empire at Twilight #3)The Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Queen’s Dog
By: N.L. Holmes

This is the third book in the Empire at Twilight Series. Of the books in this series thus far, this is by far and away my favorite. This is a historical crime story which is filled with drama and twists and turns that keeps the plot moving at a lightning pace. This book features the same amount of detail that I have come to know and love from N.L. Holmes and I love how it is applied to this mystery. There are so many historical details that definitely made it even more fun to read than a traditional mystery / crime story. This story is set in the Bronze Age in a Syrian kingdom. Prior to reading this story, I did not know much about Ugarit – but N.L. Holmes gives enough information and detail that it is easy to understand and learn as you are reading. I definitely recommend this story as well as the rest of the series! You will not be disappointed!

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The Queen’s Dog (Empire At Twilight Book 3) by N. L. Holmes – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

The Queen's Dog (Empire at Twilight #3)The Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is the year 1203BCE on the northern coast of Syria, in the vassal state of Ugarit where the life of a royal is one of luxury, but also statecraft, they have to show their loyalty to their Great King and his family, where arranged marriages are expected and wives must be faithful to their husbands, no matter how they are treated, or pushed to the side, all that matters is that they can produce an heir who can live long enough to learn and take over the throne, but the wives also have to be clever, cunning and wise so that they can be the regent in their husbands place when they are on diplomatic trips. Another common occurrence is that slavery was widespread and the more servants you had, the more highly ranked you would be, but there was also a lower class of slave, the eunuch, they were considered lesser and not to be trusted, however, one eunuch slave made his way up the ranks with hard work and diligence to become the Chamberlain of the Queen, he isn’t the most popular slave, but he is soft hearted and lonely, so when the Queen shows him some affection, he is ecstatic, believing that she loves him as he does her, but that is not to be, despite his most intense wishes for it.

This infraction of the kingdoms laws could cost him more than just his job and he is terrified that someone will find out what he has done, so when he is summoned, he is terrified that he has been found out, however, this is not the case, he is charged to spy on the Queen and note her comings and goings to see whether she is being the faithful wife she should be, he reluctantly agrees, but remains anxious as to whether someone saw the affection he was shown. Meanwhile, there are suspicions everywhere he goes and he has no idea what to do until he realises his mistake and decides to betray his love and report on her illicit and disloyal activities, however, his conscience will not let him rest, especially when the Queen is forced to divorce the King, but that is not the end of the scandal, she is then sentenced to death.

What will her slave do now that she is gone and will he ever be able to forgive himself for his part in it all and decides to come clean, but what will the repercussions of his actions and decisions be? This is another historical fantasy where intrigue lies around every corner and lies and deceit colour the air, creating a dangerous web which will catch you up in its snare until the end appears.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Queen’s Dog (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Queen's Dog (Empire at Twilight #3)The Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an amazing story! The author really does a wonderful job of weaving together historically accurate fiction. She always creates story that make me want to just dive right into and stay. This one involves a deadly secret. I found the characters to be quite exciting and interesting. The writing in the books is always very very interesting and catches your attention with the details. I couldn’t put this one down.

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star
The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes

The Queen’s Dog is the third book in the An Empire at Twilight series by N.L Holmes. This is a historical fiction that is packed with action, mystery and suspense . I found myself lost in the pages and had a hard time putting it down. The authors attention to detail simply blew me away. This is my favorite yet. In this story we have a Eunuch who is a slave and he believes his mistress the queen loves him. Find out what happens when he’s asked to spy on her and learns of her betrayal . Will he save her? I highly recommend reading not only this book but the whole series. I can’t wait to see what this author brings us next.

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The Queen’s Dog (Empire at Twilight #3) by NL Holmes-Review by Amanda Kimble

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

The Queen’s Dog (Empire At Twilight #3) by N.L. Holmes

Another fantastic read by Holmes. Reading this series always leaves me hanging on for more. I absolutely love the historical crimes she writes.

Naheshi is sent to live with the King and Queen. He’s told to spy on someone he holds dear. When something happens things don’t go as planned. The quote I chose for Naheshi is: “My lady, I am grieved to tell you they’re true. But who knows what was in her heart? My lady the queen is high-spirited. I think the discipline of her routine was hard on her. I feel sure she meant no harm.”

Highly recommended for historical crime lovers. This book will keep you attracted from beginning to end.

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jonell Collins

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

To read a book by N.L. Holmes is pure pleasure. The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) fully lives up to that expectation. Although this one is a little different than her mysteries it did not disappoint. Her use of language always evokes the very picture she is trying to awake in the readers’ mind. History lover that I am, I am always delighted to read wonderful stories set in the ancient world. This is a story that should make you challenge what you think about yourself. Frequently we think a great many things about ourselves that isn’t necessarily true. Many times, when push comes to shove, the rosy picture that we paint of our character doesn’t hold water. This one is a thinker.

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Faith Jackson

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read several works from this author and I’ve loved every one of her books. They never seem to disappoint. This one was no different. What brings her books to life is the historical aspect but also what makes it exciting is how the story seems to pull together a plot that thickens with every chapter. What makes N.L. Holmes’ writing so powerful is she transforms us into a different place and makes us feel there with the characters. You’ll find this compelling and fun to read.

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

‘The Queen’s Dog’ is another gripping and engaging historical crime novel by N.L. Holmes in her ‘An Empire at Twilight’ series. Set in the Syrian kingdom of Ugarit during the Bronze Age, Naheshi a eunuch slave falls in love with his Queen. Sadly for Naheshi he mistakenly thinks that his mistress, the Queen also loves him and so avoids spying on her when told to even under the threat of punishment. However when he realises that his mistress does not care for him at all he then does report all of her disloyal activities believing that the worse that will happen to her is a royal divorce. When her sentence of divorce turns into an execution Naheshi suffers with a guilty conscience and so vows to avenge his Queen and in doing so rid himself of his own guilt. This is obviously a well researched novel and it is wonderfully written in away which brings the time period and setting alive for the reader. I found the historical notes at the beginning of the book fascinating and the maps, glossary of names and terms and the genealogy of the royal characters were very helpful and I did refer back to them whilst reading. The storyline is fast paced and the plot twists kept me hooked from beginning to the end. The story is told by the main character, Naheshi‘s point of view and so we get to know him very well and I thought he was a well defined character who I could picture as I was reading the novel. This was an enjoyable read and I would recommend this novel which although part of a series can be read as a standalone story.

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Heather Lovelace

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holmes continues to bring her readers one fantastic historical fiction after another. This latest is everything I’ve come to expect – amazing historical context with a detailed and enthralling tale. From the first page I dove straight into the narrative and was transfixed by the ancient world that unfolded. For all history buffs, you must read these books. Holmes is a master at weaving tales that feel like you are living history without making it dull and lifeless. Loved it.

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Erica Fish

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Queen’s Dog is the third and final book in An Empire at Twilight series. I found that this book has mystery, suspense, and action. I enjoy a great mystery/suspense book. The storyline keeps the story moving. The characters really make this book for me. They are fully developed and keep me on my toes. Ugarit is a slave who is having a relationship with his mistress. His mistress just happens to be the queen. He is to report her activities but can he do it? Can he watch to see what happens to his mistress? I highly recommend you read this series. You will not be disappointed.

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kerry Carr

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great story to read and really well written. The author really brings the story and characters to life and even though it is set in the past it isn’t confusing to read. It follows an classic story of a lover scorned.

Naheshi  is a eunuch slave who’s job is to do the bidding of the queen. Naheshi is seen as safe as he has no interest in woman. However that all changes after one intimate moment with the Queen.

Naheshi falls in love with the Queen but when he realises  that his feelings aren’t returned and that he means nothing to her he feels hurt and angry.

When Nasheshi gets approached by the Queens mother in law and asked to spy on the Queen Nasheshi agrees as revenge for his hurt feelings.

Now the Queen is facing execution. Can Nasheshi help safe the only woman he loves or will he leave her to face the consequences alone?

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The Queen’s Dog (Empire at Twilight ) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Caralee Loonat

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Queen’s Dog (Empire at Twilight Book 3) by N.L. Holmes
4 Stars!!!!

I have to say that I do like to delve into history and have a bit of intrigue and all the drama of the royal courts. I really found myself glued to this book as the drama played out. I really like the twists and turns. The author does a great job of building the story and the drama around the characters. I really got caught up in the deception of the royal court and the plots.

I like how the author is able to use historic reference and keep it realistic. The characters really come to life and seem to just jump off of the pages. I found the whole story to be quite well balanced with court intrigue and drama along with just enough of the characters history mixed in. I really look forward to reading more from this author.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Sheri Schrader

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes is the third book in the Empire at Twilight series. This is my favorite book in the series so far. What will you do for the love of another? This question falls on a eunuch slave who has fallen for his Queen in the Syrian kingdom of Ugarit. This becomes not a story of failed romance but of mystery and intrigue. I really enjoy the descriptive powers of the author taking me back in time to an ancient kingdom. The characters are well written and interesting. I want to know what is going to happen next as I am reading which causes me to stay up all night. I usually enjoy my historical fiction in the Victorian age but this has me hooked. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Angela Hayes

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3 1/2 Stars

The Queen’s Dog is the third book in the Empire at Twilight series by N.L Holmes. This is a very detailed and descriptive historical crime story- a bit of a mystery- with enough drama and interesting developments to keep things interesting.
I have read most of Ms. Holmes’ books now and am always quite taken with the rich historical details she infuses into her stories. As with the other book of Ms. Holmes that I have read, the authors passion for history is very evident in her writing and this passion definitely added to my enjoyment of the story.
As with her other books, this story is a fascinating blend of fiction and historical fact, which is woven into quite an intriguing story. This time, the story is set in a Bronze Age Syrian kingdom called Ugarit- and the age, characters, and storyline come to life with Ms. Holmes vivid detailing.
I found this book to be a little slow to get going, which made it hard for me to ‘get into’- but when the pace picked up and the story developed, things got more interesting.
This book is told from Naheshi’s point of view- he happens to be the Queen’s slave, and a eunuch- which also added an extra element of interest to the story.
So, if you love ancient history and original stories with interesting settings and characters- as well as historical crime fiction, then you will probably want to add this to you TBR.
Happy Reading!

Thank you, N.L Holmes!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kerry Baker

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Queens Dog by N.L. Holmes is the third boo in the Empire at Twilight series. This book can be read as a standalone although the whole series is worth the read. This book is exactly what I have come to expect from not only this series but this author. It was a detailed and well thought out story that really draws you in to what is happening. It is so easy to imagine everything the author is describing it really does feel like you are there with the characters.
I like how the authors interest in the historical side of these books clearly comes through. For me it makes the whole book a bit more interesting to read as you can really feel the intensity about it. This story really did have a bit of everything and I couldn’t hep but sympathise with the character the position he found himself in. This is a great book and I would definitely recommend it.

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Mirela Ruiz

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes was a great read. I enjoyed the attention to detail. Historical fiction is not my go to read, but I love when I find a good one. I loved all the elements that the story provided: the mystery, suspense, and action. I did not want to put it down!

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Queen’s Dog (Empire at Twilight Book 3) by N.L. Holmes is an historical crime story and one that grabs your attention. NL’s writing shows she is passionate about history and is able to weave it together and give us an exciting read. This story had the pages turning and NL does a great job of setting the scene with being her descriptive and vivid writing. One mans belief in loving the right woman is sorely misplaced and leads to regret.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book in this series and my favorite yet by this author. This is a story full of mystery, suspense and action. It is an engaging story that has characters that bring the story to life. The details in this story made it entertaining and made me feel as if I was right there with the characters. This is a story about Ugarit and the betrayal of love his mistress, the queen, has made him feel. He was sent to spy on her when he learns of this betrayal. Now she is faced with execution. Will he save her? I enjoyed Ugarit’s character. I felt bad for him at times but he is determined and strong. He really made the story for me. I highly recommend this story and this author.

Review by @bjwagner
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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Laura Furuta

The Queen's DogThe Queen’s Dog by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel)
By N.L. Holmes
5 out of 5 stars

I loved reading the book The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes. It is a story that takes you back in time to a kingdom with kings, queens, and spies. It is a book that had me hooked from the beginning. You are introduced to a eunuch slave and the book is told from his POV. He is a man that has conflicting emotions. I felt for this character as I read of how he felt taking the actions that he did. This story does a wonderful job of taking you back to another time. The author does an amazing job of making the story and the characters come alive. I felt like I was right there with them. The book also had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. The story is brilliantly written, and I found myself thinking about it even after I had finished the final page. Don’t miss out on an entertaining and intriguing book. I highly recommend reading it.

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The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes

~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~
The Queen’s Dog (An Empire at Twilight Novel) by N.L. Holmes
Genre – Historical fiction, women’s fiction
Page Count – 377 pages
In the Syrian kingdom of Ugarit, a eunuch slave mistakenly believes his mistress the queen loves him, so when asked to spy on her under threat of punishment, he finds a way to avoid it. When she shows she cares nothing for him, he justifies reporting her disloyal activities but can’t escape agonies of conscience. Finally, he must expurgate his cowardice by a single act of courage.

~ AMAZON ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~

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N.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist who received her doctorate from Bryn Mawr College. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel, and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin (also a writer today) used to write stories for fun.

Today, since their son is grown, she lives with her husband, three cats and a dog. They split their time between Florida and northern France, where she gardens, weaves, plays the violin, dances, and occasionally drives a jog-cart. And reads, of course.

Author Interview With N.L. Holmes

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