Book Review: The Passion of Cleopatra

“The Passion of Cleopatra” is the sequel to Anne Rice’s 1989’s “The Mummy or Ramses the Damned”, which I read over a decade ago. I remember really liking The Mummy, especially the part with Cleopatra rising from the dead. 

Now, “The Passion of Cleopatra” was not only written by Anne Rice, but also her son, Christopher Rice. Christopher has been trying to make it into the world of books, like his mom… and I don’t blame him. I mean, I’m trying to get into the world of book publishing, as well, and I applaud his efforts. What I wouldn’t give to have a famous author for a mom, right?

While I have fond memories of the first book, the second book didn’t really give me much of anything.

It does start exactly where the first left off and we are introduced to some new characters; some immortals much older than Ramses, the one who created the elixir of immortality among them. We also have a few problems in this books, none of which come to a satisfying finale.

We have Cleopatra, of course, trying to come to terms with the realization her soul isn’t really Cleopatra’s. And really, she doesn’t want revenge or is violent like in the first book, she’s just confused.

We have an immortal who stole the elixir of immortality from its creator who is trying to duplicate the elixir but has failed so far; creating an impure elixir in the process. This story’s ending is, well, more than disappointing.

And finally, we have a woman who actually has the reincarnated soul of Cleopatra who shares a connection with Cleopatra’s body (or shell). Again, the ending really fixes nothing.

In case you were wondering, all characters from the first book: Ramses, Julie, Alex and Elliot, really have no issues except to keep living their lives as best they can after the events of “The Mummy”.

So, over all, we got a big mess and nothing coming out of it. Solutions are either too convenient, or non-existent. As beautifully written this book is, it really didn’t bring me any great pleasure.

How many stars? I want to say 2, but I respect Anne Rice and can’t bring myself to do it, so I will give it 3.

cheers!