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4.5 ��

Nephthys by Rachel Louise Driscoll is a beautifully atmospheric and richly imagined blend of Egyptian mythology and Victorian mystery that drew me right in. The story centres on Clemmie, a quiet, intelligent young woman with a passion for reading hieroglyphs -something her Victorian family overlooks until her talents become the key to unlocking a curse that haunts them. Her father’s obsession with Egyptian relics leads to devastating consequences for her family, and it’s Clemmie who must travel to Egypt to make things right.

What I loved most about Nephthys was the vivid sense of place - Driscoll’s portrayal of Egypt is enchanting, and the contrast between Victorian society’s obsession with relics and the living, breathing culture of Egypt itself adds a layer of tension. Clemmie’s journey along the Nile is filled with evocative imagery, from the golden sunsets over the river to the haunting tombs of forgotten deities. Driscoll's ability to intertwine Egyptian mythology with historical fiction is incredible. The myths of Nephthys and Isis are woven into the narrative in a way that feels both grand and intimate, making Clemmie’s personal quest reflect on a mythological level.

The relationship between Clemmie and her sister is the emotional core of the novel. It’s not just about ancient curses and unravelling mysteries; but about Clemmie’s struggle to step out of the shadows, not only in her family but in her own life. The emotional tension between Clemmie and her sister adds depth, grounding the fantastical elements of the story in very real human emotions.
However, there were a few aspects that felt predictable, particularly some of the twists that were telegraphed early on. While the mythology was fascinating, I found myself wishing for more subtlety in some of the plot developments. That said, the book’s charm lies in its rich world-building and character relationships, which more than made up for these minor shortcomings.

Overall, Nephthys is a thoroughly engaging debut with a wonderfully immersive setting, rich in historical and cultural detail. Fans of Stacey Halls or Susan Stokes-Chapman will find much to love in this gothic Egyptian tale. I couldn’t put it down and would love to see this developed into a series, perhaps with a shift to another character’s perspective next time!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK For an ARC of ‘Nephthys��. All opinions are my own.