I Am Reading: Cleopatra's Amulet by Lindsay Galvin

10 September 2026

Cleopatra's Amulet by Lindsay Galvin by Lindsay Galvin 👉

Princess Cleopatra, Princess of Cats, has an enviable role in the world. Daughter of the Pharaoh himself, she is worshipped by the people of Egypt and blessed by the gods – until one day, over a game of Senet, everything goes wrong. The royal litter is attacked. The Pharaoh – Cleo's father – is taken, and Cleo and her sister must go on the run, depending on a mysterious Roman senator for their survival. All Cleo has left is an amulet from her father, her cat Bastet, and a few Senet pieces in the shapes of gods. Can she and her friend, a Roman slave boy, solve the mystery and work out what to do in time?

Lindsay Galvin writes a captivating story here, and young history fans will lap it up. From the very first chapter, the pomp and glory of Egypt is laid out to the reader in a clever and accessible way, with pagentry and pyramids, rituals and royalty, games and gods. It's rich, but not overwhelming, and the story pulls the reader on. Cleo is a great hero, and her relationship with her older, rather condescending sister is one many young readers will understand. The chapters are short and snappy, the action is never far away, and there are several nail-biting moments!

I can see this as the classroom text when studying Egyptian history, but it's also perfect for anyone who likes history, gods, or even just a cracking adventure story. Well done Lindsay!

(Many thanks to publisher Chicken House Ltd for sending me a copy of this book)

Find out more and buy Cleopatra's Amulet by Lindsay Galvin here 👉