The Tree Of Life

First book in Jacq's Mysteries Of Osiris series. In the sacred Egyptian city of Abydos, the Great Acacia is dying. This is the Tree of Osiris, god of Resurrection, and it's death will mean that Egypt's fall is near. In the deserts of Sinai, a new enemy has arisen - The Herald. The fires of rebellion burn in his wake, threatening Egypt's control of Canaan. Egypt itself is a divided nation, with autocratic governors, who refuse to fully recognize authority of Pharaoh Senusret III. As Senusret battles hidden enemies, to save himself and his kingdom, a young boy is caught in the struggle. Iker, an apprentice scribe, is kidnapped and marked for death at sea. His escape and arrival back to Egypt marks the beginning of a quest to understand why the gods have decided to play with his life. This is a smooth, easy book to read, with a plot that, at times, may seem a bit too simple. The ancient Egyptian way of life, -the food, gods, festivals- is well described. The characters could have been developed further, though. Still , a good start to a new series by Jacq.