A HITTITE AND A SHAMAN: At Queen Nefertari's Service An outbreak of war is imminent between Ancient Egypt and the Hittite kingdom. Nefertari, the queen of Ramses II, receives a surprising message from the Hittites. She gets involved in the intrigues of power politics and faces severe resistance to achieving peace between the two powers. Rising to the challenge with her talent for diplomacy, she decides to fight against the belligerent enemy and her court. A Hittite and a shaman assist her in the tortuous way towards her goal. Here is the untold story behind the first accord, which ensured permanent peace between the two major powers of ancient times. The version of the treaty is at the UN office in New York, the Berlin State Museum in Germany, and the Museum of the Ancient World in Ankara, Turkey. “A riveting tale of political intrigue and backroom maneuvering. The story is neatly chronological…its brisk pace is engaging, too, and its interludes establish a clear sense of place. Eight of the book’s major characters are historical figures, and their development is well-grounded in scholars’ accounts. Interior monologues flesh out their particulars: Nefertari exhibits a keen intellect, reading people, analyzing situations, and plotting her next moves and skill. Secondary characters are also explored in terms of their histories and belief….in this cast, everyone has substance. The same level of attention is applied to period details, working to capture the pinnacle features of ancient Egyptian civilization. Following all of Nefertari’s calculated maneuvers, the two sides end up pursuing a treaty…It's a satisfying resolution to a gripping tale, and one that honors the place of the treaty in history, going beyond the pomp and circumstance of the moment to illustrate the patience and perseverance needed to reach it. A Hittite and a Shaman breathes life into a fascinating chapter of Egyptian history.” Foreword Clarion Reviews "An insightful peek into the ancient world. The fictionalized elements of the story are the glue that keeps the suspense alive. It is nearly impossible to draw clear lines between fact and fiction – a distinction that readers will quickly forget about as the story pushes forward. Aside from intensive character development, Sridhar is also a wonderful scene-setter, bringing the temples, obelisks, architecture, and cityscapes to life with vivid descriptions. A Hittite and a Shaman is an engrossing novel supported by impressive amounts of research and executed with the thrilling energy of dramatic literature." Self-Publishing Review , ★★★★½ “Statecraft and spying in ancient Egypt take center stage in Naveen Sridhar’s novel of Nefertari, wife of Pharaoh Ramses II, who seeks to promote peace during unstable times. Sridhar appears to have a firm grasp and understanding of the complex geopolitical world of ancient Egypt and Asia Minor,.. the lives of everyday and royal characters are well portrayed with convincing descriptions of marketplaces, temples, palaces, and private homes.” BlueInk Review “Sridhar brings this important queen of Egypt alive in an imaginative narrative. The author’s imaginative telling of Nefertari’s diplomatic abilities is a fascinating read. Sridhar creates compelling in-depth characters that capture the imagination. Nefertari makes for a compelling subject, and Sridhar handles her tale superbly. A gifted storyrteller with an intriguing person to explore, the author places the reader in ancient times, bringing to life the historical Nefertari and her life within the place. Sridhar’s novel surrounding them is also masterful. Sridhar writes with a philosophical bent which is enjoyable.” US Review of Books