Dianne Hofmeyr grew up next to the sea on the southern tip of Africa. Her travels with notebook and camera to Egypt, Tunisia, and Senegal, through China, Vietnam, and across Siberia have led to stories that have won South Africa's M-Net Book Prize and the Sanlam Gold for Youth Literature, as well as the Young Africa Award and an IBBY. She is also the author of Fish Notes and Star Song and several picture books based on Ancient Egyptian myths.

When Isikara discovers the beautiful Queen Tiy of Egypt has been killed and her eldest son, Tuthmosis, is facing the same fate, she finds herself on the run with the young prince to get help to return him to his rightful place on the throne of Egypt. They must travel to Nubia to find allies - a journey which takes them along the Nile, across the desert and through bustling market towns, all the while avoiding their pursuers, the High Priests who wish to silence them. But there are dangers in the desert and all around. Who can they trust? And where will their adventure lead them? A gripping and pacy tale, packed with fascinating historical detail of Egypt.