CLEOPATRA 7.2 COMING IN PAPERBACK Dec 27, 2005

Review from Publisher's Weekly

by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough

Ace, $23.95 (336p) ISBN 0-441-01206-X

Archaeologist Leda Hubbard and her unlikely companion, Cleopatra (yes, that Cleopatra, the product of an experimental procedure "blending" the dead queen's DNA with Leda's), have become partners in Scarborough's cheerful sequel to Channeling Cleopatra (2002), despite Leda's "low birth" and Cleo's tendency to plot the murder of every potential rival. Leda and the scientists behind the discovery of blending find themselves dumped by Nucor Helix, the company that owns the technology, just as fellow archaeologist Dr. Gabriella Faruk blends her DNA with another sample of Cleopatra's DNA to create a second modern-day Cleopatra to assist in translating the scrolls and papyri from Cleo's tomb. Both Cleos want Egypt to regain its former wealth and glory, and urge Leda to resurrect Marc Antony, using a lock of his hair in a locket interred with Cleo's mummy. Meanwhile, Helix has other plans, which include licensing the blending technique to anyone willing to pay. Scarborough keeps the story moving at a breathless pace through the distinctive voices of Leda and here Cleopatra. With its humorous tone and optimistic heroines and heroes, this science fantasy should appeal to fans of Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey.

Review from Romantic Times

4 Stars

"Scarborough deftly weaves her suspenseful web and then untangles the threads with her clear and concise prose. The DNA-blending concept is fascinating and it is particularly intriguing that the two women share the same bit of Cleopatra's DNA but end up with different aspects of the queen's personality.

This novel . . .retains the breathless action, frenetic pacing and dry wit , with homages to Elizabeth Peters and Indiana Jones, and will appeal to a wide audience.

Paperback cover, photographed askew by the author.

This shared world anthology was the first publication based on blending technology, developed by Dr. Chimera and financed by the Nucor international corporation. This contains the story of the development of blending as well as stories from many fine authors about possible blends between contemporary people and historical figures. I believe it is already out of print but is probably available in used book stores. If you want a copy and cannot find one, email me.

Channeling Cleopatra, the first novel in the series, in which Leda Hubbard, a forensic anthropologist working with the Portland police department, meets an old friend who helps her achieve her lifelong dream of studying Egyptology in Alexandria. That's where, as the result of a freaky earthquake, she discovers a sample of Cleopatra's DNA. It's supposed to go elsewhere for blending but to keep it from falling into the wrong hands, Leda blends herself with the queen, who has a lot of valuable experience foiling homicidal plots and power-hungry rivals.