The First Pharaoh
The First Dynasty, Book 1
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The First Pharaoh
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Narrated by:
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Adam Hanin
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By:
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Lester Picker
About this listen
Throughout antiquity Egypt was a land of hundreds of tiny villages, with constantly warring tribes, loosely divided between Upper and Lower Egypt. Then, in the space of a few extraordinary decades, the impossible happened. An incredible man, King Narmer (also known as Menes), united Upper and Lower Egypt. The First Pharaoh retells the story of Narmer and his epic journey, seen through his eyes and those of his Chief Scribe, the shaman Anhotek. Book 1 of The First Dynasty Series, The First Pharaoh gives us an understanding of the culture Narmer lived in and shaped, the battles he fought to unite his people, the woman he loved and nearly lost, the enemies even in his own court who plotted against him, and his many successes and painful failures. Above all, we see how Narmer's loving relationship with Anhotek defined his personal vision for his country and its people.
Written on a huge tapestry, The First Pharaoh allows us to share Narmer's far-reaching visions for Egypt's future that were so compelling and that ultimately proved so enduring. The First Pharaoh tells the inspiring story of the mythic journey of the visionary hero, through obstacles and triumphs, wars and peace, love and hate, to launch the greatest civilization ever to appear on Earth.
©2012 Lester Picker (P)2012 Lester PickerRelated to this topic
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What listeners say about The First Pharaoh
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nathalie Ishizuka
- 01-15-20
A story like no other
This story is the best thing I have ever listened too. The narrator not only narrates, he brings you into everyone’s character and when he changes his expression of his voice it is as beautiful as Dove coming from heaven. I suggest to everyone who stands on this earth too listen to this story. From the first sentence I was hooked in and I could not take my ears away from listening to this story. Thank you for not only doing what you do but also for choosing the version of the story which was almost entirely true. You have helped me learn so much about my previous life and I am still learning from the many mistakes I did.
I am simply speechless
Thank you
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- EDWINA
- 05-01-19
Engaged in every way
Loved Inhotek and Narmer relationship father - Son... Good narrator! I even cried at the end 😅
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stephen
- 01-10-13
The Ugly Duckling Blooms.
Where does The First Pharaoh rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
Definitely in my Top 50.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The First Pharaoh?
As King Narmer noted wistfully, "The saddest day in a man's life is the day his father dies." So very true. This book continually showed the benefits of a good father-son relationship as well as the side effects of a bad relationship. This story line struck a little too close to home. But I really enjoyed it.
What about Adam Hanin’s performance did you like?
Adam's voice produced an excellent narration and one I very much enjoyed. This is the first time I have heard him read and I enjoyed it very much.
I hope that Adam narrates books #2 and #3 when they are released.
If you could take any character from The First Pharaoh out to dinner, who would it be and why?
King Narmer when he decided to take a second wife. All I could think of saying would be "Are you nuts?"
Any additional comments?
I bought this book on a whim based solely on the descriptive blurp of the plotline. I am glad I did.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Courtney W
- 02-04-13
I really wanted to like it more
Let me start by saying this book was very well researched and the era it describes is one of great interest. Unfortunately, it felt to me more like someone trying to liven up a non-fiction narrative of the beginning of Dynastic Egypt with a folksy story than a thrilling piece of historical fiction. The story line itself left much to be desired with very few twists and turns creating a very flat, predictable journey through the life of Egypt's first pharaoh. Many moments of potential crisis or points of climax in the book led only to an abrupt change of time or were casually dismissed and forgotten. It just seemed like there were many missed opportunities throughout the book. If you are a huge fan of Ancient Egypt, it might be worth a listen...if you're looking for a great novel of historical fiction you're probably better off spending your credit elsewhere.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- VCJ
- 02-20-13
Not my usual read BUT....
Would you listen to The First Pharaoh again? Why?
There's so much history in the book that in a second read I would concentrate on the historic detail -- perhaps with supplemental material.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The First Pharaoh?
So many it's hard to pick. Overall the relationship between the Prince/King and the shaman Anhotek was always evolving, moving and memorable -- filled with life lessons..
What about Adam Hanin’s performance did you like?
His delivered a good performance. Readers may note certain quirks in his speech but certainly none that detract significantly from his performance.
Who was the most memorable character of The First Pharaoh and why?
Anhotek! I was most invested in this character. Perhaps it was his dedication, wisdom, love and perspective that engaged. The ultimate father figure.
Any additional comments?
A very good read made moreso by the attention to historic detail. You will be entertained and nourished.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Terry
- 03-29-13
Fascinating Read!
What did you love best about The First Pharaoh?
Picker's powerful use of language is both elegant and enlightening, and as I turned the pages I found myself being transported into the land of Kem. This novel wonderfully depicts 3100 year old Egypt, and the man who became its first Pharaoh.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Anhotek. There was a lot of wisdom in the way he helped to guide Narmer to manhood.
Which scene was your favorite?
The marriage of the Pharaoh to his Queen is a gripping, moving account of the love that the royals shared.
Who was the most memorable character of The First Pharaoh and why?
Anhotek, Chief Scribe and Shaman. I liked the back and forth of the relationship that Anhotek had with the Pharaoh. He seemed to balance his many roles as surrogate father, adviser, Chief Scribe and Shaman with wisdom and common sense.
Any additional comments?
This novel immerses the reader into the intrigue, uneasy alliances, treachery and the strain imposed on the young Pharaoh as he sought to fulfill his vision of unifying the two ancient kingdoms.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- K.B.
- 07-27-18
Great story, wonderfully performed
Lester really did a lot of research to re-create ancient Egypt with what little information we have. He filled the many gaps in our knowledge with reasonable presumptions to create a rich, dynamic world. The characters were just as well-developed, innately flawed and completely believable. Many authors tend to focus on physical appearance, and they'll describe the characters in ways that pull you out of the story because they just sound forced- Lester did not do that! Instead we learn about the persons KA, and only learn details of their physical appearance as it's relevant. Adam also did a wonderful job of giving voice to the characters and their world, it was easy to fall into the story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Daniel Morlan
- 10-07-21
A Worthy Piece of Historical Fiction
I fully appreciate the "nitpicking" of this, but there are at least three serious anachronisms in the story. One is that the use of swords by the military was not really "a thing" during this time. Another is that there were no chickens in Egypt, yet. Of course I am sure they had domesticated geese and other fowl, just not chickens. Lastly, and tops on my list is the existence of monotheism as a concept. Monotheism was ***THOUSANDS*** of years into the future.
I appreciate very much (more than even the author can imagine, I'm sure) that magic and spiritual phenomena in the book can easily be attributed to coincidence and natural occurrences. This was done on purpose, and through the eyes of the characters writing their stories. I think the historicity is still beautiful, well-tended, sufficiently grounded, and well-constructed. I have listened to this a few times already.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Brian b
- 06-20-23
one of the best books ever read
from the first page to the last it's the best book I ever listened to I love books on the ancient world in Egypt an to know that it's all translated from the actual scrolls that were written as happening an the emotions are all there as he reads it any one who likes books like this should definitely read or listen to put on head phones an close eyes an get comfortable an like transported to back then can't wait to listen to other 2 books an to bad only 5 star rating it deserves 100 stars
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