To Keep the Sun Rising by Miranda Lenwest

Bastet is a half god who is yet to come into her full powers. When she is visited by Tawaret, warning her of Apep's plan to overthrow the sun god, Ra, Bastet goes on a quest to increase her power and prepare for the ultimate battle between good and evil.

I loved this book so much! From a creative perspective, it flowed nicely, pace was great, and the chapter lengths were just enough to keep one engaged. I applaud Miranda for being true to ancient Egyptian facts such as reed pen, cutlery, and overall description of interiors, exteriors, etc. It painted a wonderful scene for me. However, from a scientific perspective, I did find some misinformation regarding the ancient Egyptian gods. Tawaret was depicted as the wife of Apep and mother of Keket. The latter was not true. Apep was the embodiment of evil incarnate and chaos. He wouldn't have loved or even been capable of love. Furthermore, Keket I can see creative license being used because she does not have parents in the ancient Egyptian myths. Tawaret was also called a demon god in the book which was so far removed from the actual fact. In ancient Egyptian mythology, she was seen as a protective goddess particularly toward women and mothers. I think the author confused her for Ammit who is seen as more of a demon like creature that devours the hearts of the dead who are unpure to progress in Duat (ancient Egyptian underworld).

I also believe the author confused Apep and Set. Different gods that are very similar. Apep was a giant asp (cobra) who was born from evil. Kind of like the Imprisoned from Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Set who was the brother of Osiris and Isis, is a very complex character. He was seen as benevolent and malevolent. He would fight off the enemies of Ra as he journeyed through Duat at night and helped to stave off Apep. If Apep swallowed the sun (Ra), then the world would be encompassed in darkness aka an eclipse.

I loved that Bastet was represented as a young woman who had insecurities, hopes, wishes, and dreams. It was nice to see a fantasy representation of this cat goddess because her story is hardly ever told in media. She has always been a sidecharacter. But Miranda Lenwest has finally made her the main character. And I loved that Bastet's best friend was Ptah, a creator deity.

10/10 🌟