TEHRAN- A Persian translation of British author Nick Drake’s novel “Tutankhamun: The Book of Shadows” has recently been published by Qoqnus Publications in Tehran.

The book has been translated into Persian by Javad Seyyed Ashraf. 

“Tutankhamun: The Book of Shadows” is the second installment in the Rahotep novel series, following the acclaimed “Nefertiti: The Book of the Dead” (2007) and preceding “Egypt: The Book of Chaos” (2011). This series is a masterful blend of historical fiction and intrigue, exploring the turbulent lives of key figures from Ancient Egypt.

In “Tutankhamun: The Book of Shadows,” readers are immersed in the complex world of the young pharaoh, Tutankhamun, as he navigates the treacherous political landscape of his reign. Set against the backdrop of a fading empire, the novel captures the essence of a time rife with power struggles, family loyalty, and the quest for stability amidst chaos.

The book delves into the tumultuous era of young Tutankhamun, the son of Pharaoh Akhenaten. At just eighteen, he inherits a once-mighty empire now teetering on the brink of chaos and intrigue. As he ascends the throne, Tutankhamun must navigate the treacherous waters of court politics, where his godfather Ay and the formidable General Horemheb are embroiled in a fierce power struggle. With the kingdom reeling from the turmoil initiated during his father’s unorthodox reign, the young king is faced with the daunting task of restoring stability and reaffirming the legacy of the renowned royal dynasty.

Compounding the young monarch's challenges is Rahotep, the chief detective of the Thebes division. He grapples with his own concerns as his daughters mature in a world fraught with danger and instability. The streets of Thebes are rife with despair—poverty and unrest are giving way to escalating violence, and the pervasive corruption casts a dark shadow over the city. Amidst this turmoil, a part of society is witnessing a series of brutal and enigmatic incidents that threaten to spiral out of control.

When Rahotep receives a clandestine invitation to the esteemed halls of the Royal Palace, he finds it impossible to resist. What he uncovers there will not only alter the trajectory of his life but also put at risk the very foundations of his beliefs and the safety of his loved ones. As Tutankhamun strives to reclaim his empire and assert his authority, Rahotep's investigation intertwines with the king's destiny, leading them into a labyrinth of secrets and revelations that will forever change the landscape of Egypt. In a world where loyalty is fleeting and danger lurks at every turn, both must confront their deepest fears and fight for the future of their homeland.

Nick Drake, born in 1961, is a multifaceted British poet, playwright, screenwriter, librettist, and novelist. 

Drake has held notable positions in the literary world, serving as the Literary Associate at the National Theatre, the Literary Manager at the Bush Theatre, and the Head of Development at Intermedia Films. He transitioned to full-time freelance writing in 2002 and has also taught creative writing at the Arvon Foundation and Goldsmiths' College.

His poetry includes works such as "From the Song Dynasty" and "Static," with "The Farewell Glacier," a poem and collection, published in 2012 following his participation in a Cape Farewell Arctic Expedition. His choral play "All the Angels" premiered in 2015 at the Sam Wanamaker Theatre. 

In film, he wrote the screenplay for "Romulus, My Father," based on Raimond Gaita's autobiography. 

SAB/