The Mummy or Ramses the Damned: A Novel

This is another favorite that I've purchased for my kindle in my (never-ending, according to my husband) quest to have them available wherever I happen to be.I first read this book many years ago when I was trying to balance a fairly new marriage, a four year old daughter, a (second) hip and pelvis replacement, and college classes. I probably don't need to say that money was tight. Really tight. My husband, who views reading somewhat like I view golf, bought the book for me because he knew how much I loved Anne Rice. Egypt, kings, queens, immortality, love...I was immediately hooked.Ramses is, in many ways, unlike any of the other males in Anne Rice's books. He isn't calculating and destructive like Lasher, darkly brooding like Louis, or high maintenance and mecurical like Lestat. Of course having a couple of thousand years on them might be a part of the reason why. He is also, unlike his ghostly and vampiric brothers, a being of the sun. Ramses is contemplative and intelligent with a highly developed sense of justice. Upon being awakened after a self imposed sleep that goes back to the time of Cleopatra, he is bombarded with the future. Automobiles, trains, newspapers, scientific discoveries, telephones, moving pictures and airplanes are just a few of the things he wakes up to. Is he overwhelmed? Disbelieving? Terrified? No. He is amazed, entranced, and above all, powerfully excited. He wants to do and see it all. Immediately!His guide for this journey is a young woman who has recently lost her father. She's an heiress who is left with a very small circle of people who all want something from her. Most are good people but there is one among the bunch who is rotten to the core. It's a testimony to Anne Rice's writing that I don't dislike Julie. After all, she's smart, kind, generous, beautiful, wealthy, you get the idea. She is also, at her base, loyal, loving, and good hearted. It was impossible for me to dislike her. She is powerfully attracted to Ramses. Who can blame her? Even as a young girl I can definitely remember knowing that Charlton Heston was no match for Yul Brynner.They journey to Egypt where things begin to go disastrously wrong. Ramses makes an ill thought out decision that will put all of the lives in their circle in immediate and deadly danger. Evidently being immortal doesn't provide an inoculation against boneheaded actions and everyone in the vicinity is going to feel the aftereffects.These types of stories have fascinated me since I was very young. My first reason for wanting immortality wouldn't be for living forever, it would be so I'd have enough time to listen to all of the stories told by Ramses that would bring history to life. He may have been Ramses the Damned, but I would have braved a curse and gone wherever he led.It's been many years since I've re-read this book and I wondered how it would stand the test of time. Our daughter is now an adult, I graduated, and my husband is more than ever the love of many life. And the book? I love it even more now than I did then. I've shared a bit of my life for a reason. Those of us who love to read, if we are lucky anyway, find a handful of authors we are willing to follow no matter what. We are there through both missteps and triumphs. We are happy to read a multitude of authors but we inhale those we love. How can I remember what was going on in my life all those years ago? Because Anne Rice is one of those authors for me. A port in a storm I could escape to after baths, dinner and homework were done and I could read for awhile while everyone else slept.Of course, once again I find that the only thing I truly dislike about Anne Rice's books is that they always come to an end.

I bought what was supposed to be a used hard cover library book; I never buy paperbacks since I have a very large library of novels I've collected since before my teens (I am now in my 70s), and this was advertised as a former library book in good condition. I'd originally bought this Anne Rice novel when it was first issued, but took it to work and read perhaps the first two chapters, but Anne's books were very hot and my beautiful full sized novel in its pristine condition with dust cover, was stolen. I'd never gotten around to replacing The Mummy until I did some work on my book cabinets and recalled the loss as I was moving my Rice collection, so, I was happy to find another hard cover Mummy although a smaller library edition. I received a badly battered paperback rather than what was advertised and I paid for. I still have not read the book and the small paperback is hardly readable to my ancient eyes. The book was not expensive, but I shall never use this well rated seller again and declare their dishonesty once I restart my senior's blog once more!

I wouldn't call this a horror story, thriller or a love story. This is just bubble gum.The characters are not as the author describes. The old saying is actions speak louder than words. Main female character is NOT a strong independent women. All her decisions are driven by emotions and how others might feel.Main male character, the mummy, is a hot, powerful alpha male that makes rash decisions. He has good memory skills, but basic "cause and effect" is not his strong suit. He seems to be able to out do any mortal man on anything, somewhat comical. For being three thousands years old, and having slept since Cleopatra time, he adjust to modern man very easily. Not too believable.33% into the book, I was bored. I finished it but even the monster Cleopatra was boring.The only other book from Ann Rice I ever read was "Interview with a Vampire". That book was pretty good. I clearly liked Louis ( main Character ) and hated Lestat. The story was exciting with a desire to find out more about Louis for me at least.

I read and reread her books and each time I find a small piece to obsess over. I relish in how clever she weaves fiction, history, imagination and so many sophisticated and thoughtful details in each book. I always wish to read them slow but once open I can’t ever put the books down. A book of conversation for sure.

It's a fun read, very Rice, the imagery her verses conjure are spectacular and entertaining. One hell of an imagination. I've been a fan of hers since Sleeping Beauty. Amazing writer she creates universes that engulf the reader. Great escapist literature.

I do believe that I liked every aspect of this book. It was enthralling. Mrs.Rice writes with such feeling and passion and her details take me to the place she writes of, making me a part of her story, drawing me in to a place I'm always reluctant to leave. I could live in her books. Ramses is a character you fall immediately in love with and Julie's character leaves you feeling like the world is a really good place . This book made my heart sing, and hurt, and gave me a need of justice for this World. Will read it over and over again. Thank you Anne . I was thoroughly entertained.

Was very disappointed in this book, The whole idea of Julie being a damsel in distress just tweaks my petard. I like the horror aspect of the mummy being damned and him coming to life. I also like the aspect of him bringing to life Cleopatra, but again the Ridiculousness of her being insane and then discovering the ideals of love and relationships and whatnot I just think it was utterly predictable and really a ridiculous story. I didn't like this at all but I decided to finish the book because I have a friend that loved it and I read it because of her recommendation. And it's too bad because I really have loved a lot of Anne Rice's other books.

What a book. Great read

Fabulous story! If you love Anne Rice, this is a must read! Looking forward to the next book! I love how detailed Her stories are…makes you feel like you are right there with the characters ♥️

Anne Rice created a figure that one could feel sorry for since he was always looking for his lost love-Cleopatra.I read the book when it first came out and now I have re-read it again and it is still as good now as it was then.Enjoy some thing different-give it a try.

Gave this one away as a X-mas present, a nice way to introduce a friend to one of my personal fav authors of all time, plus a "light" novel to enjoy during winter!

This is a great book. Story is a typical Anne Rice great characters. Loved it..