Queen of the Euphrates

Queen of the Euphrates — From Scratch is a richly imagined historical fantasy set in a re-envisioned Mesopotamia, blending myth, politics, and the enduring power of renewal.

At the heart of the story is Širīn—known first as the River's Daughter—an orphan who can read the currents of the Euphrates better than she can read cuneiform. In the twin-river city of Kar-Mari, where grain caravans share the roads with war chariots, she rises from obscurity to become a leader who dares to redefine power itself.

Through droughts, border raids, and political intrigue, Širīn pursues a radical vision: replacing the traditional throne with a rotating stewardship—a reed circlet passed from hand to hand, ensuring leadership remains a shared responsibility. Alongside healers, seed-savers, youth delegates, and silent stewards, she learns that true victory often means restraint, and that the river's constant renewal holds lessons for governance and life alike.

The novel unfolds over sixty-one chapters and an epilogue, each with its own rhythm—council transcripts, travel journals, lullabies, and moments of silence—mirroring the shifting currents of the rivers themselves. Real textures from Akkadian and Sumerian culture—irrigation laws, star omens, reed-house engineering—enrich the world, while the imagined cities and customs invite readers to explore what might have been if generosity and curiosity had been the pillars of civilization.

Perfect for readers of historical fantasy, ancient-inspired epics, and literary tales of transformation, Queen of the Euphrates — From Scratch invites you to step barefoot into the silt, feel the current at your ankles, and carry forward the river's timeless refrain:
Still flowing. Still inviting. Still new.