Egyptian series (Wilbur A. Smith)

Pharaoh Tamose lies mortally wounded. The ancient city of Luxor is surrounded. Taita, the Pharaoh's advisor, once again finds himself caught up in a whirlpool of ruthless intrigue that threatens the very foundations of the beloved empire he has pledged his life to protect. With the timely arrival of an old ally the tide is turned, but Taita is branded a traitor. The new Pharaoh, Utteric, is young, weak and cruel-- and threatened by Taita's influence...

"For over fifty years Egypt has known nothing but war and devastation at the hands of the Hyksos, a bloodthirsty barbarian people from the distant east who continue to advance, crushing armies in their wake. Times are desperate, but throughout the conflict, a brave resistance fights on under the great Taita, a slave who has risen far beyond his ranks. Piay, entrusted into Taita's care by his parents at the age of just five, has been trained to become...