To Conquer Death by Richard H. Moon follows brothers Koshei and Tyfon—and Doryah, a barbarian woman—on a mythic quest across ancient Egypt and beyond, to a place where Egyptian myths come to life and rouse the dead. To restore balance to their world, the trio may have to sacrifice everything from their homes to their very souls.
From the very first page, this story is built on love and loss. Koshei and Tyfon—mere children at the time—face the prospect of life without their beloved father after his body is returned to them from war wrapped in linen. Doryah lost her mother, and the funeral leaves the grieving daughter with the impression that only flames can subdue the dead when they attempt to rise again.
The brothers, now young men, have followed in their father’s footsteps as warriors and joined the army. Supposed invaders have come from across the Great Green Sea, but after the battle they are discovered to be refugees rather than aggressors. Among them is Doryah, who warns Koshei and Tyfon that they have fled a dark and ancient force that can bring corpses back to life. At Pharoah’s command, the three lead an expedition back across the sea to Achea, through abandoned communities, until finally they reach a frozen wasteland. An army of the dead awaits them, along with a god whose games mortals have very little hope of winning.
Moon’s descriptions of the ancient lands these characters traverse, as well as the cultures and customs they practice and encounter, anchor this story to history. From this solid foundation, the mystical and supernatural elements thrive.
Even without any prior knowledge of ancient Egyptian hierarchies and social conventions, readers will easily immerse themselves in the story and learn as they go. Moon makes a point to include information such as how the Egyptian New Kingdom’s civil calendar was structured and how the Nile’s annual flood cycles determined the seasons, ensuring historic authenticity beneath the rich world-building.
The dynamic cast imbues large, otherworldly conflicts with a myriad of human personality.
Where Koshei is measured and almost always perfectly in control, Tyfon has grown up to become more reckless. Their relationship is relatable despite the distinct challenges they must undergo. Doryah contributes unique, equally developed perspectives to round out the narrative. While the story takes place in the ancient world, like many historical novels they often utilize more modern turns of phrase when speaking to one another, the characters work hand in hand with the supernatural setting to weave a suspenseful plot.
Combining the scope of epic fantasy with intimate personal conflicts, Richard H. Moon’s To Conquer Death tells a timeless story of characters who face insurmountable trials, endure profound loss, and forge bonds that outlast even death itself.
