Oracle of the Reeds is a first person account of the relationship between Hatshepsut, the female pharoah of Ancient Egypt and her favorite, Senmut. The story is told by Senmut on his return from exile to die in his homeland. Oracle of the Reeds tells of Senmut's rise from humble origins to become tutor to Hatshepsut's daughter, the elicit love between the tutor and the king's wife, and his subsequent rise to power. When her husband dies, Thutmose III becomes the child king with Hatshepsut as regent. With Senmut's help, Hatshepsut usurps the throne and Senmut becomes the most powerful man in Egypt. Palace intrigue and Senmut's lust for power proves his and his lover's undoing and the two fall from grace.
