Eyes of Isis: Serpent’s Sting by Brian Coggins Jr.

Published: March 17, 2026 by Brian Coggins Jr.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mythology

Format: Kindle Edition

Pages: 384 pages

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Links: Reedsy 

After the death of her beloved Osiris, Isis ascends as Pharaoh, burdened not only by the weight of ruling a kingdom but also by grief over his murder and the loss of her son, Anubis. Though hatred threatens to consume her, she still has one son left to protect and an entire kingdom depending on her, even while deception lingers among those closest to the throne.

As Pharaoh, Isis often carries herself with uncertainty, questioning her strength without Osiris beside her. Yet as a vigilante, her determination to help her people reveals a far more capable and daring side of her character. Her actions, however, place her at risk of losing everything, nearly resulting in her dethronement and persecution. Loyal friendships become one of the few forces attempting to steady her, encouraging her to set aside revenge and confront the grief she has not allowed herself to process. Before she can fully reckon with that pain, an even older and more dangerous threat emerges, forcing her attention outward once again.

about the characters

Isis, the central figure of the narrative, is introduced through the many roles that define her life: wife of Osiris, mother, and Pharaoh. After the loss of Osiris, she steps fully into leadership, carrying both the authority of her title and the weight of profound grief. Her quiet strength remains one of the most admirable aspects of her character throughout the story. When Osiris is murdered by forces once tied to brotherhood, loyalty, and divine power, Isis is left with deep regret over what she could not prevent. Rather than allowing that grief to consume her entirely, she turns inward and disciplines herself, training so that she may never again stand powerless if her people require her protection. This determination gives her character both power and depth, making her presence compelling from beginning to end.

As a mother, Isis also reveals a compassionate side, though the immense loss she has endured has hardened much of her outward demeanor. Her sorrow often masks her empathy, making it difficult for those around her to fully recognize the tenderness that still exists beneath her guarded exterior. That contrast between resilience and emotional restraint adds complexity to her role as both ruler and protector.

A number of supporting characters stand beside Isis throughout the story, though many are not developed deeply enough for the reader to form strong attachments to them. Her assistant provides moments of honesty and courage, bringing a refreshing loyalty and directness in the way she cares for her Pharaoh. The devoted warrior who pledges his life to Isis’s protection carries a fatherly presence, treating her with deep concern and respect, though much of his own history remains concealed. Trust also remains fragile, as past betrayals continue to influence how relationships unfold. Isis’s surviving son and his beloved are present within the narrative, as is her long-lost closest friend—the daughter of Ra—whose return suggests significance, yet each of these figures leaves room for greater exploration than the story ultimately provides.

personal reflection

The narrative is rich with creativity, and many scenes are described with vivid detail that brings energy and movement to Isis’s journey. There is a strong sense of scale in the storytelling, particularly in how the world is viewed through Isis’s perspective. Her longing, grief, and fractured sense of identity are felt most strongly when reflecting on Osiris, not only as the person she loved, but as the other half of the life she believed she was meant to live. Without that completeness, her struggle to define herself becomes one of the story’s more compelling emotional layers.

The incorporation of Greek, Norse, and Egyptian mythological figures creates immediate intrigue, particularly for readers already drawn to myth-inspired fiction. However, there is often a great deal happening beneath the surface, and at times the story loses some of its world-building strength under the weight of its many moving parts. Several supporting characters are captivating in concept, but their development remains somewhat limited, leaving certain relationships and motivations feeling underexplored as the plot progresses. Some passages also feel slightly disconnected from the main progression, though the writing itself remains grammatically clean and polished.

final thoughts

Overall, this is a worthy read that offers myth lovers an imaginative escape into a Pharaoh’s destiny. Turning Another Page gives Eyes of Isis: Serpent’s Sting a solid three-star rating for originality, mythological familiarity, and a forward-moving plot with a few engaging twists.