wildwolverine's review
4.0
Oh my gosh! This book was full of twists and turns and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the novel. One of the greatest strengths Quinn has is creating flawed, complex, and fascinating characters. It would be so easy to make slave girl Thea or spoiled socialite Lepida cliches, but they weren't. I was able to reconcile Thea's imperfections and hope for her redemption. Lepida, while clearly a villainess, articulately conveyed her desires and fears so that, at the very least, you understood where she was coming from, even if you were praying for her downfall the entire time. For people who love redemption, you'll love the fantastic and dramatic ending!
After reading the Borgia Chronicles and now this, I can say another of Quinn's strengths is seamlessly blending fact and fiction. Yes, Quinn takes some liberties with dates and relations, but she does it so expertly that you don't notice. She also lists a short bibliography for fans who want to learn more, which is great. Even with those liberties, readers still come away with a better understanding of social status and gladiator life.
If I loved this book so much, why didn't I give it 5 stars? BECAUSE OF PANSY BOY PAULINUS! I have never hated a character more than Pansy Boy. Every time he narrated I wanted to throw my book against the wall. He is a walking cliche of the noble hero. Pansy Boy sees the world in black and white and refuses to believe that any of the women in his life know more than he does. HE REFUSES TO BELIEVE THAT THE NIECE OF THE EMPEROR KNOWS THE EMPEROR BETTER THAN HIM. I wanted to break his nose, and was so happy he got his just desserts at the end. Best part by far.
After reading the Borgia Chronicles and now this, I can say another of Quinn's strengths is seamlessly blending fact and fiction. Yes, Quinn takes some liberties with dates and relations, but she does it so expertly that you don't notice. She also lists a short bibliography for fans who want to learn more, which is great. Even with those liberties, readers still come away with a better understanding of social status and gladiator life.
If I loved this book so much, why didn't I give it 5 stars? BECAUSE OF PANSY BOY PAULINUS! I have never hated a character more than Pansy Boy. Every time he narrated I wanted to throw my book against the wall. He is a walking cliche of the noble hero. Pansy Boy sees the world in black and white and refuses to believe that any of the women in his life know more than he does. HE REFUSES TO BELIEVE THAT THE NIECE OF THE EMPEROR KNOWS THE EMPEROR BETTER THAN HIM. I wanted to break his nose, and was so happy he got his just desserts at the end. Best part by far.
mackenzieyates's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jeana_walsworth's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
aemkea's review
4.0
In a time where I am growing up/older, and where historical fiction/YA books are hitting the same stale notes over and over again, this book and its sequel are a breath of fresh air.
Loved it.
Loved it.
booksforbrooks's review
4.0
I found this book difficult to rate. It's a good story and I really enjoyed it, but I have to admit I enjoyed Daughters of Rome that little bit more. Possibly because 90% was purely about people behaving horrifically towards each other - but the ending was plot-tactic and completely riveting! I'm looking forward to Kate's next publication.
tmawhir's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
sabregirl's review
4.0
I started this series over ten years ago, but for some reason I read the third book first. Dunno why, but whatever reason, now finally getting to read the rest of it. If I remembered the third book it would be nice to finally see the beginnings of it. I did have to look some things up for the third book to see what it's all about again. Only reason I'm giving this four stars is because it took me forever to get into. Well that and that fact I actually had to read Lepida as a POV.
laurengrubbsshaney's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
kaitlinjohnson's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0