jesspaige17's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
tense
medium-paced
3.25
kathy_m_arriola's review against another edition
5.0
OMG I loved this book, from the characters to the setting! It is a must read!
justiceofkalr's review against another edition
4.0
A historical fiction set in Rome during the rule of Emperor Domitian. Who, for those of you who don't know your Roman emperors (tsk tsk), was assassinated and then one of only three emperors to be be given damnatio memoriae, which means that he sucked so much that the Romans tried to erase all memory of him. So you can bet living during his reign was interesting... though probably in an unfortunate kind of way. Actually living in Rome at all was probably pretty crazy. Those Romans... Anyways, several of the characters in the novel, including the emperor are to one degree or another based on historical characters, which was kind of cool. I really liked all the main characters in the book, even Lepida and her scheming ways I liked in a "like to hate" sort of way.
The only part I was kind of iffy about was also one of the least historically accurate, which the author talks about at the end of the book. When. It just felt out of place and a bit too much of a deus ex machina.
The only part I was kind of iffy about was also one of the least historically accurate, which the author talks about at the end of the book. When
Spoiler
Lady Julia was revealed to actually be the Vestal Justina and saved Flavia before being condemned to death anywayskimberly_b's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this read. Quinn's characters are interesting and polarizing. Lepida is one of the most villainous characters I've ever come across; reading her POV is a bit like watching a train wreck--you can't tear your eyes away. Although I liked reading the different POV's, I don't think there needed to be as many as there was. All in all it was a very enjoyable read and the plot twists at the end were unexpected and interesting. 4/5 stars.
michaela29's review against another edition
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
riseclare's review against another edition
4.0
Fantastic! Very interesting storyline. One of my rare 4 star books.
weaverh's review
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
wildwolverine's review against another edition
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