nell_reads's review against another edition
5.0
“It will give you something nice to remember when everything goes to Hades”
“Will it go to Hades?” Cornelia asked.
“Oh my honey. It always does”
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I took my time reading this because the drama and history is a lot to take in. The book follows the lives of four cousins who at the beginning don’t seem to be at the center of things but then find themselves making history. Rome is at a tumultuous time, emperors are falling left and right. This follows the lives Cornelia, Lollia, Marcella and Diana who are at the epicenter of Roman Aristocracy. Husbands come and go, but the bond they have with each other never fails. Or does it?
“Will it go to Hades?” Cornelia asked.
“Oh my honey. It always does”
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I took my time reading this because the drama and history is a lot to take in. The book follows the lives of four cousins who at the beginning don’t seem to be at the center of things but then find themselves making history. Rome is at a tumultuous time, emperors are falling left and right. This follows the lives Cornelia, Lollia, Marcella and Diana who are at the epicenter of Roman Aristocracy. Husbands come and go, but the bond they have with each other never fails. Or does it?
neenor's review against another edition
5.0
I really do love the author's writing style - Quinn brings history to life, with language so effortless and fluid that it completely ensnares you. I love this series, and I liked how this novel intertwined with the previous Mistress of Rome. Now all I've got to do is to get my hands on the last novel of this series! Challenge accepted.
sophiewilliams's review against another edition
4.0
History from the perspective of the women of the time.
nik1027's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
sara_c_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Another wonderful historical novel!
I so enjoy Kate Quinn’s books not only for the story but also the historical information she weaves into the fictional recounting.
I wish I had read this one first as it seems to be #1 w/Mistress of Rome as #2.. I could be mistaken though.
I so enjoy Kate Quinn’s books not only for the story but also the historical information she weaves into the fictional recounting.
I wish I had read this one first as it seems to be #1 w/Mistress of Rome as #2.. I could be mistaken though.
booksandchicks's review against another edition
3.0
I am just in a complete slump when it comes to books. I wanted so desperately to be swept away in this book, but found myself dragging through it. At around page 280 I gave up and read the last part! Someone had mentioned it is like sex in the city but in Rome. Yep, I see that, and I guess thats why I didn't love it. It seemed to be based around the frivolities of women and I kinda got sick of hearing it. I wished there was a little more history and a stronger story with less women issues.
aeslis's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't entirely dislike this book, as evidenced by the fact that I finished it. I greatly enjoyed the character growth and change of all the Cornelias, and the way they grow to accept each other's idiosyncrasies, and even love them because of them.
What frustrated me was the constant use of the word 'slut' and the shaming that was going on. Granted, the girls who were accused of that mostly just rolled their eyes, and it never stopped them from being sexual, or denying sexuality when they felt like it.
I do feel strange about the writing style, as well. On the one hand, there was strong visual imagery. On the other, I felt distanced. There were a great many asides and flashbacks, and while they weren't long, they were incredibly common and popped out of nowhere without warning, so you would be jumping around from scene to scene and back and often not quite sure which one was the 'real' one.
Not sure if I'd want to read it again, but I might read the follow-up book (more for the characters than for the writing or plot.)
What frustrated me was the constant use of the word 'slut' and the shaming that was going on. Granted, the girls who were accused of that mostly just rolled their eyes, and it never stopped them from being sexual, or denying sexuality when they felt like it.
I do feel strange about the writing style, as well. On the one hand, there was strong visual imagery. On the other, I felt distanced. There were a great many asides and flashbacks, and while they weren't long, they were incredibly common and popped out of nowhere without warning, so you would be jumping around from scene to scene and back and often not quite sure which one was the 'real' one.
Not sure if I'd want to read it again, but I might read the follow-up book (more for the characters than for the writing or plot.)
hoppma'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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jennyn52779's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-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
4.25