A review by sergeus
Romanitas by Sophia McDougall
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.25
This book was not what I expected and I enjoyed it a lot.
Despite the prevalence in the branding and being the hook that drew me in, the historical fiction setting of Imperial Rome that survived to the modern day is truly treated like a setting. It's the venue for these characters and this story, not a one trick pony that tries to carry the whole book.
And based on the glossary at the back it is a well considered setting!
Una and Sulien are great protagonists, and I loved seeing some secondary characters tie up some loose ends.
It was surprising to see an omniscient but still very personal narration style. Jumping around between everybody's head in most scenes was at risk of being confusing, but instead it gave me a better feel for each character. And for Una, also helped give the reader a small taste of what she was sensing.
Well worth reading, I'd recommend it.
Despite the prevalence in the branding and being the hook that drew me in, the historical fiction setting of Imperial Rome that survived to the modern day is truly treated like a setting. It's the venue for these characters and this story, not a one trick pony that tries to carry the whole book.
And based on the glossary at the back it is a well considered setting!
Una and Sulien are great protagonists, and I loved seeing some secondary characters tie up some loose ends.
It was surprising to see an omniscient but still very personal narration style. Jumping around between everybody's head in most scenes was at risk of being confusing, but instead it gave me a better feel for each character. And for Una, also helped give the reader a small taste of what she was sensing.
Well worth reading, I'd recommend it.