A review by thefoxcharmer
Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn

dark sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I am on the fence about whether to give this two stars or three stars. 
I would not call the writing masterful but it's not entirely cheap either. The constant switching of voice didn't really do it for me. It switched frequently, and often without much reason, from first to third person and among different characters. When in third person it would be from a single character's perspective and the only character in first person was Thea. I was consumed by this choice. 
Pick a voice (first or third) and stick with it! 
It reminded me of a gas station book. You know when you're on a road trip and need something to read so you pick whatever book looks vaguely interesting from the rack beside state-themed souvenirs. 
It could have been a good 100 or 150 pages shorter. The story itself could have really benefited from being tightened up. 
And yet I didn't hate it. I'm didn't mind it. Didn't love it. Will probably continue reading the series. Gas station books don't have to be master pieces to still be entertaining.
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