Book Review: Justina - Daughter of Spartacus by Ryan Lew

Author: Ryan Lew

Title: Justina - Daughter of Spartacus

Series: Justina Saga #1

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 310

Published: November 17, 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon Freebie)

Summary: 

For two thousand years, the rise and fall of Julius Caesar has captivated the world. All know his name. Few know the truth.

Love. Honor. Treachery.

Justina. A name lost to history. A young girl, barely a woman, raised in the Roman elite. When her true identity is discovered, the revelation will send her world spinning and propel her down a path toward her destiny...and Caesar. With enemies and lies encompassing her entire existence, her true past will determine her incredible future and that of the entire Republic.

Power. Secrets. Betrayal.

While Caesar builds his power in Rome, weaving a web of spies and alliances, one young girl's fate is on a collision course with his own. Rome's biggest challenge of the past 20 years came from a man known as Spartacus. Now, his unknown daughter threatens all that Rome has built.

Review:

This was a freebie and I had been craving an Ancient Rome tale. So why not!

Here we follow Justina. Her name was lost to history. She is a young woman raised in the Roman elite circle. When her true identity is discovered, her world is sent spinning and her path leads to Caesar. Her decisions and Caesar's decisions will impact the future of all of Rome. 

For me....this was for sure mixed. I was absolutely hooked and couldn't stop reading! And then, like a speed bump, I slowed down. And then like a stop sign and the police watching me....I stopped. And stopped for a long time. After a few days, I went back and it was a struggle to finish reading. 

I really can't point at what changed. I just wanted to be done. I found myself starting to skim some parts. The characters were diverse and complex which usually get me and make me happy. The story was perilous and dangerous (it IS Rome after all). So what was the problem? Maybe there was just too much going on? But I just know that couldn't find my rhythm that I had at the first 50% of the book. 

But yes, I started out in love and then ended up being meh about this. Not sure I'll read the next. We'll see. 

Rating? Mmmmm *does some complicated math* I'll stamp it with a 2. The last 50% I just couldn't care and just wanted to be done. I feel like this may have been a more me issue. It's me...I am the problem. 

2nd Read: Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn

Title: Daughters of Rome

Series: The Empress of Rome #1

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 385 

Published: April 1, 2011

Where I Got It: My shelf (Won in a giveaway)

Summary: 

A.D. 69. Nero is dead.

The Roman Empire is up for the taking. With bloodshed spilling out of the palace and into the streets of Rome, chaos has become the status quo. The Year of Four Emperors will change everything—especially the lives of two sisters with a very personal stake in the outcome….

Elegant and ambitious, Cornelia embodies the essence of the perfect Roman wife. She lives to one day see her loyal husband as Emperor. Her sister, Marcella, is more withdrawn, content to witness history rather than make it. Even so, Marcella has her share of distinguished suitors, from a cutthroat contender for the throne to a politician’s son who swears that someday he will be Emperor.

But when a bloody coup turns their world upside down, Cornelia and Marcella—along with their cousins, one a collector of husbands and lovers, the other a horse-mad beauty with no interest in romance—must maneuver carefully just to stay alive. As Cornelia tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered dreams, Marcella discovers a hidden talent for influencing the most powerful men in Rome. In the end, though, there can only be one Emperor … and one Empress.

Review:

First, read this in 2014. Different sources say this is book 1 but some others say it is book 2. I guess it depends on how you look at it. It technically takes place before book 2. However, the book was published second. I picked this for my re-read in Book Club (every three months we all pick a re-read to make the others read - keeps it fresh). I decided on this one first instead of 'Mistress of Rome' because there are some spoilers about people's fate in book 2. I want to pick 'Mistress of Rome' when it is re-read time again (if they all liked it - the jury is still out since we don't meet for a while). 

So....Rome is falling apart from the inside out. We follow Marcella, Cornelia, and two of their cousins as they navigate this fragile world. Emperors are falling by the wayside. Even in peace...things are rocky and anyone can betray anyone. It is a cutthroat time. 

So much chaos!!!! I forgot how crazy things get throughout this year! I can't imagine being in their shoes. Even the peaceful times are so tension-y. 

Back when I first read this I liked Cornelia and Marcella more by the end (even though Marcella made some bad decisions but damn was she dynamic and so complex!!)...this time? I think I liked Lollia more! She was much more complex and layered than I gave her credit for like everyone else. Sure she is air-headed and whatnot but I truly appreciated her more. 

This was good. Very good! I want to read book 2 again asap. 

In the end, this was such a good book. Loved it then. Love it now. Chaotic and has a cast of interesting characters. It is a story you can't put down! 5 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Lady of the Eternal City by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn
Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley
Title: Lady of the Eternal City (The Empress of Rome #4)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: Audiobook
Published: March 3rd 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



Elegant, secretive Sabina may be Empress of Rome, but she still stands poised on a knife’s edge. She must keep the peace between two deadly enemies: her husband Hadrian, Rome’s brilliant and sinister Emperor; and battered warrior Vix, who is her first love. But Sabina is guardian of a deadly secret: Vix’s beautiful son Antinous has become the Emperor’s latest obsession.

Empress and Emperor, father and son will spin in a deadly dance of passion, betrayal, conspiracy, and war. As tragedy sends Hadrian spiraling into madness, Vix and Sabina form a last desperate pact to save the Empire. But ultimately, the fate of Rome lies with an untried girl, a spirited redhead who may just be the next Lady of the Eternal City . . . 


Oh no! The last book in the series. I have been dreading this day but also really excited to see everything come to a conclusion. 

Sabina and Vix are back. So much has happened. So many years. Sabina is now the empress and her husband, Hadrian, is not all sane. Smart and brilliant, but the man has a lot of demons. Especially after a certain event occurs. Vix just wants to live a simple life but his fate seems tied to the empress and emperor.  The fate of the empire may rest on the shoulders of a young girl. 

This was loooonnnnngggggg. Super long, but I didn't mind it really. I actually enjoyed it. I didn't want it to end tbh. I love Sabina and Vix. I also grew to adore Annia. There are even bits of me that like Hadrian. The man needed serious therapy. He is so smart, but he lacks normal human emotion. I do really encourage you to read the others of the series. I felt like they all built up to this one. I would at least read book 3 in order to really appreciate Vix and Sabina. 

The format was still a little odd for me. Everyone's POVs were in one format, but Vix was 1st person. I forgive this and understand it especially when we learn that Vix is writing his memoirs SOOO it does give a reason why the author did what she did. 

Other than that, I adored this book. I think it was one of my favorites of the series. It made me cry. It made me cheer. It gave me all the feels! 

I did listen to the audio of this and I really loved it. The narrator really did a good job. I think she was the same from the last book. But yes, I loved her voices. Every character (and mind you...there are a LOT of characters) had their own voices. Kuddos there. 

Overall, this was really good. It's hard not to give away some spoilers. But this made me feel! This ended perfectly and I can't wait to read more by this author. She is one of my favorites. She really knows how to get you hooked and absorbed. Worth the read. I'll give this 5 stars since the ending gave a good reason why the format was the way it was. 

Book Review: 221 BC by Kendall Price and Laura Vosika

Author:  Kendall Price & Laura Vosika 
Title: 221 BC - Scroll 1 of the Narmer War
Genre: Historical Fiction & fantasy
Pages: ebook
Published: January 31st 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher honest unbiased opinion)

Set against the backdrop of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, an alternate history unfolds, linking the power of the pharaohs to magic. Brother is pitted against brother in a race to find twelve amulets, lost with the ancient pharaoh, and unlock their powers. Whoever holds the amulets holds that power; to save the world...or destroy it

I was automatically drawn in by the cover and then the summary did me in and I had to read it. 

The story follows two brothers in a race to find the twelve amulets. These amulets can change the course of history and either save the world or destroy it. This is a what-if mixed with some magic. Lots of war and battles. 

I really enjoyed the mix of magic. I feel like it really added to the story. It made it even better and it was for sure a game changer. I know a hair about this war (not a lot) so it was fun to see the what-if element at play. I wasn't sure WHAT was going to happen. 

I liked Hannibal's story and I liked Mago. They were my favorites and I was worried about them especially taking that trip across the Alps! Scary! 

The beginning was a little slow for me and I didn't connect with any of the characters right away. It took a few chapters for me to really get sucked in. Lots of world-building, but it was necessary for sure in order to really get what was going on. Thank goodness for the name list before the book started! It really was nice to give it a quick glimpse before starting. See who all the players were. Made it easier to follow. 

The ending left me agape! I wanted more!!!!! Ugh! 

In the end, I enjoyed this. It was fun seeing the magic and what-if elements added into this time period and these events. I am curious to see what happens next. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn
Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley
Title: Empress of the Seven Hills (The Empress of Rome #3)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: Audiobook
Published: April 2012
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Powerful, prosperous, and expanding ever farther into the untamed world, the Roman Empire has reached its zenith under the rule of the beloved Emperor Trajan. But neither Trajan nor his reign can last forever...

Brash and headstrong, Vix is a celebrated ex-gladiator returned to Rome to make his fortune. The sinuous, elusive Sabina is a senator's daughter who craves adventure. Sometimes lovers, sometimes enemies, Vix and Sabina are united by their devotion to Trajan. But others are already maneuvering in the shadows. Trajan's ambitious Empress has her own plans for Sabina. And the aristocratic Hadrian-the Empress's ruthless protégé and Vix's mortal enemy-has ambitions he confesses to no one, ambitions rooted in a secret prophecy.

When Trajan falls, the hardened soldier, the enigmatic empress, the adventurous girl, and the scheming politician will all be caught in a deadly whirlwind of desire and death that may seal their fates, and that of the entire Roman Empire...

Audible is certainly helping me flush out my TBR list! I love how I get a free one of my choice every month. It is brilliant. 

I've been wanting to read this, but every library over the years either a line out the door or the book isn't available (I haven't checked this new library in my new town yet). When I saw this was for grabs on Audible I swooped in and picked it up. 

The story follows Vix who is the son of the couple in the first book (oh how I miss them). He is back in Rome and ready to get a career going. Sabina is the daughter of a powerful senator and the niece of the emperor. The two stumble upon each other (childhood friends) and they get a little romance going. Things happen and they fall apart. However, they remain friends over the years. They occasionally become lovers and become enemies. I like to consider them frienemies. They hate but love each other at the same time. 

At the same time, we get some snipbits of the emperor's wife (gods I wanted to smack her silly) and Titus. I loved him! I want more from him in the future. 

Like this author's other work she really knows how to bring the past alive and make these characters blossom. They are always so complex and they feel so real. I really could relate to Sabina in a lot of ways. Especially the love of traveling (*grumbles about needing a passport*) and wanting to consistently learn and be her own woman. I felt bad for her, but she did put a lot of her issues on herself. She should've married Titus............I digress. 

I enjoyed the story for sure. My only real issue was how Vix's POV and how it was written. He was given 1st person while the other characters were given 3rd person. Also, Vix seems to be telling this story to someone so it has forewarnings and little notes. This was indeed annoying. Luckily we had a good narrator that loved using different voices so I always knew who's POV it was. 

The narration was pretty good. It took me a while to really get into how she narrated. She really did add a lot of passion into her storytelling. I grew to appreciate it especially during the battle scenes and high intense scenes. 

In the end, this was good. Not as good as the other two, but still a good read. I enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed the story. There were a couple of things that bugged me, but I am curious to see where the series takes off next. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Book Review: Cleopatra Unconquered by Helen R Davis

Author: Helen R. Davis  
Title: Cleopatra Unconquered
Genre: Historical Fiction & What-If
Pages: ebook
Published: December 2nd 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher)



The first book of three in a richly imagined ancient world where the course of history is altered by one battle. In this world, Antony and Cleopatra triumph at the Battle of Actium, and Cleopatra emerges as a queen, stateswoman, and politician. Those around her come to life as the reader returns to those days to live them with her.



Oooh I adore what-if tales so I had no choice but to give this a read. I especially adore Cleo and it always upsets me when her fall happens. In this story, Antony and Cleo win. 

The beginning was pretty much the same from what we know of her life. What made this good it all seemed legit and I could believe this was the real story. 

At first, I wasn't huge on the mixing of the fantasy aspect, but it grew on me. It was interesting to hear the gods opinions on these matters. It didn't take up too much of the plot or story, so the balance was good and I grew to really like it. 

The beginning had me hooked and I was able to breeze through this. A fun what-if story for sure. I wish this had happened. Yes, yes, I am on Cleo's side of course. ;)

Not a huge fan of the end. I hope there is more to come! 

What else to say without ruining it?

I liked how Cleo was depicted. The beginning was a little rushed, but there was a lot to go through.

In the end, this was a quick read and an interesting one. I enjoyed the what-if twist there. If only! As always, Cleo was fun to read about. The fantasy aspect added grew on me as the story progressed. I shall stamp this with 4 stars. Worth the read!

Time for TV Tuesday: Spartacus - Gods of the Arena (Season 2)

Recently Finished:

Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (Season 2)

That was certainly fun! 

Season 2 took a back paddle to before Spartacus graced the Gladiator-world with his presence. We got to see some backstory on some of the characters. Crixus was a newbie (and a new baby deer with new baby deer legs stumbling about – cute), the Doctore was not a Doctore he was still a Gladiator, Bat and Luc were young and not so horrible yet until near the end, and the colosseum was in the middle of being built. I enjoyed seeing some new faces too. 

I’m glad we got to get some backstory even if it was for sad reasons. Sure it is a little out if place, but it worked well. I mean…they had no choice since they were on the hunt for a new actor to replace the actor who played Spartacus (yes, the main actor in real life passed away, so they had to put a pause on the main story line until they could find someone). 

Lots of blood and sex. I do feel this had a hair more blood then the last one especially near the end of the season. The final ring of fire battle was intense! That was a very defining episode at the end. I laughed when what happened to Asher happened. Little creep! He deserves all the bad things people do him. 

HOLY CANNOLI LUC! I didn't expect that out of her. It did burn her though in the end though.....Sad! 

I loved how you really didn't need to watch season 1. They did a great job showing you what you needed to know and it all tied in together nicely. 

This was a fun season. Like Season 1 lots of drama going around. Lots of plots, sex, and blood. I actually enjoyed this better than the first season. Lots more blood for sure in this season. I am curious to start Season 3. I'll give this 5 stars. 

Time for TV Tuesday: Spartacus - War of the Damned (Season 1)

Recently Finished:

Spartacus: War of the Damned (Season 1)

Another show I have been meaning to watch for a long time. Thank goodness for Netflix and my friend forcing my hand to make me watch it. ;D

Ancient Rome is always fun. Gladiators are always bloody and interesting. This is for sure a rated R show. Lots of blood, cussing, blood, sex, blood, nudity, and did I mention blood? This show is for sure not for the weak-of-heart or for those who cannot handle a wee bit of death and blood.

Now, the show follows a Thracian warrior who is ripped from his home and sold into slavery. He gets bought to be a Gladiator after proving himself in killing his executioners in the arena. Just to prove a point they change his name to Spartacus. 

This was very '300' and 'Gladiator' in style and look. Very cool and a touch cheesy in some of the kills, but very epic. I caught myself going "WOAH!" and sometimes looking away for some of the brutal things like a man getting his face ripped off. BLEH!  Loved every moment of it.

The first couple of episodes were good. There was a chunk of episodes that the story didn't move at all. Yes, there were some character developments and a little bit of plot, but it was so slow moving for a handful of episodes. After a certain event, it got interesting again and I couldn't stop watching. So sad! But I expected something of the sort to happen...because why wouldn't that have happened?

The ending was good. NO, NO...not good...AWESOME! I'm excited to see what happens to our lovely characters next. I'm sad that the main actor died in real life so they had to replace him...but hopefully it will still be good. I will admit I am worried. Luckily the next season is more of a prologue...so I have time to forget my beloved original actor. 

In the end, this was a fun watch especially if you like blood and gore and some feelings mixed in. There were a handful of episodes that had me need to take a break from watching this since there didn't seem to be much going on. However, everything got intense and crazy and kind of worth battling through the episodes that were a bore. I am excited to see what is next. I'll stamp this season with 3 stars. 

Book Review: The Egypt of Cleopatra by TD van Basten

Author: T.D. van Basten
Title: The Egypt of Cleopatra
Genre: Nonfiction
Pages: ebook
First Published: November 29th 2015
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Amazon Freebie)

Cleopatra VII (69 BC - 30 BC), the last Pharaoh of Egypt, was a very educated, crafty, ambitious and clever woman. Her intellect and charisma – far greater than her beauty and sexuality - allowed her to keep the power for nearly twenty years by fighting against – and allying with - the greatest power at the time, Rome. Although her history was written by who defeated her and, therefore, modified according conveniences of them, there have been found, in recent archaeology researches, evidences of her intellect and achievements that portrayed her beyond her beauty and sexual power. She captivated the two greatest Romans of her time, and destroyed herself. Cleopatra was representing everything that the Romans didn't like. Not only was she a woman, but she was a woman with power. 

Cleopatra, one of the most famous of all of Egypt's illustrious Pharaohs, has become an indelible part of our understanding of ancient Egypt. What is less well known is the context of her reign - the cultural and political climate at the time of her birth, rule, and death. As a leader, Cleopatra was much more than just a seductive, beautiful temptress. She was a young woman brought to power during a tumultuous time in the history of her country, as well as during the rise of what would become one of the biggest and most powerful Empires in the history of the world: Rome. 



I have always had a huge interest in Ancient times, especially with Ancient Egypt. I took a class about the Ancient World. We spent a good deal on Ancient Egypt, but we really didn't spend ANY time on Cleopatra who was the last and most famous of Pharaohs. Isn't it funny how the last is always the best? The first and the last are the most remembered in many situations. 

I like Cleopatra for many reasons. However, I think people give her too much credit. Yes, she was beautiful and smart and charismatic. She got the throne and held onto it longer than someone else might have. The fact remains though....she lost in the end. She lost everything, so she wasn't the best Pharaoh. Sure...she gave a hell of fight, but she was the last and lost it to Rome. 

The question, now, remains. Was it hopeless the moment she got the throne? Was she doomed to fail? Or was there something else she could have done to save her throne? After reading this, I am leaning more towards the hopeless at the beginning. Egypt was in bed with Rome and Greece for a LONG time. I feel her ancestors set her up to fail ultimately. However, I do feel she made her bed too. Getting with two Romans of power didn't help matters. Especially with Antony....the man had a Roman wife who was sisters with Augustus. Yes, yes, you damn romantics...I agree you can't help who you fall in love with. BUT IT WAS FOOLISH!!!! It was truly dooming her to love Antony. 

Anyways. This was a quick read that shared more background knowledge of the Egypt Cleopatra was walking into. I truly wasn't that aware that her ancestors set her up to fail in many ways. They had caused such friction inside the country and set up too many ties with the Greeks and Romans for comfort.

Now, my only real complaint with the book were the repeats. He repeated himself a few times about the same thing. I get it. Please don't repeat. I understand trying to drive the point home, but it was tiresome at some points.

I do wish there was a small section about the clothing style of the day. I'm probably biased, but understanding the fashion choices of a time period helps understand the mindset and personality of the historical figures. 

Overall, though, this was a simplistic read even for those that do not have a great love of reading history books. This would be a good read for someone in college who wanted a quick summary. 

I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 

Book Review: Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

Author: Michelle Moran
Title: Cleopatra's Daughter
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 447
First Published: 2009
Where I Got It: My shelf (Birthday gift

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two– the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander–survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts. 

Honestly, Michelle Moran has become one of my favorite historical fiction writers throughout the last few years. She is an amazing writer and she has such a powerful voice. She brings not only the characters to life, but the world around them to life as well. This is one of her older novels, but I've been dying to read it. Lucky me and someone got this for me for my birthday this year. 

Now, the story follows the journey of Selene and her twin Alexander. They had a little brother, but he did not survive the journey to Rome which made me really upset. The two are Cleopatra's children with Marc Anthony (we all know the story with those two). Now, Rome has conquered Egypt and the twins are taken hostage back to Rome. They are forced to be part of Octavian's household. Which...I never understood WHY he did this. Was it guilt because they are kids and he didn't want to be known as a kid-killer? Would it be easier to turn them to his side and marry them off? IDK - that is too work for me honestly.

Selene and Alexander are 12, but they seemed so much older! I guess it makes sense, because they witnessed such horrible, horrible things at the beginning. I'm glad the author constantly reminded the reader that they are so young and so mature in many aspects now. 

Well, this was a tough journey for me. The beginning was great and had me hooked. The ending was amazing and I had to read like a madwoman, because I wanted to know how it was all going to end. Now...the middle was rough. It was extremely slow for me. Nothing really happening. Just SLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW. It took me forever to get through the middle, because I felt nothing. I was annoyed with everyone including Selene. Once the tension started building I was back into the story, but it took forever. 

Also, I hated the vast majority of the characters. I've read a couple other books about Selene and I had found that I either pitied, understood, or liked. There were only a few I hated. But in this one I hated many of them. Selene was okay, but very childish in many of her decisions. Alexander seemed to conform really quick and that annoyed me. Juba was SUCH a butt! Why? Normally I really love him, but in this he was SO overly nasty to Selene. Even near the end, I was annoyed with him. Julia was an air-headed moron. Marcellus was too flirtatious, but I did like him overall. Octivia was nice. Oddly, I feel like Octavian was around enough to understand him. Tiberius and Livia were of course the "baddies" of the book like always. Livia, especially, is a special kind of snot! The rest of the people I didn't really care about. 

Overall, this was okay. I really felt the middle was super slow and it really did take me forever to get through it. Also, I didn't feel as connected to some of the characters as I wanted to be. Total bummer, because I do really like Selene. The rest of the book was addicting! I had to know what was going to happen next! I do recommend this to lovers of history. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3.