Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn
Thea is a slave girl from Judaea, passionate, musical, and guarded. Purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida Pollia, Thea will become her mistress’s rival for the love of Arius the Barbarian, Rome’s newest and most savage gladiator. His love brings Thea the first happiness of her life-that is quickly ended when a jealous Lepida tears them apart.
As Lepida goes on to wreak havoc in the life of a new husband and his family, Thea remakes herself as a polished singer for Rome’s aristocrats. Unwittingly, she attracts another admirer in the charismatic Emperor of Rome. But Domitian’s games have a darker side, and Thea finds herself fighting for both soul and sanity. Many have tried to destroy the Emperor: a vengeful gladiator, an upright senator, a tormented soldier, a Vestal Virgin. But in the end, the life of the brilliant and paranoid Domitian lies in the hands of one woman: the Emperor’s mistress.
- description from bn.com
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This book had me hooked from the first page. If you are a fan of historical fiction, you owe it to yourself to read Mistress of Rome. The scenery and characters are written in such vivid, descriptive detail that I could picture everything that was written.
I loved the fact that Kate Quinn wrote the chapters from the different character perspectives – switching off between the main and supporting characters. The fact that the story is based loosely around true historical events made it that much more interesting – I’ve got a whole list of things to Google now.
I’d say my least favorite aspect of the book was Lepida, but since she was cast as the villain, I’m pretty sure thats exactly how I was meant to feel. Emperor Domitian sucked too, btw.
I’ve already downloaded Daughters of Rome – the prequel to this book. And I’m sure I’ll be reading the sequel, Empress of the Seven Hills as soon as it comes out.
