pickFirst in series. The writing seemed a little simplistic, but overall it was an OK read. 3.75/5⭐️
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pickFirst in series. The writing seemed a little simplistic, but overall it was an OK read. 3.75/5⭐️
pickThea, a Jewish slave, falls in love with a gladiator, Arius, but is then sold. She later catches the eye of the emperor Domitian.
The author appreciates the complexities of Domitian's character so he is not just a cardboard villain. The central romance between Arius and Thea was fun, watching to see how they would get re-united. The only thing that I wondered about was whether Christianity was quite so developed by then as is made out.
I appear to have stumbled across an also-ran, for August‘s #titlesandtunes book selection. Might have some hope of finishing this one 🦓 😁 (No, I can‘t explain why I opened it in the first place…)
@Cinfhen @BarbaraBB
pickI‘m used to her more recent work like The Alice Network, but this story of the Roman Empire was a good read. Emperors, royalty, slaves, gladiators…and all the ways their lives are intertwined.
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Officially added to the TBR pile. Was browsing through some bargain books listed online, and this one caught my eye. We don't get many gladiatrix stories. I'm hoping I'll like this one. 🤞🏻
pickA provocative and nail biting story that will keep you hooked until the very last page. A look into lifestyles from royalty, gladiators and servants, this book does an amazing job with character development. I found myself loathing lady Lepida and rooting for The Barbarian and Thea. Surprises, romance and historical references make for a superb read!
so-so81/150 If you're looking for an introduction to Roman culture and the gladiatorial games, then this would be a satisfactory choice. However, if you're looking for more depth, an insight to what it was like to be a gladiator, what the games meant to the average Roman, you'll be disappointed. I didn't come away learning any more about gladiators or the games than I'd already learned from other books about the Roman Empire. 3⭐⭐⭐
