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nataliev25's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Another amazing read from Kate Quinn. As stated on the cover by Michelle Moran, it truly was "epic."
So much happens in this book, it is too hard to summarize and do it justice, so I won't try. Instead, I will tell you what I loved about it; it will be easier, but probably not much shorter!
Vix and Sabina are back (from The Mistress of Rome) and grow up throughout the book - which covers over 12 years. I loved the characters; all so well rounded and unique that you begin to think they are real people...oh wait, they were! Quinn's interpretation of the history is so realistic that you'd think that's exactly how they thought, felt, and acted. I love Sabina's cleverness and how she knew exactly which buttons to push on everyone. Vix really lives with his heart on his sleeve, loving or hating those he encountered. I loved the introduction of Faustina who is a lot like Sabina in that she gets and does what she wants but is a little less devious in doing so. Titus was also another favorite character because he was a lot like the underdog; no one really took him seriously but he was very capable.
The detail to which Quinn has researched about the Roman Legions and battle tactics is remarkable. From how someone (Vix) can move up the ranks to what cities were conquered and how. And her overall story telling is just so good; it's easy to keep things straight while you're immersed in the world of Ancient Rome.
So much happens in this book, it is too hard to summarize and do it justice, so I won't try. Instead, I will tell you what I loved about it; it will be easier, but probably not much shorter!
Vix and Sabina are back (from The Mistress of Rome) and grow up throughout the book - which covers over 12 years. I loved the characters; all so well rounded and unique that you begin to think they are real people...oh wait, they were! Quinn's interpretation of the history is so realistic that you'd think that's exactly how they thought, felt, and acted. I love Sabina's cleverness and how she knew exactly which buttons to push on everyone. Vix really lives with his heart on his sleeve, loving or hating those he encountered. I loved the introduction of Faustina who is a lot like Sabina in that she gets and does what she wants but is a little less devious in doing so. Titus was also another favorite character because he was a lot like the underdog; no one really took him seriously but he was very capable.
The detail to which Quinn has researched about the Roman Legions and battle tactics is remarkable. From how someone (Vix) can move up the ranks to what cities were conquered and how. And her overall story telling is just so good; it's easy to keep things straight while you're immersed in the world of Ancient Rome.
blondieesquire's review against another edition
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed the third installment of Kate Quinn's Rome series, Empress of the Seven Hills. Kate's voice is easy to read, and she cleverly mixes fact and fiction to tell a great story. I hope book four is on the way!
kimcheel's review against another edition
3.0
This so far has been my least favourite of the series, though I still enjoyed it. It didn't have the same drive to completion as the first book. I do, however, appreciate that we get the perspective from the villain of the book, and that's something Quinn has maintained throughout this series. We may not see all the pieces until they fall into place but I appreciate the set up.
rglum's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
My least favorite of the series, but still a nice read.
mafryc's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes a book that doesn't give you want you want is so angeringly refreshing. Quinn's stuff doesn't give you what you want because you'll get through the whole book and still not actually even know what you really want. And being relatively accurate historical fiction, reading plot twists can be that much more agonizing knowing they're true.
After being suckered into the first book on a passing whim, and now having finished all 500 pages of Empress of the Seven Hills, I'm absolutely put out by the ending, but I'm also addicted and there's literally no way I can NOT read the next one. Drugs can have that effect, I'm told.
After being suckered into the first book on a passing whim, and now having finished all 500 pages of Empress of the Seven Hills, I'm absolutely put out by the ending, but I'm also addicted and there's literally no way I can NOT read the next one. Drugs can have that effect, I'm told.
ashkitty93's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series. I love these characters. I deeply appreciate Kate Quinn's writing, not to mention her extensive author notes.
subashka's review against another edition
4.0
Very intriguing and interesting book. Especially for history lovers.
rayofsunshine95's review against another edition
4.0
It’s been a while since I read the first book, but I do remember Vix being a little brat as a child. He’s definitely cocky, headstrong, and overconfident as an adult (but in the most endearing way possible.) In fact, I’d say most of the characters are in that morally grey zone but written so well that you just can’t help but find them all like-able.
I think I still enjoyed the first book more, but overall really enjoy Quinn’s writing. It’s always full of rich historical details but doesn’t feel like a research article.
4/5 ⭐️
I think I still enjoyed the first book more, but overall really enjoy Quinn’s writing. It’s always full of rich historical details but doesn’t feel like a research article.
4/5 ⭐️
michaela29's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0