Reviews with content warning for Murder - The Emperor's Babe

This is the most unique book that I've ever read, but then again, it's my first experience reading a novel in verse. But the whole time, I felt honoured to be reading something so beautiful, so graphic, so charming, so brutally honest, so raw, so well-written.

It took me a while to get into the rhythm of the poetic writing, but once you learn the author's style, it's simply the most lovely thing. Mix that with the brutal content and graphic scenes of the book, and it's truly something so jarring (in a good way).

I absolutely loved watching the main character explore her sexuality and take ownership of it throughout the novel. The sex scenes were so original, too. The author really knows how to play with language.

I recommend this book, especially for first time novel-in-verse readers. It's incredible.

Content Warnings

honestlyholly's review against another edition

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adventurous sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I've never been a fan of poetry; I hated it at school. Perhaps if this book has been on the curriculum, I'd have liked it more!

This was such an eclectic mix of Roman rule in London and modern sensibilities. You have a pre-teen Nubian girl marrying and old, rich man who locks her away, and then it follows her life on-and-off until she reaches adulthood.

The ending is not what I expected but I understood it. I questioned her choices leading up to this ending, and couldn't help but feel frustrated that things didn't work out differently, but it was apt for the time, I think.

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