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A review by nataliev25
Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn
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.