Review: The Sister Queens

The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I tried to read The Other Boleyn Girl many years ago, but I never got around to finishing it. I don't remember why, but somehow I lost interest in the medieval setting, the neverending intrigues, etc. However, The Sister Queens proved to be a compelling read; it was realistic and nuanced and melodious—without being too grating. Looking forward to more of this author's works.



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Review: The Monster of Florence

The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A compelling non-fiction (serial killer horror story) within a non-fiction (Preston and Spezi's horror story). Despite the chilling way Preston wrote about The Monster, I was more horrified with the prospect of having to face what Mr. Preston and Mr. Spezi faced in their beloved Italy. Because of this book, I'm having second thoughts with my dream of living there someday (which is so sad and disturbing, because I love Italy so much). Apparently what happened to them could happen to just about anyone. Sad.



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Review: Red Rising

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



In Ancient Rome, the mines are the most feared punishment next to crucifixion. That our Spartacan hero, Darrow, lives in the mines of Mars speaks volumes about where his story will go—and that Mr. P. Brown is an obvious Ancient Roman enthusiast. I say obvious because the Ancient Roman references in Red Rising are as in-your-face as slumdogs in the Subura. The blatant use of these references (praetor, imperator, etc.) left me stunned and disoriented for a while, and midway into the book I felt that it was getting all pompous on me (it didn’t help that I have read a lot on Ancient Rome).

But when I reached 70 percent, I felt that Mr. Brown’s second installment may deserve a read. Then two-thirds into the book—Redemption. Finally.

“Tactics win battles. Strategy wins wars.”—Darrow the Helldiver-turned-Hellraiser.

Brilliant tactic, Mr. Brown (or should I say, Mr. Gold?). Now let’s see your strategy for the rest of the trilogy.



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Review: The Twelve Tasks of Flavia Gemina

The Twelve Tasks of Flavia Gemina by Caroline Lawrence

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Five stars because the author was brave enough to make "shocking" character decisions [considering that this is a children's (or does it qualify as YA?) book]. And I learned more Greek myths. And the origin of the Tarantella (interesting and relevant to the book's theme!). On to The Enemies of Jupiter!



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Review: The Dolphins of Laurentum

The Dolphins of Laurentum by Caroline Lawrence

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Four words: Greek myths, dolphins, forgiveness.

I say the book was amazing because it made me cry. All the while I was thinking of L. B. Smedes' quote: "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you."

I'm glad that I didn't have to go far into the series before giving one of its books a five-star rating. This book proves that The Roman Mysteries is not just any children's series.



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Review: The Golden Dice - A Tale of Ancient Rome

The Golden Dice - A Tale of Ancient Rome by Elisabeth Storrs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



There was a comment I read somewhere in Goodreads comparing The Wedding Shroud's Caecilia with Bella Swan of Twilight. I couldn't disagree more. And disagree violently, I will. From what I've read on Ancient Rome (and I've read lots), proper Roman women were supposed to be virtual wallflowers—simple, hardworking and most of all, subservient to their men. Having brought up in this stringent world, it was expected of Caecilia to be confused and conflicted when she was thrust into the colorful, "loose" world of the Rasenna. Imagine the horror she felt, the depression, as she was confronted with the reality that she was supposed to go against every fiber of who she thought she was. And Caecilia was forced to change her values because she was not married to just any Etruscan, she was married to a noble. Caecilia is an unforgettable heroine, and one of my all-time favorites.

Ms. Storrs deftly continues her beautiful, indelible story in The Golden Dice. She is a great storyteller, with a knack for choosing the right words that never fail to strike the right note in the Ancient Rome lover's heart. I love stories set in the late Roman republic, but now I feel exhilarated to explore a new Ancient Roman world. I can't wait to read the next installment in this (trilogy? series? please, please say series).

I couldn't thank the heavens enough for self-publishing. Ms. Storrs, please don't stop writing.



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Review: The Persian Boy

The Persian Boy by Mary Renault

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I suppose that the author succeeded in telling the Persian boy's story with her exquisite words and vivid storytelling. However, the book was a bit too flowery for my taste—I found my eyes glazing over a couple of times while reading through the chapters. Maybe that's the point, because the book is all about the beautiful Bagoas and his ardent (no other word for it) relationship with the mighty Alexander, and isn't love flowery, anyway? I liked it, and I liked the way it was told, because I believe it wouldn't have been effectively told any other way. But I wouldn't choose it over Robert Graves' I, Claudius.



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