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Daughters of Rome (Rome #2)

by Kate Quinn (Goodreads Author)

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 1,834 ratings · 273 reviews

A.D. 69. The Roman Empire is up for the taking. The Year of Four Emperors will change everything-especially the lives of two sisters with a very personal stake in the outcome. Elegant and ambitious, Cornelia embodies the essence of the perfect Roman wife. She lives to one day see her loyal husband as Emperor. Her sister Marcella is more aloof, content to witness history ra...more

Paperback, 404 pages

Published August 1st 2011 by Headline Review (first published April 5th 2011)

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Jan 08, 2012 Ivana S. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-own, 2012, favorites, great-books, fiction, historical-fiction

As I expected, this was a great read. I simply couldn't put it down, it got me hooked at the opening line and I really enjoyed every minute of reading this amazing book. I liked everything about Daughters of Rome, just as I liked everything about Mistress of Rome.

Daughters of Rome is a wonderful mix of well-developed characters, very interesting plot, historical events in ''The Year of Four Emperors'', political intrigue, romance, fights, great descriptions of life in ancient Rome and really, r...more

10 likes · like · see review

Jul 02, 2012 Cheryl A rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This was a surprisingly good read for me...I am not a big fan of historical fiction set in ancient civilizations as I often get confused by all of the, well, history. Author Kate Quinn did a wonderful job of telling her story about the Year of Four Emperors, which I knew nothing about, without getting too bogged down in the politics.

The story is told through the voices of the Cornelias - two sisters and two cousins - and the effects of the turmoil on all of them. Cornelia the eldest is married t...more

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 30, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Everyone who enjoys historical fiction/Ancient Rome

Shelves: rome

Another great and well researched read by Kate Quinn. I did find this one a little hard to get into at first, but what things got rolling it picks up! It is set again in Rome, about 20 or so years ahead of Mistress of Rome, and involving many of the character we meet there, and setting up different events and experiences. It's placed in a tumultuous period of Roman history where in a 12 month period 4 emperors came into power, with 3 loosing their life in the struggle.

Again we're greeted with a...more Another great and well researched read by Kate Quinn. I did find this one a little hard to get into at first, but what things got rolling it picks up! It is set again in Rome, about 20 or so years ahead of Mistress of Rome, and involving many of the character we meet there, and setting up different events and experiences. It's placed in a tumultuous period of Roman history where in a 12 month period 4 emperors came into power, with 3 loosing their life in the struggle.

Again we're greeted with a spattering of well placed, carefully groomed characters that are both actual, factual historical figures and fictional creations, but the perfectly fleshed out imitations are hard to flush out. We follow 4 cousins from the clan Corneliaii (all named Cornealia, but with nicknames for clarity), out of them one pair are full sisters. While the sisters are the more prominent characters, we hear from everyone with regularity, that combined with their differences of personality and interests gives us a much broader view of The Year of Four Emperors.

The settings are equally as lush and well described as the characters are well rounded, you can tell the amazing research that was put into the writing of both Kate Quinn's novels.

The only issues I had at certain points, is the way the grils (who start out so close) act towards each other. There are different things that happen throughout the novel, love, war, death, marriage, divorce and wild life styles. But at somethings I just did not understand how they reacted. There were times that in my mind what two girls had done was practically the same in 'not greatness' and yet the latter of the girls they stopped talking to, wanted nothing to do with her.

I would recommend Kate's novels to anyone and everyone who loves historical fiction or Ancient Rome, they're great and sometimes the characters are so real, they can annoy you like real people!!

Definitly a good read. This is a prequel to Mistress of Rome (which did come out first) but you can read either book as a stand alone with out the other, though it does round out a more clearer vision of Roman life through a generation or two. (less)

5 likes · like · see review

Jun 18, 2012 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ancient-historical-fiction, all-time-favorites, historical-fiction

This second installment in Kate Quinn's Rome series far outstrips its predecessor ("Mistress of Rome"), and that is saying a great deal! Once again the reader is immersed in the vivid color and life of ancient Rome as seen through the eyes of a group of people around whom the warped fate of the Empire revolves. As with the previous book, the language was occasionally too modern for the setting, but Quinn's style is so smooth that the mental speed bumps are easy to move on from.

If there is any si...more

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 04, 2011 Paula Patience rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: readers of historical fiction/romance

Shelves: goodreads

Won as a Goodreads First Read. First off, I was a history major, so I love fiction based in ancient history. This novel does a great job of immersing the reader in the nuances of daily Roman life without coming across as grandstanding (I hate when authors throw nifty facts at me for the sake of showing off their research skills). The casual references to menu, dress and customs are seamlessly incorporated into the flow of the narrative and don't feel forced at all.

Quinn maintains an energetic pa...more Won as a Goodreads First Read. First off, I was a history major, so I love fiction based in ancient history. This novel does a great job of immersing the reader in the nuances of daily Roman life without coming across as grandstanding (I hate when authors throw nifty facts at me for the sake of showing off their research skills). The casual references to menu, dress and customs are seamlessly incorporated into the flow of the narrative and don't feel forced at all.

Quinn maintains an energetic pace with a detailed plot full of suspense; I constantly wanted to flip the page to find out what happened next. Basically, four female relatives, called the Cornelias, try to survive one of the most turbulent years in Roman history (Year of 4 Emperors). To do so, each one follows a different path. While the four heroines share a name and a (largely) patrician family history, they are not carbon copies of each other and are fleshed out with vibrant personalities and singular coping mechanisms. All four of them undergo changes to their outlooks on life, love and duty. It was a fascinating journey to watch how Rome's upheaval affected each of their destinies, desires and personalities.

The only cons to the book are more a reflection of my personal tastes (i.e., my laziness as a reader) than of the writer's skill. I like the point of view to be utterly clear. This book's narrative flows around the four Cornelias, sometimes switching POV from one paragraph to the next. I'm getting old, because I find it exhausting to have to stop and think about which voice I'm reading now. A related issue is the writer's tendency to jump time frames. I'd have to stop, go back and re-read a passage to figure out that the 2 or 3 conversations portrayed actually took place at different times. Again, that's my personal preference; I'm too lazy to enjoy intellectually challenging narrative styles.

Overall, I'd recommend if you like historical fiction that offers a slice-of-life perspective of an era, have a fondness for Roman times or like to read about strong women battling for their place in the world with whatever tools society allows them. And if you like gorgeous, golden Gaul body slaves, well, that's an added bonus.(less)

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Oct 20, 2011 Cortney rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Won this on goodreads firstreads!

I was pretty excited about this book and I enjoyed the Roman history in it. The only problem was toward the middle it all became about who was sleeping with who. None of the scenes was too explicit which I appreciate, it just became the only focus for a bit which I didn't care for. Great beginning and great ending.

4 likes · like · see review

Sep 04, 2012 Jenny Brown rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this after reading Lindsey Davis's wonderful book, The Course of Honor, which covers similar territory. Compared to that book this one was just okay.

The author is a good story teller--after the first few chapters which seemed dull and left me wondering what the book was going to be about. But the real problem for me was how anachronistic so much of it felt.

The characters' language is full of very recent slang--slang that if you read it in a contemporary novel would define a character as...more

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 10, 2011 K.G. Borland rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am TOO pumped for this book! After graduation this is definitely near the top of my "Why 2011 will be awesome" list!

2 likes · like · see review

May 16, 2013 Stephanie Judice rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: rereading-it-s-that-good

Quinn is masterful in DAUGHTERS OF ROME. I actually enjoyed the way I felt almost tricked into loving one of the most immoral characters, Lollia, who turns out to be a (mostly) selfless heroine in the end. Just as I felt instantly drawn to Marcella, only to discover that her true character was guided by ruthless selfishness. Though I did have some pity for her fate, she does get what she deserves. Actually, I'm not sure if anyone deserves that punishment (not spoiling it for anyone), but she has...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Courtney rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I loved this book. However on the issue of whether or not I liked it the same as I liked Mistress of Rome, or better, or not as much, the jury is still out.

The characters were very developed to the point where you could predict their actions. Not it a boring way though, the plot was in no way predictable.

I've heard many complaints about Marcella. Having read Mistress of Rome first, I know how her life turns out. My heart went out to her for the last few chapters of Daughters of Rome. So, she had...more

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Jun 14, 2011 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 1st-c, ancient-worlds, arc, historical-fiction, rome

Daughters of Rome is a wonderfully fast paced ride through the Year of the Four Emperors in Ancient Rome. Author Kate Quinn absolutely immerses the reader in Roman culture, right down to the tiniest details. It is an all senses experience of the city. One of the most interesting and detailed segments is the food – especially at the dinner parties – OMG! Things that you would never imagine eating. How about a fish served to you while it was dying so that it looked pretty? I would have said, “No t...more Daughters of Rome is a wonderfully fast paced ride through the Year of the Four Emperors in Ancient Rome. Author Kate Quinn absolutely immerses the reader in Roman culture, right down to the tiniest details. It is an all senses experience of the city. One of the most interesting and detailed segments is the food – especially at the dinner parties – OMG! Things that you would never imagine eating. How about a fish served to you while it was dying so that it looked pretty? I would have said, “No thanks!”. You also have the chance to learn a lot about how they dressed. I loved how the four girls frequently dressed in shades of the same color. The most interesting cultural experience for me was the chariot racing at the Circus Maximus. In Mistress of Rome you get to experience on of the other favorite pastimes – the gladiator battles – but it was very interesting to see a great deal of time spent on one of their other enjoyments. Apparently there were favorite teams and you would root for the team you loved (how very similar to today).

Quinn also does a great job making each of the Four Emperors their own unique character. As the book is about the Year of the Four Emperors it is very important that as a reader you understand the differences between these individuals otherwise the drama of the time will not be as profound. She also does a great job of detailing why each one was successful at taking over and what led to the downfall of their predecessor.

The main characters of the story are the four family members, the Cornelias – Cornelia Prima (aka Cornelia), Cornelia Secunda (aka Marcella), Cornelia Tertia (aka Lollia), and Cornelia Quarta (aka Diana). At first it was a little difficult to keep straight who was who, but as the book progressed these characters grew into very distinctive women. Slightly stereotyped but each their own person. My favorites were Cornelia and Lollia. Like any family you see divisions between the girls, arguments, support for each other, reconciliation, etc.

Overall this was a great read – I absolutely raced through the pages. I had to stop reading this book for awhile to get to another book that was more pressing, but I couldn’t wait to get back to this book. I am eagerly awaiting the third book in this series – I like how each book incorporates some of the previous book’s minor characters as main characters.

This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 03, 2011 Erin rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical

I got this book as a Goodreads giveaway. I wasn't sure what to expect exactly, but the concepts seemed interesting - four girls, all related, try to survive and thrive in the chaos of ancient Rome. It was actually the last line in the synopsis that caught me: "In the end, though, there can only be one Emperor...and one Empress."

The names were a little confusing at first - all four girls are named Carnelia, with a surname of their order (Prima, Secunda, Tertia, and Quarta), but three of them have...more

1 like · like · see review

May 25, 2011 Alison rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: at-library, xpired-2011-read, xpired-2011-sbc-read

I fell in love with how the author brings parts of Rome to life. I love Rome. It's enchanting. Ms.Quinn brought such life to my memory of the Forum and Circs Maximus and Palatine Hill. The way she wrote abut the vendors at the Forum was simple but made the memory of the ruins in my head spring to life-and I truly enjoyed the mental pictures.
The story is based a lot in fact, which I enjoyed.
As for the main characters some of them I liked, soe not so much. Not because they were villians (i love...more

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 14, 2011 Tia Vaughn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: own

I would first like to say that after reading this book I am greatful to I received through Goodreads First Reads. I have always like reading Historical Fiction, though I must admit I seem to rarely read them, I do however fully enjoy them once I do finally pick one up and Daughters Of Rome is no different. Kate Quinn does a wonderful job painting a great setting for the reader. This book had everything from scheming betrayals to family ambitions and of course love. Needless to say I would most d...more

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Apr 18, 2011 Eirene rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Eirene by: eirene@eirenee.com

Shelves: historical-fiction

Kate Quinn has succeed once again in bringing a time of great unrest to life. Chock full of historical nuances that titillate, I found that I could not put this book down. Furthermore, I loved the character development of four highly individual women. Not one of them felt the same as the other. I think what made this particularly fun was when I discovered that this was the precursor to Mistress of Rome. Now I find, I want to reread her first brilliant novel to see how the characters from this bo...more

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 07, 2012 Monique rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: on-and-on-trilogies-two-part-books

Aargh, how frustrating..I loved this book but cant with good conscience rate it a Five Star..dont get me wrong this book is readable, engrossing, epic and fun and I liked it alot however certain characters fell flat for me, I actually put the book down for two days which means I was bored somewhere sadly..Alright so this is a prequel to the fabulous Mistress of Rome and for the first two hundred or so pages I was well on my way to declaring her a new favorite author, and she still is- I just fee...more

3 likes · like · see review

May 14, 2012 Joy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the third related book by the author, although I think it was the second one published, so why I picked it up should be relatively obvious. Daughters of Rome is set before Mistress of Rome and might be better read before it, however I really enjoyed reading it afterwards especially as the four characters of this book developed into the women that I remember catching glimpses of in the latter book. The novel follows the "four Cornelias" who are cousins that grow up together, all named Cor...more

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Apr 16, 2012 CookieDemon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, historical-fiction

(This review also appears on Amazon.co.uk)

Having recently read `Mistress of Rome' by Kate Quinn and utterly adoring it, I couldn't wait to read this book and I'm pleased to say that it didn't disappoint. This, which is in effect the prequel to her other book with some overlapping characters, doesn't *quite* have the same gripping, brutal storyline but is still a rollicking good read! I would not hesitate to read any future books by this author- in fact I'm already eagerly anticipating her next b...more (This review also appears on Amazon.co.uk)

Having recently read `Mistress of Rome' by Kate Quinn and utterly adoring it, I couldn't wait to read this book and I'm pleased to say that it didn't disappoint. This, which is in effect the prequel to her other book with some overlapping characters, doesn't *quite* have the same gripping, brutal storyline but is still a rollicking good read! I would not hesitate to read any future books by this author- in fact I'm already eagerly anticipating her next book and she has piqued my interest of this time in history. Kate Quinn really excels in bringing the Roman Empire back to life and it is clear she has done her research into the era.

This book is based in AD 69 at a time when the Roman Empire saw sweeping changes in the year of the `Four Emperors.' This is a historical period that I knew next to nothing about, but the author really describes it so vividly and I could imagine the goings on very clearly- the battles, the politics and the lavish, ostentatious parties. The story is told through the eyes of four Patrician cousins- sisters Cornelia and Marcella, horse mad Diana and shallow party girl Lollia. Cornelia has aspersions to be Empress of Rome, Marcella is intent on documenting history and Diana only has interests in horses and chariot racing. Meanwhile, Lollia is already onto her third husband, continually pushed into marriage by a grandfather who wants her to align herself with the most appropriate husband politically.

As Rome's Empire continually changes we see it for ourselves from the perspective of the women in this fast paced, utterly delectable read. I'm not a massive fan of historical fiction but thankfully this book is never dry or boring or comes off reading like a text book and the plot remained compelling enough to hold my attention with vivacious characters who were developed very well, though not always likeable. I do have to confess that I didn't care about them quite as much as in `Mistresses' but perhaps that was because that story was seen more from their personal narratives and this one wasn't, which is why I couldn't get into their heads as easily. Also, there were four main protagonists here and all with the same names (at first) which was initially a bit confusing. However, it was interesting to see characters who will appear later in `Mistresses' including Domitian, Marcus Norbanus, Paulinus and Flavia, amongst others- and even though I only read that a couple of weeks ago, I did have the urge to go back and reread it!

I would not hesitate in recommending this book if you are looking for a great new read, but start with `Mistresses' first; they're both incredibly fascinating novels. (less)

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Mar 28, 2012 Lucy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kate Quinn is on her way to becoming the best ‘All-That's-Ancient-Rome’ historical fiction writer ever. I loved reading her first book: Mistress of Rome- never read anything like it before-Fabulous (read that review here).

In this year’s novel, Daughters of Rome, Quinn brings us into the lives of the four 'Cornelias'. Patrician nobility at its best, the young women take us through a roller coaster of emotions as they live in splendour, grandeur as well as gruesome tragedy. Such young lives (the e...more
Kate Quinn is on her way to becoming the best ‘All-That's-Ancient-Rome’ historical fiction writer ever. I loved reading her first book: Mistress of Rome- never read anything like it before-Fabulous (read that review here).

In this year’s novel, Daughters of Rome, Quinn brings us into the lives of the four 'Cornelias'. Patrician nobility at its best, the young women take us through a roller coaster of emotions as they live in splendour, grandeur as well as gruesome tragedy. Such young lives (the eldest is only in her early twenties!), yet the ‘Cornelias’ manage to master charioting, espionage, perpetual weddings and divorces, enthronements and coup d’etats- not to mention clandestine loves and rendez-vous...hmmm, all that within the governance of four emperors!

Quinn’s knack for crafting exciting novels on ancient Rome and making them the most fascinating read has to do with more than just her captivating characters but also with her detailed surroundings. I’m not talking about boring laid out sceneries- No- I’m talking about serving up a whole Roman feast to describe events that took place. For example, Daughters of Rome includes detailed menus that only an expert in Roman times can tell you about. Loads and loads of unimaginable delicacies of the finest cuisine were served (some of it certainly objectionable by our times!). Not only does this bring the mood to the setting; it also brings in the attitude and way of living of the ancient nobility. It also gives a flair of how this all adjusted depending on the Emperor in power.

Food and feasts are not all that are being lived through this novel. In Daughters of Rome we experience the Chariot races as well as blood baths and slayings. I could not however have survived a book filled only with these. In fact, these vivid scenes were but the setting in which the heroines were immersed. What I loved most about this book was the growth and change the Cornelias themselves experienced. They lived a full-circle life that brought them to a turnabout construed by their own will and determination; sometimes to their own demise. Not all was a ‘happily ever after’.

What can I say... if you’re going to read about Ancient Rome, you want absolute beauty and abundance to parallel the most decadent and horrid. Kate Quinn is master at creating this by truly bringing ancient history back to life and absorbing you right into it.

Loved it of course.(less)

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Mar 18, 2012 Zee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

*may contain spoilers*

As the prequel to the first book written by Kate Quinn (Mistress of Rome), it surpassed the debut with a more consistent third-person storytelling and an even more captivating storyline revolving around four Cornelii patrician ladies of the Roman Empire. In the prologue we meet the four Cornelii when they were no more than young girls (and Nessus too, for those who had read the Mistress of Rome, I'm sure you'll remember him). The story took place during the historic period...more

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Feb 04, 2012 Cheryl Shein rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When the book started, the beginning was a little obscure. But what I love about the story is that it gets progressively better. I like the way the author has used these once-real people and turned them into her characters in their own way. I especially love Marcella's transformation. Her evolution from content wallflower quickly turns - as is described in the book - into a sly, manipulating serpent. The scene where Diana's father, Paris, has created statue representations of the four girls was...more

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Oct 25, 2011 Kate rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical

My housemates certainly knew I was enjoying this book as they kept giving me funny looks as I laughed at the situations the four women found themselves in. The story is about four patrician women living in Rome in the year 69BC when the Roman Empire went through four emperors in quick succession.

This book is light hearted and fun. There are many references to sex. However, I feel I can relate to the manner in which the four women talk about it. It feels like a 'girly' chat that happens regularl...more

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Jul 21, 2011 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, series, own

Kate Quinn scores again with another action-packed, deliciously drama-filled Roman adventure. While I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as I did her first book, Mistress of Rome, I still found it incredibly hard to put down. Once I got sucked into the story, it didn’t let me go! I thoroughly enjoyed watching the story unfold and loved how my opinion of the four Cornelia’s was constantly changing and shifting. It was also fun to get a taste of how chaotic things in Rome must have felt during th...more

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Jul 09, 2011 Angela rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, books-i-own, ebook, historical, read-in-2011

Sadly, I ws very disappointed in this book, especially because I loved Mistress Of Rome. This book follows 4 girls all namd Cornelia. It was very confusing, even after they were given distinguishing nick names. It was hard to keep them all straight. And I was expecting this book to have Vix in it, but apparantly that is the third book, so I was completly confused, especially when Marcus Nobanus and Paulinus appeared in the story, only 30 years younger than in the previous book. It wasn't until h...more

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Jun 18, 2011 Elaine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

TIME OF THE FOUR EMPERORS IN ONE YEAR -ROME JUNE 68AD to JUNE 69AD

After Nero commited suicide by falling on his sword. He was proclaimed a public enemy of Rome by the Senate.

Three more emperors perished by the sword that year.
Galba- June 68- Jan 69. 6th emperor Butchered by mob headed by Otho and the Praetorian Guards (the emperors guards)
Otho-Jan 69-April 69 First time an emperor gained the throne by use of a sword. He fell on his sword when Vitellius (governor of Germania) defeated hs forces...more

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Apr 05, 2011 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Daughters of Rome" is a prequel to the fabulous "Mistress of Rome," but it's not necessary to have read one to enjoy the other. There are some overlapping characters but the stories are very different: whereas "Mistress" was a violence-driven whirlwind of a plot, "Daughters" is a more political, intrigue-laden story. The rise and fall of 4 Roman emperors is seen through the eyes of four upper-class young women, and their own fortunes rise and fall just as quickly and unexpectedly as their polic...more

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Apr 13, 2012 Éowyn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This is the second book in Quinn's Rome series, but confusingly the action here takes place chronologically before the first one. The setting for this book is 69AD - the Year of the Four Emperors, so plenty of plotting and back stabbing all round.

Many of the characters in this novel did exist historically. Obviously the further back in time you go, the less information there is generally available about what actually went on, which I suppose is a good thing for the historical novelist! The novel...more

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Oct 31, 2012 Dione Sage rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action-adventure, drama, historical-fiction, romance

The best historical fictions in my opinion are always the ones that have a little factual substance weaved skillfully throughout the storyline. I believe that histories have been written with a little embellishment in the first place and the fact that a writer can paint a whole picture (even though fictional) from small facts taken from those histories is amazing. Daughters of Rome, written by the talented Kate Quinn, is one of those historical fictions that I find absolutely breathtaking and in...more The best historical fictions in my opinion are always the ones that have a little factual substance weaved skillfully throughout the storyline. I believe that histories have been written with a little embellishment in the first place and the fact that a writer can paint a whole picture (even though fictional) from small facts taken from those histories is amazing. Daughters of Rome, written by the talented Kate Quinn, is one of those historical fictions that I find absolutely breathtaking and intriguing. The story of the four Cornelias of the Cornelii family that seem to not only endure tragic moments in history but end up becoming stronger from living through such moments is a great testament to the strength of women. This is no love story, although there was love inside the plot, it is more of a story of courage of four young women finding their way in life to what would make them happy. There is Cornelia who is very proper and almost a model of what a Roman woman should be. Her younger sister, Marcella is extremely smart and calculating which in the end her schemes do end up getting the best of her. The cousin, Diana is probably my favorite. She is a very strong willed girl that does not wish to live her life to please the world around her and she is definitely a tomboy stuck in a beautiful body that has no lack of suitors. Lollia the other cousin took some time for me to warm up to because at first I thought she was a little too vain but as it turns out she does what she does in order to protect her family. She ends up also capturing my respect because of her pure devotion and sacrifice. Actually to be honest most of the characteristics I listed for the individuals can actually found in all four of the heroines in this story. History shows that most women were not as valued for their minds or accomplishments and in whole it was a man’s world for thousands of years. In a way it may be sad that women did not get recognition in the way that men did but I also like to believe that women did have a way of shaping history in ways that even though overlooked, still had great impact.
In my opinion there is nothing better than a strong heroine in a story. Much to my heart’s desire there are four strong women in this book all with the dedication and conviction that makes them beyond admirable in my opinion. Often we find women in stories that are reliant on a male figure to lift them to happiness or that are codependent on a man to find their way in life. Daughters of Rome gives the pleasure of success to the heroines themselves. This is a book that I will probably read again in the future just for fun and also recommend to my friends.
(less)

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Jul 25, 2011 Marti rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: zzz-2011-summer-list, fiction-historical, time-limit-library, wow, zzz-books-2011, ancient-times-fiction, kate-quinn

Kate Quinn's second book, Daughter's of Rome is a great book. It contains all the parts of Roman history that you would expect: political intrigue, cruelties, over the top parties and dinners and Emperors. This book covers one year of Roman history. The year when there was four emperors. The story line follows four women, all related who are thick as thieves. Each has a strong role and the outcome is not at all expected. Enjoy reading - oh and Cheer for the Reds!

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Apr 07, 2011 Charity U rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

:P :( Okay, I said I finished it, but actually I stopped 1/2 way through. Let me back up...I won this book from goodreads.com. I love the cover and the plot sounded wonderful! I know a few of you have thought the same. Well, I think that the story would have been great. For that matter, I think it _was_ great, BUT unfortunately, the book is packed with kissing and, well, the step beyond kissing. The chapters were really long, which I don't mind, but I think it definitely could have been done wit...more

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Basically Books!: Daughters of Rome by Kate Quinn (November's Group Read)	12	32	09 nov. 05:13

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Historical Fiction

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Romance

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Cultural > Italy

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Romance > Historical Romance

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Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

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Literature > Ancient

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Roman

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Adult

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About Kate Quinn

Kate Quinn is a native of southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Classical Voice. A lifelong history buff, she first got hooked on ancient Rome while watching "I, Claudius" at the age of seven. She wrote her first book during her freshman year in college, retreating from a Boston winter into ancient Rome, and it was later published...more

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“Courage is defined by how we meet unfortunat circumstances - inevitable or not.” — 13 people liked it

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Daughters of Rome (Rome #2)

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