Book Recommendation

Thea is a slave girl from Judaea, passionate, musical, and guarded. Purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida Pollia, Thea will become her mistress's rival for the love of Arius the Barbarian, Rome's newest and most savage gladiator. His love brings Thea the first happiness of her life-that is quickly ended when a jealous Lepida tears them apart. As Lepida goes on to wreak havoc in the life of a new husband and his family, Thea remakes herself as a polished singer for Rome's aristocrats. Unwittingly, she attracts another admirer in the charismatic Emperor of Rome. But Domitian's games have a darker side, and Thea finds herself fighting for both soul and sanity. Many have tried to destroy the Emperor: a vengeful gladiator, an upright senator, a tormented soldier, a Vestal Virgin. But in the end, the life of the brilliant and paranoid Domitian lies in the hands of one woman: the Emperor's mistress.
Synopsis courtesy: barnesandnoble.com


This is a FANTASTIC book. Granted I adore historical fiction, but I'm extremely picky about how I want those books to be written. Kate Quinn's style is unique and engaging. With the opening lines, I was swept up in Thea's story, and with each new character the moment they were presented. Don't let the beautiful cover fool you, this book is brutal and incredibly violent at times but this is a story set during the time of Gladiators. Nothing in this book felt gratuitous, which made it a quick read. I devoured every word and have already ordered Book #2: Daughters of Rome.


Mistress of Rome @Barnes and Noble
Kate Quinn's website