Michelle R. (mreneerouser) -
Helpful Score: 4
I can't imagine how hard it would be to create a fictional novel using real historical characters and events. Stephanie Dray did it and was able to create a great book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
The book begins with Cleopatra losing Alexandria. Cleopatra's children, Prince Alexander and Princess Selene (twins) and their younger brother, Ptolomy, are then taken by the Roman army (lead by Octavian) back to Rome.
Selene is the star of the book. While she comes across as a pampered, spoiled princess in the beginning, later we learn that Selene is kind, thoughtful, and extremely intelligent. Selene, throughout the story, is always thinking. Every move she made was to counter-act or to anticipate Octovian's moves. She played Octovian's game so well, Octovian and the other characters in the story, quickly realized that Selene was not a young girl (and later young woman) to mess with.
Dray added the element of magic to the story. While initially, I was hesitant of the added element, I began to like this twist in the story. While Selene wanted to be powerful and respected, she was hesitant to use the new power she had in her magic. She wanted to be respected for her strength of character and for her quick mind and not looked down upon for the fact she was a woman (during this time, women's rights in Rome were minimal to none). Her magic was used as a last resort and even afterwards, you can sense her hesitancy in using magic.
My only complaint in the book was Alexander. I would not have minded Dray portraying Alexander's POV when he "escaped" Rome. I was curious to what happened and our only information was the news that Selene received.
Overall, an excellent book and I really enjoyed reading it!
The book begins with Cleopatra losing Alexandria. Cleopatra's children, Prince Alexander and Princess Selene (twins) and their younger brother, Ptolomy, are then taken by the Roman army (lead by Octavian) back to Rome.
Selene is the star of the book. While she comes across as a pampered, spoiled princess in the beginning, later we learn that Selene is kind, thoughtful, and extremely intelligent. Selene, throughout the story, is always thinking. Every move she made was to counter-act or to anticipate Octovian's moves. She played Octovian's game so well, Octovian and the other characters in the story, quickly realized that Selene was not a young girl (and later young woman) to mess with.
Dray added the element of magic to the story. While initially, I was hesitant of the added element, I began to like this twist in the story. While Selene wanted to be powerful and respected, she was hesitant to use the new power she had in her magic. She wanted to be respected for her strength of character and for her quick mind and not looked down upon for the fact she was a woman (during this time, women's rights in Rome were minimal to none). Her magic was used as a last resort and even afterwards, you can sense her hesitancy in using magic.
My only complaint in the book was Alexander. I would not have minded Dray portraying Alexander's POV when he "escaped" Rome. I was curious to what happened and our only information was the news that Selene received.
Overall, an excellent book and I really enjoyed reading it!
Alice J. (ASJ) -
Helpful Score: 1
Very enjoyable book, good background on Rome after Julius Caesar. The magic stuff was a bit much but did not detract from the book. Looking forward to reading book 2.
