What do you think?
Rate this book
The Vesta Shadows Trilogy #1
La vestale di Cesare
Roma, 21 a.C. Cesare Ottaviano Augusto tiene salde nelle sue mani le sorti dell’Impero, ma la sua autorità regge solo finché il popolo, dagli schiavi ai senatori, crede che gli dèi di Roma lo sostengano, in particolare Vesta, l'amata dea della casa e del focolare.
In qualità di Vestalis Maxima, Pomponia, tra le personalità più influenti della ristretta cerchia di Ottaviano, è stimata da tutti i cittadini e dedica la sua vita a proteggere il suo Ordine e la fiamma eterna di Vesta. Così, quando una terribile epidemia si diffonde in città, contagiando l’imperatore e scatenando il panico tra gli abitanti di Roma, la vestale suprema si adopera per mantenere il favore della dea perché vigili sulla popolazione e sulle sacerdotesse. Ma un pericolo imprevisto si nasconde nella figura di un nobile malvagio, Severo Calidio Pavone, che minaccia non solo di compromettere l’amicizia di Pomponia con Ottaviano, ma di distruggere tutto ciò che lei ama.
Con il coraggio, la saggezza e il fascino che la contraddistinguono, riuscirà la Vestalis Maxima a sconfiggere il Male che insidia le massime cariche dell’Impero e a riportare la pace nella Città eterna?
In qualità di Vestalis Maxima, Pomponia, tra le personalità più influenti della ristretta cerchia di Ottaviano, è stimata da tutti i cittadini e dedica la sua vita a proteggere il suo Ordine e la fiamma eterna di Vesta. Così, quando una terribile epidemia si diffonde in città, contagiando l’imperatore e scatenando il panico tra gli abitanti di Roma, la vestale suprema si adopera per mantenere il favore della dea perché vigili sulla popolazione e sulle sacerdotesse. Ma un pericolo imprevisto si nasconde nella figura di un nobile malvagio, Severo Calidio Pavone, che minaccia non solo di compromettere l’amicizia di Pomponia con Ottaviano, ma di distruggere tutto ciò che lei ama.
Con il coraggio, la saggezza e il fascino che la contraddistinguono, riuscirà la Vestalis Maxima a sconfiggere il Male che insidia le massime cariche dell’Impero e a riportare la pace nella Città eterna?
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2015
140 people are currently reading
2458 people want to read
About the author
Debra May Macleod
17 books63 followersDebra May Macleod is an author of historical fiction and nonfiction focusing on the ancient Roman religion of Vesta and the Vestal Virgins. She is privileged to have been invited to participate in research excursions in the Forum Romanum, the Forum of Caesar and Imperial Fora, including places inaccessible to the general public, and informs her writing and work with this invaluable perspective. Debra has a Bachelor of Arts (English, Classics) as well as a law degree. She lives in Canada with her husband and son, visiting Italy often for research (and sun).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
October 21, 2020
First of all, I've got to admit it took me a while to really get into this book. I soldiered on and before I knew it I was thorougly hooked. In fact, I had a hard time putting my Kindle down because I really did end up enjoying the story a lot.
I would also like to say that initially I had no idea what time exactly this book took place in, I just knew it was about the Vestal Virgins, which I've been fascinated with and haven't had the opportunity to read about them but I was happily surprised that the story involved Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Mark Antony, Octavian etc. But the most important character to me was Vestal Priestess Pomponia.
This book had many female characters in the lead and I was so thrilled at that because ancient Rome was mostly a man's world but these ladies in the lead definitely stole the show and I can't do anything but praise the author for that. With that said, I feel like I should also say that none of the characters are actually likeable. Life in ancient Rome, especially the capital, was a brutal place and it was hard for a woman to survive.
I don't want to say too much but my favorite character was Pomponia's slave Medousa (named after Medusa from mythology). I just loved her spark, the snarky comments she often made in spite of being beaten for it and her devotion to Pomponia.
Brides of Rome by Debra May MacLeod was a daring novel about the early days of the Roman Empire with women in the lead as main characters. It was a slow start for me but the author's knowledge and passion for ancient Rome definitely showed.
I would also like to say that initially I had no idea what time exactly this book took place in, I just knew it was about the Vestal Virgins, which I've been fascinated with and haven't had the opportunity to read about them but I was happily surprised that the story involved Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Mark Antony, Octavian etc. But the most important character to me was Vestal Priestess Pomponia.
This book had many female characters in the lead and I was so thrilled at that because ancient Rome was mostly a man's world but these ladies in the lead definitely stole the show and I can't do anything but praise the author for that. With that said, I feel like I should also say that none of the characters are actually likeable. Life in ancient Rome, especially the capital, was a brutal place and it was hard for a woman to survive.
I don't want to say too much but my favorite character was Pomponia's slave Medousa (named after Medusa from mythology). I just loved her spark, the snarky comments she often made in spite of being beaten for it and her devotion to Pomponia.
Brides of Rome by Debra May MacLeod was a daring novel about the early days of the Roman Empire with women in the lead as main characters. It was a slow start for me but the author's knowledge and passion for ancient Rome definitely showed.
July 16, 2020
This was an interesting idea: to use the Vestal Virgins as a focus for the story. They had a lot of power in a society where women usually did not. The book held my interest with many details about the Vestal Virgins I had not known before and was simply told. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
December 3, 2023
4 stars
A flawlessly written historical fiction on Ancient Rome that will please all romantic afficionados of the period like me! The tale was long but fascinating and rich. Rich in history, details, well-drawn characters, in situ vibes that all seamlessly entwined with the fictional plot of DMM. It reminded me a lot of the excellent The Venetian Mask as the book successfully immersed me in the time period in a vibrant and visual way, and with a heroine who has to navigate the treacherous waters of her time using all her feminine ingenuity. And just like Marietta, Pomponia had to shed some of her innocence to become ruthless as she suffered loss in her life.
This book was mainly historical fiction (which forms the first part of a trilogy) but there was also a small forbidden romantic subplot interweaved in the bigger history.
While I loved this book for its richness and well-written, well-researched and gripping historical fiction, the romantic me still decries that the romance was not the central leitmotiv for the story like it was for The Venetian Mask. I am well aware that romance was not the aim at all of the author while writing this book, but egoistically, I still wanted it to be the case. And since , I am guessing that the other two books in the trilogy will veer totally towards historical fiction. So, will I still get into them? Probably, because I want to read more of that richness, but at my own pace.
P.S.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2022
Der erste Sieben-Sterne-Kandidat dieses Jahr!
Präzise recherchiert, dennoch spannend bis zum Schluss.
Mit vielen Eindrücken aus dem Leben der Vestalinnen.
Präzise recherchiert, dennoch spannend bis zum Schluss.
Mit vielen Eindrücken aus dem Leben der Vestalinnen.
December 21, 2020
Una cornice gradevole del periodo forse più intrigante della storia romana, che include Giulio Cesare, Marco Antonio e Ottaviano. Le atmosfere sono gestite molto bene, la ricostruzione è verosimile ed estremamente curata, ma la protagonista, Pomponia, sembra più una spettatrice delle vicende che si susseguono sotto ai suoi occhi. Conosciamo tanti personaggi, soprattutto femminili, molto diversi: Livia, Ottavia, Cleopatra. Tre donne importanti, uniche, che rappresentano un tipo di vita ben definito e lontano da quello di Pomponia, vergine vestale. Così come lo è Valeria. Tuttavia, la storia sembra un riassunto di usi e costumi, un modo per mostrare il tipo di vita a quel tempo. Carino il richiamo alle defissioni, ai rituali, ai banchetti, ma mi è parso un quadro anonimo, di passaggio, che non mi ha lasciato molto.
February 5, 2021
2.5 stars. This was...ok. It took a while for me to get into it, but the action picked up just before halfway through. At the beginning, though, it was hard to discern how Pomponia and the Vestals played a part in the lives of the characters, namely Antony and Cleopatra and Livia. I didn't feel like the book had a lot of emotional depth, and I didn't really connect with any of the characters. I couldn't, for the life of me, understand what bound Pomponia to Quintus. She consistently decries his character, and the reader knows he abuses his wife. And yet, she loves him. The intrigue at the end between Livia and Pomponia may have been the most interesting part. And it was refreshing to see the Vestals portrayed as active parts of Roman politics. Otherwise, I was underwhelmed.
December 12, 2021
Set in both Rome and Africa, this novel was a look at the life of the Vestal Virgins and what happened under Augustus or Octavian Caesar. I love Ancient Rome so I enjoyed this book. The book alternated between different characters and I enjoyed the different points of views. This book was definitely not the best one on Ancient Rome that I have ever read but I enjoyed it.
May 12, 2022
DNF: I tried so so hard to finish this. For four months. Life’s too short to force yourself to read a book that’s not for you when there are others out there you will love though. So for that reason, I’m out.
October 7, 2020
Era da tempo che volevo leggere "La sposa di Roma" e finalmente l'ho letto e ne sono rimasta più che entusiasta! Il romanzo è ambientato fra Roma ed Egitto in un arco di tempo che va dal 45 a. C. al 25 a. C. , ovvero durante il periodo dell'Alto Impero. Assistiamo anche ad un salto temporale al 113 a. C. per narrare un evento collegato.
Le protagoniste sono le Vestali, sacerdotesse romane consacrate alla dea Vesta. Le Vestali venivano scelte fra le figlie di famiglie patrizie e rimanevano al servizio della dea Vesta per un periodo di trent'anni, durante il quale, dovevano rimanere vergini.
Ma quando sono nate le Vestali, queste protagoniste della storia romana così importanti?
Tutto iniziò quando il fratello minore di Numitore, Amulio, usurpò il trono e costrinse Rea Silvia, la figlia di Numitore, a diventare una sacerdotessa della dea Vesta in modo tale da non darle la possibilità di partorire un erede perché le sacerdotesse avevano il dovere di castità. Ma Rea Silvia ebbe due figli con Marte, il dio della guerra. I loro figli furono i gemelli Romolo e Remo. Rea Silvia fu allontanata dai figli e, successivamente, sepolta viva come punizione.
Marte inviò una lupa per salvare i suoi figli e allattarli. Quando i due fratelli crebbero, scoprirono la profezia secondo la quale Romolo avrebbe costruito una grande città. Remo non volle arrendersi a questa profezia e Romolo, che aveva lo spirito del dio della guerra, lo uccise. Nel 753 a. C. Romolo, in onore di sua madre, accese un fuoco sacro e attorno ad esso costruì la città di Roma e divenne il primo re romano.
Il suo successore, il re Numa, eresse un tempio a protezione della fiamma e creò l'ordine delle Vestali, donne caste che dovevano prendersi cura del fuoco che indicava la pace e la prosperità a Roma.
Il romanzo è un omaggio alle Vestali, delle donne importantissime nella storia di Roma. Conosciamo meglio le loro vite, i loro destini, le loro emozioni, le loro paure e soprattutto le loro anime. Sono presenti personaggi storici importanti come Giulio Cesare, Antonio e Cleopatra ma il centro del romanzo rimane sempre sulle Vestali. Si racconta la preparazione di una ragazza a diventare una Vestale con la storia di Quintina, tutte le sue responsabilità e doveri con la vita di Pomponia e le loro scelte dopo il periodo di servizio con la storia di Fabiana, l'alta sacerdotessa.
E' un romanzo molto affascinante e molto attento ai dettagli che non sempre vengono raccontati nei libri storici e Debra May Macleod ha voluto rendere un omaggio alle donne che hanno protetto Roma raccontando le loro storie.
Fra conflitti, amori difficili e massacri, donne torturate, assassinii e lacrime rimane sempre accesa la fiamma di Roma, protetta sempre dalle Vestali per il bene di questa città tanto grande quanto meravigliosa.
Le protagoniste sono le Vestali, sacerdotesse romane consacrate alla dea Vesta. Le Vestali venivano scelte fra le figlie di famiglie patrizie e rimanevano al servizio della dea Vesta per un periodo di trent'anni, durante il quale, dovevano rimanere vergini.
Ma quando sono nate le Vestali, queste protagoniste della storia romana così importanti?
Tutto iniziò quando il fratello minore di Numitore, Amulio, usurpò il trono e costrinse Rea Silvia, la figlia di Numitore, a diventare una sacerdotessa della dea Vesta in modo tale da non darle la possibilità di partorire un erede perché le sacerdotesse avevano il dovere di castità. Ma Rea Silvia ebbe due figli con Marte, il dio della guerra. I loro figli furono i gemelli Romolo e Remo. Rea Silvia fu allontanata dai figli e, successivamente, sepolta viva come punizione.
Marte inviò una lupa per salvare i suoi figli e allattarli. Quando i due fratelli crebbero, scoprirono la profezia secondo la quale Romolo avrebbe costruito una grande città. Remo non volle arrendersi a questa profezia e Romolo, che aveva lo spirito del dio della guerra, lo uccise. Nel 753 a. C. Romolo, in onore di sua madre, accese un fuoco sacro e attorno ad esso costruì la città di Roma e divenne il primo re romano.
Il suo successore, il re Numa, eresse un tempio a protezione della fiamma e creò l'ordine delle Vestali, donne caste che dovevano prendersi cura del fuoco che indicava la pace e la prosperità a Roma.
Il romanzo è un omaggio alle Vestali, delle donne importantissime nella storia di Roma. Conosciamo meglio le loro vite, i loro destini, le loro emozioni, le loro paure e soprattutto le loro anime. Sono presenti personaggi storici importanti come Giulio Cesare, Antonio e Cleopatra ma il centro del romanzo rimane sempre sulle Vestali. Si racconta la preparazione di una ragazza a diventare una Vestale con la storia di Quintina, tutte le sue responsabilità e doveri con la vita di Pomponia e le loro scelte dopo il periodo di servizio con la storia di Fabiana, l'alta sacerdotessa.
E' un romanzo molto affascinante e molto attento ai dettagli che non sempre vengono raccontati nei libri storici e Debra May Macleod ha voluto rendere un omaggio alle donne che hanno protetto Roma raccontando le loro storie.
Fra conflitti, amori difficili e massacri, donne torturate, assassinii e lacrime rimane sempre accesa la fiamma di Roma, protetta sempre dalle Vestali per il bene di questa città tanto grande quanto meravigliosa.
January 3, 2021
It was not my cup of tea, although I do read quite a lot of historical fiction, I found some of the content quite difficult to read, and did not feel invested in the protagonist's story. I did not know much about the vestal virgins before reading this, although I have read some of Kate Quinn's Empress of Rome Saga, but while some content overlaps, this was much more centred around ancient religions, roles in society, and the politics of Octavian's rule. Priestess Pomponia is part of the vestal order, and is required to abide by the rules of the order for at least her thirty years of service. Her role as part of the vestas gives her a front row seat to the political shifts in Rome, while she must work for Rome's prosperity rather than for a specific ruler. The political uncertainty is compounded by her personal life, and the threat of an accusation of unfaithfulness against the order.
Parts of the story were fascinating and towards the end of the story I found it engaging. The main turn off for me was how gruesome and graphic some of the scenes were. I understand that it is based on what actually happened, but I found it difficult to read because of that.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Parts of the story were fascinating and towards the end of the story I found it engaging. The main turn off for me was how gruesome and graphic some of the scenes were. I understand that it is based on what actually happened, but I found it difficult to read because of that.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are all my own.
January 8, 2022
O livro lê-se muito bem; a escrita é fluída e a ação rápida. As cenas sucedem-se de forma rápida e convincente, sem deixar pontas soltas. Ainda que as Vestais que dão título ao livro nos sejam fictícias – as personagens principais do livro – elas vivem lado a lado com figuras da História que nos são muito conhecidas.
Falo de Júlio César, Cleópatra, Marco António, Cícero, entre outras personagens que têm bastante importância nesta narrativa. Atravessamos com eles importantes marcos históricos das suas vidas, matérias que damos na escola e que por isso tornam a narrativa toda ela bastante familiar.
As Virgens Vestais são as sacerdotisas que têm a tarefa de guardar a Chama Eterna, veneradas como divindades desde os tempos de Rómulo e Remo. Mas o seu poder é sobretudo político, num mundo de privilégios, conspirações e traições. Um poder a que Pompónia, a Vestalis Maxima, exerce com habilidade e que a coloca no centro do conflito entre duas forças: Marco António e Cleópatra de um lado, e Otaviano e a sua intriguista esposa Lívia do outro.
Pompónia é a protagonista deste livro, mas também ela guarda um segredo: o seu amor por Quinto, sacerdote de Marte e soldado de César. Assim, quando uma acusação de adultério é levantada contra as Vestais, ela sabe o castigo que a espera: ser enterrada viva no Campo Celerado. Será que a sua astúcia, charme e destreza política serão suficientes para restaurar o respeito devido às mulheres mais importantes de Roma?
A mesma habilidade com que Pompónia domina o circo político de Roma nos anos posteriores a 45 a. C., é similar à habilidade de Debra May Macleod em recriar a Roma Antiga, sem entrar em demasiadas descrições nem cair em enganos infantis. Não sendo uma trama dura nem um retrato perfeito, Noivas de Roma resume de forma direta e romântica os horrores da Antiguidade Clássica.
Os únicos defeitos que posso apontar à autora é alguma ausência de realismo na hora de ser cruel, preferindo ser vaga quando podia ser concreta; também o facto de as passagens do tempo serem constantes e abruptas prejudicou-me a absorção no texto, mas a partir de determinado momento decidi ignorar as referências temporais. Noivas de Roma é um bom livro, e vou querer ler a sequela.
https://noticiasdezallar.wordpress.com
Falo de Júlio César, Cleópatra, Marco António, Cícero, entre outras personagens que têm bastante importância nesta narrativa. Atravessamos com eles importantes marcos históricos das suas vidas, matérias que damos na escola e que por isso tornam a narrativa toda ela bastante familiar.
As Virgens Vestais são as sacerdotisas que têm a tarefa de guardar a Chama Eterna, veneradas como divindades desde os tempos de Rómulo e Remo. Mas o seu poder é sobretudo político, num mundo de privilégios, conspirações e traições. Um poder a que Pompónia, a Vestalis Maxima, exerce com habilidade e que a coloca no centro do conflito entre duas forças: Marco António e Cleópatra de um lado, e Otaviano e a sua intriguista esposa Lívia do outro.
Pompónia é a protagonista deste livro, mas também ela guarda um segredo: o seu amor por Quinto, sacerdote de Marte e soldado de César. Assim, quando uma acusação de adultério é levantada contra as Vestais, ela sabe o castigo que a espera: ser enterrada viva no Campo Celerado. Será que a sua astúcia, charme e destreza política serão suficientes para restaurar o respeito devido às mulheres mais importantes de Roma?
A mesma habilidade com que Pompónia domina o circo político de Roma nos anos posteriores a 45 a. C., é similar à habilidade de Debra May Macleod em recriar a Roma Antiga, sem entrar em demasiadas descrições nem cair em enganos infantis. Não sendo uma trama dura nem um retrato perfeito, Noivas de Roma resume de forma direta e romântica os horrores da Antiguidade Clássica.
Os únicos defeitos que posso apontar à autora é alguma ausência de realismo na hora de ser cruel, preferindo ser vaga quando podia ser concreta; também o facto de as passagens do tempo serem constantes e abruptas prejudicou-me a absorção no texto, mas a partir de determinado momento decidi ignorar as referências temporais. Noivas de Roma é um bom livro, e vou querer ler a sequela.
https://noticiasdezallar.wordpress.com
June 21, 2022
A power shift is up in the air: Octavian's star is on the rise and so is Pomponia's, who is being groomed to be the next Virgo Vestalis Maxima. For ancient Rome purists, there are several things in this book which will surely raise hackles. But if you sit back and relax, I dare say, Volume 1 is non-stop suspense, adventure, gore, scintillating gossip, and pure political ancient Rome venom.
June 5, 2021
2.5 Sterne. Weil ich ganz ehrlich nicht weiß, was jetzt eigentlich die Story war .
January 21, 2022
Brides of Rome is set in Ancient Rome, during the civil war between Octavian and Antony, and follows the life of Pomponia, a Priestess of Vesta.
I love this time period and I know it very well, but the focus on the Vestals was an original take for me and I quite liked it. The author spent time describing the rituals and the traditions of this ancient religion and it's clear she is passionate about the subject.
I also appreciated that the plot didn't only follow Pomponia, but also the other key players of the story. None of them was particularly likeable, but they were interesting to read about. Pomponia herself didn't stand out to me, she was a little bland, although I liked that towards the end she became more cunning and manipulative. Still, I much preferred her slave Medousa, I really admired her courage and her loyalty
What truly didn't work for me was the romance. Thankfully it wasn't overly present, but it made no sense to me. The "love" between Pomponia and Quintus didn't have any basis or reasons behind it, and he was also an awful character.
Even if not particularly memorable, Brides of Rome was an entertaining read overall, and I might pick up the sequels in the future.
I love this time period and I know it very well, but the focus on the Vestals was an original take for me and I quite liked it. The author spent time describing the rituals and the traditions of this ancient religion and it's clear she is passionate about the subject.
I also appreciated that the plot didn't only follow Pomponia, but also the other key players of the story. None of them was particularly likeable, but they were interesting to read about. Pomponia herself didn't stand out to me, she was a little bland, although I liked that towards the end she became more cunning and manipulative. Still, I much preferred her slave Medousa, I really admired her courage and her loyalty
What truly didn't work for me was the romance. Thankfully it wasn't overly present, but it made no sense to me. The "love" between Pomponia and Quintus didn't have any basis or reasons behind it, and he was also an awful character.
Even if not particularly memorable, Brides of Rome was an entertaining read overall, and I might pick up the sequels in the future.
June 2, 2022
Brides to the spirit of Rome, with a thirty-year vow of chastity. Breaking that vow, or maybe even an accusation of impurity, meant death by being buried alive. This was the life of Rome’s Vestal Virgins.
These women walked the line between religion and politics, serving the goddess Vesta and their country in order to keep Rome safe. They were among the few females of their time with any sort of power and independence, except of course, when it came to what they did with their bodies.
Brides of Rome fascinated me. The story starts slowly, allowing us to acclimate to the era and get to know its people. Debra May Macleod clearly knows her history, as she expertly weaves facts with fiction, providing us with an immersive, dramatic reading experience.
Despite having read quite a bit of Roman history, I didn’t know much about the Vestal Virgins. I loved seeing this period from their perspectives.
This is the first book in The Vestal Virgins Trilogy. We’re not left dangling over a ledge with a massive cliffhanger, which I appreciate. You could essentially read this one as a stand alone, though I’m excited to move on to book 2.
*I received a free copy from Blackstone Publishing.*
These women walked the line between religion and politics, serving the goddess Vesta and their country in order to keep Rome safe. They were among the few females of their time with any sort of power and independence, except of course, when it came to what they did with their bodies.
Brides of Rome fascinated me. The story starts slowly, allowing us to acclimate to the era and get to know its people. Debra May Macleod clearly knows her history, as she expertly weaves facts with fiction, providing us with an immersive, dramatic reading experience.
Despite having read quite a bit of Roman history, I didn’t know much about the Vestal Virgins. I loved seeing this period from their perspectives.
This is the first book in The Vestal Virgins Trilogy. We’re not left dangling over a ledge with a massive cliffhanger, which I appreciate. You could essentially read this one as a stand alone, though I’m excited to move on to book 2.
*I received a free copy from Blackstone Publishing.*
August 18, 2025
“Esposas de Roma” me ha parecido muy interesante y original; la ambientación es atractiva y la premisa resulta prometedora. Sin embargo, el estilo narrativo me ha parecido flojo y, en ocasiones, torpe, lo que ha restado mucho a la experiencia. Es una novela con buenas ideas, pero la forma en la que está escrita no termina de estar a la altura, por lo menos la versión en español.
February 4, 2021
Do you have a TV show that you felt like you should have loved because everyone raved about it, but you just couldn't get into it because you hated every single character and just couldn't make yourself care about what happened to anyone? That's how I felt about Mad Men. And Brides of Rome.
I love historical fiction and I'm super interested in ancient Roman times; after visiting Rome a couple of years back and absolutely falling in love with the city and its architecture, art, and history, I'm always on the lookout for stories set in that era. I was super excited to have received an eARC of this copy (huge thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for a copy) and couldn't wait to dive in. Unfortunately, I was somewhat disappointed with this book.
Warning for light spoilers throughout the review. Heavy spoilers will be placed behind a cut.
Sadly, I just couldn't care about a single character in this book. The lead, Pomponia, was a bland and unsympathetic character; most of the other women were catty and backstabbing. The men were cardboard cutouts at best. The 'romance' between Pomponia and Quintus was based on a childhood friendship and Quintus constantly being cruel to Pomponia. Their interactions were limited to Quintus cutting her down and ordering her around, then suddenly professing his love to her. I guess he's mean to her because he likes her. Pomponia hates his arrogance and knows he hits his wife, yet admits that she loves him and nearly throws her life away away to sleep with him. Still a better love story than Twilight?
Macleod clearly knows her history and ancient Roman culture, and it shows. The book is well-researched, even with the artistic liberties she admits she's taken, and is a gift for fans of that era. Her writing is immersive, if rather dry. Unfortunately, she falls short in characterization and pacing. Most of the book speaks of what the characters do, not how they feel. We see their actions, but never get inside their hearts. We're told that Pomponia feels love for Quintus, but we don't feel it. (And I, for one, question Pomponia's judgment in falling for a man who abuses his wife and seems to delight in tearing her down.) The story is rather slow for the first half of the book, although it does pick up more after the halfway mark.
Although the book is supposed to focus on the order of the Vestal Virgins, of whom little is known, a significant portion of the book focuses on other characters like Octavian and Octavia, Marc Antony and Cleopatra. I rather wish that Macleod had focused more on the Vestals, as per the premise. HBO's Rome already did the rest, and they did it better.
I love historical fiction and I'm super interested in ancient Roman times; after visiting Rome a couple of years back and absolutely falling in love with the city and its architecture, art, and history, I'm always on the lookout for stories set in that era. I was super excited to have received an eARC of this copy (huge thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for a copy) and couldn't wait to dive in. Unfortunately, I was somewhat disappointed with this book.
Warning for light spoilers throughout the review. Heavy spoilers will be placed behind a cut.
Sadly, I just couldn't care about a single character in this book. The lead, Pomponia, was a bland and unsympathetic character; most of the other women were catty and backstabbing. The men were cardboard cutouts at best. The 'romance' between Pomponia and Quintus was based on a childhood friendship and Quintus constantly being cruel to Pomponia. Their interactions were limited to Quintus cutting her down and ordering her around, then suddenly professing his love to her. I guess he's mean to her because he likes her. Pomponia hates his arrogance and knows he hits his wife, yet admits that she loves him and nearly throws her life away away to sleep with him. Still a better love story than Twilight?
Macleod clearly knows her history and ancient Roman culture, and it shows. The book is well-researched, even with the artistic liberties she admits she's taken, and is a gift for fans of that era. Her writing is immersive, if rather dry. Unfortunately, she falls short in characterization and pacing. Most of the book speaks of what the characters do, not how they feel. We see their actions, but never get inside their hearts. We're told that Pomponia feels love for Quintus, but we don't feel it. (And I, for one, question Pomponia's judgment in falling for a man who abuses his wife and seems to delight in tearing her down.) The story is rather slow for the first half of the book, although it does pick up more after the halfway mark.
Although the book is supposed to focus on the order of the Vestal Virgins, of whom little is known, a significant portion of the book focuses on other characters like Octavian and Octavia, Marc Antony and Cleopatra. I rather wish that Macleod had focused more on the Vestals, as per the premise. HBO's Rome already did the rest, and they did it better.
September 15, 2022
✅El libro es bastante completo, además de lo típico, hay dos glosarios de términos e ilustraciones.
✅Acabé totalmente inmersa en la historia, sentí que estaba de espectadora ante todo lo que acaecía.
✅Me encantó el nivel de detalle para describir cualquier cosa, de verdad, increíble.
✅A nivel personal siempre me ha llamado muchísimo la atención la historia romana, por lo que no fue difícil que me llamara la atención.
✅Tras dos o tres capítulos me costó despegarme y casi al final me fue totalmente imposible, no podía parar de leer. Tanto fue así que me acosté súper tarde para terminarlo😴.
✅Salvo algún personaje (uno o dos) todos tenían un lado malo que me hizo odiarlos pero, también un lado buenísimo que me hacía adorarlos. Definitivamente fue algo muy confuso.
✨Lo que más fascinada me dejó fue el poder y relevancia que tenían las vestales en la antigua Roma que era un mundo principalmente de hombres, definitivamente se llevaron todo el protagonismo. Por otro lado, la importancia de las vestales siendo mujeres chocaba con el papel de las otras mujeres de la época.
✨El equilibrio entre amor prohibido, poder, castigo, me dejaron totalmente deslumbrada.
❌La portada, en comparación con la versión en inglés, es infinitamente menos llamativa.
❌Había términos que no aparecían en los glosarios, aunque alguno venía explicado a continuación.
❌La traducción deja muchísimo que desear, en cuanto a que hay una ingente cantidad de erratas. Estoy deseando leerlo en inglés pero será más adelante porque tengo tantos libros pendientes que no me daría la vida 😂.
👍No obstante, me encantó el libro y no es fallo de la autora, con la que además tuve la oportunidad de tener contacto vía email y fue encantadora.
Para más: @elfaro_literario (Instagram)
✅Acabé totalmente inmersa en la historia, sentí que estaba de espectadora ante todo lo que acaecía.
✅Me encantó el nivel de detalle para describir cualquier cosa, de verdad, increíble.
✅A nivel personal siempre me ha llamado muchísimo la atención la historia romana, por lo que no fue difícil que me llamara la atención.
✅Tras dos o tres capítulos me costó despegarme y casi al final me fue totalmente imposible, no podía parar de leer. Tanto fue así que me acosté súper tarde para terminarlo😴.
✅Salvo algún personaje (uno o dos) todos tenían un lado malo que me hizo odiarlos pero, también un lado buenísimo que me hacía adorarlos. Definitivamente fue algo muy confuso.
✨Lo que más fascinada me dejó fue el poder y relevancia que tenían las vestales en la antigua Roma que era un mundo principalmente de hombres, definitivamente se llevaron todo el protagonismo. Por otro lado, la importancia de las vestales siendo mujeres chocaba con el papel de las otras mujeres de la época.
✨El equilibrio entre amor prohibido, poder, castigo, me dejaron totalmente deslumbrada.
❌La portada, en comparación con la versión en inglés, es infinitamente menos llamativa.
❌Había términos que no aparecían en los glosarios, aunque alguno venía explicado a continuación.
❌La traducción deja muchísimo que desear, en cuanto a que hay una ingente cantidad de erratas. Estoy deseando leerlo en inglés pero será más adelante porque tengo tantos libros pendientes que no me daría la vida 😂.
👍No obstante, me encantó el libro y no es fallo de la autora, con la que además tuve la oportunidad de tener contacto vía email y fue encantadora.
Para más: @elfaro_literario (Instagram)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2025
Blurb and price had me really psyched, but... eh. Meh.
Author admits blithely making up stuff, inventing characters, and freely messing with history (but not till the afterword), which annoyed me a lot. Late Republic/early Empire is my favorite period, so I was "that's not how this works!" often. She continually forgot about the Flamen Quirinalis even existing, for instance, in scenes where he should have been (There's only 3 major flamen priests, so always leaving one out in a book about religion is a BIG hole). And her "hot take" on Octavian and Livia is *very* unconvincing. The main male character is a complete jerk and a wife beater.
Good points: Captured the sensory feel of Rome wonderfully. It was nice to see things from women's perspectives. The female characters were good (except Livia). No obvious typos, clear writing.
If you know about Roman religion, you will be increasingly annoyed as the book goes on. If you don't know, you'll "learn" things that aren't true. For all the author's claims of doing research, she really didn't, or else decided to ignore it.
I can't recommend it.
Author admits blithely making up stuff, inventing characters, and freely messing with history (but not till the afterword), which annoyed me a lot. Late Republic/early Empire is my favorite period, so I was "that's not how this works!" often. She continually forgot about the Flamen Quirinalis even existing, for instance, in scenes where he should have been (There's only 3 major flamen priests, so always leaving one out in a book about religion is a BIG hole). And her "hot take" on Octavian and Livia is *very* unconvincing. The main male character is a complete jerk and a wife beater.
Good points: Captured the sensory feel of Rome wonderfully. It was nice to see things from women's perspectives. The female characters were good (except Livia). No obvious typos, clear writing.
If you know about Roman religion, you will be increasingly annoyed as the book goes on. If you don't know, you'll "learn" things that aren't true. For all the author's claims of doing research, she really didn't, or else decided to ignore it.
I can't recommend it.
September 8, 2021
Die drei Sterne gibt's vor allem für die wirklich gute Recherche, die in diesem Buch steckt. Beim Lesen des Klappentextes hatte ich etwas Anderes erwartet. Die Hauptfiguren sind relativ blass geblieben und die "Liebe" zwischen Q und P, na ja... das fand ich doch sehr unglaubwüdig. Schade, dass Gaius Julius nur so kurz dabei war, bevor der werte Brutus (und diverse andere Herrschaften) ihn aus der Gleichung entfernt haben.
September 1, 2015
I found this book to be a quick read. The goddess Vespa was not one that I knew very much about prior to reading this book. I really enjoyed the pace and the intermingling of the religious and political aspects of the story.
February 23, 2021
Mix of fact & fiction
A relatively accurate depiction of the demise of Caesar is followed by increasingly fanciful distortion and interpretation of the historical characters (sometimes recast as fictional composites), seasoned with lots of gratuitous sex.
A relatively accurate depiction of the demise of Caesar is followed by increasingly fanciful distortion and interpretation of the historical characters (sometimes recast as fictional composites), seasoned with lots of gratuitous sex.
January 16, 2021
Could not get past the first chapter.
A brutal rape of a slave in the first chapter completely turned me off of this book. Not for me. Thanks.
A brutal rape of a slave in the first chapter completely turned me off of this book. Not for me. Thanks.
June 24, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up.
Brides of Rome is an intriguing perspective on the early days of the Roman Empire. It mainly (or supposedly) follows Pomponia, a Vestal Virgin. She was probably the strongest character; others, especially Livia and Octavian, and Cleopatra to an extent, felt like caricatures, heavily playing into stereotypes and misconceptions.
As opposed to books only detailing this time period from the point of view of Roman or Egyptian heavy hitters at the forefront of the action, we get a glimpse into the importance of the Vestal order. I know I usually have a preference for first-person POVs, and this book is an example of why. It's in the third person throughout, yet it's as if there is an extremely omniscient narrator that hops from character to character with no form or structure. Sometimes in the middle of a scene the narration POV switches. I've never read a book quite like this that uses this technique. Though I'm not sure how well it is used.
One of Pomponia's major arcs is a potential forbidden romance with a priest of Mars, Quintus. Although it is so incredibly unbelievable because Quintus is a horrible man, treating everyone around him terribly. This "romance" was so absurd and ridiculous. It would have been more believable and added to the tension of the book if her love interest was a decent man; readers would probably root for them to be together. (Vestals were forbidden to wed or copulate during their 30-year service to the goddess Vesta, but once their service was up, they could. And considering they begin as novices as young as age six, they could still live a happy life once retiring).
I really appreciated the map of the Roman Forum as well as the glossary and index of Latin terms and character lists. The map especially helped me visualize the Forum, and the descriptions of the Roman homes and temples were well done, keeping me as the reader grounded and really able to see these people and places clearly in my mind's eye while reading. This was one of the strongest aspects of the novel. And its descriptions of the gladiatorial ring, Circus Maximus and slave markets were unflinchingly brutal.
I had high hopes for this read, and while it was an okay book, I just think it could have been better. I will probably still read the others in this series, though I'm not as excited as I once was. If this book had a more structured narrator (I think just sticking with Pomponia's POV and in first-person would have greatly improved it) and focused more on the Vestals, I would have enjoyed it more. I'm familiar with the stories of Octavian, Livia and Cleopatra. They are almost overdone. But a first person account of a Vestal Virgin in the heart of the turmoil within the fall of the Roman Republic and rise of the Roman Empire? That would have been unique and refreshing. This well-researched book does include anecdotes and stories of the Vestals, but it's saturated with alternating jumps to Egyptian or other Roman characters. It's really packed full for a relatively short book (coming in at about 260 pages), which kept me interested enough to finish. While some of the sentences are short and simple, the research is still evident. I think it still could have been as action-packed with the Vestals more at the forefront. There was so much that went unexplored about them in favor of, as already mentioned, other, more familiar, characters.
Again, this book was okay, and eventually I'll read the sequels; it just wasn't as much of a standout as I was expecting.
Brides of Rome is an intriguing perspective on the early days of the Roman Empire. It mainly (or supposedly) follows Pomponia, a Vestal Virgin. She was probably the strongest character; others, especially Livia and Octavian, and Cleopatra to an extent, felt like caricatures, heavily playing into stereotypes and misconceptions.
As opposed to books only detailing this time period from the point of view of Roman or Egyptian heavy hitters at the forefront of the action, we get a glimpse into the importance of the Vestal order. I know I usually have a preference for first-person POVs, and this book is an example of why. It's in the third person throughout, yet it's as if there is an extremely omniscient narrator that hops from character to character with no form or structure. Sometimes in the middle of a scene the narration POV switches. I've never read a book quite like this that uses this technique. Though I'm not sure how well it is used.
One of Pomponia's major arcs is a potential forbidden romance with a priest of Mars, Quintus. Although it is so incredibly unbelievable because Quintus is a horrible man, treating everyone around him terribly. This "romance" was so absurd and ridiculous. It would have been more believable and added to the tension of the book if her love interest was a decent man; readers would probably root for them to be together. (Vestals were forbidden to wed or copulate during their 30-year service to the goddess Vesta, but once their service was up, they could. And considering they begin as novices as young as age six, they could still live a happy life once retiring).
I really appreciated the map of the Roman Forum as well as the glossary and index of Latin terms and character lists. The map especially helped me visualize the Forum, and the descriptions of the Roman homes and temples were well done, keeping me as the reader grounded and really able to see these people and places clearly in my mind's eye while reading. This was one of the strongest aspects of the novel. And its descriptions of the gladiatorial ring, Circus Maximus and slave markets were unflinchingly brutal.
I had high hopes for this read, and while it was an okay book, I just think it could have been better. I will probably still read the others in this series, though I'm not as excited as I once was. If this book had a more structured narrator (I think just sticking with Pomponia's POV and in first-person would have greatly improved it) and focused more on the Vestals, I would have enjoyed it more. I'm familiar with the stories of Octavian, Livia and Cleopatra. They are almost overdone. But a first person account of a Vestal Virgin in the heart of the turmoil within the fall of the Roman Republic and rise of the Roman Empire? That would have been unique and refreshing. This well-researched book does include anecdotes and stories of the Vestals, but it's saturated with alternating jumps to Egyptian or other Roman characters. It's really packed full for a relatively short book (coming in at about 260 pages), which kept me interested enough to finish. While some of the sentences are short and simple, the research is still evident. I think it still could have been as action-packed with the Vestals more at the forefront. There was so much that went unexplored about them in favor of, as already mentioned, other, more familiar, characters.
Again, this book was okay, and eventually I'll read the sequels; it just wasn't as much of a standout as I was expecting.
May 11, 2020
Brides of Rome by Debra May Macleod
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Publishing Date: 27 October 2020
Star Rating 5/5
The Brides of Rome is one of those books that don't need an adjective, it is just simply one of those books... I want to read it again for the first time. The author clearly, clearly loves her subject, so much so that, the reader loves the subject with the same passion and is forcefully drawn into a richly painted world that I was sad to leave behind when reality called.
Brides of Rome is the first book in Vesta Shadow Series, This is a double edge sword as it means there are no previous books to gorge on but it also means I'm right at the start. The book and series delves into the ancient Roman world of the Vestal Order, the esteemed Vestal Virgins who serve as priestesses for Vesta the goddess of home and hearth. As long as her sacred flame burns in the temple, the Eternal City is protected and thrives. But who are these women? They are chosen between the ages of 6-8 years old and serve for 30 years. They follow strict rules of ritual and service and must remain virgins, because, for them to become corrupted, could mean Rome's ruin.
Throughout this book we encounter infamous names of ancient Rome: Gaius Julius Caesar, Marcus Anthony, Queen Cleopatra, Emperor Octavian, his sister Octavia and wife Livia Drucilla. We learn of how months changed their names. Each storyline is compelling and is weaved wonderfully through the Vestal Virgins story. The main Vestal we follow is Pomponia, a priestess singled out for greatness but she has a secret in her heart, while a fellow priestess is accused of incestum which is punishable by the cruel death of being burial alive in the 'Evil Field'.
There are many tragic stories within the book, unrequited love, lovers kept apart, the grasp of power and grandeur, loss of innocence, and a loyal slave's love for her mistress and hers for the slave.
I liked that I knew more of Roman culture and stories than I expected and that the author used Latin but also included a translation next to it so I didn't have to google it when it was used; and I learned that the Vesta, in the past, could be used as a get out of jail clause. However, their esteemed position was not imperturbable. There are so many points and storylines I really want to talk about but that would lead to spoilers.
I want more of the Vestals! Which is coming but the author only gives the name of the next book in the series and nothing more. Will the characters still be the same, will we be going back in time or forward, or the same story time period but a different priestess. When will it be out, when will this world return? So many questions and no answers!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Blackstone Publishing for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Publishing Date: 27 October 2020
Star Rating 5/5
The Brides of Rome is one of those books that don't need an adjective, it is just simply one of those books... I want to read it again for the first time. The author clearly, clearly loves her subject, so much so that, the reader loves the subject with the same passion and is forcefully drawn into a richly painted world that I was sad to leave behind when reality called.
Brides of Rome is the first book in Vesta Shadow Series, This is a double edge sword as it means there are no previous books to gorge on but it also means I'm right at the start. The book and series delves into the ancient Roman world of the Vestal Order, the esteemed Vestal Virgins who serve as priestesses for Vesta the goddess of home and hearth. As long as her sacred flame burns in the temple, the Eternal City is protected and thrives. But who are these women? They are chosen between the ages of 6-8 years old and serve for 30 years. They follow strict rules of ritual and service and must remain virgins, because, for them to become corrupted, could mean Rome's ruin.
Throughout this book we encounter infamous names of ancient Rome: Gaius Julius Caesar, Marcus Anthony, Queen Cleopatra, Emperor Octavian, his sister Octavia and wife Livia Drucilla. We learn of how months changed their names. Each storyline is compelling and is weaved wonderfully through the Vestal Virgins story. The main Vestal we follow is Pomponia, a priestess singled out for greatness but she has a secret in her heart, while a fellow priestess is accused of incestum which is punishable by the cruel death of being burial alive in the 'Evil Field'.
There are many tragic stories within the book, unrequited love, lovers kept apart, the grasp of power and grandeur, loss of innocence, and a loyal slave's love for her mistress and hers for the slave.
I liked that I knew more of Roman culture and stories than I expected and that the author used Latin but also included a translation next to it so I didn't have to google it when it was used; and I learned that the Vesta, in the past, could be used as a get out of jail clause. However, their esteemed position was not imperturbable. There are so many points and storylines I really want to talk about but that would lead to spoilers.
I want more of the Vestals! Which is coming but the author only gives the name of the next book in the series and nothing more. Will the characters still be the same, will we be going back in time or forward, or the same story time period but a different priestess. When will it be out, when will this world return? So many questions and no answers!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Blackstone Publishing for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2020
Wow! This book is absolutely incredible. Whenever I picked up "Brides of Rome: A Novel of the Vestal Virgins", I was whisked back in time to Ancient Rome, and went on a journey with this story. At times brutal, and always informative and intriguing, this book has so much in it. Some books you want to read quickly because you just need to know what happens next, and some books. you want to read slowly to devour every word and moment of the world of the novel and characters...and this book is both!
This is the first book I have read by Debra May Macleod, and I can't wait to read many more. Her writing style is so visceral, and she is able to truly bring the past to life. She seamlessly blends historical fiction with real historical people and events. In this book we see Julius Caesar, Octavian, Octavia, Antony, Cleopatra, Livia, Liciana, and many more. I believe that the author beautifully intertwines parts of their stories with that of the Vestal Virgins. I can only imaging the amount of research Ms. Macleod put in to this book, as everything feels and reads so authentically. It is so clear how much she loves what she is writing about.
I enjoy studying and reading about Ancient Rome, but I was not familiar with the goddess Vesta, the Vestal Virgins, or the Eternal Flame and its significance before. The Vestal Virgins were chosen from wealthy Roman families, and promised themselves to serving the goddess Vesta for thirty years. I absolutely loved getting to read about these women, and found it absolutely fascinating that they were given many rights other women in Rome were not. The closeness and support of these women for one another is beautiful. They are a family who protect one another. I so look forward to doing more historical research on them.
Priestess Pomponia is such a strong woman, and getting to really go on the journey of her story was incredible. I could really feel her struggles, her wants and desires, as well as her pain. She is smart, stands by what she believes to be right, and grows so much throughout the book.
Every single character in this novel really helps to push the plot forward in one way or another. All of their personalities are so distinct, and their actions stand true to who they are. I absolutely love the dog, Perseus, as well!
If you enjoy historical fiction novels, learning about Ancient Rome, and / or are just looking for an amazing read, I highly recommend this novel. I had a very hard time putting it down, and I did not want it to end. Chapter after chapter, I found myself so drawn into the story, and I could not wait to see what happened next.
Thank you so much to Edelweiss + and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of this novel, and to Blackstone Publishing for also sending me a physical review copy of the book. I so enjoyed it, and am so looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
This is the first book I have read by Debra May Macleod, and I can't wait to read many more. Her writing style is so visceral, and she is able to truly bring the past to life. She seamlessly blends historical fiction with real historical people and events. In this book we see Julius Caesar, Octavian, Octavia, Antony, Cleopatra, Livia, Liciana, and many more. I believe that the author beautifully intertwines parts of their stories with that of the Vestal Virgins. I can only imaging the amount of research Ms. Macleod put in to this book, as everything feels and reads so authentically. It is so clear how much she loves what she is writing about.
I enjoy studying and reading about Ancient Rome, but I was not familiar with the goddess Vesta, the Vestal Virgins, or the Eternal Flame and its significance before. The Vestal Virgins were chosen from wealthy Roman families, and promised themselves to serving the goddess Vesta for thirty years. I absolutely loved getting to read about these women, and found it absolutely fascinating that they were given many rights other women in Rome were not. The closeness and support of these women for one another is beautiful. They are a family who protect one another. I so look forward to doing more historical research on them.
Priestess Pomponia is such a strong woman, and getting to really go on the journey of her story was incredible. I could really feel her struggles, her wants and desires, as well as her pain. She is smart, stands by what she believes to be right, and grows so much throughout the book.
Every single character in this novel really helps to push the plot forward in one way or another. All of their personalities are so distinct, and their actions stand true to who they are. I absolutely love the dog, Perseus, as well!
If you enjoy historical fiction novels, learning about Ancient Rome, and / or are just looking for an amazing read, I highly recommend this novel. I had a very hard time putting it down, and I did not want it to end. Chapter after chapter, I found myself so drawn into the story, and I could not wait to see what happened next.
Thank you so much to Edelweiss + and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of this novel, and to Blackstone Publishing for also sending me a physical review copy of the book. I so enjoyed it, and am so looking forward to reading the next books in the series.
August 8, 2023
Weirdly, I first read about the Vestals Virgins, their place in Roman society and the punishment inflicted on them should they forget their vows in one of my favourite children's books! So when I saw this book and the promise that it would tell me such a story in a more mature fashion (while hopefully not giving me nightmares for a month!), I had to pick it up. And the first chapter set me up with exactly what I'd hoped for - something more detailed, but not drawn out or gratuitous.
The story then moves on to follow the life of the Priestess Pomponia, one of the Vestals who it seems might be harbouring some impure thoughts. The book takes place over a 20 year period, from the day she graduates from novice to Priestess, to the last day of her 30 years' service, following her as she comes into contact with the highest echelons of Roman society and beyond.
The author has done a great job at weaving fact and fiction together; many well known real characters play sizeable roles, and yet their appearance doesn't feel forced or fake. Despite most chapters starting with a substantial time jump (usually about a year) and perhaps feeling a little disconnected from each other, the story does flow well and isn't hard to follow. I'd also say that the author has clearly spent a great deal of time studying the geography of the period - without going into minute description, she still manages to successfully transport you into the heart of Ancient Rome and immerse you in your surroundings.
However, the story itself is a bit of a let down. You expect fireworks, but all you really get is a damp squib. The author builds up expectation on a few different plot lines from the get go, only to not follow through to a satisfying conclusion for the reader on any of them. On a couple of occasions I was turning a page expecting to have reached 'the good bit' or a particular pay off, and it just never happened. The frustrating thing is that the author has done a really good job at making the characters relatable and connecting you with them emotionally, so for there to be no real climax is beyond disappointing. I'd argue that even the blurb on this book is a bit misleading, which just adds to the frustration.
I did enjoy reading this, but I just needed more!
The story then moves on to follow the life of the Priestess Pomponia, one of the Vestals who it seems might be harbouring some impure thoughts. The book takes place over a 20 year period, from the day she graduates from novice to Priestess, to the last day of her 30 years' service, following her as she comes into contact with the highest echelons of Roman society and beyond.
The author has done a great job at weaving fact and fiction together; many well known real characters play sizeable roles, and yet their appearance doesn't feel forced or fake. Despite most chapters starting with a substantial time jump (usually about a year) and perhaps feeling a little disconnected from each other, the story does flow well and isn't hard to follow. I'd also say that the author has clearly spent a great deal of time studying the geography of the period - without going into minute description, she still manages to successfully transport you into the heart of Ancient Rome and immerse you in your surroundings.
However, the story itself is a bit of a let down. You expect fireworks, but all you really get is a damp squib. The author builds up expectation on a few different plot lines from the get go, only to not follow through to a satisfying conclusion for the reader on any of them. On a couple of occasions I was turning a page expecting to have reached 'the good bit' or a particular pay off, and it just never happened. The frustrating thing is that the author has done a really good job at making the characters relatable and connecting you with them emotionally, so for there to be no real climax is beyond disappointing. I'd argue that even the blurb on this book is a bit misleading, which just adds to the frustration.
I did enjoy reading this, but I just needed more!
December 8, 2020
Una novela maravillosamente ambientada en la Roma que vio morir a César y asistió al nombramiento de Octavio como «Augusto». La autora nos lleva de la mano por los lugares de renombre y nos describe la moral y el panteón romanos al tiempo que nos invita a las festividades propias de entonces. Hasta aquí el aspecto positivo, junto con que los capítulos cortos y el amplio recorrido cronológico agilicen la lectura.
La traducción de la novela deja mucho que desear. Frases inacabadas, palabras cambiadas por otras similares que te obligan a descifrar el significado de las oraciones por ti mismo, erratas (esto siempre sucede, pero aquí hay dos o tres por página) y cambios en el género o el número de las palabras: todo esto ha estado a punto de hacerme desistir en la lectura. Aparte de esto, se emplea un lenguaje tan sumamente vulgar que incluso a mí, que soy una abanderada de emplear anacronismos y dar un toque coloquial a las novelas históricas, me ha costado tragar.
Los personajes históricos retratados en la novela se dibujan como una caricatura de lo que se ha contado en las crónicas. Marco Antonio el borracho, Cleopatra la meretriz, Livia la manipuladora, Octavio el adúltero. Se representan exclusivamente los aspectos negativos de personalidades que en la novela parece que llegaron a ser lo que fueron por mera casualidad. Es imposible tomarles ningún aprecio o siquiera respetarlos. En cuanto a los personajes ficticios, creo que en su afán por centrarse en transmitir la tradición vestal, la autora no ha conseguido pulir un carisma que me hiciera sufrir por el final de todos ellos. O quizá el problema sea que estando nerviosa por cuándo encontraría el siguiente fallo no pudiera entablar un vínculo con los protagonistas o comprender sus sentimientos.
En definitiva, una muy buena idea con un interesante planteamiento pero con un desarrollo mediocre, aunque sospecho que, en su versión original, el libro habría lucido más.
La traducción de la novela deja mucho que desear. Frases inacabadas, palabras cambiadas por otras similares que te obligan a descifrar el significado de las oraciones por ti mismo, erratas (esto siempre sucede, pero aquí hay dos o tres por página) y cambios en el género o el número de las palabras: todo esto ha estado a punto de hacerme desistir en la lectura. Aparte de esto, se emplea un lenguaje tan sumamente vulgar que incluso a mí, que soy una abanderada de emplear anacronismos y dar un toque coloquial a las novelas históricas, me ha costado tragar.
Los personajes históricos retratados en la novela se dibujan como una caricatura de lo que se ha contado en las crónicas. Marco Antonio el borracho, Cleopatra la meretriz, Livia la manipuladora, Octavio el adúltero. Se representan exclusivamente los aspectos negativos de personalidades que en la novela parece que llegaron a ser lo que fueron por mera casualidad. Es imposible tomarles ningún aprecio o siquiera respetarlos. En cuanto a los personajes ficticios, creo que en su afán por centrarse en transmitir la tradición vestal, la autora no ha conseguido pulir un carisma que me hiciera sufrir por el final de todos ellos. O quizá el problema sea que estando nerviosa por cuándo encontraría el siguiente fallo no pudiera entablar un vínculo con los protagonistas o comprender sus sentimientos.
En definitiva, una muy buena idea con un interesante planteamiento pero con un desarrollo mediocre, aunque sospecho que, en su versión original, el libro habría lucido más.
October 25, 2020
The historical events of Brides of Rome have been covered so many times in other novels. But... uh... I will just keep reading books set in ancient Rome forever and ever.
The brides of Rome are the Vestal Virgins, tasked with keeping the sacred fires of Vesta burning, leading dignitas and authority to major public occasions, and recording wills. They're not usually the focus of Roman stories, maybe there's a reference to a Vestal taking part in an occasion or passing a condemned criminal on the street, thus granting him a pardon. Here, the Vestals are present at key events, so even if the story follows the familiar path to empire, there's a new perspective. I loved the scenes of vestal life, especially the relationships between older vestals and younger ones.
The book does have a few surprises. The story adds some new characters to the expected historical ones. I don't remember any accounts of Livia's sister (but would old Suetonius have bothered writing down a mere woman's female relatives?!?), who added so much drama to this story. I didn't love that one of the Vestals was secretly in love with a man. Partly because the charge of incestum was so serious (buried alive! bringing divine retribution on Rome!) and partly because I was annoyed by picking up a book about Vestals and getting a pining love story.
The moments I enjoyed most were hints to the future. Young Julia can't stand her obnoxious stepbrother Tiberius, for example, and Livia wonders whether she and Augustus will ever have a son. Also, Caesarian dies offstage and his body isn't shown, and since this novel played around with historical events, I think he might make a reappearance. Lots to come in the next book, I think.
The brides of Rome are the Vestal Virgins, tasked with keeping the sacred fires of Vesta burning, leading dignitas and authority to major public occasions, and recording wills. They're not usually the focus of Roman stories, maybe there's a reference to a Vestal taking part in an occasion or passing a condemned criminal on the street, thus granting him a pardon. Here, the Vestals are present at key events, so even if the story follows the familiar path to empire, there's a new perspective. I loved the scenes of vestal life, especially the relationships between older vestals and younger ones.
The book does have a few surprises. The story adds some new characters to the expected historical ones. I don't remember any accounts of Livia's sister (but would old Suetonius have bothered writing down a mere woman's female relatives?!?), who added so much drama to this story. I didn't love that one of the Vestals was secretly in love with a man. Partly because the charge of incestum was so serious (buried alive! bringing divine retribution on Rome!) and partly because I was annoyed by picking up a book about Vestals and getting a pining love story.
The moments I enjoyed most were hints to the future. Young Julia can't stand her obnoxious stepbrother Tiberius, for example, and Livia wonders whether she and Augustus will ever have a son. Also, Caesarian dies offstage and his body isn't shown, and since this novel played around with historical events, I think he might make a reappearance. Lots to come in the next book, I think.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews