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Locusta
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26Circe meets The Lost Apothecary in the first book of this historical fantasy duology featuring Ancient Rome’s most infamous poisoner who changed the course of history to save the woman she loved.
Born in the ancient region of Gaul, Locusta is the last of her kind—a Druid whose communion with the spirit world grants her the dangerous gift of identifying and wielding deadly substances. When Roman soldiers attack her home and slaughter her mother, Locusta is captured and enslaved, taken to the heart of the empire where political plots abound and death commands a high price. Guided by Arawn, the god of death, she must learn to survive within the brutal, glittering world of ancient Rome.
Her strange talents soon catch the attention of the Roman elite, and she becomes ensnared in a double life—poisoner by night for the cunning Antonia Augusta, and lady-in-waiting by day to Livia, the Emperor’s ambitious cousin. As Locusta plants the seeds of revenge against those who destroyed her home, her connection with Livia deepens into a passionate, forbidden romance that threatens them both. Surrounded by danger and deceit, Locusta’s poisons become their only protection against the increasingly unstable Emperor Caligula and the enemies lurking in every shadow.
Locusta reimagines the rise of one of history’s most complex women through a lens of myth, power, and feminine rage. Rich with ruthless twists, deadly magic, and a sapphic love story that burns from sweet to spicy, this is a story of survival, defiance, and the dangerous alchemy of love and death in a world ruled by men.
Born in the ancient region of Gaul, Locusta is the last of her kind—a Druid whose communion with the spirit world grants her the dangerous gift of identifying and wielding deadly substances. When Roman soldiers attack her home and slaughter her mother, Locusta is captured and enslaved, taken to the heart of the empire where political plots abound and death commands a high price. Guided by Arawn, the god of death, she must learn to survive within the brutal, glittering world of ancient Rome.
Her strange talents soon catch the attention of the Roman elite, and she becomes ensnared in a double life—poisoner by night for the cunning Antonia Augusta, and lady-in-waiting by day to Livia, the Emperor’s ambitious cousin. As Locusta plants the seeds of revenge against those who destroyed her home, her connection with Livia deepens into a passionate, forbidden romance that threatens them both. Surrounded by danger and deceit, Locusta’s poisons become their only protection against the increasingly unstable Emperor Caligula and the enemies lurking in every shadow.
Locusta reimagines the rise of one of history’s most complex women through a lens of myth, power, and feminine rage. Rich with ruthless twists, deadly magic, and a sapphic love story that burns from sweet to spicy, this is a story of survival, defiance, and the dangerous alchemy of love and death in a world ruled by men.
- GenresFantasyAdultHistorical
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
This book is the first in a fictional duology re-telling of Locusta, a female poisoner from Ancient Rome. We meet her as a 19year old living in her village, Gaul. We follow Locusta as she becomes a druid, is claimed by Arawn, the god of death and is taken to Ancient Rome as a slave following the slaughter of her village. Under the teachings of Arawn, Locusta furthers her skills and knowledge in different methods of poisoning, identifying poisons and ingredients and what it means to be a druid. After a couple of successes she is given to the grandmother of the current emperor who has her playing lady-in-waiting to her young cousin, Livia. By night, Locusta plays secret poisoner for the Emperor's grandmother while by day she continues as lady-in-waiting to Livia and begins to fall in love with her. They begin a passionate, secret romance while trying to keep each other safe amidst the constant threats and dangers of Ancient Roman politicians and elite.
I'd never heard of Locusta before coming across this book so had no real idea what I was in for. I was fascinated and invested very quickly both with the general story and Locusta specifically. It didn't take long for the story to get intense and the stakes to rise. I'm not typically a big fan of books with plots centred around literal politics but I genuinely really enjoyed this one. The way the politics was woven in with gods, magic and Locusta's improving poisoning skills was well done and was well balanced. Locusta being new to Rome and having to learn all about how everything worked allowed us as the reader to learn alongside her which was helpful. I found the romance between Locusta and Livia to be sweet and genuine and I'm always a fan of a good queer re-telling! Given the two young women spent virtually 24/7 with each other I really felt their relationship made sense and developed in a very natural way.
I found most of the characters in Locusta were complex, layered characters with their own unique motivations and side stories. While Locusta herself could at times be frustrating and a little naive, I do think it was a realistic portrayal of someone in that position. She was a 19 year old who had experienced immense trauma, had her entire life turned on its head overnight, was sold into slavery and left to figure out an entirely new world by herself. Honestly I think she handled it better than I would have as a full-grown adult! It was interesting and fun when characters started popping up that I recognised from history and seeing where they fit into the story. There was definitely a theme throughout the story of the specific difficulty in being a woman in Ancient Rome, especially a woman from a powerful family. The author did a good job at showing the polarity of characters and giving us insight into why they were the way they were. It did get a little confusing at times keeping up with all the different names but that was a me problem and not any sort of failing on the author's end.
I really did enjoy this book! Lots happened in the first part of the story to really set up this world and establish Locusta as a character. That was really interesting and drew me in right away. The middle was a bit slower than the rest of the book and did at times feel a little tedious and drawn out. I didn't find this went on for long though and wasn't too difficult to get passed. The pace then picked up once again and I found myself holding my breath and unable to put the book down until I finished. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for book two because I need to know how Locusta's story ends!
This book is the first in a fictional duology re-telling of Locusta, a female poisoner from Ancient Rome. We meet her as a 19year old living in her village, Gaul. We follow Locusta as she becomes a druid, is claimed by Arawn, the god of death and is taken to Ancient Rome as a slave following the slaughter of her village. Under the teachings of Arawn, Locusta furthers her skills and knowledge in different methods of poisoning, identifying poisons and ingredients and what it means to be a druid. After a couple of successes she is given to the grandmother of the current emperor who has her playing lady-in-waiting to her young cousin, Livia. By night, Locusta plays secret poisoner for the Emperor's grandmother while by day she continues as lady-in-waiting to Livia and begins to fall in love with her. They begin a passionate, secret romance while trying to keep each other safe amidst the constant threats and dangers of Ancient Roman politicians and elite.
I'd never heard of Locusta before coming across this book so had no real idea what I was in for. I was fascinated and invested very quickly both with the general story and Locusta specifically. It didn't take long for the story to get intense and the stakes to rise. I'm not typically a big fan of books with plots centred around literal politics but I genuinely really enjoyed this one. The way the politics was woven in with gods, magic and Locusta's improving poisoning skills was well done and was well balanced. Locusta being new to Rome and having to learn all about how everything worked allowed us as the reader to learn alongside her which was helpful. I found the romance between Locusta and Livia to be sweet and genuine and I'm always a fan of a good queer re-telling! Given the two young women spent virtually 24/7 with each other I really felt their relationship made sense and developed in a very natural way.
I found most of the characters in Locusta were complex, layered characters with their own unique motivations and side stories. While Locusta herself could at times be frustrating and a little naive, I do think it was a realistic portrayal of someone in that position. She was a 19 year old who had experienced immense trauma, had her entire life turned on its head overnight, was sold into slavery and left to figure out an entirely new world by herself. Honestly I think she handled it better than I would have as a full-grown adult! It was interesting and fun when characters started popping up that I recognised from history and seeing where they fit into the story. There was definitely a theme throughout the story of the specific difficulty in being a woman in Ancient Rome, especially a woman from a powerful family. The author did a good job at showing the polarity of characters and giving us insight into why they were the way they were. It did get a little confusing at times keeping up with all the different names but that was a me problem and not any sort of failing on the author's end.
I really did enjoy this book! Lots happened in the first part of the story to really set up this world and establish Locusta as a character. That was really interesting and drew me in right away. The middle was a bit slower than the rest of the book and did at times feel a little tedious and drawn out. I didn't find this went on for long though and wasn't too difficult to get passed. The pace then picked up once again and I found myself holding my breath and unable to put the book down until I finished. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for book two because I need to know how Locusta's story ends!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Possible Spoilers*
Locusta is a good book, but it definitely won’t be for everyone. Personally, I liked the exploration of value. Everything and everyone has a price. Whether the price is sex, death, gold, or freedom; power is appealing. Locusta, an enslaved Gaul in Rome, has little power. Even with a god at her side, she’s still a woman, and therefore considered worthless.
For most of the book, the reader isn’t living through events as they happen. Locusta is looking back at what got her to where she is. The daughter of a healing druid and a rapist, Locusta learned that power is destructive but also necessary. When Roman soldiers overrun their village, her mother sacrifices herself to keep Locusta alive. Of course that happens right after Locusta gets blessed(?) by the god of death. The trauma and symbolism isn’t subtle. She gets captured and becomes an enslaved “healer” (she can generally create death, not undo it). As long as she’s worth something to a man, Locusta gets to live.
She gets gifted to a cunning mistress, who pulls the strings of Ancient Rome behind her back. Antonia is the grandmother of Julius Caesar, and the great grandmother of Locusta’s love interest, Livia. Antonia was one of my favorite characters. Equipped with Locusta’s poisons, Antonia made men feel important, in exchange for their loyalty. Instead of taking men down herself, she let them rip each other up in a game of power. She sets everything up so that her family’s power is secured.
Locusta and Livia are a bit weird, but they do fit the story. Antonia assigns Livia to Locusta, as a challenge of loyalty. At first the two clash, but over time they build a connection. Livia is kind, and well-meaning, and Locusta is looking for something of her own. Both are at the mercy of men. You can see this relationship either as an abuse of power, or a rebellion against the patriarchy. Locusta, who is a bringer of death, and Livia, who is rich beyond measure, are powerless but find power in protecting each other. Like I said, they’re a weird couple.
My other favorite character was Livia’s aunt, Agrippina. The sister of Julius Caesar, she is manipulative and cruel. She cages Locusta by sparing Livia’s life. Another woman deemed expendable by men, she makes villainous choices to win a rigged game. I empathized with Agrippina’s character.
While reading, I would definitely recommend having Google on stand-by. Tracking Julius Caesar's family tree becomes tedious.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hay House for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Locusta is a good book, but it definitely won’t be for everyone. Personally, I liked the exploration of value. Everything and everyone has a price. Whether the price is sex, death, gold, or freedom; power is appealing. Locusta, an enslaved Gaul in Rome, has little power. Even with a god at her side, she’s still a woman, and therefore considered worthless.
For most of the book, the reader isn’t living through events as they happen. Locusta is looking back at what got her to where she is. The daughter of a healing druid and a rapist, Locusta learned that power is destructive but also necessary. When Roman soldiers overrun their village, her mother sacrifices herself to keep Locusta alive. Of course that happens right after Locusta gets blessed(?) by the god of death. The trauma and symbolism isn’t subtle. She gets captured and becomes an enslaved “healer” (she can generally create death, not undo it). As long as she’s worth something to a man, Locusta gets to live.
She gets gifted to a cunning mistress, who pulls the strings of Ancient Rome behind her back. Antonia is the grandmother of Julius Caesar, and the great grandmother of Locusta’s love interest, Livia. Antonia was one of my favorite characters. Equipped with Locusta’s poisons, Antonia made men feel important, in exchange for their loyalty. Instead of taking men down herself, she let them rip each other up in a game of power. She sets everything up so that her family’s power is secured.
Locusta and Livia are a bit weird, but they do fit the story. Antonia assigns Livia to Locusta, as a challenge of loyalty. At first the two clash, but over time they build a connection. Livia is kind, and well-meaning, and Locusta is looking for something of her own. Both are at the mercy of men. You can see this relationship either as an abuse of power, or a rebellion against the patriarchy. Locusta, who is a bringer of death, and Livia, who is rich beyond measure, are powerless but find power in protecting each other. Like I said, they’re a weird couple.
My other favorite character was Livia’s aunt, Agrippina. The sister of Julius Caesar, she is manipulative and cruel. She cages Locusta by sparing Livia’s life. Another woman deemed expendable by men, she makes villainous choices to win a rigged game. I empathized with Agrippina’s character.
While reading, I would definitely recommend having Google on stand-by. Tracking Julius Caesar's family tree becomes tedious.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hay House for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars rounded up
Thank you to Hay House LLC and NetGalley for an e-arc copy!!
The first third of this book - I had an absolute blast with just overall learning about Locusta, her mother, and her original culture was nice and it really made the book go by quickly. Absorbing the world building and knowledge. Although after the first third and when Locusta got introduced to the love interest, that's when the political game of chess kind of started. Maybe, political intrigue and the games that one most play to gain power/stay in power/making sure life stays comfortable for you and your family - just really isn't my thing. I found it to be a slog and difficult to get through. The most important thing to Locusta is making sure her beloved remains safe; even at the cost of Locusta's life/comfort. Though, the last 2 chapters really picked back up and I am curious to see how everything comes together and how the story will tie up. Had a blast reading Arawn's interactions with Locusta. They were a blast anytime they were in the scene and really grown attach to their character. Cannot wait to (hopefully) learn more about their connection to Locusta in the 2nd book.
Note: This wasn't a happy book at all - it was actually quite dark and sometimes a little heavy. You're in the space of Roman women, who didn't have much freedom. The only way they could have freedom is by plotting and scheming. There's a good bit of abuse towards the women - though much of it isn't explicit - just implied through the text. There are also a ton more non-explicit but there in between words of SA, possible incest, and some scenes of murder. Book 1 didn't have a happy ending, as our MC didn't end up in a place where she could fully enjoy life her beloved. And her beloved was forced into a situation she didn't want.
Pros: Sapphic, Arawn is fun, the exploration of the Gods and their powers was cool, the writing style was nice - really enjoyed Emily Dexter's writing style and world building. The ending left off on a nice cliff hanger.
Cons: It was a slog to get through the middle of the book, Locusta was a very rash and emotionally driven MC - she made decisions only out of care for her beloved and could be sometimes a little reckless because of it, but Locusta was very young (18-19) and will have a chance to grow in the next book.
Thank you to Hay House LLC and NetGalley for an e-arc copy!!
The first third of this book - I had an absolute blast with just overall learning about Locusta, her mother, and her original culture was nice and it really made the book go by quickly. Absorbing the world building and knowledge. Although after the first third and when Locusta got introduced to the love interest, that's when the political game of chess kind of started. Maybe, political intrigue and the games that one most play to gain power/stay in power/making sure life stays comfortable for you and your family - just really isn't my thing. I found it to be a slog and difficult to get through. The most important thing to Locusta is making sure her beloved remains safe; even at the cost of Locusta's life/comfort. Though, the last 2 chapters really picked back up and I am curious to see how everything comes together and how the story will tie up. Had a blast reading Arawn's interactions with Locusta. They were a blast anytime they were in the scene and really grown attach to their character. Cannot wait to (hopefully) learn more about their connection to Locusta in the 2nd book.
Note: This wasn't a happy book at all - it was actually quite dark and sometimes a little heavy. You're in the space of Roman women, who didn't have much freedom. The only way they could have freedom is by plotting and scheming. There's a good bit of abuse towards the women - though much of it isn't explicit - just implied through the text. There are also a ton more non-explicit but there in between words of SA, possible incest, and some scenes of murder. Book 1 didn't have a happy ending, as our MC didn't end up in a place where she could fully enjoy life her beloved. And her beloved was forced into a situation she didn't want.
Pros: Sapphic, Arawn is fun, the exploration of the Gods and their powers was cool, the writing style was nice - really enjoyed Emily Dexter's writing style and world building. The ending left off on a nice cliff hanger.
Cons: It was a slog to get through the middle of the book, Locusta was a very rash and emotionally driven MC - she made decisions only out of care for her beloved and could be sometimes a little reckless because of it, but Locusta was very young (18-19) and will have a chance to grow in the next book.
June 22, 2026
The foundation of this book is intriguing, dangerous and clever. The story of the official toxoligist of the Julio-Claudian Emperors' court, a poisoner hailing from Gaul. A powerful foreign woman in a spiderweb full of ambitious Romans. The history is there, the politics is fascinating, the plots and plans and movements of different people all leading to shifts in the political sphere. However, the writing of this character, amidst known recorded histories (Pliny's accounts, the writer himself is heavily featured), was weak. She was pathetic. Starting the narrative with her druidic claim by the god of death, which she is terrified of, immediately followed by her capture, which she is powerless against, didn't exactly paint her as powerful. Having her continually reject her deity, her purpose in life, her new gifts, her new role, any understanding of her captors, their politics and her place... She was just completely lacking in wisdom, cunning, street smarts, anything that a slave in a new land that rose to prominence would have needed...
She is obtained and given to Livia, to identify poisons. Of course, because Livia is a pretty Roman woman, Locusta's entire personality and opinions shift as she becomes wholly obsessed with her. The narrative becomes increasingly, pathetically self-deprecating, fawning over her mistress, who isn't even kind to her in the beginning... Their relationship switches up very quickly from obsessed slave to mutual romance, founded on her telling of stories... None of which are ever completed on paper... So the added element of that mythology and culture is blurred once more. She kills a man who insulted Livia only to immediately submit to her criticisms, calling herself a fool and uneducated... She barely develops as a character, basically just adapting to whatever Livia wants, or Pliny on occasion, attempting to reject her deity, using and listening to them only when convenient for her own desires... She's panicky, weak-willed, unwise and pathetically obsessed and in the end she loses.
The presentation of this character ruined any enjoyment I would have found through the well-researched representation of Roman history, the tricky politics and the doomed sapphic relationship. A few more braincells, please...
She is obtained and given to Livia, to identify poisons. Of course, because Livia is a pretty Roman woman, Locusta's entire personality and opinions shift as she becomes wholly obsessed with her. The narrative becomes increasingly, pathetically self-deprecating, fawning over her mistress, who isn't even kind to her in the beginning... Their relationship switches up very quickly from obsessed slave to mutual romance, founded on her telling of stories... None of which are ever completed on paper... So the added element of that mythology and culture is blurred once more. She kills a man who insulted Livia only to immediately submit to her criticisms, calling herself a fool and uneducated... She barely develops as a character, basically just adapting to whatever Livia wants, or Pliny on occasion, attempting to reject her deity, using and listening to them only when convenient for her own desires... She's panicky, weak-willed, unwise and pathetically obsessed and in the end she loses.
The presentation of this character ruined any enjoyment I would have found through the well-researched representation of Roman history, the tricky politics and the doomed sapphic relationship. A few more braincells, please...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
3.5 rounded up.
I loved the first 2/3 of the book. I thought the characters were all well interesting. The plot moved along quickly but didn’t feel rushed.
I would have liked Locusta to experience more inner turmoil about being a slave in Rome. It felt like once she decided to accept her fate, she was 100% okay with things. There was her confusion about Roman life and customs and politics but Locusta just seemed content with being a slave. There is a difference in accepting your fate while still being true to yourself at your core. She didn’t need to think she’d ever be free or go home but she definitely should have shown some private devastation/depression/struggle to adapt especially once she discovered how lucky she was to be a “privileged” slave with some agency/power.
Unfortunately the last 1/3 of the book dragged. It shifted as soon as the romance came in to play. It was so boring at the end that I could barely finish it. Just a ton of back and forth about “I love you!” “No I love you!” and a lot of talk of poorly developed plans. So much of the action happens off the page and we’re told about it instead of experiencing it with the characters.
I didn’t like Antonia’s gift to Locusta; it felt incongruous with who Antonia was and her mission for Locusta. I felt Locusta’s plans were always fairly simple and not at all well thought out. For a master poisoner, it seems like she kind of sucked at actually doing the poisoning.
I feel like this could have been really excellent but ended up as just okay.
Finally, for a book about poisoning, there was hardly any that actually took place on page.
3.5 rounded up.
I loved the first 2/3 of the book. I thought the characters were all well interesting. The plot moved along quickly but didn’t feel rushed.
I would have liked Locusta to experience more inner turmoil about being a slave in Rome. It felt like once she decided to accept her fate, she was 100% okay with things. There was her confusion about Roman life and customs and politics but Locusta just seemed content with being a slave. There is a difference in accepting your fate while still being true to yourself at your core. She didn’t need to think she’d ever be free or go home but she definitely should have shown some private devastation/depression/struggle to adapt especially once she discovered how lucky she was to be a “privileged” slave with some agency/power.
Unfortunately the last 1/3 of the book dragged. It shifted as soon as the romance came in to play. It was so boring at the end that I could barely finish it. Just a ton of back and forth about “I love you!” “No I love you!” and a lot of talk of poorly developed plans. So much of the action happens off the page and we’re told about it instead of experiencing it with the characters.
I didn’t like Antonia’s gift to Locusta; it felt incongruous with who Antonia was and her mission for Locusta. I felt Locusta’s plans were always fairly simple and not at all well thought out. For a master poisoner, it seems like she kind of sucked at actually doing the poisoning.
I feel like this could have been really excellent but ended up as just okay.
Finally, for a book about poisoning, there was hardly any that actually took place on page.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy through NetGalley for review.
This sounded like an interesting premise.
Unfortunately I found the writing and prose to be very stiff and stilted, it didn't really give me much in emotions from any of the characters.
Locusta, was stolen by Rome as a teenager shortly after performing the druidic rites with her mother, a famous druid in Gaul and her village for her healing abilities- gained from her being claimed by many gods.
Locusta who seemed to have a fascination as a child with death and poisons finds herself claimed by a god of death, who has granted her the ability to see and feel souls as they leave this world and a vast knowledge of plants and poisons and how they may be used to kill, much to her ongoing irritation.
Wither her abduction her god tries to guide her to keep her alive, putting her in the path as a slave to several powerful people, eventually gaining her freedom and elevation as a wealthy Roman woman.
Her relationship with Livia seemed a little insta love, as was their attraction to one another.
And it seems like in that she loses herself in it, willing to do anything to stay together or keep her alive in the mass of her sniping, backstabbing high up family and their love of deadly power moves.
What was a great premise just felt a little flat overall. The aspects of roman life, dress and cosmetics seemed well researched in certain aspects, but lacked the human spark to get this off the ground.
This sounded like an interesting premise.
Unfortunately I found the writing and prose to be very stiff and stilted, it didn't really give me much in emotions from any of the characters.
Locusta, was stolen by Rome as a teenager shortly after performing the druidic rites with her mother, a famous druid in Gaul and her village for her healing abilities- gained from her being claimed by many gods.
Locusta who seemed to have a fascination as a child with death and poisons finds herself claimed by a god of death, who has granted her the ability to see and feel souls as they leave this world and a vast knowledge of plants and poisons and how they may be used to kill, much to her ongoing irritation.
Wither her abduction her god tries to guide her to keep her alive, putting her in the path as a slave to several powerful people, eventually gaining her freedom and elevation as a wealthy Roman woman.
Her relationship with Livia seemed a little insta love, as was their attraction to one another.
And it seems like in that she loses herself in it, willing to do anything to stay together or keep her alive in the mass of her sniping, backstabbing high up family and their love of deadly power moves.
What was a great premise just felt a little flat overall. The aspects of roman life, dress and cosmetics seemed well researched in certain aspects, but lacked the human spark to get this off the ground.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really appreciated that this book is well-researched and has an interesting perspective of the Roman Empire. It’s like a female version of Roman Empire fantasy, but unfortunately still with the unpleasant truths that came along with it.
The prologue is strong and gets the reader very invested in the opening scene. The author’s descriptiveness is a strong point of the writing, however sometimes it felt a bit drawn out and like it could’ve been trimmed down a bit.
Speaking of, there is a lot of introspection in the book, and not the kind I enjoy. It’s a lot of internally dwelling on worries about what to do or if the FMC should go through with whatever she’s doing at the time. It gets really repetitive, and you can almost skip paragraphs of text where it’s just the FMC worrying.
The middle of the book drags quite a lot, and all of that dragging doesn’t build up to a satisfying ending. The book wraps up with “big” events that make sense almost from about 1/3 of the way in, and it doesn’t feel rewarding to have read everything in between.
Overall, I really like what this book was trying to do, but it unfortunately couldn’t quite get there. I don’t think the story did Locusta justice, and overall made her an unpleasant character to read.
The prologue is strong and gets the reader very invested in the opening scene. The author’s descriptiveness is a strong point of the writing, however sometimes it felt a bit drawn out and like it could’ve been trimmed down a bit.
Speaking of, there is a lot of introspection in the book, and not the kind I enjoy. It’s a lot of internally dwelling on worries about what to do or if the FMC should go through with whatever she’s doing at the time. It gets really repetitive, and you can almost skip paragraphs of text where it’s just the FMC worrying.
The middle of the book drags quite a lot, and all of that dragging doesn’t build up to a satisfying ending. The book wraps up with “big” events that make sense almost from about 1/3 of the way in, and it doesn’t feel rewarding to have read everything in between.
Overall, I really like what this book was trying to do, but it unfortunately couldn’t quite get there. I don’t think the story did Locusta justice, and overall made her an unpleasant character to read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Emily Dexter's Locusta is a sapphic historical fantasy set in ancient Rome, inspired by the little that's known about the infamous titular character, a known poisoner. The book is very well researched, and it shows; the prose is also quite nice, with lovely turns of phrase. Locusta's journey from young woman to consummate poisoner is handled perhaps too quickly, with far less introspection one would expect from one who is dragged away from home and sold as slave after witnessing the murder of everyone she knows.
Instead, Locusta settles into her role with little doubt nor recollection, and quickly adapts to Rome and Rome's intrigue, especially when she falls in love with Livia. Their romance was sweet, and Livia's character ends up far more interesting than the protagonist, with her isolation and cunning. In general, all the female characters were very well done, especially Antonia Augusta.
The magical aspect mingles with history in an intriguing way, showing what a god's patronage and meddling might look like.
Locusta has a strong premise, but it fails to stick the landing.
✨ 3.5 stars
Emily Dexter's Locusta is a sapphic historical fantasy set in ancient Rome, inspired by the little that's known about the infamous titular character, a known poisoner. The book is very well researched, and it shows; the prose is also quite nice, with lovely turns of phrase. Locusta's journey from young woman to consummate poisoner is handled perhaps too quickly, with far less introspection one would expect from one who is dragged away from home and sold as slave after witnessing the murder of everyone she knows.
Instead, Locusta settles into her role with little doubt nor recollection, and quickly adapts to Rome and Rome's intrigue, especially when she falls in love with Livia. Their romance was sweet, and Livia's character ends up far more interesting than the protagonist, with her isolation and cunning. In general, all the female characters were very well done, especially Antonia Augusta.
The magical aspect mingles with history in an intriguing way, showing what a god's patronage and meddling might look like.
Locusta has a strong premise, but it fails to stick the landing.
✨ 3.5 stars
July 8, 2026
Can't talk rn, I'm girlbossing (poisoning officials high above my station).
3.5/5 ⭐️ (rounded up)
A fun historical fantasy novel based on the rarely told story of Locusta the poisoner and an enemies-ish to lovers sapphic subplot to swoon over.
While I did enjoy Livia and Locusta's banter and thier connection, I did have some difficulties getting past the inherent power imbalances of their relationship. Despite a few references about how Livia is " different from the rest" and "kinder", she is still a high brow Roman official with the plethora of issues that come with that.
At some points the plot feels a little slow, and it feels like there is not much happening. It wasn't necessarily bad to read, I found it pretty enjoyable actually. The main thing, though, is that sometimes it was hard to get into the plot and I ended up distracted or with my mind wandering.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hay House Publishers for the ARC copy!
3.5/5 ⭐️ (rounded up)
A fun historical fantasy novel based on the rarely told story of Locusta the poisoner and an enemies-ish to lovers sapphic subplot to swoon over.
While I did enjoy Livia and Locusta's banter and thier connection, I did have some difficulties getting past the inherent power imbalances of their relationship. Despite a few references about how Livia is " different from the rest" and "kinder", she is still a high brow Roman official with the plethora of issues that come with that.
At some points the plot feels a little slow, and it feels like there is not much happening. It wasn't necessarily bad to read, I found it pretty enjoyable actually. The main thing, though, is that sometimes it was hard to get into the plot and I ended up distracted or with my mind wandering.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hay House Publishers for the ARC copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5
Thank you so much to the author and those at Hay House for sending me this ARC!
•••
WOW, I absolutely LOVED the concept of this book! Centered around an incredibly tumultuous Rome, focusing on a poisoner by the name Locusta and her dearly beloved Livia, I found myself in awe of the author’s very obvious devotion to the history of Rome, and her less famous denizens. Overall, this sapphic historical fiction was incredibly enjoyable to read and the added magic and gods made it even more delectable! I did have some issues staying in the story for about a hundred pages or so in the middle, I do love political intrigue but I felt that things were a bit too good for too long!
Highly recommend this novel for any fans of Rome and I recommend it even more to those who really are sick of Rome always being the hero of the story.
Thank you so much to the author and those at Hay House for sending me this ARC!
•••
WOW, I absolutely LOVED the concept of this book! Centered around an incredibly tumultuous Rome, focusing on a poisoner by the name Locusta and her dearly beloved Livia, I found myself in awe of the author’s very obvious devotion to the history of Rome, and her less famous denizens. Overall, this sapphic historical fiction was incredibly enjoyable to read and the added magic and gods made it even more delectable! I did have some issues staying in the story for about a hundred pages or so in the middle, I do love political intrigue but I felt that things were a bit too good for too long!
Highly recommend this novel for any fans of Rome and I recommend it even more to those who really are sick of Rome always being the hero of the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Locusta was such an interesting take on one of the most fascinating women in Roman history. Choosing Locusta as the main character was a brilliant idea, and I really enjoyed how well she was developed throughout the story. The connection to the god of death added a compelling fantasy element, while the inclusion of real historical events showed the author's passion for the period.
As someone with a background in Roman history, I did find some of the historical inaccuracies a little frustrating. However, I don't think they'll detract from the experience for most readers who aren't as familiar with the history.
Overall, this was an engaging start to the duology, and I'm interested enough to see where the story goes in book two.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As someone with a background in Roman history, I did find some of the historical inaccuracies a little frustrating. However, I don't think they'll detract from the experience for most readers who aren't as familiar with the history.
Overall, this was an engaging start to the duology, and I'm interested enough to see where the story goes in book two.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley ARC 🤍
Okay historical fantasy is slowly becoming my entire personality apparently because I ate this up!
Ancient Rome, poison, magic, gods, political drama AND a sapphic romance?? Like hello??? You already had me at poison.
I had actually never heard of Locusta before this and now I’m absolutely fascinated. I loved following her story and watching her find her way through this completely chaotic and dangerous world. There was just so much happening and I was INVESTED.
I also really loved Locusta and Livia 🥹 their relationship was so sweet and I was fully rooting for them the entire time.
This was such a fun, addictive read and now I obviously need book two because apparently I have zero patience and need to know what happens immediately.
Okay historical fantasy is slowly becoming my entire personality apparently because I ate this up!
Ancient Rome, poison, magic, gods, political drama AND a sapphic romance?? Like hello??? You already had me at poison.
I had actually never heard of Locusta before this and now I’m absolutely fascinated. I loved following her story and watching her find her way through this completely chaotic and dangerous world. There was just so much happening and I was INVESTED.
I also really loved Locusta and Livia 🥹 their relationship was so sweet and I was fully rooting for them the entire time.
This was such a fun, addictive read and now I obviously need book two because apparently I have zero patience and need to know what happens immediately.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was really excited to read a sapphic fantasy in Ancient Rome- but I just couldn't get through the writing style, it just made me completely uninterested in the book itself. There was way too much really awkward exposition in the opening of the novel, and the prose was just odd. There was one sentence that particularly stood out to me, which was saying that the feeling of a god in someone's brain was as hard to describe as telling a man about how a baby kicking you in the womb feels. Which makes no sense because the narrator is seventeen and has never had a child- she wouldn't get it either?
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