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Nero and Sporus #1
Delicatus: From Slave Boy to Empress in Imperial Rome
The historian Suetonius tells us that the Emperor Nero emasculated and married his slave Sporus, the spitting image of murdered Empress Poppaea. But history has more tidbits about Sporus, who went from "puer delicatus" to Empress to one Emperor and concubine to another, and ended up being sentenced to play the Earth-Goddess in the arena.
World Fantasy Award winner S.P. Somtow weaves a vivid adventure about one of the most colorful personalities in ancient Rome. Delicatus, the first volume in a trilogy, speaks of Sporus, from his enslavement by pirates in a remote corner of the Empire to his meeting with the great satirist Petronius and the woman to whom he bears a striking resemblance, the beautiful Poppaea with her manipulative plans to seduce the Emperor Nero and become Divine Empress.
World Fantasy Award winner S.P. Somtow weaves a vivid adventure about one of the most colorful personalities in ancient Rome. Delicatus, the first volume in a trilogy, speaks of Sporus, from his enslavement by pirates in a remote corner of the Empire to his meeting with the great satirist Petronius and the woman to whom he bears a striking resemblance, the beautiful Poppaea with her manipulative plans to seduce the Emperor Nero and become Divine Empress.
244 pages, Paperback
Published January 5, 2023
53 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
About the author
S.P. Somtow
180 books156 followersCalled by the Bangkok Post "the Thai person known by name to most people in the world," S.P. Somtow is an author, composer, filmmaker, and international media personality whose dazzling talents and acerbic wit have entertained and enlightened fans the world over.
He was Somtow Papinian Sucharitkul in Bangkok. His grandfather's sister was a Queen of Siam, his father is a well known international lawyer and vice-president of the International Academy of Human Rights. Somtow was educated at Eton and Cambridge, and his first career was in music. In the 1970s (while he was still in college) his works were being performed on four continents and he was named representative of Thailand to the Asian Composer's League and to the International Music Commission of UNESCO. His avant-garde compositions caused controversy and scandal in his native country, and a severe case of musical burnout in the late 1970s precipitated his entry into a second career - that of author.
He began writing science fiction, but soon started to invade other fields of writing, with some 40 books out now, including the clasic horror novel Vampire Junction, which defined the "rock and roll vampire" concept for the 80s, the Riverrun Trilogy ("the finest new series of the 90's" - Locus) and the semi-autobiographical memoir Jasmine Nights. He has won or been nominated for dozens of major awards including the Bram Stoker Award, the John W. Campbell Award, the Hugo Award, and the World Fantasy Award.
Somtow has also made some incursions into filmmaking, directing the cult classic The Laughing Dead and the award winning art film Ill Met by Moonlight.
He was Somtow Papinian Sucharitkul in Bangkok. His grandfather's sister was a Queen of Siam, his father is a well known international lawyer and vice-president of the International Academy of Human Rights. Somtow was educated at Eton and Cambridge, and his first career was in music. In the 1970s (while he was still in college) his works were being performed on four continents and he was named representative of Thailand to the Asian Composer's League and to the International Music Commission of UNESCO. His avant-garde compositions caused controversy and scandal in his native country, and a severe case of musical burnout in the late 1970s precipitated his entry into a second career - that of author.
He began writing science fiction, but soon started to invade other fields of writing, with some 40 books out now, including the clasic horror novel Vampire Junction, which defined the "rock and roll vampire" concept for the 80s, the Riverrun Trilogy ("the finest new series of the 90's" - Locus) and the semi-autobiographical memoir Jasmine Nights. He has won or been nominated for dozens of major awards including the Bram Stoker Award, the John W. Campbell Award, the Hugo Award, and the World Fantasy Award.
Somtow has also made some incursions into filmmaking, directing the cult classic The Laughing Dead and the award winning art film Ill Met by Moonlight.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 11, 2023
Imperial imperfections
I started reading this book with no expectations or even knowing what it was about. As I progressed, it became grimmer with the turn of every page. The plot is abysmal, filled with morally gray practices that actually were prevalent. The hedonistic hierarchical suppression fringes the storyline as a constant reminder of how people were objectified.
The main protagonist is a sex slave and goes through so much harshness in life. I wanted a happy ending because I am an emotional person, but alas, life is not that.
The writing is painfully beautiful. The vividness of the narrative left me shaken. How much can one suffer before becoming unfeeling? Well, Sporus went through hell before tasting life a little. Only to be pawned for yet another heartless sport.
A reality that existed and perhaps not any better than today's society. Yet, crueler still for many...
Read this to learn how Sporus endured a mortal journey, experiencing humiliation, love, and acceptance. Accepting the turn of his fate, that is. It is a superbly written book that surfaces countless and once normalized ideas which are atrocious at best.
I am saddened.
I started reading this book with no expectations or even knowing what it was about. As I progressed, it became grimmer with the turn of every page. The plot is abysmal, filled with morally gray practices that actually were prevalent. The hedonistic hierarchical suppression fringes the storyline as a constant reminder of how people were objectified.
The main protagonist is a sex slave and goes through so much harshness in life. I wanted a happy ending because I am an emotional person, but alas, life is not that.
The writing is painfully beautiful. The vividness of the narrative left me shaken. How much can one suffer before becoming unfeeling? Well, Sporus went through hell before tasting life a little. Only to be pawned for yet another heartless sport.
A reality that existed and perhaps not any better than today's society. Yet, crueler still for many...
Read this to learn how Sporus endured a mortal journey, experiencing humiliation, love, and acceptance. Accepting the turn of his fate, that is. It is a superbly written book that surfaces countless and once normalized ideas which are atrocious at best.
I am saddened.
March 21, 2025
I don't generally gravitate to historical fiction... but I'm sure glad this turned up in my suggestions. You really feel for the main character, Sporus, and you want things to work out for him... but he was a real person and one look at Emperor Nero's Wikipedia page will tell you that wasn't the case. This book is full of glutinous debauchery, murder, suicide, sex and sexual violence. Skip it if you find these themes are triggering or if your sensibilities are on the delicate side. I can't wait to dig into book two... and also read more by S.P. Somtow.
August 15, 2023
This is a captivating dive into the Roman Empire, marrying meticulous research with an enthralling narrative. From the outset, Somtow's prose evoked a myriad of emotions in me. I felt the depth of the characters' struggles, triumphs, and ambitions, drawing me deeper into the intricacies of an era that forever shaped history.
What truly stood out was the fresh perspective offered in the book. By providing a unique vantage point, Somtow allows readers to form intimate connections with the characters and challenges them to view familiar historical events in a new light. The book's exploration of LGBTQ themes resonated deeply with me, creating a nuanced and compelling narrative about identity, love, and self-discovery.
However, while the prose often captivated, there were moments where I found myself pulled out of the narrative due to occasional grammatical errors. These oversights, though minor, could benefit from a more discerning editorial hand.
For this work to truly achieve a 5-star rating in my eyes, I'd have wished for a more balanced portrayal in certain segments. While the depth of character studies was admirable, at times, it felt like the narrative veered too much into the sensational. Striking a balance between depth and pacing could enhance the reader's engagement even further.
In conclusion, "Delicatus Nero and Sporus: Book 1" offers a rich, immersive experience into a bygone era. With a few refinements, it has huge potential, and I eagerly anticipate what the next instalment in the trilogy will bring.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What truly stood out was the fresh perspective offered in the book. By providing a unique vantage point, Somtow allows readers to form intimate connections with the characters and challenges them to view familiar historical events in a new light. The book's exploration of LGBTQ themes resonated deeply with me, creating a nuanced and compelling narrative about identity, love, and self-discovery.
However, while the prose often captivated, there were moments where I found myself pulled out of the narrative due to occasional grammatical errors. These oversights, though minor, could benefit from a more discerning editorial hand.
For this work to truly achieve a 5-star rating in my eyes, I'd have wished for a more balanced portrayal in certain segments. While the depth of character studies was admirable, at times, it felt like the narrative veered too much into the sensational. Striking a balance between depth and pacing could enhance the reader's engagement even further.
In conclusion, "Delicatus Nero and Sporus: Book 1" offers a rich, immersive experience into a bygone era. With a few refinements, it has huge potential, and I eagerly anticipate what the next instalment in the trilogy will bring.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 23, 2023
the fucking roman’s man…
June 9, 2025
Kindle unlimited warning on this one, although the author is a professionally published one whose reputation, according to Wikipedia, is a good one with various awards, honours and epithets. And perhaps this shows through in the writing of this story, which seems well constructed and without the kind of faults found in a lot of self published works. The writer knows what he is doing.
Characterisation of Sporus is good, as is the character of Gaius Petronius Arbiter. Somtow's placing of Sporus in Petronius' household is no doubt ahistorical, but served a story purpose here, as anyone familiar with the Satyricon would appreciate the idea that Giton in that work is based on Sporus. A touch contrived, but reasonable in a work of fiction. And this is how Somtow stretches out the story of the historical Sporus over three volumes. Don't read this as a work of history. Somtow is clearly familiar with Roman history but does violence to the interpretation of it.
Somtow's Nero is every bit as bad as he was later painted, and clearly much worse than we know he actually was. The depravities of Rome are also much more in your face than would actually have been the case. We have Pontius Pilatus showing up, but this is a version of Pilate who manages to recont two tales of his part in the Bible story without noticing that it was the same person he was talking about in each. Then, when Sporus is later freed, this again is ahistorical and apparently in ignorance of the actual Roman manumission laws (perhaps deliberate ignorance, to further the story?)
Ultimately I found it a touch slow, not particularly historical, but a competent story. I think I have been spoiled by the much better histories of Harry Sidebottom, or the more careful stories of Conn Iggulden. This story is not up to those standards.
One thing that really let this book down was the use of AI to make images dotted throughout the work. These images were clearly AI generated and all had errors. Being AI, they did not even look like each other. The use of AI was unnecessary, there was no need for the images, and they really drew attention to its self published nature. It would have been far better to omit these.
Characterisation of Sporus is good, as is the character of Gaius Petronius Arbiter. Somtow's placing of Sporus in Petronius' household is no doubt ahistorical, but served a story purpose here, as anyone familiar with the Satyricon would appreciate the idea that Giton in that work is based on Sporus. A touch contrived, but reasonable in a work of fiction. And this is how Somtow stretches out the story of the historical Sporus over three volumes. Don't read this as a work of history. Somtow is clearly familiar with Roman history but does violence to the interpretation of it.
Somtow's Nero is every bit as bad as he was later painted, and clearly much worse than we know he actually was. The depravities of Rome are also much more in your face than would actually have been the case. We have Pontius Pilatus showing up, but this is a version of Pilate who manages to recont two tales of his part in the Bible story without noticing that it was the same person he was talking about in each. Then, when Sporus is later freed, this again is ahistorical and apparently in ignorance of the actual Roman manumission laws (perhaps deliberate ignorance, to further the story?)
Ultimately I found it a touch slow, not particularly historical, but a competent story. I think I have been spoiled by the much better histories of Harry Sidebottom, or the more careful stories of Conn Iggulden. This story is not up to those standards.
One thing that really let this book down was the use of AI to make images dotted throughout the work. These images were clearly AI generated and all had errors. Being AI, they did not even look like each other. The use of AI was unnecessary, there was no need for the images, and they really drew attention to its self published nature. It would have been far better to omit these.
January 5, 2024
I loved this juicy, detailed book of the early story of Sporus and Nero. Life as a slave in Ancient Rome was no picnic, and the story comes to life in exquisite detail. The author has captured beautifully the terror of being plucked from a village, the traumas and indignities of being a pleasure slave, and the bizarre and fascinating world of the Emperor Nero’s court.
The true story of a slave boy who becomes an Empress, twice, is strange and remarkable in itself. This story does a brilliant job of making it gritty and real.
Going back now for the second book. Highly recommended.
The true story of a slave boy who becomes an Empress, twice, is strange and remarkable in itself. This story does a brilliant job of making it gritty and real.
Going back now for the second book. Highly recommended.
May 31, 2024
I’m still not sure how I feel about this one.
I had learned of the story of Sporus rather recently, and immediately looked for a book that talked about his story, with this one being the first to come up, and so I read it.
I honestly really enjoyed this, from the way the story is told as Sporus telling the story to a fellow slave on the day that he is destined to die to his story itself.
Now I have to admit that I have near zero actual historical knowledge of Ancient Rome and its culture and people and emperors, so really I have no grounds to critique any of the historical aspects of this book aside from my brain telling me “This doesn’t feel right but I wouldn’t know what’s right anyways so who am I to talk”. Take that how you will.
It should also be mentioned that there are some typos, which feels somewhat insane. Did the editor fall asleep at work and just let this go through as it was?
Either way, I will certainly be reading the second book to learn how Sporus’ story continues.
I had learned of the story of Sporus rather recently, and immediately looked for a book that talked about his story, with this one being the first to come up, and so I read it.
I honestly really enjoyed this, from the way the story is told as Sporus telling the story to a fellow slave on the day that he is destined to die to his story itself.
Now I have to admit that I have near zero actual historical knowledge of Ancient Rome and its culture and people and emperors, so really I have no grounds to critique any of the historical aspects of this book aside from my brain telling me “This doesn’t feel right but I wouldn’t know what’s right anyways so who am I to talk”. Take that how you will.
It should also be mentioned that there are some typos, which feels somewhat insane. Did the editor fall asleep at work and just let this go through as it was?
Either way, I will certainly be reading the second book to learn how Sporus’ story continues.
July 7, 2023
The Roman Empire stands as a repository of numerous invaluable treasures, ranging from priceless works of art to awe-inspiring feats of engineering and architecture. Rome, over the course of millennia, has indelibly carved its legacy. However, greatness is not achieved without a steep cost, and in the case of Rome, that cost was borne by the countless lives of enslaved individuals. Sporus, among the millions who enabled the grandeur of Rome, emerges as a protagonist whose narrative traces the trajectory of a young boy ensnared by slavery, transformed into a plaything for the affluent and influential. His tale epitomizes internal fortitude, adaptability, and an unwavering yearning for freedom in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Within the pages of Delicatus by S.P. Somtow, readers are invited to embark on a deeply personal journey, experiencing the world through the eyes of a young child ensnared and subjugated by Romans. The narrative casts a revealing light upon the lives of the opulent and influential of Nero's era, all observed from the unique vantage point of an enslaved child who was procured and conditioned to satiate the carnal desires of his masters. This unfiltered portrayal immerses us in the complexities arising from personal and cultural disparities, as sex, politics, and personal safety intertwine, weaving a tapestry that resounds with authenticity and relevance.
Delicatus is an exceptionally well-crafted work of fiction that seamlessly transports its readers into the unrefined facets of Roman life. The author deftly incorporates nuanced themes of gender identity and human sexuality, skillfully avoiding the imposition of modern values upon the subject matter. The prose emulates the style and language of contemporary writers of that era, effectively channeling the spirit of the time. While the narrative delves into graphic and mature content, the author's discerning approach ensures that it is rendered with consummate taste. This book comes highly recommended for discerning and mature readers who seek to truly immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of authentic life within Nero's Rome, all from the perspective of an unlikely protagonist.
Within the pages of Delicatus by S.P. Somtow, readers are invited to embark on a deeply personal journey, experiencing the world through the eyes of a young child ensnared and subjugated by Romans. The narrative casts a revealing light upon the lives of the opulent and influential of Nero's era, all observed from the unique vantage point of an enslaved child who was procured and conditioned to satiate the carnal desires of his masters. This unfiltered portrayal immerses us in the complexities arising from personal and cultural disparities, as sex, politics, and personal safety intertwine, weaving a tapestry that resounds with authenticity and relevance.
Delicatus is an exceptionally well-crafted work of fiction that seamlessly transports its readers into the unrefined facets of Roman life. The author deftly incorporates nuanced themes of gender identity and human sexuality, skillfully avoiding the imposition of modern values upon the subject matter. The prose emulates the style and language of contemporary writers of that era, effectively channeling the spirit of the time. While the narrative delves into graphic and mature content, the author's discerning approach ensures that it is rendered with consummate taste. This book comes highly recommended for discerning and mature readers who seek to truly immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of authentic life within Nero's Rome, all from the perspective of an unlikely protagonist.
January 27, 2024
I have to admit, I gobbled up this novel! It was a surprise to me; this is not the kind of book I usually read. But I don’t know a lot about Nero, and I was certainly intrigued by the concept of him marrying a sex slave, not realizing it was based on a true story. Our protagonist, the young and beautiful Sporus, is singled out from the very beginning when taken as a slave from his burning village. At first he seems to be totally unaware of his attributes, but continually finds himself treated differently and occasionally brutalized as he comes to realize that his beauty has both saved him and cursed him:
Often, when I had been put on display by my master, I was not dressed at all, and I had been told so often that I was beautiful that it had no meaning for me.
So when a man or woman disrobed me with their eyes, I thought little of it. But Gaius Nymphidius Sabinus was not disrobing. He was disembowelling. His look made my skin crawl. I looked away.
Brrr. Sporus learns the sobering truth that, regardless of his beauty, he is still considered an object because he is a slave—like an animal, or a fine vase. This trilogy is written as his life’s story, told to another slave who is applying makeup for his execution/apotheosis as a goddess in the arena. It’s a bit baffling, but since this is only book one, I still have a way to go before sorting it out. He is bought by one Petronius, a senator who is also the author of Satyricon and beloved by Nero—at least for the moment. Petronius treats Sporus gently and admiringly, thus gaining his affection, but he also has no problem lending Sporus to his friends. One of these friends, the beautiful Poppaea—who wants to be empress—is Sporus’s “spitting image” and determines to use our slave to further her own ends. That’s when the trouble starts. I wonder whether Nero was actually as completely unhinged as he is portrayed here, but the corrupt and degenerate court was certainly fascinating to watch, and the sex scenes were tastefully depicted. I immediately moved on to book two!
Often, when I had been put on display by my master, I was not dressed at all, and I had been told so often that I was beautiful that it had no meaning for me.
So when a man or woman disrobed me with their eyes, I thought little of it. But Gaius Nymphidius Sabinus was not disrobing. He was disembowelling. His look made my skin crawl. I looked away.
Brrr. Sporus learns the sobering truth that, regardless of his beauty, he is still considered an object because he is a slave—like an animal, or a fine vase. This trilogy is written as his life’s story, told to another slave who is applying makeup for his execution/apotheosis as a goddess in the arena. It’s a bit baffling, but since this is only book one, I still have a way to go before sorting it out. He is bought by one Petronius, a senator who is also the author of Satyricon and beloved by Nero—at least for the moment. Petronius treats Sporus gently and admiringly, thus gaining his affection, but he also has no problem lending Sporus to his friends. One of these friends, the beautiful Poppaea—who wants to be empress—is Sporus’s “spitting image” and determines to use our slave to further her own ends. That’s when the trouble starts. I wonder whether Nero was actually as completely unhinged as he is portrayed here, but the corrupt and degenerate court was certainly fascinating to watch, and the sex scenes were tastefully depicted. I immediately moved on to book two!
March 20, 2023
We don’t often get Roman slave stories from this perspective. Delicatus takes Roman historical fiction from a fresh angle. Sporus starts here as a puer delicatus, or a child slave used for sexual gratification. From that description the story can be somewhat disturbing at times when approached from a statutory lens. Keep in mind that there is a long stretch of the story where Sporus has no agency, even when it comes to his name. It is a realistic look at the life of a slave who is in some ways lucky to have been a beautiful child.
What really takes this story over the top for me is it’s attention to detail. It is not often that stories take such care to dive into the intricacies of Roman life. It is more frequent that these stories rely heavily on a prior knowledge of a base Roman life via Gladiators, or Emperors to alleviate the research load. This may not be impressive to some, but as someone who has taken interest in the slave world particularly of that time period this was a very intriguing read.
The writing was great, and the story keeps a great pace. The framing choice of an Sporus telling his own story was deployed well here. I don’t have any glaring issues with the work. I found it a little hard to get into the relationships, but that may have just been apprehension from reading stories like this previously and having trust issues with the permeance of characters. Overall this was a really interesting and fun read that I would recommend to anyone who likes historical fiction from the classical era.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What really takes this story over the top for me is it’s attention to detail. It is not often that stories take such care to dive into the intricacies of Roman life. It is more frequent that these stories rely heavily on a prior knowledge of a base Roman life via Gladiators, or Emperors to alleviate the research load. This may not be impressive to some, but as someone who has taken interest in the slave world particularly of that time period this was a very intriguing read.
The writing was great, and the story keeps a great pace. The framing choice of an Sporus telling his own story was deployed well here. I don’t have any glaring issues with the work. I found it a little hard to get into the relationships, but that may have just been apprehension from reading stories like this previously and having trust issues with the permeance of characters. Overall this was a really interesting and fun read that I would recommend to anyone who likes historical fiction from the classical era.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2025
In S.P. Somtow's 'Delicatus: From Slave Boy to Empress in Imperial Rome,' readers are thrust into the heart of the ancient Roman Empire through the eyes of a young boy named Delicatus. This first installment in the Nero and Sporus trilogy delivers a vivid and detailed portrayal of the barbarism prevalent in the Roman Empire, reminiscent of Mary Renault's 'The Persian Boy.'
Delicatus begins his journey as a naive slave boy orphaned by pirates, only to be confronted with a new set of horrors when introduced to the Romans. The narrative unfolds intricate details, such as Delicatus facing chastisement for not taking his tutoring sessions seriously. Readers become invested in Delicatus's character development, cheering him on as he confronts and conquers each challenge.
S.P. Somtow's storytelling prowess shines through as he masterfully weaves tales of personal perseverance in the face of adversity. A notable strength is his ability to balance historical facts with fiction, creating a compelling narrative around the relationship between Emperor Nero and Sporus. Sporus, emasculated to preserve his youthful feminine appearance, serves as a poignant reminder to Nero of his deceased wife, Empress Poppaea.
'Delicatus' is not merely a reflection of the darker side of the Roman Empire; it serves as a detailed exploration of the sex trafficking of slave children. Somtow exposes the hedonistic and barbaric culture that placed children at the center, providing readers with a thought-provoking and immersive experience into the complexities of ancient Roman society.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Delicatus begins his journey as a naive slave boy orphaned by pirates, only to be confronted with a new set of horrors when introduced to the Romans. The narrative unfolds intricate details, such as Delicatus facing chastisement for not taking his tutoring sessions seriously. Readers become invested in Delicatus's character development, cheering him on as he confronts and conquers each challenge.
S.P. Somtow's storytelling prowess shines through as he masterfully weaves tales of personal perseverance in the face of adversity. A notable strength is his ability to balance historical facts with fiction, creating a compelling narrative around the relationship between Emperor Nero and Sporus. Sporus, emasculated to preserve his youthful feminine appearance, serves as a poignant reminder to Nero of his deceased wife, Empress Poppaea.
'Delicatus' is not merely a reflection of the darker side of the Roman Empire; it serves as a detailed exploration of the sex trafficking of slave children. Somtow exposes the hedonistic and barbaric culture that placed children at the center, providing readers with a thought-provoking and immersive experience into the complexities of ancient Roman society.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2024
A fascinating narrative of a relatively minor figure in Roman history.
The beginning was a little jarring, mostly because I was getting a feel for the author’s style. It’s told in first person, and once I got into the rhythm, it flowed just fine. A few typos and grammatical errors, but thankfully not many. That is important these days, as everything coming out seems riddled with errors.
Ancient Rome was pretty debauched, especially the aristocracy. This takes place during the time of Nero, and I think the author did an excellent job portraying the people, places and events of that time. Very descriptive, very detailed, but not an info dump.
There are scenes that some might be a little squeamish about, some sexual and some gory. But Ancient Rome was like that, and I’m pretty sure anyone who has an interest in this book, this theme especially, will be just fine. It isn’t overly, unnecessarily graphic, either.
I really dislike the weird images sometimes placed at the end of a section. They are wonky and look AI generated, with weird hands and weird tube things and it was just… weird. Maybe I’m missing something with that.
Definitely glad I discovered this book. It isn’t like most of the generic Roman fiction, and you really get to dive in to the story of Sporus, a man most people probably haven’t heard of. Fiction? Yes. But even minor players in history deserve a chance to tell their story. This one just happens to be very full, heartbreaking, fascinating, and realistic.
The beginning was a little jarring, mostly because I was getting a feel for the author’s style. It’s told in first person, and once I got into the rhythm, it flowed just fine. A few typos and grammatical errors, but thankfully not many. That is important these days, as everything coming out seems riddled with errors.
Ancient Rome was pretty debauched, especially the aristocracy. This takes place during the time of Nero, and I think the author did an excellent job portraying the people, places and events of that time. Very descriptive, very detailed, but not an info dump.
There are scenes that some might be a little squeamish about, some sexual and some gory. But Ancient Rome was like that, and I’m pretty sure anyone who has an interest in this book, this theme especially, will be just fine. It isn’t overly, unnecessarily graphic, either.
I really dislike the weird images sometimes placed at the end of a section. They are wonky and look AI generated, with weird hands and weird tube things and it was just… weird. Maybe I’m missing something with that.
Definitely glad I discovered this book. It isn’t like most of the generic Roman fiction, and you really get to dive in to the story of Sporus, a man most people probably haven’t heard of. Fiction? Yes. But even minor players in history deserve a chance to tell their story. This one just happens to be very full, heartbreaking, fascinating, and realistic.
January 10, 2025
The depravity of ancient Rome highlighted by the story of a beautiful boy
Beautiful catamite Sporus is passed on from Nero to Vitellius. He recounts his journey ‘from slave boy, to fellator of senators, to Empress of Rome, to Goddess of Spring, to Queen of the Dead’.
He can’t remember the scene of the original outrage—was it in the forest? Or in a palace? When his mother’s head was bashed in. Now Emperor Vitellius intends to use the boy in a reenactment of the Rape of Proserpina in the Circus.
It’s a tragic tale from the pages of history, but the characters had no voice. Somtow creates a fictional autobiography of one of history’s most famous catamites, and in the process we get up close and personal with the perversions and voluptuaries of Otho, Vitellius and other unworthies. It manages to convey the horror of the sexual abuse historians called ‘an abomination’ without being graphic.
Nero sings while Rome burns, an apt metaphor for the decaying and debauched ruling class, until Pontius Pilatus suggests blaming it all on the Christians.
An absolutely smashing first line: ‘…chains and the sea…’ This is how the story of his sexual abuse begins. The tale is beautifully written, told in first person, as if addressing the attendant, the ‘overpainted whore’ perfuming him for sacrifice.
I discovered this author from GetBooksReviewed, and this is the third book I’ve read.
Needs a proofread.
Beautiful catamite Sporus is passed on from Nero to Vitellius. He recounts his journey ‘from slave boy, to fellator of senators, to Empress of Rome, to Goddess of Spring, to Queen of the Dead’.
He can’t remember the scene of the original outrage—was it in the forest? Or in a palace? When his mother’s head was bashed in. Now Emperor Vitellius intends to use the boy in a reenactment of the Rape of Proserpina in the Circus.
It’s a tragic tale from the pages of history, but the characters had no voice. Somtow creates a fictional autobiography of one of history’s most famous catamites, and in the process we get up close and personal with the perversions and voluptuaries of Otho, Vitellius and other unworthies. It manages to convey the horror of the sexual abuse historians called ‘an abomination’ without being graphic.
Nero sings while Rome burns, an apt metaphor for the decaying and debauched ruling class, until Pontius Pilatus suggests blaming it all on the Christians.
An absolutely smashing first line: ‘…chains and the sea…’ This is how the story of his sexual abuse begins. The tale is beautifully written, told in first person, as if addressing the attendant, the ‘overpainted whore’ perfuming him for sacrifice.
I discovered this author from GetBooksReviewed, and this is the third book I’ve read.
Needs a proofread.
October 31, 2023
This was an emotional horror. I gagged. I cringed, I was horrified, I was repulsed. Not once reading this did I smile or feel a tinge of joy. The horror poor Sporus endured are unspeakable. I am not well. I am very sick.
But finally for the first time in a long time, I feel something. The writing is magnificent, I couldn’t stop. Even when I gagged, even when it was physically painful, I was bewitched by the words, and as if caught in a trance I kept reading. I don’t know what that says about me.
Yes, yes, absolutely read it. This is the kind of book that imprints on you for eternity.
I applaud the author for not romanticizing the numerous r*pe that happens in this book. There is a scene where Nero r*pes both Sporus and the dead body of poppea his dead wife who he kicked to death, and it was hardly described.
Too often I see authors detailing child r*pe and other abominable sexual acts and I will never under why. It’s sickening. Moments like this should not exist on page to the point of romanticizing it. The author did not and it made this book somewhat bearable.
Note: This book is on kindle unlimited and kindle vella. I finished the kindle vella version and bought the kindle version to finish the story, only to find out the kindle version is just half of the kindle Vella version. This means what is on kindle Vella is book one and book two (on going).
But finally for the first time in a long time, I feel something. The writing is magnificent, I couldn’t stop. Even when I gagged, even when it was physically painful, I was bewitched by the words, and as if caught in a trance I kept reading. I don’t know what that says about me.
Yes, yes, absolutely read it. This is the kind of book that imprints on you for eternity.
I applaud the author for not romanticizing the numerous r*pe that happens in this book. There is a scene where Nero r*pes both Sporus and the dead body of poppea his dead wife who he kicked to death, and it was hardly described.
Too often I see authors detailing child r*pe and other abominable sexual acts and I will never under why. It’s sickening. Moments like this should not exist on page to the point of romanticizing it. The author did not and it made this book somewhat bearable.
Note: This book is on kindle unlimited and kindle vella. I finished the kindle vella version and bought the kindle version to finish the story, only to find out the kindle version is just half of the kindle Vella version. This means what is on kindle Vella is book one and book two (on going).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
This book is an unforgettable exploration of power, survival, and identity in one of history's most ruthless eras. From the very first page, the novel seizes you with its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and relentless tension, refusing to let go until the final word.
The story follows Sporus, a boy captured by pirates and sold into slavery. His striking appearance propels him onto a path both astonishing and tragic. Early in the narrative, the core theme is laid bare:
“You are a prime piece of merchandise,” he says. “But the useful life of a delicatus is brief. You’ll flower for a day, and then — poof — you will be too old. Learn to read and write. Be useful. Or they’ll sell you to some filthy lupanar when they’re done with you.”
Somtow's writing is exceptional—every sentence is carefully crafted, every scene layered with meaning. The tension remains high throughout, and the emotional depth of Sporus' inner world is achingly real. The author does not shy away from the harsh realities of Ancient Rome: cruelty, exploitation, and the fragility of human life. Yet, amidst the darkness, there are glimmers of humanity and fierce determination.
Reading Delicatus was an emotional rollercoaster. If you're ready for a story that will challenge, move, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page, Delicatus is a must-read.
The story follows Sporus, a boy captured by pirates and sold into slavery. His striking appearance propels him onto a path both astonishing and tragic. Early in the narrative, the core theme is laid bare:
“You are a prime piece of merchandise,” he says. “But the useful life of a delicatus is brief. You’ll flower for a day, and then — poof — you will be too old. Learn to read and write. Be useful. Or they’ll sell you to some filthy lupanar when they’re done with you.”
Somtow's writing is exceptional—every sentence is carefully crafted, every scene layered with meaning. The tension remains high throughout, and the emotional depth of Sporus' inner world is achingly real. The author does not shy away from the harsh realities of Ancient Rome: cruelty, exploitation, and the fragility of human life. Yet, amidst the darkness, there are glimmers of humanity and fierce determination.
Reading Delicatus was an emotional rollercoaster. If you're ready for a story that will challenge, move, and stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page, Delicatus is a must-read.
February 3, 2023
Delicatus has one of the most fantastic premises I've read about in a long time. A male slave (who resembles a Roman empress) becomes a Roman empress and the consort to another emperor, as well as plays goddesses in arenas. It's wild! (And apparently happened!)
Now as for the plot itself… the plot was hard for me to parse as the book almost seems more to be vignettes about the life of Delicatus than, necessarily, a story showing how he managed to do this extraordinary and strange thing. (A thing that seems like it would take something in his part beyond just resembling an empress - some artiface or extraordinary charimsa or whatever.) That this was lacking made me dock the book two stars. It's such fantastic potential, but then… I felt like I never really got that aspect of Delicatus' life.
With that said, the writing in this book is fantastic. Beyond fantastic. It portrays a strange and rich world that feels both real and yet stranger than any reality that ought to have ever happened. The characters are fascinating and wonderful. The writing poetic. So I gave back a star for that.
Which is to say, this is a really hard book to review. I suspect I'm not the target audience for it (what I wanted very much was to read about how a slave somehow becoming an Empress was even possible, while what I got was more a gorgeous book that has phenomenal vibes). But I suspect the target audience for this will love it. (And even while not being the target audience, I did very much enjoy it. The writing is some of the finest I've read in a long while.)
Now as for the plot itself… the plot was hard for me to parse as the book almost seems more to be vignettes about the life of Delicatus than, necessarily, a story showing how he managed to do this extraordinary and strange thing. (A thing that seems like it would take something in his part beyond just resembling an empress - some artiface or extraordinary charimsa or whatever.) That this was lacking made me dock the book two stars. It's such fantastic potential, but then… I felt like I never really got that aspect of Delicatus' life.
With that said, the writing in this book is fantastic. Beyond fantastic. It portrays a strange and rich world that feels both real and yet stranger than any reality that ought to have ever happened. The characters are fascinating and wonderful. The writing poetic. So I gave back a star for that.
Which is to say, this is a really hard book to review. I suspect I'm not the target audience for it (what I wanted very much was to read about how a slave somehow becoming an Empress was even possible, while what I got was more a gorgeous book that has phenomenal vibes). But I suspect the target audience for this will love it. (And even while not being the target audience, I did very much enjoy it. The writing is some of the finest I've read in a long while.)
September 9, 2023
"Delicatus" is a historical novel that explores the life of Sporus, a slave who became the lover of a Roman emperor. The author, S.P. Somtow, is a World Fantasy Award winner and a renowned writer of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. In this book, he combines his skills in creating imaginative worlds with his knowledge of ancient history and culture.
The book is rich in historical details and vivid descriptions of the Roman world, from its politics and religion to its art and entertainment. The author does not shy away from depicting the violence and decadence of the era, as well as the complex and often contradictory personalities of its characters. Sporus is portrayed as a sympathetic and intelligent protagonist, who tries to survive and find happiness in a cruel and chaotic society. He is also a witness to some of the most memorable events and figures of Roman history.
"Delicatus" is a captivating and well-written novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike. It is not only a fascinating account of Sporus' life, but also a reflection on the themes of identity, power, love, and fate. It is the first volume in a trilogy that promises to be an epic saga of one of the most colorful personalities in ancient history.
The book is rich in historical details and vivid descriptions of the Roman world, from its politics and religion to its art and entertainment. The author does not shy away from depicting the violence and decadence of the era, as well as the complex and often contradictory personalities of its characters. Sporus is portrayed as a sympathetic and intelligent protagonist, who tries to survive and find happiness in a cruel and chaotic society. He is also a witness to some of the most memorable events and figures of Roman history.
"Delicatus" is a captivating and well-written novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike. It is not only a fascinating account of Sporus' life, but also a reflection on the themes of identity, power, love, and fate. It is the first volume in a trilogy that promises to be an epic saga of one of the most colorful personalities in ancient history.
February 5, 2024
In S.P. Somtow's 'Delicatus: From Slave Boy to Empress in Imperial Rome,' readers are thrust into the heart of the ancient Roman Empire through the eyes of a young boy named Delicatus. This first installment in the Nero and Sporus trilogy delivers a vivid and detailed portrayal of the barbarism prevalent in the Roman Empire, reminiscent of Mary Renault's 'The Persian Boy.'
Delicatus begins his journey as a naive slave boy orphaned by pirates, only to be confronted with a new set of horrors when introduced to the Romans. The narrative unfolds intricate details, such as Delicatus facing chastisement for not taking his tutoring sessions seriously. Readers become invested in Delicatus's character development, cheering him on as he confronts and conquers each challenge.
S.P. Somtow's storytelling prowess shines through as he masterfully weaves tales of personal perseverance in the face of adversity. A notable strength is his ability to balance historical facts with fiction, creating a compelling narrative around the relationship between Emperor Nero and Sporus. Sporus, emasculated to preserve his youthful feminine appearance, serves as a poignant reminder to Nero of his deceased wife, Empress Poppaea.
'Delicatus' is not merely a reflection of the darker side of the Roman Empire; it serves as a detailed exploration of the sex trafficking of slave children. Somtow exposes the hedonistic and barbaric culture that placed children at the center, providing readers with a thought-provoking and immersive experience into the complexities of ancient Roman society.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Delicatus begins his journey as a naive slave boy orphaned by pirates, only to be confronted with a new set of horrors when introduced to the Romans. The narrative unfolds intricate details, such as Delicatus facing chastisement for not taking his tutoring sessions seriously. Readers become invested in Delicatus's character development, cheering him on as he confronts and conquers each challenge.
S.P. Somtow's storytelling prowess shines through as he masterfully weaves tales of personal perseverance in the face of adversity. A notable strength is his ability to balance historical facts with fiction, creating a compelling narrative around the relationship between Emperor Nero and Sporus. Sporus, emasculated to preserve his youthful feminine appearance, serves as a poignant reminder to Nero of his deceased wife, Empress Poppaea.
'Delicatus' is not merely a reflection of the darker side of the Roman Empire; it serves as a detailed exploration of the sex trafficking of slave children. Somtow exposes the hedonistic and barbaric culture that placed children at the center, providing readers with a thought-provoking and immersive experience into the complexities of ancient Roman society.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 3.5 stars rounded up. Though I did like the way that this was narrated so it felt like Sporus was telling the story to me, I also felt like sometimes where in the timeline the book was or what was going on could be a bit confusing which was something that I didn’t enjoy. Another thing that I enjoyed about this book was the journey that Sporus, a slave from a small village found his freedom during the time of Emperor Nero. I really liked Sporus, I thought that he was a very interesting character with good insight and I thought that the characters around him as well as the way that he interacted with them made the book an enjoyable experience. I also liked how what I already knew about Emperor Nero, Roman mythology, and ancient Roman times were not only added to, but also spun on their heads just a little bit, especially in the case of Nero.
August 14, 2023
Delicatus by S.P. Somtow transported me to ancient Rome. The author's writing was skillful and kept me engaged until the very end. The characters were well-written and memorable, adding richness and fascination to the plot. The story dealt with themes such as sex, politics, and personal safety in a world on the brink of change, accurately portraying Roman life. The expert storytelling weaves many themes into the story, making it captivating. Overall, Delicatus is a mesmerizing read that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of ancient Rome. Creative writing offers a beautiful experience for readers interested in historical fiction and ancient civilizations.
Book Series:
Imperatrix: The Empress who was once a Slave (Nero and Sporus Book 2)
Book 2 of 3: Nero and Sporus
This title will be available on December 1, 2023
Damnatio: From Empress to the Arena in Nero's Rome (Nero and Sporus Book 3)
Book 3 of 3: Nero and Sporus
This title will be available on July 25, 2024
Book Series:
Imperatrix: The Empress who was once a Slave (Nero and Sporus Book 2)
Book 2 of 3: Nero and Sporus
This title will be available on December 1, 2023
Damnatio: From Empress to the Arena in Nero's Rome (Nero and Sporus Book 3)
Book 3 of 3: Nero and Sporus
This title will be available on July 25, 2024
February 13, 2024
Delicatus by S.P. Somtow: this wasn't my first S.P. Somtow book. i remembered reading something by him back in the 90's and enjoying it very much, but nothing could've prepared me for Delicatus.
Somtow writes with such elegance. finding beauty and grace in the pain and degradation. it sounds so wrong and perverted yet under a master's touch like Somtow, he crafts the emotions of Sporus as though a fine musician suddenly given a Stradivarius violin. he creates a magic that enchants in the midst of the horror.
the premise of the story is horrible. Sporus goes through one tragedy and seemingly straight into another. he's misused and abused at every turn. and yet, i couldn't put this book down. it haunted my dreams, my thoughts and i can't wait for the next entry of the Nero and Sporus saga.
S.P. Somtow is a creative genius. i bow before his greatness.
highly recommended. read this book!!!
5 stars out of 5.
Somtow writes with such elegance. finding beauty and grace in the pain and degradation. it sounds so wrong and perverted yet under a master's touch like Somtow, he crafts the emotions of Sporus as though a fine musician suddenly given a Stradivarius violin. he creates a magic that enchants in the midst of the horror.
the premise of the story is horrible. Sporus goes through one tragedy and seemingly straight into another. he's misused and abused at every turn. and yet, i couldn't put this book down. it haunted my dreams, my thoughts and i can't wait for the next entry of the Nero and Sporus saga.
S.P. Somtow is a creative genius. i bow before his greatness.
highly recommended. read this book!!!
5 stars out of 5.
February 23, 2023
Summary
The historian Suetonius tells us that the Emperor Nero emasculated and married his slave Sporus, the spitting image of murdered Empress Poppaea. But history has more tidbits about Sporus, who went from "puer delicatus" to Empress to one Emperor and concubine to another, and ended up being sentenced to play the Earth-Goddess in the arena. World Fantasy Award winner S.P. Somtow weaves a vivid adventure about one of the most colorful personalities in ancient Rome. Delicatus, the first volume in a trilogy, speaks of Sporus, from his enslavement by pirates in a remote corner of the Empire to his meeting with the great satirist Petronius and the woman to whom he bears a striking resemblance, the beautiful Poppaea with her manipulative plans to seduce the Emperor Nero and become Divine Empress.
The historian Suetonius tells us that the Emperor Nero emasculated and married his slave Sporus, the spitting image of murdered Empress Poppaea. But history has more tidbits about Sporus, who went from "puer delicatus" to Empress to one Emperor and concubine to another, and ended up being sentenced to play the Earth-Goddess in the arena. World Fantasy Award winner S.P. Somtow weaves a vivid adventure about one of the most colorful personalities in ancient Rome. Delicatus, the first volume in a trilogy, speaks of Sporus, from his enslavement by pirates in a remote corner of the Empire to his meeting with the great satirist Petronius and the woman to whom he bears a striking resemblance, the beautiful Poppaea with her manipulative plans to seduce the Emperor Nero and become Divine Empress.
April 16, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. Sporus's story caught my eye after a YouTube video about Emperor Nero popped up on my YouTube recommended page. In the video, Sporus's situation was very briefly mentioned, and I immediately wanted to know more. This story does not only makes you actually live Sporus's life. It also makes you feel like you physically are in ancient Rome yourself in Sporus's body. You can feel the temperatures and smell the smells. Throughout the entire book, all I wanted to do was give Sporus a big hug, cuddle him, and comfort him. S.P. Somtow did a fantastic job with letting us not only hear and feel but also experience Sporus's story, who fully comes back to life in this book (and the next one too). I know the AI generated cover may throw you off when shopping for this book, but I promise you, inside, there is a miraculous treasure. 5/5 stars, easily!!!
June 2, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the premise of this book. As someone who loves learning about history, I had heard of Sporus before. This book did a good job of really placing the reader into Sporus' life and experiences in addition to showing the depravity and oftentimes gross culture and actions of people during this time period.
While the book was engaging, the timeline was a bit all over the place and the narration could be confusing at times. In addition, I was not a fan of the art that was added to the books, to me it looked almost AI-generated and oftentimes awkwardly broke up the writing (it did help push the reality of how young Sporus was though).
I loved the premise of this book. As someone who loves learning about history, I had heard of Sporus before. This book did a good job of really placing the reader into Sporus' life and experiences in addition to showing the depravity and oftentimes gross culture and actions of people during this time period.
While the book was engaging, the timeline was a bit all over the place and the narration could be confusing at times. In addition, I was not a fan of the art that was added to the books, to me it looked almost AI-generated and oftentimes awkwardly broke up the writing (it did help push the reality of how young Sporus was though).
August 5, 2023
It is not an overstatement to say that this was "one of the best period piece novels…ever read.” I whole-hardheartedly agree. Here was a book, from the first word, I felt in my bones. Well-structured and well-paced, with every word plucked directly from the muses at peak performance, I was taken with everything about it—scene, plot, characters, even the darkness and lightness highlighted in systemic debasement. I can’t wait to continue this story and will be looking to read all of Somtow’s books.
August 21, 2023
Intriguing historical fantasy about the colorful life of an ancient roman, Sporus. His amazing turn-of-fate as a slave-boy turned Empress, because he resembled the beautiful Poppaea. An exciting adventure with ancient pirates on the high seas to the lap of luxury in the Emperor’s palace. The author plumbs the depths of the Roman Empire, from the politics, breathtaking architecture and into the arena. This it the first book in this ambitious trilogy of little-known roman figures. Recommended for anyone wanting a virtual visit to ancient Rome!
November 22, 2023
Really good!
Step into the decadence of Imperial Rome with S.P. Somtow's award-winning novel, "Delicatus." This immersive tale brings to life the wild and colorful character of Sporus, a figure shrouded in the annals of ancient history. Somtow skillfully explores the intricate web of Sporus' life, from enslavement by pirates to encounters with the satirist Petronius and the captivating Poppaea. With vivid storytelling and historical richness, "Delicatus" is a captivating adventure that unveils the fascinating layers of one of Rome's most intriguing personalities.
Step into the decadence of Imperial Rome with S.P. Somtow's award-winning novel, "Delicatus." This immersive tale brings to life the wild and colorful character of Sporus, a figure shrouded in the annals of ancient history. Somtow skillfully explores the intricate web of Sporus' life, from enslavement by pirates to encounters with the satirist Petronius and the captivating Poppaea. With vivid storytelling and historical richness, "Delicatus" is a captivating adventure that unveils the fascinating layers of one of Rome's most intriguing personalities.
February 26, 2023
The author S.P. Somtow has given us a truly fascinating view of Rome at the time of Nero. Through the eyes of Sporus, a slave, we see the city as it probably was, and his storytelling engages the reader from the first to the last page.
In short, I loved the story and I'll be looking forward to continuing the tale with book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In short, I loved the story and I'll be looking forward to continuing the tale with book 2.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2024
Absolutely fascinating, told from the point of view of someone waiting to die, this is the story of their life. The Roman era leaps to life, the violence and cruelty, the opulence, the fear, it all springs from the page. It’s definitely not for the faint at heart, but it’s a brilliant read and draws you in from the first page to the last. I can’t wait for the next book to find out more of the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2024
Amazing!
This book came across my account totally random, but I loved the cover, so I took a look inside. From page one I was hooked. This story grabbed me by the throat and never let go. I had never heard of Sporus before and the author has done something truly remarkable. Sporus literally jumped off the page, and I really enjoyed learning more about life during Nero's rule. I will definitely be reading the series and look forward to Sporus's journey. Well done.
This book came across my account totally random, but I loved the cover, so I took a look inside. From page one I was hooked. This story grabbed me by the throat and never let go. I had never heard of Sporus before and the author has done something truly remarkable. Sporus literally jumped off the page, and I really enjoyed learning more about life during Nero's rule. I will definitely be reading the series and look forward to Sporus's journey. Well done.
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