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dezdamona's review against another edition
3.0
It was a good historical book. It has a great story. I really liked it.
stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
4.0
A compelling story and well-written. A different perspective on Augustus' Rome. Some sad parts!
kayzo's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
ashhearddwrites's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
it's fine. easy read but i got aggravated with historical inaccuracies and some of the portrayals of historical figures
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Death, Slavery, and Death of parent
amanda1793's review
4.0
So this took a while simply because I was listening on audio and only when I was in my car alone. Non the less, it gets a solid 4 stars.
There are many aspects I loved about this book. Starting with the historical accuracy. I loved that Ms. Moran was able to capture this time with vivid images. I loved that she chose these particular figures to tell this story.
What I didn't like were: the long chapters, and that I found Julia to be quite annoyingly angsty at times. I also found the revelation of Juba being the "protector" and then "lover" to Selene was rushed: I know it was all at the end of the book but another chapter or an epilogue could've been added, for someone who spent the entire book pining after someone else to be quickly taken with a different person was, I felt, not done just right. The seemingly jokey thing I didn't like was finding out that "The Red Eagle" didn't actually exist, but was based on the true feelings of Juba.
Overall, this book was amazing and I would recommend it for sure.
There are many aspects I loved about this book. Starting with the historical accuracy. I loved that Ms. Moran was able to capture this time with vivid images. I loved that she chose these particular figures to tell this story.
What I didn't like were: the long chapters, and that I found Julia to be quite annoyingly angsty at times. I also found the revelation of Juba being the "protector" and then "lover" to Selene was rushed: I know it was all at the end of the book but another chapter or an epilogue could've been added, for someone who spent the entire book pining after someone else to be quickly taken with a different person was, I felt, not done just right. The seemingly jokey thing I didn't like was finding out that "The Red Eagle" didn't actually exist, but was based on the true feelings of Juba.
Overall, this book was amazing and I would recommend it for sure.
kcoleman's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book, I liked the history that was interwoven with the story of Selene. I always am amazed when an author can take history and weave a story through it, and Miss Moran dose an amazing job! Very good book!
campreadkarin's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
stefs1974's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
rayarriz's review against another edition
3.0
Good story but the writing was not the best. The story was told in simple words, as if the author never took the pains to be creative. I did love the characters, especially the twins. I wonder if these authors are popular for their writing or the content and setting of their stories?