Book Review: Empress of The Seven Hills + Another GIVEAWAY

Kate Quinn Event Continues...

I fell in love with Kate Quinn’s books right from the start- Mistress of Rome was like nothing I’d ever read before on ancient times (my reviewhere).  Then came Daughters of Rome with its strong willed women- what a story!(my review here).  So you can imagine my excitement to want to read Quinn’s latest: 

Empress of the Seven Hills

I was thrilled that many of the characters I had loved in the prequel (although this book can be read as a standalone) were meshed in the story. So from the start Empress of the Seven Hills, with its familiarity naturally brought out the curiosity to find out how these lives would evolve.

Once again, the story is fabulously woven, the characters vivid with strong-willed women; from Vibia Sabina (sharp spit-fire) whose thirst for knowledge of history, people and places make travel her passion (but there’s way more to her than just that..). Along her life path stands Plotina (wicked mother-in-law…and Empress!) Then there’s Faustina, Vibia’s younger (and drop-dead gorgeous) sister, who not-withstanding her youth is another clever girl. Outside this royal family there are more determined women; Mirah for one, the devoted and strong-willed Jew who stands by her man and her family at all costs.

And what about the men of this story?  Well, let’s just say that Vix is no ordinary kind of guy…son of a legendary gladiator (in Mistress of Rome!), this ‘out-of my-way’ tough, herculean-type guy manages to sweep your heart. Then there’s Hadrian, who you can’t help but love to hate (he’s just all bad); Titus who stole my heart(who can resist a cool, level-headed guy whose heart is in all the right places-and he’s cute too!) ; and, Emperor Trajan who is bigger than life-  (just the way I  like my emperors).  There’s more! But you’ll have to read the book!

Incredibly detailed, Quinn sets a spectacular Roman presentation. Usual to Quinn's style, nothing is amiss- you are immediately swallowed into a Roman world; from sparkling opulence down to muddy, raw battle camps and wars. Spectacular. And although this is a story set in ancient times, these characters make it easy for us to relate, even in this day and age. Beautifully written.

I devoured close to 500 pages in less than 3 days…Can you tell I loved this?  I did have one regret though…the last page- I wanted more!  But that's also where to my relief  I learned I’d have to stay tuned for what happens next...Yes, there will be a sequel!!

Get this book, it’s excellent.

GIVEAWAY Time!!!

****This week you can choose to enter 2 GIVEAWAYS!!****

1)  To Enter to Win: EMPRESS OF THE SEVEN HILLS  Go Here

2) Today, here, I am giving away one copy of: DAUGHTERS OF ROME

To Enter:

1) You Must be a Follower of This blog

2) Please leave your comment

3) Extra chances every time you FB, Twitter, Blog and come back here to send me your link

Winner announced this Sunday.  Open to Canada and U.S.Good Luck to All!!