Lady of the Eternal City by Kate Quinn not only boasts a stunning cover but also a deeply engrossing saga of Roman life. Lady of the Eternal City is the fourth book in the Empress of Rome Series and I can’t say enough times what an amazing storyteller Kate is. Her novels are rich in historical detail but she weaves fact and fiction so seamlessly that you find yourself completely drawn into her books and living and breathing with her characters. While you can read this book on its own I think a reader’s experience is enriched by reading all of the books in the series. For myself, I have come to know and love these characters while hating others. I have seen Rome, numerous battles, and love through their eyes. I have laughed and cried with them and as this is the final volume in the series I will miss them.
I’m going to go over a bit of the plot but because it’s the fourth book and because I don’t want to give anything away it will be very brief. Instead I’ll talk about the characters and how I’ve felt about this series in general. Hadrian is finally Emperor of Rome and Sabina Empress. Unfortunately for everyone Hadrian is not always a kind and patient ruler and while he is a good ruler in terms of what is good for Rome his behavior in other areas can be erratic. Sabina just tries to keep the peace especially between Hadrian and her true love Vix. Vix is still a warrior but now a family man as well. Being the man that he is he is horrified to find that that Antinous, his adopted son, has begun a love affair with the emperor. This sets off a chain of events that nobody could have predicted that leads not only to tragedy but eventually to the spiraling madness of the emperor.
That’s all I can say. So much happens in this final novel and I was glued to each and every one of its 528 pages, flipping them ever faster and faster at certain parts and especially towards the end. When I finished I tried to decide if I have a favorite character but I couldn’t decide on one because I have a few – Vix, Antinous, Sabina, Titus, and now Annia who we meet in this installment. Vix who is as soft as he is hard and Sabina who I think I may have liked and hated in equal measure at times. This series has been a true pleasure to read and each book is just as good as the one that came before it and I can’t count the number of times I’ve recommended it.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction and for those who just enjoy a really good story. Lady of the Eternal City is awesome but I highly recommend the whole series. I loved each and every book which include: Mistress of Rome, Daughters of Rome, Empress of the Seven Hills, and now the fabulous Lady of the Eternal City. This is one fan who always finds herself anxiously awaiting Kate Quinn’s next book!
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NOTE: Recently Kate and her family suffered a devastating fire so my thoughts and prayers go out to them. Because I’d like to show support for Kate I’d like to give away a few of her books to my readers.
GIVEAWAY – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY (if Book Depository ships to you, you can enter)
2 books – Winner’s choice of a paperback or Kindle edition
*CLICK HERE* and fill out the form to enter
Draw Date March 28/15
This book does, have an amazing cover, which immediately draws me in. I am going to read this series for sure. Hopefully I’ll win this one.
Elizabeth, I love all the covers of Kate’s books. They are always so beautiful. I hope you get a chance to read the series soon and good luck on the giveaway.
Your review has hooked my interest! I plan on reading this series from the beginning.
How awful for the author! I hope no one was hurt in the fire.
This book does sound good! It’s not a time period I am particularly drawn to, but your review has me interested.
What a lovely review – thanks so much, and I’m delighted you enjoyed LEC!
Kate, thanks for stopping by. I always enjoy your books and can’t wait to see what’s next!
Darlene, thanks for hosting this wonderful giveaway. I will add it to my blog’s sidebar. I am sorry to hear about the fire, and hope that Kate and her family are okay now.
Susan, thanks for adding it to your blog and good luck on the giveaway. Kate’s books are great.
Thanks for the best wishes everyone! Kate and I are slowly getting things back together after the fire. Thankfully nobody was permanently injured, and we were able to save some personal items. The love and support from the entire community has been amazing! Thanks again!
–Stephen
Stephen, sorry for my late reply and thanks so much for popping by the blog. Thankfully you guys were ok as that is the most important thing. I hope that the road to getting back on your feet will go well and it’s so nice that so many have stepped up to help. That’s just great.
This book sounds so interesting. I am going to look for the others.
Betty, Kate is a wonderful author. She’s got two different series and both are awesome. I hope you have the opportunity to indulge in her books. They are great.
I clicked over from Suko’s blog. So sorry to hear about the fire. I wish Kate and Stephen the best as they move forward.
I need to catch up in this series. I read the first and enjoyed it. Great review, Dar!