I did not enjoy thisbook as much as i tought i would. I liked the setting, i liked knowing more about the vestal order that gave so much power to women, but i tought that the relationship between pretty much every character was not exploited to the core.

This was an interesting idea: to use the Vestal Virgins as a focus for the story. They had a lot of power in a society where women usually did not. The book held my interest with many details about the Vestal Virgins I had not known before and was simply told. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

This book was received as an ARC from Blackstone Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am a huge fan of Roman Mythology and Roman history and know the tale of Julius Cesar very well. Reading this book was like a breath of fresh air that kept of coming. The excitement that arose from the insight of the lives of Priestess Pomponia and her fascinating and infatuation with the Roman elite including Antony and Cleopatra. Now with the broken vow of chastity, the only punishment is burned in buried alive in the Evil Field if there is no hope left. My heart was racing non stop and felt the urge for everyone to conquer it all. I know this will be a favorite amongst our community.

We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Fantastic book! I absolutely loved reading about an interesting detail/period of time during the Ancient Romans. This book was a very quick read and really transported me into the time of the Vestal Virgins, who made an unbelievable sacrifice for the sake of their devotion. I really enjoyed this book and will be picking up copies of the other books in the series.

I love ancient cultures and when this book was offered to read, I was very excited! Ancient Rome and Ancient Egypt in one shot! Made for a great day of reading!!!! Novels about the vestals are very hard to find so I am very thankful to NetGalley and the author for this opportunity.

I enjoyed this book very much, as a classicist and historian this period has always fascinated me. Great characters and a wealth of historical detail makes this book thoroughly enjoyable. Livia was particularly awesome!

This book Brides of Rome is amazing. ( I'm also a huge fan of this specific time period) It goes into depth about the vestal virgins their hierarchy, structure, what's expected of them. Lets just start out with this explanation Vestel Virgins serve the Goddess Vesta, protect Rome, its forever Fire, homes and hearth. Vestel Virgins usually come from important family and must be pure and innocent.
To be accused of otherwise the punishment for both parties is quite cruel. It comes from different points of view mainly of a vestel virgin, that gets a punishment, one called Pomponia, Cleopatra, Marc Anthony, Ceaser, Livia. Main key players also of this time period. I'm also a huge fan of this historical time period so you know Livia isn't the best person. You see interpersonal connections with all these key players throughout different time periods also. Amazing book and can't wait to see more from this author.

Brides of Rome by Debra May Macleod
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Publishing Date: 27 October 2020

Star Rating 5/5

The Brides of Rome is one of those books that don't need an adjective, it is just simply one of those books... I want to read it again for the first time. The author clearly, clearly loves her subject, so much so that, the reader loves the subject with the same passion and is forcefully drawn into a richly painted world that I was sad to leave behind when reality called.

Brides of Rome is the first book in Vesta Shadow Series, This is a double edge sword as it means there are no previous books to gorge on but it also means I'm right at the start. The book and series delves into the ancient Roman world of the Vestal Order, the esteemed Vestal Virgins who serve as priestesses for Vesta the goddess of home and hearth. As long as her sacred flame burns in the temple, the Eternal City is protected and thrives. But who are these women? They are chosen between the ages of 6-8 years old and serve for 30 years. They follow strict rules of ritual and service and must remain virgins, because, for them to become corrupted, could mean Rome's ruin.

Throughout this book we encounter infamous names of ancient Rome: Gaius Julius Caesar, Marcus Anthony, Queen Cleopatra, Emperor Octavian, his sister Octavia and wife Livia Drucilla. We learn of how months changed their names. Each storyline is compelling and is weaved wonderfully through the Vestal Virgins story. The main Vestal we follow is Pomponia, a priestess singled out for greatness but she has a secret in her heart, while a fellow priestess is accused of incestum which is punishable by the cruel death of being burial alive in the 'Evil Field'.

There are many tragic stories within the book, unrequited love, lovers kept apart, the grasp of power and grandeur, loss of innocence, and a loyal slave's love for her mistress and hers for the slave.

I liked that I knew more of Roman culture and stories than I expected and that the author used Latin but also included a translation next to it so I didn't have to google it when it was used; and I learned that the Vesta, in the past, could be used as a get out of jail clause. However, their esteemed position was not imperturbable. There are so many points and storylines I really want to talk about but that would lead to spoilers.

I want more of the Vestals! Which is coming but the author only gives the name of the next book in the series and nothing more. Will the characters still be the same, will we be going back in time or forward, or the same story time period but a different priestess. When will it be out, when will this world return? So many questions and no answers!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Blackstone Publishing for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Brides of Rome
By Debra May Macleod

Review!

4 Stars!
I have found a new love for books about ancient Rome/Egypt, and Brides of Rome was a satisfying addition to my collection of historical fiction from this period.

The books follows the lives of some of the most influential ladies of the time. The virtuous priestesses of Vesta, Livia- the poisonous 2nd wife of Octavian, and Cleopatra- the beautiful and scheming Queen of Egypt (my personal favorite)

I am learning that life for a lady in ancient Rome was not pleasant. Woman were treated like animals, even in royalty, and yet, even though Octavian/Caesar/Augustus is the man that goes down in history as the ruler of the world, it was these woman who really lead the way in the background.

This book only lost a star because the main romance didn’t jive with me.

This book is real, it isn’t happy, it wont leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy in the end, but as far as I can tell, historically accurate. I feel like I learned something once closing the final page.

So in that sense, I recommend this novel.

I am not sure what is going on regarding the publication of this book. I received a free e-copy from Net Galley & Blackstone Publishing. According to Amazon/ Barnes & Noble, this book is set to be released late October 2020, but according to Goodreads, this book was printed sometime in 2015. So maybe a re-release?

Thank you Net Galley & Blackstone Publishing for gifting me with a free e-ARC of Brides of Rome by Debra May Macleod in exchange for an honest review.

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and author Debra May Macleod for providing me with an ARC of this novel.

I love, love, LOVE historical fiction like this! Books like this are hard to find, believe me. Brides of Rome is lush and descriptive and truly a dream. You can definitely tell this was researched in depth and that the author really loves the topic. This historical setting is brought to life and the details of this time period were executed immaculately. I learned so much from this novel! I particularly liked revisiting the relationship between Anthony and Cleopatra. If you're a historical fiction buff, check this one out. You don't see this time period/topic covered very often.

Thank you to those named above for the chance to read and review this novel!