Babylonia by Costanza Casati is an exquisite, sweeping novel that completely captivated me from the first page. Casati’s storytelling is lush and immersive, pulling readers into a vivid ancient world filled with power, ambition, and fierce, unforgettable women. Her prose is both lyrical and razor-sharp, making every scene pulse with life and urgency.

The characters are richly drawn, especially the complex, determined heroine whose strength and vulnerability felt so real. Casati masterfully weaves history, mythology, and emotion together, creating a story that feels both timeless and urgently relevant.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this stunning novel.

I really enjoyed this mythology retelling! I absolutely adored Clytemnestra by this author, so I was extremely excited for this book! It did not let me down. Casati's writing is beautiful and lyrical, and she creates her characters and setting wonderfully. I loved this book so much! This is definitely one of my top three mythology retelling books, and I cannot wait to see what Costanza Casati writes next!

I received this advance readers copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. An interesting novel, but nowhere near as compelling as Casati's debut, "Clytemestra". I felt the writing was slow and the plot revealed very incrementally. In Clytemestra, the character's emotional turmoil drove a large portion of the story, but in Babylonia the emotional development and plot lines felt partially obscured and hard to remain interested in. But overall, I'm looking forward to Casati's next publication.

I had heard a lot of great buzz about "Clytemnestra" so when I saw an ARC for this book by the same author, I jumped at the chance to read it, although I did go into it blind, knowing nothing about the storyline or the main characters or even the setting/time period. It started off incredibly strong and drew me in quickly, cheering for Semiramis to succeed and wanting to know what happened next for her. She was so strong-willed and powerful and determined and had been dealt a hard start in life, so I couldn't wait to see where she rose to. I was also cheering for her relationship with Onnes. Then the incestual/brothers/same-sex relationship played into everything and was a huge part of the story and then there was the mess of relationships between Semiramis, Ninus, and Onnes, with the incestual/brothers/same-sex thing. There was also just SO MUCH going on with war and bloodshed and hate and the (yes, I'm mentioning it again, but it was everywhere in this book) triangle/incestual/brothers/same-sex relationships without anything to redeem any of the characters, just nothing. No happiness. Just drive and ambition and hate and nothing redeeming in their character qualities. Even the politics had potential for building all the characters and even the storyline, including the wars, but even that also fell flat. This could have been so much stronger, and the strong writing and descriptions were there, just not enough to compensate for the poor characters and lack of intriguing storyline. The characters and this setting just were not for me, and they could have been with different execution. It could have been very powerful and strong, especially after the strong beginning, but then it just went in a completely confusing direction. Apparently, the main characters are real ancient historical figures in Assyria and Babylon, so there is *some, minimal* basis for them, but everything else appears to be *strong* artistic literary license that just took the storyline in a confusing direction with a depressing ending. Unfortunately, I wanted more from the storyline and the history woven into that and focusing more on that time period and strengthening those characters and none of the incest. I tried to like it more and to see what other reviewers were raving about, but in the end it just wasn't for me and I did find more reviews that felt the same. This looks like it will work for some and not for others. I will still probably try to read "Clytemnestra" at some point, though.

Content/Triggers: F bombs (so unnecessary--usually I can ignore these, but these felt added simply and only for effect), war and bloodshed (some graphic descriptions, some not), suicide (multiple), same-sex incest (I'm probably missing a few)

So much happened here. It was super interesting to read about Assyrian history - something I know nothing about outside of the Bible. And was made all the better by kick butt female leaders and warriors. Semiramis, was the only (known) female ruler of the Assyrian empire and we follow her story from a commoner to a leader of the empire. Unfortunately, reading this book took way more mental power than I was ready for and the beginning chapters I had to both read and listened to on audiobook because I just had no idea what was happening. While I guess on some level this book could be described as having romance, it also definitely did not have romance - just a woman doing whatever it took to get power, which I think I loved even more. Overall, the cover is stunning, the ending was fantastic, and I learned something but I wish I had been in a different brain space when I read it. Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the arc!

I did not know much about ancient Assyria before reading this book, but now I find myself wanting to know more! The only female ruler of this empire is the focus of this story. This was a great reimagining of her story! A very powerful read.

This was in a genre that I typically wouldn’t read, but i thoroughly enjoyed it! It’s Assyrian myth & history even together about one of the most cunning and resilient female characters I’ve ever read about! Semiramis was so fun to follow through this book. Sometimes I didn’t understand where things were going at first, but then it would all make sense!
The writing style was also a little unique to me, but I think it made this story so much better! I highly recommend this as a palate cleanser to your typical reads or a great option for trying something different & new!

Babylonia by Costanza Casati is a captivating and atmospheric novel that blends history, mythology, and personal discovery in an unforgettable way. Set in ancient Mesopotamia, the book takes readers deep into the heart of a world full of intrigue, power struggles, and complex relationships. Casati’s writing immerses you in the sights, sounds, and tensions of the time, making the setting feel alive and rich with detail. The characters are well-drawn, especially the protagonist, who embarks on a transformative journey full of emotional depth and moral dilemmas.

While I definitely recommend Babylonia for fans of historical fiction with a mythological twist, I do feel that the pacing can be uneven at times. The intricate worldbuilding occasionally slows the plot, and some sections get bogged down in exposition. That said, Casati’s ability to tackle big themes like destiny, free will, and the complexities of power makes this a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

****Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.***


"I'm not made for death, and death is not made for me."

Semiramis is such a fierce and compelling character, and I absolutely loved this novel. One of the things that stands out is the historical depth and detail Casati weaves into the story. You can tell a lot of care went into researching this time period, and it adds so much richness to the narrative. Semiramis is unapologetically strong, determined, and wholly herself. She doesn’t wait for life to happen to her; she actively shapes her destiny.

Her journey begins with defying an abusive "father"—so much so that she gets his hand cut off (ruthless). From there, she marries a visiting governor who sees her fierce spirit. But her story doesn’t end with this alliance. A prophecy emerges, one that places her at the heart of a brutal political landscape, and forces her to navigate a love triangle involving two men—one of whom just happens to be a king.

What I love most about Semiramis is her refusal to be defined by fate. Rather than letting life dictate her path, she takes control by training in both warfare and diplomacy. With every step, she rises in rank, proving that she is more than just a force to be reckoned with.

But the relationship between Semiramis and the king—honestly, I wasn't expecting it to be so tender and natural. For a character who might appear cold or ruthless to others, their connection felt beautifully human and gentle. It’s a perfect balance to her otherwise tough exterior, and I thought it brought depth to both characters.

The storytelling in Babylonia is vivid and engaging—once I started, I couldn’t put the book down. Casati’s prose immerses you in a world that feels both grand and intimate at the same time. The pace is quick, but you never feel like you’re missing out on any details.

Great book. Strong female character who will not quit until she gets to the top. Great mix of mythology and a look into the cruel world of ancient Assyria.

5 glowing stars! I absolutely loved this book! It is a creative reimagining of a true event in history, the rise to power of the Assyrian Empire’s only female ruler. Casati expertly weaves in ancient Mesopotamian history with beautiful writing and masterful storytelling to tell the tale of a poor girl named Semiramis with a horrific home life who comes from nothing. One day, a governor visits her small town and she decides to take a chance in an effort to improve her destiny. This leads her to a bigger adventure than she could have ever imagined.

I actually went into this book blind and had not read the synopsis beforehand so I was incredibly shocked with some of the major developments. The story captured my attention from the beginning and there were many twists and turns throughout that really caught me by surprise. There are multiple continuously evolving relationships and plot lines that kept the story moving and changing. I felt incredibly invested in many of the major characters, what decisions they would make, and what would ultimately happen to them. It was easy to stay engaged, wondering what events would take place next and where that would lead.

Semiramis is the perfect FMC heroine and it was amazing to watch her confidence, interactions, and abilities grow throughout the novel as she learned who she could and could not trust. Casati is brilliant at building mystery and tension, then pulling the rug out from under you when you least expect it. This is my first book by this author and it definitely will not be my last! I highly recommend this one, especially if you love stories of the ancient world, historical fiction, and mythology. Thank you to NetGalley, Costanza Casati, and Sourcebooks Landmark for the gifted ARC in an exchange for an honest review.

IN this stunning mythological retelling that borrows heavily from the Gilgamesh myth, Casati explores what it takes for a woman to rise from obscurity to influence in a male-dominated world of ancient empires and ruthless ambition. I was transported to ancient Mesopotamia, set against the backdrop of the mighty Assyrian Empire in the 9th century BC.

I wasn't sure if I would like this book as much as I loved CLYTEMNESTRA, but this ended up being a close second! How the author was able to weave such an intricate tale of ambition, survival, and the inevitable concept that power and corruption go hand-in-hand was dazzling. The settings were lush and realistic, and the journey of Semiramis, a woman who defies the odds to rise from humble beginnings in a small village to the pinnacle of power within the Assyrian court, was both endearing and compelling.

A truly remarkable read of yet another strong female. I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.

3.5 stars, rounded up for NetGalley

My Quick Takes:
- 3.5/5 stars
- Language 🤐 strong
- Spice ❤️‍🔥 a few quick non explicit open door
- Content 🤔 killing, death, extramarital affairs, same sex attraction/relationships

I went into this pretty blind, but thought it was a mythological retelling (turns out it is) but then thought it was just straight up historical fiction, which made me not enjoy it as much at that point. Turns out it IS a mythological retelling, thankful for the authors note at the end to cite all her sources because it totally had me reframe the book narrative.

Now that we’ve established it IS a mythological retelling, let’s dive in.

At first I thought the female rage appropriation for the ancient Middle East was too much, but knowing now that it’s based on mythology and the sole historical female ruler of the Assyrian empire, I understand the need for that character arc. Additionally, the narrative follows the myth that the queen came from humble origins etc. this was a harder arc for me to follow. I just couldn’t find it plausible that this low born girl would face off against the king’s mother in the early days of her time in the palace.

Are these spoilers? Feel like they are but I’m airing my grievances here.

As an art historian I LOVED the time period and all the references to the code of Hammurabi. Toward the end I was questioning what even was the point of the storyline but it got there, basically the authors note made it for me. Some of the language pulled me out of the time period, but the writing throughout was enjoyable.

If you like the ancient Middle East or the epic of Gilgamesh give this one a try.

So good but a bit too long - felt like it dragged in some parts. Love Semiramis & her leopard & her messy little love triangle. She is the definition of “fake it till you make it” - she’s strong, cunning, so brave, beyond ambitious, and despite a few of her actions, fiercely loyal. I enjoyed learning about ancient Assyria and the authors note with more background was great, too.

I wasn't entirely sure why the book is titled Babylonia, though- Babylon is rarely even mentioned until 90 percent through - but the author's note about the 'whore of Babylon' helped.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Costanz Casati gives us the biographical novel of Semiramis, the only queen of Babylon. Semiramis is picked up from a peasant village by a general of the king of Assyria who marries her; she takes up with the king of Assyria and on his death becomes regnant queen. Historical character about which not a lot is known. Great intriguing story.

I was really excited for this book, but unfortunately it wasn’t my favorite. This story had great world building and was well written. I liked the strong female characters…I just couldn’t get into the love triangle. I think this is a case that not every book is for every person!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Really finding myself wondering if I read the same book as all these gushing reviews. First, for a book that purported to be about the rise of a powerful queen, I found it irritating that so much of the book was written from Ninus and other men's perspectives instead of that of Semiramis. It did not seem as though she was the focus of this book as much as advertised, which left me quite annoyed.

In addition to that, I am not really down with all the reviews romanticizing the "throuple" because one, there. is. no. throuple. It is a toxic love triangle at best, and the amount pages filled by the three characters' wishy-washy back and forth feelings about the other two was not for me. Two, it's freaking incest between the two guys? How people can see this trio as anything but icky and toxic is just beyond me and I hated reading about them.

Lastly, the comparisons between the story and Gilgamesh felt rather forced. I wish other Assyrian/Babylonian myths were mentioned to give a fuller picture of the characters who were educated on the classic poems/songs, but it seems like that was the only one discussed in detail.

I did love the beginning of the book before Semiramis made it to the palace. Her cunning and power shone most clearly in those beginning chapters. I also liked Ribat's character arc and appreciated having his perspective of events included.

Overall though, this one was just not for me. I think I will still read Clytemnestra by this author because I liked her writing style, just not the way this novel's content was depicted.

thanks to netgalley for providing me an e-arc of this book!

as a big enjoyer of all kinds of mythology retellings, i was especially excited about this one because i've never read anything about Semiramis or Babylon generally. this was a really fun character-based book. Ninus and Onnes were unexpected standouts for me, and their tangled up relationship with Semiramis was messy and incredibly intriguing.

A beautifully crafted, thrilling story about a woman's rise to power in a cruel, unforgiving world. Once you start reading, you won't be able to stop until you reach the book's final page.

In this brilliant new historical fiction novel from Costanza Casati, she brings Semiramis, the only woman to rule the Assyrian Empire, to life as she follows her rise from obscurity to power as a governor’s wife and, eventually, an empress. The novel follows Semiramis, with occasional shifts to Onnes and King Ninus’s perspectives, as she learns to negotiate Assyrian imperial politics at court where her power and obscurity make her a threat to other women at court, especially since she has cleverly figured out court politics. With a lot of political intrigue and drama throughout the novel, readers will love the complex ancient court culture that Casati has brought to life in this absolute masterpiece. Engrossing and immersive, this novel is impossible to put down because Semiramis is a complicated protagonist and readers have a limited idea of what she and others are plotting as the novel progresses, creating a great sense of tension and intensity that readers will love. The historical detective work that Casati has done to build Semiramis’s story is really well done and interweaves with the fictional elements incredibly well, and fans of complex female protagonists and Casati’s first book will love this incredible new release.