Casati’s previous novel Clytemnestra was one of my favorite books of 2023 so I was really looking forward to this one but I DNF’d at 30%. I was bored and found myself questioning if this was even the same writer.

Semiramis was orphaned as a baby and grew up in Mari, a village located in Eber-Nari. Her upbringing was wrought with abuse by her adopted- father who shepherd of the village-and the boys of the town. She longed to escape the cruelty of life she was given. When she is at a marriageable age, she has a chance of escape when Onnes- the new governor- of Eber-Nari arrives to her village. Onnes notices something in Semiramis that has captivated him and he wants her to become his wife. He takes her to the capital of the Assyrian empire-Kalhu-and she soon discovers her life in the capitol will not be as easy to say the least.

Semiramis’s ascent to a throne was extraordinary told and when she becomes entangled in a love triangle of two powerful men-her husband and the King-and experiences war, politics and betrayal, she must fight for very survival.

Casati leads the reader through the tragic events unfolding and to the rise of power Assyria’s one and only female ruler. The blend of mythology and the ancient world of Assyria empire and the interactions with other kingdoms including the Babylonians is stunningly and beautifully told. The reader is transported to time and place and your senses are heightened by the sights and sounds of the characters daily lives, past experiences and the wars they wage on each other. You feel the character’s depth in their journey of life, love and conflicts with each other.

My only problem with the story is that I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to read about Semiramis’s time as ruler. I rated this this story five stars.

I highly recommend the reader to read the author’s notes at the end. I will most assuredly be adding a physical copy to my book stacks.

Wow, I love this book.

If you look up information about Semiramis, most online results tend to depict her as a seductress who achieved her status through the art of seduction. In Babylonia, Constanza Casati paints Semiramis as an unstoppable, fierce warrior.

While Babylonia revolves around Semiramis, every character in this book is different and fascinating in their own way - the King who everyone thought was weak because he was kind, the King's mother who was capable of so many things to keep her power, and many others. With every new page, something new always unfolds. I enjoy every part of the story, from its brutal violence and complex political schemes to the tragic love triangle.

Aside from the story itself, Casati also had an impressive writing style and wonderful world-building. I am definitely considering picking up her other book, Clytemnestra.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Perfect. Stellar. Phenomenal. I honestly don’t know what else I can say. No notes. I probably should allow more time for this to digest before attempting to write this.

Babylonia is a mythological retelling of Semiramis, the only female ruler of the Assyrian Empire and her rise from orphan to queen. This was the first book I have read by Casati, and her writing is phenomenal and the research thorough. While there were a few chapters I struggled to get through, overall I really enjoyed this beautifully written story and will definitely be picking up her other books as well!

“She is a woman who allows herself to dream. The world will always try to crush her. Let them try, she thinks, walking back to her palace. Let them come.”

Another outstanding novel by Costanza Casati. This was captivating and emotional, and as a mythology girlie this was so up my alley. Reading from Semiramis’s pov was an experience and I loved that we also got povs from other major figures in the story - the different perspectives added so many layers and nuances that I felt like I was there among the players.

If Costanza Casati keeps writing mythological retellings of powerful women, I will always be seated.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this earc in exchange for my honest review

Pub date: out now!

BABYLONIA is everything I wanted it to be.

Costanza Casati delivers an epic retelling of the Assyrian queen Semiramis, a commoner who became a queen. This story is gorgeously written, with a vivid, immersive world; shocking political intrigue; layered characters; and delicious romance. Semiramis, the FMC, is refreshingly ambitious, clever, and brutal throughout twists and turns inspired by historical events, she remains undeterred by the judgement, conniving, subjection, and cruelty of men.

I cannot recommend this book or this author enough.

I had to take some time to marinate in this book after I finished it to give feedback. This was a whirlwind. It's a tribute to the resiliency, tenacity, brilliance of women that history has kept in the shadows. I loved the pace and writing. Even though our heroine is flawed you're rooting for her. She is able to see what the future holds for her and continues to make decisions for herself and no one else. Great read!

I loved this author's debut novel, Clytemnestra. It was a favorite of mine. This one, her second novel, is just as good. I will be looking for more by this author.

A woman of low means, Semiramis, has lived with a man and his son all of her life. She was an infant when her mother killed her father and then drowned herself. Leaving Semiramis to whatever fate came her way. It is said that her mother was a very beautiful woman.

Semiramis has been abused and treated horrifically by the man who raised her. She endured it all until she just could not take it any longer. She knew that one day he would kill her. She left with the governor of Assyria, Onnes, to become his bride. To hopefully have a much better and safer life.

The timeframe of this book is the ninth century BC. Ultimately Semiramis rises to become the ruler of an empire. She married the king after the governor, who was the king's brother, killed himself. Together the king, Ninus and queen, Semiramis, could have done such great things. But alone Semiramis did. Ninus died after a great battle leaving her alone to bear his son. She was queen for five years. Until her son became of age to take over.

There are a few characters in this book. Some likable and some to detest greatly. This book was so good. So lyrical in places. There was war. Lots of bloody scenes. There was love. Some hatred also. Two brothers. One king and one governor. One woman who loved them both. Or one king who loved them both. Both his brother and his brother's wife.

It was filled with so much. I can't imagine topping it but I do look forward to this author's next book.
Do not miss the Author's Note at the end. It tells a lot. I had no idea. This story is based on truths. It's a great one about the strength of a woman who was born poor and rose to greatness.

Thank you #NetGalley, #SourcebooksLandmark, #RBmediaRecordedBooks, for this ARC.

Five big stars.

My first Casati book and I HAVE to read more from her now
Great writing, characterization and rawness of the feelings. Emotionally complex - I really liked it

I so badly wanted to like this one! The premise was super interesting, but the story is just not grabbing me. I'm finding myself not caring about what happens. I'm sure this book has its audience and lovers of ancient history may enjoy this one. It's just sadly not for me.

After loving Casati's Clytemnestra, my excitement for her follow-up was limitless. I pre-ordered it, requested an ARC, forgot that I pre-ordered it, and then made it my BOTM pick.

In this story set in ancient Assyria, we follow Semiramis, an adopted, mistreated girl, from her beginnings in a small village through her ascent to the throne. Her characterization is well done; her desperation and ambition are palpable throughout the story. The book has several other POVs as her journey intersects with kings, enslaved people, spies, and everything in between. The story is both compelling and brutal. Casati shines at combining well-researched history with fiction creating intriguing, unflinching looks into complicated women.

None of our characters, including Semiramis, are particularly likable but Casati creates such an immersive world that I was still compelled to continue. I didn't feel as much connection to and care for these characters as I did for Clytemnestra, so the ending didn't have the same emotional impact on me. Though both books were unflinching portrayals of a historical time, Babylonia felt more visceral and emotionally darker, likely because the subjects and culture demanded it as is mentioned in the author's note. While I was reading, I was fully immersed in the story but I didn't find myself drawn back to it when I wasn't.

For those personal reasons, Babylonia didn't work as well for me but it was still a very good second showing. The vibe here is Song of Achilles meets Daenerys Targaryen from GoT (minus the atrocious ending). If you love ancient history or court politics, you should definitely pick this one up.

Babylonia released 1/14/25. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the advanced reader copy. (Reviewed posted on Goodreads and will also be posted on Instagram)

4.75 rounding up to 5

Babylonia is the story of Semiramis, once an orphan, and her journey to rise as a Queen in ancient Mesopotamia. When I tell you I ate this book up!!!! I really enjoyed the structure with each handful of chapters essentially following Semiramis' timeline of life-changing events. It really gives the book a steady pace feeling where you don't feel it's moving too fast or too slow.

The relationships Semiramis experiences in her life all feel so important. There isn't a character she comes across that feels as if they haven't impacted or influenced her in some way. However, the heart of the story always came back to Semiramis, her husband Onnes and the King, Ninus. I could have continued to read about the characters forever (view spoiler) I was reminded of Patroclus and Achilles in The Song of Achilles throughout reading this one - huge praise because it's one of my favorite books of all time!

Although the world-building in this book isn't an essential focus, I don't feel it diminishes the story-telling or draws your attention away from any understanding. Costanza is able to put the reader into this world very easily with just the characters alone and what they go through. One of the most intriguing components of this book that I appreciated was seeing the characters' experience with PTSD after returning from war. Costanza definitely doesn't shield us from the bloody or brutal reality of war but she also reminds us that PTSD, which often isn't talked about in ancient history, was likely something these characters went through. It added a depth to each individual that only humanized them further.

At the end of it, I was left in awe. The character development, the storyline, the relationships, the ending was all done so beautifully. I highly recommend you add this one to your shelf!

Overall, really really enjoyed this one and can't wait to finally read Clytemnestra!
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Costanza Casati does it again with her second novel and I am living for it. Diving into Mesopotamian myth and legend with this story, captured my attention quickly and I was hooked.

I love running across a book which explores mythology beyond the more common, Greek, Roman and Egyptian. While they are often phenomenal stories, it is refreshing to find one which branches beyond into more cultures and amazing stories. Gilgamesh was one of my favorite epic poems in college and this book does make a reference to it, which I was pleased to see.

Semiramis was orphaned when her mother threw herself into a river after being rejected by the babies father, and Semiramis finds herself raised by a man who seems to hold a great deal of resentment towards her and often raises his hand against her. When he discovers her body is transitioning into a woman, he makes plans to find her a husband which sounds more like trying to sell her and/or find a new keeper for her.

The story has such vivid imagery and detailing. Casati is wonderful with her turn of phrase and prose. She draws you into her writing and truly makes the story feel alive and you are a part of it. It's worth the read with the balance of beauty and pain, plotting and romance. I think this is one of my favorite reads so far in 2025.

Ancient history fascinates me. Getting to read such vibrant and extensively-researched fictional interpretations like this one is such a treat.

Babylonia is the story of a girl who came from nothing. Less than nothing, some might argue. Semiramus was born into shame, but by mercy of the gods, she survived. She became a young woman beaten down by hardship with only her own wits to rely upon. They serve her well as she navigates her fate in the ancient Assyrian Empire.

Because of her hard upbringing, Semiramus never takes anything for granted. She knows what it is to suffer and to live in squalor, so when she comes to the greatest city in the Empire and gets to live in a palace, she doesn't get complacent. She also has no fear. She befriends slaves and wild leopards. She does not let the King's mother or the court's spy master intimidate her. She trains with weapons like a soldier with her husband, and then by herself.

When the army comes home from their siege at Balkh begging for more troops, Semiramus volunteers to come as one of the climbers. She does not take no for an answer, her husband and her King need help, and she is not one to sit idly by. Then, when there, she sees an opportunity the King's advisors did not, and it leads them to great success. This clever act of bravery is yet another turn in her story that leads her down a more complicated and treacherous path she could never have anticipated.

This novel is beautifully immersive and speckled with immaculate detail. The names, the rituals, the exhibitions, battles, the dramas...I loved every minute of it. She is an example of making lemonade out of a few raggedy lemons and the importance of taking control of your own destiny. She is a strong woman in a time of strong women, and an absolute pleasure to read about.

I am so grateful to the publisher and netgalley for granting me an early review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read and loved Clytemnestra by this author so I was looking forward to her next novel. Unfortunately I couldn't connect with the writing and the pacing felt off.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster, but in the best ways possible. The fact that I read over 220 pages in one reading session goes to show how much I liked this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional damage Costanza Casati caused me. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time because I felt like I couldn’t let my guard down. There were so many twists and shocking moments that I was constantly being surprised. My heart was smashed several times. I raged along side the characters. I honestly couldn’t get enough. Also the fact that Babylonia is written in the style and format of a Greek tragedy just makes me so giddy, even though I could tell early on that this story wasn’t going to have a happy ending… or at least not the happy ending that most people would expect. It’s still an incredible book and I highly recommend it.

Clytemnestra is one of my favorite books so I couldn’t wait to read Costanza Casati’s Babylonia. Just like Clytemnestra, this book drew me in from page one and it was so hard to put it down. Semiramis was such an incredibly written character. I found her so complex and multifaceted. I loved getting POVs from Ribat, Ninus, Onnes and other characters as well. Sasi was an absolute delight to read. He reminded me a lot of Lord Varys from Game of Thrones in the absolute best way. I thought the look at the brutality of warfare and just general kingdom keeping was very interesting, especially seeing the effects it had on the people it was inflicted on and the people inflicting it. Also, the writing style was just so wonderful. Lyrical, powerful and very easy to get swept away in the emotions of the characters. I’m blown away by this book. IF you enjoyed Clytemnestra, you’ll absolutely love Babylonia.
CW: death, suicide, animal death, child abuse, murder, war, violence

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

What a journey I just went on! This is a story of an orphan who would not back down, no matter how many times she was beaten and abused and pushed aside, only to become a legend. I absolutely relished these pages and her strength. I was transported to a world of long ago, and fought alongside our heroine as she crawled her way to her destiny.
Two of my favorite parts from this gem:

She smiles. “Poems are special because they have a thousand hidden meanings in them. Words bend like truths.”
“Truths are unchanging.”
“Do you really believe that?”
The question takes him by surprise. He used to believe it. Now he isn’t sure what he believes.

Whew! So good! Here is the second:

A betrayal isn’t only a broken promise. It is also a word, a smile, a hand against the shoulder, skin against skin. It can be a thought, an obsession, a need.
A betrayal can be so many different things, which is why no one is exempt from it.

Are you intrigued yet? You should be…
Don’t skip over the Author’s Note either. She was real. She is in the scrolls of history. This is a legend come to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not sure why I had such a tough time with this book. The writing was beautiful and vivid and the imagery painted was stunning. The descriptions felt appropriate to richly describe a very particular place and time in history. The characters were well fleshed out and felt human. And yet I just really struggled to get into the book. I just never really got hooked and it felt often like a bit of a chore to pick up. This could be entirely me and historical fiction just isn’t really my genre? This is one of those books that I personally don’t hold high on my list of books I enjoyed, however I will still highly recommend it to others with more of a love for historical fiction, especially ancient societies, than I have.