Wow ok this completely blew me away! This is my first book from Casati but I am fully convinced to pick up more of her stories. The complexity of the characters was so well done without going too stereotypical. You can tell a lot of thought and editing went into this. The plot flowed nicely, sometimes lagging slightly but I think that was more me than her. Overall so so so good!

I loved Costanza's previous novel Clytemnestra so I was so excited to get my hands on this book. I really enjoyed this tale of Semiramis who fought to be Queen of Assyria. I did not know this story at all so it was nice to read about it for the first time. This story has everything I want in a mythical retelling: tragedy, scandal, love, betrayal and lust. The writing is so beautiful and the details of the time and people are amazing. If you love mythology, check this one out.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an ARC of Babylonia! Babylonia is a lush and sweeping tale of ancient civilizations and the women who helped shape the conquests and legends of history. Fans of Jennifer Saint and Natalie Haynes will enjoy this epic tale of the first true Queen of Assyria, a queen in her own right. Semiramis is ambitious and clever, and is able to keep up with the most notorious schemers at court to not only maintain but continue to increase her power and influence. This was a tale that I was completely unfamiliar with, having never heard of Semiramis previously, and Casati was able to weave a story that was not only compelling and fascinating but haunting as well.

📚BOOK REVIEW🐆🗡

📖: Babylonia 🐆
✍️: Costanza Casati @costanzacasati
📚: Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 448
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

HUGE thanks to @bookmarked for the #gifted copy! I still can't get over the beautiful foiled cover and sprayed edges. I am also thankful to have received the eARC as I was able to keep on reading on my Kindle while feeding my newborn.
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"A woman does what she can with her gifts."

“Immortality doesn’t mean living for ever. It means surviving even after your heart stops beating and your body is burned. It means living in myth, in stories.”
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💭 Where do I even begin? Babylonia turned out to be such a remarkable book that I will NOT stop talking about. To be honest, when I first opened the book, I felt intimidated by the maps of the cities and palace, the characters, and the gods. However, once I started reading, I immediately knew Babylonia would become my first 5 star read of the year.

Costanza Casati's writing is stunning! Her descriptions of emotions and surroundings were on point. We're able to feel the horrors of war, the grief of loved ones, and the madness of power. I loved that we got 4 different POVs to help us better understand the story.

In Babylonia, we follow Semaramis, who is an orphan in a village of the Assyrian empire. She is constantly being mistreated by her stepfather and others of the village. Despite her unhappy life, Semaramis has always been very curious, willing to question everything, and hungry for more. When governer Onnes visits the village, she grasps onto her first chance to leave her past behind and becomes the governor's wife. This is where her life dramatically changes. While living a royal life, Semaramis meets new people and discovers that royalty comes along with secrets, rumors, and challenges. There is a constant war going on to be the empire with the most power. However, she quickly learns that war changes people. Semaramis will have to go through love, loyalty, betrayal, and death to one day become QUEEN. 👑

I am eager to read more by Costanza Casati!!

Casati writes ambitious historical women beautifully. Watching Semiramis climb up to queen had me on the edge of my seat. Captivating writing and a compelling story. Well done.

This is a lush story full of political intrigue and tension. Semiramis is a fascinating character and I loved her story. I really enjoyed learning about Assyria–a brutal, ancient culture I didn't know much about. Costanza Casati crafted an incredible world. If you have any interest in historical women-centric stories, read this book!

Perfect for fans of Circe and The Lady Macbeth!

This historical retelling is fast paced and I really enjoyed it. The plot is exciting, the writing style is immersive and the characters are well developed. The story features multiple POVs which helps you to quickly connect with the characters.

Babylonia focuses on the woman’s narrative and truly delivers on that. Semiramis is an interesting character and her decision making among this real, brutal world is exciting.

This story is gruesome. With tons of on page bloodshed and political violence so, please check the trigger warnings.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the arc copy of Babylonia in exchange for my honest review.

Audiobook
Ayesha Antoine’s performance differentiates the POVs and enjoyable to listen to. I think this audiobook could benefit from multiple narrators.

Thank you to RBMedia and NetGalley for the listener copy of Babylonia in exchange for my honest review.

I could gush about this for ages, but I’ll try to keep it brief. Going into this I had a little bit of background knowledge of ancient Mesopotamia, but the story really fleshes out the ancient world in smooth exposition. The characters are fascinating and even minor characters are given depth, and I adored getting the chance to have multiple perspectives throughout. The main character, Semiramis, is fascinating, and I loved her journey and how she stayed confident in herself throughout, even though she was raised in a society that doesn’t value women.

By far my favorite part of this story was the political scheming, and I mean this as a high compliment, it reminded me a lot of the early seasons of Game of Thrones. In a market saturated with myths and retellings, Babylonia brings something very unique to the table. I cannot recommend this enough, I haven’t even talked about the romance yet, but seriously read it!

Thank you to NetGalley and SourceBooks for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

As someone who loves mythology and folklore, particularly from the Sumerian and Akkadian regions, this book is exactly what I look for in historical fiction. This was my first Casati book and I am a fan. A sweeping epic about the love triangle between Semiramis, Onnes, and Ninus, Babylonia grips you from the first line and pulls you along in the current of the Euphrates River through the lives of these 3 people. Vengeance, redemption, heartbreak, and warfare. Babylonia will give you a glimpse into the life of the Bronze Age through the eyes of the ultra privileged. I wished we saw more of the common day life through the Ribat narrative and i would have loved to read more about the rituals and religion, which played a very large part in the lives of the Levantine people. Huge thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. Four enthusiastic stars!

Babylonia is a historical fiction novel that reimagines the myth of Semiramis and her rise from an orphaned villager to Queen, set against the backdrop of the Assyrian Empire. All of the novels' characters are strong yet flawed, and all suffer because of what drives them: pride, power, ambition, hubris, and vengeance.

With vivid language, Casati makes the ancient world come alive, balancing the brutalities of war with quieter moments of reflection, and always in the background, political maneuverings and intrigue.

While it takes a few chapters to get its footing, the 3rd person narrative culminates in a rich story tols from the point of view of its four main characters: Semiramis, Onnes, King Nerus, and a slave, Ribat.

It's only my second book of the year but this one will be hard to beat.

Thank you to the author and publisher for sharing this ARC in exchange for my honest reriew.

5/5 stars 🌟

I was blown away the exquisite writing style of this author. Babylonia is my first experience with this author and it did not disappoint. The author immediately pulls you in to the story and keeps you engaged. While the characters were not as well developed as this marvelous story, it has left enough of an impression that I will be going back and reading her first book Clytemnestra.

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

In her second novel, Babylonia, Constanza Casati has solidified her reputation as a leading voice in the genre of historical fiction. Following the success of Clytemnestra, Casati immerses readers in the world of ancient Assyria, bringing the story of Semiramis—a fearless and unconventional queen—vividly to life. The novel’s strength lies not only in its rich historical setting but also in its deeply complex characters. The evolving dynamics between Semiramis, Onnes, and Ninus make for a powerful, emotional narrative. Casati’s beautiful prose and intricate character development captivate from start to finish, offering both beauty and trauma in a sweeping tale of love, power, and betrayal. The inclusion of diverse perspectives, such as that of a slave, further enriches the story. This compelling novel earns a solid 5-star rating for its ability to make readers feel and think deeply about the characters’ journeys.

A big thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a tapestry woven together with beautifully flawed characters, a fierce heroine, politics, conflict, love, and war in ancient Assyria.
Semiramis, the woman that you are!

If you have read her debut Clytemnestra, you will also enjoy Babylonia. If you have not read Clytemnestra, run to your nearest bookseller or library.

Costanza Casati is a truly gifted storyteller and I can always lose myself to her stories. To become completely drawn in and part of her world as a reader is a gift.

As long as she writes stories, I will read them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for allowing me to read Babylonia by Costanza Casati!
Publication date: January 14, 2025

I have always been fond of historical retellings, which drew me in when I requested this arc.

Babylonia is my first Costanza Casati novel, and boy, have I become her fan!

From the first page, I was transported to a different time (823 BC) and place, entirely captivated by the story. Because it was so engaging, I finished this four-hundred-page book in two days.
Costanza Casati's skill in bringing the ancient world to life is truly remarkable. The world-building, the characters, and their complexities revealed layer by layer, the details that brought the ancient world to life, and the gruesome war details she used to depict the ruthlessness of the Assyrian empire-everything was stellar. Each detail was beautifully written, taking me on a whirlwind journey as a reader.

The story is about Sammuramat, the only Assyrian (modern-day Syria) woman who succeeded in being a force to be reckoned with in the chapters of history. As per historical sources, she ruled for five years after her husband, Shamshi-Abad V (grandson of one of the greatest rulers of Assyria, Ashurnasirpal), died before her son came of age. Plundering and conquering left Assyria financially and politically weak, and it was up to Sammurmat to restore stability.

Although history doesn’t say much about her, it was after her death myth made sure that her name reverberates through generations. The Greek Historian Herodotus wrote about her in the fifth century BC, using the Greek form of her name, Semiramis. However, the primary source of her mythical life came from Diodorus Siculus (90-30 BC). In his work of Bibliotheca Historica, he offers great detail about the warrior queen who rose from humble beginnings and ruled one of the biggest empires in the world.

Babylonia speaks of our three primary characters, Semiramis, Onnes, and Ninus. Their relationship with each other, their personalities, ambitions, the wars they fought outside, and the wars they fought within themselves. Costanza beautifully carves out their lives, and what I loved even more is that all these battles and wars left each one of them with trauma that crippled them and our author doesn’t shy away from talking about it.. while kings are being worshipped, their internal struggles are putting their mind through turmoil unbeknownst to their subjects who revere them anyway.. Their internal fight with their conscience, duty, and ambition was written with poignancy. It felt that I was there as a spectator to it all. The author's portrayal of the emotional toll of war, the internal struggles of the characters, and their enduring trauma is both powerful and moving.

This book left me in awe. I experienced a myriad of emotions while reading about Semiramis's incredible life. Her grit, valor, influence, and ability to fight destiny, naysayers, and enemies and emerge victorious, albeit paying a hefty price along the way, left me mesmerized and emotional. The characters' resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

I cannot recommend this book enough because of its rich historical context, compelling characters, and emotional journey. It's a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction.
5.5 stars

Yes, I did give it an additional 0.5 stars.

Thank Net Galley for this incredible opportunity to read such a magnificent book. Thank you, Costanza Casati and Source Book Landmark, for giving me this opportunity.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Babylonia by Costanza Casati is a third person multi-POV historical retelling of the life of Assyrian queen Sammuramat (referred to in the book by her Greek name, Semiramis) and her two husbands, Ones and Ninus. Semiramis has been raised by a step-father who has no real affection for her after her mother drowned. When she convinces Onnes, a powerful man in the Assyrian court, that her father has harmed her, she kick-starts her future to rise from poverty to the throne.

Costanza Casati recognizes the brutality often displayed by the Assyrian Empire but leaves most of it to the reader’s imagination. There are depictions of child murder and whippings but a lot of stuff (such as people being flayed alive and assault) happen off page. I was fine with that as I wasn't expecting something more grimdark when I picked this up, but if a reader is aware of the violent acts often committed when the Assyrian Empire was conquering other people, they might have different expectations for how much gore is shown and how in-depth it goes.

This has a slower pace and we spend a lot of time in the characters’ heads with subtle political movements keeping the story propelling forward. There's big secrets that have to be kept (such as Ninus and Onnes being half-brothers) and nobody is totally willing to give up power. Nisat, Ninus’ mother, is sort of playing chess with everyone else to keep her own position. I would have loved a POV chapter from her because I find dowager queens to be some of the most fascinating characters in political historicals and fantasies. They've seen a lot, they've done a lot, they're willing to play the long game to get what they want, and when you finally learn what they've been doing, there's an entire web they've designed that touches everything. Nisat definitely feels like she could have a network going to assist her and her son whenever necessary.

My favorite POV was Ribat’s, a slave who is working for Semiramis. Through Ribat, we see a lot of what goes on behind the golden veneer of the political world and how their wheeling and dealing can have negative consequences for the common folk. Ribat is very much attracted to Semiramis and would do anything for her, including keeping her secrets, and even sort of gets his wish when Semiramis gives him attention. Their story is not one of romance or of a lost love, but rather one of two people who aren't from the upper echelons of society finding something in each other.

Content warning for allusions of sexual assault, child abuse, and gore and depictions of child murder

I would recommend this to fans of political historicals and readers looking for a retelling of the Assyrian Empire

If you liked Circe, you will LOVE Babylonia. And if you have any remote interest in Greek mythology, then this is the book for you.

I only have a middle-school knowledge of Greek mythology and yet I was able to follow the story easily. It revolves primarily around Semiramis, who grows up used and abused by her father. When her would-be husband, Onnes, rescues her, she grows into her own skin and shows her cunning and clever self. It is a wonder that so long ago, a woman could've risen so far after beginning so low.

We are also blessed with other POVs, giving us a full spectrum of Semiramis' life.

I honestly believe that despite this being a historical fiction, I gained a much greater understanding of Greek mythology.

All women's destinies are doomed to be the same, the bârû has told her.

No, she thinks. They aren't. Let the gods learn that.”

Through the choking dust and timeworn pages of history walks a monumental woman, her steps proudly echoing across the sun-cracked earth, glittering palaces and temples, and luscious gardens over which she ruled: the Assyrian queen Semiramis. In her novel Babylonia, Costanza Casati infuses life into Semiramis’s mythical tale, weaving together legend and fact into a glorious tapestry of love, loss, and the heights to which men and women rise…and fall.

Set in the 9th century BC, Semiramis’s story takes place during a tumultuous time in Assyrian history, during the reign of Shamshi-Adad V (also known as Ninus, that being the king's personal name). The king seeks to exert control over rebel areas, including the village of Mari in the Eber-Nari province, in the aftermath of a devastating civil war.

Orphaned as a young girl, Semiramis grows up in Mari in the care of a shepherd. Our cunning and ambitious heroine seeks to escape her village and seizes the opportunity when she meets Onnes, Eber-Nari’s governor. Intrigued by Semiramis, Onnes marries her, and they leave for the Assyrian capital of Kalhu. It’s there where Semiramis begins her ascent to power.

Little does Semiramis know that the halls of Kalhu’s palaces pulse with intrigue and political ploys. Several factions vie for power at court, including the king’s mother, his general, and his spymaster. And yet, Semiramis refuses to remain idle and upends traditional women’s roles as a submissive wife and procreator. Instead, she serves on Ninus’s council to advise him and helps with planning military campaigns to further Assyria’s domains.

Tensions arise, however, among the king’s court, and between Semiramis, Onnes, and Ninus. A love triangle envelops the three protagonists, and Semiramis doesn’t realize the bond between the two men transcends her understanding. It’s a complex and complicated web, one that brings both halcyonic joy and unspeakable sorrow.

Through it all, Semiramis evolves into a diplomat, a warrior, a queen, one whose influence and legend will resonate throughout history.

Casati's breathtaking second novel plunges readers into ancient history in all its glory, beauty, and violence. Through meticulous research of sources and artwork, she crafts a vibrant and authentic world. Readers stride past the towering lamassu guarding Kalhu’s gates into the city, revel in the beauty of terraced gardens, inhale the dust of marching armies, and hear the whisperings of political intrigue throughout palace halls. To be honest, it feels like a window to the ancient past, one about which we can only dream.

Semiramis is portrayed as a complex, layered, and flawed protagonist. Though abused by her adopted father, the young woman refuses to be a victim. Instead, Semiramis unapologetically seizes opportunities to better herself and advance her position, first when she marries Onnes, and then, after the death of her second husband, Ninus himself. Her bravery, ferocity, intelligence - and occasionally her ruthlessness and cunning - reverberate throughout the land as Semiramis joins military campaigns, plots the downfalls of her enemies, and, ultimately, ascends the Assyrian throne to rule on behalf of her son.

And yet, Casati also paints the Assyrian queen with a softer brush. Semiramis remains approachable to her servants, treating them with politeness and even kindness. She tries to protect women and children when she can at the risk to her own life. Semiramis even befriends a foreign hostage. This multifaceted presentation creates for readers a mosaic of a character.

I particularly enjoyed Casati's exploration of Semiramis's grappling with the emotional and psychological impacts of war and her actions in them. Babylonia offers a deeply nuanced interpretation of both the trauma endured but also the bonds forged in such horrific environments and adversity as a result of battle.

On the whole, Babylonia strikes a perfect chord of known fact and cultivated legend, narrative description and immersive dialogue, and intriguing characters and riveting plot.

I'm grateful for the author and publisher for an eARC copy via NetGalley!

Clytemnestra was a 5-star read for me last year so I was so excited to read this author’s next book, Babylonia.

Babylonia ultimately got a ⭐️ 3.5/5 rounded down rating from me. The author did some incredible research into Mesopotamian/Assyrian history and her writing is beautiful. I felt transported back in time and could see these characters right in front of me. But the story fell a bit flat for me and I just didn’t connect well with any of the characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC!

This book was really interesting as someone who doesn't know much about the Assyrian myths and royalty. However, unlike her previous work, this book felt extremely slow with the same dialogue and actions happening over and over again. I found myself skipping pages just to see if the plot advanced.

This is one of THE BEST literary threesomes I've ever read!
This was a captivating retelling that has top tier world-building and character development. The book takes us on a journey through a time of political intrigue, cultural richness, and personal conflict. The author has clearly done her research, and it brings the world to life in a way that feels so immersive and authentic.