Ahhhhh! This was so incredibly well crafted. The storytelling (as always) is lush and gripping. I was so invested in each character’s storyline and I consumed it in one sitting.

Babylonia by Costanza Casati tells the story of a ninth century queen of Assyria. It is historical fiction that blends what is known of Semiramis and myth into a gorgeously written novel. The characters are deep and complex and that is important for what is a character driven story. Semiramis is abandoned by her mother on the riverbank as she drowns herself in the river, and she is then taken in by a shepard and raised as his daughter. He beats her and Semiramis knows if she is to have any kind of life for herself she must take control of her story. She meets the new governor, Onnes, and convinces him to marry her and they leave her hometown. Semiramis convinces Onnes to train her as a warrior - and he does. She knows she will need to know how to fight. This is a story of love, loyalty, betrayal and ultimately, a story of power. A beautifully written well told story by Costanza Casati. Thank you to #NETGALLEY and RB Media for my advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Babylonia is a fascinating mythology retelling set in 9th century Assyria, focusing on the Assyrian empire’s only female ruler, Semiramis. From her humble beginnings as a common girl adopted by a shepherd after her mother’s death, Semiramis’s journey is full of challenges—battles, politics, and the raw power of the Assyrian empire.

What I loved most is how strong and determined Semiramis is. She’s proof that you shouldn’t send a man to do a woman’s job! Her character shines as she navigates a male dominated world with ambition and resilience. The way the book weaves history and myth is impressive, though it might get confusing if you’re not familiar with mythology.

If you’re into ancient history and love stories about powerful women carving out their own legacy, this one’s for you. It’s captivating, intense, and a true deep dive into the world of Assyria.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc❤️

There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the book, it just didn't speak to me for some reason. It is the rags to riches story of a wise and kind (mostly) woman who uses her beauty and brains to rise from orphan to queen. My favorite part was that she had a pet leopard! I actually preferred the parts about the slave who became a scribe more than anything else. This has lots of great reviews, so I'm definitely alone here, but this felt more like a slog to get through rather than a great retelling.

Thank you to NetGalley, Costanza Casati, and Recorded Books for my copy of this audiobook

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.

I listened to the audio while reading. The narrator was magnificent. She makes you feel the story in your bones. In your heart. Every twist of a sword. Every knife wound. Every heartbreak. It was done beautifully.

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.

This was an epic story full of love, grief, and power. My jaw was on the floor for most of this book. It’s a fast-paced story with multiple pov’s inside the Assyrian Empire and we follow Semiramis, an orphan turned queen. It’s a whirlwind of a story. Casati’s writing absolutely blew me away. The prose? Gorgeous. Character development and world-building? Top notch. Ayesha Antoine’s narration took it to another level. Seriously, this was a 10-star read for me. Someone needs to turn this into a TV show ASAP. Massive thanks to NetGalley & Recorded Books for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

* I also had an issue playing the audiobook in the NetGalley shelf, but I reached out to the support team and they were able to quickly resolve the issue for me. Shoutout to Megan!

This book was a wild ride. I’m newer to fantasy but to me this felt more like a historical fiction/romance with a sprinkle of mythology in there as well. With that being said it was a quicker read for me which I wasn’t expecting!

I could not get the audiobook to play on the NetGalley shelf app. I am still excited to read the book and hope that I will enjoy it as much as the author's previous works!

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 thinkthis is one of my favorite reads so far in 2025.

Babylonia by Constanza Casati is a spellbinding tale of ambition, resilience, and power set in the brutal world of ancient Assyria. Nothing about Semiramis’s upbringing could have foretold her legacy. Born to a woman scorned by Aphrodite and raised as an orphan on the outskirts of an empire, Semiramis was never meant to hold power. But that does not mean she was not made for it. When she meets a young representative of the new Assyrian king, a path unfolds before her, placing her at the center of a court riddled with politics, betrayal, and a famous love triangle that will ultimately define her rule.

Casati weaves a stunning narrative of a woman who rises against all odds to become the only female ruler of the Assyrian empire. Having loved Clytemnestra, I was eager to dive into Babylonia, and it exceeded my expectations. The storyline is rich and immersive, filled with vivid imagery and emotional depth. Ayesha Antoine’s narration was a perfect match, breathing life into each character with passion and nuance, enhancing the drama and fire of Semiramis’s journey.

This myth-based historical fiction is a must-read for fans of powerful heroines and epic tales. Many thanks to NetGalley, RB Media, and the immensely talented Constanza Casati for the opportunity to listen to this masterpiece! Highly recommend!

Chef’s Kiss! I finished this stunner in two days and it has officially jumped to the top of my favorite mythology. It was an even better read than her first novel Clytemestra, which I loved, and absolutely impossible to put down.

Casati did a phenomenal job of shaping the story of Semiramis and creating a narrative that felt like more than just mythology. I was completely consumed by this woman’s life, and after all she’d been through her determination, strength, and kindness and what defined her. I loved it more than I can properly do justice to!

Thanks Recorded Books for the alc!

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

From the very first page of *Babylonia*, where a stabbing sets the tone, you know you're in for a thrilling and intense journey. Costanza Casati's Babylonia plunges readers into the ancient world of Mesopotamia, where an orphan girl rises against all odds to become the queen of an empire. Casati’s writing is nothing short of mesmerizing, weaving together the brutality of the time with moments of beauty and hope.

As the story unfolds, we follow the protagonist through a maze of war, political intrigue, betrayal, and love. I found myself completely absorbed in their world—despite its darkness—and rooting for the heroine as she navigated the perils of power and survival. The author’s intricate plotting and vivid world-building will appeal to anyone who enjoys stories where historical fiction meets high stakes drama.

The narration of the audiobook was equally impressive. The voice actor’s performance brought the characters’ emotions to life, further enhancing the gripping nature of the story.

If you’re a fan of authors like Madeline Miller, Natalie Haynes, or Jennifer Saint, *Babylonia* is a must-read. From the very first page, this novel grips the reader and doesn’t let go until the last sentence is read. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong, multi-dimensional female characters and a story that keeps you hooked.

Wow! 🤯
This book blows me away! This is the first I've read by this author and I'm awestruck by the story. Semiramis is a nobody. She is an orphan that a merchant took home to use as a bargaining thing later on. Relentless mockery about her mother, who committed suicide after falling for a man who did not return her feelings and had a daughter. The father did not claim the baby. Unable to bear the shame, she committed suicide by tying rocks to her ankles and jumping into the water. The village knows about the incident, but they underestimate her, and Semiramis plots her escape.
However, the effects of the war and the king's death make her unable to escape. She gains the attention of Onnes, the king's bastard bother, who has similar backgrounds, with both of their mothers having the same fate as the others. They eventually marry, and she becomes a thorn in Ninus's side. However, when Semiramis plans an attack and wins, she saves Ninus and his opinion of her changes. He slowly falls in love with her and Semiramis starts to fall in love with him, but she is still married to Onnes. A love triangle forms and the anger and tension are in the air!
I was given the audiobook to enjoy! The narrator is perfect and her voice keeps you engaged and literally sounds like a voice that will tell you a story of mythology! An absolute AMAZING audiobook! If you listen to one audiobook this month, it should be this one! It's that good!
Thank You RB Media and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen and review this one! It was a treat that book me back to reading mythology as a kid! I loved this one!

Mythological threesome!
Constanza Casati should be getting as much acclaim as Miller.

Semiramis is a nobody orphan at the fringes of an empire who is determined to rise from her place taking her from her village to the high halls of the emperors.

Semiramis is powerful, resourceful, and ambitious whilst also still be caring and compassionate to the people around her.
Her relationships with her husband, Onnes, and Ninus the king of Assyria, are

<b>”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.”
</b>
This jumps in time, perspectives, and locations which gives you a full picture and offers a more satisfying ending. It wrapped up so perfectly with a narrative device I adore but won’t spoil.

This had bromance, a relationship borne devoid of passion to one that becomes dependant and respectful.

Sadly, this was not as good as Clytemnestra, but take this with a pinch of salt - I am sucker for Greek mythology.

Semiramis’s gradual rise to power is not fully expanded on so it seems sudden when she is this misfit bride to suddenly having all this respect and power.
I also didn’t feel as attached to her as I did the character of Clytemnestra.

Audibook Arc gifted by RBMedia.

Ayesha Antoine’s, narration is fantastic. I was pulled in instantly.
Babylonia by Costanza Casati is an engaging tale of rising from humble beginnings and leaving a legacy. The world-building is exceptional, with a brutal and often harsh setting that highlights the political intrigue and power struggles within. Casati’s storytelling is compelling, and I’m excited to read more of her work in the future.

Costanza Casati’s Babylonia is a masterful exploration of human resilience and vulnerability, set against the richly detailed backdrop of ancient Mesopotamia. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its characters—flawed, exquisitely rendered, and achingly human. Their pain and trauma feel palpable, woven into every decision they make and every relationship they navigate. Casati doesn’t shy away from their imperfections; instead, she uses them to deepen the emotional resonance of the story, making their triumphs and failures feel profoundly real.

The storytelling is equally breathtaking. Casati crafts a tale that is both sweeping and intimate, immersing readers in the complex social and political dynamics of the time while never losing sight of her characters’ deeply personal struggles.

Babylonia is not just a historical novel; it’s a profound meditation on humanity—our flaws, our pain, and our enduring hope.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, Casati does it again and knocks it out of the park for a 5 star for me! How she takes individuals from history and completely creates her own characters from it is astounding. Her writing is very lyrical, but it flows together so well and is never flowery for the sake of being flowery.

The amount of political intrigue, plotting, and seeing the development of Semiramis into her role of power from nothing is enough to leave you turning each page at lightning speed. The characters were so complex and relatable even in today's times. The battle scenes are very descriptive, and you get wrapped up in the heat of the moment, experiencing every bit of action you are reading.

Such a tragic, intense, twisty, dramatic tale should not be missed, and if you haven't read the author's other book, Clytemnestra, I highly recommend you read that as well!

This was the first book I’ve read by Costanza Casati, but definitely not the last! I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrators were entirely captivating. Between the narrators and the vividly flowing writing style, I found myself transported back to this time in history of which I had not previously explored. While I found that it took me a bit to become invested in the storyline and the characters, about 30% of the way in I found myself hooked. Following the trials in Semiramis’s life and her rise to power was a rewarding journey to be along for, and I appreciated the different perspectives that we were given throughout the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia for the ARC!

Constanze Casati does a masterful on crafting this historical fiction about one of the only known female rulers of the Neo Assyrian empire.

Semiramis is an orphaned young woman who decides she no longer wants the ordinary life promised by staying in her village and marrying one of the men there. Her abusive adoptive father helps push her into this resolve. She knows she deserves more. Full of tense moments, historical and mythical intrigue. This book asks how far will you go to get what you feel is yours.How much are you willing to sacrifice and is it all actually with it in the end?

If you love complex characters, complicated romances, forbidden love triangles, and learning a bit of history this is the book for you.

🐆 ARC REVIEW 🐆

BABYLONIA by Costanza Casati
4/5 🌟
Pub date 🇺🇸: Jan 14th

I am greatly interested in the history of ancient civilizations, so I was so excited to receive this ARC! It was definitely way different than what I was reading (Dungeon Crawler Carl), so it took me a minute, but I was drawn into the book by the dynamic characters and masterful storytelling.

This book is a retelling of the Assyrian myth of Semiramis, the only Empress of the Assyrian Empire. It's filled with wanting, love, and betrayal. Please read if you enjoy the following:

🗡 Political and cultural environment of ancient Mesopotamia
🗡 Ambitious young women who are willing to grow and change
🗡 Tragic love that is doomed from the get-go
🗡 Leopards as pets 🐆

Thank you Netgalley and RBMedia for an audio ARC of this book!

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