4.5

This was GOLD!

If Game of Thrones has taught us anything, it’s that power isn’t given—it’s taken. And Babylonia delivers that lesson with teeth. This is the Greek - bad ass woman version of GOT. We are thrown, headfirst, into the ruthless world of ancient Assyria, where survival isn’t a right- it’s a blood sport.

At the center of it all is Semiramis, an orphan who refuses to stay in the corner. Tuis badass doesn’t wait for fate to hand her a damn thing. She fights, schemes, and seduces her way up the ranks, caught between a husband, a king, and a destiny bigger than all of them. The writing is so damn good; it drags you into the dirt and gold of a court filled with ambition, desire, and enough political backstabbing to make Westeros look stable. Life or death, with no in-between.

Semiramis is the kind of queen legends are made of—the kind who doesn’t wait for a crown. She takes it. And I am here for it. I would LOVE to a follow up to her story, and better yet - a mini series. We need a woman to root for, to bleed for and hope for. Thanks to Costanza Casati, we have one.

Final Grade: A, sharpen your daggers, it’s time to take a crown

*Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books for an advanced audiobook copy in exchange for my always honest reviews*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was hooked from the start. The writing is beautiful and makes you feel like you’re right there, experiencing everything. The story is full of politics, betrayal, and war, but it’s told in a way that keeps you wanting more.

I loved that it’s about a strong woman who has to make tough choices to survive and find her own way. It reminded me of Game of Thrones with all its twists and turns, just on a smaller scale.

What stood out the most for me was the writing—it’s stunning. And the audiobook? Absolutely amazing!

It takes a lot of research to write a book that combines history and myths into one cohesive and realistic story, but Costanza Casati did that perfectly in "Babylonia". The story follows the Assyrian empire’s only female ruler, Semiramis, a strong and powerful woman who was born a commoner and became queen. The way Semiranis is depicted with all the suffering, resilience, and strength of a powerful woman who knows what she wants and doesn't feel the need to apologize for pursuing that, and manages to do that in a world of men and what's most fascinating is that we are talking of a real woman, who ruled an empire, not a maid up story!
This mythological retelling captured battles, politics, and the Assyrian empire's raw power and showed us the emotional part of historical figures, it showed that PTSD provoked some of their actions and that even civilizations that are known for being brutal also had feelings.
The writing itself is also beautiful and poetic, and there was a lot of character development, enough for you to love a character and then hate it or the other way around, this is not a predictable plot.
As for the audiobook part, I sometimes feel that the voice of the narrator doesn't manage to communicate the feelings of the characters very well, but I didn't feel that way with this book. I feel that the narration style is not for every book, but it was perfect for this story, the calculated pauses and the voice tone captured the ancient setting perfectly.

3 ⭐️

This book is all over the place in terms of quality. The best parts are amazing. They are emotional and gave me chills. The weakest parts are dreadfully boring and dragged on.

I think this book would’ve benefitted from a little bit of a faster pace (especially towards the end). It got really slow and I felt like nothing was really happening for chapters at a time.

I think that Semiramis is a great main character for one of these mythological “feminist retellings”. I am obsessed with this genre and I will never get tired of them. This book tried to do something a little different in the genre and had multiple POVs. At first I thought it was working, but overall I think it hurt the story more than helped it. I feel it should’ve focused solely on Semiramis’ story. Often times (this story being no exception) the characters are all morally gray and I think leaving the butterfly effect caused by these horrendous decisions hidden from the reader helps with the story. It forces us to consider and imagine the worst instead of literally see the bad things happening. Our imaginations are usually worse than the reality.

I enjoyed the first half a lot. The last half was more a struggle but I thought the writing was consistently great throughout. Very poetic. Very quotable. Very good imagery.

I know that Casati is a very talented author and I am still eager to see what else she releases in the future.

Disclaimer: I got an eARC of the audiobook through netgalley. Thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for the advanced copy!

I do love a good historical fiction and Babylonia definitely falls within that category. Casati has decided to build her tale around a motherless abused girl who from the start can be seen as not being afriad to use her brain and push against gender barriers.

She shows ambition and jealousy, greed and political machinations at court. The triad of love-hate-jealousy formed by our main characters is particularly interesting as we follow how everything moves within and without to move them together and apart.

Semiramis is determined and calculating, using what she has gained through marriage to learn and rise where she is not wanted. The supporting cast also drives the story forward with glimpses of their own agendas and machinations at court. Here is a story that centres a woman who has only been given bare bones mentions in the annals of history. I think Casati has done a really good job of bringing her story to life.

"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.”

This story follows Semiramis, from Mesopotamian myth and legend, and her journey from orphan to queen. It's set in the Assyrian empire, and it follows Semiramis from her childhood in a small village to her life as a governess and then her rule as queen.

For the audiobook specifically, I really liked the VA's voice and accent throughout, but I felt like there was not enough variation between different character's voices which makes it difficult to follow the series. The sound was very crisp! I think that it was difficult at times to really be entranced with the story because the VA wasn't engaging and was monotonous at times. I found myself having to rewind because I had zoned out, which is incredibly rare for me with audiobooks.

For the novel as a whole, I will say that I really enjoyed Semiramis. I compare every retelling I read to the Song of Achilles because that story made ancient figures so relatable, and it was heartbreaking. I feel like this novel failed to do that. Semiramis was a likable character. She was tenacious and cunning, but she managed to remain fair and sensitive. I often was able to forget that I was reading a historical retelling because I was so invested in her relationships and what would happen. I think the main reason that I am giving this book 3 stars is because it was rather slow. I did not expect to spend the entire book reading about Semiramis's life before her rise to true power, and I thought that climax(es) in this story failed to reel me in. I found myself, regrettably, a little bored at times. However, I thought that Casati's balance of grim, dark realities beside sensitive domesticity was expertly done. I thoroughly appreciated the respect she showed to Semiramis's life in this story! I think I would have enjoyed this book more via reading than audio - it definitely lost a bit of its spark in a less than ideal narration.

This was a very interesting listen.

I usually really enjoyed most of historical fiction books; however, this one was a struggle for me.
This book is full of very interesting content that often made me feel quite uncomfortable. I really with there had been content warning. Despite this, I do believe this was a well done retelling of a historical story. I enjoyed how the author used a variety of POVs throughout the story, giving us a variety of perspectives. I also really appreciate how well researched this book was.

Overall, I think this book was well written; however, due to much of the content I was not able to enjoy the book while listening.

I would've never been able to finish this without also being approved for the audiobook. The beginning was very slow and I was going to give up. I was only 30% through after more than a week. I just had no desire to pick it up. Once I got the audiobook, I cruised through it. I was interested in what was happening, I was engaged. But the story also picked up itself. I enjoyed the narrator a lot. Future historical fiction like this will be audio only for me.

I want to start off saying, I don't think this book is for me. I know a lot of people love it and Costanza Casati and I wish I had the same experience picking up Babylonia for the first time but I just couldn't get there. With that out of the way, there's a lot going on here that I want to touch on - in particular the narration.

Thank you to #NetGalley and RBmedia for providing me with a copy of the new audiobook version of #Babylonia in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

A book about the rise of the only female ruler of the Assyrian empire sounds so captivating and interesting, and yet I found myself drifting away from this story at every turn. There were long periods where I put it down and didn't come back to it unless I actively told myself I should and I often found my attention turned to other things while the audio was playing. This I feel is entirely due to the writing style and not Ayesha Antoine's narration. I do not think it lends itself well to being read out loud. There's too much depth to the story and the particular word choice for it to work in this way.

That said, something I did have an issue with narration wise was how painfully slow it is at 1x speed. I admit, I almost never listen to an audio book at 1x speed. Generally I'll have things around 1.5x but even then, this narration felt really slow. I'm sure that Ayesha was trying to be very deliberate with how she read this but it just makes things so difficult to get through. However, her tone of voice and character choices feel pretty spot on for what you'd expect in this type of novel. So while it did not work for me personally, I think if this work would be of interest to you and you wanted to experience it as a narration, this would fit the bill.

I really wanted to like this book. It touches on so many things I enjoy which is why it's very frustrating to have missed the mark for me. I'm going to give it another show in the physical version in the future to give the content a second chance, but as of right now as an audiobook it's not doing very well.

I absolutely loved this book! It's not one I would normally pick up but I was intrigued and engaged the whole time. I loved the Audiobook. The narrator's voice was easy to listen to and a good fit for the character of the story.

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!

costanza casati has firmly cemented herself as a reliably unique reteller of mythological/historical women. i enjoyed babylonia just as much as her debut clytemnestra. she takes women that had such a small role and expands their identity in a complex and crucial way. i will eagerly continue to follow any upcoming projects!

the narrator for the audio did a fantastic job.

not to mention, my page & wick edition (that i received last year😅) is absolutely stunning.

Cortanza Casati’s Babylonia is a stunning historical novel that immerses readers in the grandeur and intrigue of ancient Mesopotamia. The story follows a fiercely intelligent and resilient heroine navigating the complexities of power, survival, and destiny in a world shaped by gods, rulers, and war. Casati masterfully weaves history and fiction, bringing to life a rich and vividly detailed setting that feels both epic and intimate.

From the first page, I was completely enthralled—each chapter unfolded with gripping tension, lush descriptions, and beautifully crafted prose. The depth of research is evident, making the world feel authentic and immersive without ever overwhelming the reader. I loved every single page and genuinely didn’t want it to end.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator’s performance elevated the experience even further. Their delivery perfectly captured the emotion and atmosphere of the story, making it impossible to stop listening. If you enjoy historical fiction that is both sweeping and deeply personal, Babylonia is an absolute must-read.

I just couldn’t get through this audio but I am intrigued by the story line so I will be grabbing a physical copy to read and try it again!

“Women are at war every day of their lives because they’re expendable”

Summary:

Babylonia follows the harrowing story of Semiramis as she transforms from a young orphan to one of the most powerful women in the Assyrian Empire. Along with Semiramis’s journey, Casati introduces readers to a cast of other compelling characters, such as Ninus, the ruler of the Assyrian Empire; Onnes, one of its head generals; and Ribat, who offers a stark glimpse into the cruel realities of enslaved individuals during this time.

Beyond the story of its heroine, this book immerses readers in the complex and vibrant world of Assyrian and Babylonian mythology. Costanza Casati masterfully blends real historical figures with characters inspired by the stories and documents of this period in a way that leaves readers feeling as if they learned something new about a period in history often not taught about in history class. (P.S. make sure to stick around for the epilogue to hear more about Casati's experience diving into the history for this book)

Review:

As a lover of historical and mythical fiction, I am deeply in love with Babylonia and Casati's writing. It is rare to find an author who so clearly demonstrates a profound care for the history and myths they explore. As a reader, I felt as though Casati painted such a vivid and authentic picture of this historical period that it was almost as if I were walking through the streets of the Assyrian capital alongside the characters.

Speaking of the characters, each one is so fully realized—human and flawed in the most captivating ways. From Semiramis’s unrelenting drive for power to Ninus’s conflicting feelings about love and happiness to Onnes’s struggles with grief and mental illness, Casati unflinchingly examines the human spirit in all its beauty, cruelty, love, and trauma.

The story itself balances moments of romance and ruthlessness. Casati beautifully highlights the budding romance between Semiramis and Onnes while also unflinchingly detailing the brutal realities of Assyrian warfare. History is a complicated source, and I am so grateful that Casati allows readers to see all sides of life in Assyria—its triumphs and tragedies, its tenderness and its violence.

I am so excited to recommend this book to my history loving students and friends!

Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to listen to Babylonia by Costanza Casati in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoy retellings from a female perspective, so I was excited to listen to Babylonia, especially after loving Clytemnestra. With Clytemnestra, I already knew parts of the story, which made revisiting it from her perspective enjoyable.
I knew very little about the Assyrian Empire or its characters, and I wasn’t sure if I’d connect with the story. However, Casati does a great job of making her characters interesting and engaging, pulling me into their world.
The author’s note at the end highlights the research behind the book, which is evident throughout the story. Casati’s descriptions bring each scene to life and the narrator’s pacing and style kept me engaged from start to finish.
Babylonia is a well-crafted, engaging historical retelling even for readers unfamiliar with the time period. Highly recommended.

I absolutely love Costanza Casati's writing. With this particular book, though, I did have a more difficult time getting in to it and the characters just because there were so many. I'd say that's most likely because I began with only the audiobook, which I loved, but once I added the ebook I was able to pick up on the pieces I'd missed. None of that was due to the narrator because she was very good. It's because I started when I was on the road and there was heavy traffic so I got distracted.

The Prologue intrigued me immediately and hooked me on the story. Then, when we get to Chapter 1, the story begins with Semiramis and her journey. Her character was amazingly strong. She had been an orphan who grew to become the one who sat on the throne. Her story was empowering, especially for women. She (and I) went through the gamut of emotions, and touching me emotionally is always a win!

There was so much in the plot: love, death, living life, struggles, power, forgiveness and non-forgiveness, happiness and sadness, and much more. I honestly don't think some people, if they are too emotional, could handle this one. At least not without tears and tissue. Casati definitely knows how to write in such a way to make the reader feel multiple emotions and I do mean feel.

Additionally, it was very descriptive and detailed. Some people might think there was too much detail, but I loved every bit of it. And her diction was perfect to me. She obviously was careful in her denotation and connotation of the words she chose. I felt as though I were there several times throughout the book and eventually became "friends" with the characters. I cared what was going to happen to them. I've said in quite a few of my reviews that I am more character-driven (of course the plot must be good too) and if they don't resonate with me then I normally can't get into the book. In this case, I would recommend this book for others who are also especially character-driven. And, not to mention, Babylonia being a historical fiction book just made it even that much better. Greek mythology and history and the research that Casati must've put into this book blew me away.

This is one book that I also recommend that you don't read summaries of it prior to reading it and the same with the blurb. Go into it blind and just go along for the ride and I think you'll love it too. The narrator was excellent and I loved the e-book version as well. I highly recommend listening to it on audiobook and possibly reading along.

Grateful to have received this as an ALC! I have heard nothing but amazing things about another novel by the author, Clytemnestra. As much as this genre is right up my alley, I struggled through this one, sadly.

"Women are at war every day of our lives, because they are expendable."

"A hammer shatters glass but forges steel."

This gave me Game of Throne vibes (I love GOT). We have some incest (I am pretty sure? I kept getting confused, so correct me if I'm wrong), a pet leopard, and lots of brutal imagery: slicing a young girls throat, cutting off hands and throwing the body parts, attempted rape.

I could not deal with the constant Gilgamesh references.

I read Babylonia as my first by Costanza Casati. It is a daring look at the only woman to rule Assyria as regent while her son came of age to be King, yet nearly the entirety of the book engages with her upbringing and ascension to the throne, with the birth of that future king delayed for dramatic effect. Her story is intriguing, layered with ambition, love, and fear of not being enough. The narrative feels heavy-handed though, and the characters are often unpredictable, which is odd in a historical fiction novel. This is very researched, but also a true work of fiction. I did not enjoy reading this as much as I thought I would, though I deeply appreciate learning from both the author and my inspired research about this very interesting character from the past.
I read both the ebook and audiobook. I strongly recommend the audiobook as I struggled with some of the names in the ebook, but found the audiobook narrator's pronunciations really helped me keep track and understand the story better. Ayesha Antoine did an excellent job of narrating.
Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Recorded Books for the advanced copies to review!

Babylonia by Costanza Casati
4⭐

This is an absolute saga of a retelling of the Assyrian Empire sole female ruler; Semiramis.

This tale is rife with challenges, politics, and battles within the Assyrian Emplire.

I loved the strength that Semiramis displayed and the way the story was told, showed the reader how this strength began and what it grew into.

I found the writing to be deeply lyrical and managed to illustrate even death in a beautiful way. It packed even more of a punch when narrated by Ayesha Antoine.

Absolutley adored this book.

If you love mythology retellings with a BAMF FMC then this is one for you.

Thank you NetGallery for the Arc ❤️

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Narration: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Duration: 16 hrs 21 min
Narrated by Ayesha Antoine

🐆Historical Fiction
🐆Greek Mythology
🐆Slow Descent Into Madness
🐆Love Triangle
🐆Tames Leopard
🐆Flawed Characters
🐆Rise To Power

"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."

"Power is a game that is played in palaces in only," she said
"Do not fear Spymaster, I know how to play too."

“Babylonia” is a Greek mythology retelling that is set in 9th century Assyria. It focuses on the Assyrian empire, only female ruler, Semiramis. As a common orphan girl who was born out of wedlock, was found on the riverbanks edge. She was adopted by a shepherd after her mother took her own life. Semiramis's journey is full of challenges, battles, politics, and the power of the Assyrian empire. Very strong FMC that is cunning, bold, brave, defiant and brave.

It is full of culturally richness with phenomenal world/ character building. It’s a vibrant and immersive world with tasteful writing. It is full of history but beautifully intertwined with fantasy.

I absolutely loved this book and it was a perfect change of pace from books I normally read/ listen to. It’s definitely worth checking out!

The audiobook portion was done wonderfully. I think the narrator really helped to bring the story to life. She had perfect tone and pacing.

Thank you Netgalley and RBmedia for this ALC.