by Costanza Casati
Publisher: Landmark
Pub Date: January 14, 2025
Genre: Adult, Mythology, Retelling, Historical
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Book Links: Goodreads Amazon Bookshop
When kings fall, queens rise.
Nothing about Semiramis's upbringing could have foretold her legacy or the power she would come to wield. A female ruler, once an orphan raised on the outskirts of an empire - certainly no one in Ancient Assyria would bend to her command willingly. Semiramis was a woman who knew if she wanted power, she would have to claim it.
There are whispers of her fame in Mesopotamian myth- Semiramis was a queen, an ambitious warrior, a commander whose reputation reaches the majestic proportions of Alexander the Great. Historical record, on the other hand, falls eerily quiet.
In her second novel, Costanza Casati brilliantly weaves myth and ancient history together to give Semiramis a voice, charting her captivating ascent to a throne no one promised her. The world Casati expertly builds is rich with dazzling detail and will transport her readers to the heat of the Assyrian Empire and a world long gone.
The start was slow. Kind of boring and was on the edge of leaving this as a DNF.
However, hang in there. Around chapter 10 is when it starts to finally pick up and I'm so glad I held on.
The story picks up, the pace picks up, things are becoming interesting and pulled me in.
Semiramis first comes off as an orphan taken in but never really fit in or belonged. When she meets Onnes, its as if she finally awakens. More of herself starts to come out.
Semiramis leaves with Onnes after a horrid scene at her home. She will leave with him and on the way he makes his plans to know to want to marry her.
They marry, they have a good home, all seems to be going well. Semiramis is learning from one of the slaves being her eyes and ears. She is eager to wander and explore the area more though. So she asks Onnes to train her, as its a place she finds interesting. He agrees. Onnes is kind and listens and answers all her questions. They are equals and its actually nice to see.
When Semiramis joins them at war, things are going to change for everyone. Her strategy worked, they won. But she has seen things now that will change her. Onne's won't be the same again and the King will start to see her as more than his brothers wife.
As the book moves on, so much happens. The paces keeps you on your toes. Rumors will spread. People will die. Semiramis will rise as Queen and so much more. I'm so glad I stuck it out and now I can't wait to see what the author will come up with next!
