I was really quite hooked until part two. The first quarter of the novel really drew me in as Arius spurns Lepida (she has the eyes of a ferret, apparently) and begins a rather hot and steamy affair with Thea. Thea is a Jewish slave that works for Lepida, a Roman 'lady.' Both Thea and Lepida develope lustful feelings towards the newest, fiercest, most famous gladiator, Arius. I spent this entire novel trying to find a character I could at least like if not relate to in some way. Ok people, key word in the synposis is 'depravity.' I wish I had paid closer attention. But in the end, the life of Domitian lies in the hands of one woman: the Emperor's mistress. Many have tried to destroy the Emperor: a vengeful gladiator, an upright senator, a tormented soldier, a Vestal Virgin. But the passions of an all-powerful man come with a heavy price, and Thea finds herself fighting for both her soul and her sanity. Remaking herself as a singer for Rome's aristocrats, Thea unwittingly attracts another admirer: the charismatic Emperor of Rome. Now she has infuriated her mistress by capturing the attention of Rome's newest and most savage gladiator-and though his love brings Thea the first happiness of her life, their affair ends quickly when a jealous Lepida tears them apart. Thea is a slave girl from Judaea, purchased as a toy for the spiteful heiress Lepida Pollia. The first in an unforgettable historical saga from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Alice Network.įirst-century Rome: A ruthless emperor watches over all-and fixes his gaze on one young woman.

Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn