sad to say this one was not as gripping as Clytenmestra. I was bored half the time, and didn't really care for the story line :(

Babylonia by Constanza Casati is a wonderfully crafted work that seamlessly blends historical and mythological narratives with the author’s vision of the protagonists and their personal struggles. It intricately explores the complexities of human relationships, power dynamics, and the impact of powerful individuals' decisions on the fate of many.

I am impressed by the author’s research, which allows her to paint such vivid pictures of the Assyrian Empire in the 9th century BC, while also delving into the inner lives of her characters. This creates a beautiful tension between the personal and the universal.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the copy of the book.

In Babylonia, Costanza Casati, the bestselling author of Clytemnestra, returns with another dazzling exploration of ancient history. This time, she breathes life into the enigmatic figure of Semiramis—the only female ruler of the Assyrian Empire. Seamlessly blending historical record and myth, Casati’s novel chronicles Semiramis’s rise from obscurity to legendary status in a world that was never meant to yield power to a woman.

Semiramis begins her journey as an orphan raised on the fringes of the empire, a far cry from the splendor of Assyrian royalty. Yet through sheer ambition, intelligence, and willpower, she claims the throne in a male-dominated world. While history offers little about her life, myth portrays Semiramis as a brilliant warrior and visionary ruler, and Casati brilliantly uses this duality to craft a richly imagined story of power, resilience, and ambition.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its world-building. Casati’s attention to detail vividly brings the Assyrian Empire to life—the heat, grandeur, and danger of ancient Babylonia leap from the page. The political intrigue is as intense as the battles, and every decision Semiramis makes feels weighted with the full consequence of empire-building.

Semiramis herself is an unforgettable protagonist. Casati portrays her as a complex, determined woman who refuses to be underestimated. Her journey is both inspiring and poignant, filled with hard-won victories and heartbreaking sacrifices.

Babylonia will appeal to fans of historical fiction who enjoy tales of powerful women and stories set in ancient worlds. Costanza Casati proves once again that she is a master at reimagining the lives of legendary figures, giving Semiramis the voice and legacy she deserves. This is a gripping, beautifully written tale that will linger with readers long after the final page.

You’ve likely heard of Babylon or Assyria. But have you ever heard of Semiramis, the only female ruler of the Neo-Assyrian Empire who conquered much of the Middle East? In this novel, Costanza Cosati takes the little we know of Semiramis, mostly derived from Diodorus Siculus’s work, and weaves a tale from her origins as a humble village orphan to near-divine status.

This is a historical retelling done right– these half-mythologized beings are real and terribly flawed. Much of the story focuses on the relationships between Semiramis, her husband Onnis, and the king Ninnus. All are broken in different ways, and their interactions are at turns touching and heartrending. It's a slow story despite several battle scenes, but I thought it flowed well. I also found the portrayal of PTSD in the ancient world thoughtfully done. If it's marketed as fantasy, it's only because it tells the story of semi-mythologized figures. There's next to none of the supernatural other than some prophecy.

Some reviewers say the book is a bit of a rip off of A Game of Thrones because there’s a eunuch spymaster and a plotting dowager queen but that’s quite unfair– those are tropes that existed long before GRRM, and there’s a firm historical basis for eunuchs in important Assyrian government positions. I think Casati does something genuinely interesting with the dowager queen too, though it’s so brief it might be considered an aside.

My only complaint is about the title itself, which confused me. I am not well informed about the history of the region and had to do some research to orient myself. I really struggled here to keep the city of Babylon (briefly sort of an antagonist here) separate from Babylonia, the general region that includes Babylon. Assyria is to the north. Assyria eventually encompassed Babylonia during the Neo-Assyrian Empire, but the majority of the books takes place in Kalhu (now called Nimrud)-- not Babylon. Maybe the book should have just been called Semiramis?

I love all of this author’s retellings. So rich in detail and the perfect amount of added dramatization. Can’t wait for the next one!

An easy 4 stars to Babylonia by Costanza Casati!

Casati has a truly beautiful writing style that brought ancient history to life. I had never heard of the legendary Semiramis, but her story captivated me from almost the beginning. She was bold, brave, and passionate. Her desire to rise above her humble beginnings had to be admired, and, in spite of her flaws, I was truly rooting for her to overcome pretty much every circumstance that came against her. All the other characters were also well-written and, usually, incredibly messy. So much drama and scandal! As an introverted girlie who does not enjoy conflict, I can’t imagine that I would’ve thrived quite like Semiramis did.

I must again return to Casati’s writing style. Words truly cannot explain just how much I loved it! There were moments I felt like I was right there watching Semiramis, Onnes, and Ninus navigate their trials and tribulations. She brought Ancient Mesopotamia to life in a way I haven’t experienced before, and I will most definitely be going back to read Clytemnestra by her.

The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars is because sometimes I got a little bit too frustrated with the characters, and I don't see myself ever wanting to reread this one. Not because it was bad (I hope that's obvious from my raving about the beautiful writing and intriguing characters), but because it just felt a little too long at some points.

All in all, if you are at all interested in mythology, ancient civilizations, or strong women who will do anything to gain what they want…pick this one up!

Thank you so very much to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS, and Costanza Casati for the free arc in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book, but at times had a hard time following what was happening. The characters were vibrant and very well written, and the way mythology was woven into the story really enhanced the story. The romance was wonderfully messy and just what I hope for when reading a fictionalized story about ancient cultures/mythos/rulers.

This historical/mythical retelling is about Semiramis, thought to be the only ancient queen of Assyria. It is an intriguing story of ancient history and is well told and brought to life by the author. It is a story of extreme violence but also obsessive love and the way the violence infects that love. I am thrilled that these ancient women are having their stories told and I will continue to read them. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

3.5 stars

Great storyline - the loss of oneself bc of love and the lack of. So much betrayal, love triangle, loss, BUT the half brother inc*st was a bit too much for me.

Thank you Netgalley

DNF @ 20%

After trying to get into this book three times and still not getting hooked, I have to accept that it just isn't for me. I'm not a stranger to historical fiction so I was surprised to see this didn't pull me in, I enjoyed the writing style, but the jumping characters at the beginning and generally slower pacing just made it too hard for me to get invested.

Semiramis by Costanza Casati

Costanza Casati’s Semiramis is a mesmerizing journey into the heart of ancient Assyria, where power is won through cunning, ambition, and the willingness to survive at any cost. In her second novel, Casati masterfully blends myth and history, breathing life into a figure often lost in the shadows of legend—the formidable queen Semiramis.

From the very first page, the novel grips you with its vivid descriptions and raw emotional depth. Semiramis’s transformation from an orphaned outsider to the only female ruler of the Assyrian Empire is both brutal and inspiring. Casati’s portrayal of her is layered: she is fierce yet vulnerable, calculating yet capable of deep love. The relationships she forms—especially with the governor she marries and the king who loves them both—are complex, filled with passion, betrayal, and political maneuvering.

What truly sets Semiramis apart is Casati’s ability to create an immersive world. The opulence and decadence of the Assyrian court pulse with life, contrasted sharply against the violence and ruthlessness lurking beneath. The court is a den of vipers, where alliances shift like sand, and Casati paints this treacherous landscape with masterful precision.

The novel is not just a tale of rise to power; it’s a story about a woman refusing to be defined by the men around her. Semiramis doesn’t rely on fate—she shapes it. Her growth from a survivor to a strategist and, finally, a ruler is compelling, marked by moments of triumph and heartbreak.

Casati’s prose is lyrical yet sharp, echoing the grandeur and brutality of the ancient world. Fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe or Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne will find themselves captivated by Casati’s fierce, unapologetic heroine.

Verdict: Semiramis is a stunning, unflinching portrait of power, love, and ambition in an ancient world where survival is the ultimate victory. Casati’s storytelling is as bold and captivating as her heroine. A must-read for lovers of historical fiction, mythology, and stories of formidable women who refuse to be forgotten.

Rating: ★★★★★

This is such an interesting retelling of real-life characters. I wish I would have read the Author's Note first to hear about Semiramis' story and how she decided to write the book.

One of the best myth retellings I've read in a long time! Highly recommend.

Babylonia follows Semiramis, a woman who is born to a woman who is born as a peasant and makes her way up to becoming Queen. This book follows the question of what one will do for power without having the main character be unlikeable, a true feat. Also involves the best love triangle I can fathom in an adult novel. I was so engrossed by the characters, including side characters, and their motivations were clear without being obvious. The author's note at the end made me appreciate her choices so much, and I felt really connected to this one.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Ancient Mesopotamia, ruthless royals, and one unstoppable woman? Yes, please.

Costanza Casati serves up a feast of power plays, betrayal, and ancient-world drama that would put most reality tv shows to shame.

Our leading lady, Semiramis, doesn’t just break the glass ceiling—she shatters it, melts the shards, and reforges them into a weapon (or maybe a crown, depending on her mood). Either way, she’s not here to play. She conquers hearts, enemies, and a few sexist traditions along the way.

Casati’s writing is so immersive you’ll feel the desert heat, smell the incense of the palace, and possibly develop a mild fear of Assyrian court politics. If you like your historical fiction with sharp prose, vivid world-building, and ambition-fueled scheming, Babylonia is the book for you.

Chose to read the audiobook instead and so glad I made that choice... it's amazing ingle done and great story telling 10000%

WOW WOW WOW!!! I was so nervous and hesitant about this one living up to Clytemnestra and, unbelievably, this one actually far surpassed it! An incredible masterpiece of narrative, I was transported into this entrancing, luscious world! The magnetic, emotional depth that the characters and relationships have! The fascinating, tension-fueled political intrigue! This story is truly a feat of epic proportions and this author is cementing herself as an absolutely magical storyteller alongside authors like Jennifer Saint and Madeline Miller. I can't tell you how excited I am to have such a stunning first edition of this one. As soon as I finished it, I knew I was going to have to re-read and annotate it again in the future. I'll probably buy a paperback edition when it releases so I can write in it without messing up my beautiful one. It'll be one of the very few books I own multiple copies of. FINALLY, a story like this centered around a new and fresh place, peoples, and time-period! (Instead of the same Greek stories/characters that have been done, redone, and overdone by now in recent years' publishing trends.) This story has something for everyone and I will definitely be telling anyone and everyone to read it! This has been the most captivating historical/mythology that I think I've ever read and I will be thinking about it for a long time to come. I really hope it gets the hype it deserves. It would also make a fantastic book club pick and would lend itself well to discussions.

3.75 rounded up
For those who enjoy Circe, Adventures + The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
What I enjoyed:
- Gorgeous cover(s) that really caught my attention
- The themes that this book presented on powerful women, gender dynamics, familial & romantic love
- Learning about Assyrian culture/mythology/history was really intriguing but makes me wonder what other history gets lost

"Babylonia" by Costanza Casati is a richly detailed historical novel that immerses readers in an ancient world of power, intrigue, and survival. The prose is atmospheric, and the setting feels well-researched, but the pacing can be a little uneven, making it difficult to stay fully engaged. Overall, it’s an interesting read for historical fiction fans, but it doesn’t quite reach its full potential.

I loved how this story was framed in Semiramis's point of view. She was an electrifying main character and brought a lot of needed heart to the story. I had never heard this story before and I found myself intrigued because of the author's storytelling.

This is the story of Semiramis, a girl in ancient Assyria. As an unloved orphan she has learned to survive by being clever and skilled. She is astute at reading the feelings and motives of others. She can also climb better than any of the males in her village. When a situation arises that makes escape from her village existence possible she jumps at it. This is the start of her life, her fulfillment of a prophecy, moving up in the world and the sacrifices that entails.