Wow... just wow!!!!
Costanza Casati has done it again. Babylonia is such a beautifully written story about Semiramis, her dedication, and her journey to power. Semiramis's character is simply exquisite... wondrous, resourceful, complex, and so deeply beautiful. The realness and complexity of these characters really gives the reader the opportunity to perceive these relationships as real and beautiful, no matter how flawed.

If you enjoy mythological retellings or historical fiction, you will most definitely love this book. I was simply blown away and I hope you will be too. Casati has left her mark on this genre and I cannot wait for *hopefully* more mythological retellings... they have become favorites of mine because of this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC!!

In Babylonia, Costanza Casati delivers a gripping historical novel about Semiramis, the only female ruler of the Assyrian Empire. The story follows her journey from a lowly orphan to a powerful queen, navigating a brutal world of politics, power struggles, and complex relationships.

Raised on the fringes of the empire, Semiramis rises through sheer intelligence, strength, and cunning, making enemies and allies along the way. Her relationships with two men—Ninus, the king, and Onnes, her husband—are fraught with love, betrayal, and ambition. As Semiramis learns the deadly game of diplomacy and war, she works toward securing her safety and power in a court full of vipers.

Casati’s writing is immersive, beautifully blending myth with history. Semiramis emerges as a compelling, multifaceted character, whose journey is both empowering and tragic. This novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and strong female protagonists.

This is an enthralling look into the world of the ancient Assyrian Empire. Semiramis is a fascinating perspective to follow throughout her life. I appreciate how much research Costanza Casati has done to create such a lush and immersive picture of this historical moment. The three perspectives of Semiramis, Ninus, and Ribat create a well-rounded image of one woman's life and rise to power. Semiramis's beginnings in a small town, and eventual ruling of the Assyrian Empire convey the strength and practicality of one woman born into a world of danger and political maneuvering. I strongly recommend this as an incredible story of feminine power and expansion of the historical record.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for providing an eARC in return for my honest thoughts.

Costanza Casati has once again delivered a stunning historical reimagining, following up her acclaimed Clytemnestra with Babylonia—a lyrical, immersive, and thought-provoking novel that delves into the life of Semiramis, the only recorded female ruler of the Assyrian Empire. This book is not just a story; it is an experience, masterfully blending history, myth, and human emotion.

Semiramis, also known as Sammuramat in her native Assyria, rises from an orphaned commoner to a queen of legendary stature. Casati portrays her as a multifaceted protagonist: resilient, cunning, power-hungry, and deeply human. Her relationships, particularly with her husband, Onnes, and King Ninus, form the emotional heart of the story. The love triangle between the three is rich in complexity, exploring themes of love, loyalty, ambition, and betrayal. This dynamic is both gripping and unconventional, presenting a rare portrayal of queerness and human vulnerability in an ancient context.

Casati’s meticulous research shines through every page. Drawing from historical records and the Epic of Gilgamesh, she reconstructs the brutal and opulent world of ancient Assyria with vivid detail. From the splendor of palaces to the horrors of war, she captures the grandeur and brutality of a society that shaped its rulers and subjects alike. The integration of mythology and historical accuracy enhances the narrative, lending it the aura of an epic while grounding it in a richly imagined past.

The writing is both sparse and evocative, inviting readers to savor each line. The pacing, however, can feel uneven. While the slower sections effectively build the world and set up the complex web of relationships, the final quarter feels somewhat rushed, leaving some character arcs—particularly Ribat’s—underexplored. Despite this, the payoff is emotionally resonant and satisfying, especially for readers who appreciate deep dives into character motivations and societal structures.

Notably, Babylonia does not shy away from the rawness of its setting. The violence, while graphic, is never gratuitous, serving instead to underscore the trauma and resilience of its characters. This unflinching portrayal of brutality mirrors the harsh realities of the Assyrian Empire and adds depth to the narrative.

For fans of historical fiction, mythology retellings, or anyone who loves stories of powerful, complex women, Babylonia is a must-read. It is a tale of ambition, survival, and the price of power that will stay with you long after the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read this incredible book in advance.

*Title: Babylonia-a standalone

*Release date: 1/14/25 | Read 12/29/24

*Author: Costanza Casati-new to me author

*Format:  E-book 448 pgs.

 *Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Costanza Casati for this ARC 👑! I voluntarily give an honest review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

*Setting: Ancient Assyria/Mesopotamia - 823 BC

*Genre: Historical Fic, Fantasy, Adult Fic, Romance 

*Tropes: mythology retelling, royal romance, love triangle

*Look out for: murder, suicide, physical abuse, PTSD

*POV: 3rd person, multiple

*Synopsis:  This is the rise of Semiramis -an orphan beaten and unwanted- to a governor's wife and later Queen. It is filled with political intrigue, betrayal, and ambition.

*Characters

* Derceto-Semiramis's mother(deceased), father unknown and deceased
* Semiramis- an orphan, always in trouble, and wants to leave town. 
* Onnes- the new governor of Eber-Nari, close friend/half-brother to King Ninus
*Amos- Semiramis's adoptive brother*
*Simmas-Semiramis's adoptive father, a shepherd in the village of Mari
*Ninus- the 2nd son of Shalmaneser and the new King of Assyria
*King Ashurnasirpal-Ninus's grandfather(deceased)
* King Shalmaneser-Ninus's father (deceased)
* Assur-Ninus's brother, the 1st son of Shalmaneser
* Nisat-Ninus and Assur's mother
*Sosane-Ninus's daughter with a scribe
*Ilu-commander-in-chief of Assyrian army and member of King's council
*Ribat-one of Onnes's slaves
*Sasi-eunuch spymaster and member of the King's council
*Marduk-prince turned King of Babylon

*Review: Once I got all the characters straight, this was an adventurous dive into a world of war and passions. Semiramis' rise to power reminded me of Cersei from Game of Thrones with love that rivaled Song of Achilles. King Ninus and Onnes were trusted brothers in love but had a sadness that could never be cured. I felt for Onnes's battle within himself, especially after the battle in Bacteria. King Ninus's decisions weren't always the best or strongest, and it turned him mad. Nisat and Semiramis constantly battled each other in scheming and wit, while Sasi gave off serious Varys vibes. This was a historical journey I was happy to take!  

☠️Beware: there are different spellings for the same names which got a little confusing.

*Rating:  5/5 
 
*Spice level- 3/5 -nothing explicit, most off page

First, thank you NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for the opportunity to read this book. What a beautifully written story it was.

Historical fiction is a genre that I always enjoy reading and Costanza Casati does this genre so well. The story of Semiramis is one of struggle and adversity. It’s more than just a rags to riches retelling. Casati’s beautiful prose helps see things through Semiramis’ eyes and actually feel what she is going through.

I did feel that there are times when the pace was off and the book was slow at times, but then Casati would draw you back in to the story. Overall if you are a fan of historical fiction, especially this time period then I highly recommend this book.

4/5 ⭐️
Greek Mythology is something I really enjoy reading, but if you add a strong female character, and I am for sure in! And this book did not disappoint. Costanza Casati does an espectacular job at researching and making this wonderful story about Semiramis, an orphan who becomes a ruler and a powerful warrior. This book will be released on January 14, 2025. Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC

Babylonia is a retelling of the story of Semiramis, the Queen of Assyria whose rule became a legendary tale. From an orphan in a farming village, to battle warrior, to ruler, Costanza Casati brings Semiramis’s story to life.

Many trigger warnings for this book including war related violence and mutilation, ending the life of small humans on page, self-induced death, and physical abuse of women.

Third-person present is not my favorite narration style and I’m going to say that is why it took me the first third of this book to find a rhythm for reading. The language feels self-important and overwrought at times, however after that first 30% I feel like the pace of the story picked up greatly and reading it became more enjoyable.

Semiramis is a strong woman and a wonderful character to read on page. Overall I enjoyed the book, even with the difficult topics at times.

I couldn't get into this book - I think I just couldn't get a good feeling for the characters quickly enough. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. #sponsored

When it comes to historical fiction in the greek mythology realm I think there are very few authors who can bring such a strong hold into the realm, but Casati proves why she is up to task with a rich and vivid world drawn from myth and placed into her careful hands. A point of contention I saw for this novel was the love triangle however I think it strengthened much of the bonds and character growth. I hope there is much more to come!

GORGEOUS. I adored this novel. This story follows the tumultuous life of Semiramis, the governor she marries, and her husband. All three characters are deeply flawed and exceedingly human. Casati perfectly blends fascinating mythology and history in a way that feels as though you are in Ancient Assyria yourself.

Bloodlust, ambition, heartbreak, betrayal, triumph - all wrapped in stunning prose. This story has it all.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Semiramis, the only female ruler of the Assyrian empire, should be as well knowns as Cleopatra or Eleanor of Aquitaine, but instead has largely been forgotten by history. Costanza Casati brings her to life in this gripping tale of survival and strength amidst the cutthroat world of the Assyrians.
This story is full of heartbreak and sorrow but underneath all of that is Semiramis and her will to not only survive but to thrive in the brutal world of the Assyrians. Like Casati's previous work, Clytemnestra, the characters are drawn from history but the author masterfully makes them her own. The backdrop of political intrigue and the fight for power makes this story impossible to put down.

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for the ARC.

I was lucky enough to have an ARC of this. When I hit about 80% of the book, I became so bereft because I realized I was running out of book! That’s how good the book is. You don’t want to put it down and you don’t want it to end.

Last year, I fell in love with the epic of Gilgamesh, and am incredibly pleased that this draws heavily on it. This homage to Gilgamesh and Enkidu plays out with Ninus and Onnes, and is written beautifully.

This is so well researched. There is strength, cunning, and horror. It’s everything you expect from great novels. Semiramis is not an obscure name, and her story should be one no one forgets.

I read Clytemnestra last year by Costanza Casati, and I thought there was no way she could top that book - boy, was I wrong! Where do I even start talking about Babylonia? The writing is beautiful and lyrical. The characters are so complex, strong, and real. The story is unbelievable.

Can you imagine being an orphan and rising to such fame? Semiramis was this person. No matter how hard life was, or how much it tried to keep her down, she rose time and time again. When she meets Onnes, her life changes forever. The Greeks called her Semiramis, but her Assyrian name is Sammuramat. She lived in 9th century BC. History doesn't speak of her, but myths of her have been passed down through generations so that they haven't forgotten her.

Casati's research goes beyond belief. She dug deep when she wrote Clytemnestra, and I think her research went even deeper with Babylonia. There is so much you can learn from reading one of her books. Beware, though, you could go down a rabbit hole. I have to say of the close to 175 books I read this year, thus book has to go down as the best one! I can't recommend it enough. If you somehow missed Clytemnestra, last year, you need to get both books and read them!

Tentative Publication Date:
January 14, 2025

Thanks to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Casati for the E-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

😊 Happy Reading 😊

#Netgalley #sourcebookslandmark #costanzacasati #Babylonia #arc

Read if you: think you would have loved Game of Thrones without the dragons (or, alternatively, wished for another season of HBO's Rome), rooted for Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, or ever dreamed of having a big cat as a pet.

A common woman. The governor she married. The king who loved them both. This is a fictional exploration of the life, loves, and rise to power of Semiramis, the only female ruler of the Assyrian empire. Beginning her life as a commoner and the adopted daughter of an abusive shepherd, Semiramis dreams of escaping a life that offers her no agency. When a new governor becomes interested in her, she is swept into a royal world filled with ambition, politics, intrigue, and war.

This book beautifully reflects on the nature of love, the morality of seeking power, and the limitations imposed by our past. It quickly draws you into the world of Assyria and doesn't let you go long after you finish the last page. While historical retellings are not my usual genre, I truly enjoyed this one. I felt that the last quarter of the book was somewhat rushed, particularly the conclusion of Ribat's character arc, and it could have benefitted from a bit more development.

Rating: 3.5

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with an advanced e-copy!

Starting with the cover—it’s not my favorite, but I can appreciate that it stands out in a market saturated with similar designs. It might not grab attention immediately, but it does reflect the unique tone of the story.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, this book has a lot to offer. The world-building is strong, immersing readers in the time period with vivid details and an authentic sense of place. However, the pacing could use some improvement. The story dragged at certain points, which made it difficult to stay fully engaged, and the ending felt rushed, which seems to be a recurring trend in my recent reads.

One of the most disappointing aspects was the FMC’s journey to the Crown. Rather than earning or fighting for it, she essentially has it handed to her. This made the resolution feel less satisfying and undermined the tension and stakes built earlier in the story.

Overall, Babylonia has some compelling elements, particularly its historical setting and world-building, but its pacing and character arcs left me wanting more. If you enjoy historical fiction and are okay with a slower, less dynamic plot, it’s worth a read, but it didn’t completely deliver for me.

Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for giving me early access to this book! All opinions are my own.

Babylonia is such a moving and riveting historical read. I was a bit worried when I started reading it, because the names and locations were complicated, but the author quickly switches to easier names to make the reading easier. In a nutshell, if you’ve ever wanted to experience the song, “I Will Survive” in a historical setting this is the book to read! 4⭐️

DNF at 33%

This novel constructs the beguiling character of Semiramis, who is a compelling mix of resilience, brilliance, and relatability. The backdrop of Assyrian culture adds a layer of intriguing worldbuilding, both vivid and authentic.

Unfortunately, the pacing doesn’t always keep up and it is hard to stay engaged. For readers who appreciate richly detailed historical fiction, the ending might justify the slower moments—but I find it challenging to stick with the story until it. 4 stars for the beautiful writing, and a promise to return to this again.

The world building of this novel was incredible. Reading it felt like I was in ancient Assyria. And since I could hardly put it down, I almost felt like Semiramis was someone I knew in real life. Casati takes us into the hearts and minds of the characters and we feel their grief, their fear, their love. The only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 was that it read a bit like YA when it was very much not a YA novel. The sentence structure for many of the sentences was incredibly simplistic. It felt like it needed a much tighter edit.

“The poets say that men are made for glory, but gods want glory for themselves. So to make men vulnerable, they gave them the gift of love.”

Costanza Casati tells the legend of Semiramis in sparse, beautiful prose that made me feel like I was reading a classic. The pace is slow, but it’s absolutely worth it—this is a book to savor.

I had never heard of Semiramis, but after only a few chapters I was curious enough to look her up. She is both a mythical figure and a real historical figure, and Casati blends aspects of both myth and record in her retelling. Although this story has no shortage of drama—there’s a love triangle, secrets, spying, war, and tons of murder—the writing itself is calm and quiet, and the characters are strikingly sincere. King Ninus should not be likable—he is objectively an absolute creep—and yet, he was my favorite character.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, for the opportunity to read Babylonia in exchange for an honest review!