This month, I challenged myself to step out of my usual romance and fantasy comfort zone with my “Expanding & Exploring” reading goal. While this book does have elements of romance, it’s so much more—and I loved every terrible, maddening, heartbreaking word of it.

This was my first time reading anything by this author, and let me just say: she is truly impressive. I even took the time to read her author’s note at the end, and the depth of her historical research deserves all the respect. My history-loving AuDHD brain was fully immersed from start to finish—not once was I pulled out of the story.

The author masterfully weaves together a cast of rich, deeply human characters, exploring how their choices ripple across their lives and the lives of many others. The result is a story that feels like a brutally vibrant bas-relief, full of texture, depth, and emotion. And here’s the kicker: this is essentially a love triangle story, and I hate love triangles. I hate them! Yet, somehow, I adored this one so much that I gave it five stars—not grudgingly, but with my whole heart.

The central character, Semiramis, starts life at a disadvantage, underestimated at every turn. She’s magnificently flawed and has to fight tooth and nail for everything she has—and fight she does. I believe she genuinely loved both Onnes and Ninus, and the complexity of those relationships was beautifully handled.

Growing up, I was fascinated by the old Elizabeth Taylor movie Cleopatra, and this book evoked a similar sense of intrigue and grandeur, albeit in a different way. The court politics are killer—sometimes literally—and her relationship with her mother-in-law is painfully relatable.

I wish I could say more, but I fear I’d veer into spoiler territory. Suffice it to say, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It’s a masterpiece of storytelling that will break your heart and leave you in awe.

Genre: Historical Fiction
Relationship(s): M/F
Romance: Slow Burn 🔥
POV: Multiple, third person
Platform: Digital, ARC NetGalley
Length: 379 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: .5🌶️
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Series/Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
Themes/Tropes: Ancient History, War, Slavery. PTSD, Mental Health, Unrequited Love, Love Triangle
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes

I loved this novel. This was my first read from this author, and I had to admit I was not familiar with the story of Semiramis. I had heard of the author's other novel, but I hadn't read it yet. Going in blind on this story, I had to say I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the depth of Semiramis and how she grew from a shy and timid girl to a ruler as in tandem with her legendary story. I also really liked the prose on this book. It was very beautiful and almost enchanting, yet not pretentious like other novels. I had no problem getting into this book. I think fans of strong women, mythological retellings, and female rulers will like this novel!

Clytemnestra was a masterpiece. I felt like I walked in her skin when I read that book. Now, I'm Semiramis. I climbed the hills with her, stood against useless men, and used my brain like her. I moved from west end of my country to the southeast of it with Casati's work. I was reminded how I was surrounded by strong women who wouldn't take shit from anyone.

"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." You are actually dead when the last person speaks your name forgets you. No one knew who Semiramis was, her existence was not celebrated, until she became the myth and mystery. This day, she is still remembered for becoming the queen that she was.

I liked the fact that Costanza Casati also chooses women who were branded and not considered the "flag bearer" of a perfect women. Both Clytemnestra and Semiramis were called names and people said they were not worthy women because they killed their husbands in some shape or form. But what they don't get was that women do what they did because there were no options left, not because they were evil creatures.

4.75/5⭐ This is my first Constanza Casati book and it certainly won't be my last. Her story writing and attention to detail is up there with that of Madeline Miller. As someone who was not familiar with the story of Semiramis prior to this, this was incredibly informative as it was captivating - even as a historical fiction.

My only critique is that that it took a bit of time to jump into the story. While I know that there is world building needed to set up the story, I will admit that it took me a little while to fully get invested into the story. BUT once I hit a certain mark in the book, I could not put it down!

Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Constanza Casati for the opportunity to read this eARC for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

This book is epic! Wow—just wow. I hadn’t read the author’s previous work, but after hearing the buzz, I’m now eager to go back and read Clytemnestra. This novel tells the captivating story of how Semiramis, born an orphan, rose to become a queen. Simply amazing.

With its blend of spies, scribes, war, love, and betrayal, this book truly has it all. Be sure to read the author’s afterword—the level of research that went into this story is astounding. I felt completely transported.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an early copy!

This is an absolute gem! This book takes you on a whirlwind journey through history, myth, and the rich tapestry of ancient Babylon. The way Casati blends fact and fiction is so seamless - it's like you're living in the ancient world, learning about the city's rise and fall through the eyes of its characters. The storytelling is immersive, the plot is unpredictable, and I couldn't put it down. If you love complex characters, historical depth, and a touch of magic, this one's a must read.

Historical Fiction done right.

This story is immaculate. The writing is flawless as the story is woven through Semiramis' life and rise to Queen during Mesopotamian times. The research and time this must have taken to make this story is just amazing. Not enough props go to authors who meticulously research and plan ancient people and empires so that they can create stories that make them come alive in the present day. Just outstanding.

The characters in this story pack a punch. I mean, every character is deep and complex, none more so than Semiramis and her relationships with Onnes and Ninus. All three are deeply flawed beings who struggle to find truth, love and happiness. It's not something that comes easy as they navigate their complex relationship. This adds so much to how Semiramis develops and works her way to power.

The political intrigue in this book is also front and center. Leaders have to make tough decisions, which in ancient times meant war and death. The book doesn't shy away from these certainties during that time and instead makes the political game front and center as Semiramis cultivates and cements her power as queen. In a time when men ruled over all, Semiramis let nothing stop her.

This book is so well written. If you are a lover of historical fiction, this is literally one you cannot miss.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the eARC.

I had never read a book from Costanza Casati until now, and clearly that was a mistake. This book was amazing. The characters, politics, and world building were so well done. I never wanted to put the book down and actually finished it in 2 sittings. I love how Semiramis was never hesitant or doubtful when it came to her goals, often FMC are portrayed as feeling guilty or remorseful for their actions but Semiramis took herself in stride. My only critiques of the book would be how at least two characters, Sosane & Princess Taria, felt more like plot devices and didn't add much to the overall story besides being obstacles. other then that I adored the book.
Thank you net galley for the chance to read an arc of Babylonia.

This is the second novel from Costanza Casati after last year’s Clytemnestra and this did not disappoint!

The novel follows Semiramis, an orphan who was mysteriously abandoned as an infant. She was taken in by a shepherd and his family and lived a modest life in the village. Those who encountered her noted her beauty which she had gotten from her mother.

As a young woman, She is taken by the governor, Onnes, to the city as his wife. She manages to make an enemy of the queen mother and intrigues the king. She places her trust in a slave and keeps the spymaster at arm’s length—all the while maneuvering through the court so successfully that by the end of the novel her character has evolved significantly.

The story is told primarily through three points of view: Semiramis, Ninus the king, and Ribat the slave. Casati’s writing is brilliant as it is in Clytemnestra, and the story itself is almost lyrical the way it was told. The book was truly a pleasure to read from start to finish and I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC!

I really loved this book! I read Clytemnestra as well and enjoyed it but I think I liked this one more. Semiramis is such a compelling main character and total bad ass. Casati does such an excellent job at writing complex characters and weaving the relationships between them with breathtakingly beautiful prose.

I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to follow because I don’t know this kind of mythology the way that I already know a lot of Greek mythology, but I don’t think it affected my reading experience in a negative way at all. If anything, it was lovely to be exposed to mythology that I haven’t learned much about before.

this is an incredible feat of historical/mythological retelling. the characters, relationships, settings, and overall story are all rich and incredibly detailed.

our POV characters are each sympathetic and frustrating in turn, caring for each other and betraying each other as the pages turn, sometimes at the same time.

our real MC, Semiramis is incredibly compelling: a woman who emerges from nothing to be the first female Assyrian monarch. I loved her, I empathized with her, I rooted for her, and I worried for her. she also drove me absolutely nuts.

she has complicated relationships with a lot of people, including our other POV characters: the king Ninus, and a slave Ribat. plus her husband/Ninus’ close friend (and more) Onnes, the foreign princess, the king’s mother…. she’s a polarizing figure due to her womanhood and her common ancestry. I loved how complicated the relationships were allowed to be, where people didn’t fully trust each other but worked together and loved each other.

our main trio is incredibly toxic, but the love story(stories?) is so fascinating to watch play out. especially as we watch the love story between Semiramis and her real love (power/safety) play out at the same time.

the richness of the historical setting and politics takes this book to the next level; the stakes always feel real and the injustice makes the character’s morals and dreams all the more compelling.

This is another great book from Costanza Casati! I loved Clytemnestra so I was very excited to read this. The book is gorgeously written and once again has an amazing story full of complex characters. Following the journey of Semiramis was incredible and so so powerful. Starting as an orphan and working her way up to a queen through her intelligence, strength, cunning, and charm. I loved everything about this and was so invested from the very beginning! I’m hoping to see more from Costanza soon!

Casati has done it again! Clytemnestra was one of my top reads when it came out, and Babylonia exceeded my expectations. The way she made ancient Assyria come alive was truly amazing- it motivated me to learn more about this time in history. The way she crafts her characters is truly remarkable. They will live in my head for a long time to come!

4 stars! Having no knowledge of the original tale, and with this being my first book by the author, I'm pleasantly surprised as I really enjoyed this book. I adored the epic-yet-personal scale of it, the political intrigue and betrayal and interpersonal relationships all delivered through intricate, immersive, and lush writing. It's truly a standout from 2024, and I can't wait for everyone to read this book when it's out next year!

Thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this early read! I loved Clytemnestra so it was no surprise I also really enjoyed this book by Casati. This book was extra interesting for the information and history behind the life of Semiramis and ancient Assyria.

An excellent book. A well-written mythology retelling. The story of Semiramis is filled with love, pain, and grief. I was drawn to many of the characters. The story is a whirlwind. A captivating book of political intrigue and war.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC, what an absolute treat!

I was truly delighted to receive the ARC for Babylonia because I have been waiting for its release since Casati announced her sophomore novel would be released. Clytemnestra was my favorite book of 2023 and I knew Casati would be an author I would auto-buy from there on out. And Babylonia did not disappoint! I can’t wait to have the physical book on my shelves.

The way that Casati is able to accurately describe and portray the complexities of her characters is one of the reasons I am so drawn to her writing. Not one character, main or otherwise, is left at surface level. With Semiramis, she shows the depth of attachment she can hold with the men she grows to love (not even getting into how she loves them differently and in just the way that suits them and her equally) while also still striving to overcome her “status” and become the ruler she knows she is destined to be. She isn’t ruthless at every turn just in order to get ahead. She seems torn and tortured and real and human. And the way she shows the descent into “madness” for Ninus and Onnes (and Semiramis in her own ways) is so expertly done. MANY times during this book I would let out a gasp and find my hand flying to my mouth in shock. Casati just does not miss for me in this regard!! She also brings the setting to life in beautiful ways that make it so easy to get immersed into the story.

There are some narrative choices that did leave me scratching my head and thinking of the ways I might prefer characters or plot lines differently, but in the end it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of this book. I honestly am leaving these pages thinking of the ways I would like to be more like Semiramis in her strength and cunning, while also being more like her in her vulnerability and adaptability.

4.25 stars for me!! This book is incredible!!

4.25. I received an ARC this book through NetGalley and wowza. The writing was almost addictive - Casati conveys emotion in such a unique way and gives the characters such strong POVs. Based on the story of ancient Queen Sammuramat, Babylonia follows Semiramis and her story + relationships + ascension to the throne. Casati satisfyingly crafts Semiramis’ complex character (+all her side characters) to the point where when the book ended, I wanted more.

A Queen's Rise: A Captivating Tale of Power and Desire
Costanza Casati's Babylonia is a thrilling historical fiction that breathes new life into the enigmatic figure of one of history's most fascinating queens. Set against the backdrop of ancient Assyria, a world of brutal power struggles and opulent excess, Casati crafts a narrative that is both historically grounded and wildly imaginative.

The novel follows Semiramis, an orphan raised on the fringes of the empire, as she navigates a treacherous path to the throne. With stunning prose and meticulous research, Casati brings to life the political intrigue, military campaigns, and personal dramas that shaped Semiramis's reign.

At the heart of the story lies a complex and compelling heroine. Semiramis is a woman of extraordinary intelligence, courage, and ambition. She is a skilled warrior, a shrewd diplomat, and a ruthless strategist. Yet, she is also capable of deep love and compassion. Casati explores the psychological toll of power, the sacrifices required to achieve greatness, and the blurred lines between love and obsession.

Babylonia is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, epic fantasy, and strong female characters. It is a rich and rewarding read that will leave you pondering the nature of power, the cost of ambition, and the enduring legacy of one of history's most enigmatic queens.

A common woman. The governor she married. The king who loved them both. Babylonia across the centuries has become the embodiment of lust, excess, and dissolute power that ruled Ancient Assyria. In this world you had to kill to be king. Or, in the case of Semiramis, an orphan raised on the outskirts of an empire: Queen.

Nothing about Semiramis's upbringing could have foretold her legacy. But when she meets a young representative of the new Assyrian king, a prophecy unfolds before her, one that puts her in the center of a brutal world and in the hearts of two men - one who happens to be king. Now a risen lady in a court of vipers, Semiramis becomes caught in the politics and viciousness of ancient Assyria. Instead of bartering with fate, Semiramis trains in war and diplomacy. And with each move, she rises in rank, embroiled in a game of power, desire, love, and betrayal, until she can ascend to the only position that will ever keep her safe.

Casati writes beautiful prose. This is a wonderfully intense ride through a time and place I know little about. Fascinating. Gripping. Beautiful. 5⭐

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!