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.

costanza casati has firmly cemented herself as a reliably unique reteller of mythological/historical women. i enjoyed babylonia just as much as her debut clytemnestra. she takes women that had such a small role and expands their identity in a complex and crucial way. i will eagerly continue to follow any upcoming projects!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: January 14, 2025

DNF at 29%
The book was well written it just didn't pull me in and I didn't find myself caring about the characters or where they went

This book highlights so many important themes about the women we’ve forgotten throughout history. An empowering look at the women behind the men we all learn about in history class. Complex and complicated characters, drama, and a queen worth rooting for.

A thoroughly captivating story that expertly weaves myth and history together.

As a kid, I had a particular fascination with Mesopotamia, so getting read something from that era was really exciting! This is my first book from this author, but I don't think it will be my last. The quality of this retelling felt like a cross between Madeline Miller's Circe and Genevieve Gornechec's The Witch's Heart (two of my favorite books by two of my favorite authors). It's safe to say I'll be keeping an eye on what Casati puts out next!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

we love to see a girlboss winning and that’s exactly what this book is. it follows semiramis all the way through to her ascension to queen, exploring all the politics and interesting relationships along the way. a pretty solid piece of woman-centered historical fiction if that’s your cup of tea.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!
After reading Clytemnestra last year, this one of my most anticipated reads for the beginning of 2025. I have been so jealous of the people across the pond who got to read this many months before we did in the U.S. But, I waited patiently because I will read anything that Constanza Casati writes.
This story of ancient Mesopotamia was full of kings and queens, the people who serve them, and the things they will do to get what they want.
As always, Casati writes her settings with such lush prose, you feel like you are there - I could see them in my mind. She is so good! The story itself took a lot of twists and turns I never expected. The rise of Semiramis was really fun to read about and the supporting characters were well developed.
While this one didn't hit the 5-star mark for me like Clytemnsestra did, I love Casati's work and I will always buy and read whatever she puts out next.

costanza casati wrote about assyrian history and i’ve never been this excited about a book 😭 i have no words to say how grateful i am for sourcebooks sending me an arc. i am a mother now because this book is literally my baby

📖babylonia tells the story of semiramis’s rise from orphan to queen of the assyrian empire. as the only woman to ascend the assyrian throne, she was revered as both an intelligent ruler and a skilled warrior, though she soon became labelled a seductress. much like how the portrayal of semiramis has taken shape over centuries, casati’s retelling blends history and mythology to reclaim the warrior queen’s reputation and influence during her quest for immortality

babylonia is a 5⭐️ read for me. casati’s writing really shines in this one! it was gripping, nuanced, and just gorgeous! there’s such a delicate balance between the cruelty of the ancient assyrians and the inner turmoil that each character goes through. and it’s a such a full circle story: semiramis a nobody, using knowledge and observance to climb the ladder of power, becoming the biggest threat in the empire, then being forgotten about in history? it’s heartbreaking and casati gives semiramis (and the Assyrians) new life! her ability to bring ancient worlds and dynamic characters (and strong af women!!) to life has me forever in a state of awe.

if you like…
❤️‍🔥unbridled female rage
💋challengers but make it ancient assyria
🫡 morally gray main characters
👑 powerful women becoming legends
✍️ epic tales with smooth and vivid exposition
⚔️ the political intrigue of game of thrones
❤️‍🩹 complex character and relationship dynamics
📖 stories about ambition, lust, and betrayal
… then you’ll love this!

Babylonia is a vivid, immersive story full of rich details and captivating twists. Casati’s writing pulls you into a world of intrigue and emotion that’s hard to put down.

Another great book from Casati. While I preferred Clytemnestra (more rage in that one), this was still excellent, engaging and enjoyable. I love a fantasy where every character is flawed and who you cheer for depends on whose perspective you’re in, and this book was just that.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the ARC!!