What a gem and a joy to read. Casati is a masterful storyteller of mythology, and I love her attention to historical detail. The characters jump off the page and none lack in depth, their varied experiences and complex emotions shape them so completely.

Reading a book set in a time so distant from our own, it’s interesting to think about qualities that were integral to improving ones’ livelihood or increasing their station, and how hard people had to work to survive. Cleverness and ambition (and willingness to act) was crucial, and it’s easy to draw parallels with today’s world, but also very difficult. I have a lot of respect for Semiramis (what a badass, honestly, with her pet leopard), and can sympathize with Onnes and Ninus.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the advance reader copy!!

Babylonia by Costanza Casati is a captivating dive into the ancient world, blending historical detail with rich storytelling. Casati brings to life the complexities of Babylonian culture, politics, and daily life, painting a vivid picture of one of history's most influential civilizations. The narrative is both informative and engaging, making it accessible for both history enthusiasts and general readers. With its intricate character development and evocative descriptions, this book offers a compelling journey through time that will resonate long after the final page.

I really enjoyed this book and found it a lot darker and more twisted than Clytemnestra. The characters were complex, layered, and flawed. Even though they weren't necessarily likeable, I was drawn into the story and constantly wondering what would happen next. Semiramis was a really interesting character and I loved reading about her rise to power, though I wish more emphasis had been placed on her rise to power instead of the love triangle between her, Ninus and Onnes. I also really loved Ribat's character and would have loved to read more about Nisat to gain a deeper understanding of her character.
I wasn't a huge fan of the romance in the book - the relationship between Ninus and Onnes was a little odd considering they were both lovers and half-brothers, and I also felt that the chemistry between Semiramis and Ninus was lacking towards the end. However, as individual characters, I loved the complexity and the way the author explored each characters' reaction to the brutality of war. All of the characters were wonderfully flawed and multifaceted, which created a truly riveting narrative.
The writing was also beautiful but also blunt - the author created a vibrant picture of Assyria and the daily life of a woman in the palace. The author's note at the end was also really informative and inspired me to learn more about Assyrian history and mythology.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the eARC!

This is the second book I have read written by Costanza Casati and I can say without a doubt that she has become one of my favorite authors. This, like Clytemnestra, is a fantastic telling of a well-rounded, realistic, and multifaceted female character. Semiramis is so, so interesting. She has ambition and strength, but also thoughtfulness and wrath. She highlights what it means to be a woman in society, and how history perceives these types of characters. I fell in love with her immediately and truly it was a joy to watch her story unfold.

Casati’s writing is so beautiful. I could have flown through this book, but I took my time, wanting to fully enjoy it. Fans of Circe by Madeline Miller will also love Babylonia.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher and author for sharing this advanced read with me! I look forward to purchasing this book when it debuts.

4.5 stars

I was so excited to read “Babylonia” after being totally blown away by “Clytemnestra,” and I was not disappointed. Casati is such a strong writer with a clear and powerful voice. This retelling of the tale of Semiramis, the queen of ancient Assyria, tells of her rise from an anonymous village girl to the wife of her province’s governor and eventually her rule as queen. It started out rather slowly, but then momentum built over time as the political intrigue intensified, interspersed with time of battle and of love. There was no character that wasn’t complicit in terrible things - if you’re a fan of morally gray protagonists, this should be added to your list. I particularly loved Taria, Sasi, and Sosane as figures who influenced Semiramis into the ruler she becomes. Semiramis herself is a fascinating character, and as a reader I loved how she presented an opportunity to really examine what it means to serve one’s own interests above all else. I also appreciated how we spend time both within her perspective and in the perspectives of others observing her. If you’re not a fan of gratuitous violence I’d probably recommend avoiding this book, but I found it rich in detail, fascinating, and beautiful.

I wanted to love this book so badly because Clytemnestra is one of my favorite historical fictions. But this one fell a bit flat for me. I wasn’t a fan of the love triangle and overall I feel like the book was too lengthy. I did like the writing and I feel like there is an audience for this book but it wasn’t my favorite.

Really cool ancient atmosphere to this story, I enjoyed that quite a lot!

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

I struggled to put this book down. This was my first time reading anything by Costanza Casati, and I found myself enthralled by her storytelling and ability to blend ancient history and mythical tales seamlessly.

"Babylonia" by Costanza Casati is a beautifully told historical fiction novel that transports readers to the ancient and dangerous world of three main characters - Semiramis, Ninus - King of Assyria, and Onnes (Governor and half-brother to the king). Casati's vivid and meticulous attention to historical detail makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre. The characters are richly developed, and their journeys are captivating, thought-provoking, and will grab you by the heart. The Epilogue, Author's Note, Neo-Assyrian Glossary, and the list of Assyrian Deities are valuable reading materials at the end of the book and are appreciated. The Assyrian proverbs and quotes from "The Epic of Gilgamesh" are sprinkled throughout the entire text - which I found exciting to read.

I was truly capitivated by Semiramis - her background, strength, kindness, and determination. I was even more intrigued when I learned how true much of her story is. Casati's prose is elegant, evocative, and even poetically lyrical, telling a love story among the three protagonists. Yet, it's also about power, betrayal, deceptions, and war. The author effortlessly immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and customs of ancient Assyria - the ways and complexities of court, spies, and slaves, as well as the detailed brutality of battle and torture of enemies. Casati's ability to bring this distant world to life is truly remarkable.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"I have been thinking about Gilgamesh," she says. "He was wrong," she says. "Immortality doesn't mean living forever. It means surviving even after your heart stops beating and your body is burned. It means living in myth, in stories." - Semiramis

"Every time something scared me, I myself face it until all the fear was gone." - Semiramis

Ninus nods, pushes the hair off his face. "I am giving you a chance. Do not waste it." She bows to him, listens to the dance of the rain above their heads. "I have never wasted a chance in my entire life. What would happen to me if I did? Where do orphans and commoners fall when they take a false step?" - Semiramis

"I am not made for death, and death is not made for me." - Semiramis

He remembers something Sasi once told him: that the fatal moment is the one that comes before a mistake, when you know you could walk away but you won't. - Ninus

But with him, the fear is gone. He buries his hands in her hair. His eyes are so dark they are almost black. Is this the point of no return? she wonders. He looks at her as if to say, Yes, this is it, and touches his lips to hers.

"I don't want to live in service to men. I do not want my fate to depend on anyone but myself." - Semiramis

Thank you, #NetGalley, #CostanzaCasati, #SourcebooksLandmark, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #Babylonia

“Power and safety are opposites. The more powerful you are, the less safe you become.”

Babylonia was an amazing read! I have my go to Greek mythology authors and Costanza Casati is one of my favorites. Here writing was powerful and descriptive. She knows how to tell a story that holds your attention and causes you to stay up way too late❤️ The story was so good I had to get my own hard copy from the UK for my bookshelf!

What does it take for a woman to rise from obscurity to influence in a male-dominated world of ancient empires and ruthless ambition? In Costanza Casati's gripping novel "Babylonia," this question lies at the heart of a tale that transports readers to the unforgiving world of ancient Mesopotamia. Set against the backdrop of the mighty Assyrian Empire in the 9th century BC, Casati weaves an intricate tale of ambition, survival, and the corrupting nature of power.

The story follows Semiramis, a woman who defies the odds to rise from humble beginnings in a small village to the pinnacle of power within the Assyrian court. Along her perilous ascent, she navigates a treacherous landscape of political intrigue, life-threatening dangers, and complex moral dilemmas that test her resolve and cunning.

King Ninus emerges as a compelling figure, torn between his desire to rule with justice and the brutal legacy of his family that threatens to consume him. Alongside him, Onnes, his lifelong friend, is shrouded in mystery. His enigmatic past and deep-seated loyalties intertwine with the fates of Semiramis and Ninus, creating a compelling triangle.

Casati delves into the seductive and corrupting nature of power, exploring the tremendous sacrifices individuals make in pursuit of it. The Assyrian Empire is portrayed as a realm where violence and ambition reign supreme, forcing characters to confront the cost of their desires and what they are willing to do to achieve them.

The novel intricately examines the complexities of human relationships, offering a nuanced exploration of how loyalty, love, and betrayal shape the characters' lives and decisions. Through the evolving relationship between Semiramis, Ninus, and Onnes, Casati reveals the blurred lines between love and political necessity. In "Babylonia," one wrong step can be the difference between life and death.

Casati weaves Mesopotamian mythology into the fabric of the story. With the Epic of Gilgamesh serving as both a touchstone and a thematic foundation, Casati adds depth to the characters' motivations and beliefs, illustrating how ancient myths continue to shape human understanding and aspirations. Casati explores timeless themes of mortality, legacy, and the human quest for meaning through this lens, highlighting the enduring power of stories and myths in shaping individuals and societies. Casati demonstrates how ancient tales continue to resonate by weaving elements from the Epic throughout the narrative. These elements influence the characters' perceptions of themselves and their world while also mirroring their own struggles.

Ultimately, Semiramis stands out as a fierce and ambitious protagonist. Her journey from a marginalized girl to an influential woman is the story's heart. It is captivating and complex. Her determination to rise above her circumstances is palpable. While her methods are sometimes ruthless, they are driven by her desire to survive and protect herself in a world that often seeks to tear her down. Through Semiramis, Casati offers another brilliant exploration of female agency in a male-dominated world.

King Ninus's character struggles between the desire for just rule and the harsh realities of maintaining control over a brutal empire, which makes him profoundly human and relatable. As he grapples with the weight of his position and the expectations placed upon him, readers are invited to contemplate the true nature of leadership and the personal toll of wielding great power.

With Onnes, Casati adds another compelling story arc. His complex relationships and hidden secrets create tension and suspense throughout the narrative. As his true motivations slowly come to light, the delicate balance of power within the Assyrian court shifts, leading to unexpected alliances and betrayals that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

As with Clytemnestra, Casati's storytelling prowess shines through an intricate balance of moments of intense action with quieter, introspective scenes. This skillful pacing engages readers, allowing them to experience both the heart-pounding excitement of military campaigns and courtly power struggles and the more reflective moments that give the story emotional depth.

The novel's world-building is excellent. Ancient Mesopotamia is vividly described with its sun-baked, arid villages and opulent splendor of great cities. Casati's attention to historical detail is evident in every description, from the grandeur of the Assyrian court to the brutality of its military campaigns. The narrative creates a cinematic experience that immerses the reader in this ancient world.

Casati's prose is lyrical and precise, capturing the ancient world's awe-inspiring majesty and harsh brutality. Her vivid imagery paints a foreign and familiar landscape, while her sharp, impactful dialogue drives the plot forward and brings the characters to life. The novel's tone is dark. Few moments of levity reflect the supposed realities of life in the Assyrian Empire.

"Babylonia" will appeal to fans of historical fiction, especially those drawn to tales of power, ambition, and complex characters. Readers who admire authors like Madeline Miller will find a kindred spirit in Casati's work. With her skillful reimagining of historical figures and events, larger-than-life characters, and compelling narrative, Casati has firmly established herself as one of the most promising emerging authors in the genre.

Fair warning that I’m super biased bc I loved Clytemnestra! After reading that book earlier this year I knew that I would buy anything that Costanza Casati writes in the future bc of the way she portrays powerful, strong women who are surrounded by troubled men.

This is a retelling of the myth of Semiramis and her climb to the top of the Assyrian Empire. Casati manages to make every sentence meaningful. The prose is so perfect, exactly what you want for a story like this. The characters are v flawed and you can feel the intensity of each emotion that they are going through, whether it’s rage or devotion, love or grief. This scratched an itch I didn’t know I had so now I’m off to read anything I can find on Mesopotamia 🤓 I can’t wait to get my hands on my own copy!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this eARC.

Thank you to Penguin/Sourcebooks for this ARC~

What I can always say about Casati's work is that she will deliver lush, methodical writing. After setting such a high standard with Clytemnestra, I went in with high expectations for this one, and was for sure highly entertained and also, in this case, educated on Assyrian mythology, culture, and warfare. This novel felt really well researched and refreshing. Semiramis is a formidable character who I won't forget about any time soon. It is always a treat to be able to truly lose myself in a book, and I can count on this author to provide that cinematic detail.

I will say, however, that I did struggle to "get into" the book. The first half of the novel is mostly setup of Babylonian society, and Semiramis' rapid climb from orphan to royalty. A fair amount of this setup could have been pared back, in my opinion, and could have delved into characters, especially the male leads, with more consideration and detail; Onnes and Ninus are quite one-note on the page for me. I mostly enjoyed Semiramis' POV throughout; the other POVs could have been more developed in some places, but she proves to be a complex, gray, and therefore interesting focus.

Truly excellent mythology re-telling. It has all the best hallmarks of the genre including a fresh perspective and a really immersive and personal story telling style. I thought the book was well paced and did a great job at holding my interest while telling a familiar story. recommend!

I had a weird time with this; there were times when I loved this and then there were times in the first 50% where I was struggling. Style wise, this is absolutely beautifully written, similar to Madeline Miller’s Circe and The Song of Achilles with the court/political intrigue of Game of Thrones.

We follow Semiramis’ rise to power from an orphan to the only Queen of the Assyrian Empire. This is a fascinating story of ambition and love, and I’m so grateful I got to learn more about this fascinating culture and period of history. Casati does such an excellent job immersing you in the time period and Babylonia is so obviously well researched.

I think where I struggled is with some of the character work, and my own lack of historical knowledge about this time period detracted from fully loving it. Most of this story takes place in the great historical city of Kalhu, and given the title I kept waiting for things to shift to the city of Babylon and so when I kept getting further and further into the story and they were still in Kalhu I felt confused and discouraged. What I wish I knew about Semiramis and Babylonia going into this story is that Semiramis is known in history as “The Whore of Babylon” and the author’s note in the end gives the needed context that “Babylon the Great, also known as the ‘Whore of Babylon’ refers to both a symbolic female figure and a place of lust”. This was some of the missing context I needed to go into this story to understand the themes of misogyny on a deeper level and what and who ultimately the story is about. While it’s probably on me to do more reading of the historical period, I think this story could have also done a better job of giving more context of who and what Babylonia refers to.

This is a multi-POV story, but mostly follows Semiramis. She feels complex and well developed because of the amount of time we get with her. But a couple of the other POVs didn’t feel like they had distinctive voices. We get a couple page POV of arguably one of the most vile characters in the last 5% of the book, and he had a whole internal monologue of what makes a great king in the middle of a battle sequence which felt very clunky to me. The philosophical musings was something several of the other main characters do too which is why some of the different POVs didn’t feel distinct to me.

Ultimately I do think this is a great book worth picking up, and I am excited to go back and read Clytemnestra.

I am always fascinated by a majority of retellings and I love when I have the chance to read one that isn’t a Greek one. Having studied ancient history during my schooling, I was always fascinated with Babylon and the Mesopotamia area and empires that rose up in that area. I don’t think it’s taught enough so I was excited to learn about this book and had the privilege of receiving an eARC.

I fully enjoyed this one. It was everything I was expecting from this author after reading her first book. Again, it was a fresh of breath air in the retelling space and will love to see this author explore other cultures myths.

There were some aspects that didn’t feel as developed as the rest of the book, which is why I took off a star. I think we could have explored our MCs ambitions more but it felt like she was just going with the flow. For a young woman stealing and fighting for her life at a young age, I feel we lost a lot of that character in exchange for her scheming. I would love to have read her have a little more bite to her words if she was going to go the strategic route to achieve the throne.

This will definitely be one I will be buying for my collection once it’s published in the US.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for a copy of Babylonia in exchange for my honest opinion.

Ok, first off... can I get a round of applause for the Waterstone's edition of this book? Absolutely stunning. I snatched it up immediately. Secondly, Costanza Casati's books always get my attention. She has an effortless way of telling narratives I'm actually interested in reading. Clytemnestra was incredibly engaging and this one was more of the same. LOVE.

Even knowing the story in advance, I can tell you this was not a boring ride. Babylonia is full of intriguing politics, tantalizing obstacles and complicated characterizations. Twists and turns with epic precision really made the writing melt off the page and the book impossible to put down. Our famous historical FMC, Semiramis, is bold, brave and revolutionary. Casati writes women the way women want to be written. Seems like a silly statement given she is, in fact, a woman, but unfortunately it's a rare and wonderful perspective that doesn't gain enough recognition. Semiramis personifies true female empowerment transporting us into an ancient world that will both captivate you and piss you off thoroughly. The journey was glorious. If you know the legends, you'll know going in that this story isn't exactly a happily ever after moment, but it's still so deserving of being told and a 100% a 5 star read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to preview Babylonia by Costanza Casati in return for an honest review. I requested this book because I absolutely adored Casati's previous book, Clytemnestra. I was not disappointed!

Casati has managed to bring to life a queen nearly forgotten to history from a civilization I don't know much about. This book hit me right in my sweet spot, a feminist story about an often maligned mythical/historical woman from her point of view that humanizes her. In Bablyonia, that woman is Semiramis, a poor orphan that becomes queen of Babylon.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes reading bout women from foreign civilizations throughout history and doesn't mind mythology woven in with historical facts. I can't wait to read whatever Casati writes next.

Ancient mythological retellings are trendy right now, seemingly all being compared to Circe and all that I’ve read up to this point not actually coming close. But Babylonia lives up to that promise with beautiful writing, intricate world building, and meaningful storytelling.

Babylonia tells the story of Assyria’s first queen, Semiramis, her rise to power from nothing and the two great loves of her life. Assyrian culture is brutal and violent and the characters in the novel are the same and feel very set apart from modern life. In this way the love and connection we get to Semiramis, Ninus, and Onnes are earned and complicated. Casati fills their story in with complex minor characters and commoners that add more depth and context for Assyrian culture and fully immerse the reader into the ancient world.

I am obsessed with this book- it has immediately claimed a spot in my favorite reads of 2024. I cannot wait to get my hands on the January special edition.

I love a historical fiction book set in the ancient world and to find one that is based on a real woman who ruled Assyria is a must read for me. This novel did not disappoint.

Semiramis's is left motherless as a baby and is raised by a cruel man. She forms a plan to try and get out of this horrible situation before she is forced into a marriage. One day a new governor comes to her small town in Assyria and Semiramis decides to change her destiny. This is only the beginning of her incredible story.

This story is filled with incredible writing and captured perfectly the ancient Assyrian world. This was a story that I will not soon forget and I love that Semiramis was a real woman with a humble background. There are so few books written about the ancient world and so many of them are set in ancient Rome that I absolutely love that this is set in Mesopotamia. It is action packed, filled with drama, intrigue but also and incredible story about survival. I highly recommend this novel!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for this ARC.

Babylonia by Constanza Casati, is based on the female warrior/ruler Semiramis , who ruled the Assyria region for about 5 years in 9th century BC.
The story starts with Semiramis's humble origins as an orphan in the village of Mari, who is adopted by the chief shepherd of the village, taunted and teased constantly as she is growing up, beaten and abused by her adoptive father, and then continues on to her journey on becoming a legend and a myth.
Casati has done a brilliant job in her character development of Semiramis, a strong, beautiful, ambitious yet vulnerable woman, trying to survive and make her mark in a cruel and violent society. Semiramis teaches herself to survive against all odds, with a combination of cunning and generosity. The other main characters of Ninus, Onnes, Sasi, Nisat and Ribat are all brilliantly drawn; especially the tragedy and ethos, the suffering and madness of Ninus and Onnes has been written beautifully. You are drawn into the torture and struggle of Ninus, as he is constantly trying to keep up with the internal war between the cruelty expected of him as a king, and his kind and loving nature as a man.
The story draws brilliantly on the influence of a mother whether it is on Ninus - the king, Ribat - a slave, or Onnes - a bastard or Semiramis - an ambitious orphan. These characters either strive to become like their mothers, or hate them and do their best not to become like them, but either ways it influence of these mothers on the decisions and lives of these characters is unmistakable.
My favorite part of this book are the excerpts from The Epic of Gilgamesh : "We are not gods, our days are few in number and whatever we achieve is a puff of wind."
While Clytemnestra was well written, I think Casati has outdone herself with Babylonia, she has created a cast of unforgettable characters and scenes that will stay with us for a long time, whether they are the fight scenes of Balkh or the PTSD and emotional scenes suffered by our three main characters.
I will put a trigger warning on the violence in the book, which is unavoidable considering the topic and the nature of the empires at that time.
Constanza Casati is fast becoming my auto-buy; don't miss this one if you like to read about history, especially of Mesopotamia region.

Thank you Net Galley for providing me with this ARC for review.