I was so excited for this book. The cover is beautiful and the plot is very unique.Unfortunately, I had a hard time remaining engaged. The story felt like a lot of back and forth with very little movement. Sort of like running around just to stay in the same place. It kind of felt like very little progress was made. This made the pace of the story feel slow. I was disappointed because I had high hopes for this one. I still think everyone should check it out.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

This book caught my attention by the description alone. I was super excited to read this. I wanted to see how the author did on the time crunch they created. I will say that I connected more to Felix than Loren for reasons that had more to do with me than the writing. This was a solid debut novel by Cass Biehn!

Turns out stealing ancient artefacts from temples – like Mercury’s helmet from a temple in Pompeii – is a dangerous business. Felix finds this out the hard way. Strange things start to happen, interested parties are trying to get to the helmet through him, and forgotten memories about his past start to resurface. Loren, a temple attendant determined to rise in the ranks, has had prophetic dreams – or rather nightmares – about Felix for years. Even then, he is shocked when Felix stumbles into his temple, fleeing pursuers at the same time an earthquake hits the city. When Loren sees the helmet, he has a vision of the world and everything and everyone he loves being destroyed. They only have a few days to figure out Felix’s link to the helmet and his past memories, as well as make sense of Loren’s apocalyptic visions. But anywhere in the Ancient Roman empire is a dangerous place to be… but especially in a city that could very soon be reduced to nothing but ash and rubble. 

A meet-(sorta?)-cute in Pompeii, just before Vesuvius explodes? Well, this should be fun! I absolutely loved this book. The author managed to combine the historical and mythological elements really well. I would love to learn more about the research the author did into Pompeii at the time, they painted a vivid picture of the streets and politics and different religions. I was really interested with one of the main characters Loren being an assistant at the Temple of Isis – an Egyptian goddess. It made complete sense however when I remember how large the Roman empire was at this time, how Egypt was part of it, how the Romans allowed other religions to practice… The plot of the book was incredible, I felt like was reading a thriller, knowing that the volcano was going to erupt at any point. Loren trying to hide from his past and political and romantic aspirations and Felix’s memory block about his past and his reluctance to get close to anyone certainly made for some great tension – both narrative and romantic! Loren was definitely a relatable character, wanting to pursue a life beyond that of others’ expectations, but his ambitions, though admirable, sometimes get in the way of his relationship with others, like Felix. Also, the bit where Loren said his favourite moment in the Iliad was the part where Achilles and Patroclus were spending time alone together, at peace, in the midst of a war…? That part hit hard. If you know, well you know. (Light spoiler – Felix didn’t).

I would highly recommend this book to any historical fantasy and mythology fans, as well as anyone who enjoys complex characters and queer romance! I look forward to reading more by this author.

Felix is a pickpocket who has set his eyes on a divine prize. Loren, an aspiring politician and lonely follower of a foreign god, saw Felix coming. When the two of them meet, they set in motion an effort to defy death, destruction, and destiny itself.

A queer romance that pulls from the mythic relationships of Achilles and Patroclus and yet sets itself apart. Fast paced, high energy, and engaging from start to finish. While some of the character development was a bit inconsistent and political intrigue was a bit weak—especially given the Roman context—it didn’t detract from the story too badly. Some of the language choices were out of time (you could describe being drunk with any word at all and you pick “blitzed”?), but overall it was a fun read.

Great for readers who love historical fiction with a tinge of fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley and PeachTree Teen for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

A thief drawn into a larger plot, a boy with visions who no one believes, a city on the edge of ruin, and secrets upon secrets upon secrets. When Felix steals the helmet of Mercury, he expects it will be an easy job with big rewards, but when it turns out other, more powerful people have their sights set on the helmet and the power it holds, Felix finds an unlikely ally in Loren, a temple attendant of Isis with dark vision of a future that Felix seems to be responsible for. In a race against time to unravel the mysteries of his vision before they come true and before Felix disappears, Loren and Felix find themselves drawn closer together as political forces seek to use them as pawns in their own game. A boy who needs to make things right and a boy who never stops moving, Loren and Felix's story is almost as explosive as Vesuvius.

I thoroughly, thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this book. The setting was lovely and cozy, the characters were fun and nuanced, and knowing there was a ticking clock in the form of a very explosive volcano kept me flipping through page after page to see if Felix and Loren would manage to solve the mystery of Loren's visions, the helmet's pull on Felix, or their own secrets and feelings before Vesuvius went off. Cass Biehn has clearly done in-depth research in Pompeii at the time of Vesuvius' eruption, which helped immerse me in the ancient city. I didn't see the various twists and turns of the boys' secrets and literally gasped out loud at one of them.

If you're looking for a read that will keep you on the edge of your seat and unsure of what the characters will do next, pick up Vesuvius.

Spoiler alert: the volcano DOES explode.

A queer YA romance set in ancient Pompeii??? Sign me the fuck up, like this was written specifically for me (my insta user is literally Jaypompeii)…

I really enjoyed the writing and the characters were very well written and fleshed out. I do think Felix’ past could have been written a little better but I did like the representation for trauma repression lol

I am thankful to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

I unfortunately couldn’t finish the book. The writing was solid, and the plot intrigued me at first, but the format made it difficult to read—PDFs just don’t work well on my e-reader. An EPUB file would have been much more user-friendly.

Additionally, I didn’t realize how strongly the book leaned into the young adult genre based on the synopsis. The characters’ reactions felt quite immature, and I struggled to connect with their emotions and decisions. That being said, I think this story would be a great fit for younger readers who enjoy YA fiction.

2 boys falling in love days before the desecration of Pompeii, what could go wrong?
The vibes of this book were immaculate and truly the perfect read for fans of Percy Jackson who wanted to see more of the Roman lifestyle. I fell in love quickly with both Loren and Felix and watching them deny their feelings over and over again because they both knew it couldn't end well for them - for very different reasons - only to finally give in was heartbreakingly sweet. Their whole dynamic was very interesting in a 'boy who doesn't believe in anything' x 'boy who desperately believes in everything' kinda way; also they were both vaguely Wylan and Jesper vibes for some slightly spoilerly reasons...

It was a pretty dense story and took me a minute to really get into it and there were a few moments where things felt a little rushed in order to keep the plot moving. As a lover of character-driven stories it did make it a little hard to connect at times but it did kinda force me to get lost in the atmosphere and to trust the journey of it all. The modern style didn't bother me as much as I've seen others talk about as it felt more true to the YA style of it all but it is still a fair note.

If you know anything about the mountain of Vesuvius or the city of Pompeii, you might think you know what kind of a story you are in for but I promise you it is so much better with only a small dash of heartbreak...

thanks to peachtree and netgalley for the arc!

I cannot tell you how excited I was for a queer historical romance set in Pompeii. There are true moments of greatness in this novel, but unfortunately for me it tried to do too much and lost focus as a result. The lack of characterization made the decisions the characters chose fall a bit flat.

The fantasy elements were such a wonderful surprise and something I wish we got to explore more of! The plot felt far too convenient keeping the stakes from properly developing. The language was beautiful and there were interesting moments that never came quite together. I would definitely give this author another try down the road.

Thank you the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I’ll start my review with a big thank you to the author, Cass Biehn, the publisher, Peachtree Teen, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Vesuvius. I will share my review to Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble upon release. This YA historical fantasy blends romance, mythology, and thrills into a story that captures the terror and tension of Pompeii’s final days. If you’re fascinated by the history of Pompeii and the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, you’ll love the premise of this novel—watching a city and its people face an inevitable, earth-shattering disaster.

The story follows Felix, a clever thief with a mysterious past, and Loren, a temple attendant haunted by apocalyptic visions. When Felix steals Mercury’s helmet from a temple, their fates become intertwined as they uncover the secrets of the artifact and their own connection. I loved the way the characters balanced each other, pushing one another to grow and confront their internal struggles. Their dynamic is heartwarming, even as we know their story is set against the backdrop of impending doom. The slow-burn queer romance adds another layer of emotional depth, exploring themes of identity and love in a historical setting where such relationships are rarely acknowledged.

The world-building is immersive, though I wished for more vivid descriptions of Pompeii itself. The city’s rich history and culture could have been explored further to ground the story and enhance the stakes. That said, the novel does a great job of highlighting class divides and the stark contrast between the lives of the rich and the poor, which felt true to the historical context. The political intrigue woven into the plot adds complexity, though some subplots felt underdeveloped or rushed.

I did notice a few typos and awkwardly worded sentences throughout, which occasionally pulled me out of the story. Some dialogue felt a bit modern for the historical setting, and the pacing was uneven at times, with the eruption of Vesuvius feeling somewhat rushed in the final act. However, these issues didn’t overshadow the novel’s strengths—its compelling characters, emotional depth, and unique premise.

Overall, Vesuvius is a promising debut that will appeal to fans of historical fiction, mythology, and queer romance. While there were moments that felt unpolished, the author’s potential shines through, and I’m excited to see what Cass Biehn writes next. If you enjoy books by Madeline Miller, Erin Morgenstern, or Adam Silvera, this one might be for you!

Suitable for ages 14 and up (mature YA readers).

Major themes and tropes:
- fate vs. free will
- queer/LGBT romance (no explicit scenes or spice)
- tragic romance
- classism and social hierarchy
- mythology and divine intervention
- found family and purpose
- political intrigue

3.7/5 stars, rounding up!

A nonchalant thief and a wary temple attendant fatefully cross paths while impending, earth-shaking doom looms in their future.

Biehn weaves a story that constantly has its main characters play tug with heritage, being self-made vs inheritance, privilege, self-belief, class, believing in the gods and fate vs taking things into your own hands, having priorities lie in yourself vs in your society, and the prices one pays for freedom and love. Felix's recklessness and sharp tongue and quick hands made for fun banter with the cautious, semi-naive Loren. Their ambitiousness and desire to be independent and free and *live* ties them together.

We bob in and out of the different systems and parts of Pompeiian society as the two crack Felix's ability to hold the alleged Helmet of Mercury without injury, what Loren's visions tell him, how Felix and Loren can achieve the independence they want, and as time went on, how can Loren make Felix stay and where do the two really belong.

I really enjoyed the realistic dialogue, especially with the politicians as there's weight to the conversations. I love the direct, explicit allusions and characters' reflections on Homer's Illiad, especially on Achilles and Patroclus. Intertextuality is always fun, and when characters have their own opinions and myths and stories, it adds so much to the worldbuilding and their characterisations. So, I thought this particular intertextual element was a rich addition.

The arcs and the story scope are ultimately intimate and small, grounded by Felix and Loren learning more about each other's worlds, fears, and dreams.

In other news: my heart raced at the They Both Die in the End comp...but whew. And oh my god I should've looked closer at the book cover. It gives away a critical twist.

Anyhoos, lovely read!

Thanks to Netgalley and Holiday House / Peachtree / Pixel+Ink | Peachtree Teen for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Vesuvius by Cass Biehn is a breathtaking queer YA fantasy set against the backdrop of ancient Pompeii. Felix, a clever thief, and Loren, a temple attendant, find themselves bound by fate as the city teeters on the edge of disaster. A stolen relic, haunting dreams, and an impending eruption force them to navigate deadly politics and their own growing feelings, all while trying to survive.

I love a queer romance, and this one tugged at my heartstrings. Vesuvius was full of passion, and yet it felt deeply familiar, like coming home. Biehn’s characters are beautifully written, and her unique spin on Pompeii’s story adds layers of intrigue and emotion.

The politics in this book were infuriating in the best way. They felt all too real, mirroring the corruption and power struggles we see in the world today.

Also, there is a cabbage merchant, and I can only hope it’s a reference to Avatar: The Last Airbender.

My favorite quote? “I would rather listen to you talk poetry than be awake with my thoughts.” That line alone captures the tender intimacy woven throughout the novel.

If you’re looking for a book that’s rich in history, myth, and romance, Vesuvius is an absolute must-read.

thank you Peachtree and Netgalley for the e-ARC!

I was drawn in by the premise alone—a queer story with Pompeii/Vesuvius as the backdrop is such a compelling concept. I loved following the journeys of Felix and Loren, they were very well-round characters/narrators and it was incredibly endearing to watch their arcs and see how they complete each other. This book is gripping, witty, emotional, raw, and an incredible read. I can't wait to see more of Biehn's works

i guess there's nothing wrong in a technical sense with this book. i just found it boring, the scope pretty small. i think it's probably going to have limited appeal.

3.5

Vesuvius by Cass Biehn. Let’s talk about it. Felix draws you in from the very beginning. He’s mysterious and clever and fast. You want to know his secrets so badly it almost feels like a need. Paired with timid but intelligent Loren, Felix’s trait manage to stand out while also highlighting Loren’s. Opposites attract here. With the infamous Mt. Vesuvius as the backdrop, we know how this story goes. History will always remind us of how this story goes. Yet, the story is what kind of lost me. I enjoyed the events, but I wish we could’ve spent more time in them. Same goes for the characters. I wish this book would’ve been 100 or so pages longer. Felix and Loren were a great, but I would’ve liked to see them more fleshed out. All in all, Vesuvius was an enjoyable book. Vesuvius releases on June 3, 2025! Thank you to Netgalley for early access to this title!

“Our fates have always been tied."

It took me a little while to settle into Vesuvius, but once I did, I was all in. A YA novel set in Pompeii, featuring a brooding thief, a reluctant oracle, and the ever-present threat of an exploding volcano? You don’t see that every day—and the premise alone had me hooked. (Not to mention the stunning cover.)

Felix and Loren are complete opposites in the best way possible. Felix is a thief who’s spent his life running, never staying in one place long enough to grow roots. Loren is a temple attendant, burdened with visions of death and destruction that he desperately tries to ignore. Their dynamic? Absolutely delicious. They don’t trust each other, they don’t even particularly like each other at first, but they’re stuck together, navigating stolen relics, political intrigue, and a city on the verge of collapse. Watching their relationship shift—from reluctant allies to something more—was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The setting of Pompeii adds a constant layer of tension to the story. We know what’s coming, and yet, the slow build-up to the eruption makes every moment feel even more urgent. I do wish the volcano had played a bigger role in the plot, considering the title (Vesuvius had shockingly little, well, Vesuvius-ing), but I was so caught up in the characters and their struggles that I didn’t mind too much.

That being said, the pacing was a bit uneven. Some plot points wrapped up too quickly or didn’t have the impact I was expecting, and there were moments where I wasn’t entirely sure where the story was going. But despite that, the characters carried it for me. Loren and Felix felt fully realized, their flaws only making them more believable, and the side characters added so much depth to the world.

Overall, Vesuvius is an impressive debut—atmospheric, gripping, and brimming with tension. A truly compelling read that left me wanting more. Now, about that sequel… 👀🔥

This was my first book by Cass Biehn. This was an interesting read! I enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more books in this genre.

Looking past the typos here and there, this book was a solid/good debut, but I think I was expecting a bit more of the historical aspect. While the author does an amazing job setting up Pompeii as the backdrop, that’s where the historical aspect was strongest for me.
Overall I’m sad to say that I was kind of bored reading it so it took me a while to actually get through it and I was kind of hoping it would get better but it just stayed consistent and I couldn’t really connect the story and characters but at least I loved the cute little romance between Loren and Felix.
I think if I had picked this up as a teenager I would have loved it, so I cant really say it’s bad because it is intended for a younger audience, but as an adult, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

originally i requested this book when i saw it on netgalley days after the thought ‘why doesn’t anyone write yaoi about the vesuvius eruption’ popped up in my head.

i found out it was YA later which i think is the main reason i didn’t really like this book. the general story was alright, but i feel like marketing this as YA wasn’t the best choice to make. i kind of wonder if biehn had originally intended this to be that because it doesn’t really read as something for young adults? and i mean this as a positive thing because their writing’s very rich.

vesuvius is long for a story about two kids on the run who spend a couple of days together, essentially, but at the same time it didn’t feel fleshed out enough to really pull me in. things only started to get excited after the 75% mark and then there was just one fight and it was over. overall a bit of a letdown.

A solid 4-star debut turned into a 3 star read for me because the formatting of the arc given to me was at some points entirely illegible. I tried to see if anyone else has thins issue but it seemed like people only mentioned spelling errors. There were no paragraph indenting which I could have ignored, but sentences would have a paragraph break in the middle, two lines of dialogue were often on the same line, and it seems like every time a word had a double F in it, the Fs were deleted entirely (office, officially, stuffed, all were written as “oce, ocially, stued”). The lack of care given to the formatting of this arc genuinely almost ruined a good book.

Okay. Now that that that’s out of the way.

Vesuvius is a solid debut novel. I really enjoyed the political intrigue and do wish that we could have really leaned into that a bit more than having it as a side plot. I loved how different Loren and Felix were so different and how they interacted when they came together.

There were parts where what was happening was too vaguely described, that I had trouble parsing what was going on until the characters were reflecting on it a couple pages later. But otherwise, the author had a clear vision and clearly had a lot of fun writing it and clearly loved these characters, which showed and made me enjoy it a lot.

I really look forward to giving this a reread once it’s published and see if I have more fun with a properly formatted copy!!