History paints her as the first female serial killer.Locusta is the daughter of a winemaker in the Roman province of Gaul. She enjoys the indulged childhood of the elite, her concerns only about the day’s amusements. She rides gentle ponies, attends parties, reads Ovid, and learns the herbal arts from her servant. But the day after meeting her betrothed, Locusta discovers the consequences of … consequences of possessing such dangerous knowledge.
Ordered to leave her pastoral life, Locusta is thrust into a world of intrigue, scandal, and murder—where treason lurks behind every corner and defying an emperor means death.
Locusta’s life changes forever when a young Emperor Nero requires her herbal expertise. And commands her to be his personal poisoner. Caught in an imperial web, Locusta must embrace her profession or die.
Or is there another way out?
History has nothing good to say about this woman. Or is that because men wrote her story?
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5 CRANKY STARS
This author loves to write historical fiction. I for one, vastly enjoy reading her novels. She takes real people out of ancient history and makes up a story as to how they lived their life in relation to the few facts that are known. This novel takes place in ancient Rome from just before Nero was crowned, until his defeat. Our main character is the daughter of a wine grower in Gaul. Unfortunately, their lives become entwined.
Emperor Claudius rules in Rome and the vineyard taxes must be paid each year. The eldest daughter, Locusta must make a favorable match to keep the vineyard afloat. However, when she is introduced to her betrothed, it is an old, old man. She is disgusted but they need the money. Locusta’s maid is Pricilla and an excellent herbalist. Pricilla has been teaching Locusta how to grow and then mix herbs to cure all kinds of illnesses. The potion they sell the most of is a love elixir. When there is an unfortunate incident the night of the engagement, Locusta has Pricilla teach her the art of mixing poisons.
When her betrothed suddenly dies, she is shipped off to Rome to stay with friends of her Uncle’s. This at first brings on its own set of troubles with their son. But, Locusta is stronger than she thought and goes about her life while selling potions to the rich. Her healing skills become well known. When Nero’s stepmother hears about her, her life is changed forever. Afterall, you must obey the rulers, or the punishment is death. Fast-paced interesting story of love, intrigue and the debauchery of ancient Rome.
Evocative Historical Fiction Read
What a surprising story! It seems as though the author has gleaned a little about the life of a real woman who worked for Emperor Nero in the Roman Empire as an herbalist and created a believable fictionalized story around her. While I am not sure how accurate it is, the way this woman is treated in a man’s world rings true. We meet her when she is simply the daughter of a vintner in Gaul, but soon her prowess and knowledge of herbalism bring her to Rome and the attention of the new emperor. We witness many courtly intrigues and how the young woman adapts to her hard role. The author’s writing is evocative, squarely putting the reader right into the world of the ancient Roman Empire. I felt as if I could see, hear, and even on occasion smell it! I love the word pictures she drew. If you enjoy historical fiction as I do—especially books about cultures not typically explored and/or with strong, relatable women—you may enjoy this book as much as I did.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Thank you HFVBT for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Emperor’s Assassin
By: Autumn Bardot
*REVIEW* .5
Have you ever heard of the ancient Roman Emperor Nero? He is one of history’s most notorious rulers. Now, imagine being forced to work for him. The heroine, Locusta, is a woman of privilege and the elite, living on a vineyard with her father. She is betrothed to a very old man, but after his demise, Locusta is sent to Rome. Her father failed to pay taxes on the vineyard, and Locusta needs an audience with the emperor. Locusta, fortunately, does have skills mixing potions, including poisons, and while staying in Rome, word of her abilities reach Emperor Nero, and Locusta ends up working as his poisoner. Honestly, though, no matter her thoughts or feelings about poisoning people, Locusta refusing the Emperor would have meant her own death, so she never actually had a choice at all. What a terrible situation! If history remembers Locusta as a notoriously bad woman, I just wonder how much control Locusta had over her own life. Women have been forced by men to do terrible things throughout history, and unfortunately, the women take full blame. Locusta was a fascinatingperson who lived a life I can hardly imagine. Autumn Bardot has done a beautiful job of weaving fact and fiction to create a seemless account of a woman who is likely misunderstood. I enjoyed learning about the time period of Emperor Nero and the people who surrounded him. The story is easy to read, compelling and thought provoking. Any reader who loves historical fiction should pick up a copy of The Emperor’s Assassin. It does not disappoint.
I have read several books by Autumn Bardot and have enjoyed every one of them. Emperor’s Assassin is no different. I have not read anything in the past about Nero’s time, so I found this story to be intriguing and fascinating. Locusta is one historical figure I had never heard of before and I find myself wanting to know more about her.
I am giving Emperor’s Assassin four stars. Historical fiction readers will not want to miss this one. I thought it was great.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.