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Nov 05, 2020ryner rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
In this final book in Kate Quinn's Empress of Rome series, Vibia Sabina is now Empress. With subtle guidance she leads her husband, the emperor Hadrian, who is by nature somewhat inclined to ruthlessness, to reign with greater grace and with vices hidden. Despite her elevated status in Rome she cannot entirely forget her first love, the barbarian-born Vix, who is now a high-status warrior in Rome's own army. Completing this odd yet captivating "love rectangle" is Hadrian's developing interest in Vix's foster son, Antinous. Though the premise may sound bizarre when boiled down to its essence like this with no nuance provided, most of the main characters in the book are in fact based on real individuals. This is both a really lovely story and a satisfying end to a series I began upon receiving the first book from my 2-year-old daughter, who had indiscriminately plucked it off the shelf in a checkout line at our local grocery!