Review: The Splendor Before the Dark

The Splendor Before the Dark by Margaret George
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an early copy of this book.

This book was such a great read! The Splendor Before the Dark is the second book in a series but it can also be read by itself. This centers around the last few years of Roman Emperor Nero's life. The book starts off with a bang as Rome is engulfed by a great fire. The entire city is being destroyed and Nero rushes to help the people. He tries to help put out the fire only to later be accused of starting it himself.

As the book continues, Nero faces opposition and betrayal. You see him as he desires to make changes and do things in new ways. He wanted to create a cultural city full of art and theater. However, the leaders of Rome are stuck in the old ways and fight him every step of the way. I really loved Nero's character. He is so complex. He is an innovative thinker and an artist. He is sensitive but also can be very dark.

This book also has a constant theme of politics and power. Nero hangs in the balance as his life is constantly threatened by people conspiring against him. We get to see how Nero changed in his last years due to the any betrayals he faced.

Overall, this book is a wonderful fast read centered around one of the most captivating and notorious historical figures. This is the best in historical fiction and I highly recommend it.

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Review: The Little Shop of Found Things

The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of the The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula Brackston.

I really enjoyed this book. It had all of the magical qualities that I want in a Brackston book. We follow a young woman, Xanthe, and her mother as they are beginning a new life opening up a small antique store. Xanthe has always had a connection to antiques including the ability to see into its past. While browsing during an antique auction, Xanthe is attracted to a new object that soon has her manipulated by a ghostly presence, hurled into the past on a mission to solve a mystery and stop a murder.

This book is told from Xanthe's point of view which I very much enjoyed. She is an eclectic young woman and thought her character was well developed. I also enjoyed the relationship with her ailing mother, Flora, whom she cares for and wants to protect. The setting was also well developed as we travel back to the 1800's.

The Little Shop of Found Things is the first book in a new series. It was a wonderful fast read full of magic and historical detail. I highly recommend this.

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