Dad of Divas' Reviews: Book Review - Pompeii, City on Fire

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Book Review - Pompeii, City on Fire

About the Book
Before it was destroyed in a fiery volcano explosion, Pompeii was the ultimate aristocratic getaway. A thriving seaside town where wealthy Romans lived in luxury, Pompeii saw no shortage of thrills ­ and corruption.

Pompeii: City on Fire (B&H Books, June 2011, $14.99, 978-143-366-857-9) is the latest historical fiction tale from ³No Passport Required² author, T.L. Higley.  The story¹s two feature characters come together from opposite sides of the political, cultural, and gender lines: He, a failed Roman politician; she, a young girl from Jerusalem sold into slavery.  To escape, she has disguised herself as a boy and joined a gladiator troupe.

When Cato flees from Rome, site of his political shame, he puts down new roots in Pompeii as a leisurely winemaker.  The last person he expects to meet is a young ³lad² named Ari, i.e. Ariella, a star gladiator.  Fueled by anger, she fights well ­ but Cato is determined to rescue her from the arena for good.  What neither Cato nor Ariella anticipates is the evil power of Pompeii¹s magnanimous leader, or the fragility of Vesuvius, quietly simmering in the background.

T.L. Higley is the author of nine historical fiction novels, including the popular Seven Wonders series.  An avid traveler, she took her teenage daughter with her to Italy to research this story!  This is a perfect summer read for action-adventure buffs, who crave an escape to ancient Italy¹s fascinating Lost City.

My Take on the Book 
I had never read a book by this author before, but since I have read this, I think I will be returning! This book was a fun, engaging read full of great facts, characters, and plot. What I loved was the historical intricacy that the author takes in writing this book (and my guess would be every book). Though this book is fiction, while you are reading it you are drawn in and the lines between past and present fiction and reality get blurred.


This book has a little bit of everything for anyone. From greed to love, mystery and suspense, good and evil. If you enjoy books that keep you on the edge of your seat, hold on as this book will take you for a ride!


The book provides interesting context for the famous volcanic eruptions that most people historically know. The book does make many connections to God and to the significance and connection of the disaster in Pompeii and spirituality. It adds much to the story and made me want to read even further!   

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
   
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