Nero & Sporus 02 - Imperatrix: The Empress Who Was Once a Slave (2023)
Captured by pirates and sold to a Roman aristocrat as a sex slave, Sporus attracted the attention of no less a personage than the Emperor Nero, ruler of the known world. Would-be poet, patron of the arts, aesthete, and brutal autocrat, the Divine Nero saw in the boy a startling resemblance to the Empress Poppaea - and made him an empress as well. Suetonius, Tacitus, and other Roman historians have given tantalizing glimpses into the incredible life story of the boy who became twice an empress to two emperors, and was condemned to die in the arena by a third. In this meticulously researched trilogy, World Fantasy Award winning author lays bare the darkest secrets of Imperial Rome - its triumphs and its nadirs, its beauty and its cruelty. If Gore Vidal had written Quo Vadis this could well have been the result. Through this chaos, a contorted mirror of our contemporary world, this figure of Sporus moves, all too knowing yet all too innocent, providing a worm's eye view of one of the wildest periods in ancient history.
Imperatrix, the second volume of the tale, takes us into the heart of the Imperial palace with all its intrigue, depravity, and splendor.
"Somtow's pen knows no boundaries. From outrageous sex scandals to fascinating detail-rich elements of history that draw you right into the machinations of Ancient Rome ..." - from *Proof Positive
"This is compulsive reading and all the more remarkable for being broadly speaking a true story. All the key players in this story are genuine and the story follows real events in their lives. The book feels very well researched but the research is used to fuel the story rather than slow it down. Somtow's writing has rarely been more compulsive than this. It's a fast, and incredibly easy read despite the complexities of the politics woven into the narrative." - Marc Lyth in Marc's World of Books*
Review
"... a remarkable foray into the souls of characters in ancient Rome, exploring not only the decadence of a corrupt society but also the perpetual search for identity and meaning amid suffering. A profound and disturbing read that lingers in the mind long after the last page has been turned. ..."
— Historical Fiction Company
"Imperatrix: The Empress who was once a Slave, the second installment in S. P. Somtow's riveting trilogy, transports readers back to the opulence and peril of the Roman Empire, seen through the eyes of a young slave named Sporus. As the favored companion of the notoriously unpredictable Emperor Nero, Sporus navigates a world of luxury and danger, where his beauty both elevates and endangers him. The narrative is a delicate balance of splendor and terror, as Sporus must continually evade the whims of a virtually insane emperor.
The author's adept storytelling makes Imperatrix an engaging read, with a brisk pace that artfully conveys the treacherous twists of life in Nero's court. Somtow's thorough research enriches the narrative, weaving in intricate details of ancient Roman life, from the decadent foods to the societal norms, lending an air of authenticity to the tale.
Sporus is a compelling protagonist, his resilience and vulnerability drawing the reader into his plight and rooting for his survival amidst the debauchery and madness of the imperial surroundings. While the novel does not shy away from the explicit realities of the time, including graphic scenes, Nero's portrayal stands out—his divine madness and capricious nature are as fascinating as they are frightening. This depiction offers a glimpse into the life of a man treated as a god yet indulged and isolated to the point of lunacy. The novel's concise nature only leaves readers more captivated and eager to delve deeper into Sporus's journey—a clear testament to the immersive world Somtow has crafted. This brevity fuels anticipation, making the prospect of the next chapter in this enthralling saga all the more enticing.
Imperatrix: The Empress who was once a Slave is a compelling dive into a notorious epoch, offering a vivid exploration of a young slave's struggle for survival and identity amidst the grandeur and madness of Nero's Rome. The novel promises and delivers a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of a place within a world where every moment could be your last."
