I have a review of The Splendor Before the Dark, now available in paperback! Thanks to Berkley for the invitation to participate in the blog tour.
Note: The above is the hardback cover, and the paperback is also now available.
My Thoughts:
Historical fiction is one of my favorites, but until the last month, Margaret George, a prolific author in this genre, was new-to-me. No longer because after reading and enjoying The Confessions of Young Nero, part one of this duology, I was prepared to be mesmerized and astounded with the second half of Nero’s story told through George’s impeccable research.
I had a history teacher in high school who held a doctorate and when attending his lectures, it was easy to tell how passionate he was about ancient world history. I remember him sharing what he knew about Nero, and I’d love to be able to tell him I read two books about his life.
In The Confessions of Young Nero, he ascends to the throne as emperor of Rome. In The Splendor Before the Dark, we find out everything that follows.
Nero’s first years as emperor are defined by his lovely and astute wife, Poppaea, and the cultural and artistic renaissance for which Nero is credited. Everything is off to a grand start, and Rome is in splendor.
All that comes to pass when, ten years into Nero’s reign, Rome is set aflame. Large sections of the city are lost. Rumors name Nero as complicit.
Nero makes a solemn vow to repair Rome and rebuild bigger and better than it was before. Nonetheless, rumors still spread, and there are many who doubt Nero’s ambitions. It’s hard to know if Nero will survive his time as emperorship. The unsteadiness, unhappiness, and distrust at court is deep.
Margaret George’s writing is absolutely superb. We hear from three narrators- Nero, Locusta (an herbal medicine doctor), and Acte (a woman Nero loves). The different voices allow us to pan around and see the whole Nero, both his good and not-so-good qualities.
THIS is precisely why we read historical fiction. George’s effort is polished and epic in scope and quality. Nero, just like any other human, was not all good or all bad; but instead a complex leader with fierce strengths and underlying abhorrent and fallible weaknesses.
Thank you to Berkley for the invitation to participate on the blog tour, as well as for the physical copy. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
Ascending to the throne was only the beginning… Now Margaret George, the author of The Confessions of Young Nero, weaves a web of politics and passion, as ancient Rome’s most infamous emperor cements his place in history.
With the beautiful and cunning Poppaea at his side, Nero Augustus commands the Roman empire, ushering in an unprecedented era of artistic and cultural splendor. Although he has yet to produce an heir, his power is unquestioned.
But in the tenth year of his reign, a terrifying prophecy comes to pass and a fire engulfs Rome, reducing entire swaths of the city to rubble. Rumors of Nero’s complicity in the blaze start to sow unrest among the populace–and the politicians…
For better or worse, Nero knows that his fate is now tied to Rome’s–and he vows to rebuild it as a city that will stun the world. But there are those who find his rampant quest for glory dangerous. Throughout the empire, false friends and spies conspire against him, not understanding what drives him to undertake the impossible.
Nero will either survive and be the first in his family to escape the web of betrayals that is the Roman court, or be ensnared and remembered as the last radiance of the greatest dynasty the world had ever known.
Check out my instagram page for a giveaway for this one! Have you read The Splendor Before the Dark, or is it on your TBR? Have you read any other books by Margaret George? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
Great review, this sounds like a good read – I never read as much historical fiction as I would like but it’s a favourite genre of mine too.
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Thanks so much, Jules! This one is a time commitment, but a really smoothly written one.
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Pretty picture, wonderful review, and blog tour, Jennifer! I added this ancient history to my tbr list. Happy reading! 🌷💕📚❤️😘
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Thanks, Virginia! I hope you enjoy it!
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This sounds epic! I love how passionate your review is, I will definitely have to consider reading this author😁
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Thanks, Tammy! She’s definitely a top author for this genre.
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What beautiful tulips Jen!! Awesome review my friend! Happy Hump Day!📚💜
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Thanks so much, Sus! I am ready for tulip season again. 🌷
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Great review, Jenn. I am loving lots of historical fiction at the moment so this sounds another brilliant read to add to the list!
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Thanks, Stephen! Make sure to read the first book in the series and you’ll really get a thorough look at Nero!
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Adding this to the TBR mountain! 👍
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I hope you enjoy it, Carol! Make sure to pick up the first one too!
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Historicals are the one genre I have a hard time getting into- great review, though!
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Thanks, Jacquie! They are one of my favorites! I just get swept away!
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I had never heard of Margaret George until just now! I enjoyed your review and the story about your history teacher is lovely. Nothing better than teachers who are passionate about their subject!
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Thanks so much! I agree! It can change all your feelings about content!
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What a fab review,! Your enthusiasm for the book really shines through and makes me want to read it even though it’s not my usual kind of read.
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Thanks, Hayley! This author is such a gem for this genre!
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What a lovely review, Jennifer! I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction, too. Thank you for this one – after reading the Robert Graves ‘I, Claudius’, I’ve always loved this period:)
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Thanks so much, Sarah! It is definitely a fascinating time, and I need to read “I, Claudius!”
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I’d love to hear your thoughts on it…:)
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I love historical fiction, but I’ve never read Margaret George – I’m cringing just admitting that!
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I hope you will give her a try someday, Angela! I was late reading her too!
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Another one on my never ending list. Wonderful review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Marialyce! Make sure to read the first book first if you decide to try these!
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Oh, I think I want this one! Excellent review, Jennifer💜
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Thanks, Jonetta! It’s a great second installment, and the first one is just as good! ♥️
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It is a while since I read any historical fiction but I do love seeing it on screen.
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I love it on screen, too, Brigid! So good!
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Ooo yes – I really want to read this duo because it sounds so captivating. Love historical fiction but have read so little set during this time period!!
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This is so well-done, LP! So much to learn and experience!
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I love your review, Jen, and the story about your history teacher. It’s wonderful when a teacher makes such an impact on students. I had a special relationship with my health teacher and we did keep in touch for a time, but now I wonder how he is.
Thanks for sharing this. This is a new author and series to me, so I’ll check it out. ❤
P.S. Hope you received the seeds. ☺️
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Oh my goodness, M, I did! I had been out of town and meant to thank you already. I also owe you an update on things.
That bond with teachers can be so special. I wonder if you could find your teacher on Facebook? Assuming you use it? I’ve been able to reconnect with some of mine that way. One of my favorites is my art teacher. I can talk for days about how she tried to help me with confidence. Xoxo
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Oh, good! No problem with sending a message. I know you’re busy.
I haven’t tried to look him up that way, but I don’t use Facebook anymore. I can still have my mom look though.
Glad you could find yours! One of my favorite teachers (band) ended up working at my university when I was in college. I didn’t have her for a class, but I saw her around campus. It was neat! 😁
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