I Am Livia (A TLC Book Tour and GIVEAWAY!)

April 28, 2014 Historical Fiction 25

Friends, Romans, Bookworms, lend me your ears!

If you’re been around this little corner of the internet a while, you’ll know that I”m a huge fan of historical fiction. Unfortunately, sometimes I find myself in a bit of a rut as far as the historical periods I travel to… The Tudors and I are perhaps a bit too well-acquainted. I was recently contacted by TLC Book Tours with a request to review Phyllis T. Smith’s new novel, I Am Livia and I jumped at the chance. We’re going to ancient Rome, y’all! *I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

i am livia tlc This book opens on the eve of Julius Caesar’s assassination. 14 year old Livia overhears her father and some of his political companions discussing the plot. Livia possesses a keen political mind, despite her age and the fact that Roman women were discouraged from participating in the public sphere… Overtly, at least. She knows that this plot is fraught with danger and that it could threaten her family’s existence as they know it.

Et tu, Brut? And all that comes to pass, and Rome is plunged into political upheaval. Livia is hastily married off to one of her father’s political connections. She isn’t excited about the proposition, but after her father implores to her patriotism and she goes through with the wedding.

One day at the chariot races seated next to her new husband, Livia meets Julius Caesar’s heir, Octavianus. She’s a teenager. He’s a teenager. And he’s hot. A bit of witty repartee and some flirtatious banter follow, but as the wife of a politically active senator, everybody keeps their togas on. What Livia doesn’t know is what a huge impact she and Octavianus will have on one another’s lives…

YOU GUYS! I loved this book! It was so refreshing to read about ancient Rome. I’ve never read any Roman historical fiction, so I learned a TON of stuff. I’m not silly enough to think that reading historical fiction is the same as doing a super scholarly study or anything, but this book painted a fabulous picture of Roman life. I mean, they ate lounging on couches. There were DASTARDLY doings in the political sphere. There were honor suicides and gladiator battles and scandals galore. I couldn’t put this book down, I just HAD TO KNOW. I am super excited to be able to share it with you, because the awesome folks at TLC Book Tours have offered to let me give away a copy of I Am Livia to one of you, my fabulous bookworms… Or at least the ones in the US and Canada (sorry international folks!) Enter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

25 Responses to “I Am Livia (A TLC Book Tour and GIVEAWAY!)”

  1. lisa g

    I absolutely know what you mean about historical fiction ruts… It’s theWar of the Roses for me, though it used to be the American Revolution, so that’s something right? This sounds awesome! Thanks for the heads up.

    Reply

  2. Megan M.

    I don’t think I’ve ever read something set in Rome besides the obvious classics. This sounds like a great read!

    Reply

  3. Carl

    Reclining on couches sounds nice. I think I’d enjoy that. I guess we’re just talking about the rich people, I don’t think the average family would be doing that. Still, sounds pretty relaxing. Thanks

    Reply

    • Words For Worms

      OH yeah, definitely the rich people. This was about hoity toity Romans with slaves and stuff (which was just as awful in Rome as it was anywhere else. But, you know. It was a part of the time.)

      Reply

  4. thatashgirl

    I don’t remember the last time I read something set in Ancient Rome. Last I read that was of the ancient world was The Song of Achilles.

    Reply

  5. Darlene @ Lost in Literature

    This looks great!
    And I’m just saying…..CLEOPATRA’S DAUGHTER. It takes place in ROME.
    Girl, please, I know you will like that one.
    (And I hope I win)

    Reply

  6. Jennine G.

    This is a time period I can say I probably haven’t read much in…there would be a lot to learn for me too. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  7. Katie @ Doing Dewey

    Haha, I think dinner on reclining sofas sounds like a brilliant innovation. I loved studying Roman mythology and culture in school, but I haven’t read any books set in Ancient Rome either. This sounds like a good one!

    Reply

  11. Claudia

    TOTALLY. I’m sitting here, on the sofa, just finishing dinner with the coffee table full of empty plates. I’m always the happiest here after dinner.

    Reply

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