Camilla grew up in Leptis Magna in Roman North Africa, but when her doctor father is called to Rome to treat the Emperor, Septimius Severus, she travels to the capital city of the empire and all the way to far off Britannia as part of the Imperial household. It’s a dangerous time in history. The empire is crumbling, and the ailing emperor’s two sons are at each other’s throats. Cut off from everything she knew, Camilla must find a way to survive the dangers of the court and somehow make a place for herself so far from her home. 

Author Leila Rasheed’s portrait of Rome during the reign of Septimius Severus is interesting, truthful, and, above all, nuanced. Her Camilla lives in a vibrant multicultural world that will delight many fans of ancient history who seldom see Rome accurately reflected on the big screen. Camilla and her family are multiracial, as almost every other character. It’s remarkable to read a story that really reflects the fact that the pale, blued-eyed people of the British Isles are outsiders to most Mediterranean Romans. This perspective is supported by a wealth of archaeological evidence, but I’ve never seen it so perfectly conveyed before.   

I was particularly impressed with Rasheed’s sensitive approach to slavery, which is a major feature of this novel. Camilla has grown up around slavery, and although she and her family are not cruel people, Camilla becomes increasingly aware of the suffering of the enslaved folks around her as her own situation becomes increasingly precarious. Camilla’s story is very sad at times, but never scary. I can comfortably recommend this book to all readers, even the most sensitive. – Krishni Burns