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Delicatus: from Slave Boy to Empress in Imperial Rome (Nero and Sporus Book 1) Kindle Edition
The historian Suetonius tells us that the Emperor Nero emasculated and married his slave Sporus, the spitting image of murdered Empress Poppaea. But history has more tidbits about Sporus, who went from "puer delicatus" to Empress to one Emperor and concubine to another, and ended up being sentenced to play the Earth-Goddess in the arena.
World Fantasy Award winner S.P. Somtow weaves a vivid adventure about one of the most colorful personalities in ancient Rome. Delicatus, the first volume in a trilogy, speaks of Sporus, from his enslavement by pirates in a remote corner of the Empire to his meeting with the great satirist Petronius and the woman to whom he bears a striking resemblance, the beautiful Poppaea with her manipulative plans to seduce the Emperor Nero and become Divine Empress.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJanuary 14, 2023
- File size3688 KB
- Delicatus: from Slave Boy to Empress in Imperial Rome (Nero and Sporus Book 1)1Kindle Edition$2.99$2.99
- Damnatio: From Empress to the Arena in Nero's Rome (Nero and Sporus Book 3)3Kindle EditionPreorder$3.99$3.99
From the Publisher
A Vivid Recreation of Imperial Rome
"One of the best period piece novels we've ever read!" — Outstanding Creator Awards
based on the true story of the slave who became Nero’s Empress
S.P. Somtow’s trilogy is a worm's eye odyssey through the turbulent chaos of Nero’s Rome.
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DELICATUSDelicatus, the first volume in a trilogy, speaks of Sporus, from his enslavement by pirates in a remote corner of the Empire to his meeting with the great satirist Petronius and the woman to whom he bears a striking resemblance, the beautiful Poppaea with her manipulative plans to seduce the Emperor Nero and become Divine Empress. |
IMPERATRIXSporus is now the Emperor's favorite. All doors are open. But how can a ex-male slave become an Empress? The Lady Poppaea still sits on the the throne, and Nero's first love, Actë, haunts the palace ... and there are other lovers. The twisted path that Sporus must take to the throne, as Nero’s rule threatens to crumble around them all. |
DAMNATIOA.D. 69 ... the infamous "Year of Four Emperors" when the world was up for grabs ... but what becomes of Sporus? Can he survive being Empress a second time? |
The Ancient World | Epic Galactic Empires | Stories, Dreams, Visions | Fantasies | Timmy Valentine Series | Nirvana Express | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars
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Price | $2.99$2.99 | — | $3.99$3.99 | — | — | $2.99$2.99 |
A classic sequel to Homer's Iliad — “in the true sense, a work of genius” — Gene Wolfe | “the greatest magnitude of color and spectacle since Stapledon” — Theodore Sturgen | “S.P. Somtow doesn’t write like anyone else” — Dean R. Koontz | “fantasy novels don’t come any better than this” — Edward W. Bryant | “the closest thing to a nightmare ever put on paper” — Robert Bloch | "... an unexpected midlife epiphany leads to a Buddhist monastery ... lively, autobiographical work ..." Michael Dirda in Washington Post" |
Editorial Reviews
Review
"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
Five Stars
5 Stars from LITERARY TITAN *****
"Within the pages of Delicatus by S.P. Somtow, readers are invited to embark on a deeply personal journey, experiencing the world through the eyes of a young child ensnared and subjugated by Romans. The narrative casts a revealing light upon the lives of the opulent and influential of Nero's era, all observed from the unique vantage point of an enslaved child who was procured and conditioned to satiate the carnal desires of his masters. This unfiltered portrayal immerses us in the complexities arising from personal and cultural disparities, as sex, politics, and personal safety intertwine, weaving a tapestry that resounds with authenticity and relevance.
"Delicatus is an exceptionally well-crafted work of fiction that seamlessly transports its readers into the unrefined facets of Roman life. The author deftly incorporates nuanced themes of gender identity and human sexuality, skillfully avoiding the imposition of modern values upon the subject matter. The prose emulates the style and language of contemporary writers of that era, effectively channeling the spirit of the time. While the narrative delves into graphic and mature content, the author's discerning approach ensures that it is rendered with consummate taste. This book comes highly recommended for discerning and mature readers who seek to truly immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of authentic life within Nero's Rome, all from the perspective of an unlikely protagonist."
from Literary Titan
From reader review of the Vella version: "From a prolific author comes a very compelling and entertaining story of love and death in the early years of Imperial Rome. The story is told from a slave who rises from the lowest ranks to the summit of power and prestige, a play thing to emperors, a friend to fellow slaves, and an inspiration to poets. Along the way, the author provides informative tidbits about life in early Imperial Rome without seeming too pedantic — a very evenly balanced storytelling of characters and setting. The framework for the story is sturdy and little time is wasted in the telling. A highly recommended read..."
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B0BR88V6VZ
- Publisher : Diplodocus Press (January 14, 2023)
- Publication date : January 14, 2023
- Language : English
- File size : 3688 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Sticky notes : On Kindle Scribe
- Print length : 246 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #222,818 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #79 in LGBTQ+ Biographies & Memoirs
- #228 in Classic Historical Fiction
- #231 in Ancient Historical Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Once referred to by the International Herald Tribune as 'the most well-known expatriate Thai in the world,' Somtow Sucharitkul is no longer an expatriate, since he has returned to Thailand after five decades of wandering the world. He is best known as an award-winning novelist and a composer of operas.
Born in Bangkok, Somtow grew up in Europe and was educated at Eton and Cambridge. His first career was in music and in the 1970s, his first return to Asia, he acquired a reputation as a revolutionary composer, the first to combine Thai and Western instruments in radical new sonorities. Conditions in the arts in the region at the time proved so traumatic for the young composer that he suffered a major burnout, emigrated to the United States, and reinvented himself as a novelist.
His earliest novels were in the science fiction field and he soon won the John W. Campbell for Best New Writer as well as being nominated for and winning numerous other awards in the field. But science fiction was not able to contain him and he began to cross into other genres. In his 1984 novel Vampire Junction, he injected a new literary inventiveness into the horror genre, in the words of Robert Bloch, author of Psycho, 'skillfully combining the styles of Stephen King, William Burroughs, and the author of the Revelation to John.' Vampire Junction was voted one of the forty all-time greatest horror books by the Horror Writers' Association, joining established classics like Frankenstein and Dracula. He has also published children's books, a historical novel, and about a hundred works of short fiction.
In the 1990s Somtow became increasingly identified as a uniquely Asian writer with novels such as the semi-autobiographical Jasmine Nights and a series of stories noted for a peculiarly Asian brand of magic realism, such as Dragon's Fin Soup, which is currently being made into a film directed by Takashi Miike. He recently won the World Fantasy Award, the highest accolade given in the world of fantastic literature, for his novella The Bird Catcher. His seventy-plus books have sold about two million copies world-wide. He has been nominated for or won over forty awards in the fields of science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
After becoming a Buddhist monk for a period in 2001, Somtow decided to refocus his attention on the country of his birth, founding Bangkok's first international opera company and returning to music, where he again reinvented himself, this time as a neo-Asian neo-Romantic composer. The Norwegian government commissioned his song cycle Songs Before Dawn for the 100th Anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize, and he composed at the request of the government of Thailand his Requiem: In Memoriam 9/11 which was dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 tragedy.
According to London's Opera magazine, 'in just five years, Somtow has made Bangkok into the operatic hub of Southeast Asia.' His operas on Thai themes, Madana and Mae Naak, have been well received by international critics.
Somtow has recently been awarded the 2017 Europa Cultural Achievement Award for his work in bridging eastern and western cultures. In 2020 he returned to science fiction after a twenty-year absence with "Homeworld of the Heart", a fifth novel in the Inquestor series.
To support S.P. Somtow's work, visit his patreon account at patreon.com/spsomtow. His website is at www.somtow.com
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Top reviews
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From the very first page, I was transported to the heart of Imperial Rome, where the vivid descriptions painted a rich tapestry of the era. The attention to historical detail is remarkable, showcasing the author's dedication to thorough research. It felt like I was walking through the bustling streets, witnessing the grandeur of the Roman Empire firsthand.
The protagonist's journey from a humble slave boy to the intricacies of imperial court life is both riveting and heart-wrenching. The character development is skillfully done, and I found myself invested in their growth and challenges. The author weaves a tale of resilience, courage, and self-discovery that resonates with the reader on a profound level.
What sets "Delicatus" apart is its ability to balance historical accuracy with a compelling narrative. The pacing is perfect, keeping the reader hooked with a blend of intrigue, romance, and political drama. I appreciated the nuanced exploration of societal norms and the challenges faced by individuals navigating the complex dynamics of Imperial Rome.
Additionally, the author's prose is elegant and evocative, adding a layer of sophistication to the storytelling. It's clear that [Author's Name] has a deep appreciation for the subject matter and a talent for bringing historical figures to life with authenticity and grace.
In conclusion, "Delicatus" is a triumph in historical fiction that transports readers to a bygone era while offering a timeless tale of triumph over adversity. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in the Nero and Sporus series and highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys immersive historical fiction with a captivating narrative.
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S.P. Somtow expertly blends fact and fiction to bring the story to life, presenting a vivid and engaging tale from the viewpoint of a real historical figure.
The protagonist's biting wit and frank commentary on the casual cruelty and sexuality of their time adds emotional depth and dimension to the story, making it feel even more authentic.
The structure and pacing of the story is well thought-out, and kept me reading, engaged and entertained from start to finish. And when I did finish, I wanted MORE and am now impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.
Delicatus is a thrilling and captivating journey through ancient Rome. Whether you're a history buff or simply a fan of skillful storytelling, you won't want to miss this one. I highly recommend it!
Top reviews from other countries
While this era of history has been explored by numerous authors, "Delicatus" offers a fresh perspective by delving into the narrative through the eyes of a character often relegated to the background. The story's worm's eye view of ancient Rome adds a unique layer of depth, making historical events and characters come alive. The ongoing Amazon Vella version, now in the midst of its second volume, has garnered considerable popularity, earning a spot among readers' top favorites.
S.P. Somtow's storytelling prowess shines through in this well-written page-turner. The narrative strikes a balance between character development and setting, seamlessly immersing readers in the world of early Imperial Rome. With informative tidbits about daily life and a sturdy narrative framework, the book transports readers to an era marked by love, death, scandal, and power.
"Delicatus" stands out as a modern-day classic, marrying historical accuracy with imaginative storytelling. The book doesn't shy away from the dark and disturbing aspects of ancient Rome, creating an intense and thought-provoking atmosphere. Somtow's narrative style draws comparisons to a meeting between "Quo Vadis" and Gore Vidal, offering a tone that is both candid and intimate.
Readers can look forward to historical tidbits, scandalous intrigue, and insights into everyday life during ancient times. If you enjoyed works like "I, Claudius" or Gore Vidal's "Live from Golgotha," you're likely to find "Delicatus" a captivating addition to your reading list. With its engaging pace, compelling characters, and rich historical context, "Delicatus" brings the vibrancy of ancient Rome to life in an unforgettable way.
The depth and breadth of information presented in this work is commendable. The author has left no stone unturned in their quest to deliver a comprehensive view of the Roman Empire. From the grandeur of its architecture to the intricacies of its political system, each aspect has been thoroughly dissected and presented in a manner that is both informative and captivating.
What struck me most about this book is its timeliness. In a world where understanding different cultures and their histories is more important than ever, this book offers valuable insights into one of the most influential civilizations in history. It provides a window into the past that not only educates but also encourages reflection on our own societies.
In conclusion, I can't recommend this book highly enough. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply someone seeking to broaden your knowledge, this well-researched and beautifully written book about the Roman Empire is a must-read.