Delicatus
By S.P. Somtow

The historian Suetonius tells us that the Emperor Nero emasculated and married his slave Sporus, the spitting image of murdered Empress Poppaea.

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.

Robin's Review: Delicatus by S.P. Somtow transported me to ancient Rome. The author's writing was skillful and kept me engaged until the very end. The characters were well-written and memorable, adding richness and fascination to the plot. The story dealt with themes such as sex, politics, and personal safety in a world on the brink of change, accurately portraying Roman life. The expert storytelling weaves many themes into the story, making it captivating. Overall, Delicatus is a mesmerizing read that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of ancient Rome. Creative writing offers a beautiful experience for readers interested in historical fiction and ancient civilizations. .

Walk With Me Into the Dark