For Claudia, 'ancient history' was relegated to museums and books. Now, it's her terrifying, all-consuming reality: An Ancient Rome where the Gods are dangerously and personally involved.
Stolen from her timeline by powerful, desperate deities, she's thrust into this magnificent, brutal world, becoming their reluctant hero in a desperate last move. This 21st-century woman, with no training in combat or divine politics, must somehow confront the deranged Emperor Tarquinius, whose escalating madness and unholy alliances threaten to unravel the very threads of existence.
As an unwilling champion, Claudia forges uneasy alliances with figures both mortal and divine, facing challenges that defy logic and belief. She must adapt, survive, and discover a strength she never knew she possessed, armed with startling resilience and the help of a few unlikely allies. All while clinging to the hope of returning to the life—and the loved ones—she left behind.
Yet, in this world where mythology breathes and destinies are forged in fire, a deeper truth begins to emerge about her own soul. Can she escape the clutches of a cruel fate and the gravitational pull of a dangerous, magnetic emperor, or will her heart finally claim an eternal bond with Tarquinius, one destined to change the course of history forever?
When your body, soul and the only person you ever loved belonged to Pluto, you did whatever he commanded, regardless of the cost. Although after three hundred years, Emperor Tarquinius Valerius Prisca had still not completed the one simple task given to him.
He downed the dregs of wine and threw the cup against the bedroom wall. It joined the shards from the empty jug. His slave had yet to return with more wine, and his anger simmered beneath his skin like an outbreak of scabies. His broken nails left angry welts down his arm as he tried to find a measure of release.
Damn Pluto, damn his bargain, and damn his slave for taking so long.
At last, Chrestus entered with a jug and a new cup. Oh, he thought he knew him so well, didn’t he? He scowled and his slave gazed back unperturbed.
“The Military Consul, Marcus Fullo begs a moment of your time after the senator meeting.” Chrestus handed him the cup, full to the brim of dark and undiluted wine.
READ MOREHe gulped most of it down before answering. “A meeting? Today?”
“Yes, most of the senators arrived as I was returning.” Chrestus drew the curtains and the early morning sun stormed in.
Tarquinius squinted and fought an internal battle. He could stay here and continue to drink until he passed out as usual or… or he could join the meeting and demand they prepare another attack. Surely they had replenished their losses from the last attempt to wage war. The first option would not lead to the return of his soul or that of his wife.
With a groan, he pulled himself off the chaise. “I shall join them.”
“Master?”
“What?”
“Would you permit me to dress you appropriately and perhaps tidy your…?” Chrestus trailed off with his hands fluttering around his head.
He ran his hands over the thick hair sprouting from his face and he knew they could probably smell the sweat and the wine oozing from his pores, even in the forum. His hair stuck out in a tangle of knots and his fingers caught as he tried to smooth it down. He hadn’t seen anyone but Chrestus in weeks, perhaps even months and his slave had given up pestering him to care for himself.
Looking down, his tunic was stained with wine and something that looked suspiciously like dried vomit. His slave had a point.
He sighed. “Tell the baths to prepare for my arrival. And inform the Consul to return tomorrow morning.”
Chrestus nodded and left. There was a mouthful left in the bottom of his cup. The last drops of wine bloomed on his tongue and he closed his eyes, savouring it for as long as possible. He rolled up the scrolls he had been reading through the night and wandered through to his study. Some account of a military campaign in Solitudinem in his grandfather’s time. Not the most fascinating read but it had helped pass the long hours before dawn. Replacing the scrolls in their respective shelves, he stifled a yawn. Shuffling through the latest reports on the state of the navy and their encounters with the pirates from the east, he skimmed over the damage and losses but could not find the energy to care. Marcus would deal with it. With an attempt to tidy his desk, he wasted time until the fires should be hot within the baths.
Passing along the hallway, the cold gaze of his ancestors accosted him. Their painted eyes showed nothing but contempt. He had argued with himself whether to move the busts to some unused wing of the palace but he could not do it. He kissed his fingers and touched the last bust on the forehead.
“I am sorry, Father. I have no choice,” he said, as he did every time he had occasion to pass. “Give me strength.”
COLLAPSETrinity L. on Reedsy.com wrote:4.0 out of 5 stars
Mad emperor, requires taming, apply within
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 June 2024
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I do enjoy a good roman based story, i have to admit i was a little wary at first about the fantasy side of this book, worried it would take away from the historical setting somewhat. However my fears were completely unfounded as it has been masterfully handled here utilising a Rome-adjacent universe to get over the more fantastical ideas of integrating someone from our current times with the Roman empire we are all familiar with. You can feel the dust and almost smell the air.I am glad i read this on Kindle as it allowed much pressing on words to invoke the built-in lookup functions for wikipedia to explain to me what some of the Roman terms used actually were. They are not overwhelming, it shows the deep knowledge the author has over their subject matter, so you learn something alongside the excellent storyline.
I don't want to say too much about the storyline for fear of giving anything away - a hero plucked from our time by the gods (and there is a good reason that specific hero is chosen) to try and stop the actions of the current emperor who just happens to be over 300 years old and unkillable due to being a pet of the god Pluto who has driven the emperor a bit mad with his demands over the years of ensuring the entire populace worships only him over all the other gods. The emperor has been so focused on this one thing that he has let his empire slide a little so the people aren't too happy with him.
Our hero has first to journey to the emperor, then get him to change his ways, without her dying in the process. The gods aren't allowed to intervene in too meaningful a way, but they find other ways of helping out, our hero is aided by an Amazonian warrior princess and a Sanguinious fox who are excellent companions. And although she starts out pretty clueless she learns a thing or two along the way about how to take care of herself. There are some brutal encounters along the way and an epilogue that hints at a sequel, i can't wait to see where this may go next.
kasaem on Amazon wrote:In this story, I found a captivating blend of themes like power, sacrifice, duty, and personal growth intricately woven into a backdrop brimming with political intrigue and mythological influences. Claudia and Tarquinius, the central characters, are portrayed with compelling depth as they navigate their internal conflicts and confront external challenges, which enriches their intertwined journeys. The role of mythology, especially the influence of the Gods in shaping destinies, adds a fascinating layer of complexity to the narrative.
As someone who enjoys mythological characters, I was delighted by this story's ability to balance light-hearted moments of tenderness with heated scenes that stir deep emotions. It's the kind of book that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go. The narrative effortlessly blends romance, intrigue, and fantasy into a detailed and immersive experience that will resonate with readers seeking a richly developed storyline. With well-crafted characters, intricate plot twists, and just the right touch of magic, this tale kept me eagerly turning the pages until the very end.
Exploring themes such as love, sacrifice, duty, and the pursuit of power, alongside the interplay of mythology and political intrigue, creates a layered and engaging storyline. The presence of the Gods influencing characters' destinies introduces themes of fate and higher purpose, adding depth and complexity to the plot.
One of the book's strengths lies in its emotional depth and the vulnerability of its characters, as well as the intricate relationships that shape their decisions and actions. These elements make their struggles and triumphs feel real and compelling, drawing me deeper into the narrative. The blend of personal challenges, political maneuvering, and mythical elements creates a truly immersive reading experience, perfect for those who appreciate complex narratives.
Overall, I applaud the author for crafting a story that not only entertains but also resonates on a deeper level through its exploration of character vulnerabilities and profound themes. It's more than just reading a book; it's stepping into a vividly imagined world where every page feels alive with possibility and meaning.
Cab9 on Amazon wrote:5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 December 2024
I loved the mix of fantasy and roman mythology. This book gets you hooked from chapter 1!
Mz. Monroe on Amazon wrote:5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely writing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 December 2024
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Purchased on holiday in Italy, a lovely read 🙂
Shirley Xiao on Amazon wrote:5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written and deeply moving
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2025Even Gods Are Blind completely drew me in from the very first chapter. The writing is elegant and poetic, yet still easy to follow, and every page feels like it carries a deeper meaning. I loved how the story blends myth, philosophy, and raw human emotion — it made me stop and think, but also made me feel.
The theme of love and wisdom being at odds is handled in such a powerful way. There were so many lines I wanted to highlight because they resonated with me personally. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after you finish it, the kind you want to recommend to friends just so you can talk about it together.
If you enjoy thought-provoking stories that are both emotional and beautifully crafted, I can’t recommend this one enough. A stunning read that I know I’ll come back to again.
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable book
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2025I love historical fiction and fantasy, and I have a fascination with Greek and Roman mythology. I enjoyed the book, once I got over the fact that this is set in sort of an alternative Romanesque world where emperors can live longer and the world exclusively worships Pluto. The time travel part of the book didn't phase me as I am also an avid Doctor Who and comic book fan. The other Roman gods couldn't interfere directly, but the heroine was aided by an Amazonian warrior princess and a Sanguinious fox to accomplish her quest to help the Emperor change.
I did enjoy the book, but it took a bit to get into and it wasn't a book that I couldn't put down. At times, the writing was a bit dry and that took me out of the fantasy. Maybe it's because the author's world building abilities need work, but the book being set in an alternate universe kept bothering me throughout the book and the Roman gods and goddesses' personalities and characteristics that I enjoy so much is a bit lacking.
