Delicatus: from Slave Boy to Empress in Imperial Rome (Nero and Sporus Book 1)

Delicatus is a must-read for fans of historical and LGBTQ fiction. This book takes us back to ancient Rome during the time of Nero, offering a detail-rich and intimate perspective on one of history's most intriguing periods. . 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!

In the first century AD, a small village on the very edge of the Roman empire was overrun by pirates, who took a young boy hostage to sell on the slave market. The pirate's ship is captured by Romans, but the boy is still transported to the slave market in Ostia, on the coast near Rome. While waiting to be sold, someone notices that the boy bears a strong resemblance to one of the most powerful women in Rome, Poppaea. Named Sporus, the boy is purchased by the satirist Petronius, who seeks to protect Sporus from the excesses of the Roman elite. The boy learns to speak Latin, some Greek, and proves relatively adept at navigating the world of a slave destined to arouse the lascivious desires in the men he meets. But attempts to keep him from catching Emperor Nero's eye prove futile. “Delacatus” is the first book of a fictional trilogy based on the life of the young man known to history as Sporus. This installment covers the early part of Sporus' “career,” from his initial enslavement through the death of his first Roman master, the greatest satirist of the time, Petronius, who is thought to have written Satyricon. Little is known about the origins of Sporus, and this book plays on that mystery a little by making the boy coy about where he came from. He witnesses much of the cruelty Rome inflicted on its poorer people, especially the slaves that the empire was built on. Yet, in this first book, Sporus manages to escape some of the worst that could happen. The story is told by…

I wish there was a human narrator or at least a better sounding artificial intelligence voice.

"Delicatus: from Slave Boy to Empress in Imperial Rome" is a brilliant, and sometimes brutal, imagining of the life of a real person—Sporus, a beautiful boy who was kidnapped, enslaved by Romans, freed, castrated, and married to Emperor Nero around 66 CE. The story is gripping—sometimes amusing, and sometimes horrifying. S.P. Somtow has truly captured the depravity of the Roman Empire and its aristocrats at that time. The skilled writing and wealth of historical detail are truly amazing.

This book offers a richly woven tale that immerses readers in the vibrant world of ancient Rome, exploring the captivating journey of Sporus from slave to Empress. The author's meticulous attention to historical detail and vivid storytelling brings the era to life, capturing the essence of the characters and their complex relationships. However, at times, the narrative becomes overly focused on the sensational aspects of Sporus' life, sacrificing deeper character development and exploration of the historical context. While the story is undeniably engaging, some readers may desire a more nuanced and balanced portrayal of Sporus and the events that unfolded. Despite this, "Delicatus" is an intriguing read that sheds light on a lesser-known figure of ancient Rome, offering a glimpse into the machinations of power and ambition in an empire on the brink of upheaval.