Overall, I was immersed in the story of Athenais and did not want to put Rebel Empress down! My favorite genre is historical fiction and this time period in ancient Rome is fascinating. I really enjoyed Kate Quinn's series- Mistress of Rome, Daughters of Rome and Empress of Seven Hills and it was refreshing to see a story of the Western Roman Empire! It was a great contrast to see the lives of Pulcheria and Athenais play out. Some of the narrative changes between chapters were a little disruptive to the reader since most of the book is from Athenais' perspective. I also feel that for me, dialog more in keeping with time period vs modern dialog is better fit for historical fiction. A balance must be struck for the writing to be enjoyable and still an easy read as too much language from the times of ancient Rome would likely interrupt the flow of the novel. That being said I felt some of the dialog was too modern. It did not take away from my enjoyment of the novel. I am not even close to being a published author, but if an editor also suggests some dialog changes to remove modern language then I would agree. Thank you for letting me read this book! I look forward to reading more by this author!

Rebel Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome is a great historic fictional biography that exhibits how women lived in 5th century Imperial Rome, the importance of family, how royal families must be portrayed, the want of power, and what happens when royal women rebel against their husbands. The book also demonstrates the importance of Christianity in the world of Imperial Rome.

Rebel Empress is the story of Athenais, an immigrant of sorts of Constantinople, who marries into the royal family and her trials and tribulations as Augusta. We see what Athenais is privy to and the results of her actions. In this book, we are seeing things from Athenais' point of view which lets us see how marriage, ambition and power can lead to a number of situations and how the strong woman Athenais is can make differences in so many ways, including in people's lives.

This book reads so well that I had difficulty putting it down. For a recommended audience, I would suggest this book to female historical fiction lovers who are interested in the machinations of Imperial Rome, including it ruthlessness and its biases.

I just visited Italy, and Rome proper, for the first time this spring and fell in love. I delved into Rome's history after having seen with my own eyes so much of it still standing. I loved learning about Athenais, someone I'd never heard of before. Highly recommend to anyone with an interest in Roman history.

The Rebel Empress by Faith L. Justice is a superb piece of historical fiction crafted by a master artist.

It talks of a little known Eastern Roman Empress Athenais, or Aelia Eudocia as she was known after her baptism, the pagan spouse of Emperor Theodosius II of Constantinople.

Born a pagan, she is left highly educated in the classics but impoverished at her father's death. She attracts the attention of Theodosius, once she is in Constantinople and reluctantly agrees to convert in order to marry him. To her, Jesus was a human, good teacher and all round good man, not the Son of God incarnate & the resurrection a myth. She believed Jesus asked us to follow his example in good works that would pave the way to heaven. Hence, by Biblical Christian standards, she was no Christian even if her behaviour was exemplary.

The novel notes her rise to the title of Augusta or Empress, her growing tiff with her sister-in-law, Pulcheria, also Augusta, and eventually the dramatic turn of events that led to her spending the latter half of her life in Jerusalem.

Throughout her husband's reign, the Western Roman Empire is fighting a losing vanguard action against the barbarian hordes and the Eastern Roman Empire is also threatened.

The early 5th century AD (400 AD onwards), is a tumultuous time politically, religiously and spiritually. The basic tenets of Christianity that we now take for granted were debated with much hotheadedness and violence. Heresies like Arianism, Monophysitism and others abounded, as did the desert monks some of who lived on pillars, worn an iron dress, believed in debasing the body (think dirty and unclean and stinking), and we see the rise in the persecution of the Jews.

Athenais navigated all these shoals with ease and the novel details that. While there is plenty of action, it is primarily a novel of the mind - the power plays, heresies, arguments etc.

It gives you a lot of insight into the history of early Christianity and I'm in awe at how in the middle of this theological mess, God orchestrated events and people so that the basic truths of Christianity as per the Bible, would be enshrined as the tenets of faith.

On the other hand, unless you are interested either in early church history or really like history, you would find this book a dead bore. Hence, conflicted. I enjoyed it, but will other readers/ followers on my page, I don't know.. I've a sneaking suspicion not.

Help me! Prove me wrong! Buy the book!!

The pictures are of Athenais, Augusta Pulcheria and a coin of Theodosius and Athenais.

I received this novel as an ARC copy from @NetGalley and the publisher, but the opinions are my own.

This book was very good! I don't normally read a lot of historical books, either fiction or nonfiction, but this one was worth reading. Learning about her life was so interesting to me. The writing and descriptions really placed me there alongside the main character, it's always a huge plus when books can transport you that way!

This was a great third entry in the Theodosian Women series, it had that element that I was expecting from the previous two books. It uses the historical element in a way that worked overall with what I was looking for. I enjoyed getting to know Athenais in this novel and was invested in the story being told. Faith L. Justice has a strong writing style and glad it was so well done.

I have read this ARC with a view to providing a review
All opinions and thoughts are my own

A new author to me
This is a bit of a new subject to be and was fascinated by the write up

Loved it

I enjoyed the way the book brings this historical heroine to life as she comes of age and learns to maneuver court politics, relationships, and power structures. The story draws you in with some really dynamic woman characters covertly orchestrating behind the scenes of the royal court ruled by somewhat clueless male leaders. The characterization is perhaps a little black or white, not as much nuance as I might have liked, but it is easy to grasp and a quick read.

3.5/5 stars

"Rebel Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome" by Faith L. Justice is a captivating historical novel set in the grandeur of ancient Rome. The story centers around a fierce and determined empress navigating the treacherous waters of imperial politics and personal betrayal. Justice’s vivid portrayal of Rome’s opulence and its political intrigues brings the era to life, while her well-crafted characters offer both drama and depth. With its rich historical backdrop and compelling narrative, this novel is a gripping read for fans of historical fiction.

Absolutely loved this book! A fitting conclusion to the Theodosian Women series, Rebel Empress was a page turner from the very beginning. We've met Athenais in previous books; young, beautiful and poor (but well educated), her fate is in the hands of her uncle and brothers. When they set up a chance meeting with a possible suitor, the last person she expects to meet is the Emperor. But they connect, and the match is made.

The politics of the day make being the wife of the Empress anything but easy. Christianity has taken hold and the Emperor's sister lives like a nun, but has essentially been running the empire as her brother's regent and won't give up control easily. Athenais would like to create a court suitable for such an influential Emperor but runs into barriers at every turn. And those are just the barriers within the family! There is also the church jockeying for position, other kings and leaders questioning (and downright attacking) the emperor and more. Oh yes, and add a bit of impossible love into the mix and you have a beautifully researched, fast moving and engrossing story.

The enchanting historical story of Theodosius II’s wife and Augusta Consort. I’m only sorry I missed the first two, though this story works well as a standalone.