Set in Pompeii you follow the story of Felix and Loren. The pair are an interesting one, Loren is all too caring, heart on his sleeve and Felix is such a complex character, you can tell he wants people to dislike him, keep them away, but he has that caring side and I really did warm to him. I really enjoyed how Loren had reoccurring dreams of Felix's death and felt responsible for him in the waking world and even though we know what happens to Pompeii you still somehow hold hope for a different outcome.

The imaginative writing is great, you can really set the scene and get an idea of your surroundings; I felt the descriptions were done well. There were some real poetic lines dotted throughout the story which I really enjoyed and found beautiful. I did find the swearing to be out of place; this could be a me problem rather than the book, I just wasn't expecting the language from a YA set in 79AD.

That being said I did enjoy every other aspect of the book. Loren's prophecy was intriguing and Felix's lost history held my interest, along with the political intrigue.
The lore around the Gods in this was an interesting take as well as the little warning signs of the earthquakes that keep happening and building suspense. I'd say this is a great read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a mythological twist. Cass Biehn did a great job with this and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for their work from now on.

A Captivating and Hauntingly Beautiful Read

Vesuvius by Cass Biehn is a mesmerizing blend of historical fiction and poignant storytelling. From the very first page, Biehn transports readers to the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, crafting a world rich with atmosphere, emotion, and tension.

The novel’s characters feel deeply human, their struggles and desires pulling the reader into a narrative that is both immersive and thought-provoking. Biehn’s writing is lyrical yet accessible, balancing historical detail with a compelling plot that keeps the pages turning. The way the author weaves history and personal drama together is nothing short of masterful.

This book is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction and those who appreciate stories that linger in the mind long after the final page. Vesuvius is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of storytelling—a truly remarkable novel that deserves a place on any bookshelf.

(3.5) VESUVIUS is a political historical fantasy, with queer characters and mythology driving on the plot.

As a classics student, I’m always excited to read Roman mythology/history in the Greek mythology saturated world of reception. The history was solid enough, with the plot relying much more on fantasy elements. I loved the vein of politics that ran throughout the book, something that is barely touched upon in many historical books. I also loved how Pompeii is depicted as an assimilation of many different cultures with Egyptian gods such as Isis, and the inclusion of Greek reading/writing.

The characters were likeable enough, and both have clear motives and goals that clash and create tension. While they were likeable on their own, I found it difficult to see any romance between them. There are romantic moments, and they certainly have great chemistry, but the romance just felt too quick after their lack of trust towards each other. Although the world is not queer-normative, queerness is not a central tension, which I loved. The side characters were also especially developed and interesting, and did not fall into binary good/evil roles.

What bothered me the most was the pacing. VESUVIUS is antagonisingly slow, despite taking place only a few days before the volcano erupts. Although the characters frequently bring up a sense of urgency, this urgency is never really felt, with there being no sense of tension or climax. There was also a sense of forced mystery, like the author was trying to draw things out, making the pacing feel even more slow. As a relatively long book for a debut (400 pages), I would have liked to see more of the action that takes place at the end to come in earlier on, perhaps in conflict with the political tension.

Overall, the concept of this book is great, and for a debut, is an amazing read. I look forward to reading more of Biehn’s books.

I was in a bit of a reading slump when I picked up Vesuvius but I am so glad that I started reading this. I picked this up, was completely hooked, and finished it in a single sitting. If I had to pick a book to erase reading slumps, then I'd definitely pick this one over and over again.

I'm a huge fan of character-driven stories, and Vesuvius delivers when it comes to that. The story takes place roughly over 4-5 days and follows the thief Felix and temple attendant Loren, who are bound together on a journey that involves divine artefacts, deadly visions, and dangerous people, in the city of Pompeii; a city edging towards its slow destruction (and we all know what happens to it). For taking place in such a short time, we spend a lot of time with both Felix and Loren, getting to know them and understanding their motivations.

The book does an incredible job at making us understand and connect with them. Even as they do, we also experience the city of Pompeii through their eyes. The writing makes it very easy to immerse yourself in the city and the descriptions make it feel so real, like you're actually in Pompeii, walking along the streets, while also staring at the looming figure of Vesuvius. While I would've liked more mentions of the volcano, at the same time, I'm so glad we focused on Felix and Loren. This way, we get to feel what it might have been like to be the resident of a city on the verge of complete destruction.

Cass Biehn's writing is absolutely incredible and their way with words makes you feel and makes you live the same experiences alongside all of these characters. I also love the way the side characters were written about in this book, and how much they tie into the overarching story with Felix and Loren. If I had to chose a fav or two, I'd definitely go with Aurelia, the cutest little girl, who shares something in common with Loren (no spoilers from me!)

All in all, Vesuvius was an absolutely incredible debut and I can't wait to read more of what Cass Biehn writes (seriously I would so read their grocery list!)

I've been looking forward to this debut for some time now, so getting the chance to read it in advance was incredibly exciting for me. It blends historical fiction with mythological and fantasy elements and combine them in a way that really works; it feels well considered and authentic, with the characters coming across as rich and well constructed. You are left after Vesuvius feeling like you've really gotten to know the characters, despite the fast pace of the story and the incredible tension. At the end of the day - we know the outcome, the shadow of the truth of Pompeii hangs over the story and leaves you on the edge of your seat.

I loved the writing style, and the rich complexity of the setting, but did struggle with one or two of the side plots feeling forgotten (Julia's story ends feeling inconsequential, the book itself would not have been drastically changed without it) and the romance felt a little sudden to me (especially considering the secrets both characters withhold).

Overall, I think this is an incredible debut with some points that could be tweaked. However I'll be avidly watching to see what Cass Biehn comes out with next.

Vesuvius by Cass Biehn is a thrilling and emotionally charged queer YA fantasy debut set against the dramatic backdrop of ancient Pompeii. With its blend of historical intrigue, supernatural elements, and a tender romance, this novel is perfect for fans of stories that combine heart-pounding action with heartfelt connections.

The story follows Felix, a clever thief who seizes an opportunity to steal a priceless helmet in Pompeii. However, the helmet is no ordinary artifact—it’s a relic of the god Mercury, and when Felix touches it, fragments of his forgotten past begin to resurface. As he’s pursued by a mysterious patrician, Felix’s life takes a dramatic turn when he crosses paths with Loren, an aspiring councilman and temple attendant plagued by nightmares of Pompeii’s destruction.

Loren’s dreams feature Felix, and when an earthquake rocks the city, the two are thrown together in a race against time. Loren believes they have only days to uncover the connection between Felix, the relic, and his own prophetic visions if they are to save Pompeii from the impending eruption of Mount Vesuvius. But in a world ruled by bloody politics and unstoppable destinies, Felix and Loren must navigate dangerous alliances, hidden enemies, and their growing feelings for each other to survive.

One of the standout features of Vesuvius is its richly detailed setting. Biehn brings ancient Pompeii to life with vivid descriptions of its bustling streets, grand temples, and the looming threat of Vesuvius. The historical context adds depth and authenticity to the story, while the supernatural elements—such as the relic of Mercury and Loren’s prophetic dreams—add a layer of mystery and intrigue.

Felix and Loren are compelling protagonists, each with their own strengths, vulnerabilities, and secrets. Felix’s cunning and resourcefulness make him a captivating character, while Loren’s determination and idealism add emotional depth to the narrative. The chemistry between the two is electric, and their growing romance is both tender and heart-wrenching, adding a layer of emotional stakes to the story.

The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, with the tension building steadily as the eruption of Vesuvius looms closer. The blend of historical drama, supernatural mystery, and romance creates a narrative that is as engaging as it is unpredictable. The stakes are high, and the sense of urgency is palpable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Thematically, Vesuvius explores issues of destiny, identity, and the power of love in the face of overwhelming odds. The novel also delves into the idea of sacrifice and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they care about. These themes are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.

If there is a minor critique, it is that some readers may find the pacing a bit rushed in places, particularly in the final act. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise masterfully crafted novel.

Vesuvius is a must-read for fans of queer YA fantasy and historical fiction. Cass Biehn has created a story that is as thrilling as it is heartfelt, offering readers a chance to lose themselves in a world of danger, destiny, and the enduring power of love.

A thrilling and emotionally charged debut, Vesuvius is a great novel that will leave readers awaiting more from Biehn.

This is a very solid debut, and I'm happy I read it!

I always applaud authors with dual/multi POV debuts that are incredible. Felix and Loren's respective chapters are distinct from the other, and both boys had struggles and challenges that were so relatable and well told. Four days is really fast for a romance to form, too fast for my tastes, usually, but there's a lot that happens in that time span between these two that I find it realistic that a extremely intense bond would form underneath cataclysmic, end-of-the-world doom conditions. Plus, these two had really sweet chemistry and banter; I couldn't help but be bought into it.

The side characters are pretty amazing, too. Aurelia, her mom, and Nonna add a very nice touch of found family into the story, but Aurelia on her own, despite being the little sister character, had much more depth and nuance to her than I ever expected. In fact, many of the side women characters are complex in a variety of ways, an aspect I found so refreshing in a book with male leads. Camilia and Julia are a couple more examples of this, though I do wish there was more closure on Julia (Though, given the end, it's more realistic, to be honest).

While I loved the writing, with its blunt endings and reliance on character reactions rather than saying their direct thoughts, I also found the modern language to be distracting, especially the swears. I don't know much about Latin, but I don't think they'd curse like how we do today. It was a slight distraction time to time, but not so much to deter my rating too much.

The plot was also very thick with a lot of mysteries, some of which felt underdeveloped and rushed by the end. The whole thread with Julia is the one that sticks out most in my mind, because it comes a third into the story and goes out in a whimper by the end. In fact, the politic side of the plot felt like it was overshadowing the big Vesuvius moment. I do understand that the characters don't know about it, that all the bickering and scheming really don't matter in the face of an erupting volcano, but I really felt all that built up could have been trimmed a little to make more room for that big moment.

Overall, this is a really good debut with only a couple hindrances, but I still think this is still a worthwhile read! I can only hope Biehn goes up from here, and I very much am looking forward to their sophomore book!