THE EXILE DUOLOGY

“…a riveting historical novel… This book is not just a compelling narrative but also a deeply informative journey into the complexities of Julia's life and the era she lived in.

The author masterfully intertwines historical accuracy with engaging storytelling… The depiction of Julia's exile and the political intrigues surrounding it is particularly well done, shedding light on the often brutal realities of ancient Roman society and the precarious position of women within it.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its attention to detail. The historical context is rich and well-researched, offering readers a nuanced understanding of Julia's world. This makes The Longest Exile not just a story about one woman's journey, but also a lens through which we can better understand the broader socio-political landscape of the time.”

“…meticulously researched and extremely compelling.

The story of Julia the Younger's eventful first year in exile had me turning the pages late into the night. The intrigue surrounding folks that would do her harm, the unraveling of the drama surrounding the adulterous pregnancy that sent her into exile, and her ongoing imprisonment are very well paced and highly engaging…

…there are several parts of this novel that play out like something right out of [the TV show] DOMINA… and that is a high compliment to the author.

Highly, highly recommended to all Romanophiles and those who love a forced-proximity romance! I will definitely be reading the sequel when it is released!”

“When I started The Longest Exile, I was unsure if this genre was for me - while I tend to love more 20th century historical fiction, I had not yet dipped my toes into any ancient civilizations. I am SO HAPPY that I did!

I found the writing and the story fast-moving, surprisingly easy to follow (especially for how many characters and relationships were introduced), and impossible to put down. I knew next to nothing about ancient Rome during this specific time period, but the author did a wonderful job of painting the lives of the characters and the conflicts of war in the area. I think this was also a unique focus to choose the close family of Augustus, as I have more typically seen stories in media regarding Caesar.

I would recommend this to anyone interested in ancient Rome, historical fiction, or even looking for a dramatic and shorter read.”

“…I wasn’t prepared for how much this book would stick to me!

I immediately felt so much compassion and empathy for Julia the Younger. Knowing this is based on the life of the real Julia… made me feel so much more connected to the book.

So many times I found myself crying without meaning to, tears over the situations these characters are in, tears over the hurt they felt, and so many tears over the anguish and pain it is to be a woman on this earth…

It left me with a head swimming with thoughts, I spent quite a long time thinking through what I read in hopes of writing a review that would accurately capture what I read, but I don’t think I can do it justice!”

“…everything I was hoping for and more for the sequel to The Longest Exile! What a thrilling second entry in this duology!

The Rome that Rebellis presents here is faithfully rendered. The sights, smells, and sounds come alive with her descriptions; the tables are once again bountifully set with period-accurate dishes. The empire's decadence and seedy underbelly are presented fully here, immersing the reader in the compellingly evocative setting of early 1st century Rome.

A triumphant conclusion to an incredible duology. This book and its predecessor are must-reads for any fan of historical fiction, particularly Roman fiction revolving around the Julio-Claudian dynasty.”

“The plot was the perfect mix between historical events and liberties taken by the author for engagement purposes (and I love that there was a disclaimer clarifying this)… It sits against the backdrop of the early Julio-Claudian Empire, weaving in the crazier-than-fiction political plots, wild affairs, murders and many exiles of the time.

Not only does Tana Rebellis provide us with an engaging plot and well rounded characters, but expertly weaves in integral aspects of Roman society and culture in an incredibly authentic manner. The bustling nature of Romes urban geography, the social structure and varying expectations of men and women (both free and enslaved), eating and dinning practices, religion and even death and burial are all worked into the story. It made this a truly immersive reading experience that I enjoyed thoroughly.”

“I have said this once and will say it a MILLION more times - this book truly feels like watching an HBO series! The pacing and chapter length feel EXACTLY like watching show episodes - there is the perfect amount of adventure, plot movement, character development, and cliffhangers packed within each turn of the page!

This book packs a PUNCH with the emotional highs and lows as the story unfolds…

There isn't much more for me to say other than this was MORE THAN a five-star read!!”