Title: A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii
Author: Stephanie Dray
First published October 31, 2014
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.15
Overview
Welcome to the ancient city of Pompeii, where life was once lively and flourishing. But when Mount Vesuvius erupted, the entire town was destroyed in a matter of hours.
However, amidst the chaos, some of its citizens managed to escape the mountain’s wrath, while others lost their lives.
In A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii, six authors bring to life the overlapping stories of patricians and slaves, gladiators and politicians, and villains and heroes who crossed each other’s paths during Pompeii’s fiery end. A young boy loses his innocence in Pompeii’s streets, while an heiress dreads her wedding day, not knowing it would be swallowed by fire.
An ex-legionary stakes his entire future on a gladiator bout destined never to be finished, and a crippled senator welcomes death until a tomboy on horseback comes to his rescue.
As the ash falls, a young mother faces an impossible choice for her unborn child, and a priestess and a whore seek redemption and resurrection as the town is buried. But who will escape, and who will be buried for eternity?
Follow the gripping tales of those who survived and those who didn’t in this vivid portrayal of one of history’s most catastrophic events.
About the Author
Stephanie Dray is a bestselling author of historical women’s fiction, with her work being translated into eight languages. Her award-winning writing is highly anticipated by readers around the world.
When she’s not writing, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her husband, cats, and a good history book.
Editoral Review
Stephanie Drays A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii is a hauntingly realistic portrayal of the last days of Pompeii, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Dray is a New York Times bestselling author who has made a name for herself in the historical fiction genre.
The historical fiction genre is known for its emphasis on detail and accuracy, and A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii is no exception. Drays meticulous research is evident throughout the book, from the descriptions of the citys layout to the detailed accounts of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
The novels themes revolve around love, survival, and loss. The story focuses on six main characters, each with a unique story, who are struggling to survive the sudden and catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
The setting of the book is the city of Pompeii, which is brought to life through Drays vivid descriptions. The characters are portrayed as fully developed individuals with their own distinct personalities, and their lives are intertwined in unexpected ways.
The conflicts that arise from the tragedy of the eruption create an atmosphere of tension and suspense that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. Drays writing style is exquisite, and the descriptive language used throughout the book immerses the reader in the world of Pompeii.
The pacing is perfectly calibrated, and the narrative structure allows for a seamless transition between the various perspectives of the characters. The primary strength of the book is the emotional depth of the characters, and Drays ability to evoke sympathy and empathy from the reader.
A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii is a historical fiction novel that is both entertaining and informative. The books historical significance cannot be overstated, as Pompeii is a significant archaeological site that continues to capture the imagination of people all over the world.
It is a fascinating insight into the lives of people who lived centuries ago and their struggles in the face of natural calamities. While the book does have its flaws, especially in terms of characterization, it is overall an exceptional read that is sure to captivate audiences.
The book showcases the authors immense talent and establishes her as one of the most exciting voices in the historical fiction genre. For individuals who enjoy historical fiction or are interested in the history of Pompeii, A Day of Fire: A Novel of Pompeii should not be missed.
It is an engrossing story that is sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader. We highly recommend it with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
