If you loved Sparrow, you definitely need to pick up Peacock. While both are gritty and emotional, they feel like very different stages of life. James Hynes does an amazing job taking the main character out of the brothel and throwing him into the deep end of Roman politics. It’s a bit of a transition from the first book because he’s older and smarter now, and seeing him try to survive in a world where everyone is plotting against each other is really gripping.

The writing is still super vivid (you can tell Hynes really knows his history), but it never feels like a dry textbook. It’s gritty, intense, and at times pretty heartbreaking as the character tries to figure out who he can actually trust. The way the story explores identity and survival while the Roman Empire is changing is just top-tier historical fiction.

I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 only because it can be a pretty heavy, brutal read at times, which might not be for everyone. But if you want a story that makes ancient Rome feel totally real and dangerous, this is a fantastic sequel that lived up to the hype.

Thank you for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this sequel to ‘Sparrow’ which I was also privileged to review. I described the first book as brutal and graphic, but balanced with tender and loving scenes, and this is the same. I also said I would love to have a sequel and continue reading about Sparrow, and this is where Peacock begins. A five star read for me: tied up the loose ends, fantastic writing, immaculately researched. Loved it and would not hesitate in recommending both books to be read in order.