When I saw this book on the web page of my library's website I thought cool! I had read another one of Vicky Alvear Shecter's books before (Cleopatra's Moon, go to my Historical Fiction to see my review of it) and thought that perhaps this would be interesting to read as well. It was not. First off I hate stories about childhood playmates that fall in love; HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE!!!!!! Anyway the two main characters were childhood playmates that fall in love because they always liked each other and when they meet years later they 'fall in love' at first sight, blah, blah, blah. Second this book was split between two points of views and I don't really like that writing style, sometimes it can be done well but it was not in this case, it just seemed choppy and weird.Third, again the main male character was the 'strong' silent type which if you have ready any of my other reviews you'll know I hate that! I MEAN COME ON GIVE THE POOR GUY A BETTER CHARACTER THAN STANDING IN THE CORNER LOOKING HOT AND BEING MISTER STRONG!!!!! Fourth the book was so dull and boring that I couldn't finish it just because of that, it was written very poorly and just bored the heck out of me until I was skipping ahead to see what happened next.Fifth when the two main characters first kiss it is not romantic in anyway and felt rushed and pushed and just dumb.So all and all I didn't like this book and don't recommend it to anyone. Starting one month before the destruction of Pompeii, this historical fiction novel leaves readers feeling as though they are right there in the city as tremors warn residents of impending danger. Because they know nothing of what volcanoes can do or lack the resources to leave, many residents do not flee as the tremors increase. Pompeii has always fascinated me due to the fact that so many animals and humans there have been preserved, frozen forever in whatever pose they were in when the ashes and lava reached them. Since readers need to have a human interest slant on natural disasters, the author provides a forbidden romance between Lucia, the daughter of the man who runs a gladiator school, and Tages, a medical slave who is also training with the gladiators. The two were childhood friends, and when Tag returns after a lengthy absence, that friendship turns to love. But Lucia's father has promised her to a wealthy elderly man in exchange for his financial support, and it seems impossible for them to be together. Things are further complicated with the arrival of Quintus, the son of a wealthy Roman who decides to pursue Lucia for reasons of his own. Readers will be caught up in the ill-fated romance and urge the characters to leave the city as quickly as possibly. The author provides plenty of details that enable readers to understand--if not agree with--some of the superstitious practices as well as the cruel handling of many female newborns. As I read this title, I kept telling the characters, "You still have time. Get out of there! Get out of there."
What do You think about Curses And Smoke (2014)?
Loved learning about Ancient Rome, specifically Pompeii. Great story with twists and turns.
—Sunandthemoon
