Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn (English) Paperback Book

Description: Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn This exciting debut features a vivid, richly imagined saga of ancient Rome. Thea is a slave girl who will become her mistresss rival for the love of Arius the Barbarian. His love brings Thea happiness, but it is quickly ended when jealousy tears them apart. FORMAT Paperback LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description The first in an unforgettable historical saga from the New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Briar Club. "So gripping, your hands are glued to the book, and so vivid it burns itself into your minds eye and stays with you long after you turn the final page."—Diana Gabaldon, #1 New York Times bestselling author First-century Rome: One young woman will hold the fate of an empire in her hands.Thea, a captive from Judaea, is a clever and determined survivor hiding behind a slaves docile mask. Purchased as a toy for the spoiled heiress Lepida Pollia, Thea evades her mistresss spite and hones a secret passion for music. But when Thea wins the love of Romes newest and most savage gladiator and dares to dream of a better life, the jealous Lepida tears the lovers apart and casts Thea out.Rome offers many ways for the resourceful to survive, and Thea remakes herself as a singer for the Eternal Citys glittering aristocrats. As she struggles for success and independence, her nightingale voice attracts a dangerous new admirer: the Emperor himself. But the passions of an all-powerful man come with a heavy price, and Thea finds herself fighting for both her soul and her destiny.Many have tried to destroy the Emperor: a vengeful gladiator, an upright senator, a tormented soldier, a Vestal Virgin. But in the end, the life of Romes most powerful man lies in the hands of one woman: the Emperors mistress. Back Cover Stock Market Modeling translates experience in system adaptation gained in an engineering context to the modeling of financial markets with a view to improving the capture and understanding of market dynamics. The modeling process is considered as identifying a dynamic system in which a real stock market is treated as an unknown plant and the identification model proposed is tuned by feedback of the matching error. Like a physical system, a stock market exhibits fast and slow dynamics corresponding to internal (such as company value and profitability) and external forces (such as investor sentiment and commodity prices) respectively. The framework presented here, consisting of an internal model and an adaptive filter, is successful at considering both fast and slow market dynamics. A double selection method is efficacious in identifying input factors influential in market movements, revealing them to be both frequency- and market-dependent. Author Biography Kate Quinn is a native of Southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned a bachelors and masters degree in Classical Voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two Novels of the Borgias, before moving to the twentieth century with The Alice Network and The Huntress. All her books have been translated into multiple languages. Review Praise for Mistress of Rome"So gripping, your hands are glued to the book, and so vivid it burns itself into your minds eye and stays with you long after you turn the final page."—#1 New York Times bestselling author Diana Gabaldon"Stunning...a masterful storyteller...It is no mean feat to write a novel that is both literary and a page-turner."—New York Times bestselling author Margaret George"An intensely emotional spectacle…An exhilarating read."—New York Times bestselling author Kate Furnivall"Equal parts intrigue and drama, action and good old-fashioned storytelling."—John Shors, author of Beneath a Marble Sky"For sheer entertainment, drama, and page-turning storytelling, this tumultuous debut novel is well worth reading."—Library Journal"Quinns command of first-century Rome is matched only by her involvement with her characters; all of them, historical and invented, are compelling."—Publishers Weekly Review Quote "...for sheer entertainment, drama, and page-turning storytelling, this tumultuous debut novel is well worth reading. -Library Journal Discussion Question for Reading Group Guide INTRODUCTION Mistress of Rome is an historical novel brimming with forbidden love and unrelenting revenge. When Thea, a Jewish slave girl, falls in love with Arius, the Colisseums rising star, her envious mistress Lepida quickly crushes any hope of their future together. Lepida soon turns her focus to the Imperial court as her appetite for power rages on. Separated from Arius by circumstances beyond her control, Thea reinvents herself as a respected singer for societys elite, while Arius continues his undefeated reign as the empires most famous fighter. Their talents quickly catch the eye of a dangerous spectator, Emperor Domitian, who is determined to destroy Theas will and end the gladiators glory once and for all. When the fate of love and freedom lie within the hands of a merciless ruler, vows will be broken, alliances will form, and blood will spill. ABOUT KATE QUINN Kate Quinn is a native of southern California. The daughter of a history major, she grew up with anecdotes about Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great instead of Grimms fairy tales. That upbringing turned into Mistress of Rome , written when she was a freshman in college. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS From the moment we meet Arius we are also introduced to his inner demon. At his core the Barbarian is a noble and kind-hearted soul, while the voice that haunts him is a ruthless killer. How do you think this maniacal monologue ever began within him? How can his son avoid inheriting this same curse? Sold into slavery and torn away from her one true love, Thea also carries with her the guilt and shame associated with the murder of her family. How does the habit of spilling her own blood help her cope with her troubled past? Which other characters participate in similar self-destructive tendencies and why? Thea admits that even after sharing the Emperors bed, and spending days on end with him, that she does not truly know Domitian at all. Does any character truly know the Emperor and, if so, why has he given them his confidence? One on-going theme in this book is forbidden relationships. Nessus has a long-standing romantic relationship with Ganymede, an imperial slave. If both of these men are seen as servants in the eyes of Domitian, and it is not uncommon for Roman men to prefer male lovers, why do you think they choose to keep their feelings for one another a secret? What other characters have relationships, either romantic or platonic, that must remain undisclosed? Lepidas cruelty towards Thea is incomparable. Does Thea ever show her the same level of cruelty? Does either character ever display any sort of mercy towards the other? Discuss the relationship between slave and master and the varying degrees of cruelty in slave/master pairings in this story. The Emperors astrologer, Nessus, reads Arius palm after one of his great victories. Nessus foresees three fates: "He will die once by fire, once by the sword, and once as an old man." After "dying" by fire in the dark hall of the Gate of Death, Arius supposedly has a long full life ahead of him. Did he ever die by the sword in this story? Is this referring to the many "deaths" he suffers within the arena? What do you think this means? The Empress, Lady Julia, and Thea all fear and hate Domitian. While we know his reasons for being so intrigued by Thea, what characteristics drew the Emperor to the other two women? How do women in this story empower themselves or each other when faced with incredible obstacles? Lepidas disgust for Sabina is very clear to everyone from her servants to her own husband. Why do you think she hates her child so much? Why did she give up the chance to transform her daughter into an unconditionally adoring ally? Was Marcus influence over their daughter too strong for Lepida to overcome or did she have other reasons? Do you believe Marcus shouldve tried to divorce Lepida? Do you feel his influence in the senate wouldve been enough to expose Lepida? Was there anyone Marcus could have turned to for help in protecting himself and his family from Lepidas ambitions? The themes of loyalty and betrayal lie at the heart of this story. The most striking example is one familys motto: "To be a Norbanus is to serve." Paulinus loyalty to the Emperor is understandably strong at the onset, but why does his dedication remain once Domitians true self is revealed? Why does he risk his life to save the Emperor? Why does he leave Thea for Lepida? Why do you think he betrays those who love him, yet protects those who would not hesitate to destroy him? Discuss the impact of social class on the citizens of Rome. Aside from family name (Norbanus), deceit (Lepida), and ownership (Thea), what other ways can Romans advance from the level of society they are born into? "Only one lord and god in Rome." Power is a questionable and ever-shifting force in the narrative. Who do you feel is the most powerful person in Rome and why? A slave with tremendous inner strength? A barbarian with incomparable physical prowess? A ruler with the all-encompassing influence? A priestess with divine certainty? Another character? Paulinus hatred of, and infatuation with, Lepida is an addiction. If he longs to be everything his father is, what is the connection he feels for this woman other than physical lust? Lepida regards Thea as nothing more than a whore because of the sexual acts forced upon her in the Pollia home. However, during their lifetime it is Lepida who chose to have multiple partners while married. What other double standards appear throughout the course of this story? How do men and women on every level of society perpetuate them? After a rather uncomfortable scene with the Emperor and several others, Marcus pleads with Calpurnia to remain betrothed to his son. Throughout both incidents, his concern for her safety is undeniable. Did their relationship grow from this point? Do you believe Marcus chose his sons bride with an ulterior motive? Why do you think Calpurnia chose to stay? Excerpt from Book One APRIL, A.D. 82 The atmosphere at the Mars Street gladiator school was contented,convivial, and masculine as the tired fighters troopedin through the gates. Twenty fighters had sallied out to join themain battle of the Cerealia games, and fourteen had come back alive.A good enough average to make the victors swagger as they filedthrough the narrow torch- lit hall, dumping their armor into thewaiting baskets. ". . . hooked that Greek right through the stomach! Prettiestpiece of work I . . ." ". . . see that bastard Lapicus get it in the back from that Gaul?Wont be looking down his long nose at us anymore . . ." ". . . hard luck on Theseus. Saw him trip in the sand . . ." Arius tossed his plumed helmet into the waiting basket, ignoringthe slave who gave him cheery congratulations. The weapons hadalready been collected, of course-- those got snatched the momentthe fighting was done. "First fight?" A chatty Thracian tossed his own helmet into thebasket atop Ariuss. "Mine, too. Not bad, huh?" Arius bent to unlace the greaves about his shins. "Nice work you did on that African today. Had me one of thosescrawny Oriental Greeks; no trouble there. Hey, maybe next time Illget Belleraphon and then Ill really make my fortune." Arius unlaced the protective mail sleeve from his sword arm,shaking it off into the basket. The other fighters were already troopinginto the long hall where they were all fed, whooping as they filedalong the trestle tables and grabbed for the wine jugs. "Quiet, arent you?" The Thracian jogged his elbow. "So whereyou from? I came over from Greece last year-- " "Shut up," said Arius in his flat grating Latin. "What?" Brushing past the Thracian into the hall, he ignored the trestletables and the platters of bread and meat. He leaned over and grabbedthe first wine jug he saw, then headed off down another small ill- lithallway. "Dont mind him," he heard another fighter growl to theThracian. "Hes a sour bastard." Ariuss room in the gladiator barracks was a tiny bare cell. Stonewalls, a chair, a straw pallet, a guttering tallow candle. He sank down onthe floor, setting his back against the wall and draining half the jug ina few methodical gulps. The cheap grapes left a sour taste in his mouth.No matter. Roman wine was quick, and all he wanted was quick. "Knock knock!" a voice trilled at the door. "I hope you arentasleep yet, dear boy." "Piss off, Gallus." "Tut, tut. Is that any way to treat your lanista? Not to mentionyour friend?" Gallus swept in, vast and pink- fleshed in his immaculatetoga, gold gleaming on every finger, magnolia oil shining onevery curled hair, a little silk- decked slave boy at his side. Owner ofthe Mars Street gladiator school. Arius spat out a toneless obscenity. Gallus laughed. "Now, now,none of that. I came to congratulate you. Such a splendid debut. Whenyou sent the head flying clean off that African . . . so dramatic! I wasa little surprised, of course. Such dedication, such savagery, from onewho swore not an hour before that he wouldnt fight at all . . ." Arius took another deep swallow of wine. "Well, how nice it is to be right. The first time I saw you, I knewyou had potential. A little old for the arena, of course-- how old areyou, anyway? Twenty- five, thirty? No youngster, but youve certainlygot something." Gallus waved his silver pomander languidly.Arius looked at him. "Youll get another fight in the next games, of course. Somethinga little bigger and grander, if I can persuade Quintus Pollio. A solobout, perhaps. And this time"-- a glass- sharp glance-- "I wont haveto worry that youll deliver, will I." Arius aligned the wine jug against the wall. "Whats a rudius?"The words surprised him, and he kept his eyes on the jug."A rudius?" Gallus blinked. "Dear boy, wherever did you hearabout that?" Arius shrugged. They had all been waiting in the dark underthe Colosseum before their bout, nervous and excited, fingering theirweapons. Heres to a rudius for all of us, one of the others had muttered. A man who had died five minutes later under a trident beforeArius could ask him what it meant. "A rudius is a myth," Gallus said airily. "A wooden sword givenfrom the Emperor to a gladiator, signaling his freedom. I supposeits happened once or twice for the stars of the arena, but that hardlyincludes you, does it? One bout, and not even a solo bout-- youvegot a long way to go before you can call yourself a success, much lessa star." Arius shrugged. "Such a dear boy." Gallus reached out and stroked Ariuss arm.His plump fingers pinched hard, and his black peppercorn eyeslocked onto Ariuss with bright curiosity. Arius reached out, picked up the tallow candle beside him, andcalmly poured a stream of hot wax onto the soft manicured hand.Gallus snatched his burned fingers away. "We really will have todo something about your manners," he sighed. "Good night, then.Dear boy." As soon as the door thudded shut, Arius picked up the wine jugand drank off every drop. Letting the jug fall, he dropped his headback against the stones. The room wasnt spinning anymore. Notenough wine. He closed his eyes. He hadnt meant to fight. Hed meant what hed told Gallus,standing in the dim passage underneath the arena, hearing the roarsof the crowd and the screams of the wounded men and the whimpersof the dying animals. But the sword had been placed in his hand, andhed gone out with the others in the brisk group battle that served towhet the crowds appetite for the solo bouts, and hed seen the Africanhed been paired to fight . . . and the black demon had uncoiledfrom its self- devouring circles in his brain and roared joyously downthe straight and simple path of murder. Then suddenly he had been standing blinking in the sunlightwith another mans blood on his face and cheers pouring down on hishead like a swarm of bees. Just thinking about those cheers broughtan icy sweat. The arena. That hellish arena. It spoiled his luck everytime. Even slaughtering its guards had failed to get him killed.After that savage beating seven months ago, he had awakened inbed. Not a soft bed; Gallus didnt waste luxuries on half- dead slaves.Dragging himself painfully into the light, he heard for the first timeGalluss voice: high, modulated, reeking of the slums. "Can you hear me, boy? Nod if you understand. Good. Whatsyour name?" Hoarsely he croaked it out. Gallus tittered. "Oh, thats absurd. A Briton, arent you? You barbariansalways have impossible names. Well, it wont do. Well callyou Arius. A bit like Aries, the god of war. Quite catchy, yes, we cando something with that. "Now. Ive bought you, and paid a pretty price, too, for a half- deadtroublemaker. Yes, I know exactly why you were sentenced to thearena. You were part of a chain gang making repairs on the Colosseum,until you strangled a guard with his own whip. Very foolish,dear boy. Whatever were you thinking?" Gallus snapped for his littleslave boy with the tray of sweetmeats. "Well, then"-- eating busily--"you can tell me for starts how you ended up working a chain gangin the Colosseum." "Salt mines," Arius forced out through swollen lips. "In Trinovantia.Then Gaul." "Dear me. And how long have you been working in thosesinkholes?" Arius shrugged. Twelve years? He wasnt sure. "A long time, clearly. That explains the strength of the arms andchest." A plump finger traced over Ariuss shoulders. "Hauling rocksof salt up and down mountains for years; oh yes, it builds fine men."A last lingering stroke. "One doesnt learn to use a sword in themines, however. Where did you learn that, eh?" Arius turned his face toward the wall. "Well, no matter. Time to listen. Youll do your fighting for mefrom now on, when and where I say. I am a lanista. Know what thatis? No? I thought your Latin was a little rough. Everything about youis a little rough, isnt it? A lanista is a trainer, dear boy, of gladiators.Youre going to be a gladiator. Its a good life as they go-- women,riches, fame. Youll take the oath now, and begin training as soon asthose bones patch up. Repeat after me: I undertake to be burnt by fire,to be bound in chains, to be beaten by rods, and to die by the sword. Thatsthe gladiators oath, dear boy." Arius told him hoarsely what he could do with his oath, and collapsedback into blackness. It had been days before he could get out of bed, weeks before hisbones were whole, and nearly five months before his training in thegladiators courtyard was complete. His fellow fighters were pettycriminals and bewildered slaves scummed off the bottom of the market:a cheap cut- rate bunch. Arius slid indifferently into the schoolsroutine: just one more thug with Galluss crude crossed- swords tattooon his arm. Better than the mines. Rudius. The word came back to him. Sounded like a snake, not awooden sword. He didnt see how getting a wooden sword from theEmperor made you free, but the mist- shrouded mountains of homerose up before his eyes, impossibly fresh and green and lovely.A wooden sword. He used wooden swords every day when hetrained. He always broke them, hitting too hard. An omen? Hethought back to the white- robed Druids of his childhood, dimlyremembered, smelling of mistletoe and old bones, reading the godsin every leafs fall. Theyd call it a bad omen, breaking a woodensword. But hed never had many good omens in his life. He shook off the thought of home. The Mars Street school wasntbad. No women and riches as Gallus had promised, but at least nomerciless sun, no chains eating the flesh off his ankles, no uneasysleep on bare mountainsides. Here there w Details ISBN0425232476 Author Kate Quinn Short Title MISTRESS OF ROME Language English ISBN-10 0425232476 ISBN-13 9780425232477 Media Book Format Paperback Audience Age 17-17 DEWEY FIC Series Empress of Rome Year 2010 Publication Date 2010-04-06 Series Number 1 Place of Publication New York, NY Country of Publication United States AU Release Date 2010-04-06 NZ Release Date 2010-04-06 US Release Date 2010-04-06 UK Release Date 2010-04-06 Pages 480 Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc Imprint Penguin USA Audience General We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:141697387;

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