Kate Quinn Books In Order

Publication Order of Empress Of Rome Books

Publication Order of Borgia Chronicles Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Marie Benedict Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Anthologies

Recommendations

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A native of South Carolina, Kate Quinn is a renowned author of The Empress of Rome book series. Quinn attended Boston University, where she received a degree in Classical Voice as well as a Master’s degree in the same field. A lifelong history buff, Quinn has written four books in her popular series, The Empress. She has also authored two novels set in the Italian Renaissance, detailing the early years of the infamous Borgia clan. All her books have been translated into multiple languages. Quinn is also a part-time blogger, regularly sharing pet peeves, trivia, and fascinating historical fiction facts on her blog. She currently resides with her husband in Maryland. The couple has two black dogs named Calpurnia and Caesar. Apart from writing, Quinn enjoys action movies, opera, and cheering for the Boston Red Sox.

Best Kate Quinn Books

From time to time, readers encounter books that are exceedingly hard to put down. Mistress of Rome is undoubtedly one of those books. Quinn begins by introducing readers to Thea, a young slave girl from Judea purchased by a wealthy heiress named Lepida Pollia. The novel revolves around the rivalry between these two characters. Conflict arises when fourteen-year-old Lepida becomes infatuated with the revered gladiator known as The Barbarian. However, the gladiator and Thea have eyes only for each other. Enraged, Lepida sells Thea into slavery.

Thea eventually finds employment with a brothel before meeting a kind and supportive master who helps her pursue a career and passion as a singer, while also protecting her son. Despite this, Thea—now known as Athena—believes she will never find peace. She soon catches the eye of Emperor Domitian, who is determined to make Athena his plaything. Domitian, known for his dark and cruel side, enjoys tormenting Athena, driving her to the brink of madness. Their interactions are tense and troubling, particularly for Athena.

Quinn skillfully immerses readers in a vividly imagined world filled with the emperor’s wickedness, betrayal, scheming, and murder. The book contains numerous characters, making it challenging at times to follow individual storylines. Quinn effectively employs both first-person and third-person points of view. Thea emerges as a standout character—strong, passionate, and fiercely loyal. Lepida, though conniving and evil, is portrayed vividly as well. The intense hatred between Thea and Lepida significantly shapes their fates.

Kate Quinn masterfully creates a richly detailed and immersive setting, especially during gladiator battles, making readers feel as though they are experiencing the events firsthand. Her descriptions of jewelry, clothing, and residences are also meticulous. Quinn expertly blends historical facts with fictional elements.

Daughters of Rome, another excellent entry in the Empress of Rome series, is set during the turbulent Year of the Four Emperors. Unlike other novels set after the rise of the Flavian dynasty, Quinn uniquely presents events through the perspective of four patrician women. To help readers distinguish between them, three women receive nicknames. The novel begins during Lollia’s wedding ceremony, which marks her fourth marriage, this time to a man referred to as “old flaccid,” arranged to advance her grandfather’s business interests.

Readers soon discover that Lollia was previously married to Vespasian’s eldest son, with whom she shares a daughter. Historically, Lollia’s real name is Marcia Furnilla. Quinn vividly describes the lavish excesses of a Roman wedding. During the celebration, readers meet Diana, a spirited young woman obsessed with chariot racing, whose father is a famous sculptor. Marcella, married to an uninspiring and miserly senator named Lucius, lives with her brother Gaius and social-climbing sister-in-law, Tulia. As the narrative progresses, Servius is declared emperor by the senate, while Cornelia is married to a young aristocrat, Lucius Piso, named successor to Galba. The narrative also introduces the intriguing Marcus Otho.

Eventually, a violent coup overturns their lives. Marcella, Cornelia, and their cousins must carefully navigate the dangerous political landscape to survive. As Cornelia attempts to rebuild her life, Marcella discovers her talent for influencing Rome’s most powerful men. Ultimately, there can be only one emperor and empress. The book features well-developed characters, making it a captivating and memorable read.

3 Responses to “Kate Quinn”

1. Dot: 12 months ago

   I LOVE LOVE LOVE your books, Just found you a few months ago & I’ve gobbled up all of your new books, now I’m going to the older ones. Thank you SO much for ALL The GREAT page turner’s

   Reply
2. Mike Walbom: 2 years ago

   More than a year later, I’m still in love with Eve. She is such a deep, heart-wrenching character that I felt her pain as I read her story. Thank you Kate Quinn for writing her.

   Reply
3. Ellen: 2 years ago

   I just finished these books. I loved them and wish there were more like these characters.

   The Alice Network, The Huntress, The Rose Code, The Diamond Eye

   Thank you for writing great books!

   Reply