Debut author Biehn weaves political intrigue into impressively researched Roman history and mythology. Setting Felix and Loren’s blossoming romance against the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius adds tension and suspense to a seismic queer love story that investigates themes of class, gender, and healing from trauma.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
A heartfelt and absorbing historical adventure with light fantasy elements.
—Kirkus Reviews
Roman mythological connections are a draw for the Riordan crowd, as are the high stakes, modern-feeling characters, queer romance, and witty banter.
—Booklist
A compelling YA historical fantasy debut brimming with political drama and queer love. . . . This dual POV narrative combines a modern voice with a convincing historical backdrop, mythical undertones, and subtle magic. . . . Biehn brilliantly pits choice against destiny in this exciting and immersive adventure.
—Shelf Awareness
Much like any story involving the Titanic, knowing Pompeii’s ending won’t stop readers from investing in Loren and Felix’s romance and hoping desperately for a way out of the city. . . . A fun, unique historical romance for fans of Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End and Roman mythology.
—School Library Journal
Delightful characters and a wonderful queer love story that explodes with heart.
—C.S. Pacat, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Rise
A beautiful tale of love and self-discovery set against the fall of Pompeii, Vesuvius is equal parts heart-wrenching and healing. Cass Biehn’s stunning debut is sure to cement itself in reader’s hearts for years to come.
—Pascale Lacelle, New York Times bestselling author of Curious Tides
Biehn has pulled off a tremendous feat: crafting a tumultuous and aching romance set in one of the most doomed places of the known world. Vesuvius is for every reader who loves bittersweet boys prying happiness out of the uncaring hands of fate.
—Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Hell Followed With Us and The Spirit Bares Its Teeth
Stunning prose meets heart-pounding thrills in this tense, fast-paced work of art. A must-read for lovers of history, fantasy and thriller connoisseurs, and those who prefer their romances burning.
—Sophie Gonzales, internationally bestselling author of If This Gets Out
A smart, tender, queer love story set on the precipice of one of the greatest natural disasters in history, Vesuvius seethes with tension, magic, longing, and mystery. I loved the beautifully reimagined world of Pompeii, and I was absolutely rooting for Loren and Felix, two broken boys who find a home in each other, despite the apocalyptic times they find themselves in.
—Jamie Pacton, bestselling author of The Absinthe Underground and The Vermilion Emporium
Felix and Loren are your next obsession! Weaving myth and mystery with prose defter than a pickpocket’s fingers, Biehn guides readers through lively Roman streets, two boys excavating shadowy histories to find their own fortunes, and what matters most when the world is ending. Vesuvius sings—not of distant heroes but piercingly human defiance, ambition, protectiveness, and a love eternal as any epic.
—Leanne Schwartz, author of A Prayer for Vengeance and To a Darker Shore
A compulsive read with an explosive finish, Biehn’s debut is a gorgeous historical fantasy with a stirring love story made of haunting grief, and desperate dreams.
—Michelle Kulwicki, author of At the End of the River Styx
Vesuvius is breathtaking and atmospheric, replete with secrets, hauntings, and tender longing. Readers will love this whirlwind visit to Pompeii, and they will fall in love with Felix, Loren, and their dreams—to survive, to remember, and to belong.
—Jen St. Jude, author of If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come
Brimming with myth and mystery, Vesuvius instantly pulls you into a whirlwind of heart-stopping action and romance and will keep you guessing until the very last page. This is a gripping debut you truly won’t want to miss.
—Alex Crespo, author of Saint Juniper’s Folly and Queerceañera
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