Editorial reviews

“An entertaining Bronze Age soap-opera full of carnage, carnality, and a little hard-bitten philosophy. Murder, war, conspiracies, religious antagonism, and holy harlotry roil ancient Sumer in this historical novel … a sweeping, richly textured portrait of Mesopotamian culture, full of lore about everything from how to make a clay writing tablet to regional mythologies that feel like a polytheistic draft of Genesis. ... A teeming cast of characters … vibrant if often grotesque … swirls through the hyperactive narrative. The result is a colorful if sometimes lurid period piece that will keep readers turning pages.” - Kirkus Reviews

“The author adeptly intertwines multiple storylines to create an undeniable page-turner, but it’s the exploration into the power, or inanity, of humankind’s belief in gods—and the myths associated with them—that give this story thematic weight. …The character development is exceptional: Most of the ensemble cast of characters come alive on the page through meticulous description and insightful portrayal.
The book’s off-putting warnings in the foreword and on the back cover might deter readers. This would be a shame, as this is a highly entertaining novel enhanced by thought-provoking themes.” - BlueInk review

“The author has created a rich tapestry for the reader, transporting us throughout the ancient world, the glory of Babylon, the binary births of civilization and systematic cruelty. There is a lot to this tale … an outstanding job of world building. The drama and prose come at you with a rush and don’t venture into various pitfalls that await other authors who attempt such a cast narrative. This is a compelling book that asks much from the reader, that takes chances in its content, and that presents one of the most engaging and earnest portrayals of the ancient world.” - Chicago Book Review

“I found it delightful…feel bold enough to call it an epic, for even though its scope is limited to a relatively small part of the world (the action centers on Uruk, and the age of that city alone should be enough to say there are no globe-spanning adventures) it feels large. Part of that is due to the sheer breadth of the characters. While none of them receive the same treatment they might in deep realism, they all feel real, or at least real enough, and with so many of them treated so well, the book can’t not feel grand. I enjoyed this book immensely, and I recommend it to anyone who considers themself interested in humanity of any time period.”
Star rating 5/5 - Manhattan Book Review

“Loved it! 😍Read this and see if you can resist raving about how the author impressively captured the insanely absurd society of Mesopotamia on paper. … The book has everything: from jesters and kings to sculptors and gods. Because it is society and religion coming to life, there is also love and murder and sex and kindness from total strangers. For its undeniable research-based content and carefully plotted story, this is a book one cannot help but love!
There are innumerable reasons to love this book. There is poetry and prose employed in the writing of this story which added a great layer to the storytelling that gave the tale an unexpected depth… a read that would be best suited for people who enjoy religious and satirical subject-matter.” - Reedsy Book Review