~~Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree for the ARC!~~

4.5/5 stars rounded down!

This is a very solid debut, and I'm happy I read it!

I always applaud authors with dual/multi POV debuts that are incredible. Felix and Loren's respective chapters are distinct from the other, and both boys had struggles and challenges that were so relatable and well told. Four days is really fast for a romance to form, too fast for my tastes, usually, but there's a lot that happens in that time span between these two that I find it realistic that a extremely intense bond would form underneath cataclysmic, end-of-the-world doom conditions. Plus, these two had really sweet chemistry and banter; I couldn't help but be bought into it.

The side characters are pretty amazing, too. Aurelia, her mom, and Nonna add a very nice touch of found family into the story, but Aurelia on her own, despite being the little sister character, had much more depth and nuance to her than I ever expected. In fact, many of the side women characters are complex in a variety of ways, an aspect I found so refreshing in a book with male leads. Camilia and Julia are a couple more examples of this, though I do wish there was more closure on Julia (Though, given the end, it's more realistic, to be honest).

While I loved the writing, with its blunt endings and reliance on character reactions rather than saying their direct thoughts, I also found the modern language to be distracting, especially the swears. I don't know much about Latin, but I don't think they'd curse like how we do today. It was a slight distraction time to time, but not so much to deter my rating too much.

The plot was also very thick with a lot of mysteries, some of which felt underdeveloped and rushed by the end. The whole thread with Julia is the one that sticks out most in my mind, because it comes a third into the story and goes out in a whimper by the end. In fact, the politic side of the plot felt like it was overshadowing the big Vesuvius moment. I do understand that the characters don't know about it, that all the bickering and scheming really don't matter in the face of an erupting volcano, but I really felt all that built up could have been trimmed a little to make more room for that big moment.

Overall, this is a really good debut with only a couple hindrances, but I still think this is still a worthwhile read! I can only hope Biehn goes up from here, and I very much am looking forward to their sophomore book!

I had the chance to read an ARC of Vesuvius by Cass Biehn, and I was completely captivated. This breathtaking queer YA fantasy is set against the backdrop of ancient Pompeii. Felix, a clever thief, and Loren, a temple attendant, find themselves bound by fate as the city teeters on the edge of disaster. A stolen relic, haunting dreams, and an impending eruption force them to navigate deadly politics and their own growing feelings, all while trying to survive.

I love a queer romance, and this one tugged at my heartstrings. Vesuvius was full of passion, and yet it felt deeply familiar, like coming home. Biehn’s characters are beautifully written, and her unique spin on Pompeii’s story adds layers of intrigue and emotion.

The politics in this book were infuriating in the best way. They felt all too real, mirroring the corruption and power struggles we see in the world today.

Also, there is a cabbage merchant, and I can only hope it’s a reference to Avatar: The Last Airbender.

My favorite quote? “I would rather listen to you talk poetry than be awake with my thoughts.” That line alone captures the tender intimacy woven throughout the novel.

If you’re looking for a book that’s rich in history, myth, and romance, Vesuvius is an absolute must-read.

just one book and i'm already so attached to the characters...