Delicatus

I was drawn to Delicatus by its promise of a wild ride through Imperial Rome, and it certainly delivered. The story of Antinous, the beautiful boy who captured the heart of Emperor Hadrian, is a captivating blend of history, myth, and fantasy. Somtow's writing is evocative and sensual, but it's also introspective, exploring themes of love, power, and the price of beauty. Virtual Voice's narration is a real highlight. Their ability to switch between characters, from the imperious Hadrian to the vulnerable Antinous, is impressive. The pacing could be a touch faster in places, but overall, this is a compelling listen. My only critique is that some of the more explicit scenes could have been handled with a bit more subtlety, but that's a minor quibble in an otherwise engaging audiobook.