The Daughter of Rome

Author: Angela Hunt
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Series: The Emissaries #3
Pages: 384
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

In Nero's Rome, Calandra helps her father, a renowned sculptor, complete the most significant commission of his illustrious career. But then a catastrophic fire nearly destroys the imperial city, leaving Calandra reliant on a group of Christians--unusual individuals unlike any she has encountered before. Intrigued by their worship of the Son of an invisible God, Calandra grapples with her mistrust, only to find herself indebted to these believers as they help her rebuild her shattered world.

When Emperor Nero begins constructing his opulent Golden House, the people of Rome grow resentful, suspecting him of starting the fire in order to clear the land for his immense palace. Needing a scapegoat, Nero points at those who follow the Jewish Messiah, forcing Calandra to make an impossible choice between right and wrong, friends and family, love and death.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“I do not know you, Adonai, but thank you for this shelter. My father has been everything to me, so now I will be everything he needs to continue his work. We will face the future together,” Calandra declares in Angela Hunt’s novel, The Daughter of Rome.

The third book in the Emissaries series, this 384-page paperback targets those interested in Biblical fiction during Apostle Paul’s missions. With no profanity, topics of devastation, torture, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s note, eleven reading group discussion questions, a sneak peak of the next book of the author’s, her biography, references, and advertisements.

This final story in the series is about eighteen-year-old Calandra who assists her father, a well-established sculptor in Rome, and Hadrian, the son of an aedile who fastidiously checks up on house-bound prisoners such at Peter, Jesus’s disciple. When the Great Fire breaks out and the people blame Nero, the emperor needs a scapegoat, and the Christians are the perfect target. As Calandra and Hadrian learn about Jeshua, they must make important decisions that will change the lives of many including themselves.

As a fan of Hunt’s novels, once again I enjoyed her retelling of the deep yet tragic history of Paul and the Christians when under Nero’s hateful rule. The Great Fire, the division of patricians and plebeians, and heinous ways of torture were aptly described yet vital to the story. I appreciated the writer weaving the women of the previous books into the story and that it offers the eternal plan of salvation. Since I’m an artist, I appreciate the accuracy of sculpturing and painting during the period.

Those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ may not like this story of trusting God no matter what happens. While Paul, Peter, Luke, Aquilla, and Priscilla from the Bible are mentioned, it should be noted the protagonists are not listed in Scripture, so the story is fictional. Others may not like the graphic descriptions of the fire and gore of torture/death Christians dealt with under Nero.

It would be thoughtful to include a map like the first book in the series did.

If you want to learn how Nero tried to rid Rome of Christians with the backstory of a man and a woman finding God and each other, this one is tragic yet tender during a sad time in history.

For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via Interviews & Reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I was really excited to see this book and knew that I had to read it! Angela never disappoints. 

I really loved Angela’s new story. I finished it in two days. I loved all the historical details that were brought to life.

I appreciated how each character was well rounded out. I also learned a lot, too. I simply couldn’t put this story down! This would be a wonderful Easter story for this year.

I did NOT like Nero. He is a very selfish man. Calandra is a very brave lady. I enjoyed getting to know her. I didn’t want this novel to end! It’s so good.  

Five stars for keeping me interested throughout the whole book. Many interesting things happen along the way. I loved this journey of Calandra.

I stayed up late to finish this story. It’s one I won’t soon forget. I highly recommend this beautiful book. 

I received a complimentary eBook courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine. 

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Reviewer: Laura J.Davis

The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt is a moving Biblical Fiction novel set during the time of Nero and the first persecution of Christians under the Roman government.

This book has a huge cast of characters, but our main ones are Calandra and Hadrian. Calanda works with her father Pericles, a sculptor, and she meets Hadrian when his father orders a bronze statue of Nero. Calandra and her father worship the gods of Rome, as does Hadrian. But both have encounters with Christians that will inevitably change their lives.

The author excels at vivid descriptions and research of the era. I feel like I have met the Apostle Peter and other early disciples through her words. 

This book will keep readers engaged from page one. The fire that devastates Rome and the result of Nero blaming it on Christians is the event that resulted in their persecution. The author has done a brilliant job of capturing the anguish, despair and yes, even hope of that time.

The Daughter of Rome is a compelling read for fans of Biblical Fiction. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish it. I cannot recommend it enough! Fans of Jill Eileen Smith and Tessa Afshar will enjoy this look at a tumultuous time in history.

I received a complimentary eBook courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley for my honest review. 

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