Some women are remembered as monsters because the men writing the history couldn't bear to call them powerful. Locusta, The Poisoned Empire Duology by Emily Dexter takes one of ancient Rome's most notorious poisoners and gives her a story of her own. Born in Gaul, she is the last of her Druid line, with a spirit-given gift for knowing exactly what can heal and what can kill. When Roman soldiers destroy her home, she is taken into the glittering, dangerous heart of the empire, where she learns to survive with Arawn, god of death, as her guide. Part historical fantasy, part slow-burn sapphic romance, this first book in the duology is for anyone who loved Circe or The Lost Apothecary and wants a darker, fiercer heroine.
✨ Features
- Book one of the Poisoned Empire duology by Emily Dexter
- Historical fantasy set in ancient Rome and Gaul
- Druid magic, spirit-world communion, and the Celtic god of death, Arawn
- Sapphic romance that builds from tender to steamy
- Themes of revenge, survival, and feminine rage
🌟 Magical + Practical Uses
- Read by candlelight for a moody, atmospheric evening
- Pair with an herbal tea while you read about Locusta's botanical knowledge
- Use as inspiration for shadow work and reclaiming your own power
- Gift to a fan of mythic retellings and morally gray heroines
- Start a book club conversation on power, history, and who gets to tell the story
💖 Why You'll Love It
This is a story that lets its heroine be dangerous and tender at the same time. Locusta's gift is a double-edged one, and watching her turn grief into strategy, and then find love in the middle of it, is deeply satisfying. If you're drawn to mythic retellings, herbalism, ancestral magic, and women who refuse to shrink, this one is worth staying up too late for.
🛍️ Complete the Ritual
Set the mood with our Satya Dragon's Blood Incense Sticks for protective, resinous atmosphere, grind your own herbs in our Wooden Mortar Pestle for an apothecary-inspired altar, or keep our Kunzite Crystal nearby for the love story at the heart of the book.
❓ FAQs
Is this a standalone or part of a series?
It's the first book in a duology, so the story continues in a second book.
Is there romance in this book?
Yes. It features a sapphic love story that moves from sweet to spicy, so it's best suited to adult readers.
Who is Locusta?
Locusta is drawn from a real historical figure, an infamous poisoner in ancient Rome, reimagined here as a Druid with a dangerous spirit-given gift.
Is this a good gift?
Absolutely. It's a great pick for anyone who loves mythic retellings, historical fantasy, or stories about powerful women.
