“Cavalcade: The Nepa Republic” by Evelyn M. Exley

Cavalcade: The Nepa Republic

Evelyn M. Exley
Exley Books (2023)
ISBN: 978-1954448124
Reviewed by Jennifer Bishop for Reader Views

What would you do if one day you discovered that you were invisible and could turn it on and off at will? Would you use it to potentially save someone you loved even if it could mean potentially exposing yourself to those who would look down on you? Cavalcade: The Nepa Republic by Evelyn M. Exley is the first book in the series. Juliet is the daughter of the Commander, who is well known as a big member of the Senate and very influential. Due to her father’s love for her, she has managed to stay single into her twenties and has been allowed to visit her friend in the poorer districts as long as she keeps her visits from being revealed to the other Patricians. However, when a new face begins to appear in both areas, the Sentinel, will her secrets no longer be safe? Or will the handsome Antony become another ally she can trust?

This story was enchanting, and the writing drew me in from the beginning. I have always enjoyed really good historical fiction novels and have recently discovered historical fantasy. It takes aspects of our history, in this case Roman history, and then blends it into a fantasy world of the author’s making. Exley did such a wonderful job of this that I had to keep reminding myself this was not actually Rome where they all presided.

The main characters in the story were also very complex and had many layers to them. None were just a patrician or plebian. An airhead or a genius. They all had various parts to their personality. I also appreciated that Exley gave consequences to the characters. All actions had reactions that were sometimes desirable, and sometimes not. It gave a realness to the story. And the connections between the characters as well as their emotions! I was drawn in so much and almost started crying at multiple points!! The banter between the characters was also top tier: I found myself laughing so much!

I really loved the magic system as well. While there isn’t much digging into it in this book, I can tell the next book will dive in more. I’m also excited to see more about the faith of the Atmos people and where Exley decides to go with it. As of right now, it strongly resembles that of the Christian faith. As someone who is a Christ follower, I always get excited to find really great books that also dive into this as well.

Cavalcade: The Nepa Republic by Evelyn M. Exley is a romantic historical fantasy with a Romanesque-inspired story. There is no cursing, and only mild romance or violence in the story. I highly recommend picking up this book, especially if you love a good well rounded story that has romance, but also has a well-written plot outside of that as well. I am excited to continue this series when the next book comes out!