Kathleen Carr Foster’s debut novel, The Jewel of Corlivo, is a historical fantasy with an epic scope. Reimagining the Byzantine Empire, many elements from history are infused into this fantasy world.
The story begins with Anna, a tirae, otherwise known as a courtesan in training, at Casa Caligine, an elite pleasure house in the ancient mountain city of Corlivo, part of the vast Empire. With a deep longing for a life of adventure, Anna also dreams of finding the mother she never knew.
Anna and her fellow novices enter into a complicated bidding process to mark their entrance as professional courtesans. The novel, thankfully, doesn’t delve into the sobering realism of this barbaric practice.
One visitor who finds himself at Casa Caligine during this yearly festival is the Archidux Sebastianus, a noble and nephew of the Imperator Jovinian. Sebastianus is as disgusted by these practices as Anna. Yet all the young women know finding a wealthy patron is the best they can hope for in their lives as courtesans.
Sebastianus is an explorer, but he’s gruff and standoffish. He and Anna can’t help but be drawn to one another. She longs for nothing more than to be swept away from Casa Caligine and Corlivo, to experience excitement and freedom for herself in the world beyond the city walls.
Another visitor to Casa Caligine — this time, one who is very interested in bidding for a night with a tirae — is Lord Clemens Fabius, another noble and Imperial explorer. Despite his easy charm and good looks, he is not respectful of the women, and Anna grows increasingly wary of him.
In the first act, The Jewel of Corlivo sets the stage and introduces readers to its sweeping world and colorful cast of characters. Once the magnificent city of Corlivo and the greater Empire are introduced, and readers get to know Anna, the action begins to pick up.
Anna discovers two old books from the library at Casa Caligine that she is sure are the keys to some secret ancient knowledge, if only she could read the language. These rare volumes also intrigue Sebastianus and carry a bit of mystery. How did they end up in the dusty library of Casa Caligine, famed only as a pleasure house established long ago?
After a dangerous misstep with Clemens Fabius, Anna turns to Sebastianus for help and to rescue her from Corlivo. The pair have already bonded over their taste for adventure and desire to find the lost cave city of Arcadius the Mighty, an explorer from days of old who established most of the Empire.
Thus, Anna and Sebastianus seal a deal.
He buys her debt from the madame at Casa Caligine, and the two set off for the glittering capital city of the Empire: Panpirion.
Anna is unsure what to expect from her new life, but she is determined to find out what happened to her mother. In the meantime, she is tutored in languages and history and is a fast-learner and talented student. She can finally read the manuscripts she found in Corlivo and studies the stars through complex astronomical devices.
Friendship and even romance blossom between Anna and Sebastianus, too. He admires her charm and wit, and they often work together, searching for clues about the mysterious lost cave city of unimaginable treasure.
Life in Panpirion, however, is not easy. As a courtesan from Corlivo, Anna stands out for her unique beauty and grace. It’s only a matter of time before the Imperator, Jovinian, catches wind of the strange, beautiful woman his nephew Sebastianus has hidden away at his villa.
Here, trouble ensues. Anna must plan an escape, just as she and the Archidux are sure they’ve figured out where Arcadius’ lost city may be found. Their journey then takes them back to where it all began, on the other side of the empire: Corlivo.
After a few close calls, this novel ends happily. Questions are answered, plans are forged, lovers are reunited, and precious secrets are kept.
The Jewel of Corlivo is a low stakes historical romantic fantasy. Its greatest strengths lie in its detailed world building and the richness of the story itself.
There are, however, a few kinks to work out. For example, the time of day in some scenes doesn’t always match up. One scene can begin mid-morning, and by the next page, it’s already afternoon — even though only a simple conversation has taken place.
Another quirk is how certain phrases are constantly repeated. It seems each character utters “by the gods” or some variation of this at least once a page, and this redundancy takes away from the otherwise solid dialogue.
These editorial details do not hinder anything, and more casual readers may not even catch any discrepancies or repetitions.
Toward the end, though, the story becomes a little tangled and twisted — even jumbled. The narrative itself seems to be packing too much in, and suddenly, the book comes to a close.
So many threads seem to come crashing together suddenly, and not enough time is dedicated to everything that’s introduced in the third act.
As a low stakes fantasy, it makes sense that this book wraps up nicely. However, not all the details and plots are so carefully concluded.
Though it’s unclear as of right now, The Jewel of Corlivo could certainly have a sequel. Drawing from the vibrant cultural and historic tapestry that makes up the Byzantine Empire, the world created by the author is definitely worth exploring more.
Readers will be swept away in this well-written world; the author describes everything, from religious practices to clothing and landscapes, beautifully. Corlivo is so vividly realized, as is the capital city, complete with theatre performances and horse races that feel straight out of a Roman or Byzantine history book.
There is a fun cast of characters; protagonists and antagonists are all fleshed out. Anna makes for a great heroine, but as clever as she seems to be, she has a few thoughtless, selfish, or downright foolish moments.
Plus, she’s just constantly lucky. Her good fortune never seems to run out — and it’s a good thing, otherwise her escapades would end badly not only for her, but for her friends. She puts herself and others at risk more than once.
This novel never promises to take itself too seriously or pretend it’s anything other than low stakes, but readers may find themselves annoyed with Anna’s actions from time to time, while inwardly relieved she’ll be alright regardless.
Another standout quality of The Jewel of Corlivo is how it’s a love letter to books, history, and learning. Plus, through the character of Sebastianus, we have some impressive disability representation.
Half-blind and in need of a walking stick, his strengths and abilities are never in doubt. Sebastianus is capable and never viewed differently by anyone, even his enemies.
Overall, despite its very minor flaws, The Jewel of Corlivo is a new historical fantasy worth adding to your TBR. Fans of many genres will find themselves drawn into this world of exploration, learning, and history.
Without giving away too much, this is a rich novel with so many details plotted out. Many threads run along this narrative, and while some feel rushed toward the end, it’s a satisfying adventure from the first page to the last.
The author left just enough open from this story to lead into a sequel, and we will certainly keep our fingers crossed.
The Jewel of Corlivo publishes Oct. 27, 2026.
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Amanda Larch Hinchman
Amanda Larch works as a writer and editor when she’s not in the middle of a good book. Learn more about her work and view her portfolio at www.amandalarchwriter.com/ and keep up with her on Goodreads @_groovyginger_.