Moran's portrayal of women still confuses me. Julia's depiction is so nuanced -- she is deeply selfish and spoiled, and yet Selene still makes an effort to be her friend and show empathy. Yet Livia is outwardly bitter, cruel, and without a single redeeming factor. How could a woman like that have risen to such power? It makes no sense!
This is my fourth or fifth time reading this book, though, so obviously it doesn't bother me TOO much!