Scan barcode
cosymidlifebooknook's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
In the final installment, we follow Amara's journey in Pompeii with her new patron, Demetrius, as she builds her own empire to ensure her daughter Rufina's safety. Rufina, believed to be Amara's ex-patron Rufus's daughter, is back in Pompeii under the care of her mother's friends Julia and Livia and her real father, Philos, Amara's ex-lover.
I won't say more to avoid spoilers.
Elodie Harper is a genius. She had me gritting my teeth with the tension from the twists and turns in the incredible plot. Beautifully written, it vividly depicts the trials of slaves, courtesans,and the unjust luxury of the rich in ancient Rome and Pompeii. This book is an emotional rollercoaster.
The entire series, especially this final book, surpassed my expectations. This series is in my top 5 favorites ever.
If you love historical fiction and want to learn about ancient Rome, the demise of Pompeii or are seeking an incredible series about girl power, then The Wolf Den Trilogy is for you. Your life and mind will be richer for it..
Thank you Elodie for writing this incredible trilogy and expanding my world history and heart 💞🙏🏼
Big thanks again Tandem Collective, Head of Zeus and Elodie Harper for the gifted copy in return for an honest review. 🙏🏼
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Sexual assault, Slavery, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
caelfind's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Slavery, Death, Sexual harassment, and Misogyny
Moderate: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Trafficking, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, and Grief
Minor: Miscarriage
debussy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Murder, Grief, Slavery, Death, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, and Sexism
Moderate: Pregnancy and Violence
Minor: Child death
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Once again Elodie Harper excels in recreating the daily life of Ancient Rome. The book is packed full of details but they are seamlessly woven into the story, never feeling at all “info dumpy”. Harper has clearly done her research, as the epigraphs - used to such good effect - show. The intrigue and social positioning surrounding the new Emperor and his brother are just as convincingly depicted as market scenes, or the threatening atmosphere of the streets at night. Action scenes including a gladiator battle and terror and chaos of people desperately trying to flee Pompeii in the wake of the eruption come across as naturally cinematic. There is also lots of interpersonal drama - Amara can’t openly be with her true love due to class differences, Felix, her former pimp, continues to threaten her, a former friend betrays her - which ensured my emotions went on a real roller coaster ride, something that continued right to the end.
This entire series is essential reading for fans of historical fiction, especially those who appreciate seeing history depicted through a female-centred feminist lens. Amara is such a brilliant protagonist, fiesty and flawed, someone who has endured much but is resilient, skilled in the art of surviving. In The Temple of Fortuna Elodie Harper has done her proud.
Many thanks to @netgalley and @headofzeus for my ARC. The Temple of Fortuna publishes on 9 November.
Graphic: Classism, Death, Slavery, and Emotional abuse
emmsbookshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Death, Grief, Classism, Slavery, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Violence, Stalking, Sexual violence, Slavery, Toxic friendship, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault