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mondyyreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Me gustó bastante. Nunca había leído nada set in Pompeii, no sé si en algún momento de la saga entré en juego lo que pasó en Pompeii lol, pero me pareció interesante. Fue de esos libros en los que quieres saber qué pasa después, como que decía “un capítulo y ya” y no podía cumplir mi promesa. Me gusta que no romantiza para nada su situación de she-wolves, pero si encuentra una forma de darte momentos bonitos y relaciones de amor y amistad entre ellas. También se me hizo cool cómo a través de las diferentes mujeres muestra diferentes maneras de llevar el duelo, de afrontar tu realidad y de aceptar/negarte a aceptar lo que tienes en frente. Excited for the rest.
sarah_vollmer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
21stcenturyfox's review against another edition
3.0
I must've not paid much attention to the blurbs because I mistakenly thought this was a fantasy book about a prostitute who is a she-wolf/shapeshifter.
It did end up being less interesting. The book as a whole wasn't particularly impactful, I was pretty much indifferent most of the book, it gets repetitive in the middle and the conflict nor ending do anything for me, largely due to the style of writing.
The premise was nice and I liked the setting, but the writing style and choice of words, in an otherwise ancient setting, were very modern. It reads more like a contemporary young adult novel rather than a historical fiction. The prose wasn't anything special and there was no passage that sticks with me.
I do have a some appreciation for the sisterhood, I love female friendships in stories so much and this one was well executed, although I'm indifferent about the characters themselves, I like how flawed they are all in their own ways, some of them weren't flat out a bad guy, but are products of their time or simple faulty individuals. I do like Victoria, but I don't care for others, even the main character Amara whom I didn't feel an emotional connection to. Another thing I like is the frontal description of their prostituted life, no attempts of glorifying it and the reminder that these women were enslaved and have to do something out of their will were presents throughout the story, some part of it is even quite empowering such as Britannica's resistance.
I found out it is part of a series, however I doubt I'll read the continuation.
It did end up being less interesting. The book as a whole wasn't particularly impactful, I was pretty much indifferent most of the book, it gets repetitive in the middle and the conflict nor ending do anything for me, largely due to the style of writing.
The premise was nice and I liked the setting, but the writing style and choice of words, in an otherwise ancient setting, were very modern. It reads more like a contemporary young adult novel rather than a historical fiction. The prose wasn't anything special and there was no passage that sticks with me.
I do have a some appreciation for the sisterhood, I love female friendships in stories so much and this one was well executed, although I'm indifferent about the characters themselves, I like how flawed they are all in their own ways, some of them weren't flat out a bad guy, but are products of their time or simple faulty individuals. I do like Victoria, but I don't care for others, even the main character Amara whom I didn't feel an emotional connection to. Another thing I like is the frontal description of their prostituted life, no attempts of glorifying it and the reminder that these women were enslaved and have to do something out of their will were presents throughout the story, some part of it is even quite empowering such as Britannica's resistance.
I found out it is part of a series, however I doubt I'll read the continuation.
ebeubanks8's review against another edition
3.0
It reminded me of Madeline millers writing, and it’s just not my vibe
pollyanna_lee's review against another edition
3.0
I was confused with this book, how I felt about it. The first 200 pages went quickly and I was loving it, then it kept adding details that made it hard to follow at points, but then the final chapters made me cry.
We follow a group of slaves in a Pompeiian brothel, how they live in the city, their stories and their relationship with the master Felix. Following Amara mainly, we see in a lot of detail just how much they're seen as objects and things to use and sell.
I enjoyed the main characters, I think the women and their relationships are excellent. Even the character of Felix, even though we hate him the whole time, his whole dynamic with them is so confusing but important.
The main plot, Amara's journey, I think is done really well and is enjoyable to read. However, maybe the Latin names here don't help, but the various powerful men with all their money she was involved with became difficult to follow and was where the book lost me slightly.
The way the details of what the women went through was horrible to read, and actually got into my dreams. But using modern language and swearing in it really helped make it seem realistic and immerse you in it more. And somehow, the book still got me to laugh.
Its a solid 3/5 for me, 3.5 if possible, and I'd recommend reading it for something different or something that will really take you along with the characters.
We follow a group of slaves in a Pompeiian brothel, how they live in the city, their stories and their relationship with the master Felix. Following Amara mainly, we see in a lot of detail just how much they're seen as objects and things to use and sell.
I enjoyed the main characters, I think the women and their relationships are excellent. Even the character of Felix, even though we hate him the whole time, his whole dynamic with them is so confusing but important.
The main plot, Amara's journey, I think is done really well and is enjoyable to read. However, maybe the Latin names here don't help, but the various powerful men with all their money she was involved with became difficult to follow and was where the book lost me slightly.
The way the details of what the women went through was horrible to read, and actually got into my dreams. But using modern language and swearing in it really helped make it seem realistic and immerse you in it more. And somehow, the book still got me to laugh.
Its a solid 3/5 for me, 3.5 if possible, and I'd recommend reading it for something different or something that will really take you along with the characters.
annasherue's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
katewallbank's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Took me a little while to get into but then I was hooked. This was so different to anything I’ve read before and reading of the challenges of sex workers in Pompeii was both challenging and deeply interesting as I felt such empathy for these women and how women are treated. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series
neveatkinson25's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
daniellevereads's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
wubledoo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5