Reviews with content warning for Sexual violence - The Wolf Den

The Wolf Den is the tale of a doctor's daughter sold into slavery and eventual prostitution due to poverty and misfortune. It's stark, candid and uncompromising as it relays the realities of the lives these girls were forced into. It's also strangely hopeful, as Amara finds a way to use her brains to find a way out of the perilous and dangerous position life has left her in. It's a powerful and evocative read, a tale of both survival against the odds and those who weren't so lucky.

It is without a doubt an uncomfortable read. The author doesn't shy away from the grim realities of being a sex slave in early Pompeii. The 'she-wolves' have little freedom and certainly no ability to pick and choose their 'customers'. The risks of disease and pregnancy are high. And yet Harper writes them well as a close group despite the jealousies and rivalries between them. There is a genuine bond between the girls. Whilst the narrative follows Amara primarily, the other girls are just as fully dimensional and well realised.

The world of ancient Pompeii is just as vividly imagined, coming to life around you, from the descriptions of daily life to important festivals and all the men and women Amara comes across for good or for bad. The narrative moves slowly, allowing the reader to fully invest in the characters and the life they live, but twists and turns in unexpected directions, forever keeping you on your toes. I'm intrigued to see where it goes next, particularly as it's set only five years before the devastating Pompeii volcanic eruption that obliterated life in the region.

All in all, an excellent read and one that will stay with me for some time to come.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.

Content Warnings

hnicole01's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

kmami's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring sad medium-paced

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

one of the best books i’ve read so far this year. the plot is perfectly thought out. the story was perfectly written. i really couldn’t put it down; i finished it in 24 hours. i can’t wait to read the second book.

Content Warnings