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A review by eliajor
The Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
A devastatingly beautiful, well rounded conclusion to this phenomenon trilogy about our protagonist Amara's life and societal progression. She is flawed and she is traumatised from her life as a slave. She is prone to repeating the same behaviours that Felix has imparted on her. Yet we see her grow from a low-street prostitute into a prominent, powerful courtesan at the highest levels of Roman society using her wit, charm and kindness. Many peripheral characters are mentioned once again in this third instalment, bringing me back to memories of lovely, haunting Dido and Cressia. All these characters have shaped Amara to the person she is, and I love the emphasis of female friendship empowering everyone around them to survive this cruel, patriarchal Greek society. Drusilla, Victoria, Julia, Livia, Britannica, are a few who continued to support Amara and protect her despite social standing differences.
And how can we forget about Pliny and Philos (and begrudgingly Rufus). Their gentle, intelligent and sometimes blunt personality charmed me as much as Amara. I will miss everyone so very much (not Felix, he can choke). I will be forever haunted by this book, especially from Pliny the Elder and dear Philos who have stayed with us ever since the first book. Britannica's fighting spirit alongside the wiliness of Amara and Rufina's mischievousness will cling to the very fabric of my reality. This is a book with a background within ancient society, laced with mentions of festivals and worshipped gods. It is a book I've always dreamt of reading and now that it's over I'm heartbroken. Thank you, Elodie Harper, for the bittersweet memories and the knowledge that Amara's life is forever contained to those years, never able to see her grow older and experience more. I’d drink the waters of the Lethe if it means I can relive this trilogy once again.
And how can we forget about Pliny and Philos (and begrudgingly Rufus). Their gentle, intelligent and sometimes blunt personality charmed me as much as Amara. I will miss everyone so very much (not Felix, he can choke). I will be forever haunted by this book, especially from Pliny the Elder and dear Philos who have stayed with us ever since the first book. Britannica's fighting spirit alongside the wiliness of Amara and Rufina's mischievousness will cling to the very fabric of my reality. This is a book with a background within ancient society, laced with mentions of festivals and worshipped gods. It is a book I've always dreamt of reading and now that it's over I'm heartbroken. Thank you, Elodie Harper, for the bittersweet memories and the knowledge that Amara's life is forever contained to those years, never able to see her grow older and experience more. I’d drink the waters of the Lethe if it means I can relive this trilogy once again.