The Wolf Den – Elodie Harper*

The Wolf Den Synopsis

Note: This review is spoiler-free!

Sold by her mother. Enslaved in Pompeii’s brothel. Determined to survive. Her name is Amara. Welcome to the Wolf Den…

Amara was once a beloved daughter, until her father’s death plunged her family into penury. Now she is a slave in Pompeii’s infamous brothel, owned by a man she despises. Sharp, clever and resourceful, Amara is forced to hide her talents. For as a she-wolf, her only value lies in the desire she can stir in others.

But Amara’s spirit is far from broken.

By day, she walks the streets with her fellow she-wolves, finding comfort in the laughter and dreams they share. For the streets of Pompeii are alive with opportunity. Out here, even the lowest slave can secure a reversal in fortune. Amara has learnt that everything in this city has its price. But how much is her freedom going to cost her?

Set in Pompeii’s lupanar, The Wolf Den reimagines the lives of women who have long been overlooked

Why did I pick it?

I’m a massive history buff and I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with Pompei and Roman/Greek mythology. When this came up as a proof for review, I knew it was perfect for me.

What I loved about it

I have read a lot about the ruins at Pompeii and so I appreciated the attention to detail, referencing real graffiti, artwork, and names mentioned on the ruined building that have been uncovered.

The story brings together a lot of characters but all are well developed and not once did I get confused on who was who, they are all very distinct. You could really feel how each of the girl’s life experiences had influenced their characters, it was very well thought out, they felt true, real.

It wasn’t fast-paced, but it was enjoyable and well written. I enjoyed a change of pace from my usual reads.

What I loathed about it

The Wolf Den was quite a long and thought-provoking story, and then, within the last few chapters all the story arcs come together and get nicely finished off. It felt rushed and a little clumsy because of this. Even more puzzling as I had thought this was a stand-alone, it’s not. I’ve since learned it’s a trilogy so it makes even less sense. I’m now intrigued to see where book 2 takes us.

I also missed some of the more “environment” based descriptions. It’s very character-led but I would have liked to have experienced more of Pompeii through the characters as well.

Thoughts

A rich story about friendship and sisterhood with the backdrop of the brutal reality of being a brothel slave.

When and where can you can get it

You can purchase The Wolf Den on Amazon today