“She tells herself it is easier not to want, not to feel. When you cannot make your own choices, what good is wanting anything, or anyone?”

Oh, this was good! The writing, the she-wolves, and the graffiti quotes from Pompeii… all amazing. I will be picking up the sequel when it’s released! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

The Wolf Den throws you right into the life of brothels in Pompeii AD 74, by telling the story of Amara , a prostitute in the lupanar of Pompeii. Amara was not born into slavery. The only child of a Greek doctor in the city of Aphidnai (“Twelfth city of Attica, once the home of Helen of Troy”), she is an educated and intelligent girl whose fortunes were reversed after her father's demise. Sold as a house slave by her mother, she was forced into the life of a concubine before being sold to Felix, who changes her name to Amara and puts her to work as a prostitute in his brothel, The Wolf Den, in the Ancient Roman city of Pompeii.

The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper is an exquisitely written novel that blends historical fact and fiction, with an absorbing narrative and strong characterization. It is a compelling book that I found hard to put down and a story that will stay with me for a long time. Can wait for the next installment in The Wolf Den Trilogy!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this eGalley. We love historical fiction in this house! As a huge fan of greek myth retellings, this book definitely felt like it scratched that specific itch. It definitely covers a topic I didn't know much about, and didn't shy away from the horror experienced by women in the brothel.

At first I was unsure about this book. It got right to the thick of things and is quite vulgar and blunt. It doesn't shy away from the violence and trauma endured by enslaved women during this time period.

While it was difficult to read at times, I still found myself wanting to read more and learn more about the characters because of the moments of hope and beauty. I really liked the found family aspect with all the women in the brothel although some of the characters were unlikeable.

The writing style is beautiful and easy to read. I did find it to be a little slow at times, and it took me a while to read, but it was extremely character driven so perhaps that is why it seemed a little slow to me.

This is not something that I would normally read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm excited to read the next two books in this trilogy!

"May men fall to me as this offering falls to you, Greatest Aphrodite.
May I know love's power if never its sweetness."

3.5 stars amped up!

CW: Sexual abuse, sexual assault, violence, rape, child loss, miscarriage, suicide

Welcome to 74AD Pompeii, where destitute families sell their girls as slaves, and slave masters sell the newly acquired slave girls into prostitution.. But for a girl who knew once the taste of freedom in Greece, Amara still walks like she matters. And instead of lamenting her enslavement, she prays for the goddess of love to taste its power. Living through the hardship of Pompeii's infamous brothel, the Wolf Den, and the cruelty of its master, Amara knows that her way back to freedom is through a man.

The book centres around steel-willed Amara but also explores the themes of female bonding, jealousies and survival in the most inhumane conditions. Amara's grief for her past and her will to survive her present hardens her heart into becoming almost as cruel as her master.

The author unflinchingly describes the women's lives and treatment in the Wolf Den in minute details. The secondary characters are developed enough to draw our sympathies, and sometimes our infuriation, but not enough to give the story an intricate, multi-layered feel. Backstories are laid out for each character at some point or another. Even that of their oppressor, Felix, the brothel master. Regardless, I still rooted for Amara throughout.

"Nobody wants their grief dragged up unexpectedly into the light."

But there were a few issues I couldn't overlook with the writing. The narrative was at times overly descriptive which led to the plot becoming a tad overstretched. Another issue, an irksome one to be honest, was that the vocabulary slipped at times into modernity. The use of ill-suited words popped up every now and then on the pages. I mean, for a story set way back in time, the use of words like "café" or "boyfriend/girlfriend" , for example, was immensely at odds with the historic setting.

Still, the story was undeniably intriguing. And I can only wonder what Amara's future will hold up for her.

Many thanks to @netgalley & @unionsqandco for my ARC of this novel.

I really enjoyed the characterisation and setting - I think writing in a specified time limits the freedom an author will have in how the world is set up, but Harper navigates well.

Read if you like: Ancient Roman history, strong female characters.
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Amara is a slave in one of Pompeii's brothels. She is smart and tries to make the best of her situation, and figure out a way to earn her freedom. This book is a striking account of the struggles that slaves experienced in the Roman Empire, as well as the treatment of women.
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I really liked Amara as a main character. She is kind and loving towards her fellow slaves, but also knows she has to do what it takes to earn her freedom. A vivid depiction of life as a slave in an Ancient Roman brothel. Lots of action that kept me engaged throughout the whole book.
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CW: sexual harassment and assault, violence, murder, slavery, loss of a child, suicide.

“ There’s a grief deep enough to drown in, if you let it rise unchecked. Amara never will.”

The Wolf’s Den by Elodie Harper is an all-consuming historical fiction about Amara, a slave to a brothel owner in Pompeii. This book was filled with sad moments, but despite that, it kept my attention wholly. I kept wishing I had more time to read it because I wanted to get back to my book to find out what happened to Amara.

Most of the book is centered around Amara trying to find a way to escape her life as a slave, as she wasn’t always one and once knew the taste of freedom. Amara is cunning and daring, and because of her situation, she has been a bit cold-hearted at times to get out of her situation. Alternatively, there’s time she has to ignore her heart’s desires or even lay them bare, accepting vulnerability, to start making a change for herself. It can be tough to read all that she went through but Amara is such a strong character despite all that has happened to her. Unfortunately, there’s times she makes some callous decisions to pave her way, but I didn’t hold them against her. Our author shows us through many avenues where desperation can lead you.

“She has been enslaved longer than Dido, but not so long she doesn’t remember the agony of losing her own freedom.”

This book was enlightening, entertaining, and highlights women in a time in history where they were deemed insignificant and more of a good/service than a person. It was gorgeously written and kept me engaged. I am fully looking forward to the next book, I can’t wait to see where Amara’s story takes her and whether her mistakes will catch up with her or if good fortune will shine upon her. I’m happy this is going to be a trilogy, as this was such an emotive and well-written novel!

Thanks to Union Square and Co for the review copy!

The Wolf Den is the story of Amara. A peaceful yet dramatic story of a young slave who grew up near Athens as the daughter of a doctor until his father died of an infection from his client. The mother was able to keep them alive for a few years, but then she had to sell her daughter as a slave for them to have any help to survive at all. However, the new owner of Amara took it as a concubine, but the owner's wife was not happy about it, so she resold the girl and Amara was bought along with Dido by the owner of a brothel in Pompeii.

It is a peaceful story, but it is a very honest story and does not beautify the lives of the slaves of Pompeii. The chapters give an overview of the daily and night life of the brothel, as well as the life of the richer population through the eyes of slaves, and also give an idea of ​​how the lower class views the high society and how the high society views the freeman.

So calmly, day after day, drama after drama, the story moves towards the end, which is partly what you would expect, but also not.

Good reading, but requires patience.

Thank you, Elodie Harper, NetGalley, and Union Square & Co. for the opportunity to read this book!

“Either we choose to stay alive, or we give up. And if it’s living we choose, then we do whatever it takes.”

THE WOLF DEN
I spent the past three days reading The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper. I have wanted to read it sooner but work has kept me from diving in. I am so glad I finally found time to read this book. It took me back to Pompeii in 74 CE. Amara was once a physician’s daughter. But after his death, the debts were high and she was sold as a slave and now is forced to work as a prostitute at one of Pompeii’s most infamous brothels. Survival is their focus and Amara is determined to one day be free. She will use her wit and allure to free herself and support the women around her.

But first. Trigger Warnings: slavery, abuse, sexual assault, rape, child loss, miscarriage, suicide

This is NOT an easy book to read and it is not meant for everyone. Years ago, I went to the natural history museum that had a Pompeii exhibit on display. They displayed the casts of the victims who were killed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. They also showed some fresco paintings from the Lupanar. So it was fascinating to read about this history that took place almost 2,000 years ago. The author does a fantastic job at bringing these fictional characters to life and making them feel real. The characters all come from different backgrounds and have been forced into horrors that many cannot even imagine. They all have different reactions to these horrors. Some give up, some fight, some push their emotions away… but all their feelings are valid, no matter how different. It shows that there are many ways to react to trauma.

I cannot wait to see what is in store for Amara in the next book. Her world is changing and will no doubt find a way to fight her way to a freedwoman with independence. She has already met some historical figures such as Pliny the Elder. Another interesting thing is that the fatal eruption is only 5 years away. So there is still so much historical content to be explored. In a time where women are considered to be chattel, it is inspiring to watch them come up with their own ways to survive and support each other. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

I love mythology and Grecian history. I love stories about strong women. It is no surprise that I loved this book. It’s a powerful story and at times a difficult read, but definitely worth it.

Great historical fiction! Amara, a slave in a brothel in ancient Pompeii, finds herself among her fellow she-wolves, forced into prostitution by a cruel owner. Her fight to gain a life in this brutal world is fascinating and well-written. Definitely worth reading!

I’ve been very drawn to books set during this time and this didn’t disappoint! Loved the historical detail and I couldn’t put it down. Was it fun to read - not always - but I felt it was accurate. That matters.

The book didn’t go anywhere. Kept waiting for an actual plot to develop but it never did. Very disappointing as the synopsis is quite intriguing.

The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper is a historical fiction set in the ancient city of Pompeii. Personally I wasn't a big fan of the way the whole setting of the book was portrayed. While there were a lot of description of the city itself and everyday happenings in the lives of our characters, I found the background descriptions to be just that. Descriptions. The world of Pompeii failed to be alive and captivating to me as a reader.

Which leads me to my second observation. I thought that they characters and the way they interacted felt too modern for me. Of course, we have cannot claim to know what life back at that time was truly like, the portrayal of the characters in order to be made conventional to our time and relatable to us just fell short for me.

In 74 AD Pompeii, we experience the life of a slave at a brothel. The book is quite candid with a no holds barred look at Amara’s fight to survive. It shows the value of women and is quite brash at times.
It took me just a little while to get engaged in the story, but then I couldn't put it down. Amongst the tragic life, the camaraderie among the women was strong. It did read a little modern for a book in a setting so long ago.

I’m curious to see what is in store in the rest of the trilogy.

What an incredible book

The spell binding story bringing to light the harsh realities of the lives of the "She Wolves" of ancient Pompeii.
Set in the brothels of Pompeii this story tells of friendships amongst the poor young ladies sold into slavery and prostitution....

...yet though set in such dark, gritty and inhumane times the author has crafted such an inspiring storyline with a rich, atmospheric setting involving engaging characters who have truely incredible friendships

I've never read anything set in heyday of Pompeii and this story took me right there in amongst the hussle and bussle at the foot of Mount Vesuvius.

The beautiful protagonist Amara, sold into slavery when her family hit hard times leads us on a captivating journey uncovering a true part of history thats been forgotten....

I highly recommend this to everyone. I read it in a couple of sittings, although the subject matter is harsh the author has made it into a captivating, beautiful story, I cannot wait for the sequel.

Thanks to @netgalley
@unionsqandco
@elodielharper for an ARC of this novel

Paperback publication day today 20/3/2022

The Sequel The Golden Door will be on sale 6/9/2022

"But still, like dust, I’ll rise."

Author- Elodie Harper
Genre- Historical fiction
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Amara is sold off by her penniless mother after her father's death. And now she is one the she- wolves of Pompeii.Not yet ready to accept her fate in a brothel, Amara tries to grab everything that might help her to buy back her freedom.
What shall be the price for her freedom or would it mean to lose something dearer?


Rarely have I come across such iron willed female protagonist like Amara who is determined to change her fate by any means.
The only other one I can reckon is Vasya Petrovna of Winternight Trilogy.
As a doctor's daughter, Amara had an enriched upbringing. Educated, she could also play the lyre.
Her journey of being the most loved only daughter to one of the prostitutes of a brothel, far away from her home was heartbreaking. Her survival, gut wrenching.

The author hasn't shied away from describing the harsh living situation of a whore house and the social standing of its dwellers. Abused and violated at every step, Amara, Dido, Beronice, Victoria and Cressa don't lose their spirit.
Some have accepted their fate, while others still hope that someone someday would buy their freedom. It is that hope that gets them through the day.

Every woman of this tale has a story to tell. Of their unfateful journey, of dark past and darker future. So be it young Dido or old Fabia, I could feel their pain through the pages.
There's mention of historically important men throughout the novel. One of such notable men play the most crucial role in Amara's conquest.
I'll leave it you to find out more.

Despite of all its virtues, there are small things that I felt uncomfortable about.
One being the author's subtle attempts at romanticizing the abusive relationship between Felix, the brothel owner and Amara. That could have been avoided in my opinion. Felix, an extremely manipulative and toxic character has his share of sad backstory as well. But at any cost that shouldn't have been used as a shield to sympathize his oppressions.


Roman history enthusiasts, this is your calling, to learn about the women of past who have been always ignored and remained unheard.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

𝙂𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙚: Mythology
𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩: Physical book
𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙨 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 4.11

𝙁𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
“Even fear can be overcome, if she only tries hard enough.”

“Either we choose to stay alive, or we give up. And if it's living we choose, then we do whatever it takes.”

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙:
Mythology (Greek/Roman)
Set in Pompeii
Emotional, tragic, and unflinching
Absolutely fell in love with the characters
Side characters with detailed back stories
Strong group of women

*I strongly suggest checking TW before reading this book*

𝙁𝙪𝙡𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
We all know mythology is tragic, right? Well, I still wasn’t prepared for quite how much this book ripped my heart out.

Amara is a captivating MC who faces many horrific moments in her new life as a prostitute in Pompeii. She struggles to learn how to navigate a now desperate and powerless existence, without losing sight of who she was in her previous life. She experiences such a mix of hope, pain, love and rage, and my heart continued to break for her as moments of happiness were sharply overshadowed by the harsh realities of her life as a slave. I found myself just absolutely rooting for her to hold on to the few genuine friendships she has, and to finally find happiness.

The side characters in this book are wonderfully developed with detailed back stories. I adored her friendship with Dido and wanted MORE of Menander, and absolutely hated Felix (among others). I appreciate that the back stories do not forgive or excuse what has happened in the past, but helps the reader understand how some characters have become so evil. It is an unflinching perspective on what the balance of power was like between men and women, freed people and slaves, and the rich and the poor.

I know I just wrote a lot about the tragedy, violence, and brutality of this book—but it really is stunning. This book has been on my TBR for a LONG time and I was exceptionally pleased to find out it’s book 1 of a trilogy. I can’t wait to continue Amara’s story in The House With the Golden Door.

**I strongly suggest checking trigger warnings before reading this adult novel, which include rape, abuse (verbal/physical), suicide, violence, language**

The Wolf Den reimagines the life of women serving in brothels in ancient Pompeii through our main character, Amara. The writing was done in a modern way which makes the book easier to comprehend. I’d say it’s a well-written novel, I loved how the author managed to provide vivid descriptions of the scenes and settings and it felt as if I was transported back to earlier times.

This book is brutally honest and it is heartbreaking. Reading about how women were mistreated is such a painful experience I was actually teary-eyed for most parts of the book. In terms of the portrayal of characters, I’d say I loved most of them—especially Amara, Dido, and Cressa—mainly because their backstories were written so well that you’ll actually feel the pain they’re carrying and hope that they get a happy ending. I also felt so much anger toward the antagonists that I actually smirk when they face misfortunes. It’s a bit evil, I know, but it just goes to show how good this book was written!

I loved this book, obviously, and I think I’ll never get over it. I can’t wait for the second book in the series!