To Be Wolves

A well researched historical novel, that shows the Romans had a very different way of life. For example the punishments of serving soldiers involved decimation, every tenth man being executed, and a bed slave to Octavian is executed by Livia in an awful punishment involving a snapping dog and a viper, in a sack. I enjoyed the novel. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me an advance copy of this book.

I read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it, so I knew I must have the second! This book does not disappoint. Everyone who loves ancient rome and a good story will enjoy this book, especially because it is written with a feminist point of view in a time when women struggled to have their own voices and power.

I love historical fiction based in Ancient Rome and was happy to find something written about the Vestal Virgins. This subject isn't covered often in historical fiction and it was great to read something new that wasn't based solely on the emperors or war. The reader can learn about the importance of the Vestals, their practices, and look at life in the ancient city through their point of view. You also see how they are politically motivated and how their lives intermingled with the famous names we know so much about. The author was also able to weave the stories of other characters beside the Vestals into a really gripping story that made the book hard to put down. I would definitely recommend this to lover's of Rome, Ancient History, and Women's History.

This is A well researched historical novel set in Rome exploring the lives of the vestal virgins. I received this novel as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love this author and love this time period. The first book was excellent and this one is fantastic as well. Can't wait to read more if the series continues!

This is the second book in the Vesta Shadows series and the series just keeps getting better. If you are a fan of history, or historical fiction, then you will love this book/series. The author, while exercising some artistic license with historical dates, skillfully brings the world of Ancient Rome to life. The book is engaging from beginning to end, the characters are convincing and the book retains you attention. The author should be pleased with her work. I love history and historical fiction. It is rare when I give more than 3 stars and have been known to give four stars. This author deserves 5 stars. I highly recommend her.

Thanks to Blackstone and netgalley for this ARC.

This series has a great vibe. You really feel the horror, beauty, and history on every page.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4019832445

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book - I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but I have to admit that I wasn't sure Pomponia was an interesting enough character to get her through another book. Well, I admit I was wrong. Pomponia evolves in this book and learns to wield her power. The book isn't just about her though - it's about the other Vestal Virgins their role in the politics of that time. The author brings Ancient Rome to life in a way that few novelists are able to do.

I'm looking forward to reading more.