The Stats

Title: The Wolf Den

Author: Elodie Harper

Publisher: Union Square & Co. (29 Mar, 2022)

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction, Historical Drama

Trigger Warnings: Slavery, Prostitution, Rape, Abortion, Strong Language

Read if you like: Greek or Roman Mythology, Female Leads

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Thank you to Elodie Harper, Union Square & Co. Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with an electrical Review Copy of The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper, This book is Book 1 of a Trilogy. Book 2: The House with the Golden Door is out now. Book 3: The Temple of Fortuna is set to release November 2023. All opinions mentioned in this review are my own.

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The Review

This historical fiction novel is set in ancient Pompeii, a city on the verge of destruction, and tells the story of Amara, a slave in a brothel known as the “Wolf Den.” Amara is a prostitute whose value is based on how many customers she can satisfy and how much money she can generate, but she is also intelligent and resourceful, and she uses these skills to develop a plan to gain her freedom.

The story is a combination of tragedy, hope, and intrigue as Amara navigates the complexities of her position in the Wolf Den and struggles to balance her desire for freedom with the need to keep her cruel owner, Felix, at bay. The setting is vividly described and the language used is authentic and unapologetic, showing the brutality and abuse that the women in the Wolf Den faced. The book also explores the differences in wealth and social status between the rich and the poor in ancient Pompeii.

While some reviewers have criticized the lack of historical accuracy, I believe the story is fairly realistic in its portrayal of the lives of slaves and prostitutes in Pompeii. Overall, The Wolf Den is a story of courage, determination, and friendship, and I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction. However, it’s important to note that the book includes themes of slavery, prostitution, rape, and abortion, which may be triggering or disturbing for some readers. It also may contain explicit or disturbing language and content, so readers who are sensitive to these themes or who may be triggered by such content should exercise caution before reading.

Overall, I give this novel a 3 out of 5 stars!