There is a sisterhood shared by the she-wolves, each one ready to defend the other no matter what. They have that spark that makes you care and root for them. The characters are richly drawn, vivacious and charismatic. “And you would, wouldn’t you? Tear them all apart.” Meticulously researched, the author’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail illustrates her passion for the history of Pompeii and to allow those who were silenced for centuries to finally have their voices heard. The brutality and precariousness of life at the time is vividly depicted through a broad spectrum of society, from the seedy to the opulent, reminding us your fortunes could change in an instant, taking you from freedom to slavery. The evocative scene setting brought the story alive and transported me back to the doomed city of Pompeii as vividly as if I were walking the dusty streets myself. This ancient tale is told with a modern voice, bringing the story to life in a way that is relatable and compelling. I luxuriated in the exquisite storytelling of this book. Told by Amara, a young woman sold into slavery after her family fell into poverty and now forced to be one of the she-wolves at Pompeii’s infamous brothel, this is a story of friendship, jealousy, betrayal, revenge and survival. Lush, atmospheric and mesmerising, it gives a voice to the voiceless women lost to the sands of history. Perfect for fans of Pat Barker’s The Silence of the Girls and Madeline Miller’s Circe. Set in Pompeii’s lupanar, The Wolf Den is the first in a trilogy of novels reimagining the lives of women who have long been overlooked. But how much is her freedom going to cost her? Amara has learnt that everything in this city has its price. Out here, even the lowest slave can secure a reversal in fortune. For the streets of Pompeii are alive with opportunity. By day, she walks the streets with the Wolf Den’s other women, finding comfort in the laughter and dreams they share. For now her only value lies in the desire she can stir in others.īut Amara’s spirit is far from broken. Sharp, clever and resourceful, Amara is forced to hide her talents.

Now she is a slave in Pompeii’s infamous brothel, owned by a man she despises. Welcome to the Wolf Den…Īmara was once a beloved daughter, until her father’s death plunged her family into penury. Thank you to Head of Zeus for the gifted ARC. I’m finally sharing my review for The Wolf Den, the magnificent story that was the first Squadpod Book Club read in the summer. Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Greek Mythologyīetter late than never.

The wolf den novel