Publisher: Union Square & Co, May 13, 2021

Format: ebook

Pages: 464

Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

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.

My Review:

Thank you Union Square &Co for the copy of this book.
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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.