The House with the Golden Door (Wolf Den Trilogy)

A good read ! And will definitely continue reading the trilogy

Ugh, Can Felix just go away already? I like how we get more development in all the characters, see more of their daily lives and get to know them better. I wasn't attached to Philos and Amara's romance but I see why they loved each other. Trying to create something stable and loving amid the chaos of everything. This one ends on a cliffhanger but luckily the third book is out next month!

It isn't often that a sequel is better than the first book, but this book is tighter in terms of storytelling with less time on descriptions and character interactions that seemed less important. Of course, a few of those moment from book one turned out to be useful in book two IF you could remember them. This book is all about Amara's first year (maybe longer?) with her patron after she is technically freed (I won't spoil your reading by explaining more) and the the fallout after that passion fades. We see Amara's skills she learned in a brothel as well as her innate ability to think, plan, and understand others continue to be important for her survival. In case you are worried that this book will be all her and Rufus (her elite Roman patron), I can tell you that she is not alone in her new life by choice and through circumstances on the edge of her control. As an ancient historian I also felt that this book was better in terms of realistic portrayals of women's and slaves' life without resorting to a fake antique way of characters talking or relying too heavily on the use of Latin or Greek terms and phrases. Some of Amara's challenges may feel quite relatable to women and the poor today without packing on the pathos, Harper simply does a good job of showing us what is happening and then moving on or coming back when relevant. I plan to start reading book three soon.

This series has got me! I enjoyed this book so much more than the first book. Looking forward to seeing how Harper wraps this up in book three!

Part of the Wolf Den series, this is an absolute must read for fans of historical fiction.

I didn’t like this installment as much as the first. It was a very long read and I gave up on it towards the end. The characters weren’t as compelling and I wasn’t invested in their stories. For me that was the biggest disappointment. I skimmed the last 50 or so pages to see what happened since I didn’t want to read it.

Another amazing installment of this riveting and well-researched story about a resilient woman trying to earn her freedom in ancient Pompeii. This is one of the best series I’ve read in a long time

Amara has moved up in her harsh Pompeian world. She is free now. But her challenges never cease and her fears for the future are getting more real with each day that passes. This author is masterful and thoughtful in her depiction of ancient Pompeii.

Very great book, captivated me till the end, amazing trilogy, best I've read.

Davvero molto bello, supera il primo per intensità. Alla fine tutte le sotto tracce convergono in un unico disegno di trama.

Brilliant a gripping story.

Even if I still do not understand why the author named every character in Latin save for Pliny (maybe because he was a real admiral) I strongly recommend the reading. Every detail reminds you of the Roman Empire as for Margaret Doody and her detective of the ancient Athens

Starting with the premise of the book this has stepped well away from the classical era fiction that many will have enjoyed. Taking a step outside society and discussing some realistic facts of life for sex working in antiquity. The protagonist is sold into slavery in Greece and survives long enough to be bought by a brothel owner. The plot moves fairly slowly but does paint a picture of the despondency they must have felt. Particularly the reality of what the limited options on falling pregnant is a poignant and real for anyone in that work before and since. The denouement is more uplifting if a little contrived but does set the sequel up. I enjoyed the read and found it painted some thought provoking pictures. When the pace of the narrative becomes clear it is often absorbing. Would recommend.