I read The Brides of Rome previously and enjoyed that, despite the violence and brutality within the aspects of the story, I felt the overall story absorbed these well. I read about half of To Be Wolves and I'm sorry to say that I just cannot continue with it, the incredibly detailed descriptions of the cruelty and barbarity contained within this sequel are just beyond what I feel is necessary to add to the story. Yes, I am aware that the Ancient Roman Empire was a brutal time in history, but I feel adding so much of this was purely for sensationalism and added nothing to the story. In fact, it made me disconnect with the characters completely, I didn't like a single character, no one has any compassion for fellow human beings no matter their rank in life and I just couldn't continue with this bloodbath, I don't find it entertaining or illuminating.

Cover: Not bad. I’m growing tired of this women portrayed from behind thing, but what can I do? At some point, it’ll die out. Or so I hope.

I loved Brides of Rome back then just as much as I love To Be Wolves. It’s a great, solid sequel, so much that I went and bought the third installment of the series—I don’t buy books anymore, as I get 1) a ton from publishers 2) another ton from authors 3) yet another ton from libraries. Still, Macleod got me wrapped around her pinky, haha.

I need to know what happens next.

Anyway!

Pomponia is still the MC, a good choice since she’s a character strong enough to carry the entire plot almost by herself. New and old characters support her well; I have to say that the forbidden-but-not-physical trick felt a little stale this time, because it already happened in the first book. The core of a story about the Vestal order is the chastity vow a Vestal must take, and that’s a given. However, if both couples behave in the same way, where’s the novelty? Repetitions or coincidences are a crime in fiction, I think.

Syntax and grammar are top-notch level, and I wasn’t expecting anything less from Macleod. The story is so captivating that I set aside all the other books I was reading and focused solely on this one.

A couple of things didn’t sit well with me: there are two (one and a half?) tiny historical missteps that killed the mood at once. It’s not a big deal, and they’ll unnoticed if you’re reading for pleasure. I’m cursed with too sharp eyes for details, though, so here we are.

At any rate, once those (and a missing word) get fixed, the book becomes flawless.

4,5 stars on GR, rounded up.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found the subject matter really interesting. The book was well written and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book.

The premise to this story sounded interesting. However, I did not really like the first novel. I tried to get into the de ind one to see if it improved. I found that I could not. The time jumps made it hard for me to connect with the story on a personal basis. Therefore, this novel has a great plot but was not executed well. Still, I recommend this for fans of Kate Quinn, Margaret George, and Michelle Moran!

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.

To Be Wolves sounded like something I'd enjoy a lot, but I'm afraid this novel was not entirely for me. I thought the writing style was very descriptive and enabled the reader to envision ancient Rome with ease, but I was unfortunately unable to connect with the story. It was very plot-driven, and because I was unable to fully connect with the characters, I think that kept me from connecting with the plot.

This is definitely not a bad book, but I think it's just one of those instances where not every book is for every reader, and unfortunately it wasn't for me. This book handled some heavier topics and got very violent at times, which while I was expecting, I don't think I was expecting some of the casual instances where such violence occurred. I think part of the problem is that I wasn't in the right mindset to read about these topics.

I'm disappointed it didn't work for me, but if it sounds like something you're interested in, I'd definitely pick it up, because I can totally see it working out for someone else!

I got 40% through this book before I decided I needed to take a break.

Don't get me wrong, the book is actually very good. Just very gory, heartbreaking, and sad. It was taking a toll on my mental health. Especially since I am wedding planning and stressed about it. (but very happy to be doing it)

The book revolves around multiple story-lines. A Vestal Virgin, Livia- Emperor Augustus' wife, a slave owner, and a slave.

As I got to the half-way point, I could see that all the characters stories were starting to entwine. All of the characters are dealing with a sickness making its way through Rome, while dealing with personal issues.
Livia and the Vestal are dealing with the inevitable death of the Emperor, each having their own successor in mind.

I did notice that the book often changes the way it addresses Emperor Augustus. In the same scene they will call him Augustus, then Caesar, and sometimes Octavian. I am well versed in Augustus' history, so I was able to figure out that all uses of those names were referring to the same person. Someone more new to the history may think they are 3 different people. I hope this little snippet helps! Timeline may be a little off.. It's been a while since I learned this.

When Octavian was a little boy, he was adopted by his Uncle, Julius Caesar (whom you all know!) So he changed his name to Caesar after Julius' death. after he became Emperor, he again changed his name to Augustus.

I can tell this book will be a great story.. So I will rate it 5 stars. I will return to finish the novel, perhaps when I am in a less-stressful stage in my life.

WARNING to readers, this book is very graphic.
from what I had read, there were scenes of rape, crucifixion, murder, torture, and animal cruelty. (the worst)
All written very graphically.

I love books with settings in the ancient world. Specifically the Roman empire shortly after the fall of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, so I am very thankful to the author and the publisher for giving me a change to read this book early via NetGalley.

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 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.

The beginning of the story feels disjointed. There is a gap of 51 years after the first chapter, and the way the second chapter is presented at some point I was wondering if there was another gap in years. But there is none. It takes time, to make sense of all the names and where the story is going.

It is plot-driven, which I struggle with. The fight for power is the main theme. I need good character development to be able to connect with it, and thus with the story.

I appreciate stories rich in historical background, but I felt as simplified version would give this story a better flow. In general, the ancient world is harder for me to grasp. So if you are well-read in this time period, then you may feel differently.

There are some pretty brutal scenes for example decimation – beaten to death by clubs, so no one deserts Roman army or the sack penalty for patricide - accused is put into a sack with a snake and dog. If you’re interested in an authentic story of ancient times, then I guess it would include also those not so easy to read tactics.

This is certainly a richly crafted and well-researched story, giving an authentic feel of the time period.

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.

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.