Member Reviews
One of my most anticipated titles of 2023 and it completely lived up to the hype. What a wonderful end to one of the most unique works of historical fiction I've read in years. It's an absolute testament to Harper's character work that you're so wrapped up in their lives and struggles, one almost forgets the looming danger of the Pompeii's coming cataclysmic end (though when it comes, it feels like a hammer and the abrupt upheaval is done so well). I'll be recommending this trilogy for a long time and look forward to what the author writes next.
The Temple of Fortuna is book 3 in the Wolf Den Trilogy by Elodie Harper.
Harper has written a captivating and brilliant historical fiction.
Her writing is so vivid and her storytelling is beautifully written.
I enjoyed pretty much everything about this book. The characters were well-drawn, realistic and well-portrayed
I found myself really getting into this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the opportunity to read this ahead of its publication date in return for my honest review.
The Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper is a captivating conclusion to the Wolf Den Trilogy, offering a deeply personal and immersive journey with Amara, a character who has evolved from a slave in Pompeii's wolf den brothel to a powerful courtesan in Rome. The novel skillfully combines themes of survival, determination, courage, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship in the backdrop of ancient Rome. The author's meticulous research brings the setting and historical context to life, particularly during the impending eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Amara's character development and the vivid portrayal of her world make this a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts, and the book's emotional depth and gripping narrative ensure it's a page-turner from start to finish.
I want to preface this review by saying this is the 3rd book in a completed trilogy! If you've read the first two books of this Roman history trilogy, read on! If not, beware of potential spoilers (although I really tried not to).
I was SO excited to get an ARC copy of this book. I love reading historical fiction from a past that is long gone. I also haven't read anything about the erupting of Mt. Vesuvius before. This book was devastatingly good and a wonderful wrap up to this series.
The journey that the main character goes through in this trilogy is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Her character growth in this last book was exactly the right way to play it. I was so happy to watch her grow and realize that love and happiness are the keys to life. Also, she absolutely did the right thing at the end, iykyk.
Also, the epilogue was perfect. PERFECT. I yelled in surprise when I realized whose POV it was because I had previously cried.
4.5 stars. I'm not going to give a plot summary of this particular book, since it's the third in the series and I don't want to spoil anything that happens before this one. But I will say that all of Amara's decisions throughout the series come back to haunt her in some form or another, and in this book she is confronted with her most difficult choice yet.
I was BLOWN AWAY by The Temple of Fortuna. While I really enjoyed the first two books in the Wolf Den Trilogy, this third one completely has my heart and I found it to be the perfect ending to Amara's story. Often I find that trilogies are tough to conclude, but Elodie Harper was up to the task and it shows.
Obviously, we have all been waiting for Vesuvius to do its thing, and oh my gosh y'all — it was so painful to read through the characters' perspectives. Way worse than I expected. But wow is our girl a tough one. I don't really know how else to express my love for this book except to encourage you to read it! If you love historical fiction and strong women, this trilogy is for you.
Thank you so much to Elodie Harper, Union Square & Co, and NetGalley for my advance digital copy.
This Series is Flawless.
Truly, I cannot say enough good things about this series. If you've ever loved mythology, romance, historical fiction, or had a childhood obession with Pompeii, this book truly cannot miss.
Really, I think everyone should read it.
It was romantic and perilous and epic and tragic and like ten thousand other adjectives to describe perfection.
5 stars are not enough.
- I received this e-arc from Netgalley, but all opinions expressed are my own -
We finally have the conclusion to the wolf den trilogy, a very well known historical series centering on characters enslaved in a brothel in Pompeii but of course many events have occurred between these books.. These books do a great job allowing us readers explore Ancient Greece, and many other beautiful locations so if you’re looking for something adventurous, yet emotional and captivating, highly recommend binging these. This conclusion was the juicy strawberry on top the already delicious chocolate cake.
A thrilling conclusion to the Wolf Den trilogy, including the eruption we've all been waiting for. You might think that would be the climax of the story, but it's initially just another shift in our heroine Amara's fortunes, giving her opportunity for more hard decisions in her struggle for agency, purpose, and love. As with the other books in the trilogy, I could not put it down, and it's hard to believe I won't get to live with these characters any more.
What a wild, wonderful ride this is. Elodie Harper closes out her riveting Wolf Den trilogy with a bang. Every last piece of THE TEMPLE OF FORTUNA is simply flawless—I dare you to read it and not be spellbound. (Consider me a forever fan.)
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions my own.
What a unique twist on the story of Pompeii. After reading this I want to read more books seer in Ancient Greece or about Pompeii in general
I’m so thankful I was able to read this book early. I devoured the first two in the trilogy in 4 days and NEEDED the finale. Harper’s writing is so easy to read and immerse yourself into. This was such an addictive series even though it deals with heavy topics and is so heartbreaking at times. The only drawback is that I wanted more of the characters and story. Im sad this is the last we’ll see of Amara. Her story and this cast of characters will stick with me for a long time. I will definitely pick up anything Elodie writes in the future.
A truly heartbreaking and gripping ending to The Wolf Den trilogy. Love, revenge, justice, I think what gets me when reading these books was how human it feels. There is no silver lining or luck but the simple perseverance of the main character Amara. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and couldn’t put it down terrified of what might happen next. This was perfect.
"The Temple of Fortuna" by Elodie Harper is a captivating conclusion to the Wolf Den Trilogy, leaving readers with a sense of satisfaction and melancholy as we bid farewell to the remarkable journey of Amara.
Amara's story has been a rollercoaster of emotions, taking her from the depths of enslavement in Pompeii's wolf den brothel to her current status as a powerful courtesan in the heart of Rome. However, Amara's journey is far from over, and the impending eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE threatens to upend her life once again.
Elodie Harper masterfully brings the ancient world to life, immersing readers in the complexities and intrigues of Roman society. Amara's character continues to evolve, and her quest for power and agency is nothing short of inspiring. Her resilience and determination have been at the core of this series, making her a character that readers can't help but admire.
As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that the people Amara left behind in Pompeii are in grave danger. The impending eruption of Vesuvius looms large, adding an extra layer of tension and urgency to the narrative. Harper brilliantly captures the impending catastrophe and the fear that surrounds it.
"The Temple of Fortuna" is a beautifully crafted historical novel that combines romance, drama, and the impending disaster of Pompeii's destruction. Elodie Harper's evocative storytelling takes readers on a journey through the past, immersing them in a vivid world of ambition, power, and love.
For those who have followed Amara's story throughout the trilogy, this final installment provides a fitting and emotionally charged conclusion. It's a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts and those who appreciate strong, determined female protagonists.
I got an ARC of book 2 and thought about WEEKLY for the last year !! Seriously, I checked NetGalley nonstop for book 3 and screamed when I got this.
And WOW did it live up to my expectations-- I love the minute details Harper weaves into Amara's story, I felt like I was truly there in ancient Rome and Pompeii alongside her. Her journey leaving Pompeii had me turning pages like a madwoman, I couldn't stop for anything!
Additionally-- I learned so much about the eruption of Vesuvius and the accounts from that time period along the way! I thoroughly enjoyed the author interview at the end.
The Temple of Fortuna by Elodie Harper
In the third and final installment of the Wolf Den trilogy, we find Amara in Rome--still trying to escape a past that seems all too eager to keep revisiting her.
I really didn't know how Harper was going to wrap up this trilogy but I thought it was great. I am a huge fan of this series and strongly recommend it for fans of historical fiction/women-centered stories. I'm just sad it's over!!! Temple of Fortuna will be available for purchase on November 23, 2023. Many thanks to @netgalley for the ARC!