The Temple of Fortuna is the third and final instalment of the Wolf Den series and is my absolute favourite of the series.
We follow Amara, who's living in Rome now as a concubine with her new patron Demetrious and has risen in stature and riches. When Amaras life is put in danger, Demetrious asks her to become his wife to secure her safety and wedding plans commence. Amara returns to Pompeii for her safety and to spend time with her daughter Rufina and get materials for her wedding.
Felix, her ex slave master and pimp is still tormenting her and threatens her future, holding her secrets over her.
When earthquakes occur followed by the eruption of a volcano leaving everyone running for their lives.
I couldn't put this book down and raced ahead to find out what would happen to not only Amara but so many of my other favourite characters, especially Britannica.
This book was an emotional rollercoaster, and the decisions Amara had to make along with the opportunity's presented to her from the disaster really wrenched my heart. I'm so glad she made the decision she did and found myself welling up with tears for those lost in the story. The ending was a lovely surprise, and I can't wait to see where this will take us in Elodies next project.
The narrator of this book was perfect and had a mesmerising and befitting tone of voice for the story.

‘The Temple of Fortuna brings to a successful conclusion a series that conjures up the ancient Roman world in vivid detail’ Nick Rennison, Sunday Times 19.11.23.

The year is AD79 and the book opens with Amara living in Rome with her patron Demetrius, where she is caught up in the political scheming of the time. Her life is one of riches and comfort, a stark contrast to her earlier years when she was working in the Wolf Den, the brothel, in Pompeii, run by the machiavellian and deeply unpleasant Felix.

She returns to Pompeii to see her young daughter, who is being cared for by her former lover and father of the child, a young man for whom she still cares deeply. But given the mores and machinations of the period, she is due to marry her patron, a fairly cool man when it comes to a relationship but someone who is good enough to her.

Once back in Pompeii there are already ominous tremors, a portent to the eruption that we know will come. She reacquaints herself with her former lover, her daughter and other friends and is pleased to connect once again with Britannica, the gladiatrix whom she sponsors. And then Vesuvius starts to erupt, the darkness of the volcanic cloud descends and ash and molten rock spur the residents to either hunker down in their buildings or to flee, seeing them escape to Surrentum and Neapolis.

This is a well-paced novel that truly transports the reader back to the time and place. There are wonderful details included from the era: from nail painting and malachite eye shadow; descriptions of the funeral rites of an emperor, when an eagle is released taking the emperor’s soul to pastures new. This makes for a stunning conclusion to the series and can be read as a standalone, although the whole story of Amara might be richer if read in sequence. This is definitely a series to read in preparation for a visit to Pompeii, where you can see the actual wolf den featured in the stories and explore the streets that Amara might have walked…. all the while imagining the daily life that went on in the town, the fast food stands, the debates in the forum, the oil candles burning at night time. It really brings that period to full and colourful life.

A very good read. Recommended.

And just like that, one of my favourite trilogies is over…or is it 😉

I’ve been on a lovely readalong of this one, and it’s been hard to stop myself devouring the whole story in one go! The romance, horror and excitement of it all had me desperate for more and I thought it was the perfect way to end Amara’s story.

All of these novels have been difficult to read at times, but this hit even harder. Even though I’ve been to Pompeii and seen what’s left of it, this story paints the absolute terror and heartache of the disaster so vividly and really brings home the human cost of it. I knew it was coming, but it still left me breathless.

Thankfully it ends on a much higher note, and whilst I don’t want to give anything away, the romantic in me is very happy! And I REALLY hope that ending means what I think it means…

A superb conclusion to the Wolf Den trilogy. Set against the background of the Roman empire and amidst the streets of Pompeii and the shadow of Mt Vesuvius, we again meet Amara, a freed slave, engaged to an important Roman. She has come a long way from her position in the Wolf Den brothel, in book 1 of the same name, and this book picks up immediately after the events of book 2: The House with the Golden Door. Amara's status always seems to hang in the balance, though, with her previous owner present as a menacing threat to revert her back to her old days. There is so much drama in this book based on the natural disaster of Mt Vesuvius. Its eruption causes chaos and shapes the course of events for all and bringing so much loss. an absolutely absorbing listen #thetempleoffortuna #thewolfdentrilogy #elodieharper #netgalley #wfhowes #headifzeus #romanempire #womensfiction

I didn’t read the first two books in this series so probably not the most valid review.

This book felt like two books. Before and after the eruption of Vesuvius. The pacing before that felt quite slow to me and I found myself a bit bored.

I really liked the way it explored Amara’s relationship with her daughter Rufina and the way she chose to be with Philos in the end.

The murder of Felix was very satisfying but felt very sudden the way it ended abruptly after that. Maybe that’s just because it was an audiobook so I didn’t see it coming.

I liked the way the chapters were laid out with little epilogue style quotes before each one.

Having loved The Wolf Den, the second book felt slightly slower in comparison. Happily, The Temple of Fortuna is a return to form, with plenty of action and emotion. Even though we know what will transpire, it’s no less sad when many beloved characters are discovered to be dead. The distress felt by the characters is genuine and hurts us as readers as well, because we have also been on the journey with them.

It is a little predictable, but that is often the case with historical fiction, and Harper conjures up such a fabulous world that it doesn’t really matter. Amara’s feistiness is not lost, despite the setbacks and her relationship with her daughter is credible, given the circumstances. Britannica continues to delight with her own story and it’s great to see side characters develop throughout the books.

Well-written, well-researched and full of rich description and drama, this is a fantastic conclusion to a wonderful series.

I’ve clearly missed out because when I requested this title, I was unaware that it’s the third of a trilogy. I’ve missed the first two, but that aside, this does work well as a standalone. I’ll certainly be catching up on the first two volumes because I’ve enjoyed this so much. It brings this Roman period to life and is filled with plausible historic detail.

Amara has risen above her poor start in a brothel and is now feted by the powerful. She comes across immediately as a strong and resourceful female, one capable of taking charge of her own destiny. In a city where plots for power and favours for improved fortune are around every corner, this tale moves at a very satisfying pace. There are friendships and irrevocable bonds along with trickery and deceit. There’s a real feel of vibrancy in the narrative; both people and places come to life. Amhara’s position is precarious and previous events threaten her status and make her feel guilty. The pace hots up, literally, when Amara goes to Pompeii and Elodie Harper has clearly researched the era well. There’s a real feel for period detail and it’s like stepping back in time and gaining some understanding of the culture.

Exceptionally well written, complex and all human nature is here. I’ve really enjoyed this book. Narration throughout is excellent and adds to the experience. Very highly recommended.