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charliauthor's Reviews (531)
Despite the seemingly low-ish rating, I really enjoyed this book. It was let down mostly by the lack of any real major outcome or crescendo of the whole thing which leave its feeling a little unfinished? Even though everything is settled at the end, there was still a feeling of: what now?
The Wolf Den follows Amara, a Greek who was sold by her mother to pay back debts and who is now a prostitute in Pompeii. She works in a brothel run by a less than honourable man named Felix and has a multitude of friends in the shape of the other prostitutes she lives with. Amara however is not as content with her lot in life as some of the other girls seem to be and instead, plots a way to get a patron - someone to like her enough to buy her or free her - so she can make a real life for herself.
The back stories and realities of what the women face is so tragic and much to real for a lot of women in ancient times and even now. They have no voice, they are used and often abused by the men they service as well as the ones who own them and this doesnt even particularly stop if one is married. It was tragic and so sad to read what they have to endure which in itself is really emotional and a good read.
Where I was left disappointed is that despite knowing what Amara's goal is, her run up to it leaves so many things left unsaid. Yes, this has happened but what about the others, what about her pimp, what is her life going to be like now? Despite the wrap up, I felt that more of the book could have been spent with the aftermath of her choices rather than just tittering up to it and throwing a shock factor death in the end.
The fact that so much is just left undone, let it down for me and while the narrative was great - despite being in third/present which i hate lol - it just could have had so much more.
I did however love the bonus content at the end of my edition that explains that the Lunapar/Wolf Den is a real place in Pompeii that you can visit and that the author took names that were graffitied on the wall to name her characters which adds a level of realism that makes it even sadder.
I definitely recommend giving it a try but i just felt it could have been a touch more hard hitting!
The Wolf Den follows Amara, a Greek who was sold by her mother to pay back debts and who is now a prostitute in Pompeii. She works in a brothel run by a less than honourable man named Felix and has a multitude of friends in the shape of the other prostitutes she lives with. Amara however is not as content with her lot in life as some of the other girls seem to be and instead, plots a way to get a patron - someone to like her enough to buy her or free her - so she can make a real life for herself.
The back stories and realities of what the women face is so tragic and much to real for a lot of women in ancient times and even now. They have no voice, they are used and often abused by the men they service as well as the ones who own them and this doesnt even particularly stop if one is married. It was tragic and so sad to read what they have to endure which in itself is really emotional and a good read.
Where I was left disappointed is that despite knowing what Amara's goal is, her run up to it leaves so many things left unsaid. Yes, this has happened but what about the others, what about her pimp, what is her life going to be like now? Despite the wrap up, I felt that more of the book could have been spent with the aftermath of her choices rather than just tittering up to it and throwing a shock factor death in the end.
Spoiler
Is that really how things end with Menander? Why do we never get to find out how terrible Rufus is so obviously going to be? What will happen to Felix and Victoria? Are Beronice and Gallus going to be caught out? Will Amara continue giving loans to people now that she is a woman of means, or atleast trying to be? What is going to happen to Paris and Fabia?The fact that so much is just left undone, let it down for me and while the narrative was great - despite being in third/present which i hate lol - it just could have had so much more.
I did however love the bonus content at the end of my edition that explains that the Lunapar/Wolf Den is a real place in Pompeii that you can visit and that the author took names that were graffitied on the wall to name her characters which adds a level of realism that makes it even sadder.
I definitely recommend giving it a try but i just felt it could have been a touch more hard hitting!
I was very excited to read a book that blatantly had on the cover, a phrase/theme that I had experienced through my life. While this book was not what I expected in many wonderful ways, the final reveal left a lot to be desired that i found myself a little cheated.
Cheated out of what could have been a very poignant and thought provoking novel about micro-aggressions in the work place. Instead, it turned out to be at times a judgement of perceived blackness and an attack on many white people.
I appreciate that this is coming from a place of personal experiences and research (Harris previously worked in Publishing) but the level in which some aggressions were enforced were a little beyond and above me. I dont take away the experiences at all, having dealt with a few in my time but it felt really combative.
Thats aside, I also didnt resonate with is as much as i may have done simply for being British. There were a lot of African American themes and portrayals and cultural elements that just didnt speak to me as they would for a native.
The biggest let down for me was the reveal/execution of the conspiracy which fell flat and just seemed rather ridiculous. It was ultimately unfair to the book because there were some amazing quotes and relatable entries that spoke volumes to issues Black people face in all spaces, not just work. However the reveals just bastardised the whole thing.
Cheated out of what could have been a very poignant and thought provoking novel about micro-aggressions in the work place. Instead, it turned out to be at times a judgement of perceived blackness and an attack on many white people.
I appreciate that this is coming from a place of personal experiences and research (Harris previously worked in Publishing) but the level in which some aggressions were enforced were a little beyond and above me. I dont take away the experiences at all, having dealt with a few in my time but it felt really combative.
Thats aside, I also didnt resonate with is as much as i may have done simply for being British. There were a lot of African American themes and portrayals and cultural elements that just didnt speak to me as they would for a native.
The biggest let down for me was the reveal/execution of the conspiracy which fell flat and just seemed rather ridiculous. It was ultimately unfair to the book because there were some amazing quotes and relatable entries that spoke volumes to issues Black people face in all spaces, not just work. However the reveals just bastardised the whole thing.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Third Review 2025
"This was always your problem, Darrow. You have an inflated view of yourself. You think you have some sort of morality tucked away. You think you are better than us, when really you are less. Forever playing games you cannot master against people you cannot match." - Chp 12
I took the time to annotate this time round and I loved so much of the quotable content and thought provoking elements of Golden Son. This book as all the others is of course about Darrow, but I think at its core, its about his relationships and his learning how to navigate them in a way that isnt inherently selfish which he tends to be. He doesnt think this of course but its definitely a learning curve for someone who always thinks they're right, or that they know better or that they have a better moral standing over others, simply because theyve been raised in different circumstances.
I adore everything about this. As a sequel, its powerful and commanding and heartbreaking in all the best and worst ways. I love the faves and the scene with Darrow and his mother when he goes back to Lykos brought me to tears. It was just so real and moving.
This book however is also made by the villains, most notably Octavia au Lune and her cadre. I cant fault this book. Ever.
----
Second Review 2023
Second read of this and just as incredible as the first time, especially the final chapter. Great set up for Morning Star.
These books are incredible but they show the depravity and filth of humanity at its very core. Theres no masking of the true evil that we are capable of and seeing that written so eloquently, really hits your core.
Its just wonderfully real and dark and gritty and honest while still maintaining the hope that resides in all of us, that we can be better, more if only we choose to.
----
First review
‘For some reason I think I am capable of great evil. Maybe thats the guilt. Maybe thats the fear of a life where I never knew Eo. I dont know. Or maybe its the fear of knowing how easily I fall to pride.” - Darrow, Golden Son
Its always hard reviewing sequels cause unless youve read the previous books, everything is pretty much a spoiler.
I will say this: @piercebrownofficial is an incredible writer who has managed to display the savagery, indecency and corruption of humanity in a way that is touching as it is crippling in its realisation.
The emotion in this book is jusy so incredible that ive found myself tearing up just from the sheer depth of what I was reading. This book makes you think and that it always a good thing in my book.
If youve read it, Im now with you on this amazing rollercoaster that is Darrow’s life. If you havent, please read this. Its just so beautiful in it tragedy and I cannot wait to go onto the next one.
"This was always your problem, Darrow. You have an inflated view of yourself. You think you have some sort of morality tucked away. You think you are better than us, when really you are less. Forever playing games you cannot master against people you cannot match." - Chp 12
I took the time to annotate this time round and I loved so much of the quotable content and thought provoking elements of Golden Son. This book as all the others is of course about Darrow, but I think at its core, its about his relationships and his learning how to navigate them in a way that isnt inherently selfish which he tends to be. He doesnt think this of course but its definitely a learning curve for someone who always thinks they're right, or that they know better or that they have a better moral standing over others, simply because theyve been raised in different circumstances.
I adore everything about this. As a sequel, its powerful and commanding and heartbreaking in all the best and worst ways. I love the faves and the scene with Darrow and
This book however is also made by the villains, most notably Octavia au Lune and her cadre. I cant fault this book. Ever.
----
Second Review 2023
Second read of this and just as incredible as the first time, especially the final chapter. Great set up for Morning Star.
These books are incredible but they show the depravity and filth of humanity at its very core. Theres no masking of the true evil that we are capable of and seeing that written so eloquently, really hits your core.
Its just wonderfully real and dark and gritty and honest while still maintaining the hope that resides in all of us, that we can be better, more if only we choose to.
----
First review
‘For some reason I think I am capable of great evil. Maybe thats the guilt. Maybe thats the fear of a life where I never knew Eo. I dont know. Or maybe its the fear of knowing how easily I fall to pride.” - Darrow, Golden Son
Its always hard reviewing sequels cause unless youve read the previous books, everything is pretty much a spoiler.
I will say this: @piercebrownofficial is an incredible writer who has managed to display the savagery, indecency and corruption of humanity in a way that is touching as it is crippling in its realisation.
The emotion in this book is jusy so incredible that ive found myself tearing up just from the sheer depth of what I was reading. This book makes you think and that it always a good thing in my book.
If youve read it, Im now with you on this amazing rollercoaster that is Darrow’s life. If you havent, please read this. Its just so beautiful in it tragedy and I cannot wait to go onto the next one.
AMAZING!
This books is AWESOME! Im not usually one for RomComs but i literally devoured this book in a day. I was so pleasantly surprised and impressed by the oddity that is Quinn Jackson and her lists lol a love story full of Black love and well to do Black folk was SO REFRESHING!! Sure there were the race tropes that im not usually a fan of but this was done in a much more current and digestible way.
I loved Quinn. I love Carter. I love them together!! Omg im gushing. I love Livvy and Auden and the bad B attorney mother!
Everything was just so perfect and funny and sweet and relatable and cute and I cant believe id not heard more about it sooner! I was so sad that it ended! Like can i get a part 2 my good sis Joya, seriously!! Amazing! Everyone should read this to just have a smile on your face for a straight hour!
This books is AWESOME! Im not usually one for RomComs but i literally devoured this book in a day. I was so pleasantly surprised and impressed by the oddity that is Quinn Jackson and her lists lol a love story full of Black love and well to do Black folk was SO REFRESHING!! Sure there were the race tropes that im not usually a fan of but this was done in a much more current and digestible way.
I loved Quinn. I love Carter. I love them together!! Omg im gushing. I love Livvy and Auden and the bad B attorney mother!
Everything was just so perfect and funny and sweet and relatable and cute and I cant believe id not heard more about it sooner! I was so sad that it ended! Like can i get a part 2 my good sis Joya, seriously!! Amazing! Everyone should read this to just have a smile on your face for a straight hour!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Second Review 2023
THIS BOOK IS SO FUCKING POWERFUL!!!
I listened to the audio this time and Eo’s song, the song of rebellion is BEAUTIFUL AND HAUNTING! I cant praise this book enough. That last line had my eyes welling up. Incredible book. Incredible!!!
- - -
First Review 2021
If I cry 5 chapters into a book, the likelihood is that I’ll love it. Im actually ashamed it took me so long to read this considering it came out in like 2014, but Red Rising is soooo good!
My first dip into sci fi and it was a good one!
Darrow is a Red. The lowest class in a Coloured society who is used to mine the minerals of Mars for human habitation. He finds out that Reds have been lied to about why he does this for centuries and with the help of some people, takes it upon himself to infiltrate the ruling colour of society - the Golds - and take them out from the inside!
What i didnt expect is that Darrow is 16 at the start of the book and basically has to get into a school of the best Golds from all across the planets. The school is no Hogwarts but a series of Houses that have to conquer the others in order to win/graduate.
RR has action, depth, sadness, romance, humour and is all written so incredibly well that you feel Darrow’s heartbreak and conflicts and happiness so heavily. Its full of so many gems about colonialism and social hierarchies that give cause to look at humanity and its disgusting nature. The system they live in is based on Ancient Rome (much like Nevernight actually) so you already have an idea of its brutality.
The plot is awesome, the characters are fabulous and I just cant recommend it highly enough. Go read it!! 😅
THIS BOOK IS SO FUCKING POWERFUL!!!
I listened to the audio this time and Eo’s song, the song of rebellion is BEAUTIFUL AND HAUNTING! I cant praise this book enough. That last line had my eyes welling up. Incredible book. Incredible!!!
- - -
First Review 2021
If I cry 5 chapters into a book, the likelihood is that I’ll love it. Im actually ashamed it took me so long to read this considering it came out in like 2014, but Red Rising is soooo good!
My first dip into sci fi and it was a good one!
Darrow is a Red. The lowest class in a Coloured society who is used to mine the minerals of Mars for human habitation. He finds out that Reds have been lied to about why he does this for centuries and with the help of some people, takes it upon himself to infiltrate the ruling colour of society - the Golds - and take them out from the inside!
What i didnt expect is that Darrow is 16 at the start of the book and basically has to get into a school of the best Golds from all across the planets. The school is no Hogwarts but a series of Houses that have to conquer the others in order to win/graduate.
RR has action, depth, sadness, romance, humour and is all written so incredibly well that you feel Darrow’s heartbreak and conflicts and happiness so heavily. Its full of so many gems about colonialism and social hierarchies that give cause to look at humanity and its disgusting nature. The system they live in is based on Ancient Rome (much like Nevernight actually) so you already have an idea of its brutality.
The plot is awesome, the characters are fabulous and I just cant recommend it highly enough. Go read it!! 😅