A review by sophiareads_
The House With the Golden Door by Elodie Harper

challenging dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Content Warnings: slavery, sexual assault, rape, violence, death, disordered eating 
 
I listened to the audiobook of The Wolf Den not too long ago (fully believing it was a stand alone) and really enjoyed it, so I was super excited to receive an ARC for The House with the Golden Door and oh yeah. This was really really excellent. 
 
The House with the Golden Door is historical fiction set in ancient Pompeii. In the second book of this trilogy, we continue to follow Amara now that she has escaped slavery in one of Pompeii's most infamous brothels. Though her situation has no doubt improved since gaining her freedom, Amara still treads a dangerous line as a concubine freedwoman in Pompeii. 
 
Reading this trilogy has really reminded me how much I enjoy historical fiction. Despite the dark subject matter - this book doesn't shy away from portraying the rough reality of life for women (particularly enslaved women) in ancient Pompeii - reading them is a thoroughly enjoyable and cohesive experience. Every aspect of how it's written - from the slow pace to Harper's blunt, matter-of-fact writing style - perfectly complements the story being told here. Amara is such a great character - she's so complex and smart, and Harper's portrayal of her is wonderfully nuanced. In this book particularly, her character development and growth - ebbing and flowing as it is - is really great. 
 
If you enjoyed the first book in this series, it should be an absolute no brainer to pick this one up. People often complain that a second book in a trilogy is usually weaker than the first, but I really didn't find that with this one. I can confidently say book 3 has secured itself on my list of most eagerly anticipated future releases! 
 
Thank you to Elodie Harper, NetGalley, and Head of Zeus for the eARC of The House with the Golden Door. 
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