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The Wolf Queen
Germania Magna, 8 CE Thusnelda, princess and warrior of the Cherusci, chafes under the Roman occupation of her ancestral Germanic lands. High taxes, subjugation, and barbaric punishments have cowered too many of her people. Thusnelda will now defy her supposed Roman masters. When her long lost childhood love, Arminius, returns in a legionary uniform at the right hand of the Roman territorial governor, Thusnelda is disgusted by his betrayal. But beneath his polished Roman facade lies the soul of a warrior who never forgot his homeland. Together Thusnelda and Arminius light the spark of rebellion. Not everyone wants to see Rome ousted, though, and their biggest opponent may have the power to stop the rebellion before it starts. Thusnelda's father. Betrothed to the prince of another tribe, Thusnelda must resist Arminius' advances as she struggles to choose the cause of her people over the desires of her heart. If she makes the wrong choice, they risk having no army at all when they face off against three legions in the infamous, audacious Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2023
4 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Marie McCurdy
1 book8 followersMarie is a Florida native, California transplant, and has lived almost everywhere between. She’s been writing stories since she could hold a pen, but didn’t get serious until she joined the Marines in 2009 as a Combat Correspondent. After five years telling Marine Corps stories, she knew it was time to start telling stories of her own.
Marie currently lives in New Orleans with her fur family; three delightful cats and one questionable chihuahua mix.
Marie currently lives in New Orleans with her fur family; three delightful cats and one questionable chihuahua mix.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 4, 2025
I cannot speak enough superlatives for this incredible novel!
Thusnelda of the Cherusci is a fierce Germani warrior and a historical figure more than deserving of her own novel - and this novel is worthy of its heroine. The reader gets to follow Thusnelda through her inner struggles between duty and desire; the reader sees her gradually rise to becoming the titular Wolf Queen who inspires the disparate Germani tribes to follow her.
Her romance with Arminius is very well-paced and believable - and oh, so satisfyingly steamy. Arminius here is presented in all his complex glory; he is arrogant, he is confused, he is strong and capable, he has the ability to be gentle and considerate. He not only allows, but encourages Thusnelda's initiative and leadership - their bond is quite touching, and their love is given such a fitting treatment by McCurdy's narrative.
The book is incredibly well-researched - you cannot help but feel yourself immersed in the world of early Germania, with its many pre-Viking disparate tribes and their Iron Age conventions. It is a tough book to put down - the action whisks you along to the point that you just can't stop turning the pages!
I cannot recommend this book enough. A beautifully written piece of historical fiction giving flowers to a female warrior that history has too often overlooked. Together, she and Arminius freed Germania from the yoke of Roman occupation - and their story deserves to be told as well as this.
Thusnelda of the Cherusci is a fierce Germani warrior and a historical figure more than deserving of her own novel - and this novel is worthy of its heroine. The reader gets to follow Thusnelda through her inner struggles between duty and desire; the reader sees her gradually rise to becoming the titular Wolf Queen who inspires the disparate Germani tribes to follow her.
Her romance with Arminius is very well-paced and believable - and oh, so satisfyingly steamy. Arminius here is presented in all his complex glory; he is arrogant, he is confused, he is strong and capable, he has the ability to be gentle and considerate. He not only allows, but encourages Thusnelda's initiative and leadership - their bond is quite touching, and their love is given such a fitting treatment by McCurdy's narrative.
The book is incredibly well-researched - you cannot help but feel yourself immersed in the world of early Germania, with its many pre-Viking disparate tribes and their Iron Age conventions. It is a tough book to put down - the action whisks you along to the point that you just can't stop turning the pages!
I cannot recommend this book enough. A beautifully written piece of historical fiction giving flowers to a female warrior that history has too often overlooked. Together, she and Arminius freed Germania from the yoke of Roman occupation - and their story deserves to be told as well as this.
November 10, 2023
I had never heard of Thusnelda before reading this book, but I did know about Arminius and The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, so I found the subject matter interesting. The book did not disappoint, although it reads slightly different than research on the Internet. With not much information about the subject matter out there, this was a believable and intriguing story!
This is the first book I've read from this author. She has the writing style that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go till the end. If you like history, drama and a bit of romance, you should definitely give The Wolf Queen a read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the first book I've read from this author. She has the writing style that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go till the end. If you like history, drama and a bit of romance, you should definitely give The Wolf Queen a read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2023
This is a story that Carries a lot of historical details for those who love history like I do. I also admire a woman of that era who is strong enough to know what they want, stand and fight for what they believe. This book has all of that and so much more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2023
The Wolf Queen is an historical novel, set in the time of the early Roman Empire, but focusing on the peoples of Germania across the Rhine. It’s a bloody and violent story about a major incident in the relationship between Rome and its “barbarian” neighbors. It’s also a very sexy and involving love story.
Thusnelda is the daughter of a chieftain of the Cherusci tribe of the Germani. As a girl, she was once betrothed to a young Cherusci warrior named Ermin, but he was captured by the Romans and taken, as far as Thusnelda knows, into slavery. Thusnelda grows up a warrior-woman in her own right, working behind the scenes to prop up her rather ineffectual father and brothers in their position as the leading family of the Cherusci. In fact, she rather despises her family, who are loyal clients of the Roman Empire, and secretly she burns for German freedom.
Early in the story, we see Thusnelda and another German girl assaulted by a Roman patrol. They defend themselves fiercely, killing several Roman soldiers, before being overcome. Thusnelda is brought before the Roman governor of Germania, Publius Quinctilius Varus. The governor reprimands the soldiers and lets Thusnelda go . . . but not before she sees her once-betrothed for the first time in years. Ermin is now calling himself “Arminius” in the Roman style, and he is not only a Roman citizen but also a commander of auxiliary troops under Varus.
Much of the novel is devoted to the efforts of Thusnelda and Arminius to foment a revolt against Roman authority. Thusnelda doesn’t trust Arminius at first, and the two of them often work at cross-purposes. Meanwhile, Thusnelda’s rebellious activities alienate her from the rest of her Roman-loyalist family. Her new fiancé, a chieftain of the Chatti tribe named Reimar, suspects she is becoming romantically involved with Arminius and becomes increasingly hostile. Thusnelda spends most of the story torn among conflicting loyalties, especially after she realizes she does still have feelings for Arminius.
The astute reader will know from the beginning how the historical story will turn out: the German revolt of 9 AD and the famous Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. Ms. McCurdy’s retelling of these events is very well-researched and plausible, reflecting what little is known about German society and political culture at that time. She does a great job of taking the available sources – all of them Roman and not necessarily credible – and treating them with critical attention. In particular, her reinterpretation of the documented relationship between Thusnelda and Arminius was very credible.
If anything, I was surprised when this novel drew to a close, because I knew Thusnelda’s story was far from over. I understand Ms. McCurdy plans a sequel, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what she does with that.
The narrative flow here is very smooth. The story is told entirely from Thusnelda’s first-person viewpoint, and we get a good look at her opinions and reactions to everything that happens. Exposition is very gracefully handled; Ms. McCurdy rarely succumbs to the temptation for an “information dump,” instead painting a picture of the time and place entirely through Thusnelda’s eyes. Very nicely done for a debut novel.
Readers should be aware that the story is full of graphic language, explicit scenes of violence, and a few very explicit sex scenes. I caught a few copy- and line-editing stumbles, but they were rare and never had the effect of pulling me out of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Wolf Queen, and I’m certainly looking forward to anything else Ms. McCurdy might create. Very highly recommended.
Thusnelda is the daughter of a chieftain of the Cherusci tribe of the Germani. As a girl, she was once betrothed to a young Cherusci warrior named Ermin, but he was captured by the Romans and taken, as far as Thusnelda knows, into slavery. Thusnelda grows up a warrior-woman in her own right, working behind the scenes to prop up her rather ineffectual father and brothers in their position as the leading family of the Cherusci. In fact, she rather despises her family, who are loyal clients of the Roman Empire, and secretly she burns for German freedom.
Early in the story, we see Thusnelda and another German girl assaulted by a Roman patrol. They defend themselves fiercely, killing several Roman soldiers, before being overcome. Thusnelda is brought before the Roman governor of Germania, Publius Quinctilius Varus. The governor reprimands the soldiers and lets Thusnelda go . . . but not before she sees her once-betrothed for the first time in years. Ermin is now calling himself “Arminius” in the Roman style, and he is not only a Roman citizen but also a commander of auxiliary troops under Varus.
Much of the novel is devoted to the efforts of Thusnelda and Arminius to foment a revolt against Roman authority. Thusnelda doesn’t trust Arminius at first, and the two of them often work at cross-purposes. Meanwhile, Thusnelda’s rebellious activities alienate her from the rest of her Roman-loyalist family. Her new fiancé, a chieftain of the Chatti tribe named Reimar, suspects she is becoming romantically involved with Arminius and becomes increasingly hostile. Thusnelda spends most of the story torn among conflicting loyalties, especially after she realizes she does still have feelings for Arminius.
The astute reader will know from the beginning how the historical story will turn out: the German revolt of 9 AD and the famous Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. Ms. McCurdy’s retelling of these events is very well-researched and plausible, reflecting what little is known about German society and political culture at that time. She does a great job of taking the available sources – all of them Roman and not necessarily credible – and treating them with critical attention. In particular, her reinterpretation of the documented relationship between Thusnelda and Arminius was very credible.
If anything, I was surprised when this novel drew to a close, because I knew Thusnelda’s story was far from over. I understand Ms. McCurdy plans a sequel, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what she does with that.
The narrative flow here is very smooth. The story is told entirely from Thusnelda’s first-person viewpoint, and we get a good look at her opinions and reactions to everything that happens. Exposition is very gracefully handled; Ms. McCurdy rarely succumbs to the temptation for an “information dump,” instead painting a picture of the time and place entirely through Thusnelda’s eyes. Very nicely done for a debut novel.
Readers should be aware that the story is full of graphic language, explicit scenes of violence, and a few very explicit sex scenes. I caught a few copy- and line-editing stumbles, but they were rare and never had the effect of pulling me out of the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Wolf Queen, and I’m certainly looking forward to anything else Ms. McCurdy might create. Very highly recommended.
February 4, 2024
** 4-4.5 stars **
This is a story of the love between Arminius and Thusnelda and the lead up to the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. The book breathed life into the little was known history and culture of the Cherusci and other Germanic tribes as they had no written language. The historic sources used for this book is based on Roman historians such as the texts from Tacitus and Cassius Dio.
I found this historic fiction to be compelling, enthralling and well-researched. I very much enjoyed reading & learning about Germania Magna in 8 CE; the tribes, their chieftains and councils, the role of women and battle, slavery and other practices.
Noted also was the political and social implication of the use of Roman texts as primary source for the story of one of the most important defeats in the Roman history. The story is interpreted and retold in a way that is realistic and believable.
Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for such a wonderful recount of the story of the Battle of Teutoburg Forest and of Arminuis & Thursnelda who I would not have known had not been for this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a story of the love between Arminius and Thusnelda and the lead up to the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. The book breathed life into the little was known history and culture of the Cherusci and other Germanic tribes as they had no written language. The historic sources used for this book is based on Roman historians such as the texts from Tacitus and Cassius Dio.
I found this historic fiction to be compelling, enthralling and well-researched. I very much enjoyed reading & learning about Germania Magna in 8 CE; the tribes, their chieftains and councils, the role of women and battle, slavery and other practices.
Noted also was the political and social implication of the use of Roman texts as primary source for the story of one of the most important defeats in the Roman history. The story is interpreted and retold in a way that is realistic and believable.
Thanks to Book Sirens and the author for such a wonderful recount of the story of the Battle of Teutoburg Forest and of Arminuis & Thursnelda who I would not have known had not been for this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 26, 2024
Incredible. The perfect blend of first person narrative, observant storytelling, and historical detail. Thusnelda is the perfect main character. She is complex, intelligent, emotional, brave, and real. She struggles to navigate decisions, make the right choice, and free her tribe. She is a realistically amazing warrior, with limitations, but never weak or too proud to accept help. She cares deeply and sacrifices everything. A beautiful love story, steeped in history, and surrounding fantastic battle scenes … Marie McCurdy took a few short historical lines about Arminius and Thusnelda and created an epic story. I look forward with great anticipation for the sequel. You will not be disappointed. The best ARC I have received so far. Hard to beat.
June 23, 2024
The story of the warrior germanic woman Thusnelda, that fights to earn her people freedom for the romans. Her great love with Arminius will make her choose betteween her honer as chief daughter and her right to choose her own destiny.
It was the type of the book that I love, that show us a great woman leader and also made me learn more about the pre-Germany time ( we do not have many records about these tribes and is good to imagine that would they act). The way the love between them evolved is other thing that I enjoy a lot, especially since Arminius always respected Thusnelda decisions and made clear that they will be partners.
It was the type of the book that I love, that show us a great woman leader and also made me learn more about the pre-Germany time ( we do not have many records about these tribes and is good to imagine that would they act). The way the love between them evolved is other thing that I enjoy a lot, especially since Arminius always respected Thusnelda decisions and made clear that they will be partners.
March 17, 2024
The Roman Empire is my Roman Empire, so I was both excited and hesitant about this book. I also find that historical fiction is a genre that is really hit or miss for me, so this book stayed on my bookshelf for a while before I picked it up to read.
I have no idea why I waited so long to read it because the story really grabbed and pulled me in. I thought Thusnelda and Arminius were wonderful characters, and the author did a great job of making all of the characters come to life. It made for a really enjoyable and quick read.
I have no idea why I waited so long to read it because the story really grabbed and pulled me in. I thought Thusnelda and Arminius were wonderful characters, and the author did a great job of making all of the characters come to life. It made for a really enjoyable and quick read.
July 19, 2024
She is a queen who is now ruled by the Romans and she is tired of what her people are going through. She is for a shock when she sees her lover dressed as a Roman soldier and she is not happy. He is still loyal to her people and maybe he can help bring them down from the inside. How will they get on? Can they rebel against the romans? See how they will get on
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
July 28, 2024
Thusnelda is a warrior princess of her tribe and vows to avenge her mother’s death after the Romans raided her village. Her betrothed Arminius a Germani chief now a Roman officer has a proposition of rebellion for Thusnelda. At first Thusnelda does not trust Arminius until he proves his worthiness to her. I really enjoyed this phenomenal historical romance fiction novel.
January 6, 2024
Wolves typically are not my thing but this story was wonderful! A strong heroine, a great plot, and interesting characters which is perfect for paranormal readers.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2024
ARC Review ✨️
☆Historical Fiction♡
This story is a mix of a steamy romance, history, wolf's, and amazing characters, including a strong FMC 💪 😍 The Wolf Queen was a pageturner, and I'm obsessed with this author's writing!
☆Historical Fiction♡
This story is a mix of a steamy romance, history, wolf's, and amazing characters, including a strong FMC 💪 😍 The Wolf Queen was a pageturner, and I'm obsessed with this author's writing!
July 26, 2025
I enjoyed the book. It reads like a historical fiction with some romance. It is about historical figures and I enjoyed the tone/voice of the book. I typically enjoy reading about history so this book is something I enjoyed.
January 4, 2024
Sometimes I push myself to read something outside my usual go-to genres, and I’m so glad I did so with The Wolf Queen. Marie McCurdy delivers a meticulously researched, propulsive page-turner featuring beautifully drawn characters, a strong female protagonist (and her band of badass warriors), love stories on several levels, evocative settings, heartache, and triumph. It’s especially gratifying to know she rescued this story from the scrap heap of history and built it into a tale for the ages. A rollicking, bloody, sexy, compelling read.
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February 1, 2024Review to be posted via the Historical Novel Society in April 2024.
July 18, 2024
I've got my review copy from booksirens.
Absolutely compulsive read, very easy to immerse yourself into if you are looking for a Germanic /roman empire historical fiction that's heavy on politics and military. The author did a great job with the technical aspects of it and her own training shows in the descriptive pages. My only tiny star deduction is because of the constant cussing and while Germanic tribes might have been crass, "clout" most likely was no in their vocabulary, and while the entirety of the characters arc is great in theory , in practice it felt a bit dry and the intermittent relationships skippable at best.
Besides those blotches of faults the story in itself was really well crafted and worth reading for those who love historical fiction that is not WW2.
Absolutely compulsive read, very easy to immerse yourself into if you are looking for a Germanic /roman empire historical fiction that's heavy on politics and military. The author did a great job with the technical aspects of it and her own training shows in the descriptive pages. My only tiny star deduction is because of the constant cussing and while Germanic tribes might have been crass, "clout" most likely was no in their vocabulary, and while the entirety of the characters arc is great in theory , in practice it felt a bit dry and the intermittent relationships skippable at best.
Besides those blotches of faults the story in itself was really well crafted and worth reading for those who love historical fiction that is not WW2.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews