To Be Wolves

The Vesta Shadows Trilogy #2

by Debra May Macleod

In the stratified world of ancient Rome, there are citizens and slaves, soldiers and senators, priests and priestesses--and Caesar Augustus rules them all. Yet his authority holds only as long as the people believe the gods of Rome support him, particularly the beloved goddess of the home and hearth, Vesta.

As chief Vestal Virgin, Pomponia continues to devote her life to protecting her order and the eternal flame of Vesta. She has risen to a position of esteem in Rome and is a valued member of Caesar's inner circle. But now a contagion ravages the city and tension rises among Rome's inhabitants.

While she struggles to manage the Vestal order and maintain the favor of the goddess, Pomponia must now face a malevolent nobleman, Soren, whose machinations against her threaten not just her friendship with Caesar, but everything she loves.

In To Be Wolves, Book Two in the Vesta Shadows series, Debra May Macleod takes us back to her richly crafted and meticulously researched vision of ancient Rome, artfully re-created with both historical and all-new characters, from conniving elites to celebrity slaves. An even bolder offering than its predecessor, this gripping sequel to Brides of Rome explores an even darker side of Rome.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Roman

309 pages, Hardcover

First published October 26, 2021

About the author

Debra May Macleod is an author of historical fiction and nonfiction focusing on the ancient Roman religion of Vesta and the Vestal Virgins. She is privileged to have been invited to participate in research excursions in the Forum Romanum, the Forum of Caesar and Imperial Fora, including places inaccessible to the general public, and informs her writing and work with this invaluable perspective. Debra has a Bachelor of Arts (English, Classics) as well as a law degree. She lives in Canada with her husband and son, visiting Italy often for research (and sun).

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of the story feels disjointed. There is a gap of 51 years after the first chapter, and the way the second chapter is presented at some point I was wondering if there was another gap in years. But there is none. It takes time, to make sense of all the names and where the story is going.

It is plot-driven, which I struggle with. The fight for power is the main theme. I need good character development to be able to connect with it, and thus with the story.

I appreciate stories rich in historical background, but I felt as simplified version would give this story a better flow. In general, the ancient world is harder for me to grasp. So if you are well-read in this time period, then you may feel differently.

There are some pretty brutal scenes for example decimation – beaten to death by clubs, so no one deserts Roman army or the sack penalty for patricide - accused is put into a sack with a snake and dog. If you’re interested in an authentic story of ancient times, then I guess it would include also those not so easy to read tactics.

This is certainly a richly crafted and well-researched story, giving an authentic feel of the time period.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Monica Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read about Ancient Rome! This novel definitely showed the darker side of what went on during the reign of Octavian (Augustus Caesar) but I found it fascinating. This was the second in the series and I honestly did not remember much from the first book but it did not matter. You could definitely read this as a stand alone. However I will be reading the next one very soon as there was a little bit of a cliffhanger at the end of this one.

The novel was told from multiple view points and there were some fast transitions. There were a few times where this was a little confusing. I did enjoy the insights though into so many people. Pomponia is a vestal virgin and she is trying to do what is best for her temple. This means keeping Ceasar and his wife, Livia happy. There was lots of drama and struggle to see who would stay in power and get their way. Anyone who loves reading about ancient history would enjoy this book.

[caffeinated reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pomponia grows in confidence as she is dutifully recognized by Caesar Augustus as critical in maintaining the balance of power. As Vestalis Maxima, she realises that to protect the college of Vestals, she will need to make difficult choices in her personal life, be ruthless in her dealings with Augustus' immediate circle, and utterly practical in maintaining the public's awe of the Vestals.

Another of Debra May Macleod's unputdownable books!

[Darcia Helle · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Be Wolves takes us back to 21 BCE Rome, where the Vestal Virgins quietly wielded power alongside Caesar Augustus, playing a game of political chess that altered and sometimes ended lives.

Ancient Rome was a brutal, dangerous, violent place, and Debra May MacLeod doesn’t hold back on the details. At times I was literally holding my breath as I read—experienced—a scene. All the details came alive with intense realism.

MacLeod excels at creating setting and atmosphere. One minute I was enjoying the opulence inside the castle, with its fragrant air and luxurious fabrics, and the next minute I was trudging through mucky streets in slums that reeked of sewage and despair.

This story is a fascinating, dramatic look at ancient Rome and the Vestal Virgins’ role among the elite.

To Be Wolves is the second book in The Vesta Shadows Trilogy, following Brides of Rome. While I loved the first book, this one is even better. I definitely recommend reading these books in order.

*I received a free copy from Blackstone Publishing.*

[Gigi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual star rating 3.5

[Doros Lesesofa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es war spannend von A bis Z, ließ einen vollkommen ins römische Leben abtauchen.
Von einer Archäologin geschrieben, ist es dennoch nicht trocken und museal, ganz im Gegenteil.
Man erfährt viel über das Leben der Sklaven damals; insbesondere, wie es für sie war, einen schlechten, grausamen Herrn zu haben.
Hier kommt auch das"Sklavengesetz" zur Anwendung: Brachte ein Sklave seinen Herrn um, oder versuchte dies auch nur, so mussten sämtliche Sklaven dieses Haushaltes hingerichtet werden!
Die Sklaven der Reichen und Mächtigen hatten es meistens besser, lebten aber auch gefährlich, da sie als Spione genutzt werden konnten...

Trotz der ganzen Gewalt gibt es von mir mit fünf Sternen die volle Punktzahl, weil nicht nur die sympathische Pomponia das alles mehr als wettmacht.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is amazing! It is intriguing, gripping, haunting, moving, and so much more. Whenever I picked up "To Be Wolves", I was whisked back in time to Ancient Rome, and went on such an emotional journey with this story.

This is the second book in Debra May Macleod's "The Vesta Shadow" series, and she truly is such an incredible writer who immerses the reader in the world of the book from the first page to the last. Her writing style is visceral, vivid, enthralling, and meticulously researched. I could envision each moment, and often forgot that I was at home reading a book. I can only begin to imagine how much thought she put into each moment throughout this novel. Ms. Macleod seamlessly blends history and fiction together, and I had such a difficult time putting this book down.

As Octavian, emperor of Rome, lays incredibly ill from a sickness that is spreading throughout Rome, his wife Livia's mind turns to what will happen if her husband dies, and what that will mean for her and her son. High Priestess Pompania continues to protect the eternal flame of Vesta, and tries to keep herself and the other vestal virgins safe. As things around her continue to become more and more dangerous, Pompania must deal with new threats, as well as older ones. I do not want to discuss too much of the plot in this review due to spoilers, so, I will simply say this book is a must-read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Many moments had me holding my breath.

Every character throughout this book helps to move the story and plot in one way or another. At times difficult to read due to what occurs, Ms. Macleod's storytelling made me feel like I was right there with the characters witnessing everything happen. From the sights, sounds, and smells, everything is so descriptively told that I truly felt engrossed in the world of the book.

Ancient Rome is one of my favorite time periods to read a story set in, as well as one of my favorite time periods to learn about. I truly feel like I learn so much from Ms. Macleod's books, which include being about the Roman gods and goddesses, historical figures, Ancient Roman customs, and many other things too.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book! It kept me turning the pages into the early hours of the morning to see what would happen next, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book that the author writes in this incredible series.

Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing for the ARC of this book, it is incredible! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Tissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover: Not bad. I’m growing tired of this women portrayed from behind thing, but what can I do? At some point, it’ll die out. Or so I hope.

I loved Brides of Rome back then just as much as I love To Be Wolves. It’s a great, solid sequel, so much that I went and bought the third installment of the series—I don’t buy books anymore, as I get 1) a ton from publishers 2) another ton from authors 3) yet another ton from libraries. Still, Macleod got me wrapped around her pinky, haha.

I need to know what happens next.

Anyway!

Pomponia is still the MC, a good choice since she’s a character strong enough to carry the entire plot almost by herself. New and old characters support her well; I have to say that the forbidden-but-not-physical trick felt a little stale this time, because it already happened in the first book. The core of a story about the Vestal order is the chastity vow a Vestal must take, and that’s a given. However, if both couples behave in the same way, where’s the novelty? Repetitions or coincidences are a crime in fiction, I think.

Syntax and grammar are top-notch level, and I wasn’t expecting anything less from Macleod. The story is so captivating that I set aside all the other books I was reading and focused solely on this one.

A couple of things didn’t sit well with me: there are two (one and a half?) tiny historical missteps that killed the mood at once. It’s not a big deal, and they’ll unnoticed if you’re reading for pleasure. I’m cursed with too sharp eyes for details, though, so here we are.

At any rate, once those (and a missing word) get fixed, the book becomes flawless.

4,5 stars on GR, rounded up.

[Want more? Check out Bookshelves & Teacups]

[Thu Ha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not deserving of the high rating. Please make it make sense.

None of the political maneuvers in this book make sense. If someone wanted to preserve the trajectory of history, maybe they shouldn't have placed the main character in a position to change the outcome of many events or they shouldn't have taken rumors, some of which are baseless and contradict what happened, so seriously. If you are using actual people and their actual accomplishments in the story, you can't twist their characters and motives too much because if the characters and motives are twisted, it would create contradictions. There are things you can add or imagine but they need to be consistent with their life.

One of the major female characters just killed the grandsons of the Emperor and his physician found some traces of poison ... in the mouth of the victim. Yet, nothing came out of that.???? My gosh, the physician found poison in the mouth of the victim - nothing came out of it. May I have to remind everyone how powerless women are that they can make people whom their husband was paying and owning keep a secret and betray him??? The culprit saw the physician picking up the trace, and the physician noticed her. Yet, the physician didn't even try to warn his master in exchange for his safety. Getting away with poisoning someone that important is beyond believable. Too many people are involved, too many people who have no incentive to hide the crime. The only actual logical conclusion is the crime never happened. And for godsaken, this is no ordinary man, this is one of the most cunning and perceptive humans alive - Octavian. He didn't become a First Citizen by being a gullible fool who couldn't get the loyalty of his slaves and household. She treated the slaves like shit, the people around her like shit and they are more loyal to her than him - the person not only paid everyone but also treated them better??? There is no way, if this had an ounce of realism that the murderer could have poisoned so many people without someone noticing and not snitching the moment they have a shred of doubt. Thus, no, even if the rumor is a very saucy one, it is very very unlikely to be true. How people can reconcile the absolute beast and master politician that was the real Octavian to this ridiculous version of him is astonishing.

And why a Vestal Virgin has such an intimate personal relationship with a seasoned manipulator of religion and propaganda, who can put on different faces to suit different people and occasions I would never know. That man ain't the sentimental type or the type to over-share personal detail with a Vestal Virgin of all people. That guy's entire career relied upon NOT letting ANYONE accurately guess his motive. No way in Hell. Why would he do or say anything like in the book? When he has little control over her and no personal favor that would guarantee undying loyalty. The donations and legislation guarantee a political alliance not undying trust between friends. What if Octavian does die, nothing will happen to the Vestal Virgins because they are irrelevant. They don't make laws, or control armies but they have public support so any replacement would curry favor with them, not strike them down. Therefore, they don't rely on the favor of the Princept to function. No one goes around killing priests unless they are religiously motivated especially ones that are so inoffensive such as the Vestal Virgin. Rome during that time was not plagued by religious tension so I don't even know why exactly a Vestal Virgin had such a vested interest in the succession or family matter of the First Family. What? Was she his mistress or something?

And like, if Octavian wanted to he would divorce Livia. Why?? This guy didn't become the most powerful man with the most robust propaganda machine to be phased by the "fatal" consequence of divorcing his wife which was never that big of a deal for people. What? He would look hypocritical if he did. Give me a break. It would not affect him one bit. She was not the most popular person, her track record was not that of Octavia. If he said she was being a shrew or an unfaithful wife, she would be out of his life in the few seconds it takes him to announce the divorce. The characterization of Livia was highly unrealistic. Ah yes, she provided him with virgins, poisoned his family, manipulated him, and all that horrible shit. Sure, like a man like that would let anyone do half the thing she was accused of. He had slaves, cooks, physicians, money, power, and everything. He doesn't need her to provide him with virgins, Desponia could do that for him or any number of people underneath him. Did he need her name? No. Or her dowry. Ha. He confiscated her entire family fortune with 1 order. He had no need for her other than his actual love for her. He doesn't even need her to take care of his children because Octavia is right there. Besides, any other woman would love them as if they were their own, pretend or genuine. What? Does he need an obedient wife who would look away when he cheated? Sure, he needs to marry a woman 6 months pregnant with another man's child to have an obedient wife. I am sure Divus Julius married Calpurnia when she was pregnant with another man's child for her tolerable nature.

So from every way I looked at this, Octavian did love Livia and loved her for a very long time and like no others, enough to stay with her when he had no reason to, especially when Livia couldn't produce a son. He treated Drusus like his actual children, and to a lesser extent Tiberius, even let them live with him when their father died. His genuine love for her is the only feasible reason why he stayed with her for so long without children, a fortune, or any serious political favors. And that love is not sustained on his sexual desire or her appearance. Why? Because you don't marry someone who only has a pretty face. People sleep with a pretty face but they need more to marry. He didn't marry her for her virtue or good public image I can guarantee that. Her image was his creation. Before, she was an insignificant wife of an insignificant man. She became what she is because he wanted her to have that image of a perfect Roman wife (probably to suit his agenda) To be able to make him do so much for her for such little gain to himself, it does require something more than just physical attraction.

[athomewithmylibrary]

I read The Brides of Rome previously and enjoyed that, despite the violence and brutality within the aspects of the story, I felt the overall story absorbed these well. I read about half of To Be Wolves and I'm sorry to say that I just cannot continue with it, the incredibly detailed descriptions of the cruelty and barbarity contained within this sequel are just beyond what I feel is necessary to add to the story. Yes, I am aware that the Ancient Roman Empire was a brutal time in history, but I feel adding so much of this was purely for sensationalism and added nothing to the story. In fact, it made me disconnect with the characters completely, I didn't like a single character, no one has any compassion for fellow human beings no matter their rank in life and I just couldn't continue with this bloodbath, I don't find it entertaining or illuminating.

[Rekha O'Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book - I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but I have to admit that I wasn't sure Pomponia was an interesting enough character to get her through another book. Well, I admit I was wrong. Pomponia evolves in this book and learns to wield her power. The book isn't just about her though - it's about the other Vestal Virgins their role in the politics of that time. The author brings Ancient Rome to life in a way that few novelists are able to do.

I'm looking forward to reading more.

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, Macleod gives us less of the Vestals and chooses to focus on a despicable human being who spends most of the novel torturing, raping, and humiliating his slaves. We also get excruciating (see what I did there?) details of the death of his "favorite" slave by crucifixion, a woman we never get to know beforehand. This kind of wallowing in violence and misery makes me fear for the psychological state of the author, honestly. I hope Soren gets his comeuppance in the final book in this trilogy, and I hope there's less suffering of innocents.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was confused on why there was such a big gap between the prologue and the first chapter. I do like that the book still follows from the first book from the first chapter. I have enjoyed the way that story has progressed in the way that has. I love the way that I would be given the phrase in Latin in the sentence and then it would be translated into English, maybe one or 2 sentences later. The reason why I love this is because I don't have to keep putting the book down to Google what the phrase is said.

[Leen Reynaerts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again, a very easy read, but this time, the characters possessed a little bit more of depth: we saw the softer side of Livia and the tougher side of Pomponia. It was less coherent than the first part - still not sure what the purpose was of the characters Soren and Tacita - so I am hoping that the third part will proved some answers.

[Sara woolley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing read. Can't wait for book 3!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in this series, and once again I was not disappointed, looking forward to the next one..empire of iron.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in a trilogy set in ancient Rome.
Enjoyed!
On to the next!

[Nicolle Ilich · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Mariana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction novels and retellings are always books that provoke opposing opinions and faithful defenders, since we can love or hate them, usually without a middle point
This book, for me, is a totally 5 stars. Macleod make us travel in time to the Roman Empire, to the vestals temple and to the life of this powerful and brilliant priestesses. It put a lot of protagonism in these women, all the lies, betrayals, power games and strategies that they must use not only to maintain a social order but also their life and position

There are several stories taking place in it, all of them can catch the reader since the very first line of the book and can really make us feel inside the ancient Rome.
Captivating, sensual, aggressive book you need to read! Thank you to netgalley for the ARC
Also, some warns must be said since it contains: rape, murder, abuses on enslaved people and lots of blood

[Sally Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

informative

Informative and fast moving novel of Ancient Rome in which the Vestal Virgins play the main role. Well written and the author has done her homework. Fun historical fiction

[nikkia neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Blackstone and netgalley for this ARC.

This series has a great vibe. You really feel the horror, beauty, and history on every page.