Review: Muse & Malice (Echoes of Olympus) by Anna Hawke

SYNOPSIS
No one worships the God of the Dead.

Feared by mortals and mistrusted by his own family, Hades has ruled the Underworld alone for millennia. When a prophecy ties the fate of the pantheon to a mortal woman, he has no choice but to bring her into his realm—and keep her close.

Persephone enters the Underworld with a secret purpose: steal Hades’ keyring and reclaim the son she lost. She expects a cold and merciless god. Instead, she finds a man worth protecting. If Persephone’s deception is exposed, it may destroy more than their fragile bond.

It may bring down the gods.

Echoes of Olympus is a non-explicit shared world of dark fantasy and paranormal romance reimagining classic Greek myths through shadow and desire. Each story follows different myths, different couples, and a different descent into danger—where gods and mortals collide.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a fantastic conclusion to this series! I loved it so much! This story was very fast-paced and had me completely invested from beginning to end.

I was surprised by just how much I ended up liking Hades. He was completely different than I expected, which I loved! I felt for Persephone right off the bat. She was grieving her son and would do anything to get him back, even take on the god of the Underworld. I was so curious to see how that would turn out!

This was my favorite of the series. I’m sad it’s over, but what a wonderful trilogy! I can’t say enough good things about it and highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Roses and Rage: Echoes of Olympus by Anna Hawke

SYNOPSIS
Betrayed by Zeus. Stripped of his godhood. At the mercy of a woman who fled his rule.

Ares, God of War, has fallen. Cursed to live as a mortal, he seeks shelter with the woman he once loved as attacks against the divine rise. With war looming on the horizon, he vows to eliminate those who threaten the pantheon—and the gods who’ve scorned him.

A cunning demigoddess, Zoya balances temple management, single motherhood, and undercover operations for the ruling pantheon. When her patron god shows up human at her door, she risks everything to keep him safe. If Zeus discovers the powerful magic she commands, her life is forfeit.

When a prophecy binds them together, the flame between them reignites. Will Ares and Zoya succumb to the wicked chaos that threatens everything they cherish—or will their love survive the imminent supernatural war?

Echoes of Olympus is a non-explicit shared world of dark fantasy and paranormal romance reimagining classic Greek myths through shadow and desire. Each story follows different myths, different couples, and a different descent into danger—where gods and mortals collide.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Y’all! This book was so good! I loved it so much! It was just as compelling as the first book, Sunshine & Sin.

I really enjoyed reading about Ares. It was really interesting seeing him adjust to life as a mortal. It wasn’t an easy adjustment, but he handled it better than I thought he would. And I loved seeing the transformation in him as he got used to the idea.

I liked Zoya right off the bat. She was fierce and protective and a great mother. Her daughter Rei was adorable. I loved seeing the sweeter side of Ares come out when he was with the little girl.

I loved the second chance romance aspect of this book. There was quite a bit of history and strong feelings between Ares and Zoya, which had me rooting so hard for them.

I really enjoyed this book and highly, highly recommend it! I can’t wait for the next one!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Sunshine and Sin: Echoes of Olympus by Anna Hawke

SYNOPSIS
A cursed human. A cynical god. A bewildering prophecy that binds them together.

Apollo loathes the life he’s forced to lead. After an Oracle ties the sun god to a human who doesn’t recognize him, he must grapple with a dangerous mission and a woman who challenges him at every turn. As dark forces attack his throne, Apollo will either claim victory with Cyrene at his side or find devastating defeat.

Cursed by Zeus, Cyrene has struggled to make ends meet. When she accepts help from a man cast in mystery, an unexpected passion begins to burn between them. Despite their connection, she realizes that truth isn’t always what it seems—and the gods have wronged her before.

With every attack against the pantheon, more lives are lost. If Apollo and Cyrene can’t uncover the danger that lurks in the shadows, it may devour them whole.

Echoes of Olympus is a non-explicit shared world of dark fantasy and paranormal romance reimagining classic Greek myths through shadow and desire. Each story follows different myths, different couples, and a different descent into danger—where gods and mortals collide.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved this story so much! I used to read a lot of books about mythology, but it’s been a little while since I have. So it was great to get back into it with Sunshine & Sin.

I liked that it’s set in the present time. I thought it was really interesting seeing the gods dealing with modern issues.

Apollo was very arrogant in the beginning, but I loved getting to see a different side to him the further into the story I read. I ended up liking him quite a bit. Cyrene was an endearing and easy-to-like character. I loved her fiery spirit. Cyrene and Apollo’s first meeting was super memorable, to say the least! I loved their banter.

If you’re a fan of urban fantasy with no explicit content, don’t miss out on this book. It’s fantastic! I’m so excited to check out the rest of the series.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Sunshine and Sin: Echoes of Olympus by Anna Hawke

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. It was started by Freda at Freda's Voice, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over for the time being.

This week I'm featuring Sunshine and Sin: Echoes of Olympus by Anna Hawke. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this no-spice reimagining of Greek myth. I loved it and am looking forward to more in this series. 

SYNOPSIS

A cursed human. A cynical god. A bewildering prophecy that binds them together.

Apollo loathes the life he’s forced to lead. After an Oracle ties the sun god to a human who doesn’t recognize him, he must grapple with a dangerous mission and a woman who challenges him at every turn. As dark forces attack his throne, Apollo will either claim victory with Cyrene at his side or find devastating defeat.

Cursed by Zeus, Cyrene has struggled to make ends meet. When she accepts help from a man cast in mystery, an unexpected passion begins to burn between them. Despite their connection, she realizes that truth isn’t always what it seems—and the gods have wronged her before.

With every attack against the pantheon, more lives are lost. If Apollo and Cyrene can’t uncover the danger that lurks in the shadows, it may devour them whole.

Echoes of Olympus is a non-explicit shared world of dark fantasy and paranormal romance reimagining classic Greek myths through shadow and desire. Each story follows different myths, different couples, and a different descent into danger—where gods and mortals collide.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Apollo was the most beautiful god.

Friday 56

"If you intend to hurt me, I'll bury you in an unmarked grave."

What have you been reading lately?