Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review
BOOK SUMMARY
In this utterly transporting reimagining of Greek mythology, the god of desire is cursed to fall for a spirited young mortal woman, but if she looks upon his face they will be parted forever—an epic adventure and love story for the ages, sure to satisfy fans of Madeline Miller and V.E. Schwab
Who said true love is a myth?
A prophecy claims that Psyche, princess of Mycenae, will defeat a monster feared even by the gods. Rebelling against her society’s expectations for women, Psyche spends her youth mastering blade and bow, preparing to meet her destiny.
When Psyche angers the love goddess Aphrodite, she sends Eros, god of desire, to deliver a cruel curse. After eons watching humanity twist his gifts, the last thing Eros wants is to become involved in the chaos of the mortal world. But when he pricks himself with the arrow intended for Psyche, Eros finds himself doomed to yearn for a woman who will be torn from him the moment their eyes meet.
Thrown together by fate, headstrong Psyche and world-weary Eros will face challenges greater than they could have ever imagined. And as the Trojan War begins and divine powers try to keep them apart, the pair must determine if the curse could become something more . . . before it’s too late.
A joyous and subversive tale of gods, monsters, and the human heart and soul, Psyche and Eros dazzles the senses while exploring notions of trust, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a hero. With unforgettably vivid characters, spellbinding prose, and delicious tension, Luna McNamara has crafted a shimmering and propulsive debut novel about a love so strong it defies the will of Olympus.
Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara
352 pages, Hardcover
Published June 13, 2023 by William Morrow
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Book Review of Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara
Luna McNamara writes a captivating retelling of the classic Greek myth Psyche and Eros. Readers can enjoy a fresh, feminist version of Psyche, a headstrong warrior princess-gone is the damsel in distress. The god Eros is also a more humanized version, as he finds himself experiencing a mortal’s emotion, love, for the first time. McNamara writes beautiful scenes shared between these two lovers, capturing the initial buildup of trust and friendship, leading eventually to love, making it easy to believe.
The story feels real and vibrant surrounded by the backdrop of The Trojan War. Here Psyche, a princess of the Mycenae, encounters the warriors, monsters, and gods and goddesses of Greek myths. From training with the warrior Atlanta to conversions with Medusa and Aphrodite, this story should appeal to readers of mythology.
My favorite parts of the book are the epic quests Psyche must complete. I would have loved even more time spent on them, but overall I found them thrilling and adventurous to read about. I also found the conversations between Psyche and Atlanta, Medusa, and Aphrodite to be some of my favorites as well.
The story easily transports you to the otherworldly realm of Greek gods, myths and monsters. With new inspirations and interpretations of the classic, this story is accessible and fun, taking its own path along the mythic way. I’m excited about this author and want more tales. Hades and Persephone, anyone?
