𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘳𝘰𝘴 is a Greek retelling of Psyche and Eros (duh) and it involves a curse arrow gone wrong as in Eros can't ever see Psyche or else he dies.

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Apparently the myth surrounding the pair was heavily misconstructed to the point that it barely resembles the original version.

I however do not know any better and was lost in the storyline.

A little disclaimer, I do not enjoy Greek myths much (Hades and Persephone being the exception) and for some reason thought it was a MODERN retelling. So it is safe to say, this review is a teeny bit biased.

But aside from my indifference towards Greek mythology, this was well written but again I do not know how much of it was the real deal.

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3.34 / 5✩

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘮 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

To start off this review, if you're very knowledgable about the Psyche and Eros myth and Greek mythology overall, then I'd recommend not reading this book. I'm not personally against author's taking liberties with the text (take Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati or Circe by Madeline Miller for example), but there's a difference between creative liberty and simply butchering the original text. Psyche felt like a completely different character to the one portrayed in myths. She's a warrior princess, and last I checked Psyche is not known for that AT ALL. Clytemnestra or Atalanta—even Artemis—are prime examples, but Psyche has never been a part of this Greek heroine club. Just something felt odd about this change—as if traditionally feminine women are not allowed to exist in Greek mythology.

Also, a ton of random fact changes were made. Penelope and Helen are sisters instead of Clytemnestra and Helen. Aphrodite's decision to punish Psyche involved jealousy instead of divine rights infringed upon, and even then, Aphrodite isn't even Eros's mother because apparently he existed before the Olympians even did? Which if we want to get somewhat technical—Aphrodite also existed before the Olympians depending on the myth. I wouldn't think Aphrodite or Eros would be close if not for their familial nature... so this just felt like an odd choice. Then, my biggest issue... Psyche becomes a goddess by illegally taking a potion made by Hecate. How?? How???? It makes zero sense, and I know for a fact Zeus would have known immediately and cut her into pieces within seconds. Nothing goes past him or the other gods when it comes to immortality, so this decision felt haphazard and not thought out at all.

I have plenty of other issues with this book, but I've come to the conclusion that it is meant for those unaware of Greek mythology.

Book review editing space

Title: Psyche and Eros
Series: N/A
Author(s): Luna McNamara
Genre: General Fiction, Romance, Fantasy
Date Published: June 13, 2023
Date Read: DNF
Format: eBook
Free?: ARC from NetGalley

Overall Rating: ⭐️ / 5

Spice Rating: 0 / 5
Fluff Rating: 0 / 5
Tear Rating: 0 / 5
Humor Rating: 0 / 5

I really, really wanted to like this book. The premise was definitely right up my alley, but unfortunately, I couldn’t get through it. While I don’t feel like every book should take 20 pages to describe a single event, it did feel like I was rushed through everything that I read — whole events that would normally span several pages (if not a chapter) were covered in 1 page or less; new characters were introduced with almost no background context; and the dialogue left much to be desired.

I thought the idea of Psyche being the granddaughter of Perseus and Andromeda was an interesting plot point, given that from what I can recall of Greek mythology, Psyche’s origin is only listed as being born to royal, unnamed parents. However, at least as far as I read, that ancestry was touched upon so lightly that I didn’t get a chance to explore the writer’s interpretation of their stories.

I’m not saying it’s a bad book. Others have enjoyed this book and the story it tells. What I am saying is this: if you’re looking for a Greek retelling that has rich world-building with immersive storytelling, then this probably isn’t the book for you.

I don't know if this was just too modern of a take or if I just don't vibe with this author but I could not get into this book and retellings are usually my bread and butter.

thank you NetGalley for my copy of Psyche and Eros !

i am not at all familiar with the story of Psyche and Eros. I have only read one other retelling, so I am not too picky with the liberties taken with the story. since it is a retelling, i like seeing how the story can manifest itself into a different narrative.

overall, the book was a nice read & since i have lightest dabbled into greek mythology retellings, it was very enjoyable!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of this amazing book!
This is the tale of Psyche and Eros, but a fresh take on the myth that many have heard or read before.

This book is written in dual POVs which I found very refreshing! As a reader you were able to see the story more completely and got to understand more characters motivations throughout the plot.
The book begins with Eros' beginning since he is one of the original gods to have been around when the earth was made. This does a great way of showing why and how Eros became the sort of recluse god that he is when he meets Psyche.
We are introduced to Psyche when she was born. A daughter that was suppose to be a son but her father hears a prophecy depicting her as a hero, boom dad accepts her! We get to see bits of her life growing up and training to be a hero that she is destined to be. But after she meets Eros that belief and want is changed when she sees that maybe the hero's she marveled at were not that great of people that she thought they were.
Both Psyche and Eros are challenged throughout the story with the beliefs they held onto throughout life while also fighting to get back to one another (while discovering their true love for each other *heart eyes*).
This story is interwoven with great other Greek myths, heroes, tales, and events. The likes of Troy, Achilles, Atalanta and, many of the pantheon of Greek gods.

Overall this was not the typical retelling novel that is out there currently. I enjoyed it for showing the gods as the are closer to in history but also keeping some of them likable (others not so much but it keeps it interesting!) There was a crazy plot event that actually made my mouth drop when it happened and from there the plot winds and twist with the melancholy type vibe that greek mythology is known for. It made this book very hard to pub down. The ending was nicely wrapped up but not too "happily ever after".
This would be great for anyone who enjoys Jennifer Saint's and Percy Jackson! Great novels that intertwine mythology but add a uniqueness to them.

Now I counting down the days until I can buy the physical copy!

Burb: 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.

I don't know Greek Mythology very well, so I don't know much of retelling or if it's true to the stories. That being said, I enjoyed this story and rate it a 3.5 stars because it was entertaining.

This one was not as I expected and I truly struggled with it. I found it went a bit too far off of the classic mythology that it was hard to digest. If you have never read any of the prior stories, this one may be very enjoyable.

My college library has purchased a copy of this novel to assist with sophomore or freshman Greek legends courses.

Bound by the curse, Eros is fated to fall hopelessly in love with Psyche, only to be forever separated if she ever gazes upon his face. Eros, burdened by the weight of his curse and the mistakes of his immortal kin, undergoes a profound transformation throughout the story, making him a compelling and sympathetic figure. The chemistry between Psyche and Eros crackles with intensity, and their forbidden love unfolds with delicious tension. With its intoxicating blend of Greek mythology, unforgettable characters, and lush prose, this book is destined to become a classic in its own right.

Release date: 06.13.2023
Review date: 05.18.2023

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

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.

I've come to the conclusion that once you've read one modern retelling of a Greek Myth you've read them all. Will that stop me from reading every new one that interests me? No.
I didn't really know anything about the story of Psyche and Eros going into this aside from what is featured in Lore Olympus so I didn't know what to expect. In general I did enjoy my time with this, but I did have some complaints.
As I have mentioned I've read a few Greek Myth retellings in the recent years and so have encountered some of the characters that were featured within this story. One thing that I didn't like was the changes to characters that were part of the Trojan war, Clytemnestra and Iphigenia were much different than what I had read in previous novels and I found that annoying, also apparently that wasn't even the correct setting for the main characters anyway. And siblings were even changed which is taking creative license a little too far in my opinion.
I think this 3 star is generous.

First, I want to say thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing this e-book for me to review.

I will admit that this is my first Greek mythology, retelling book, and honestly, I believe it’s a perfect beginner, friendly book to begin with. It wasn’t too complicated with the back history of the various characters that range between psyche, Zeus, Medusa, Atlanta, and many others, and provided really great brief introduction to the characters and the mythology overall.

From what I’ve read in my own research about Psyche and Eros is that this is a very loosely translated retelling of their story. I see that there has been some major changes to their story but overall, if you look at this book as a standalone for these two characters — I believe it works. This story basically tells us about a mortal female, who has great feminist qualities that make her a great protagonist and main character and then the story of a slightly narcissistic Greek god named Eros. Eros was basically demanded by Aphrodite, to bring a curse to Psyche , but with his clumsiness, he accidentally casts the curse on himself.

I believe this book could’ve done a bit more emphasis on the relationship building for the two characters because it did not pull on my heartstrings like I wanted it to. There was a great chance to really make a wonderful love story, but I believe that was missed. The pacing of the book was great as I was completely sucked in by chapter 2, so the writing is definitely top notch there. Overall I believe this is a solid effort for the retelling of these two characters, but would’ve like to see a bit more swoon worthy prose to make the reader fall in love with the characters.

i really enjoyed this book!! i wasn’t super familiar with Psyche and Eros’ story prior to reading, so it was interesting to learn about. the retelling was fun and enjoyable to read, and also really easy to follow (not as confusing as some retelling a can be)

DNF @ 25%

I couldn't do it. I was so excited for a retelling of Eros/Cupid and Psyche, and I couldn't push through because this is just not their story.

I am not the most learned scholar, nor would I call myself a classicist. That said, I do have some academic background in Ancient Greek culture/history and a vested interested in the literature. This story is absolutely unrecognizable from the story I should've been seeing. There are so many needless changes to Psyche's story already by the first quarter; I'd hoped that maybe, just maybe they would serve a purpose. From other reviews, I can see that the things that concern me are not addressed at all by the end.

Psyche is more than a pretty face, but in the face of actual feminism, this did not need to be yet another attempt to take a girl and make her "not like other girls" and a warrior that she is not. The changes to her family are completely unnecessary and would indeed take away from key conflicts of the myth's story. Cameos by other mythical figures honestly felt like when a random celebrity is in a movie for no reason and have one cheesy line.

Eros, at the least, felt like he had an interesting angle that felt accurate to being a primordial god in a world of reigning new gods. However, I could not suffer the changes to Psyche. An absolute disservice to the source materials because the changes did nothing to enhance the character or provide nuance to her character.

This is just another publication in a line of many in the last year that have utterly failed to properly communicate with the stories they are "retelling" and come off shallow. I know there will be an audience for this book; there are many that indulge and love similar stories that I have read fully and loathed for the same reasons. But I personally cannot stomach yet another.

I will not be posting this as a starred review on platforms, as I feel it is unfair to give a rating to media I did not finish. But I think further analysis of the original story was much needed by the author before settling on this iteration.

Psyche and Eros, an unlikely love story. This was an inventive telling of their myth. The author gives Psyche more of an agency than just being a pretty face. Her father hears a prophecy from the Oracle of Delphi when he finds out his wife is pregnant, that states his child will be a great hero who slays a monster that even the Gods are afraid of. Imagine his surprise when he has a daughter instead of a son.He decides that he will go ahead and make sure she fulfills her destiny as a hero. When she’s old enough, she trains with Atalanta. She embraces her training and she does indeed slay some monsters, knowing that eventually she will be a great hero and meet her destiny.
Eros is actually a primordial God in this telling. He is not interested in the new Gods, but after the Titan battle, he finds himself in a situation and is “adopted” by Aphrodite. She, like many of the new Gods, is petty and spoiled. When she is “offended“ by some imagined slight regarding Psyche, she convinces Eros to let her curse one of his arrows to deliver a love curse to Psyche. One touch of the arrow and she will fall in love with the first person she sees, but then if they gaze upon each other she’ll be ripped away from her love forever. He reluctantly accepts the assignment, but it goes horribly wrong and he is cursed instead.
The story takes some fun swings at the myth, & there are many of the characters, Gods, & Goddesses from Greek legend making cameos & playing parts. There wasn’t a boring moment in this story and many moments that had me laughing or crying in equal measure. I think if you like Greek mythology, you’re probably going to love this. If that’s not your thing, I think you’ll still like the story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
**Thank you Netgalley for letting me read the ARC of this story. **

DNF @ 40% - I just really wanted to love this one more than it was written. psyche and eros are the underrated couple of greek mythology, and after being introduced to them in the DARK OLYMPUS series by katee robert, I wanted to consume all of the media about them!! however, this version completely demeaned psyche, and I was not here for it at all. I couldn't continue with the dialogue, and how all of the characters were written.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! I hope more reviewers loved this one more than I did!

Thank you so much for an advanced copy of this book. I was so excited to read it!

Psyche and Eros was a much anticipated book for me, and it left me feeling...not enough things, to be honest. I could not get into this book no matter how hard I tried. The writing was tedious, the plot was boring, and I just wasn't invested. This book was probably my most disappointing read of 2023 sadly.

If you are interested in reimagining of mythology etc, then I would still recommend this one...but be warned, it is slow plot-wise.

Rating: 2⭐️

I’m going to be honest and say this book didn’t work for me. That’s okay, not all books work for everyone. I’m always attracted to Greek myth retellings and this one was no different! I love the cover and I love the premise, I also loved how the myth was reworked here and there in a unique way. The writing was solid but where it lost me was the skimming over what I felt would’ve/should’ve been important parts. I felt like I would’ve liked to see more build up in the main relationship between Eros/Cupid and Psyche. She was raised to be different, getting the opportunity to learn to fight but then all of a sudden her parents who seems rather progressive changed suit and decided to arrange a marriage. That didn’t jive well with me. Then when she was taken by Eros i didn’t feel any of that warrior spirit… instead it was very much insta-love with a heaping side of mistrust. I totally get why he was in love with her due to the curse but with her I felt things happened fast and I didn’t get that build up between them that I craved. Ultimately that’s why this book didn’t work for me. I thank you @harpercollins for the arc!

For fans of Greek retellings, I think this one was pretty good. I enjoyed the two POVs, and was very happy with the ending. Overall I thought it was good and enjoyable.

I really wanted to like this one, but it just fell flat for me. I found the beginning somewhat slow and was really forcing my way through and I think the story was a bit lackluster. Some of the changes seemed to be made for no rhyme or reason and didn't really make sense to me. I'm usually a fan of retellings, but this one fell short for me.