A Brilliant Captivating New Novel.

This book brought me back to middle school reading, but the good stuff, right along with the greats such as Percy Jackson. The writing was easy to read but compelling, very enjoyable, flowed wonderfully. The only thing I would change is an addition of a world map (I love maps)

The characters were really fun to read about and the use of multiple perspectives made it that much better! I loved learning about how they all felt and what they were thinking. Gen was very loveable, I just want her to be happy with her dad again. These characters and the animals just slither their way into your heart.

Plot wise it was nicely paced, a good amount for each challenge and time to get around. The twist were fun, a bit predictable but that didn’t make it not enjoyable.

(Slight Spoilers) if I am being honest I picked this up half for the cover because I thought Gen and Cas would get together, I held onto that hope for maybe 50% before I knew it wouldn’t happen (plus Gen deserves someone more compatable) but I’m really really happy that Cas is queer, and it isn’t even made isn’t a big deal, it just is.

It was a nice easy read and I’m so glad it was on the longer side. I give much love to Rachel for this book.

I was provided a free advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book started a bit slow for my taste but by the middle I couldn't put it down. There were elements of fantasy, magic, character development, quests, romance, and conflict. This book is perfect for the YA audience.

Gen was an interesting character and her quest to release her father from prison was wholesome. You can tell that her entire being is based on obtaining his freedom any way she can. Gen showed great development throughout the story. I was able to connect with her through her love for animals and for family. I felt sad for her during some of the more difficult scenes in the story, especially with the whale and the horses.

Pollux grew on me. It took me a bit to trust him just like it took Gen but by the end I was rooting for him and Gen. It was interesting to read about the relationship between him and his sister.
Castor's story was sad as well. She wanted to be noticed and have a chance to rule without having to marry into power. I understood her conflict and felt sorry for her at times but ultimately I did not like her. She was the type of character that would do anything to gain power and control, including hurting the people closest to her.

I enjoyed reading the book. Do not forget to read the epilogue!!! It is crucial to the story. All in all I enjoyed this book. The story was creative and intriguing. The characters were dynamic and relatable.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for the arc. I was intrigued by the beautiful artwork on the cover as well as the description but my expectations were low since I'm not really into Greek mythology. Turned out, the story gripped me since the beginning. Even though, most of the second half of the book had me feeling 3 stars but the ending changed my mind. It's a solid 4.5 for me.

The writing style was promising with a good pacing. The characters were 'whale' written (iykyk) but the romance bit felt a bit forced and lukewarm to me, (it might've been because I didn't care much about Lux for the first half). Though Castor's bit were more interesting to read about. Given chance, I'd certainly pick up the second series to learn more about the past and all the secrets of that empire and of course my lovely Castor who has done only one thing wrong that pierced my heart as well as Bale, The empresses and my baby Gen.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down at times. I love the two main characters who have strong motivations in very different ways and they still manage to be relatable in their intents and decisions. I was hard-pressed to say who I really wanted to win because I wavered several times as the decision grew more complicated. The inclusion of several animal companions was a lovely addition, as well as a lovely enemies-to-lovers trope in a way other than the one that might be expected. I am a sucker for that stuff. There's strong character development on one of the main character's parts in two ways, one of which kind of folds back on itself at the end, but it helps to push through to an eventual sequel, so I'm more than okay with it. And she develops in plenty of other ways, so again, no complaints here. I think the author did a great job developing her world and incorporating elements of greek mythology, which was a pleasant surprise after reading Percy Jackson for the first time.

This book had me gripped from the start, I couldn’t put it down and I just had to keep reading and find out more.
I love everything about this book, from the multiple povs to how throughout the story you start to understand the main characters more and their decisions to reach their end goal.
One of my favorite books this year, I can’t wait until it’s out and able to be bought.

If you like a Greek Mythology re-telling, with a bit of girl power then this is defiently the book for you. I was hooked straight away and could not put the book down, well until work intervened.
There is no Theseus, Hercules or Percy Jackson to be seen. Just Gen and Cas two different but likeable female protagonists. Although Gen is the perfect heroine for me.
I can't wait for book 2 to be written.

Thanks Netgalley and Publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
Quite intriguing fantasy novel inspired by Greek mythology and more accurately - the Olympic games.
The main characters are compelling, diverse and very relatable in their main motivations to take on the labors set by the Olympian empresses. You understand them, root for them and also judge them for the bad decisions they take. And the epilogue offered the needed conflict that will allow readers to meet these characters again in the second installment. A lot of creatures from greek mythology are incorporated into the story.
It's not to say I don't particularly like Greek mythology, but kinda wished it wasn't the main inspiration behind so many fantasy YA novels. Anyway....it still worked for this story. Will see what next novel will offer. It's unsettling to see how all of Gen's efforts and achievements didn't fullfil her main desire, but I'm curious to see where her next adventure will take her and what is the reason behind it.
Looking forward to book two.

I really enjoyed this book because it was full of action and suspense! The main characters were unique and interesting as was the plot. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend readers try it.