The Dark Olympus series by Katee Robert is one of my favourite re-tellings of Greek mythology and this book does not disappoint. It is hot, steamy, and full of anticipation. While the relationship between the main characters, Ariadne and Asterion "the Minotaur" was not my favourite of the series, I think their perspectives offer valuable insight to the larger political story of the series. I also like how much representation Katee Robert includes in her books and how she has characters with a range of different identities and perspectives. Overall, an exciting addition to the series and I can't wait to see what happens next!

This is, unfortunately, my least favorite book of the series thus far. These books have gotten more plot heavy as the series has continued, and this one is certainly the plot-heaviest of them all. So much so that, for me, it really took the focus away from the relationship. I probably would have been more upset about this had I been invested in the relationship but unfortunately the specific relationship dynamics here also really didn't work for me. I found Asterion far too stalker-y (which I admit was probably the intent) for me to really root for them to end up together. Honestly I just wanted Ariadne to sail off in a ship by herself at the end.

It's also quite a bit darker than the rest of the series - not necessarily a complaint, just a neutral observation. I'm not quite sure where this overarching story arc is going - I'm still intrigued but also mildly confused knowing how many books we have left and who the main pairings are in subsequent books.

I still really love this series as a whole and think Katee is doing some really important representation - in this book, Ariadne has an abortion (off page but present timeline) and doesn't regret it because of the current circumstances, but thinks about what it would have been like if she had become pregnant a few years in the future when she hopes she will be free. I think this is a really important thing for readers to see and is not something I've seen in other romances.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Katee Robert is the Queen of my Universe. I love the Dark Olympus series and Dark Restraint was no exception.
I wasn’t exactly looking forward to the Minotaurs book, (per his actions in past books) but I love Ariadne enough to try it.

It’s hard not to love the “touch her and I’ll kill you” possessiveness of the Minotaur though. And Monsters who only seem capable of loving one person? Chefs kiss.
Ariadne just wants to be free of her father. .

There are a few things in this book that could be upsetting for some readers but they could be considered spoilers so please check the triggers before reading.
The spice was 10/10 but the building tension of Olympus politics was right up there on the excitement level.
Add Hermes and Dionysus and Katee hits it out of the park again.

I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and exchange for an honest review.

I loved this; another hit for Katee Robert! I like that we get a lot of the Minotaur(Asterion)’s POV. I feel like it helped as a reader to develop empathy for a character we had so far been steered towards disliking due to his previous behavior in other books. I also liked how much agency Ariadne had; she didn’t just sit around and wait for someone to help her. She was actively making deals and using her hacking skills to ensure her own safety. I feel like these two would’ve been able to be friends with the olympians if it had not been for Minos and the nefarious plans of Circe and Minos that brought them there to begin with. I love the backstory we got for Asterion as well. I can’t wait for the next book which, from the epilogue, seems like it could be Poseidon’s book??!! I already preordered a physical copy of this book.

Katee continues to make me blush with some of the spiciest books ever. Dark Restraint follows Ariadne and The Minotaur mainly in their plan to leave Olympus. I feel that this book is really leading up to the end of the series with the fall of Olympus and the previous main characters we have read in the series. In their plan, Ariadne is set up with Dionysus and are announced to be married. I kinda liked that their relationship stayed friendly the entire time, but i wanted a bit more i think. Dionysus hasnt been a super important character in The Thirteen and i was looking forward to reading more about him, but he rarely came up. However, the main point really is between her and The Minotaur- which yeah i get it, hes hot.

I will say this one left me feeling a bit more confused with the politics and plot of the entire series. There were so many moving parts that i felt a little lost in it all. Im not sure I know where this series is heading or how it will end. I felt a little disconnected from these characters compared to the stories involving the Thirteen has MCs. But over all I really am left with the feeling that their story will make more sense once the series is continued.

Dark Olympus has been one of my very favorite series to read and I am really looking forward to the next one with Icarus and Poseidon!!!! Thank you Netgalley for the free ARC !!!!!!!!!

I felt medium about this title. I've read all of the Dark Olympus series and have enjoyed it as a whole story. "Dark Restraint" wasn't my favorite book or my least favorite. The Minotaur has been in love with Ariadne for as long as he's know her. I love a good yearning and finally being together! The spice was good but not my favorite Katee Robert scenes. I look forward to the next book and the future completion of the series.

"Dark Restraint" by Katee Robert falls into the okay-but-not-great category for me. While it's part of a series I generally enjoy, this installment didn't quite hit the mark. It felt more like a filler, a means to bridge the gap between more significant plot points in the series rather than a standout story in its own right. The characters lacked the depth and appeal I've come to expect from Robert's work, and I found it challenging to fully connect with them. While the writing was solid, the overall experience left me wanting more. Despite this, fans of the series might still find some enjoyment in seeing how the overarching plot progresses, but for me, "Dark Restraint" wasn't a standout.

The worlds most enormous thank you to Sourcebooks for GRACING me with this aARC. If I've said it once I'll say it a thousand more times KATEE ROBERT CAN NEVER AND WILL NEVER MISS! Not only is this an excellent story of Ariadne and The Minotaur - the "touch her and die" is the most literal it's ever been and the mutual addiction and loyalty and fierceness is absolutely delicious. The sex is remarkable as per usual with a Katee masterpiece. But the underlying story of the war brewing in Olympus had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. And while I was undeniably enjoying the hell out of the ride with our two mains, every time Hera and Icarus came on the scene I started positively itching for their stories right this very second. The epilogue????? Cliffhanger delicious cruelty. I am a Dark Olympus series devotee until my dying day. Unbelievable how the bar KEEPs being raised.

While I love the Dark Olympus series, and will hopefully continue to do so, this might be my lease favorite of the series so far. Starting off with the idea that Ariadne and the Minotaur are not siblings but instead lovers might have been the first crack in the wall that was my blind faith in this series.

Katee, as always, has great writing and imagery. That will never be the issue. I just didn't connect with this book in anyway like I did with the others.

I also did not like how Hermes is turning out but I will hold on to that until they get their own story.

Things I did like: the smut. 10/10 no notes. I like the setup of Poseidon and Icarus and cannot wait for their story.

Dark Restraint is a must-read for fans of the Dark Olympus series. The romance between Ariadne and the Minotaur is spicy and surprisingly sweet. Yes, sweet.

In the previous book, Ariadne offered information on her father’s plans in return for safe haven in Olympus and a secret abortion. Now she finds herself in a dangerous situation, at the mercy of the ruling 13 Olympian gods and goddesses, and being forced to do their will. They want her to marry Dionysus. In addition, her father, Minos, is furious at her betrayal and has ordered the Minotaur to kill her. What parent does that?

The Minotaur is trying to continue working for Minos while keeping Ariadne safe and planning their escape from Olympus. We learn things about him in this book that make it hard to view him solely as a killer or Minos’ hired muscle. We learn more about his life as a child on the street, and it’s hard not to feel sympathy. We also see the depth of his feelings for Ariadne, in his words and actions, and the lengths he’ll go to to protect her and those she loves.

This book reminded me what years of public service taught me: that people aren’t always what they seem and we don’t know their whole story when we meet them. I felt better, although still conflicted, rooting for Ariadne and the Minotaur when I saw his softer,side.

I believe this is the first Dark Olympus book told from the point of view of Olympus’ enemies. If you couldn’t tell, I’m Team Minotaur now, and I like that Robert was able to pull that off. Very clever.

Thanks to the publisher, Sourcebooks, for providing an ARC copy via NetGalley.

Thank you to Sourcebooks and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This series has been up and down for me. I have loved books and I have been meh about books. This one was definitely not for me. I wasn’t really a fan or Ariadne or The Minotaur. I wasn’t a fan of their relationship. I didn’t feel like the plot really made sense here at times or felt strong. I just felt a bit all over the place. The side plot with Hera totally threw me for a loop. Also, I know this is technically a retelling and set in the modern world, but this book talked a lot about traveling outside to places like Brazil/Canada etc and it just really took me out of the book to then go back and talk about Olympus; it just felt off to me. I’m still so confused by Hermes and I feel like we didn’t get anymore clarity during this book, only more confusion. Overall, it wasn’t for me this time.

Another fabulous addition to the Neon Gods series! Ariadne is such a relatable character, her pain, worries, and resignation spoke to me in such a powerful way. The Minotaur is smoking hot and so possessive it gives all the deliciousness I crave. 5/5 stars and 4/5 chili peppers for this one!

Looks like he could kill you, could actually kill you. But is a cinnamon roll for the woman he loves. Let me tell you, I really didn’t know how an Ariadne/Minotaur book would hit. I thought I’d be freaked out the whole time because in every book until this one, the Minotaur has seemed like a creepy, no-lights behind the eyes kind of guy. But he was surprisingly, sweet??? Dare I say??? Asterion gave “touch her, you die” vibes while also leaving her dead bodies. And then promising not to kill anyone anymore, for her. While the romance didn’t quite hit for me, I loved seeing more of the plot against Olympus, Hera’s plans for Zeus, and just more of the plot. I am desperate to know what else is going to happen in this world and I can’t wait for the last three books. I will absolutely be finishing the series and possibly even re-reading some of the books. Overall, 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

As much as it kills me, I struggled hard with this book. The only reason I kept reading is because I usually love Katee Robert's writing and I do love the series. I will say, for me, it did finally pick up around the 65% mark. The second half felt much more like the other books in the series than the first half. I will absolutely still continue reading the series until the end.

There is nothing I can say that I haven’t already about the Dark Olympus series. It’s SO FUCKING GOOD. This was everything I wanted it to be and I can’t wait for the continuation. I’ve been LIVING for this series.

I can’t believe i got an advance read to this!!

This was a gripping read, so much happened and now the plot only thickens, so looking forward to the next 3 books to know how this is all going to go how it will end for everyone. I already have some theories but I’ll wait and see if I’m right

Thank you to Sourcebooks and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f dark romance
-morality chain
-childhood crush
-it's always been you
-one single act of kindness and now i'm feral for you

Probably the darkest romance in the series so far. Araidne was like a princess locked away in her tower most of her life and she finally escapes, but its not into safety, instead being thrown into politics and intrigue. The Minotaur is assigned by her father to kill her, but little does anyone realize, including Araidne that he's loved her their entire lives.

I loved the contrast of how soft the Minotaur really was about Araidne but just pure violence to the rest of the world. Slightly stalkier, I loved watching these two figure out their feelings and what they were willing to risk to find their happiness. The sexual tension, the exploration, the risk of it all.

I love all the twists and turns of this series, the glimpses at the other characters and just the great romance mixed with the political intrigue wrapped up in a Greek mythology retelling.

This is probably my least favorite of the series so far. I didn't like the pairing much and expected Dionysus to be in it more. However this set up for a very interesting book 8 at least. If you really like this author's spicy scenes or the overall series I think you'll still enjoy this one.

This one was okay. I think if the last couple in the series hadn't been SO GOOD, I probably would have rated this one higher, if that makes sense?

I think that mostly I just didn't buy the romance. Like, yes, Ariadne and the Minotaur have this long history, since they were kids, but I just wasn't feeling it between them as adults. This is also very much a 'touch her and die' trope book, which I didn't love. Like, yes, the Minotaur is this terrible mercenary-type character, so there was a lot of killing. Like, A LOT. And to be honest, I kind of liked Apollo and really wanted to know more about him. Please, I want to know what his deal is!

Overall, not my favourite in the series, but also not the worst. I did like how beautifully it set up the next book, which I'm looking forward to!

I wanted to love this book, but this series is just starting to fall short for me. It feels too drawn out, with every book until this one only advancing the plot a tiny amount. This book felt more to me as a plot device to drive a significant portion of the plot for this series, where the others have failed to do so. Unfortunately, this series is beginning to fall flat for me.