another YA sapphic greek mythology inspired fantasy masterpiece from Sarah Underwood. I actually liked this one more than lies we sing to the sea. It's loosely based on eros and psyche, most closely following the four trials/task aspect. I was less familiar with this myth so I didn't know where things were going at the start, though everything slowly came together. I really liked the romance and overall story arc!

Underwood has done it again, Such spectacularly crafted characters with a devastating story to match. Expected perfection and got beautiful prose and everything else I wanted!

I read the author’s first book (LIES WE SING TO THE SEA), another Greek myth inspired queer fantasy. However, I feel their sophomore book plays it too safe, and unfortunately, I DNF’d at 47% with no interest in skimming to the end. (I am a BIG myth fan so this was a surprise even to me). Personally, the book did not fully deliver on its promises. The main draw - mythic allusions and an ancient Greek setting – felt thin in execution. The queer love story was confusing as I was never quite sure if we were to view both love interests as teens or one as a teen and one an adult (given the role she plays in the family unit). Those who struggle with multiple POVs may certainly struggle with these. Nonetheless, this book felt YA appropriate and is likely perfect for younger teens who love Greek myth.

The story begins on the island of Zakynthos, where Desire, a potent force distilled from love, is bottled and sold by Leandros, a descendant of the god Eros. Leandros has his eyes set on Phoebe. Her sister Eirene will do anything to keep him from getting her. She tries to trick Leandros by posing as her sister to get him to marry her instead of Phoebe. When Leandro figured out the deception, he struck a deal with Eirene to complete four tasks. If she can complete the tasks, she can finally keep Phoebe out of Leandro's grasp forever. Eirene quickly learns the tasks are impossible until Leandro's daughter, Lamia, comes to her aid.

This book is about the lengths you would go to to protect the ones you love. Eirene is determined to save her sister. She is a brave and selfless character who uses her wit and grit to uncover Leandro's secrets and the trouble he has caused since he arrived on the island. Phoebe is sweet, sickly, and naive to what fate awaits her if she must go through with the marriage to Leandro. Eirene feels like she is Phoebe's protector and decides to sacrifice to prevent any harm to her sister. The male characters are brutes, slimy, and self-serving. Lamia has been locked away under her father's stifling rules. Lamia and Eirene form a bond that could break the oppressive forces and give them the freedom they desire.

I absolutely love mythology retellings. Like most of us in school, the stories tend to be one-sided and focused on the male characters. Books like this allow us to see what could have been the narrative of the women at that time. I thought this was a sweet, loving story with adventure and magic. It resonated with me on multiple levels and expressed the truths about human nature and the power of love.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins Children's Book, HarperCollins.

Love a Greek mythology retelling ESPECIALLY one that hasn't been over done. This was a fun twist! Thank you for the e arc!