I absolutely adored this book from start to finish. I've read a lot of different writing styles lately and this has to be one of my favourites. The tone is very reserved but includes rich detail and a wonderfully unhurried pace so that you feel you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

The book starts with highly exaggerated descriptions of characters, which made me wonder if this story was going to be overdone in the descriptive area, but it all makes sense when you realise the nature of the characters themselves. This is all put into perspective when the story starts following our main protagonist, Elena.

Her story starts with a description of the underdog in a work environment (which we all relate to on some level, some of us more than others I realise after accidentally tripping down the stairs to my office last week), putting on shoes she likes (described as red, so those of us who are terrified of fashion aren't immediately put off) and still turning up late. She also loves tea religiously, so she's already got me on side.

I love the female characters in this book. They have strong personalities and are very self aware, I especially appreciated Elena's reserved personality. She knows her feelings about things but doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve, she is respectful, intelligent and curious about the things going on around her but above all, she works hard not to make a fool of herself or appear rude to others. She gets abused a lot in this book by various Greek gods but she never falls apart or lets them see how hurt she is emotionally or physically, which is the paramount of bravery you can expect from any ordinary human without prior godly training!

The story itself is slow but deliberately and well paced, by no means lacking in action, Vanrell takes the time to smell the roses, as it were, and tell you what's going on around Elena before introducing all of her new beasties and characters, all of which are rooted in various areas of mythology.

What also struck me about this book apart from the extensive planning and research that went into the creation of this book, is that is was genuinely hilarious. There was always an undercurrent of wit throughout the story but every so often I would actually laugh at loud, especially when the flame haired goddess of violendt death calls her brother a twat.

The story laid some excellent groundwork for what I know is going to be an amazing series. The book also works perfectly as a stand alone novel, with the ending leaving you wanting more but not tormenting you with a horrible cliffhanger.