Intrigue

Night Muse #1

by Stacey Rychener

Amid the 80,000 abandoned buildings in Detroit, a battle shrouded in secrecy is brewing. The Greek Olympian, Ares, runs the city as his own personal Coliseum while Apollo and Hermes struggle to shield teens from his deadly hobbies. Ares endless supply of gladiators is all the more accessible because the abandoned buildings of Detroit have become the flame for moths of ravers, vandals, scavengers, and urban explorers. The key to the entire conflict, Calliope, is just hoping for a fresh start now that her lifelong crush has finally noticed her. Although hoping for a fresh start in Detroit, is like saying you’re going to Las Vegas in search of true love. She soon catches the notice of one of the Immortals that recognizes her for what she a Night Muse. A Muse is a human that carries the soul of an Olympian within her, which gives the god immense power. Until Calliope reaches adulthood and awakens as a Bright Muse, there is no way to determine who her soul mate is. The Immortals start to draw Calliope and the people she loves into a deadly chess match. With her best friend’s life at stake, Calliope must seize control of her destiny and eliminate the deadly threat herself.

Genres: Mythology, Young Adult, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Ebooks, Paranormal

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 20, 2011

About the author

When I was about 12, one of my plane friends (I am talking about you Mindy) and I put pen to paper and created our very first story. Unfortunately, we buried it in a time capsule that I have never been able to find again:( But I loved creating and going to places that I hadn't gotten to experience in my small town. This is what also attracted to me to my life long passion for reading.

Reviews

[Jennifer D · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know when you see that free book that also is centered around the place you grew up? You almost feel that you have to read it. Like you're already thinking in your head that this can't be good, probably got all the details wrong.

I totally went into this book thinking like that. I admit it freely, because in my mind it's already had two strikes against it. Number 1: it's free, and lets face it... there are some pretty bad free books out there. Number 2: it's based in Detroit, and for someone like myself who grew up literally two blocks outside the city limits and spent a fair share of time there, you have to know your shit to impress me.

Lets just say

I WAS IMPRESSED ... by the descriptions of Detroit.

Before I get into the characters and the story line let me say that Stacey Rychener did a fantastic job, she didn't make up locations or buildings. When she said that the main character Calli lived on Warwick and Puritan, I was able to look up that location and see that it was real. Another thing in her favor was the links I had throughout my e-book that made it possible to see the buildings that she was talking about. Any building she mentioned in the book was given a corresponding link online so that the reader was able to put a picture, description, and location to the building. Basically anyone who isn't familiar with the city of Detroit could become acquainted with it.

And then

I WAS IMPRESSED ...again

I love mythology, all of it, in any form. Calli (Calliope) is a 17 year old girl from Detroit who finds out she is a Muse and it's Hermes job to keep her safe and out of Ares sight. Apollo is also involved in the story because he feels that Calli is his Muse. Ares finds out about her and think that she is his Muse and Hermes has the hots for her and yeah.... there's a lot going on.



I felt like doing this often

To be honest, only a few things bothered me.

Ms. Rychener, teenagers swear. Using "flock" as a derivative of "fuck" or "eyas" for "ass" makes no sense. I feels like you were trying to make her seem younger than she really was.

Greek Gods and Demigods are not Vampyres (with a "y" not an "i") EVER. It does make the story a little more interesting but Greek mythology is interesting in itself.

Overall, I enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised by the love of Detroit that the author had. I look forward to the next book!

SLIGHT EDIT
I take the flock part away.... I found myself calling my boyfriend a flocker and people in general lol!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: Amid the 80,000 abandoned buildings in Detroit, a battle shrouded in secrecy is brewing. The Greek Olympian, Ares, runs the city as his own personal Coliseum while Apollo and Hermes struggle to shield teens from his deadly hobbies. Ares endless supply of gladiators is all the more accessible because the abandoned buildings of Detroit have become the flame for moths of ravers, vandals, scavengers, and urban explorers. The key to the entire conflict, Calliope, is just hoping for a fresh start now that her lifelong crush has finally noticed her. Although hoping for a fresh start in Detroit, is like saying you’re going to Las Vegas in search of true love. She soon catches the notice of one of the Immortals that recognizes her for what she is: a Night Muse. A Muse is a human that carries the soul of an Olympian within her, which gives the god immense power. Until Calliope reaches adulthood and awakens as a Bright Muse, there is no way to determine who her soul mate is. The Immortals start to draw Calliope and the people she loves into a deadly chess match. With her best friend’s life at stake, Calliope must seize control of her destiny and eliminate the deadly threat herself.

My Review: I had a very hard time putting this book down. I mean yes it has minor errors in it but it was fantastic. The characters you just want to devour, especially the Greek Gods. I had a really hard time putting the book down. I had to walk away from it at 330am just to get some sleep or else I would have stayed up until I finished it. Don't let the number of pages scare you away from this fascinating story, I don't think you'd be disappointed by giving it a chance.

[Lanae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is tough to review. I like the concept enough to give that 5 stars. Characters pulled out Greek mythology and plopped into modern Detroit as vampir.... err vampyres, using humans but needing them. It somehow works.

The negative here is that this book is in desperate need of an editor, even if that is just the author re-reading it really really really slowly and re-editing it. Simple errors were left in. I tried to ignore them but, yeah, it started to get on my nerves. Things like "are" for "our" or plurals missing the "s", wrong uses of "your" or "you're", etc. If I had highlighted along the way, it'd be shocking how many goofs I'd found, this being the worst I've seen personally when it comes to me spotting errors in a book.

There's also the fact that the main character explains early on that she has her own slang for curse words -- a cute idea for a YA book. It keeps parents happy. It's just overused to the point of abuse. As in that character would be ready to beat herself and her friends up after a week. Or at least they'd be moving on to new words quickly if they used them THAT often.

Don't get me wrong, despite my complaints, I did leave this book curious about what is next for Calli(ope), her Greek gods, and even a few of her high school buddies. That's the good. With some editing, this series can be amazing, right now it's just okay.

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. It was very interesting take mythology. The Greek Gods are very swoon worthy especially Rafe. I loved the snarky attitude of the main character, Calli. I can't wait to read more.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read more about theses characters! I love this book!

[Lady Entropy · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty interesting book, though slow moving at some points. I had to see how things turned out, though and will likely read book two to see if Calli's first choice remains as her choice. Three Greek gods want you. What a life. I did enjoy Calli's brand of snarkiness. I like snarky people. However, it did not take long for me to become irritated with her clever way of cursing without actually cursing. Honestly, I can't understand why she held on to her relationship with Thrace for so long. They were so obviously not working. He could be a real jerk. I liked Rafe quite a bit and I even like Apollo. Ares is likely a jerk, but he sure seems sweet when it comes to his Muse. I look forward to seeing more of him. Calli's friends Key, Jazz and Clio are decent characters for high school girls. I'd like to see them developed a bit more, though, if possible.

I did enjoy reading this, but some more edits would have been great. Some words were out of place or missing and I had to re-read some lines a few times to figure out what was being said. Also, it felt a little weird that the characters spoke in a lot of slang, but no one ever used a contraction! They're high-schoolers. It's not weird for them to use a contraction. I know that contractions aren't the original usage of most words, but I kept stumbling over sentences whenever someone spoke without a contraction. Especially since they kept saying "True dat."

The world this book is based in is interesting. Although, it seemed like it took too long for that world to be revealed. If not for the prologue and Hermes' field logs, we wouldn't even know that something weird was going on beneath all of the high school relationship drama. It also takes some serious warming up to with the fact that Greek gods drink blood like vamps. It is an interesting take on things, though. I'm hoping Calli gets some coolness to go with this whole being a Must thing.

Anyway, this was a decent debut book.

[Liliana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book

Calli is seemingly your average, normal girl... but she's not, really. You see, Calli is short for Calliope, as in one of the nine Greek Muses! Calli is a Muse, she just doesn't know it yet. However, there was a very different take on the mythology in this book, so the Muses aren't like the traditional Muses in Ancient Greece. I love Greek mythology and I'm all for different/unique takes on it, but this one just didn't do it for me. I mean, the gods are portrayed as freakin' vampyres! (Yes, that's vampires with a 'y.') Oh, that and (without giving too much away) the whole thing about the gods and their souls being separated, and the reincarnation-type thing... it just didn't work! It didn't make any sense to me!

And the romance-thing that was going on... ugh! So, Calli has a boyfriend, Thrace, but then she starts drooling over the new guy who she doesn't know is the Greek god Hermes. It's understandable since he is a god, after all. But then Apollo comes in and, well, here we go again! More drooling! Apollo is my favorite Greek god, but come on! Her attraction to all these guys at the same time was very, very annoying! Make up your mind, girly!

I did love the tone of the book. It really had a great voice and I just loved being inside of Calli's head. The writing was style was great, too.

Overall, the book was quite enjoyable. I mean, I wasn't crazy about the take on the mythology or the story itself, but I did enjoy the way the story was told! It was just a lot of fun!

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calliope or Calli Edonides is named after a famous Greek Muse Calliope. She is also a student at DAI with her boyfriend Thrace. She also has black belt in karate. When a new student at karate class takes a surprising interest in Calli. Little does Calli know that her world view is about to undergo a major life changing events. Rafe Hermes job is to protect Calli at all costs necessary. Rafe is very protective of Calli in a variety of ways yet he is falling for Calli which could cause problems for both of them. Rafe introduces Calli to Dr. Admetus or Dr. A, who is Director of Detriot Urban Archeologists, helps restore old buildings. Calli likes to do volunteer work at DAI and wants to help DUA out. Thrace tries to force Calli to relax and let go of her control but he takes it too far. Calli has had enough of Thrace's behavior and antics telling him that they are thru as a couple. When Calli discovers that Rafe is really Greek God Hermes more of her life view is changing. Especially when Rafe tells Calli that she's a Night Muse and that Apollo and Ares will be fighting to make her their own mate. Thrace is experiencing blackouts being beaten and bruised for the past two weeks Calli becomes concerned. Greek God Ares is self-proclaimed ruler of Detriot where he is making mortals fight each other Fight Club Style. Apollo is seeking to protect Calli yet wants her to chose him over Ares. What are Apollo and Rafe hiding? What is happening to Thrace? Will Calli admit her feelings to Rafe? What about Dr. Admetus and DUA? Your answers await you in Intrigue.

[Casii · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book, but one thing bothered me, right in the very beginning of the book
"....the three most powerful Olympians in Greek Mythology- Apollo (God of Truth and Prophecy), Hermes (Messenger of the Gods and Protector of Humans), and Ares (God of Warfare and Bloodlust)."
....NO!!! Anyone with any knowledge of Greek myths knows this isn't true! The trifecta is the most powerful, meaning Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades! They mention Zeus so many times and about needing his consent or whatever and yet Apollo, Hermes, and Ares are the most powerful? Hell no! Despite this, the book itself was enjoyable.

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading this book I couldn't't put it down until I was finished. I really liked the inventive curse words and the main character's nastiness and spunk made me laugh. I love reading about mythology and this book explained it(mythology) without making it seem dry or boring which is a huge accomplishment considering how confusing it can get. Only problem is that it's supposed to be part of a trilogy and I've been waiting for years now for the next installment. Please release it soon Miss Stacey. You have a huge fan waiting Most Anxiously!

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Idk if I should give this book a 2 or a 3 so a 2.5 it is.

The concept was great and I enjoyed the story itself but...

the main character annoyed me sometimes :/ and this book is in great need of an editor -_-

For the concept alone I would give this book a 4 or 5 but the lack of editting and the main character at points I had to give this a 2 (will 2.5... lol)

I'll most likely read the next one just to see what happens for like I said I did like the story itself

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't judge the book by the cover. I almost didn't read this just because I was judging the cover... Lesson learned again. Even after reading it, I still feel the cover is lame, I understand the meaning of it, but still....
It was a good read, and I really enjoyed the links to be able to see the buildings that she was describing.
I look forward to the rest of the series, but hope the word FLOCK is only in there less than 5 times.

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a easy fun read. I liked the aspect of the Greek muses, gods, and demi-gods. I thought it was a great concept. I will also read book two since I have to know if Calli is Rafe's muse. i really hope that is the outcome.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book it has a tad of greek mythology! I love Rafe he is just great well that is if you are fond of greek gods haha and who isn't!! Anyone who likes a spunky, stubborn female character, gorgeous gods,and a cute romance will love this book!

[Chelsea Appiah-kubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book i thought it had everything in a book to keep me intrested adn I loved the main characters I thought they were well thought out and were just great.

[Anna001 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off only mediocre and steadily got worse. It just tended to drag. I found the main protagonist to be boring and a little too perfect-to the point of unrelatability.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved a new twist on teen fiction... No vampires, no half-angels, but gods... Nice plot and very entertaining. I could not stop reading it once I started!

[Amy Kirchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!

[Twilightwatchers · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

This was written in 2011 and is supposed to be a trilogy, but book 2 has not been published yet. I wanted to see if the 2nd book would pick up the pace

[Susy · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME

[Brandi Matherly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I was so disappointed that there weren't more books out in the series yet.