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Haunted by Myth
Chloe knew her future would be boring. Every job pales in comparison to the family legacy: hunting monsters and banishing ghosts. But that birthright belongs to her mother and sister, leaving Chloe forever outside looking in. Until her sister dies without warning. Chloe gets the family magic, a lack of self-confidence, a grieving mother, a sarcastic spirit guide, and room for nothing else, especially love. And lately, someone seems to be summoning ghosts and protecting monsters, and all clues point to one very famous face: Helen of Troy.
Helen has spent hundreds of years running a sanctuary and rehab for the last mythical creatures on earth. And she has a huge chip on her shoulder about that whole Trojan War thing. Neither she nor Chloe has time for the other’s philosophy or to see if their growing attraction is more than skin-deep, not when there are some monsters that won’t be sent to the Underworld without a fight.
Helen has spent hundreds of years running a sanctuary and rehab for the last mythical creatures on earth. And she has a huge chip on her shoulder about that whole Trojan War thing. Neither she nor Chloe has time for the other’s philosophy or to see if their growing attraction is more than skin-deep, not when there are some monsters that won’t be sent to the Underworld without a fight.
Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2023
3 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ann Wright
24 books195 followersBarbara Ann Wright writes fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories when not adding to her enormous book collection or ranting on her blog. Her short fiction has appeared twice in Crossed Genres Magazine and once made Tangent Online's recommended reading list. Her first novel, The Pyramid Waltz, was one of Tor.com's Reviewer's Choice books of 2012 and was a 2012 Foreword Review Book of the Year Award Finalist as well as a Golden Crown Award finalist. It won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best Lesbian Fantasy and made BookRiot's 100 Must-Read Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels By Female Authors. She's won five Rainbow Awards total, and Coils was a finalist in the 2017 Lambda Awards.
Her writing career can be boiled down to two points: when her mother bought her a typewriter in the sixth grade and when she took second place in the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing in 2004. One gave her the means to write and the other gave her the confidence to keep going. Believing in oneself, in her opinion, is the most important thing a person can do.
Visit her Bold Strokes page for more information.
Her writing career can be boiled down to two points: when her mother bought her a typewriter in the sixth grade and when she took second place in the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing in 2004. One gave her the means to write and the other gave her the confidence to keep going. Believing in oneself, in her opinion, is the most important thing a person can do.
Visit her Bold Strokes page for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 12, 2023
2,5/2,75⭐️
First of all, thank you Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
“Haunted by Myth” by Barbara Ann Wright is a fantasy book with romance elements.
This story caught my attention as a fan of Greek mythology, but unfortunately, it didn't work for me.
The concept was interesting and I liked the writing, but sadly, I didn't find the characters particularly appealing, except for Ramses.
I also found the romance between Helen and Chloe a bit superficial and rushed.
First of all, thank you Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC.
“Haunted by Myth” by Barbara Ann Wright is a fantasy book with romance elements.
This story caught my attention as a fan of Greek mythology, but unfortunately, it didn't work for me.
The concept was interesting and I liked the writing, but sadly, I didn't find the characters particularly appealing, except for Ramses.
I also found the romance between Helen and Chloe a bit superficial and rushed.
January 10, 2024
Mythical and magical adventure
When Chloe’s sister dies suddenly she finds herself thrust from her boring life and into the excitement of her sister’s job of hunting monsters and ghosts. Helen of Troy has an established sanctuary for mythical creatures on earth, but when Chloe tries to shut it down, Helen is determined to stop her for good. But this is bigger than both of them, and the attraction they cannot fight, when some of the creatures just won’t go without a fight.
Such a unique and intriguing idea for a story. Chloe and Helen had a connection that was determined to get in the way of them being a nemesis to one another, which just made the whole thing so much more fun. There were darker mythical beings playing on both Helen and Chloe’s strengths and weakness for their own agendas but trying to work out who and why was the mystery that had me as puzzled as our leading ladies. Chloe was really thrown in at the deep end, whereas Helen was just facing the unexpected.
For a long while Chloe and Helen are fighting their attraction, using it almost as a weapon against themselves and holding them back from finding out the truth, but when they can’t deny it anymore, they end up making the best team. There is a whole cast of characters that help make the story exciting, all the mythical creatures and there different purposes, and even Chloe has connection to mythical creatures, who in themselves make the story just from the way they interact with her and Helen.
I really enjoyed the story. It captured my imagination, gave me pause for thought, and allowed me to indulge in an otherworldly adventure.
When Chloe’s sister dies suddenly she finds herself thrust from her boring life and into the excitement of her sister’s job of hunting monsters and ghosts. Helen of Troy has an established sanctuary for mythical creatures on earth, but when Chloe tries to shut it down, Helen is determined to stop her for good. But this is bigger than both of them, and the attraction they cannot fight, when some of the creatures just won’t go without a fight.
Such a unique and intriguing idea for a story. Chloe and Helen had a connection that was determined to get in the way of them being a nemesis to one another, which just made the whole thing so much more fun. There were darker mythical beings playing on both Helen and Chloe’s strengths and weakness for their own agendas but trying to work out who and why was the mystery that had me as puzzled as our leading ladies. Chloe was really thrown in at the deep end, whereas Helen was just facing the unexpected.
For a long while Chloe and Helen are fighting their attraction, using it almost as a weapon against themselves and holding them back from finding out the truth, but when they can’t deny it anymore, they end up making the best team. There is a whole cast of characters that help make the story exciting, all the mythical creatures and there different purposes, and even Chloe has connection to mythical creatures, who in themselves make the story just from the way they interact with her and Helen.
I really enjoyed the story. It captured my imagination, gave me pause for thought, and allowed me to indulge in an otherworldly adventure.
November 29, 2023
*I received an arc from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.*
Chloe is a ghost and monster hunter who is trying to banish the rising number of creatures that keep showing up on Earth. Helen is a demigoddess who created a sanctuary for these same creatures. When Chloe finds out about the sanctuary, she has to decide to keep up her ways or help Helen. Their feelings for each other grow, but maybe not in the way they expected.
"After all, it only took a flash of time for people to disappear forever."
Chloe lost her sister which resulted in her parent's divorce and left her with a rocky relationship with them, leaving her with only a ghost as her closest companion/hunting partner. I can see how she would be lonely and depressed about not really having her family or anyone else to lean on. However, she doesn't let that stop her. She is quick-witted and motivated. She's your average 25-year-old who just happened to get roped into hunting ghosts and monsters.
"Not if she'd have to hear those two little words. Every day. For the rest of existence: Of Troy. As if she'd never done anything in her life but be forced into the wrong place at the wrong time."
Like most women, Helen has always hated being "Helen of Troy" and only being known for an ancient mistake. She has created a sanctuary for the mythical creatures left on earth, but it can still feel overshadowed by the "Of Troy".
"Is okay Chloe Im here"
Ramses was my favorite character in this book. Something about an ancient ghost watching over Chloe as a child and being her sidekick now that she's an adult tugged at my heartstrings. He was always so supportive, and Chloe even admits that at times he can be more paternal, which is something she lacks in her life. I know he is bound to her, but being bound to her doesn't mean he has to care as much as he does.
"She wished she had a trunkful of weapons like on a TV show, but she'd been pulled over one too many times to risk such things."
As a fan of the show Supernatural, it was really fun that Chloe hinted at the show. I was already getting mega Supernatural vibes from Chloe's story so it was fun to see that this may be where the author drew inspiration from.
I appreciate the two POVs of this story because for the story to make as much of an impact on me as it did, I think it was important for readers to have both sides of the story.
I wasn't exactly expecting a modern story when I saw Helen of Troy was a big part of the story, but it was a pleasant surprise. It was refreshing to get a mythological story told in present times. The way this story was told reminded me a lot of the Percy Jackson series. Percy Jackson was my introduction to mythology, so I loved finding another story with similar vibes.
I liked the way the initial attraction between Chloe and Helen was done. They both seem to be more intrigued and attracted to the other because of the power they both possess, which sparks questions for both of them, thus making them both continually think about the other. Some books base that initial attraction/intrigue solely on appearance, and that's never seemed realistic to me. After that initial attraction, it felt like it doubled down on the appearance of both women, and that's all either of them could talk about which got annoying after a while, but that's expected from a romance.
Wright is such a detailed author. She set the scene so well I never had to wonder; I could picture the battles and creatures in my mind with relative ease.
The summary provided on Goodreads was kind of confusing and misleading. I waited the whole book to see Chloe try to shut the sanctuary down and see how Helen would handle that, but that never happened in the book. They missed out on some potential tension between the two women by not going that route with the story.
I was intrigued by this book from the second I saw the cover, but once I saw it was a sapphic book about Helen of Troy, I knew I needed to read this and it did not disappoint. The plot is fast-paced and holds your attention. It was so much fun banishing ghosts with Chloe and saving mythical creatures with Helen. It's not really a twisty book (most of the things that were probably supposed to be little twists were kind of predictable), but I was interested right down to the last page. Fans of Supernatural and Percy Jackson will be in heaven with this book.
Chloe is a ghost and monster hunter who is trying to banish the rising number of creatures that keep showing up on Earth. Helen is a demigoddess who created a sanctuary for these same creatures. When Chloe finds out about the sanctuary, she has to decide to keep up her ways or help Helen. Their feelings for each other grow, but maybe not in the way they expected.
"After all, it only took a flash of time for people to disappear forever."
Chloe lost her sister which resulted in her parent's divorce and left her with a rocky relationship with them, leaving her with only a ghost as her closest companion/hunting partner. I can see how she would be lonely and depressed about not really having her family or anyone else to lean on. However, she doesn't let that stop her. She is quick-witted and motivated. She's your average 25-year-old who just happened to get roped into hunting ghosts and monsters.
"Not if she'd have to hear those two little words. Every day. For the rest of existence: Of Troy. As if she'd never done anything in her life but be forced into the wrong place at the wrong time."
Like most women, Helen has always hated being "Helen of Troy" and only being known for an ancient mistake. She has created a sanctuary for the mythical creatures left on earth, but it can still feel overshadowed by the "Of Troy".
"Is okay Chloe Im here"
Ramses was my favorite character in this book. Something about an ancient ghost watching over Chloe as a child and being her sidekick now that she's an adult tugged at my heartstrings. He was always so supportive, and Chloe even admits that at times he can be more paternal, which is something she lacks in her life. I know he is bound to her, but being bound to her doesn't mean he has to care as much as he does.
"She wished she had a trunkful of weapons like on a TV show, but she'd been pulled over one too many times to risk such things."
As a fan of the show Supernatural, it was really fun that Chloe hinted at the show. I was already getting mega Supernatural vibes from Chloe's story so it was fun to see that this may be where the author drew inspiration from.
I appreciate the two POVs of this story because for the story to make as much of an impact on me as it did, I think it was important for readers to have both sides of the story.
I wasn't exactly expecting a modern story when I saw Helen of Troy was a big part of the story, but it was a pleasant surprise. It was refreshing to get a mythological story told in present times. The way this story was told reminded me a lot of the Percy Jackson series. Percy Jackson was my introduction to mythology, so I loved finding another story with similar vibes.
I liked the way the initial attraction between Chloe and Helen was done. They both seem to be more intrigued and attracted to the other because of the power they both possess, which sparks questions for both of them, thus making them both continually think about the other. Some books base that initial attraction/intrigue solely on appearance, and that's never seemed realistic to me. After that initial attraction, it felt like it doubled down on the appearance of both women, and that's all either of them could talk about which got annoying after a while, but that's expected from a romance.
Wright is such a detailed author. She set the scene so well I never had to wonder; I could picture the battles and creatures in my mind with relative ease.
The summary provided on Goodreads was kind of confusing and misleading. I waited the whole book to see Chloe try to shut the sanctuary down and see how Helen would handle that, but that never happened in the book. They missed out on some potential tension between the two women by not going that route with the story.
I was intrigued by this book from the second I saw the cover, but once I saw it was a sapphic book about Helen of Troy, I knew I needed to read this and it did not disappoint. The plot is fast-paced and holds your attention. It was so much fun banishing ghosts with Chloe and saving mythical creatures with Helen. It's not really a twisty book (most of the things that were probably supposed to be little twists were kind of predictable), but I was interested right down to the last page. Fans of Supernatural and Percy Jackson will be in heaven with this book.
December 5, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
Chloe always looking on the outside of what her family does but when her sister dies she inherits the family magic and thrust into hunting and banishing monsters and ghosts. She also trying to deal with her grief along with her parents who she has a not so great relationship with and even though she has this going on doesn’t stop her from doing what’s right. Helen has spent centuries running a sanctuary and rehab for mythical creatures and can’t stand that she will forever be known from a mistake. Chloe and Helen clash but soon realize they may have to face common enemies and maybe both may see although they have different philosophies they can be both right. I enjoy the mystical parts of the story and Chloe and Helen are both strong women and they do have chemistry but I just felt the romance fell flat it’s should’ve just been in background while they faces challenges.
Chloe always looking on the outside of what her family does but when her sister dies she inherits the family magic and thrust into hunting and banishing monsters and ghosts. She also trying to deal with her grief along with her parents who she has a not so great relationship with and even though she has this going on doesn’t stop her from doing what’s right. Helen has spent centuries running a sanctuary and rehab for mythical creatures and can’t stand that she will forever be known from a mistake. Chloe and Helen clash but soon realize they may have to face common enemies and maybe both may see although they have different philosophies they can be both right. I enjoy the mystical parts of the story and Chloe and Helen are both strong women and they do have chemistry but I just felt the romance fell flat it’s should’ve just been in background while they faces challenges.
December 1, 2023
I didn't manage to finish this book, it just didn't hold my interest. I didn't find the characters very compelling as their motivation was rather shallow in the first 18% of the novel, and they weren't particularly interesting. Sure action stuff happened... but it kind of lacked personality. It felt like reading an episode of a fantasy TV series, Buffy or Supernatural. If you like those you will probably have a great time with this. I just found it a little lacking in character voice.
When I read the blurb and saw myth and Helen of Troy, I was hoping for a little more meat on that story, especially because it is meant as an adult novel. This was more on the new adult spectrum.
I love fantasy, but I also read a lot of historical fiction so I can get pretty demanding on that level. I love genre mash-ups so I might have had too much expectation.
When I read the blurb and saw myth and Helen of Troy, I was hoping for a little more meat on that story, especially because it is meant as an adult novel. This was more on the new adult spectrum.
I love fantasy, but I also read a lot of historical fiction so I can get pretty demanding on that level. I love genre mash-ups so I might have had too much expectation.
December 3, 2023
*I was lucky enough to receive an arc from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books in exchange for an honest review.*
Haunted by Myth is a really interesting concept for a book and I haven't ever read anything like it before. There a some elements that were done perfectly like the presentation of Helen and how she interacted with the label 'of Troy'. Exploring her outside of her beauty is definitely something I want to see more of.
I tend to stick to more of the typical mythology retellings but did enjoy the elements of mythology incorporated into a contemporary novel. The romance felt slightly forced but I still enjoyed reading about Chloe and Helen.
Ramses was probably my favourite character. He was written really well and was just so cool. It also meant that multiple mythologies and histories were able to interact with each other.
Haunted by Myth is a really interesting concept for a book and I haven't ever read anything like it before. There a some elements that were done perfectly like the presentation of Helen and how she interacted with the label 'of Troy'. Exploring her outside of her beauty is definitely something I want to see more of.
I tend to stick to more of the typical mythology retellings but did enjoy the elements of mythology incorporated into a contemporary novel. The romance felt slightly forced but I still enjoyed reading about Chloe and Helen.
Ramses was probably my favourite character. He was written really well and was just so cool. It also meant that multiple mythologies and histories were able to interact with each other.
December 24, 2023
Haunted by Myth was a fun read that manages to do something new and original with the urban fantasy genre. Barbara Ann Wright concocts a literary spell with a dash of ghosts, a sprinkle of monsters, and a pinch of Greek mythology, stirring it with a wink and a nod as she allows a magical age-gap romance to simmer and steam.
Chloe is a ghost-hunter who was never supposed to have inherited the family business, constantly operating under the shadow of her dead sister’s memory and her mother’s grief. At her side is the ghost of the pharaoh Ramses, who has been a partner, a mentor, and a father-figure to her family for generations.
Helen is the legendary woman whose face launched a thousand ships, although she resents being defined by one story when she has done so much more over the ages. She is something of a monster-hunter, but only to rescue them from the human world and provide them with sanctuary on her island. At her side is the Sphinx – not to mention Pegasus, naiads, and more.
There’s a whole cast of supporting characters to the story, both human and otherwise, which adds to the wonder, the mystery, and the humor of the world that Wright has created. It’s deliberately unclear what the sides even are, much less who is on which, and there are centuries of resentment and distrust between humans and monsters that further strain potential alliances. I was utterly fascinated by the monster side of the story, and would love to have seen more of the menagerie in Helen’s sanctuary, and there is a whole world of adventure hinted at in Fatma and Ali that I would love to explore as well.
For all of that, this is Chloe and Helen’s story, and while their romance is a goal, it’s not the driving force behind the plot. Yes, mutual attraction draws them together, but it’s their strength as women, their morals and their purpose, that allow them to overcome the divide between natural and supernatural to face a threat that neither can thwart on their own. Chloe is a wonderful young woman who must put her doubts and fears behind her if she is to embrace her destiny. While Helen may be older and wiser, she is not without her doubts as well, especially when it comes to humanity. They bring out the best in each other.
Fast-paced and fun, full of imagination and emotion, Haunted by Myth was a thoroughly entertaining read with plenty of LGBTQIA positivity.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2023/...
Chloe is a ghost-hunter who was never supposed to have inherited the family business, constantly operating under the shadow of her dead sister’s memory and her mother’s grief. At her side is the ghost of the pharaoh Ramses, who has been a partner, a mentor, and a father-figure to her family for generations.
Helen is the legendary woman whose face launched a thousand ships, although she resents being defined by one story when she has done so much more over the ages. She is something of a monster-hunter, but only to rescue them from the human world and provide them with sanctuary on her island. At her side is the Sphinx – not to mention Pegasus, naiads, and more.
There’s a whole cast of supporting characters to the story, both human and otherwise, which adds to the wonder, the mystery, and the humor of the world that Wright has created. It’s deliberately unclear what the sides even are, much less who is on which, and there are centuries of resentment and distrust between humans and monsters that further strain potential alliances. I was utterly fascinated by the monster side of the story, and would love to have seen more of the menagerie in Helen’s sanctuary, and there is a whole world of adventure hinted at in Fatma and Ali that I would love to explore as well.
For all of that, this is Chloe and Helen’s story, and while their romance is a goal, it’s not the driving force behind the plot. Yes, mutual attraction draws them together, but it’s their strength as women, their morals and their purpose, that allow them to overcome the divide between natural and supernatural to face a threat that neither can thwart on their own. Chloe is a wonderful young woman who must put her doubts and fears behind her if she is to embrace her destiny. While Helen may be older and wiser, she is not without her doubts as well, especially when it comes to humanity. They bring out the best in each other.
Fast-paced and fun, full of imagination and emotion, Haunted by Myth was a thoroughly entertaining read with plenty of LGBTQIA positivity.
https://sallybend.wordpress.com/2023/...
December 1, 2023
It was a rather fun read. The plot is interesting and the universe is as well. The writing is most likely the strongest aspect of the novel, it has a certain lightness that made me fly through the pages. Unfortunately, the characters are sort of one-dimensional and I wished they would have been more developed. And the romance is probably what I disliked the most. It is very quick and superficial which is a shame. Their romance is more of a physical fling than an actual emotional connection.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
November 27, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
I’ve always been a big fan of Helen of Troy as a mythological figure and Helen in a sapphic plot would be right up my alley. I never seemed to gel well with this book though but I enjoyed the Percy Jackson vibes from it and I honestly would have appreciated a deeper dive into the world as it might be anything goes but I just wasn’t sure on what the rules were. Do all Gods co exist? Also it felt weird that there seemed to be no mention of Paris at all?
I’ve always been a big fan of Helen of Troy as a mythological figure and Helen in a sapphic plot would be right up my alley. I never seemed to gel well with this book though but I enjoyed the Percy Jackson vibes from it and I honestly would have appreciated a deeper dive into the world as it might be anything goes but I just wasn’t sure on what the rules were. Do all Gods co exist? Also it felt weird that there seemed to be no mention of Paris at all?
February 7, 2024
✑ 2.5 ☆s
I have high expectations when it comes to mythology, and this sapphic mythological-goddesses-with-opposing-priorities-save-the-world romantic adventure just didn’t meet them.
It felt very YA, and beyond that, the pacing of the plot was inconsistent, the characters and storyline felt cluttered and cheesy, and the romance was just so-so.
It was a quick & easy read, but beyond that, it just didn’t do it for me.
Thanks to NetGalley & Bold Strokes Publishing for the ARC!
I have high expectations when it comes to mythology, and this sapphic mythological-goddesses-with-opposing-priorities-save-the-world romantic adventure just didn’t meet them.
It felt very YA, and beyond that, the pacing of the plot was inconsistent, the characters and storyline felt cluttered and cheesy, and the romance was just so-so.
It was a quick & easy read, but beyond that, it just didn’t do it for me.
Thanks to NetGalley & Bold Strokes Publishing for the ARC!
July 5, 2024
This book has a much better cover than it deserves. It was a fun read, but the (admittedly great)cover makes it seem much more serious than it was. This book was supposed to be a romance with fantastical elements but it is more like a fantasy with some really surface-y romance laid over it in an unconvincing way. Chloe is a “monster hunter” who comes from a long line of monster hunters aided by the ghost of Ramses. Yes, THAT Ramses, the Pharaoh of ancient Egypt. They mostly just banish ghosts but someone has been deliberately calling up ghosts just to fuck shit up and she’s got to figure out why. At the same time Helen, yes, THAT Helen (of Troy), is trying to rescue magical creatures that are in danger from humans and move them to her island refuge. Their paths of course intersect and they fight together with a bunch of magical and mythical creatures to foil the evil plot. I enjoyed reading this, and it was a very fast read, so that was fun. I have COVID at the moment so have needed something easy to occupy me while I writhe around in misery. Anyway, there are some interesting themes here that could’ve been explored more—whether it is better to hide creatures away from the rest of the world or let them make their way. Who gets to make that choice? Helen wants to hide them away for their own good but not all of them are happy with that decision. And Chloe’s family dynamics—Chloe’s mom was a monster hunter and her older daughter, Jamie, was supposed to take over, but Jamie died and Chloe became the next in line. This was pretty well done but I would’ve liked more about the mom/Chloe relationship. There was way too much of Ramses as stand-in dad. Also, about halfway through the book Chloe got a lot more Southern than she had been in the beginning and it was annoying. I mean, fine, the book is set in Texas, but Chloe is also described as having Middle Eastern roots so there is no need for so many “y’all’s.” It’s not like she was otherwise described as specifically Southern. An editor should’ve caught that and either added more to the beginning or taken some of it out. And not trying to pick on this author for this next thing, but I’m getting really tired of reading “she tipped her head back and forth” as way to describe someone vacillating. You shouldn’t have to describe that if what they’re actually saying is clear. It just seems amateurish. I’ve been reading a lot of very basic romances lately and this mannerism has been something I’ve ONLY read in these books. I need to stop reading this fluff before it rots my brain. Having said all of that, if you go into this expecting a light-hearted romp you will not be disappointed. It was funny and cute and fast-paced and Chloe stays pretty cool throughout the book. The author has obviously put in a lot of research on the magical/mythological aspects of the plot and there is no dissonance there. I enjoyed it enough to want to find out what happened. Think “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” lite.
November 25, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Haunted by Myth - @barbaraannwright (release date 12/12/23)
In a sentence: I would recommend this book for fans of Supernatural, Buffy, and Percy Jackson as Haunted by Myth has somehow managed to intertwine all of my favourite elements of the three.
Haunted by Myth follows Helen of Troy (running a monster sanctuary) and Chloe (following the family monster-hunting legacy). Yes, you know where this is going: enemies-to-lover perfection.
Anyone who’s followed me for a while knows I am a sucker for books centred around mythology in modern settings (something about a god with internet access is just a vibe) - so the whole premise of this book was right up my street from the get-go and it really didn’t disappoint. It was action-packed and so fast-paced that I finished it in just over 24 hours.
Aspects of the novel that really stood out to me was the character development of Helen and Chloe throughout the novel; as well as the witty, tongue-in-cheek way that the dialogue flowed through the book. I haven’t read any of the authors work before but I REALLY love the dialogue in this book - so I will probably go on to read more of her stuff!
For me, the book fell slightly short of a five star rating as I would have liked to see a bit more depth to Helen and Chloe’s relationship - as it seemed to move along quite suddenly and although the romance was a huge subplot, it sadly felt a bit two dimensional for me. I’m not 100% sure if this is a standalone or part of a series (the ending was done so well) but if there’s a second book I am desperate for this to be developed a bit more!
That being said - there’s still sooooo much to love about this book. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, monster fuelled, LGBTQ+ book - Haunted by Myth is a very very strong option.
#review #reading #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #arcreader #arc #reader #bookquotes #romantasy #romanticfantasy #romance #fantasy #hauntedbymyth #barbaraannwright #netgalley
In a sentence: I would recommend this book for fans of Supernatural, Buffy, and Percy Jackson as Haunted by Myth has somehow managed to intertwine all of my favourite elements of the three.
Haunted by Myth follows Helen of Troy (running a monster sanctuary) and Chloe (following the family monster-hunting legacy). Yes, you know where this is going: enemies-to-lover perfection.
Anyone who’s followed me for a while knows I am a sucker for books centred around mythology in modern settings (something about a god with internet access is just a vibe) - so the whole premise of this book was right up my street from the get-go and it really didn’t disappoint. It was action-packed and so fast-paced that I finished it in just over 24 hours.
Aspects of the novel that really stood out to me was the character development of Helen and Chloe throughout the novel; as well as the witty, tongue-in-cheek way that the dialogue flowed through the book. I haven’t read any of the authors work before but I REALLY love the dialogue in this book - so I will probably go on to read more of her stuff!
For me, the book fell slightly short of a five star rating as I would have liked to see a bit more depth to Helen and Chloe’s relationship - as it seemed to move along quite suddenly and although the romance was a huge subplot, it sadly felt a bit two dimensional for me. I’m not 100% sure if this is a standalone or part of a series (the ending was done so well) but if there’s a second book I am desperate for this to be developed a bit more!
That being said - there’s still sooooo much to love about this book. If you’re looking for a fast-paced, monster fuelled, LGBTQ+ book - Haunted by Myth is a very very strong option.
#review #reading #bookstagram #booksofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #arcreader #arc #reader #bookquotes #romantasy #romanticfantasy #romance #fantasy #hauntedbymyth #barbaraannwright #netgalley
December 7, 2023
Haunted by Myth dabbles with mythology and romance as it follows two women who on paper have opposing values that work together to contain chaos in the supernatural world.
I like that the title is so close to being a play on words, with 'haunted/haunt' being an imperfect homonym for 'hunted/hunt', which describes Chloe's legacy job as a monster hunter. The girl in question, however, has morals about what creatures she would hunt and when she would kill if need be. Chloe is hunted by a mysterious supernatural being that threatens to kill her and is haunted by the legacy of her family, her sister's brilliance and her mother's overbearing bomb of grief and expectation. Helen is also haunted and hunted. Her legacy as 'Helen of Troy' has worn her down. She has to deal with the strange string of events involving a certain monster hunter and her crew and the supernatural creature that might threaten her supernatural sanctuary. Hence, both are haunted and hunted by myth.
I liked how mythology is being utilised here and how the plot is shaped by it. I struggled with some members of the supporting cast, as it felt a bit overpopulated and somewhat underutilized at times (except Ramses; he's great). The romance between the leads (no spoiler there) has the beginnings of an emotional connection, but not deeply so and is more physical, to my belief. I'm not attached to them as a couple. That's okay.
Overall, it's an okay read. It gets exciting here and there, especially because of the delicious mythologies, but the romantic subplot is a little muddy because, unfortunately, it leans skin-deep.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.
I like that the title is so close to being a play on words, with 'haunted/haunt' being an imperfect homonym for 'hunted/hunt', which describes Chloe's legacy job as a monster hunter. The girl in question, however, has morals about what creatures she would hunt and when she would kill if need be. Chloe is hunted by a mysterious supernatural being that threatens to kill her and is haunted by the legacy of her family, her sister's brilliance and her mother's overbearing bomb of grief and expectation. Helen is also haunted and hunted. Her legacy as 'Helen of Troy' has worn her down. She has to deal with the strange string of events involving a certain monster hunter and her crew and the supernatural creature that might threaten her supernatural sanctuary. Hence, both are haunted and hunted by myth.
I liked how mythology is being utilised here and how the plot is shaped by it. I struggled with some members of the supporting cast, as it felt a bit overpopulated and somewhat underutilized at times (except Ramses; he's great). The romance between the leads (no spoiler there) has the beginnings of an emotional connection, but not deeply so and is more physical, to my belief. I'm not attached to them as a couple. That's okay.
Overall, it's an okay read. It gets exciting here and there, especially because of the delicious mythologies, but the romantic subplot is a little muddy because, unfortunately, it leans skin-deep.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with the e-ARC/DRC in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2024
3,5 stars ✨
Fast-paced, lighthearted entertainment, in the form of mythological adventure meets paranormal romcom.
This was a fun, quick read. Perfect for anyone wanting to dip their toe into mythological retellings and mythology-inspired books. A gateway to some of the more serious stories in the wave of myth-lit of recent years, if you will.
Chloe is something of a Chosen One, thrust into a life she never expected to be a part of after her sister’s passing. Yes, she’s also inexplicably hot and kind and naively charming, but she has her doubts and insecurities. Her sidekick is literal Ramses II in ghost form - one of many mythological and historical crossovers. I appreciated this mix, though it was mainly Egypt and Greece focused.
Strange things have been happening, and Chloe and Ramses set out to figure out what’s going on. From there, they meet Helen - of Troy fame - and shenanigans ensue. The tone is mostly lighthearted, though themes of grief and parental expectations also make several appearances.
Going in, I thought this was going to be single POV, but we get both Helen’s, as well as Chloe’s. Did this add a whole lot to the story? Err… Character voices weren’t super distinct - no matter their age, everyone speaks modern English. Overall, the writing is very accessible, but nothing remarkable. Brace yourself for lots of snorting, breathing, and barking laughs.
The romance was insta-love/lusty, which isn’t really my cup of tea. The adventure part of the plot added enough that I never minded. Also, I like that we get bisexual Helen of Troy, who’s much more (though we only find out part of what more exactly) than a pretty face. Let her have her sappy lovestory and adjust your expectations accordingly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC!
Fast-paced, lighthearted entertainment, in the form of mythological adventure meets paranormal romcom.
This was a fun, quick read. Perfect for anyone wanting to dip their toe into mythological retellings and mythology-inspired books. A gateway to some of the more serious stories in the wave of myth-lit of recent years, if you will.
Chloe is something of a Chosen One, thrust into a life she never expected to be a part of after her sister’s passing. Yes, she’s also inexplicably hot and kind and naively charming, but she has her doubts and insecurities. Her sidekick is literal Ramses II in ghost form - one of many mythological and historical crossovers. I appreciated this mix, though it was mainly Egypt and Greece focused.
Strange things have been happening, and Chloe and Ramses set out to figure out what’s going on. From there, they meet Helen - of Troy fame - and shenanigans ensue. The tone is mostly lighthearted, though themes of grief and parental expectations also make several appearances.
Going in, I thought this was going to be single POV, but we get both Helen’s, as well as Chloe’s. Did this add a whole lot to the story? Err… Character voices weren’t super distinct - no matter their age, everyone speaks modern English. Overall, the writing is very accessible, but nothing remarkable. Brace yourself for lots of snorting, breathing, and barking laughs.
The romance was insta-love/lusty, which isn’t really my cup of tea. The adventure part of the plot added enough that I never minded. Also, I like that we get bisexual Helen of Troy, who’s much more (though we only find out part of what more exactly) than a pretty face. Let her have her sappy lovestory and adjust your expectations accordingly.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC!
December 13, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Haunted by Myth is a very fresh concept for a book, an adult version of the Percy Jackson series. It was a super fun read with zingy humor, a broad cast of characters, and lots of action. The universe is diverse and interesting, including ancient characters from different strands of mythology.
Main characters Chloe, a ghost hunter with Egyptian Pharoah Ramses as her undead sidekick and immortal Helen of Troy team up in an unlikely alliance to protect a myriad of mythological creatures. The idea of Helen’s magical sanctuary was fascinating. I wish the reader was introduced to more of the inhabitants – it could have added another fun layer to the story.
I loved the LGBTQ+ romance element between Chloe and Helen and thought Ramses’ presence in their dynamic was cleverly dealt with. I did however find their feelings for each other to be a bit rushed and superficial. My frustration with that was lessened due to the fact their romance was not 100% of the plot. I did appreciate their individual character development and the way they were able to align their goals in the end.
The rest of the cast – such as Chloe’s mother, Damian the demon, and even the Lamias – held huge potential that I wish had been explored more. We also lost track of Ligeia three-quarters of the way through the plot.
The writing itself is well-done and compelling but does pull a little towards the YA genre for a book labeled for adults. An easy and fun read, especially if you focus on Ramses!
Haunted by Myth is a very fresh concept for a book, an adult version of the Percy Jackson series. It was a super fun read with zingy humor, a broad cast of characters, and lots of action. The universe is diverse and interesting, including ancient characters from different strands of mythology.
Main characters Chloe, a ghost hunter with Egyptian Pharoah Ramses as her undead sidekick and immortal Helen of Troy team up in an unlikely alliance to protect a myriad of mythological creatures. The idea of Helen’s magical sanctuary was fascinating. I wish the reader was introduced to more of the inhabitants – it could have added another fun layer to the story.
I loved the LGBTQ+ romance element between Chloe and Helen and thought Ramses’ presence in their dynamic was cleverly dealt with. I did however find their feelings for each other to be a bit rushed and superficial. My frustration with that was lessened due to the fact their romance was not 100% of the plot. I did appreciate their individual character development and the way they were able to align their goals in the end.
The rest of the cast – such as Chloe’s mother, Damian the demon, and even the Lamias – held huge potential that I wish had been explored more. We also lost track of Ligeia three-quarters of the way through the plot.
The writing itself is well-done and compelling but does pull a little towards the YA genre for a book labeled for adults. An easy and fun read, especially if you focus on Ramses!
February 20, 2024
4.5 - My new favorite by Barbara Ann Wright!
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this novel, but the premise drew me in. Monster hunter and monster protector, Greek mythology, sassy ghosts? Yes, please!
This book had so many things going, merging stories and diverging goals. (then merging goals) The action was continuous, romantic spark believable and fueled for a multitude of reasons, and I loved the interplay between Helen and Chloe, as well as Chloe and Ramses.
There is a good amount of humor sprinkled throughout the book, but I wouldn't classify it as comedy fantasy like those of a similar genre. The story is told from both Helen and Chloe's POV which gives of a glimpse of who each woman is deep down. One is struggling to maintain a good presence in the world, and the other is struggling to live up to what she things is an impossible expectation. And as with most things in life, a little company can go a long way.
I'm glad it was a slow burn and while I loved the fact that they shared a soul mate-level attraction (a bit of fated love maybe?), the romance was tempered by the main story and saving-the-world adventure of it all. Many thanks to Wright for gifting us with this lovely balance.
I highly recommend Haunted by Myth for anyone liking fantasy set in the real world, a little humor, mythology, action, adventure, romance, demons, ghosts, shared worlds (with her novel, Coils) and a lot of paranormal elements.
Cheers, whistles, and claps to Barabara Ann Wright. She proves with each new novel why she's a master (or mistress if you prefer) at sapphic fantasy fiction.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this novel, but the premise drew me in. Monster hunter and monster protector, Greek mythology, sassy ghosts? Yes, please!
This book had so many things going, merging stories and diverging goals. (then merging goals) The action was continuous, romantic spark believable and fueled for a multitude of reasons, and I loved the interplay between Helen and Chloe, as well as Chloe and Ramses.
There is a good amount of humor sprinkled throughout the book, but I wouldn't classify it as comedy fantasy like those of a similar genre. The story is told from both Helen and Chloe's POV which gives of a glimpse of who each woman is deep down. One is struggling to maintain a good presence in the world, and the other is struggling to live up to what she things is an impossible expectation. And as with most things in life, a little company can go a long way.
I'm glad it was a slow burn and while I loved the fact that they shared a soul mate-level attraction (a bit of fated love maybe?), the romance was tempered by the main story and saving-the-world adventure of it all. Many thanks to Wright for gifting us with this lovely balance.
I highly recommend Haunted by Myth for anyone liking fantasy set in the real world, a little humor, mythology, action, adventure, romance, demons, ghosts, shared worlds (with her novel, Coils) and a lot of paranormal elements.
Cheers, whistles, and claps to Barabara Ann Wright. She proves with each new novel why she's a master (or mistress if you prefer) at sapphic fantasy fiction.
December 11, 2023
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley prior to release date.
Ghost busters meets old familiar mythologies in this sapphic reimagining of Helen of Troy. Haunted by Myth takes a new approach to renowned tales where familiar stories, myths and creatures make appearances throughout.
I found this book a bit hard to get through and couldn’t really get into it in the beginning. Didn’t really relate to the characters, which is an important aspect of the reading experience for me. In this instance it might just be a me-problem, because both the story and writing was overall well done. It had a humoristic twist that made it more enjoyable to read. The relationship between Chloe and her ghost Ramses was one of the best aspects of the book. We love entertaining banter with ancient Egyptian ghost pharaohs with big personalities! Further, I really liked that we, the reader, got to learn about Chloe’s past at the same time as her as it prevented a huge info-dump in the beginning. The only thing I actively disliked about the book as the insta-love between the main characters from the moment they met. It felt a bit forced and not like a natural attraction. Would have loved some more world building and for the myths to have be explored more in depth.
Overall a good love story. Despite the insta-love it was amusing to see how Chloe and Helen fell into each others orbit. Would recommend it to people who like sapphic books and ghost hunting but not if you have something against insta-love.
Ghost busters meets old familiar mythologies in this sapphic reimagining of Helen of Troy. Haunted by Myth takes a new approach to renowned tales where familiar stories, myths and creatures make appearances throughout.
I found this book a bit hard to get through and couldn’t really get into it in the beginning. Didn’t really relate to the characters, which is an important aspect of the reading experience for me. In this instance it might just be a me-problem, because both the story and writing was overall well done. It had a humoristic twist that made it more enjoyable to read. The relationship between Chloe and her ghost Ramses was one of the best aspects of the book. We love entertaining banter with ancient Egyptian ghost pharaohs with big personalities! Further, I really liked that we, the reader, got to learn about Chloe’s past at the same time as her as it prevented a huge info-dump in the beginning. The only thing I actively disliked about the book as the insta-love between the main characters from the moment they met. It felt a bit forced and not like a natural attraction. Would have loved some more world building and for the myths to have be explored more in depth.
Overall a good love story. Despite the insta-love it was amusing to see how Chloe and Helen fell into each others orbit. Would recommend it to people who like sapphic books and ghost hunting but not if you have something against insta-love.
January 3, 2024
This book was so fun!! Modern day ghost hunter, Chloe, is aided by her trusty sidekick, the ghost of Pharaoh Ramses the Great (it’s just as fun as it sounds, I promise), as they try to send back problematic ghosts to where they hath come from. This is all fine and dandy until one of their cases finds them running into Helen. The Helen. Helen of Troy.
Helen has been running a secret sanctuary for supernatural and immortal beings, and when she and Chloe bump into each other chasing the same being, their immediate attraction to each other becomes the least of their problems.
The banter between all of the main characters (yes, Ramses included, we love him), was brilliant, and with layers of both tender relationships and emotional trauma that every protagonist needed to work through individually, I was rooting for everyone in the novel. I didn’t expect it to be as funny as it was, so that was a very pleasant surprise. I will say the one ding is that the attraction between Chloe and Helen at times did feel quite insta-love-y, but by the end of the book, the author had taken the time to slow it down and build up their relationship’s depth a bit. I just wish that we as readers got to see more of that building on-page.
Overall, an extremely cute book, and fun for folks who know some Greek mythology that want it queered up and modernized! I give it 4 ⭐️
*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Helen has been running a secret sanctuary for supernatural and immortal beings, and when she and Chloe bump into each other chasing the same being, their immediate attraction to each other becomes the least of their problems.
The banter between all of the main characters (yes, Ramses included, we love him), was brilliant, and with layers of both tender relationships and emotional trauma that every protagonist needed to work through individually, I was rooting for everyone in the novel. I didn’t expect it to be as funny as it was, so that was a very pleasant surprise. I will say the one ding is that the attraction between Chloe and Helen at times did feel quite insta-love-y, but by the end of the book, the author had taken the time to slow it down and build up their relationship’s depth a bit. I just wish that we as readers got to see more of that building on-page.
Overall, an extremely cute book, and fun for folks who know some Greek mythology that want it queered up and modernized! I give it 4 ⭐️
*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
December 9, 2023
Thank you #NetGalley and #BoldStrokesBooks for a free ARC of #HauntedByMyth by #BarbaraAnnWright in exchange for an honest, no spoilers review!
SAPPHIC HELEN OF TROY!!! Need I say more? I saw that in the premise, and I was sold!
This book tells the story of Chloe, a ghost hunter (not by choice, thank you very much), and Helen (of Troy, but try not to mention that part around her), and how they meet and develop feelings for one another. If you like an enemies-ish-to-lovers type trope, you may enjoy this book!
I loved the modern setting for this Greek mythology retelling. It was different from all the other retelling I’ve been reading lately. This is a dual point-of-view, and I thought the author successfully switched between Chloe and Helen without confusion or losing any of the story telling parts. Ramses was maybe one of the best characters in this story! I thought it was a really cool touch because you can bring in two different types of mythology/lore.
If you love sapphics, if you love mythology retellings, if you love witty banter, found family, and Supernatural-esque vibes, then definitely pick this book up! It’s out on December 12!
SAPPHIC HELEN OF TROY!!! Need I say more? I saw that in the premise, and I was sold!
This book tells the story of Chloe, a ghost hunter (not by choice, thank you very much), and Helen (of Troy, but try not to mention that part around her), and how they meet and develop feelings for one another. If you like an enemies-ish-to-lovers type trope, you may enjoy this book!
I loved the modern setting for this Greek mythology retelling. It was different from all the other retelling I’ve been reading lately. This is a dual point-of-view, and I thought the author successfully switched between Chloe and Helen without confusion or losing any of the story telling parts. Ramses was maybe one of the best characters in this story! I thought it was a really cool touch because you can bring in two different types of mythology/lore.
If you love sapphics, if you love mythology retellings, if you love witty banter, found family, and Supernatural-esque vibes, then definitely pick this book up! It’s out on December 12!
December 10, 2023
Haunting by Myth- 2.5⭐️ 2🌶️
Sci-fi-fantasy
LGBTQIA
Romance
New adult
dual POV
Sapphic fantasy romance
Greek myth
Magical realism
Paranormal
Mythical Creatures
Slow burn
Rivals-to-lovers
This took me SO long to get into. The book started right into the action, but I didn’t find myself interested in what was going on, at all. The entire blurb happens before the book even starts, which is frustrating and misleading. It’s very possible that this just wasn’t the book for me. I found the plot to be predictable, even though the premise was unique.
The two FMCs weren’t as compelling as I hoped or expected from main characters. I found myself just wanting more from them. It was interesting to see both characters try to move past their legacies… but I didn’t find that enough to make me invested in their journey. Their romance was really lacking depth, for me, pushing it to the side.
Ramses was actually my favorite character. I found his paternal leanings and banter to be really the best part of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an Advanced eReader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Sci-fi-fantasy
LGBTQIA
Romance
New adult
dual POV
Sapphic fantasy romance
Greek myth
Magical realism
Paranormal
Mythical Creatures
Slow burn
Rivals-to-lovers
This took me SO long to get into. The book started right into the action, but I didn’t find myself interested in what was going on, at all. The entire blurb happens before the book even starts, which is frustrating and misleading. It’s very possible that this just wasn’t the book for me. I found the plot to be predictable, even though the premise was unique.
The two FMCs weren’t as compelling as I hoped or expected from main characters. I found myself just wanting more from them. It was interesting to see both characters try to move past their legacies… but I didn’t find that enough to make me invested in their journey. Their romance was really lacking depth, for me, pushing it to the side.
Ramses was actually my favorite character. I found his paternal leanings and banter to be really the best part of the book.
Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc. for an Advanced eReader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read
December 19, 2023Haunted by Myth is a quick and fun read, excelling in weaving mythology into the everyday ( I really loved the whale network). I'd also like to commend the gorgeous cover!
The story is told in dual POV of the young ghost hunter Chloe, who was thrown into her family profession after her sister's sudden death, and THE Helen of Troy, who runs a sanctuary for mythological creatures. They are thrown together when the presence of mythological creatures running wild in the human world suddenly decreases dramatically and they find themselves having to investigate that while also exploring their immediate attraction. It is a diverting new take on the genre and if you're looking for a fun and simple read, this is your book.
Personally, I feel the novel would be better categorized as Young Adult, the language and romance do read quite young and I think I would have enjoyed it more not expecting an adult novel. But everyone who is a fan of Percy jackson and Ghost Busters and wants their mythological joy ride served with a sapphic twist will thoroughly enjoy this book!
Thank you to Bold Stroke Books for an advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told in dual POV of the young ghost hunter Chloe, who was thrown into her family profession after her sister's sudden death, and THE Helen of Troy, who runs a sanctuary for mythological creatures. They are thrown together when the presence of mythological creatures running wild in the human world suddenly decreases dramatically and they find themselves having to investigate that while also exploring their immediate attraction. It is a diverting new take on the genre and if you're looking for a fun and simple read, this is your book.
Personally, I feel the novel would be better categorized as Young Adult, the language and romance do read quite young and I think I would have enjoyed it more not expecting an adult novel. But everyone who is a fan of Percy jackson and Ghost Busters and wants their mythological joy ride served with a sapphic twist will thoroughly enjoy this book!
Thank you to Bold Stroke Books for an advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2023
This review was made possible via an ARC through NetGalley
Haunted by Myth by Barbara Ann Wright is a Sapphic contemporary fantasy novel that shifts POVs between Chloe, a monster hunter similar to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural, and Helen of Troy, a demigod who has been roaming the world and protecting mythical creatures.
Chloe comes from a line of monster hunters who are descended from the Pharaoh Ramses and his ghost follows the hunter around to assist them. Ramses and Chloe have an interesting dynamic as Ramses has always been part of her life and he loves modern TV, but Chloe is kept in the dark about certain parts of her role as a monster hunter and her heritage.
When Chloe and Helen meet, it’s an almost instant attraction that eventually develops into a romantic relationship as they team up to destroy a much larger enemy.
I really liked the sea creature network and that different whales have different habits when it comes to information. I also liked the idea of a ghostly ancestor who is bound to their family tree and assists them in hunting down ghosts and other supernatural beings.
I would recommend this to fans of Buffy and Supernatural, to those looking for Millenial slang in their contemporary fantasy, and readers who want Greek mythology reimagings with a Queer twist.
Haunted by Myth by Barbara Ann Wright is a Sapphic contemporary fantasy novel that shifts POVs between Chloe, a monster hunter similar to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural, and Helen of Troy, a demigod who has been roaming the world and protecting mythical creatures.
Chloe comes from a line of monster hunters who are descended from the Pharaoh Ramses and his ghost follows the hunter around to assist them. Ramses and Chloe have an interesting dynamic as Ramses has always been part of her life and he loves modern TV, but Chloe is kept in the dark about certain parts of her role as a monster hunter and her heritage.
When Chloe and Helen meet, it’s an almost instant attraction that eventually develops into a romantic relationship as they team up to destroy a much larger enemy.
I really liked the sea creature network and that different whales have different habits when it comes to information. I also liked the idea of a ghostly ancestor who is bound to their family tree and assists them in hunting down ghosts and other supernatural beings.
I would recommend this to fans of Buffy and Supernatural, to those looking for Millenial slang in their contemporary fantasy, and readers who want Greek mythology reimagings with a Queer twist.
December 7, 2023
I received an ARC from the publisher and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Chloe is a ghost hunter who inherited the job - and the Egyptian ancestor family ghost - when her sister died. Helen (yes, that Helen) runs a sanctuary for mythical creatures, and she really doesn't want to trust humans again.
I loved the tension between Chloe and Helen, but the best part of this whole book was probably Ramses. He's just a great sidekick, and his familial relationship with Chloe was great to see. I also loved Helen's sanctuary, with all the different creatures, some of whom had committed evils in the past - but everyone deserves a chance for redemption.
I thought I called a big twist around one third in, and then I kept waiting for that shit to hit the fan, and... in the end, that plotline wasn't clearly resolved in this book at all, so I still don't know if I was right or not. Maybe I was completely off. Maybe not. I just want to know now!!
Chloe is a ghost hunter who inherited the job - and the Egyptian ancestor family ghost - when her sister died. Helen (yes, that Helen) runs a sanctuary for mythical creatures, and she really doesn't want to trust humans again.
I loved the tension between Chloe and Helen, but the best part of this whole book was probably Ramses. He's just a great sidekick, and his familial relationship with Chloe was great to see. I also loved Helen's sanctuary, with all the different creatures, some of whom had committed evils in the past - but everyone deserves a chance for redemption.
I thought I called a big twist around one third in, and then I kept waiting for that shit to hit the fan, and... in the end, that plotline wasn't clearly resolved in this book at all, so I still don't know if I was right or not. Maybe I was completely off. Maybe not. I just want to know now!!
December 7, 2023
People often choose to get over bad marriages in highly individualistic ways, and running an animal sanctuary is probably not the worst way to go about healing yourself.
What is unusual though, is if the animals are all mythical beasts, and the person getting over the marriage is Helen of Troy! But Helen is determined to get past the nightmarish legacy Greek men created in her name.
The problem is, she is not prepared to meet someone else who's struggling with a family legacy - in this case, one that involves hunting and killing monsters and mythical creatures.
So when Helen meets Chloe, given their very different aims, sparks inevitably fly. And not the kind they were expecting, either...This is a very different take on the character of Helen (nee Troy), and an amusing, fanciful read. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
What is unusual though, is if the animals are all mythical beasts, and the person getting over the marriage is Helen of Troy! But Helen is determined to get past the nightmarish legacy Greek men created in her name.
The problem is, she is not prepared to meet someone else who's struggling with a family legacy - in this case, one that involves hunting and killing monsters and mythical creatures.
So when Helen meets Chloe, given their very different aims, sparks inevitably fly. And not the kind they were expecting, either...This is a very different take on the character of Helen (nee Troy), and an amusing, fanciful read. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
December 13, 2023
I was drawn to the name of the book and I also thought that the cover was gorgeous! The blurb intrigued me and I thought this book was going to be a mix of a Greek myth retelling and the TV show Supernatural. Both things that I love! Even though there was monster/ghost hunting, the myth aspect of the blurb was not as I initially expected as the mythological references in the book are very surface-level. Unfortunately, this book just did not work out for me. Given that this is an adult novel, the writing pulled very young and it just didn’t click with me. This novel is also meant to include a sapphic romance, but I found the relationship between the MCs a little one-dimensional and not very compelling. I had a hard time connecting to the story. That being said, the writing itself is not bad and it is definitely a quick read. So if you want something quick, fun, and unserious to read on a rainy weekend this might work for you.
Read
December 15, 2023First off I wanted to say WOW! I really enjoyed the premise of the book and Barbara has a very strong voice. Each character was distinct and I loved the dual POV we get from Helen and Chloe. The story was very cohesive, I loved all the twists and turns the story took and I was always surprised. It was a very fun read and I enjoyed how the author incorporated many different monsters and creatures into the story and how we saw Chloes perspective on them slowly change. The character growth and development was really well done, I did not feel as if any characters just jumped ahead or that their opinion changed too quick.
Overall I had a lot of fun reading this book! The pacing was done very well, I did not feel as if the story lagged in any spots and it held my interest the entire time.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Overall I had a lot of fun reading this book! The pacing was done very well, I did not feel as if the story lagged in any spots and it held my interest the entire time.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
February 23, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC!
Chloe is a ghost-hunter who was never supposed to have inherited the family business, constantly operating under the shadow of her dead sister’s memory and her mother’s grief. At her side is the ghost of the pharaoh Ramses, who has been a partner, a mentor, and a father-figure to her family for generations.
Helen is the legendary woman whose face launched a thousand ships, although she resents being defined by one story when she has done so much more over the ages. She is something of a monster-hunter, but only to rescue them from the human world and provide them with sanctuary on her island. At her side is the Sphinx – not to mention Pegasus, naiads, and more.
There’s a whole cast of supporting characters to the story, both human and otherwise, which adds to the wonder, the mystery, and the humor of the world that Wright has create
Chloe is a ghost-hunter who was never supposed to have inherited the family business, constantly operating under the shadow of her dead sister’s memory and her mother’s grief. At her side is the ghost of the pharaoh Ramses, who has been a partner, a mentor, and a father-figure to her family for generations.
Helen is the legendary woman whose face launched a thousand ships, although she resents being defined by one story when she has done so much more over the ages. She is something of a monster-hunter, but only to rescue them from the human world and provide them with sanctuary on her island. At her side is the Sphinx – not to mention Pegasus, naiads, and more.
There’s a whole cast of supporting characters to the story, both human and otherwise, which adds to the wonder, the mystery, and the humor of the world that Wright has create
December 8, 2023
4.5 stars.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for providing me with this eARC, in exchange for my honest review.
The beautiful cover, mixed with the title automatically drew me in. It took me a minute to divulge into this world because I was worried it would be hard to follow, but not at all.
I found this to be a fun, lighthearted sci-fi fantasy take weaved both mythology and modern day exploration. I would have loved to see more of the Helen and Chloe romance plot lines built up or even more subtle moments to help believe their true love, but I could just chalk that up to YA-estqe nature / soulmate ideology. It was an easy read, with the relationship between Chloe & Ramses being the main pairing to root for. I thought this book was an enjoyable & entertaining read. I didn’t love the ending, but i didn’t hate it. It just wasn’t what I pictured.
Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley for providing me with this eARC, in exchange for my honest review.
The beautiful cover, mixed with the title automatically drew me in. It took me a minute to divulge into this world because I was worried it would be hard to follow, but not at all.
I found this to be a fun, lighthearted sci-fi fantasy take weaved both mythology and modern day exploration. I would have loved to see more of the Helen and Chloe romance plot lines built up or even more subtle moments to help believe their true love, but I could just chalk that up to YA-estqe nature / soulmate ideology. It was an easy read, with the relationship between Chloe & Ramses being the main pairing to root for. I thought this book was an enjoyable & entertaining read. I didn’t love the ending, but i didn’t hate it. It just wasn’t what I pictured.
January 3, 2024
A sapphic monster of the week urban fantasy with romantic elements.
What a fun ride. Barbara Ann Wright gives a high-octane adventure fueled by magic and heart. Two powerful women with pure intentions: Chloe trying to save the world from monsters and Helen (of Troy) trying to save monsters from the modern world. When their worlds collide, their immediate connection is hard to ignore, but their narrow focus on their goals keeps them from understanding the other person’s point of view. Fate keeps throwing them together and their attraction grows, leading them to question what they think they know about the world and themselves.
For all those mythology lovers out there, this one hits the spot, with just enough of a sprinkling without its addition to the modern world feeling overwhelming. What made this story stand out for me was the inclusion of ghosts, not just an obstacle for our heroine Chloe, but also a friend and mentor in the form of Ramses the Great, who is a family ghost, and a stand out character.
I’m crossing my fingers the author gives us many more adventures with Chloe and Helen.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for an Advanced eReader Copy.
What a fun ride. Barbara Ann Wright gives a high-octane adventure fueled by magic and heart. Two powerful women with pure intentions: Chloe trying to save the world from monsters and Helen (of Troy) trying to save monsters from the modern world. When their worlds collide, their immediate connection is hard to ignore, but their narrow focus on their goals keeps them from understanding the other person’s point of view. Fate keeps throwing them together and their attraction grows, leading them to question what they think they know about the world and themselves.
For all those mythology lovers out there, this one hits the spot, with just enough of a sprinkling without its addition to the modern world feeling overwhelming. What made this story stand out for me was the inclusion of ghosts, not just an obstacle for our heroine Chloe, but also a friend and mentor in the form of Ramses the Great, who is a family ghost, and a stand out character.
I’m crossing my fingers the author gives us many more adventures with Chloe and Helen.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for an Advanced eReader Copy.
December 22, 2023
"Haunted by Myth" is a delightful and captivating journey into the paranormal realm, offering a truly unique and interesting narrative that sets it apart from conventional tales. The author skillfully weaves a wonderfully written story that effortlessly combines elements of mystery, charm, and the supernatural. The book's distinctive charm lies in its ability to be both intriguing and cute, making it a delightful read for audiences of various tastes. The narrative unfolds with a perfect balance of suspense and whimsy, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. With its refreshing take on the paranormal genre, "Haunted by Myth" proves to be an enchanting and memorable addition to the literary world, leaving readers eagerly anticipating more from this talented author.
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