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The Underworld Novellas #1-6
The Urban Underworld Omnibus: Serving Up Bite-Sized Cozy Fantasy Based in Greek Mythology
Picture Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares meeting the charm of the Great British Bake Off but set in the Greek Underworld. The tale kicks off with sunshine-chef Rae facing off against her rival, snake-daemon Garth, in the centennial Hades cook-off — a deliciously cozy beginning to the six novellas that compose this book.
As the story develops, each novella introduces a diverse team of daemons and deities navigating the challenges of suburban life in Asphodel Meadows. Together they must tackle Olympic investors, old lovers, demanding gods, family myths, and personal insecurities. In this realm where no one faces the threat of 'death,' survival of the spirit becomes the true test.
Perfect for fans of Greek Mythology and Cozy Fantasy.
THE URBAN UNDERWORLD: Serving Up Bite-Sized Cozy Fantasy Based in Greek Mythology is the Underworld Novella Omnibus featuring: The Signature Dish of the Underworld, Taking Orders in the Underworld, Drinking Wine in the Underworld, Let Them Eat Cake in the Underworld, You Are What You Eat in the Underworld, and The Restaurateur in the Underworld.
As the story develops, each novella introduces a diverse team of daemons and deities navigating the challenges of suburban life in Asphodel Meadows. Together they must tackle Olympic investors, old lovers, demanding gods, family myths, and personal insecurities. In this realm where no one faces the threat of 'death,' survival of the spirit becomes the true test.
Perfect for fans of Greek Mythology and Cozy Fantasy.
THE URBAN UNDERWORLD: Serving Up Bite-Sized Cozy Fantasy Based in Greek Mythology is the Underworld Novella Omnibus featuring: The Signature Dish of the Underworld, Taking Orders in the Underworld, Drinking Wine in the Underworld, Let Them Eat Cake in the Underworld, You Are What You Eat in the Underworld, and The Restaurateur in the Underworld.
- GenresCozyGreek Mythology
372 pages, ebook
Published March 5, 2024
28 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Gwyneth Lesley
12 books131 followersGwyneth Lesley is the author of the Femme Fatale series and the Underworld Novellas, containing modern-day Greek mythology retellings. Expect heartbreaking, steamy romances or cosy feel-good vibes in her books (depending on which series you pick up). When she’s not writing, you can find her cooking in her kitchen or going on bush walks in her home country of New Zealand. You can keep up with her adventures on Instagram at @gwenthegreekmythgirl and her books at www.gwynethlesley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 14, 2024
The vibes here are immaculate. I’m a sucker for the underworld. Greek mythology is my Jam. I enjoyed this from beginning to end. Cozy cubes aren’t even not even my usual go to, and yet I found myself thinking about these characters and this world throughout my workday.
Pick it to, grab a snack and exit these short stories in the underworld. They are so lovely.
Favorite character: Garth
Pick it to, grab a snack and exit these short stories in the underworld. They are so lovely.
Favorite character: Garth
August 12, 2024
I can't believe it's basically been a year of me being in The Underworld with this team of daemons and deities just trying to get by in Asphodel Meadows! I have loved every moment of writing this cozy fantasy, and I'm so excited to be able to bring all the novellas together so you get the WHOLE team character arc in one book.
PLUS I am extremely excited to be including some of the recipes in the paperback version (due out March 5th 2023!) and that I am getting character art and special edition hardcovers made for this series. (More on that on my Instagram & website soon.) I hope you love your trip to this whimsical Underworld as much as I've enjoyed writing it for you.
PLUS I am extremely excited to be including some of the recipes in the paperback version (due out March 5th 2023!) and that I am getting character art and special edition hardcovers made for this series. (More on that on my Instagram & website soon.) I hope you love your trip to this whimsical Underworld as much as I've enjoyed writing it for you.
February 23, 2024
I have been reading a lot of mythology re-tellings as of late and this one is now one of my favorites! Six books in one, I couldn’t get enough. I usually love smut in my literature but this wholesome, smut-free omnibus made me feel all kinds of warmness. Each of the characters is beautifully written, I enjoyed Gwyneth’s notes before some of the stories and loved how all six books all revolve around each other and intertwine. I would absolutely love to read more about these characters, and keep it smut free. I am going to re-read this series with my wife, who is a chef, as I know she will love to read about the kitchen life in the Underworld. I am so honored to be apart of the ARC group and can’t wait to read more from this author. This my first dive into her world of Greek mythology and now she has a new loyal reader in me.
February 11, 2024
Where to start… I adored this series and fell in love with each of the characters. This was the perfect cosy read while tucked under a blanket enjoying a sweet treat and a hot chocolate. I easily devoured all 6 of these short stories over a couple of sittings.
The Signature Dish of The Underworld: this book was the first in the series and introduced us to Rae and Garth who have been competing against each other in the Hades cook off for centuries. An enemy to lovers romance this book quite literally made me squeal. I originally felt like their story wasn’t quite complete but after I read the other books I completely understood why!
Taking orders in the underworld: compared to the other phenomenal books in the series this one felt more flat. As Nika ended up becoming quite quickly my favourite character, I just wish her story had a bit more depth. This book was still highly enjoyable and helped get over an important obstacle *NO SPOILERS HERE* for the later books in the series.
Drinking Wine in The Underworld: This book was sexy and fun (and also really heart wrenching) Not only did this book explore Dionysus and Savvas and the chemistry between them that was destroyed in the past but also really showed a development of other characters in the series. This book I definitely added a bit of baileys to my hot chocolate to feel part of the story myself.
Let them eat cake in the underworld: This story in the series was adorable and cute and the chemistry between Melamene and Irid was *Chefs kiss*. This was a fabulous story that made my tummy fill with butterflies I loved the way they both supported each other throughout everything. A perfect addition to the series.
You are what you eat in the underworld: Finally Lexi and Yani we get to find out their story. This was once again such a sweet and happy read. As two characters that have developed throughout the previous stories in the series it was great to finally get their backstory. I absolutely adored this story!
The restaurateur of the Underworld: the concluding Novella in this 6 part series! I didn’t want it to come to an end! But was very happy to see the original characters of the series Rae and Garth back in the spotlight, a perfect end to the series this last book at the end definitely felt like a warm hug.
*This book was given to me as an ARC read in exchange for an honest review*
The Signature Dish of The Underworld: this book was the first in the series and introduced us to Rae and Garth who have been competing against each other in the Hades cook off for centuries. An enemy to lovers romance this book quite literally made me squeal. I originally felt like their story wasn’t quite complete but after I read the other books I completely understood why!
Taking orders in the underworld: compared to the other phenomenal books in the series this one felt more flat. As Nika ended up becoming quite quickly my favourite character, I just wish her story had a bit more depth. This book was still highly enjoyable and helped get over an important obstacle *NO SPOILERS HERE* for the later books in the series.
Drinking Wine in The Underworld: This book was sexy and fun (and also really heart wrenching) Not only did this book explore Dionysus and Savvas and the chemistry between them that was destroyed in the past but also really showed a development of other characters in the series. This book I definitely added a bit of baileys to my hot chocolate to feel part of the story myself.
Let them eat cake in the underworld: This story in the series was adorable and cute and the chemistry between Melamene and Irid was *Chefs kiss*. This was a fabulous story that made my tummy fill with butterflies I loved the way they both supported each other throughout everything. A perfect addition to the series.
You are what you eat in the underworld: Finally Lexi and Yani we get to find out their story. This was once again such a sweet and happy read. As two characters that have developed throughout the previous stories in the series it was great to finally get their backstory. I absolutely adored this story!
The restaurateur of the Underworld: the concluding Novella in this 6 part series! I didn’t want it to come to an end! But was very happy to see the original characters of the series Rae and Garth back in the spotlight, a perfect end to the series this last book at the end definitely felt like a warm hug.
*This book was given to me as an ARC read in exchange for an honest review*
February 27, 2024
I adored this. I loved the way each story was separate point of views but each was interwoven into the Underworld that the author created. If you want cute "bite-sized" stories with a serving of Greek mythology this is it.
March 5, 2024
This is such a good book. It’s cute, it’s fluffy, it’s everything i was hoping for. 5⭐️ for sure
February 5, 2024
Listen. This was so cute. I was told it would be a comfy cozy underworld story and that is what I got. The 6 separate stories have different POVS and different histories, and the last one even had me tearing up a bit. I love the liveliness and joy that is shown in this version of the Underworld. The thought of all these characters just doing what they love and living their lives the way they choose brings me so much joy. Although I will say I wish we had gotten more of Yani and Lexie. Truly a very enjoyable read and I absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves cozy happiness and Greek mythology.
February 16, 2024
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 - 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟕
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺.
I hadn't realised there was a need in my life for a series of novellas that, essentially, combine elements of Greek Mythology with the found-family chaos and tactile foodieness of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘳. The idea is so compelling that OF COURSE you're willing to travel down to the Underworld to sample such delights.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘖𝘮𝘯𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘴 is particularly successful on two levels: its ideas (in combining lore from Ancient Greece with more contemporary ways of life, you get a fab setting and a real range of characters) and its descriptions of food (don't read it while you're hungry, I can only hear about caramelised chutney so many times before I'm throwing my kindle on the floor and WALKING TO BIG TESCO to spend my money on the most outrageous charcuterie board I can find/carry).
The perk of experiencing this world through six novellas is that you're exposed to multiple POVs. The negative of experiencing this world through six novellas is that you only get to spend a finite amount of time with any one character before you're hopping away to someone else. They all inhabit a similar sphere (there's a restaurant that acts as a kind of nexus point), but outside of their novella, the interactions you get between your favourite characters can feel a bit surface level.
It's pretty low-stakes and cosy, though it also doesn't shy away from some of the grimmer aspects of Greek Mythology. One character was skewered by a bull, another's mother was cursed to eat them at some point, there's a river to make you forget and a river to burn you alive for all eternity. But there are no world-ending schemes and any real angst is addressed and overcome within a few pages. There's plenty of gentle, domestic romance too, though the odd sentence is thrown in (slightly against the grain of everything else) that makes you wonder if a spicier manuscript exists somewhere in the fires of Tartarus.
I find it difficult to rate a series of short stories as one entity, because you're always going to prefer some over others. There's a real progression - writing-wise - over the course of the six novellas (definitely read them in the order they're presented to get the most out of them). The first two felt a little rough around the edges, but I'd settled in by the time we got to Savvas' tale.
I think my main frustration arose from wanting MORE. I'd happily read an entire novel about a gifted sommelier that used to be entangled with Dionysus, or a slow-burn, rivals to lovers romance set in an Underworld kitchen. There's so much potential in the ideas here that I desperately want to see them expanded on - to have the space and time for characters to become truly distinct in thought, speech and temperament.
I think I just have to accept that I'm ultimately not a short-form girly (because I clearly need to know the depths of a character's soul before I can fully root for them), but if you like your tales short and sweet, I guarantee you'll have a great time here.
6/10
𝘱.𝘴. 𝘐𝘧 𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘣 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘶. 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘐𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺.
I hadn't realised there was a need in my life for a series of novellas that, essentially, combine elements of Greek Mythology with the found-family chaos and tactile foodieness of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘳. The idea is so compelling that OF COURSE you're willing to travel down to the Underworld to sample such delights.
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘳𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘖𝘮𝘯𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘴 is particularly successful on two levels: its ideas (in combining lore from Ancient Greece with more contemporary ways of life, you get a fab setting and a real range of characters) and its descriptions of food (don't read it while you're hungry, I can only hear about caramelised chutney so many times before I'm throwing my kindle on the floor and WALKING TO BIG TESCO to spend my money on the most outrageous charcuterie board I can find/carry).
The perk of experiencing this world through six novellas is that you're exposed to multiple POVs. The negative of experiencing this world through six novellas is that you only get to spend a finite amount of time with any one character before you're hopping away to someone else. They all inhabit a similar sphere (there's a restaurant that acts as a kind of nexus point), but outside of their novella, the interactions you get between your favourite characters can feel a bit surface level.
It's pretty low-stakes and cosy, though it also doesn't shy away from some of the grimmer aspects of Greek Mythology. One character was skewered by a bull, another's mother was cursed to eat them at some point, there's a river to make you forget and a river to burn you alive for all eternity. But there are no world-ending schemes and any real angst is addressed and overcome within a few pages. There's plenty of gentle, domestic romance too, though the odd sentence is thrown in (slightly against the grain of everything else) that makes you wonder if a spicier manuscript exists somewhere in the fires of Tartarus.
I find it difficult to rate a series of short stories as one entity, because you're always going to prefer some over others. There's a real progression - writing-wise - over the course of the six novellas (definitely read them in the order they're presented to get the most out of them). The first two felt a little rough around the edges, but I'd settled in by the time we got to Savvas' tale.
I think my main frustration arose from wanting MORE. I'd happily read an entire novel about a gifted sommelier that used to be entangled with Dionysus, or a slow-burn, rivals to lovers romance set in an Underworld kitchen. There's so much potential in the ideas here that I desperately want to see them expanded on - to have the space and time for characters to become truly distinct in thought, speech and temperament.
I think I just have to accept that I'm ultimately not a short-form girly (because I clearly need to know the depths of a character's soul before I can fully root for them), but if you like your tales short and sweet, I guarantee you'll have a great time here.
6/10
𝘱.𝘴. 𝘐𝘧 𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘶𝘱 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘣 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘶. 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘐𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘭.
March 5, 2024
I swear I will love anything she writes because once again, Gwyneth Lesley knocks it out of the park with a brilliant collection of six inter-connected smut-free novellas featuring cozy reimaginings of greek mythology.
The Signature Dish In The Underworld: This was a cute grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers romance with a baker (Rae) and a sexy snake demon restaurant owner (Garth) competing to win the Hades cook-off. I thought this story was really cute and a great introduction to the other characters in the omnibus.
Taking Orders In The Underworld: This novella was slightly darker than the first one, involving the maître d' Nika going home to Tartarus and having to deal with some complicated family dynamics.
Drinking Wine In The Underworld - Dionysus and Ampelos: I liked how this novella gave us more of a backstory for the winemaker Savvas and his previous relationship with the god Dionysus, who just seems like a prick. Some of the other characters also had some great character growth in this novella and the chemistry between Savvas, Rae and Nika really shined in this story
Let Them Eat Cake In The Underworld - Witches of Hecate: This story was easily the cutest of the entire collection and I absolutely loved the connection and supportiveness between Melamine and Irid.
You Are What You Eat In The Underworld - Myth of Lamia and the story of Arethusa: This is the main story that I definitely wish was a bit longer. I loved seeing the background of the centuries Yani and Lexi spent together before working in Garth's restaurant but I would've liked to see more if their chemistry in the present.
The Restauranteur In The Underworld: After initially feeling like Rae and Garth's story was cut short, I was really happy that the final book in the omnibus was the continuation of their story, this time from Garth's POV.
Overall thoughts: I loved that all the novellas can be read as standalones but they do have some common character and plot themes throughout as well as all the vivid descriptions of the magical food. The only negative point I can make is that I wish they were all longer. I would happily read a full length novel on each of these characters. While the book does touch on some of the darker parts of greek mythology, the stories are mostly light-hearted.
Thankyou so much to the author for giving me an ARC in return for an honest review
The Signature Dish In The Underworld: This was a cute grumpy x sunshine, enemies to lovers romance with a baker (Rae) and a sexy snake demon restaurant owner (Garth) competing to win the Hades cook-off. I thought this story was really cute and a great introduction to the other characters in the omnibus.
Taking Orders In The Underworld: This novella was slightly darker than the first one, involving the maître d' Nika going home to Tartarus and having to deal with some complicated family dynamics.
Drinking Wine In The Underworld - Dionysus and Ampelos: I liked how this novella gave us more of a backstory for the winemaker Savvas and his previous relationship with the god Dionysus, who just seems like a prick. Some of the other characters also had some great character growth in this novella and the chemistry between Savvas, Rae and Nika really shined in this story
Let Them Eat Cake In The Underworld - Witches of Hecate: This story was easily the cutest of the entire collection and I absolutely loved the connection and supportiveness between Melamine and Irid.
You Are What You Eat In The Underworld - Myth of Lamia and the story of Arethusa: This is the main story that I definitely wish was a bit longer. I loved seeing the background of the centuries Yani and Lexi spent together before working in Garth's restaurant but I would've liked to see more if their chemistry in the present.
The Restauranteur In The Underworld: After initially feeling like Rae and Garth's story was cut short, I was really happy that the final book in the omnibus was the continuation of their story, this time from Garth's POV.
Overall thoughts: I loved that all the novellas can be read as standalones but they do have some common character and plot themes throughout as well as all the vivid descriptions of the magical food. The only negative point I can make is that I wish they were all longer. I would happily read a full length novel on each of these characters. While the book does touch on some of the darker parts of greek mythology, the stories are mostly light-hearted.
Thankyou so much to the author for giving me an ARC in return for an honest review
March 1, 2024
I would like to spend every day cooking with you, Sunshine
4.75✩
➸Rom-Com, Rivals-To-Lovers, Found
Short Summary: (From Author's Website)
Picture Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares meeting the charm of the Great British Bake Off but set in the Greek Underworld. The tale kicks off with sunshine-chef Rae facing off against her rival, snake-daemon Garth, in the centennial Hades cook-off — a deliciously cozy beginning to the six novellas that compose this book.
As the story develops, each novella introduces a diverse team of daemons and deities navigating the challenges of suburban life in Asphodel Meadows. Together they must tackle Olympic investors, old lovers, demanding gods, family myths, and personal insecurities. In this realm where no one faces the threat of 'death,' survival of the spirit becomes the true test.
Perfect for fans of Greek Mythology and Cozy Fantasy.
My thoughts:
I have no idea what I expected, but this blew me away! I loved all of the characters, but Rae and Garth had my heart. (can you blame me?) I just adored how their story progressed through all the novellas. Another story that intrigued me was Nika's, and why she is the way she is. Another character I loved was Mel's cat 🐈. The overall character development in this book was very well executed and enjoyable to read. I would recommend this to anyone who loves Greek mythology, or is just looking for a comfort, cozy read.
The chemistry of the characters was making me giggle and kick my feet in the air. 🤭
✨Thank you to Gwen for proving me with an ARC of this awesome book and reading all of the rants I sent her on Insta✨
March 11, 2024
I have been on a "dark & twisty" reading kick for the past few months, and I absolutely needed a break. I saw Gweneth Lesley's TT content about The Urban Underworld Omnibus and just knew it was exactly what I needed. Her characters are strikingly unique, yet uncannily relatable, and by the end of the Omnibus it felt like winding down a favorite TV series whose characters had come to feel like friends. Each of the novellas, which center around a different endearing character, are intertwined with the others and it just sucks you in to their lives and backstories and relationships with each other. By the end, even the prickliest character (who shall remain nameless) earned a soft spot in my heart.
I found myself smiling throughout the stories, content to cuddle up with some hot tea and a blanket, and I turned the last page with a happy sigh. Sure, there's probably room to continue the stories and go further into their Urban Underworld lives... but it doesn't feel like it *has* to. Gweneth does an amazing job with this omnibus, making it pretty much a perfect package.
I found myself smiling throughout the stories, content to cuddle up with some hot tea and a blanket, and I turned the last page with a happy sigh. Sure, there's probably room to continue the stories and go further into their Urban Underworld lives... but it doesn't feel like it *has* to. Gweneth does an amazing job with this omnibus, making it pretty much a perfect package.
February 23, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4. I received an ARC for this and was really intrigued by the idea of Greek mythology mixed with a cozy, modern vibe. The show Once Upon a Time came to mind.
I’m not a massive Greek mythology fan and do believe if you are, then you would enjoy this a lot more. I picked it up in the hopes of learning a bit more about it - which I did!
I think the issue for me was the short story format. I need to care about the characters I’m reading and with this I just didn’t have enough time to connect with them before we moved onto someone else.
Overall, I don’t believe I was the target audience for this but objectively, I think the novel achieved what it set out to do.
Good for fans of Under The Whispering Door (which I did not like - so maybe there’s also that)
I’m not a massive Greek mythology fan and do believe if you are, then you would enjoy this a lot more. I picked it up in the hopes of learning a bit more about it - which I did!
I think the issue for me was the short story format. I need to care about the characters I’m reading and with this I just didn’t have enough time to connect with them before we moved onto someone else.
Overall, I don’t believe I was the target audience for this but objectively, I think the novel achieved what it set out to do.
Good for fans of Under The Whispering Door (which I did not like - so maybe there’s also that)
February 29, 2024
I absolutely love all Greek mythology and I loved the intertwined stories. I’d already read the first novella prior to reading this omnibus and I’m so grateful to have been apart of the ARC group for this release.
The way the stories were all separate and gave us looks into a multitude of characters lives was brilliant. I loved being able to know more about everyone and how each character was fleshed out with their stories being based off different mythos. Also when reading the first story it’s clear Garth has a soft spot for Rae and seeing their relationship develop was adorable. Nika is probably one of my favorite characters just I feel like I relate to her more than others but even with that I still adored all the characters.
The way the stories were all separate and gave us looks into a multitude of characters lives was brilliant. I loved being able to know more about everyone and how each character was fleshed out with their stories being based off different mythos. Also when reading the first story it’s clear Garth has a soft spot for Rae and seeing their relationship develop was adorable. Nika is probably one of my favorite characters just I feel like I relate to her more than others but even with that I still adored all the characters.
February 18, 2024
Cozy up with a cup of coffee and enter a world that takes you on ups and downs with a collection of wonderful characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Each story surrounds the story of two sets of characters and the different view points are a nice change of pace seeing as this is my first omnibus book. I’m a sucker for Greek mythology and this just added to my love for the stories I already knew. Adding this book your collections will definitely be worth it if you love cozy fantasy and Greek mythology.
March 6, 2024
I don’t even know where to start with all the things I love about this book! Right at the beginning there’s simple but detailed explanations of some of the places, characters, and a few other misc things that could make the stories hard to follow.
As soon as I started the first novella in this collection I knew I would love it. Everything about the characters and the world they’re in is just cozy reads that were perfect for me to settle down with alongside my afternoon tea. The whole thing was both easy to read and still unique. Will definitely be reading again!
As soon as I started the first novella in this collection I knew I would love it. Everything about the characters and the world they’re in is just cozy reads that were perfect for me to settle down with alongside my afternoon tea. The whole thing was both easy to read and still unique. Will definitely be reading again!
February 26, 2024
Thank you Gwyneth for the ARC of this lovely book! I had an amazing time in the underworld following the lives and loves of the creatures who live among the souls of the dead.
If you ever wonder how the underworld actually feels when reading fantasies about Hades/Persephone/Hecate then give this a go to scratch that curious itch in the best way possible.
It was everything I could have dreamed of and gave the most cozy vibes.
If you ever wonder how the underworld actually feels when reading fantasies about Hades/Persephone/Hecate then give this a go to scratch that curious itch in the best way possible.
It was everything I could have dreamed of and gave the most cozy vibes.
February 27, 2024
I absolutely adored these stories! If you are a fan of Lore Olympus, Greek mythology, or cozy fantasies, then you are going to love this! The Underworld is easy to build in your mind without drowning in unnecessary details. The glimpses into every day life for Souls is such a unique and interesting story that I just could not put down. I really hope there will be more in the future because these stories just made me so happy!
March 5, 2024
This was a cute wholesome cozy mythology and I really liked it. I thought that the way all the stories intertwined and introduced new levels of depth in the world building was sensational. The 6 books really allow you to fall in love with the characters and keep the story line in quick satisfying chunks. Overall so happy I had the opportunity to read this series, would recommend to anyone that likes mythology based books.
March 17, 2024
If you enjoy Greek Mythology retelling and reimagining this is a wonderful addition to your collection! I have absolutely loved reading this book. Getting to know each character and fall in love with the twists and turns as each character grows allowed me to feel fully immersed in the Underworld. I truly never wanted the book to end, and it’s been quite a while since I’ve felt that way about a book!
Thank you Gwen for an early copy of this book!
Thank you Gwen for an early copy of this book!
March 22, 2024
I loved this book. This a first time reading a book from this Author. Each mini story about a different underworld character was linked to each other in a way. The author tied in the characters in the first mini story to the last perfectly. Great slow burn love interests. It was a nice cozy read. Grab your favorite drink, snack,a comfy spot and get entranced with lives of the characters inside the urban underworld.
April 30, 2024
Oh my GOODNESS! I LOVED every page of this book. These stories became so real, and I have fallen in love with the beings of the Underworld. Gwyneth does such an amazing job breathing life (or death hehe) into these characters. I genuinely wish this was a whole series because I will always be wanting more. Garth was my favorite from the very beginning. Each story was so unique and makes you feel like you could be right down there with them.
February 22, 2024
I absolutely adored this book. The characters are really what made it. I loved the drawing in of different myths and the way they connected. I think my favourite character is Rae. I cried with joy, I laughed and I just could not put this down.
February 26, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and its individual stories! I fell in love with each character. It was a quick and easy read, and I can't wait to see how they grow and expand in future novellas.
If you love greek mythology and fantasy fiction, this is definitely a book to grab!
If you love greek mythology and fantasy fiction, this is definitely a book to grab!
February 28, 2024
LOVE IT! So cozy and low stakes, and the growth of each character is amazing! There’s so much to these stories and I’m so grateful I was able to read an early copy. Also the underlying love story throughout each book? So cute!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2024
Gwyneth Lesley is a great author who effortlessly mixes mythology and new ideas to make something not only extremely enjoyable, but also uniquely heartwarming. It was a pleasure to read, can't recommend it enough!
March 11, 2024
I wanted to experiment a little bit and turns out that this book was not my cup of tea, but I think it was very successful in what it set out to accomplish - that said, if you (unlike me, I guess) enjoy this genre, you're going to love this book.
Thank you to Gwen for an early copy of this book!
Thank you to Gwen for an early copy of this book!
March 14, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book, the world building is beautifully thorough and I adored the world created throughout the story.
Would highly recommend this book to someone wanting a cozy, relaxing read with just the right amount of magic.
Would highly recommend this book to someone wanting a cozy, relaxing read with just the right amount of magic.
December 27, 2024
Absolutely loved this, such a fun cozy read, especially when paired with some cozy lofi music 🥰
However I got unexpectedly invested in the characters so it turned from what was supposed to be my sleepy bedtime read into the thing keeping me awake 😂
However I got unexpectedly invested in the characters so it turned from what was supposed to be my sleepy bedtime read into the thing keeping me awake 😂
March 6, 2024
A delightful story based in Greek Mythology. Only this is a bake off instead. Easy enjoyable reading for everyone.
March 6, 2024
Absolutely refreshing and comforting take on the greek underworld. This cosy read brings the greek underworld into a modern cafe/restaurant world. This was an absolute comfort read. Loved this book!
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