Ancient Hunger: A Modern Mythos

Ancient Hunger

by Arden Aoide

When millennia pass, the old gods are forgotten. Ishtar, perpetual and cunning, endless as the stars, created an unassailable plot to ensure Her continued veneration. In a world where kings were revered as divine, She bestowed blessings upon every family. Even as Her people ransacked holy temples, led by an arrogant king, She was merciful. They would not forget Her gifts.

Time passed. The blessed lived with many hardships and the Goddess was all but forgotten.

Until a mortal woman called to Her, dangerously reviving Her memory to the desperate.

And a king is reminded that he'd never really been dethroned.

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 21, 2013

About the author

Sign up for the newsletter here: http://ardenaoide.com/connect/

Arden Aoide lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and three cats. Turn ons include men who cry during sex, long walks on the beach, and talking about herself in the third person. Turn offs include mean people and trying to figure out how to write an interesting author bio.

She doesn't write about the typical men you normally read about in erotic romance novels. She likes her men brainy and just this side of manic.

She's an introvert, she loves coffee, Internet, British television, and pot stickers. And pie. She loves pie.

Reviews

[Christy Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not your typical paranormal romance. Nor is it the typical erotica. Vampires? Not really...

I enjoyed this read simply because it is not your typical paranormal book; I think "mythos" is the appropriate word to describe it. Fascinating, immortal characters who have traveled the world and lived lives that are far from easy, and often hard as they are the minority in what they are.

As a whole, I enjoyed the characters in the book. The immediate connection felt by each of them as they met was believable. You were glad that after many years of being alone, feeling lost, that they were able to find each other. While there was chemistry with each of the couples, there was chemistry amongst them as a group as well. I would definitely love to read more about them in future books.

Though there is a "bad guy" in this novel, you also could not help but feel bad for him at times. He did not fully grasp how special each of them were, and lost that which he held most dear due to intolerance.

If you like paranormal books, this one should be on your to-read shelf. Also has some hot sex scenes for those who are open minded.

[Echo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Ancient Hunger and now I have to figure out how to write a review without giving anything away. So here is my attempt at a spoiler free review…

This was an entirely unique and interesting reading experience for me. The writing is very well done, and I loved how the storyline flowed. The supernatural element was entirely new and quite honestly I've never seen it done quite the way Arden Aoide did it. Kudos to the Author for creating some highly imaginative mythology and world building.

When the story begins we immediately meet Enzu, an immortal tattoo artist and Tristan, the lovely human woman that comes in for a tattoo. From the moment they meet they both have an undeniable attraction towards each other. After an explosively sexy scene between them, their romance propels forward. And that is where I quit talking about the plot. I really don't want to give spoilers away. We do get to meet a whole cast of characters, some of them good, some bad. All of them are endlessly fascinating and because of the way Arden Aoide chose to tell her story, we get to see things from their points of view and see their stories.

With a rich mythology of immortals, gods, and goddesses, and characters that leave me wanting to know more. I really loved this completely unique, out of the box novel. I am ever hopeful that Arden Aiode will revisit this world and give us more of these fantastically addictive characters. If you like erotic paranormal romance or urban fantasy, than you will probably love this book.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Originally posted on Me, Myself & Books Blog
http://memyselfandbooksblog.blogspot.com

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sharp intriguing gothic little trip into urban fantasy land and I was happy to take the fall. This dark read was erotic at best yet rich in historic fairytale charm.
Enzu is a fascinating enigma. Is he human? A monster? A .. vampire? He is a man, an immortal tattoo artist with social paranoia utterly despondent in connecting with his own kind, his relations, his... family.
Along comes a sexpot who sits down beside him needing a commemorative piece done below her collarbone to celebrate her freedom from a useless, sexless and joyless relationship.
Tristan Webb and Enzu find an instant connection and a Love that will stand the end of time.
When asked about his smile.. he couldn't say it was because he had gotten his first girlfriend and had only taken him over four-thousand years to get one. So, he just smiled wider. ~Enzu
She wondered what his fetish was. She wondered if she were brave enough to indulge him fully. ~Tristan

While they indulge in their fierce and deeply erotic romance, Enzu finds his brotherhood and his people. Naram is a King, a God of old world charm, arrogant and so very lethal and deadly. Li and lltani are ever his faithful and devoted partners who seem to reign over him.

Some dark threat is coming after this family and threatening their existence. Will this long forgotten family come together to save their family, future and people? Arden Aoide weaves a tale of rich, forbidden fairytale lore in this erotic little piece. I want to be a consort with a tattoo waiting for a Incubi and maybe a Succubi to. =)

[Helen Stothard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arden, the author, contact me via my Facebook blog and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing this book, I explained I'm not really into paranormal, but she promised me tattoos so I agreed. I'm easily pleased.

I wasn't disappointed with this book, it's not Vampires, but it encompasses some of their legends in there. It also covers the ancient gods and as I've always been fascinated by Egypt this was something else that drew me in.

It's a fascinating story, although you never do find out quite what's different about Tristan (that confused me as I've never heard that as a woman's name before, just a mans name). The attraction between Tristan and Enzu is immediate. He's giving her a tattoo and can't resist her, despite over a century of celibacy.

Over the course of the story more characters are introduced, and from the start Irra appears a shady character, whereas I enjoyed the arrogance of Naram and the vulnerability of Li.

I wasn't sure how this story would end, I expected disappointment, but was pleased with how it turned out, although I wonder if there will be more books about these characters, I think I'd enjoy reading more about them, their adventures in the past and the present. I enjoyed the mix of the two in this book.

I'm glad Arden talked me into this, and she was right, I did enjoy it. Thank you.

[Amazeballs Book Addicts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a good book. It's an interesting story. It a has a fresh new view on some paranormal aspects.
After Tristan breaks up with her boyfriend Jason, she cuts her hair and go to get a tattoo. She has an instant connection with Enzu, her tattoo artist. Enzu is a Incubus. The sex scene between Tristan and Enzu are super steamy.
In this book we also meet Li and Naram, who have a relationship with Iltani. We also get Irra and Nina. I not sure if Irra is plain crazy or just so in love with Nina that it drives him crazy.
Ancient Hunger, has great charcaters and a great story line. I would definitely read more about them. You will not be disappointed.

[Red Cheeks Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instant attraction. The complete allure of another, seeking, finding, and becoming enraptured by the sheer look of the one that is meant for you. These are themes, ideas, thoughts that every girl dreams of. Ok, maybe that’s being too general, perhaps a large portion of the female population wishes to find their one true mate. I can say, I am one of those girls. I am sure some men, most men, a good portion of men feel the same way. It is a part of the human spirit; to find their love and spend their life with companionship. I loved how this story, mixed the ancient with the modern. We are introduced to a man, Enzu, who is a very attractive, youngish tattoo artist. You soon find out why he has turned to making others bleed for the sake of art and what it means when he finds Tristan: his one, his sun, his goddess. Tristan has just ended an unproductive relationship with her fiancé and has decided she wants a tattoo. She finds Enzu’s shop and boom, she has found her love, her one, her everything.

He takes her right then and there, at their first meeting and they both never look back. They have IT. The need, the desire, the connection to feel with someone else. This modern story about an immortal man and finding his one true mate after millennia is captivating. Arden Aoide does such an amazing job of weaving the old with the new. She tells tales of ancient love, many different variations of love; as well as many different variations of relationships. There are different faces of love and lust. Using your body for pleasure, especially as a women in the early fifteenth, sixteenth centuries, as well as for manipulation and survival. There are characters in this story that wreak of desire and bloodlust. Arden also poses questions regarding love and desire. Where does it come from? Is it something deep within your soul, reaching out to another? Wanting to know the origin of your true feelings can be frustrating, because not everything can be explained when it comes to emotions. Falling in love is like nothing else. Falling head over heels with the mate that is meant for you, now that is truly a dream. This dream can take a turn, as described through the relationship of Irra and Nina. Poor Irra. He had such a strong belief, a blinding belief in fixing the wrong that he saw in Nina. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a wrong at all. Centuries go by and his need to rid Nina and her affliction morph into something cruel and inhumane. It is so sad, and we learn the lesson that if we are not careful, love can turn ugly, obsessive, and so very dark. But with the dark, comes the light and Tristan and Enzu embody this ancient truth. I absolutely loved this modernly ancient tale. It sucked me in and made me think about relationships, love, lust and desire. It was refreshing to meet characters whose inner light leapt off the page.

5 BIG OL’ Smacking SMOOCHIES
~Nicole

[Suleika Santana -All About Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Ecopy given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review***

5 stars. AWESOME read!!! This is one of those stories that make you think. The whole time I was thinking what are they??? Are they vampires, demons, what???? The story is so interesting and not like others that are out there. This is not your traditional love story with a sappy ending. I liked that the main characters were not saying "I love you" in the first page, you know what I mean? Insta-love is not for me and this story was not one of those with insta-love but what it had was insta-lust and I loved that. I can do the insta-lust, to me that is more believable. The side characters were so incredible you will just fall in love with all of them, even the not so nice one, you just can't help it. This author writes really great characters.
The main characters are Enzu and Tristan. Enzu is an immortal (not sure what he is) and he even doesn't know what he is. He has lived forever, there are a few of them in the story. Tristan is the love interest. She comes into his tattoo parlor to get a tattoo of a very interesting design that Enzu cannot get out of his head. He is instantly attracted to her, but not in the normal way, he does not look at her and think she is gorgeous I want to marry her and make babies, NO, that's not it, it's a different kind of attraction, like a desperation. I call it insta-lust. So you can imagine what happens next, hot and steamy comes to mind :D, but you have to read it, don't take my word for it ;)
More characters are introduced, you get to know them, you learn their story. Some have love stories and I loved how the author describes everything, it's like you are there, in that world, some thousands of years ago.
One love story in particular was very sad, (Irra and Nina) it was a love so grand. This couple of immortals really loved each other so much and it ends in tragedy, very sad, but very interesting too, to learn of all the things he does to her is very surprising.
There is also a threesome of immortals, with a very special bond and the love they share is really beautiful.
Overall this is a great story, it has action, romance, sex, sad moments, it has it all. Authors writing style is really good and it keeps you wanting to read more. Recommended if you want something different and not too romantic and sappy ;)

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the coolest things in my wee reading world is having been able to meet the author before I read her work. Opening up to the first page after having a valid, fun and quirky conversation with Arden was like going on a second date. Butterflies, unsure, but excited.

“Ancient Hunger” did not disappoint! Described adeptly as a dark romance, I didn’t find it too dark, dull, or overwhelming in sadness. Instead, pleasantly, I found the characters, their lives and histories, and romances written extremely well and in great detail. Not to mention, the sexy scene were –sexy- and not overpowering.

Immortal creatures have roamed Earth through countless lifetimes and the story takes place around a handful of them. The cast of characters is a blend of a completely mad man and his wrong love, an arrogant but not shallow past king, a melodic, quiet tattooist and his human love, and a few others. The book carefully follows the love story of the tattoo artist and his human, who has made a connection with an ancient goddess. Hitching a ride with our paranormal romance is a homey threesome couple with mixed pasts, and the insane torture of a fanatic mad man on a mission to cleanse his past love her perpetuated sins. I’ll leave it there so I don’t give too much away.

Dark, richly detailed and not a typical paranormal read, it was fun to get lost in the world that Arden has created.

Note: I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for any honest review; this did not affect my review.

[Bernice Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book it has tattoos & and a hot mysterious guy with some kind of demons he is trying to control. Got my attention in the first 2 pages, score!!
As it pans out he isn't a vampire or a shifter but a Mythological being!!! Yep surprised me.. A girl on the rebound from a long term relationship happens to turn up for a tattoo of an ancient symbol that has an otherworldly connection. An instant attraction between these two main characters evolves very quickly and leads you into an intriguing story that infuses old world myths and current day concepts.

The secondary characters really don't take a back seat in the story. They play very important roles in the evolvement of the story. There are Knights, Kings, Goddesses, & some very interesting myths that come to life within the pages.

A very clever and refreshingly unique take on the paranormal genre. I really enjoyed it but I have to honestly say I wanted more of this story and I hope Arden Aoide writes more as a follow up to Ancient Hunger.

[The Color of Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems Ancient Hunger is one of those reads that I am going to have to carefully choose my words as not to drop any spoilers. It was amazingly unique and full of action, emotion, romance, and sex. A supernatural read with a dash of immortal as flavor.

It starts off with the main characters Enzu and Tristan and brings in an array of other characters to keep you on your toes and your interest peaked. Tristan, recently out of a relationship, cuts her hair and heads to the tattoo parlor. Sometimes a fresh beginning is exactly what you need. However, when Tristan walks into Enzu’s tattoo parlor it’s not about new beginnings for Enzu. It’s about stirring up old hungers.

The more characters that are introduced, the more you fall in love with all the episodes. Looking for a paranormal read? Grab it! Looking for romance? Grab it! Looking for something new and interesting? Grab it! Well, I think you get the picture. This was a great read and I recommend that you not pass this one up.

[Mary Mooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author in exchange for my honest review, so here it is. I had no idea what this book was about and had not read any reviews or the synopsis for it. And come to find out I really enjoyed it. It is one that will make you think outside of the box. Tristan had broken up with her cheating boyfriend and he tells her the only thing good about her was her hair. It was so long and beautiful. So what does she do? She just about shaves it all off and heads to a tattoo parlor that her hairdresser told her about. She meets Enzu, the tattoo artist, and shows him the design she wants tattooed on her. Enzu is having a hard time trying to figure out what it is about her that has him so charged. Enzu is immortal and he is a Incubus. The sex scene in the shop is so hot. There are more immortals we meet and a few twists to the story. If you are into paranormal stories, then this one is for you. Sit back and enjoy.

[Alyssa White · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was asked to give an honest review for the book.
My over all score would be a 3.5
I feel the author had a good idea but needed to develop it more. The initial idea for the story was based around the inccubi/succubi or was it vampires? Or both? The author never gave a clear understanding but mentioned both. There was a lot of jumping around and it pulled from the main characters and following of the story. I feel the idea would thrive if there were individual prequels to the main story so we had the understanding of the history, it just jumped around too much for me. There was sexual situations in the story, but it didn't feel like they were needed.

overall
I think this idea/story could have some promise if it was developed more and broken up in a better fashion. This had a good story idea.

[Myra Espino · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review**

Another good book to read.
From the start up to the last, it is interesting and it really got my attention.
The concept and the flow of the story are good.
The characters are not boring.

They are also easy to love and like.
The characters, Enzu and Tristan are nice characters.
I love their uniqueness, the personality and attitude.
Also the other characters are good.
I love how I can easily get to know/see the story in different perspectives which makes the story interesting and to know more about the characters (not only the major characters but also the minor characters).

The way the story ended, it’s good. Loved it.. =)

[Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'M HOOKED!

4 INCUBUS STARS!

I had no idea what I was getting into. I just finished my first book by Arden Aoide a couple days ago, A Consummation! I loved it, seeking out her other work, I just opened this up without reading the blurb. This was a fascinating story mixed with some paranormal. I'm a huge history buff, when Ancient Gods and such was mentioned, I was instantly intrigued!!!!
I have to see where this story will go!

I'm loving this authors writing style, it's unique, a refreshing change!!!

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given this five stars if it would have continued to develop the characters. It kind of ended abruptly and I didn't feel like it was finished. Maybe there is more? Very similar to the Irin Chronicles, but not as good.

[Megan Brain · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's really interesting and really entertaining. I really enjoyed it. It's not a vampire book, but it's similar. It was really hard to put the book down. It's definitely one of my favorites.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such an amazing book and I couldn't put it down. Thank you for enriching my life with yet another good read!

[Luv_a_good_story · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story underneath was good, but I got a little lost at times and couldn't follow what was happening, expecially the dialogue.

[Nan Richard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twisted

A twisted tale but just never hit home for me. There just never seemed to be the depth I was expecting after reading the reviews.