A Realm of Masks and Sorrow

by Payton Rose

Blamed for her brother's death, Lia is sent by her father to a remote mental facility in Greece. There, she discovers that her ability to see and communicate with lost souls connects her to a world of divine secrets, ancient prophecies, and binds her fate to the gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon.

Haunted by her past and battling the facility's oppressive practices, Lia discovers unexpected connections, new found love, and friendships in a place she thought would offer none. Now, haunted by the Elders, she holds the key they have searched hundreds of years for. Lia must summon strength from within to ensure the survival of both the divine and mortal realms alike, and keep the Titans from being awoken.

The first installment in a gripping saga of Greek mythology and self-discovery, Lia's odyssey will resonate with readers, delving into themes of identity, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope amidst darkness.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance

508 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2024

Reviews

[Mairi Swan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Greek mythology
*Hidden powers
*Romantasy
*Slow burn

Give me a romantasy inspired by Greek mythology and I'll be your friend forever.
This story is about Lia who sees shadows and after she's blamed for her brother's death she's being sent to a mental facility. There she meets Corban, an orderly who is assigned to the patients but takes a liking to. Lia makes new friends some strange and peculiar but they take her in their circle. Amongst them is Damen, a rather brooding guy who helps her.
Lia is one who doesn't stand by when she sees something wrong so she gets in trouble often. Meanwhile there are more strange things happening and a revelation is made, one that puts Lia in the eye of the cyclone.
As I said I love anything Greek mythology related and I was happy to read this story. I really liked Lia and how strong she was despite all the heartbreak she endured. She was there for the less fortunate even at the expense of her health.
I was also a little bit curious where this going with Corban and Damen. So I'm not sure what's going to happen in the next one. And I'm not sure for whom I'm rooting for to be honest.
Also I have to point the fact that there are some minor mistakes in the translation in greek. As a native Greek it feels like it was made in Google translator rather than searched or asked by a native.
Add some scenes that were a bit confusing to me like how can a semigod can't pass a guardian?
I hope in the next one my questions will be answered.
I received this arc for the rerelease and this is my honest opinion.

[Tracey Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for AROMAS, and although the first half of the story was a little bit slower, I did appreciate the build up that it allowed for the progression of the plot. It felt intensional with how the FMC must have been feeling throughout her own development. And when the book does pick up with about 30-40% left, everything happens fast, hard, and unwavering, again mirroring the feelings I’m sure the author was trying to portray of the FMC. The book would have benefitted from a TW at the beginning, some forewarning of the SA references/scene and death of a child would have been appreciated, but they did serve great purpose to the storyline. The characters are all well rounded and deeply intriguing, each with their own unique backstory. I look forward to diving further into some characters depths as the series progresses! The plot was very methodically and beautifully thought through. This is a very unique perspective on Greek mythology that I have never read before and it is refreshing to have a new take on a mythology retelling.

As a fellow Albertan, I look forward to supporting Payton Rose and her future endeavours and I’m so happy I could share in the release of her debut novel.

A beautiful love letter to Greek mythology aficionados.

[kelseareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a unique fantasy book based on Greek mythology. Lia has always been able to see and speak to spirits, but no one except her brother has ever believed her. After her brother is murdered, Lia is blamed for it and sent to a mental facility in Greece. Lia forms unexpected relationships with other patients and staff, and learns more about her powers. This is a story full of friendship, love, hardship and destiny.

This was unlike anything I read before and I absolutely loved the concept of the story. The book started off a little slow, but it was hard to put down by the end. The writing was phenomenal and I can’t believe this was Payton Rose’s first book. I am very excited for the second book in the series to be released!

Tropes:
▪️Urban Fantasy
▪️Greek mythology
▪️Prophecies

Thank you to Payton Rose for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book finished me. Everything the FMC went through makes me want to rip my heart out. Now did I want to throw my kindle across the room MANY times during this read? Yes, yes I did. Did I actually throw it? Maybe a couple of times. I knew this book was going to be a 5 star read from the 30% mark and that didn’t change. I can’t wait for book 2!

[Bookish Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

This is a great debut novel! It's the first in a new fantasy series, Passions of Olympus, and I'll definitely be watching out for the sequel as I'm really intrigued. I've always loved Greek mythology, and it was so fun to find familiar elements mixed with new twists and characters.

AROMAS is the story of Lia, who is sent to a mental health facility in Greece after being falsely accused of murdering her brother. Lia can communicate with "shadows" and strong emotions seem to trigger magical powers she has little control over. Her time at the facility is filled with difficulties, including mistreatment from staff, but also encounters with people that become extremely important to her. She also discovers that her beloved Greek mythology is a lot more real, and close to her, than she imagined 👀 Lia finds herself at the centre of a prophecy that places the safety of the world on her shoulders... so she needs to learn how to defend herself and take on her new role with her newfound strength.

Aside from a few stilted dialogues, the book is well written and draws you in quite quickly. Within a few chapters, I was really intrigued and wanted to find out more about Lia, the mystery surrounding her and how the Greek gods played into this situation. The story definitely didn't let me down, bringing up interesting twists, huge revelations and a cast of characters that I loved (Thyme and Damen most of all...!). The prophecy weighs on everyone in an almost tangible way, at times, and I like how it was woven into many parts of the story!

Sometimes the pace felt slow and some scenes a bit repetitive in the middle section, when I wished the story would jump ahead... but otherwise AROMAS kept me interested until the end. And now I definitely need to know what happens after the surprising ending!

What to expect?
🏺 fresh take on Greek mythology
💪 powerful and empathetic FMC
💜 complex family dynamics
👥 shadow magic
🔮 prophecy

TW: death, physical violence, mentions of SA, attempted SA

Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the general plot and especially the layering of secrets throughout the story. It kept me wanting to know what will happen next, which made me continue reading. I also liked the concept of blending Greek mythology elements into the story, and I think the ending was done well because it leaves enough unanswered questions to make readers interested in continuing with the next book in the series.

However, one of my main issues with the book was that it felt overly wordy at times. Many scenes and explanations felt overexplained, and because of that, I sometimes found myself forgetting what had happened on the previous page. Instead of allowing the reader space to think, interpret, or connect with the story naturally, some parts felt too fully explained, which made me feel disconnected from the book at certain points.

That said, I still think the book had an interesting foundation and strong potential. The secrets, Greek mythology elements, and ending were enough to make me curious about where the story will go next, and I would still be interested in reading the second book.

Thank you to Payton Rose for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of A Realm of Masks and Sorrows in exchange for an honest review.

[Reads By Tes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

First of all I would like to say that I’m very honoured to be part of the ARC team for the relaunch of this book. Nonetheless, I will give my honest opinion on this book.

In this book you follow Lia who has been sent away to a mental facility in Greece after her brother has been murdered. In this facility, Lia comes to terms with her powers and abilities. The Olympians are guarding her at the facility and helping her train to gain more power. Eventually, she needs to full fill the prophecy against the Elders.

I really liked and enjoyed it. I’ve never read a book with Greek mythology before and was pleasantly surprised by it. Also really liked the slow burn in this book, because it takes a really long time before the action really happens. And by a really long time, I mean a really long time👀

However, around the 30% mark I already had a feeling how a certain plot line would end. Turned out, I was right. The thoughts about this specific plot line kept me on edge and unfortunately made the experience a little less fun since I kept waiting for the revealing moment. I also hoped they would change locations more often so the story would develop more, but after finishing the book I do understand why that wasn’t the case.

All in all, I enjoyed the book and would definitely recommend! ❤️

[Jill Elza · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Realm of Masks and Sorrow by Payton Rose was a strong 4-star read for me.

This book blends Greek mythology, fantasy, mystery, and romance into a story that feels haunting and emotional. Lia’s journey pulled me in right away. She is dealing with grief, guilt, and a world that makes her question everything she thought she knew. I loved the way the story slowly opened up into something much bigger, with gods, secrets, prophecy, and danger all tangled together.

The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts. It had that dark, mythological feeling where every answer seems to lead to another hidden door. The romance added a softer emotional thread without taking away from Lia’s growth or the fantasy plot.

For me, this was a solid start to the series. Some parts felt like they were setting up a larger story, but I still stayed invested and wanted to know what would happen next. If you enjoy Greek mythology inspired fantasy with mystery, romance, and a heroine learning how powerful she really is, this is one to add to your TBR.

Definitely check trigger warnings before reading.

[Ms. Amnah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book honestly had SUCH a beautiful concept. The dark mythology vibes, the masks, curses, gods, and emotional tension made the whole story feel mysterious and addictive at the same time. I really loved the atmosphere of the world and the darker tone throughout the book. It gave me that dramatic romantasy feeling I always enjoy.

The writing was really pretty and descriptive in many parts, especially during the emotional scenes and world-building moments. You can tell the author put a lot of effort into creating this world. Some chapters had me completely hooked while others felt a little slow for me pacing-wise, which is why it ended up being a 3.5 star read instead of a full 4 or 5.

I did enjoy the chemistry and tension between the characters, and there were definitely moments where I kept saying “okay one more chapter” before bed. I just wish some relationships and emotional moments were developed a little deeper because the story had so much potential to hit even harder emotionally.

Overall, I still really enjoyed the reading experience and I think readers who love darker romantasy, mythology-inspired worlds, emotional tension, and dramatic fantasy vibes would enjoy this one a lot.

[Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ for me.
I really appreciate the writing of this book, the setting and context of this book were described very well and I found it easy to follow along the plot.

However, I felt like the story can be very slow and some scenes seem very repetitive. I believe this book could have been reduced by at least 100-200 pages and there would’ve been no change in the plot at all. Also, I understand that this is all fictional but at times, I find it so difficult to believe that 5-6 gods are unable to get past a few guards??? Then how are they supposed to go against the Elders

Even so, this book is still able to capture my attention most of the times and I find the concept of this story very unique and interesting. The epilogue is enough to keep me intrigued and I’m really excited to read the next book!!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Payton Rose’s debut novel has a lot of potential. The concept was strong and the world-building was pretty solid. The writing style was easy to read and get into. My biggest criticism is that the plot moved too slowly for me and that the characters felt very static. For a first person narrative, I didn’t feel like I knew Lia at all and I didn’t really care about her as a character. I’m curious what book two will bring.

[Martina Soler garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me absolutely by surprise. The flow of the writing is so smooth that it is super enjoyable, takes something so old as the Greek myths and gives it a brand new and unexpected twist. Great characters! Absolutely recommend!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!

[belle♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was kind of hard for me to get into🫩 But, this may just be a me thing.

As much as I love a fantasy, sometimes I find it hard to understand what’s happening because there’s just so much new information and world-building to take in, and that’s no fault of the authors at all! It just takes me a while to understand the world that has been created!

BUT, once I understood what was happening, it was fun, and the book was quite interesting!

However, I wasn’t the BIGGEST fan of the writing style, as it felt, at times, as though I was being told rather than shown.

All in all, this was a pretty average read. Not the best but certainly not the worst!

Thank you Commonplace Books for providing me with an e-arc if this book in exchange for a review!💘

[Melissa Melmch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written tells a amazing story full of love, betrayals, sadness and war I loved this story from beginning to end I wouldn’t change a thing it had twists and humour the words flowed from the pages and were clearly pictured in my mind and heart where they will definitely remain for a lifetime. I laughed I cried and when it was over I had to remind myself to breathe. Wow what an amazing work of art I cannot wait to read more!

[Jem]

DNF @ 25%.

This is the classic "It's not you, it's me". I feel like it's too wordy and seems like so many things are happening but nothing is happening at the same time? I just got really bored and just can't seem to get my attention again.

[Emma Sinclair | The Second Draft · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Opening Impressions:

This is a difficult book for me to review because there are elements I genuinely loved and elements that left me uncomfortable.

At its heart, this is a Greek mythology-inspired coming-of-age story. It's about growing up, navigating family drama, finding your place in the world, discovering who you are, and experiencing first love. In those moments, the novel is at its strongest.

Unfortunately, it is also trying to position itself as a dark romance, and that is where I think the book begins to struggle.

What Worked:

The author's knowledge of Greek mythology is excellent.

Rather than simply borrowing names and references, the novel feels immersed in its source material. There is a clear affection for the myths and an understanding of how to weave them into a modern story.

Particular praise has to go to Eros. Often reduced in popular culture to little more than a symbol of romance, Eros is given far more depth here. He embodies not only romantic love but also the love between friends, family, and found family. Some of the warmest moments in the novel come through this broader understanding of love, making him one of the most memorable gods in the story.

I also really enjoyed Lia as a protagonist.

Her romance develops slowly and naturally. There is excitement, uncertainty, awkwardness, longing, and all the emotional intensity that comes with experiencing those feelings for the first time. It feels like a genuine teenage romance rather than a fantasy version of one.

The portrayal of adolescence was equally strong. The friendships, family tensions, hormones, insecurities, and shifting relationships all felt believable. The found family elements in particular gave the story warmth and emotional weight.

The setting deserves recognition too. Much of the story takes place in Greece, and the descriptions of island beaches, ancient ruins, and sun-soaked landscapes made me want to book a holiday immediately. The setting feels vibrant and lived in rather than existing as a generic backdrop.

I was also particularly intrigued by the Elders. As antagonists, they function as a shadowy organisation operating behind the scenes, and they were written in a genuinely compelling way. They provide a sense of threat throughout the story without feeling cartoonishly evil.

Where the Book Lost Me:

My biggest concern is the power imbalance at the centre of the romantic relationship.

Whether readers are comfortable with that dynamic will vary, but I think it deserves to be acknowledged rather than glossed over. The imbalance is significant and fundamentally changed how I experienced parts of the romance.

This issue became more noticeable because the novel's strongest elements are rooted in Lia's teenage perspective. The family dynamics, friendships, personal growth, and first-love storyline all feel aimed at a young adult audience.

As a result, I often found myself wishing the book had committed more fully to those strengths rather than trying to frame itself as a dark romance. For me, the coming-of-age story was far more compelling than the darker romantic elements surrounding it.

The inclusion of spice was also difficult for me. Given the age of the protagonist and the themes already being explored, I don't think those scenes added anything that the emotional development wasn't already accomplishing more effectively.

One Tiny Crime:

I am, however, prepared to forgive almost everything because the mythology research was so strong.

Almost.

Lia is British-born and repeatedly calls her mother "Mom."

As a British reader, this nearly took me out of the story faster than any mythological monster.

I mention this entirely tongue in cheek, but every appearance of "Mom" had me mentally replacing it with "Mum."

Final Thoughts:

This is a book I admired more than I agreed with.

The mythology is excellent. Lia is a believable protagonist. The coming-of-age elements are thoughtful and authentic. The family relationships feel real, the found family dynamics are genuinely touching, and the Greek setting is wonderfully evocative.

Where I struggled was with the attempt to frame those strengths within a dark romance structure that, in my view, never worked as well as the YA story already sitting at the novel's core.

I came away wishing the novel had embraced what it already does best.

Because when it focuses on mythology, growing up, friendship, family, and first love, it is genuinely compelling.

[Maxine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 3.75 for me. I will say for most of this book this was a 3 for me maybe a 3.5. I never considered dnfing it, but I will say that up until about 80% it was an okay book for me. Now that's not to say up until then the writing or story was bad because it wasn't. It was a gentler read with a few conflict incidents that were enough to keep me interested in the storyline. I can see what the author was trying to accomplish and with how the FMC is I can see why things were done the way they were, but it was just at times was a slower, gentler read than I usually read. What I mean when I say I see what the author was trying to do the FMC is going through incidences in the mental health facility which are meant to test her and firm up her resolve for the difficulties and challenges ahead and so she can retain her compassion to care for the mortals that would be subjected and harmed from a war with the titans/elders and the gods. But even while I get that it did irk me a little that you have this demi goddess who is just learning to control her abilities getting literal beatdowns from mortal orderlies of the facilities while these century old gods sit by and either do nothing or are unable to get to her because they were prevented by other orderlies including the god of war! I get that they didn't want to harm the mortals or reveal their godhood but how can they say they are there to protect and help mortals when they let things like that and worse happen. Again, I totally what the author was trying to do, and I loved seeing the resolve and quiet strength and fire from the FMC as she grew from incident, but it just irked me thinking of the gods on the sidelines not doing anything.
now the last 20% was when things in my opinion really picked up and were exciting and there was a twist at the end I didn't see coming with the FMC and it really makes me curious about the 2nd book with the cliff hanger they left on. It's because of the last 20% and that twist on the FMC ending that bumped it up to a 3.75 for me but it wasn't enough to get me to a 4 for the reason above.
I will also say that if the 2nd book picks up and carries the same excitement from the last 20% into book 2 and is able to carry it throughout the book then I think that will make it a much more engaging read for me.

this book is about Lia who is sent to a mental health facility after being accused of unaliving her brother. After a lifetime of seeing shadows and souls she was deemed as a young child as unstable and because of that unable to stand trial for her brother's death. When she arrives at the facility after being traumatized of what she went through losing her brother the facility is not much better with its oppressive tactics and abusive personal. However, in the midst of all this she meets some amazing people who believe that she sees souls and is able to help them move on. The reason... they are Greek gods and goddesses that have been waiting for a child of prophecy which turns out to be her. She is prophesized to either be the one to help or be the downfall of the gods of Olympus by becoming the queen of the titans. But before all that can happen, she must be tested and gain control of her abilities and stay safe from those who are looking and hunting for her so that she can be used to awaken the titans and bring about the war to end all wars.

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Gayatri]

(I will share my ratings later)

First of all, I am truly grateful to @commonplacebooks for providing me with the ARC.

Also, I came here to share my load.
Okay, so the selling tropes were:
• Morally grey mmc (who is this mmc? Corban or Damen? Or Eros? Cause she blushes in front of these guys)
• Fated Mates (no such topic came out of fated mates (sorry not sorry)
• Shadow Daddy (who is this daddy? May I ask? Cause I found shadows mostly)
• Extremely slow burn (yes, the only trope I support)

I would love to support the following tropes:
• Greek mythology
• abused FMC (cause tbh no one saved her during her need)
• You can include a love triangle, actually


I have so many thoughts like Why is Lia so adamant in protecting the abused victim from Philip's hand whereas the Gods just sit there and watch? And why are they there? What's their purpose of staying there? She knows no one trusts her and she can't easily trust anyone. She also witnessed how easily Corban seduces or flirts with others so how come she, so easily within a few chaps, exposes herself in front of him of who she is? And when she said she was going to make Corban beg for forgiveness, was it easily solved within a chapter? And when she got the opportunity to control her powers she quickly got tired. Then comes her readily agreeing to be the sacrificial lamb within 2-3 chapters? Please, if she came out of her prison home and into the mental asylum, don't you think she could have explored more about herself rather than blushing in front of boys? Like in one chap we find her confessing her love to one guy and by the next couple of paragraphs we find her desire towards another guy? Like, can't she be revolved around herself rather than boys?

Also, another thing: the writing pace in 50% of the book stretched unnecessarily with hefty words or it's like actually reading her journal entry of day-to-day activities. I really really wanted her presence to be a dominating one where she doesn't know her ability and is a risk and fear to the other Gods. She had potential, a good one ngl. But then her character revolved around boys, why? She never interacted with the outside world, don't we think she should have been more cautious, paranoid, anxious but also excited? Those should be the emotions showcased but here those were rarely found. In a few chapters, it was bland.


Am I too harsh? If so, I am really sorry. Yes, the last few chaps did lift the book but let's just say, the slow burn shouldn't have been involved. Within the first few chapters, we should be so engrossed in the fantasy world but I didn't get it. Nope.

[Rania Zulkifli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Realm of Masks and Sorrow was such an emotional and intriguing read, especially because it blended Greek mythology, grief, hidden powers, and romantasy in a way that kept me wanting to know more.

The story follows Evangelia Violet, and honestly, I felt so much for her. She has already gone through something heartbreaking, and instead of being listened to or believed, she is blamed for her brother’s death and sent away to a mental facility in Greece. From the beginning, I felt frustrated for her because it was clear there was so much more happening beneath the surface.

One of the most interesting parts of the story for me was Eva’s ability to see and speak to spirits. I loved how this wasn’t written in a simple or random way. The spirits had confusion, pain, and unfinished emotions, and Eva treated them with so much compassion. One scene that really stayed with me was when she spoke to a little boy who needed help understanding what had happened to him. It was sad and gut-wrenching, but also beautifully written because Eva handled him with such softness, almost like an older sister guiding him toward peace.

The setting inside the facility added a darker layer to the story. There were moments that made me angry, especially with the way certain people abused their authority and used their positions to hurt others while pretending they were just doing their job. That part made the book feel heavier, but also made me root for Eva even more.

I also enjoyed Caleb’s character and the way he paid attention to Eva. The romance is slow-burn, which worked well for this story because it gave space for the fantasy, mystery, grief, and mythology to build naturally. The side characters also made the story stronger for me, and they are honestly one of the reasons I want to continue with the series.

What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed the Greek mythology element. I haven’t read many YA romantasy books recently, and this one reminded me that I can enjoy them when they have emotional depth, mystery, and characters I actually care about.

The ending definitely left me needing book two. There were twists, secrets, betrayal, and a cliffhanger that made me want answers immediately.

If you enjoy dark fantasy, Greek mythology-inspired stories, hidden powers, prophecy, slow-burn romance, emotional grief, and secrets that slowly unfold, this is definitely a book to look into.

[The Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

​I am giving A Realm of Masks and Sorrow by Payton Rose a 4-star review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
​I really enjoyed this book, though I have to admit it took me a while to get into it at the beginning. Dark romantasy world-building can sometimes feel a bit dense upfront, but once you are in, the story development is so good! This Greek mythology-inspired tale completely swept me away once the momentum picked up.
​Author Disclosure: A massive thank you to the author, Payton Rose, for providing an early look at this dark, beautiful world. Your talent for creating complex, high-stakes mythology and deep emotional tension made this an unforgettable journey.
​The Review
​The story plunges us into a dark, atmospheric fantasy realm deeply rooted in the heavy, shadowy lore of Greek mythology. We follow a world full of high-stakes court intrigue, hidden dangers, and deceptive masks where no one is exactly who they seem. While the intricate world rules and slow-burn foundations take some patience to unpack in the opening chapters, the narrative soon evolves into a gripping, fast-paced battle for survival and power. The magical stakes blend perfectly with a deeply emotional, forbidden romance that tests the boundaries of loyalty and sacrifice.
​The Good
​The characters are incredibly believable, flawed, and multi-dimensional. I absolutely loved the main couple dynamics! The banter, the intense emotional push-and-pull, and the sheer chemistry they share kept me glued to the pages of my Kindle. They challenge each other at every turn, making their connection feel entirely earned.
​And the end, though... wow. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but it absolutely broke me! The emotional payoff is intense, devastating, and brilliantly executed. I am already really looking forward to book 2 because I desperately need answers after that final page!
​The Not So Good
​As mentioned, the book features a bit of a slow start. The heavy info-dumping and intricate court setup in the first few chapters made it a little difficult to find my footing initially. If you can push through the initial world-building curve, however, the payoff is one hundred percent worth it.

[Dear Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you so much to Payton Rose and Commonplace Books for this ARC!!!
It was a really fun and interesting story about greek mythology, and as a greek mythology nerd, you know i had to read it!
I really loved the setting in the asylum, I think it was by far the most interesting part of this book!!!!!
The characters were also very interesting and a generally very interesting idea, although I will say I clocked them pretty early on 😌
A few things I didn't enjoy tho were:
1. The length. It was a smidge too long in my opinion and some scenes could've been cut
2. Lia. She was a good main character, and I liked her motivations and her past, but I will say she felt like an adult (20-30) instead of a 17 year old. To the point where, for the life of me, I couldn't capture her as a 17 year old. 17 year olds simply don't behave that way
Respectfully,
a teenager

1. Character amount. The characters were AWESOME!!! But i feel like we didn't have to have all of them (specifically talking about her friend group), as it was often hard to keep up. Having just Eros, Thyme and Damen (and Kacia) could have been more than enough. Also with the other characters. The only really necessary ones were Seth and Phillip (and Iris). All other characters could've been cut out in my opinion
Other than that, this book had a REALLY interesting concept!!!!!
Like, I genuinely LOVED IT!!!
It just struggled a lot with some excess (scenes and characters)
And the main characters behavior
I felt like there was no real need for Lia to be 17 if she was going to act as a 20 something year old anyways? Just age her up a couple of years
But it was overall a VERY enjoyable read in a very very interesting setting (like, the most interesting I have read recently)
AND I LOVED THE DREAMS AND ESCAPING TO THE GARDEN PLACE TO PRACTICE HER MAGIC!!!
it was so unique

So, if you love greek mythology, and just want a very interesting read, I would definitely recommend it!!!!!
Overall, 4⭐️ for me!
Once again, thank you for the ARC Payton Rose and Commonplace books
And see you in my next review!!!
- Dear Reader

[ShadowedMoon_Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️,5

I was thrilled to receive an ARC of A Realm of Masks and Sorrow, especially since Greek mythology inspired fantasy always captivates me.
The concept of hidden powers, a slow-burn romance, and a mental facility backdrop was really compelling.
I loved the immersive atmosphere, and the Greek mythological elements were a real highlight.
Lia, the protagonist, was a strong and determined character.
While I admired her courage, I did get a bit frustrated because she often found herself in difficult situations.
More importantly, though, the pacing at first felt quite slow for me, and since I prefer a faster tempo, it took me a while to fully get into the story.
Once I reached about a third of the way in, though, the plot really took off, especially thanks to the slow-burn dynamic between Lia and Corban, a brooding orderly.
Their connection was subtle but really compelling.
I also loved how the author integrated Greek mythology this was a real highlight.
I found Lia’s powers particularly fascinating, and I’m excited to see more of them explored in future installments.
I also really enjoyed the mythic creatures—like Titans, Ancients, Gods, and Cyclopes—they were so cool, and I can’t wait to see more of them in book two.
The secrets woven into the plot kept me guessing, and once the story picked up, especially in the second half, I was fully invested. Although the pacing was slower at the beginning, I still appreciated how the story gradually built up.
The friendships Lia formed were authentic and added a lot of heart, and the romance though subtle had real potential.
As someone with a Latin and Greek background, I did notice a few translation inaccuracies I hope these are polished in the final release.
Still, I’m confident that with some fine-tuning, it will be even stronger.
Overall, this is a great start, and I’m excited to see how the series deepens.
I’m looking forward to book two, where I hope the plot and characters unfold with even greater depth.

Thank you commonplace for gifting me this gorgeous ARC.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Realm of Masks and Sorrow is the first book in the Passions of Olympus series, this book is going to be one that you settle in with, because there might be some challenging moments as you progress through this story.
Lia is being thrown into the deep end with this book. When you meet her, she's being hauled off to a facility. A place where she will be kept since she is viewed as a "danger" to herself because she sees shadows. She's no real threat, but her father views her as an embarrassment to the family, and after the untimely passing of her brother, he blames her. But the truth is something different altogether.
This is a slow-moving novel, but it's easy to follow along with what is going on with the characters. Lia has two shadow companions who try to keep her safe (and on the straight and narrow), but you know how teens are...they want to run their lives and Lia is no exception.
You're going to see certain elements coming long before Lia does. This book is like a puzzle, but piecing it together before the revelations...well, depending on how you like things will either be fun or tedious. Tedious if you want more mystery to it and things to be less obvious. However I could just be that observant when it comes to tropes and how things play out. LOL!
Lia is an okay character, but she has too many "woe is me" moments. Honestly, it gets tiresome. She's constantly feeling sorry for herself and then lashing out at others because of how life has turned out for her. You'd think she's in her 30s with that mentality, but the girl is literally on 17. I wanted her to mature and stop feeling sorry for herself and reflecting on how "everyone has betrayed her."
This book has some good moments, but things don't pick up until the story is almost over. Which is disappointing, but it also encourages hope that since all the groundwork for the story has been laid that things with book two will pick up. Here's hoping.
Soft 4 (3.75) out of 5 stars

[•*•*•Erin•*•*• · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy sent by Commonplace books.

⭐⭐⭐.75 Stars

What to expect:
✨ Chosen One
✨ Morally gray MMC
✨ Extreme slow burn
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Greek Mythology
✨ Dangerous magic
✨ Gods/ Goddesses
✨ Fate/ Prophecy

We follow our FMC Lia who is blamed for her brother's death and shipped off to a mental facility in Greece.
She has the ability to communicate with lost souls.
While at the facility she is met with a lot of challenges within herself, she experiences dark terrifying dreams. And someone who is abusing their power within the facility.
She learns she is part of a prophecy and her whole life is about to change. She finds out that she has had no say in her life at all and starts to question everything and everyone.

Whilst at the facility she makes some unexpected friends. The found family element of this book is fantastic and probably my favorite part.
The relationships that blossom in this horrible place are one of a kind.

The characters in this book were amazing. Clio & Jason, they are spirits that Lia can talk to and they have been with her for a long time.
Eros, this man is so cheeky and charismatic.
Damen, he is your typical grumpy closed off MMC until he isn't, I actually loved his character the most.
Corban, I wasn't a fan from the beginning, there was something about him that didn't sit well with me.
Thyme, she was the sweetest character.
And many more fantastic characters, and they all brought something different to the book.

The plot of this was interesting. The pacing was a little off. But didn't affect my reading experience.
There were a lot of plot twists and reveals, some I picked up on and others I missed.

I haven't read a Greek mythology book before, so I really didn't know what to expect but I had a good time with this book.

Definitely check the trigger warnings before going into this book.

Thank you to the author and commonplace books for sending me a copy of this book.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow—I’m honestly at a loss for words. I had been putting this book off for about two weeks, but yesterday I finally decided to start it… and ended up staying up until 1 a.m. because I simply couldn’t stop reading. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” over and over again, completely pulled in by the mystery and the developing love story. At the beginning, I was intrigued, though I’ll admit I struggled a bit to get through the first ten chapters. But once I got past that point, I was no longer just reading the story I felt like I was living in it. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the way the plot unfolds is incredible. The gradual reveal of secrets had me constantly second-guessing everything, and at one point I even had to go back and reread sections just to fully process what was happening. There were jaw-dropping moments, moments that made me want to scream, and of course, those soft, emotional scenes that give you butterflies. I absolutely loved the characters especially Lia. She’s such a complex, layered, and relatable character, which made her feel so real. And I have to say, I was completely torn between Damen and Corban for a while… but I’ve made my choice—I’m officially Team Damen forever. I always knew Corban was kind of suspicious.
The ending had me on edge and left me feeling a little emotional, but more than anything, it made me desperate to pick up the next book immediately. I need to know what happens next, especially after such an unexpected conclusion. Overall, I truly loved this book. The fact that I finished it in just two days says everything it was impossible to put down. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery, Greek mythology (which I surprisingly loved, even though it’s not a genre I usually read), morally gray characters, and stories filled with secrets, fate, and complicated, twisted love.
Cant wait for the next book in the series!!

[Amritha Srinath Booksngupshups · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book one of Passions of Olympus series - A Realm of Masks and Sorrow by Payton Rose was an incredibly written, addictive read that will keep you hooked from the first page till last.

Evangelia Violet(Lia) is found with her brother - Ryder’s body and is immediately blamed for his death. Her ruthless father sends her away to a mental institution far away in Greece. With profound grief in her heart Lia discovers her power to see the shadows and spirits, forming unexpected connections with Gods and discovers an ancient prophecy tied to her birth.

The book starts off as a psychological thriller and slowly evolves into a slow burn dark romantasy genre. The tensions build rapidly as we discover hidden powers, betrays and dangerous secrets. The premise of the book is eerie and claustrophobic, with each character having their own agenda, making it difficult to trust them. However, the morally grey characters, complex relationships, and blurred lines between love, loyalty, manipulation, and revenge made the story even more compelling to read. I absolutely loved Lia as she is shown vulnerable in her grief yet fearless & powerful as she discovers her truth. The Greek mythology elements added depth without taking away from the emotional heart of the plot. Payton Rose has beautifully combined the detailed world-building, Greek mythology and the characters creating a rich and immersive fantasy world.

This book instantly became an unputdownable read as I picked it and the twists genuinely surprised me. The ending left me shocked and shattered and I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.

Overall, if you enjoy dark fantasy, Greek mythology, ancient prophecies, emotional betrayals, morally grey characters, and stories that keep you guessing until the very last page, I would highly recommend you to read the AROMAS.

I am thankful to Commonplace Books and the author for sharing the ARC Copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Alexis Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked reading AROMAS. As someone who loves Greek mythology, this was such a creative concept and storyline! It takes you into an exciting fantasy story of ancient beings and mortal heroes, blending heartache and grief, with friendship and love, into an enticing story with lots of twists and turns. I was constantly on my toes, kept guessing with what would happen next. There were multiple points in the story where I found myself laughing out loud at what the characters said, as well as fully gasping with my jaw hanging open at what was unfolding, especially at the end of the story. The imagery described throughout the book allows you to easily imagine the world being created with such clarity, it feels like I can close my eyes and step into the story.

There were some slower spots in the story were I was waiting for more more action to happen, or the plot kept getting stuck over the same situations or conflicts where I felt we should’ve been past it already but now I that I have finished the book, I can understand the book was paced for the main character, Lia, to grow and figure herself out before getting into crazy action. Plus we get to see her develop her relationships with the other characters better over that time. Lia has been through a lot of trauma making her super emotional and distressed easily, but it also makes her empathetic and caring for the other people around her. She needs a lot of support, time and training to be able to heal herself and others properly.

I would recommend this to my friends to read, it’s a great debut novel and great start to what I can expect to be an exciting adventurous series. I’m happy to support Payton in her author journey, especially since I’m dying to see what’s to come from the book 2 after reading the last few chapters!!

[Narrative Khaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

A Realm of Masks and Sorrow is an emotionally driven fantasy that blends grief, identity, and Greek mythology in a really engaging way.

The story follows Lia, blamed for her brother’s death and sent to a remote mental facility in Greece. From there, the narrative slowly unfolds into something much bigger. What begins as a psychological and emotional journey expands into divine secrets, ancient prophecies, lost souls, and a connection to the gods of the Greek pantheon. The mix of mortal trauma and immortal stakes creates a compelling tension throughout the book. I genuinely liked how the mythology felt integrated into the plot rather than just decorative.

Lia is a strong FMC. She carries guilt, anger, vulnerability, and resilience in equal measure. I appreciated her emotional depth and the way her growth feels tied not only to romance or plot twists, but to self-discovery. The supporting characters add warmth and complexity, especially as unexpected friendships and connections develop inside such a dark setting.

If you love Greek mythology, this is absolutely your kind of book. The gods, the prophecy elements, the looming threat of the Titans, and the interplay between divine and mortal realms are woven directly into the narrative. It does not just reference mythology. It builds its conflict and emotional stakes around it. Fans of modern myth retellings with a darker, more psychological tone will especially enjoy it.

The pacing is steady and immersive, balancing introspective moments with higher stakes developments. As a first installment, it sets up the larger saga effectively while still delivering a satisfying arc.

Overall, a solid four stars for me. A strong start to what promises to be an epic, mythology-rich series. I’m definitely curious to see where Lia’s journey goes next💜

[Becky L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a much slower paced book than I would normally read but I enjoyed the story even if I wished it would go a bit quicker.
The characters in the story are brilliant even though the story restricts what we might expect from them somewhat which was slightly frustrating but it was how it worked with the story.
As said the story progresses quite slowly even though I was drawn in and wanted to know what was going to happen. This is until you get to about 80% through and everything starts to happen! If you prefer a slower paced story then this is definitely something to read.

It’s interesting and a different take on most Greek mythology that I’ve read (even if it’s not much) so that’s refreshing.
I would have preferred a few more settings in the story but again it’s what worked with the story.

I’m not sure whether I sympathise with the fmc ‘Lia’ or if I’d like to strangle her but maybe that's just me. I felt like she didn’t ask enough questions and just accepted it when people let her down. She also takes a lot on in guilt that maybe she doesn’t need to.
The mmc Damen is broody and distant just as we like em, until he isn’t but we don’t get the story with either in book one so I’m ready to see the two together, maybe?

Corban is a character features quite heavily and didn’t quite sit right with me but I wasn’t sure why, I may have just been waiting for his betrayal.

The ending comes out of nowhere if you aren’t watching how much you’ve read and I didn’t expect it even though I did???

It was the epilogue that makes me want to read book 2 because it sounds like the other characters will be brought in more and is set somewhere completely different.

Thank you to commonplace books for the copy to review before rerelease

[ChanaReadsHorror · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had the right amount of fantasy a romance of Greek lore and when I say there was a few surprises in there as well, there's also a few surprises in there as well.
In the book we follow a young lady by the name of Lia who is unfortunately is being sent away to a remote mental hospital in Greece after an incident that her brother was killed in front of her and she was actually blamed for the incident. So while she's there in this remote mental hospital she has to come face to face with the reasons that she's always been able to see and talk to her friends that happen to be shadows that nobody else can see and that everybody thinks is the reason that led to the incident with her brother. As time goes on she learns more of why they've befriended her all of those years ago and have stayed beside her. Lia also comes to find out more about the incident that happened with her brother and she learns about this not through therapy, not through rehab, and not from internally finding herself or the orderly Corban that seems to have the same feelings for her.Lia founds all this out from the other patients that are there in the ward as well that have been waiting for her to arrive after all these years. Then the question becomes then what answers do they have and what information can they give Lia about the events of that night and what is this prophecy that involves her, which is the reason they're there to get her out so it doesn't come through. Which adds to all these twists and turns locked into it and the Greek lore that's woven all the way through it has me so eagerly awaiting in the second book.