Athena

by Eva Pohler

Even the wise can be fools in love . . .

She grows up in the belly of her oppressive father, where she watches her mother build her armor and hatches plans for escape. Once freed, she becomes her father's favorite--a loyal subject, warrior, and advocate who stands by her father even when her favorite is sentenced for treason and chained to a rock, where his liver is eaten daily by Zeus's eagle. Then, her hopes for a reunion with Prometheus are crushed when he disappears, and years of searching prove futile. With a hardened heart, Athena becomes a powerful leader of the Olympians.

But when Prometheus returns from the shadows, her loyalties are challenged, her heart stirs with unquenchable passion, and her immortal life is forever changed.

Genres: Mythology

218 pages, Hardcover

Published April 25, 2024

About the author

Eva Pohler is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels in multiple genres, including mysteries, thrillers, and young adult paranormal romance based. Her books have been described as "addictive" and "sure to thrill"--Kirkus Reviews.

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Reviews

[CiCi | bookameme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A New Take On Old Myths

Thoughts💡
I enjoyed this one. It was a new spin on greek mythology that reimagined some of the common characteristics associated with the gods. I particularly enjoyed that Zues was called out for his bad behavior. In fact, most of the gods’ disingenuous and contemptible behaviors were called out. Some were explained in greater detail, but for the most part the gods were morally gray.
Athena is the MC for the entire story, we follow her from birth to modern day and get to see her follies and her triumphs. I really enjoyed the way that she was portrayed and that she was given a love story. This book also called out the historical misogynistic practice of separating virginal goddess from the rest of them and gave a reason for each to be abstinent. 👏👏
The story was a mix of a third person absent narrator and a general third person POV. It makes it seem as though the narrator is telling the story and you gradually become immersed in it. Imagine the OG Princess Bride, that sort of slow immersion.
I won’t lie, I listened to this story on 2.5 x speed. The author had clear pronunciations which made it easy, but it felt like she was a slow talker so I needed to speed it up. With that speed this book took me around 2 hours and 15 minutes to finish and I think it was time well spent.

Stats📊
YA Fantasy: Forbidden Love, Noble Sacrifice, Epic Storyline, High Stakes, Rebellion, Loyalty, Betrayal, Ancient Times/Time Jump to Modern Times, Family Drama, Gods and Monsters, Very Mildly Steamy (no smut)
Third Person, Past Tense, Single POV
(Occasionally there is an absent narrator)
⚠️Mild fantasy violence and suffering

[chesirern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Athena (Gods and Monsters Book 1) by Eva Pohler is a paranormal fantasy and Greek and Roman mythology novel. I have always enjoyed reading Eva Pohler’s novels and this one was no different. Her writing is enjoyable for adults of all ages to enjoy. This tale follows Athena from her birth and oppression under Zeus to her leadership of the Olympians. Prometheus is an important part of her tale. I read this beginning this to end in one sitting.
If you are a fan of Greek and Roman mythology definitely check this one out. It was a great read.

[Ginger B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Athena by Eva Pohler is about the story of Athena. I loved the relationship between Athena and Prometheus. My favorite character is Athena. Overall,this book is amazing.

[elder_millennialnitemar_reads (Ashley) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a captivating story! I love Greek mythology with a twist. Fabulous world-building & perfect for anyone who is also a fan of Mythological Fantasy! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read and review this incredible book 🩷

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was ready when this book dropped. I have read the Underworld Saga and always wanted asking off with Athena. She has always been one of my favorite Greek Goddesses. Her story has been covered in many different ways but nothing like the way Ms. Polher covered it. She brought a new light to her story in ways I was excited to read. The telling of Athena and her mother Metis living within Zeus is a truly wonderful writer part. There is so much excitement that happens and tons of twist that were not expected, but fit very well into this telling of Athena's story. I can't wait for more stories in Gods and Monsters. Athena

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Athena, her mother's name is Metis. Her father, Zeus, wanted her to be destroyed. He swallows her mother because he doesn't want the prophecy to come to pass..that a son would unseat him. When she is born her mother makes armour for her from her father's bone splinters. Inside her father she hears voices and puts names to them. One voice in particular.a Titan named Prometheus, has a soothing and melodic name.
She finally breaks free but is put in prison along with Prometheus. There they get to know each other. They come up with ideas that could help Zeus. When they are released they work towards the goal of helping. Then Prometheus does something that angers Zeus and he is given a sentence that is new and innovative..he is to be chained to a rock and his liver eaten daily. After a while Prometheus asked her not to visit him anymore. Thus she lived her live helping the humans. So many battles and adventures with heroes.But in all the years Athena pines for Prometheus. Will they ever be able to be together?
A wonderful book about the god and goddesses that will leave the reader awe struck. So much lore!!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't read this author before, but really enjoyed her take on Athena and the Greek God Mythology. It is an awesome read that will stir your heart. It views Athena in a different light. Pohler has a great writing style that makes her story flow. If you are interested in Greek Mythology, you will definitely need to pick this book up as it's an excellent read!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this world. The writing is wonderful and the characters so fun. Narration is also pretty good. It feels like a bedtime story for adults.

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing was beautiful in this. The author spun a wonderful tale. I enjoyed a different take on the Greek gods. The beginning of this felt long , giving me a bit of trouble getting through. The second half, though, is where this book shines. I really loved Prometheus. Athena really was wise. This author's take on her, being inventive, and yet seems just right.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Athena" serves as a mesmerizing introduction to the captivating world of Greek mythology in the inaugural installment of the Gods and Monsters Series. Eva's writing style is both engaging and accessible, effortlessly drawing readers of all levels into the rich tapestry of ancient gods and their intricate tales.

With a deft hand, Eva skillfully interweaves traditional elements of Greek mythology with her own imaginative twists, resulting in a narrative that is as familiar as it is refreshingly original. I found myself wholly engrossed in Athena's journey, eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist and turn.

For enthusiasts of Greek mythology-based fantasy, "Athena" comes highly recommended. This book exceeded all expectations, earning every bit of its praise and more. I was utterly captivated from start to finish, racing through the pages yet savoring every word.

Eva's storytelling prowess shines brightly throughout, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Her unique spin on Greek mythology breathes new life into familiar tales, making for an enthralling reading experience that is not to be missed.

In conclusion, "Athena" is a masterpiece of storytelling, showcasing Eva's remarkable talent and leaving an indelible mark on the genre. I am eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this extraordinary journey through the realms of gods and monsters.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Read.With.Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up, Athena was always my favorite. Goddess of wisdom and war, I loved that she was one of the few goddesses who was able to keep up with the boys, and whose stories weren’t filled with dumb decisions she made over men.

Needless to say when I saw that she was getting her own story, I was ecstatic. When I saw it was a romance, I was a little skeptical. However, I can honestly say I was pleased with who she fell for. Of all the potential mythological love interests, Prometheus was the perfect choice.

There are several central themes through out this reimagining, but the two that stood out the most to me were feminism and justice. Or, more accurately, justice for victims of feminism. One of Athena’s biggest struggles throughout this story is accepting the truth of her fathers unfair treatment towards women and doing all she can to repair the damage. Later in the book I smiled so big as Zeus was called out for his masochism and applaud the author for taking the story in that direction.

As much as I enjoyed the plot and storyline of this book, I don’t feel it reached its full potential. The narrative was predominantly telling versus showing and the pacing was a bit off. My biggest hang up? There was very little character development or growth. Athena and her relationships all seemed fairly one dimensional, and it kept me from fully immersing myself in the story.

Despite my issues, I did enjoy the originality of the story. Again, I applaud the author for rewriting history to give Zeus some long over due justice. While I don’t know if I will continue the series, I am glad that I read this one. Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.50

[Amber's Book Cave · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Athena" was a captivating deep dive into Greek mythology, serving as the first installment in the Gods and Monsters Series. Eva's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers of all levels to digest and immerse themselves in the world of ancient gods.

We follow Athena, who grows up under the shadow of her oppressive father, Zeus. As she navigates her journey from captivity to becoming a powerful leader among the Olympians, we are taken on a thrilling ride filled with loyalty, betrayal, and unyielding passion.

I felt like Eva did a great job weaving together elements of Greek mythology with her own unique twists, keeping me fully engaged as I followed Athena's journey. Highly recommended for anyone who is a fan of Greek mythology-based fantasy.

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find it very interesting that the author, herself is narrating the audiobook, and she has a nice voice to do so. I highly appreciate the efforts and the voices she chose to portray. It was a nice experience to listen to it.

Now if we go into the story, it is not solid. The pacing is fast but there is a lack of proper plot, like I would have used a good amount of details on various stages of the story. The surroundings could have used more vivid vibes.

It felt rushed and skipped over. Athena is strong and intelligent but gets influenced easily. She took time to see a lot of things that were the problem and worked on them. But I feel that if there were more details, then her character would have been seen more understanding.

[Riss 🫶🏻☕️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ATHENA is a YA fantasy read that takes place during ancient times with time jumps to a modern setting. She became a powerful leader to the Olympians, but her loyalties are challenged when the love of her life returns. I read this book because of the forbidden love and Gods + Monsters tropes, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! Totally devoured this read in a few hours once I had the chance to really settle in and read. Athena is everything I love about a strong character who has to make tough decisions and experiences hardship in life. The time jumps during the plot were enjoyable and made perfect sense to me. This is a perfect read for YA and adult readers. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[JC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eva Pohler’s ATHENA took me on a delightful journey that unlocked the doors of Greek mythology in an absorbing and an engaging way. The pacing of Athena’s character development is excellent, as are the settings and imagery.

Athena’s struggles in life and love turn her into a wise warrior and protector who cares about others in a profound way.

As Mt. Olympus is brought to life, the characters are relatable and real, and the pages of the story turn quickly with the tension.

Every time I read an Eva Pohler book, I want to explore more of her spirited talent. Thank you, Eva!

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough, I love mythology but especially Greek so much and this was just perfect. Eva’s writing is beautiful and so magical, Athena's story grabs you from the very start and doesn’t let you go until the very end. I literally read this in the same day I was enjoying it so much, this is a masterful piece of writing and I’m hoping for more from the author in Greek mythology, I have read her past books, but I hope she does even more now.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Athena is born in the belly of her father Zeus. Her mother, Metis, raises her and makes her special armor for she hopes her daughter may one day leave Zeus' body and she'll need protection. Finally she's freed and becomes loyal to Zeus who listens to her advice. She also meets Prometheus whom she develops feelings for. When he is punished by Zeus, Athena stays by his side till he sends her away. She eventually helps him escape his punishment, but then he disappears.
This his the story of her search for him, their reunion and adventures she has.

[Taara Amrine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way the writer took the life of Athena and literally wrote a book about her. From my memory, all the facts of her life and those of the gods are followed in detail and correct. This was an entertaining way of learning the stories of the Greek gods and how Athena fit into the hierarchy. Her love, her loss, her dreams, and her errors. I loved this angle and story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the Greek mythology theme, but this book just didn't really work for me. I appreciated the author's efforts to create a story and bring it to life for the reader, but I didn't really connect with it in the way I would have liked to.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pohler has brilliantly written a story based upon a Greek Mythology. The characters jump right off the page of this story as Athena navigates her path. She becomes a dominant foe in the end and reconnects with Prometheus. Will they finally get their chance for happiness?

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kalli Kounavong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a beautiful cover that pulled me in, and I was hoping the pages would be just as beautiful. It did not disappoint. I absolutely loved this story from the first page to the last. This book is brilliant.

[Hanna Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a sucker for Greek mythology and this book was good! A perfect read for YA readers with action, fantasy elements, and sweet romance.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely everything Eva writes is pure magic, and Athena is no different. The series Gods & Monsters has been much anticipated and I cannot wait to see what the next released for it will be. I absolutely recommend this if you're a fan of Mythology.

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 4 out of 5]

great beginning in a new series of Gods and Monsters … book 1 “Athena” by Eva Pohler was intriguing and excited to read more

[Dawn Milligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow i love me a greek spin and this delivers its well written and has some really great flow i loved Athena and her journey!

[Sumedha (Pages & Pacifiers) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book follows the relationship between Athena and Prometheus, who are both lovers and rivals, on opposing sides of a rebel war to overthrow Zeus as the king of gods.

The book really picked up pace from page 1 and had me hooked onto the plot. While reading the book, I made an assumption that I am held so captive to the plot because it’s a Greek retelling and I find Greek myths very alluring. However, during mh post book research, I uncovered that a very heavy portion of this book’s plot does not actually exist in traditional Greek mythology. So kudos to the author for blending in her creativity to the original source.

I liked the pacing and the character development of Athena. Her relationship with her mother really hit home for me. However, where I struggled to follow the characters arc was with Prometheus. I wasn’t always convinced that the decisions he made in the story were characteristic of who he is portrayed to be. However, that could be part of that fact that the book is written completely from Athena’s PoV. I think I would have appreciated his POV a bit here.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a quick read of a fun and immersive fantasy based in the Greek literature. I was thinking about this book even when I wasn’t listening to it. So also kudos to the narrator!