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A Realm of Masks and Sorrow
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.
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.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published May 17, 2024
6 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 14, 2024
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.
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.
May 17, 2024
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.
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.
May 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.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.
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.
May 20, 2024
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!!
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!!
May 27, 2024
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.
May 14, 2024
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!!!
May 17, 2024
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!
May 10, 2024
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.
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.
May 18, 2024
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
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
May 15, 2024
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!!
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!!
May 25, 2024
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.
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.
April 20, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! The way it brings pre-existing greek mythology and weaves it into this entirely new mythology is beyond creative and constantly kept me at the edge of my seat. The enthralling descriptions were elegantly scripted, and painted a beautiful picture in my head like a movie.
The characters are intriguing and the farthest from 'cookie cutter', each getting their own unique backstory and respective dialong, temperments, flaws and special details. They clash and come together with eachother that flourishes along with the storyline.
The plot is beautifully written and completely sets itself up for a series of future adventures, and is filled with betrayal, love, lost, hardship, war, and true emotions. I CANNOT wait to get my hands on the finished series one day!
The cover is stunning, it draws attention and once it has you, you must take in all of the intricate details! Was a great choice for this book and I cannot wait to have a physical copy to adorn my shelves! (And my hands!)
It is a fresh idea with inspiration stemming from a mythology that, from my opintion, isn't used as often as I think it should be! I forsee myself re-reading this book countless times so I may immerse myself in between the lines to join in on the adventure over and over again!
As a new author, Payton Rose has done a truly tremendous job with her first book. As the story continues, I have no doubt that her books will only excell in this department and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!
The characters are intriguing and the farthest from 'cookie cutter', each getting their own unique backstory and respective dialong, temperments, flaws and special details. They clash and come together with eachother that flourishes along with the storyline.
The plot is beautifully written and completely sets itself up for a series of future adventures, and is filled with betrayal, love, lost, hardship, war, and true emotions. I CANNOT wait to get my hands on the finished series one day!
The cover is stunning, it draws attention and once it has you, you must take in all of the intricate details! Was a great choice for this book and I cannot wait to have a physical copy to adorn my shelves! (And my hands!)
It is a fresh idea with inspiration stemming from a mythology that, from my opintion, isn't used as often as I think it should be! I forsee myself re-reading this book countless times so I may immerse myself in between the lines to join in on the adventure over and over again!
As a new author, Payton Rose has done a truly tremendous job with her first book. As the story continues, I have no doubt that her books will only excell in this department and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!
May 7, 2024
So I got to ARC read this beautiful book right here! This book is centered around our FMC Lia who is sent to go stay in a mental institute after being accused of murdering her brother. Upon her arrival to the facility, us readers are made aware that she can communicate with spirits. We are gradually introduced to the other characters at the facility where we start learning more about Lia’s abilities and how her existence is deeply rooted into an ancient prophecy found in Greek mythology. I’ll try to be as spoiler free as possible. There is romance, found family, grief, and topics I’m glad are getting a little light shed on them. I think people will enjoy this book if they are looking for a caring more empathetic FMC, obviously if you like Greek mythology and complicated family dynamics. There are pretty common tropes found in here and I think this book could use a list of TW at the beginning, I’m not easily triggered so none of this bothered me but I will say there is SA and death of a child. I did struggle with some of the dialogue between characters and pacing. I feel like it could’ve been a little shorter as there was a lot of time spent on areas I didn’t feel really moved the plot along. The ending was quite interesting though and does set up nicely for the second book. For a debut novel I think Payton did a good job.
April 20, 2024
I am beyond in love with “A Realm of Masks and Sorrow.”
Its cover, writing and plot are amazing and beautiful.
The cover makes you curious about whats in its pages.
The characters all have good and intricate backgrounds with great bold personalities.
The setting is easy to picture and fall into. With villains that will make you rage.
The love story will make you apprehensive and swoon all at once.
And you will constantly be wondering what happens next or think you know who Lia is and then wham the book sends you deeper on the hunt for her true identity. Not one part of this book doesn’t make sense and makes you reach for more!
For a break out Author Payton Rose has blown me out of the water with her incredible talent. Her creative world spinning, easily envisioned characters and perfectly choreographed stream of events makes you want to know every little thing about them all and with the perfect amount of details to feed your hunger.
She has blown me out of Poseidon’s waters and lifted my heart all the way to Olympus. I will be avidly watching this new author for her next big hit. - Teigyn Lux Mckenzie
Its cover, writing and plot are amazing and beautiful.
The cover makes you curious about whats in its pages.
The characters all have good and intricate backgrounds with great bold personalities.
The setting is easy to picture and fall into. With villains that will make you rage.
The love story will make you apprehensive and swoon all at once.
And you will constantly be wondering what happens next or think you know who Lia is and then wham the book sends you deeper on the hunt for her true identity. Not one part of this book doesn’t make sense and makes you reach for more!
For a break out Author Payton Rose has blown me out of the water with her incredible talent. Her creative world spinning, easily envisioned characters and perfectly choreographed stream of events makes you want to know every little thing about them all and with the perfect amount of details to feed your hunger.
She has blown me out of Poseidon’s waters and lifted my heart all the way to Olympus. I will be avidly watching this new author for her next big hit. - Teigyn Lux Mckenzie
May 17, 2024
If romantasy and mythology had a baby, you’d get AROMAS.
I have never read a book with mythology themes book and I thoroughly enjoyed this as my first! I learned so much about pre-existing Greek mythology that I was completely entranced by the back stories the book provided.
These book has incredible characters and Payton Rose does an amazing job in describing each one and giving you an understanding of their own story, characteristics and uniqueness. Her character development is absolute 🔥 and I can’t believe this is her debut book!
The book was a little slow at first, however I could not put it down at the end! I honestly was so surprised with the direction the plot took. I felt like I was taken on an emotional ride by the fmc in the best way possible. This book had friendship, love, resiliency and I am so excited to continue to see where this plot takes us, as I was left in a complete chokehold. I CANNOT wait for book two.
If you are looking for a fantasy book that provides:
✨A strong fmc
✨Found family
✨Instant love
✨Chosen one
✨Hidden truths
You are going to want to read AROMAS!
Thank you, Payton Rose for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have never read a book with mythology themes book and I thoroughly enjoyed this as my first! I learned so much about pre-existing Greek mythology that I was completely entranced by the back stories the book provided.
These book has incredible characters and Payton Rose does an amazing job in describing each one and giving you an understanding of their own story, characteristics and uniqueness. Her character development is absolute 🔥 and I can’t believe this is her debut book!
The book was a little slow at first, however I could not put it down at the end! I honestly was so surprised with the direction the plot took. I felt like I was taken on an emotional ride by the fmc in the best way possible. This book had friendship, love, resiliency and I am so excited to continue to see where this plot takes us, as I was left in a complete chokehold. I CANNOT wait for book two.
If you are looking for a fantasy book that provides:
✨A strong fmc
✨Found family
✨Instant love
✨Chosen one
✨Hidden truths
You are going to want to read AROMAS!
Thank you, Payton Rose for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2025
This was an awesome debut novel for the writer. I initially purchased this book to support a local author in my area and I’m glad I did. The bones of the book were awesome, the plot, the characters, the twists and turns of the story were well built. Where the book last me a bit was in some of the wordiness, the repetitive behaviours of the FMC that came off a little too childish (even for 17 lol), and some the the repeating phrases that were used too closely together. However, this book caught my interest enough that I was able to stick through it. I will say some of my predictions were wrong, but the major ones I made were on point. I knew it about Corbin, it was too easy with him, too smooth. I called it after their second outing tbh.
As long as you know to expect some immaturity from the FMC that’s annoying, and that this book is a debut book for the author you can temper your expectations. Despite those minor things I cannot wait to read the second release when it comes out. I hope that some of those things iron themselves out as the author breaks her way into the writing world more!!!!
So excited for the next book!
As long as you know to expect some immaturity from the FMC that’s annoying, and that this book is a debut book for the author you can temper your expectations. Despite those minor things I cannot wait to read the second release when it comes out. I hope that some of those things iron themselves out as the author breaks her way into the writing world more!!!!
So excited for the next book!
May 7, 2024
It was an absolute delight to read this incredible book. The storyline captivated me, and the characters were both extraordinary and fascinating. By the way, Eros was my favorite! This book is truly page-turner that keeps you on edge, wondering what will unfold next. Right from the beginning, I sympathize with Lia, who was unjustly accused for her brother’s death and subsequently sent to a distant asylum, isolated from the world. However, she encounters, remarkable companions, and unravel her ability to communicate with souls, among other astonishing discoveries that will determine her fate. During this entire isolation, she witnesses and experiences the oppressive behavior by the asylum. The entire time, I was rooting for Lia to kick some serious butt! The romance writing was beautifully written. The ending had such a cliffhanger that made me want to scream. I loved it!
April 12, 2024
This was a really enjoyable debut from the author! I would find myself so excited for my evening Kindle time just so I could dive back into Lia's story. I think you'll love AROMAS if you enjoyed The Vampire Diaries show (don't ask me to explain further, it's a vibe thing), if you like FMCs whose greatest strengths are shown through compassion instead of battle training scenes, incredibly descriptive imagery, and instant-love/fast-burn romances. This would have easily been a 4-star read for me if the romance had been a slow burn, but that's a personal preference. I also may be bias because I was shipping an entirely different pairing the whole book. After that ending, I have to know what's next for this series!
April 20, 2024
I was absolutely captivated by the story and I binge-read through the first half in a day! This book had a unique spin on Greek mythology and I really liked our main character, Evangelia (Lia).
Lia is so kind, caring, compassionate, and empathetic. She cherishes her friends and cares for those who can’t care for themselves. She is so sweet but also SO naive..
The plot was really good and the story was full of magic, gods/goddesses, love/insta-love, found family friendships, heartbreak, betrayal, and prophecies. I did feel like the pacing was a little off, but I couldn't stop reading to see what would happen next.
I also was dying to know if we are going to get more from Damen and Lia…
The ending was a MAJOR cliffhanger. So I’m looking forward to reading book 2 already!
Lia is so kind, caring, compassionate, and empathetic. She cherishes her friends and cares for those who can’t care for themselves. She is so sweet but also SO naive..
The plot was really good and the story was full of magic, gods/goddesses, love/insta-love, found family friendships, heartbreak, betrayal, and prophecies. I did feel like the pacing was a little off, but I couldn't stop reading to see what would happen next.
I also was dying to know if we are going to get more from Damen and Lia…
The ending was a MAJOR cliffhanger. So I’m looking forward to reading book 2 already!
April 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of some books I have already read. I loved the detail in everything. The descriptions and all of the emotions and the self realizations were amazing. The love story broke my heart when the truth finally came out. I did predict a few things that came to light at the end, but I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. Just a little smut, not too much, and it was perfect for this love story. I would love to know if feelings were also felt by Damen or if it was even feelings at all. The ending completely broke my heart. I didn't see that coming at all. The epilogue gave me so much hope. I can't wait for book two!
April 16, 2024
I wasn't a fan, had a hard time getting through it. The plot was interesting and I did like the attention to detail in the lore they added. The dialogue between characters though felt incredibly juvenile and hard to relate to, what may have been written as potential witty banter read more like most of the main characters all had the same personality. In short the world building was there but I feel like more input into distinctive characters would have greatly improved the story.
April 22, 2024
I attempted to pace myself through this book … I finished it within 5 days. I was instantly hooked after the first chapter. Each time I picked it up it was harder to put down, as I dove further into the story and characters I could not keep my mind on anything else. If your a fantasy lover or new to the genre, you cannot go wrong here. Book 1 of Payton Rose's Passion of Olympus series is a knockout, and I am so excited to see how Lia's story develops!
May 1, 2024
I loved this book and definitely will be adding it to my list of favorites. I kept wanting to continue reading and had a hard time finding a stopping point! It’s full of mystery and adventure, combining with Greek mythology. There are tons of well written character relationships and hardships that pulled at my emotions! The cover is beautiful and is intriguing. Well done! I can’t wait for more to come from this new author.
May 25, 2024
Solid 3.75 stars
Interesting take on Greek Mythology for sure. The book is around 1/3 of the way in. I completely saw that ending coming but man was it so much more painful than I expected it to be.
I HATED this love interest and their "chemistry". It was maddening to keep reading when it's so obvious where the better choice is. It really just brings down the intelligence level of the main character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Interesting take on Greek Mythology for sure. The book is around 1/3 of the way in. I completely saw that ending coming but man was it so much more painful than I expected it to be.
I HATED this love interest and their "chemistry". It was maddening to keep reading when it's so obvious where the better choice is. It really just brings down the intelligence level of the main character.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2024
It took me a little time to figure out that the people she interacted with weren't her imagination. Once I got deep into the storyline, I found it enjoyable.
The characters all have parts to play in the story that make up the FMC's life and future.
Can't wait to see how the characters grow and how their actions change the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters all have parts to play in the story that make up the FMC's life and future.
Can't wait to see how the characters grow and how their actions change the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2024
Lia is sent away to a mental facility and she finds out that she has a gift. She can see and talk to lost souls. She has the power of going between two realms. She was a lost piece to a divine puzzle. She is the only one that can keep evil from awakening. A suspenseful thrill ride and impressive execution of the plot. Excellent characters and an amazing Greek mythology story.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2024
This book is by far amazing! The story is so beautifully written and I could feel like that I’m inside the story and watching everything unfold. I questioned about what was happening in the story so many times and its twists on twists. This book just keeps you guessing!! I absolutely loved all the characters in this story. It has mythology, romance, little spice in it, betrayals, gods, demigods and war! I cried, laughed, shocked and anger! It’s been few days since I finished this book and I’m still thinking about it and I never reread my books unless it’s been long time and now I want to reread it! It’s that GOOD!!! Highly recommend it!
April 8, 2024
A Realm of Masks and Sorrow is truly an amazing book! Payton Rose's writing draws you in and makes you feel as though you are a part of the story. From page one, I was hooked and could not stop reading till the end! I love Greek mythology. This book not only has that, but also love, friendship, heartbreak, and betrayal. AROMAS is now my favorite book, and I can not wait to read the next one!!!
April 15, 2024
It just wasn't that great considering how much my friend hyped it up. I typically love fantasy, romance, Greek mythology etc but this just fell flat for me. I suppose as a debut it's decent but in the grand scheme of things, not something I would recommend to my friends or re-read so therefore it's a 1 ⭐️. I did consider DNFing, but I'm trying to do less of that, so I pushed through.
April 27, 2024
I am so incredibly honored to have gotten an ARC of A Realm of Masks and Sorrows by the author. This book was absolutely amazing and I could not put it down. I loved the premise of the story and all the characters. I really felt so much empathy for the main character because she goes through so much throughout the story. That cliffhanger at the end though had me absolutely shocked and I can’t wait for book two. I highly recommend this story for anyone who loves fantasy, Greek mythology, and romance.
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