I never thought I’d be selected for Aphrodite’s great pageant. I never thought it would get me into so much trouble.
Every year our town celebrates Eros, god of desire, in a special festival. But this year there’s to be a pageant like never before, and out of all the girls in Sikyon, I’ve been chosen to play the part of Aphrodite. They tell me it’s an honor… but I worry it's a curse.
When Aphrodite demands a sacrifice, my worst fears come true, and the king's men bind me to a cliff and leave me there to die. But a mysterious stranger intervenes. He says he can offer me my life back... for a price. He won't tell me who he is, or show me his face, and when he reveals his jet-black wings, it's obvious he's no mortal man. But by then, the bargain is made, and the bond is sealed.
Now he thinks he owns me, but little does he realize I’m hatching plans of my own. Plans for my freedom. Plans to save my family. And plans that just might upend all of Olympus....
as far as myth retellings go it wasn’t the greatest but it was okay, quite creative and i really liked the writing style. it does feel like she wrote a long book and cut it in half at a random point for the sake of having a sequel
This was very much a book of two halves for me. I found the first half very slow going. Psyche is initially very difficult and unlikeable and I found myself getting frustrated frequently. The story moves along quickly initially, but quickly grinds to a halt and doesn't pick up again for a long time. Nothing really happens, and instead we are left focused on a relationship that doesn't really develop until the very last moment, when ultimately, it all happens at once. The pacing and development just felt off and I found myself frequently checking my progress.
Once the story got going again in the second half it was a much more enjoyable read, and I found myself finishing quite quickly. I still think the character relationships could have been fleshed out a bit to provide some more depth and really make me invested, but overall the second half was an enjoyable read.
i liked this book but i found that psyche went from hating him to loving him too quickly - i would’ve liked to have seen more on how they fell in love as it felt like it happened in three days ??
This is a re-telling of the love story between Eros and Psyche. The reviews were very good and as I love Greek myths I was looking forward to this. Maybe it's just me but I found it rather boring. When she is saved by Eros, her time in his castle seemed to drag. I was waiting for much more to happen between them and the internal monologues by Psyche were endless. Then just when something exciting happens it just ended! Sadly, no spicy scenes either.
I like the story as a general thing.... but one minute she hated him and the next she loved him and all that happened was she saw he was good looking? girl..... come on now. have a word with yourself. where is the epic whirl wind love trail we follow you on
I was originally going to give this 2 stars based on poor story telling, but decided on three stars for prose.
This book begins on an eventful day for the main character, Psyche, but is weighed down by excessive back story, repetitive thoughts and lengthy setting descriptions. The first three chapters take place in a single setting, and while Psyche is driving a chariot, it felt more like she was sitting in a chair, thinking about her life. In a word, it was boring.
Things pick up for a little bit, but drop off completely after she's taken through the veil. For the next 150 pages, you're stuck in the head of an immature and seemingly unintelligent character who has somehow forgotten that a powerful goddess is looking to kill her. She mopes around a palace, looking for ways to escape and go back home and NONE of her reasoning makes sense. I have no idea how old she is, but her conversations with Eros, sounded a lot like arguments my 9 year old has with me. I found myself skimming her repetitive inner dialogue because I couldn't stand being in her head and found none of her thoughts to be logical.
The writer goes into a lot of detail when describing the settings, and it made for an immersive reading experience. But there were times when it was too much. With nothing actually happening for more than half the book, it read more like a travel brochure than a story.
I'm also not sure how Psyche fell in love with Eros, considering they had maybe, seven conversations together. But I literally cheered when he told her she was a spoiled brat who was ungrateful for being given a good life, when she should be dead. Psyche never owns up to it though, and still insists on "rescuing herself" from his protection.
The only part of this book I enjoyed, was the last 100 or so pages. The trials and obstacles were well written and the action scenes were executed smoothly. I guess you could say that Psyche experiences growth, because it felt like I was reading a completely different character in the last half. I was grateful for it, but could really see no reasoning for it.
One thing to note, is when there is a mention of Prometheus and the author writes that his heart is plucked from his chest every day. In every story and account of Greek mythology I have ever read, it's his liver that is consumed by birds...not his heart.
All in all, this story was difficult to enjoy, and will not be reading the second book. I would recommend this book to people who like well written prose and a simple story line with no twists or turns.
I was so excited to read a book based on Greek mythology in an accurate setting.
Though the story doesn’t exactly stick to the myth of Psyche and Eros it’s a similar tale.
Psyche is this incredibly beautiful young woman. A woman whose beauty is comparable to the gods. When people start to believe in this at a temple offering- it’s offends Aphrodite and causes disaster for the FMC. Psyche herself claims not to be vain. She is aware that people call her beautiful but sees no value in the beauty. At the same time she is aware that her looks have secured her a favourable marriage with a well to do handsome boy. She’s excited about getting married because she sees it as the fulfilment of her role in life. To be a wife. The catch is that marriage comes with restrictions to her freedom.
When disaster strikes and Psyche is condemned to death as an offering for offending the gods, she is saved. Is she thankful? -no. She doesn’t want to die. Her saviour offers marriage to him in exchange for saving him. It’s clear from the moment that he arrives that he isn’t an ordinary man. He is something other but his face is hidden. This causes Psyche to assume the worst- that he is some kind of monster. She accepts his offer claiming that she has absolutely no choice if she doesn’t want to die and that her death is unfair because she wasn’t the one who offended the gods.
Despite the fact that she made the choice- she comes across as an ungrateful brat. Her new husband offers her a palace of dreams- every thing she could ever want. But she is rude. She condemns his offers of comfort, saying that he is a demon seeking to control her. When he calls her out in her behaviour she throws a tantrum.
It’s Psyche’s constant contradictory behaviour that irks me. He offered to save her. She accepted. She knew he was something else. She said ok. She turned him into a monster in her head to curb her own feelings of guilt. She wanted to be a martyr but chose to save herself and so Eros had to be the bad guy. Even when she succumbs to Eros she still finds some way to have a pity party for her actions.
Despite this, Psyche’s emotions are real. If I was in her shoes I would have the same thoughts and emotions. It’s this realness that connected with me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**
This is a brilliantly put together book for those of us that love books with the Gods and other mythological creatures.
Psyche is a very beautiful woman and the youngest of two daughters of her widowed father. She is good at hunting as her father had her taught well with her studies along with riding a horse and since he is a decorated member of the army knows how to defend herself.
However when the town around her on a festival state that she is so very beautiful, possibly even more beautiful than Aphrodite, not that she wants the acclaim, it causes the goddess to be angered.
This is where the fun starts to happen. When she is left by the cliffs by the town for tribute, a figure emerges from the dark when the town has left giving her a choice. Die or go with him with conditions in place.
I loved the world building, the strong characters and the familial ties woven into the story. Psyche proves to the reader she is a strong character. She has the chance to escape when her new world cracks, but when she finds out who the man who rescued her is she goes to save him, knowing that her has been captured.
She overcomes both physical and mental obstacles and he in turn looks after her.
The book finishes with lots of unfinished endings and I really cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I read this book a while ago and its one of the few books this year that has stayed with me after.
A beautiful young woman is horrified when the people of her city whisper at first, then it seems they are shouting that her beauty rivals that of the goddess Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty. Psyche knows that even though you may not see them, the beings that live on Olympus are always watching, and they are always listening. Unfortunately, it seems that her people have forgotten and when the goddess demands that she be sacrificed for her arrogance she is angry. When a stranger offers to save her, with one condition of course, she accepts and is whisked away to a strange new realm by the man who is now her husband. I think this is an absolutely breathtaking retelling of the Greek myth of Psyche and Eros. Anyone who has ever enjoyed this story will find themselves completely engrossed in the pages of this book. At a time when women have few choices this book portrays Psyche as a strong, stubborn, and highly intelligent woman willing to risk everything, even her own life, to save the man she has come to love. I definitely recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Gryffin has masterfully woven a retelling of Psyche and Eros!! I absolutely am a sucker for mythological retellings - but I also know that such retellings can go horribly wrong.
However, that is far from the case with this retelling. The writing is deliciously enticing. The world building is beautifully done and the story is absolutely enchanting.
A beautiful girl whose sacrifice is demanded after the whispers of her people reaches the ears of jealous gods. The people whisper of her beauty much to the horrification of Psyche, who wants nothing to do with being whispered about. She knows that the gods are always listening and that their jealous natures are deep. But when the god of Beauty becomes angry and demands her sacrifice Psyche finds out that "there may be cruelty in a god, and kindness in a demon".
This book took me way too long to finish - partly because I had too much craziness in life. It is on my "re-read" list that I am taking with me on my holiday.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed this book. I love Eros as a love interest. I have always enjoyed Greek Mythology and wanted to read something that wasn’t Haded and Persephone. Don’t get me wrong, I love them, but I needed a break.
My only real complaints are that all the spice happened off page and I felt like the couple fell too hard too fast. We saw a couple kisses but he’s supposed to be the God of Desire. I feel like those scenes could’ve been explored. But then again, I like spice in my books. For those that don’t, you’ll probably enjoy this. I also think that some of those spicy scenes might’ve given us the connection between the couple. Psyche was ready to risk it all to save Eros and I don’t think we actually saw her fall in love with him. More like she began to understand him and tolerate him and then bam, love. I missed the courtship aspect of a romance. And this could’ve been done without spice. For Eros, it seems he’s been watching Psyche so he has loved her maybe from afar? Time will tell.
This was a DNF for me, which I should explain upfront I hate to do, but it really was just not worth continuing to read. It is absolutely NOT epic and terming is as fantasy is a bit of a stretch.
I picked this book up after a run of reading Madeline Miller books and listening to some fantastic podcast episodes on Greek mythology, so I had hoped that this might have more than a glancing association with that genre. Unfortunately it doesn't and any mentions of Gods & Goddesses feels like they have been crow-barred in as an excuse for the main plot line, and a tenuous excuse at that.
I DNF'd at 208 pages, so over halfway and it just didn't get any better - minimal character development, a basic to the point of dull plotline, and essentially nothing to keep you reading.
Please do not be fooled into thinking you will like this if you enjoyed ACOTAR or The Song of Achilles - this is nowhere near the writing level or enjoyment level of either of those excellent novels and is, frankly, to be avoided.
“It seems there may be cruelty in a god, and kindness in a demon.”
“The Ruin of Eros,” by Mary Gryffin
I absolutely loved this book. I’ve read a lot of Eros X Psyche retellings, and this is one of my favorites so far. I loved how Eros was written, in most books he’s usually a flirty loveable character but this book he was withdrawn and dark, which actually makes more sense and makes him way more relatable. Psyche is also way less doe eyed than most books and more mischievous and braver. I wouldn’t change a single thing with the book. 5 out of 5 stars.
-Greek Mythology -Psyche X Eros
Thank you for the free copy, Hiddengems.
“Every prison has its window. Every cage has its crack.”
“…we rarely know what is best for us. And yet everyone bears their own mistakes better, I think, than any choices forced upon us.”
First off, I'd always enjoyed reading stories of Greek myths since I was a teenager. My favorite is Hades and Persephone and Eros and Psyche was my second. I loved reading this story by Maya Gryffin that's about Psyche and Eros. She did a wonderful job writing this tale that falls more to the Beauty and the Beast theme. Eros takes Psyche to his kingdom to protect her from Aphrodite's wrath. Psyche agrees until she sees the destruction of her town. Fearing and wondering if her family is alive, she tries to escape. Does she? I felt drawn into the era and the characters and the storyline was compelling from the beginning to the end. The original Greek story is quite different than this story. I want to thank Maya Gryffin for allowing me to read this copy that was included in the copy of her next book "The Bride of Atlantis". I'd volunteer to read and review this copy I'd received.
I’m a lover of Greek mythology books so this was right up my alley anyway. I’d heard of Eros, god of love before but not Psyche so that was interesting. Psyche was an ugly duckling always in her sisters shadow until she blossomed into a great beauty. That obviously caused strain in their relationship when her beauty outshone Dimitra’s. I loved the pageantry and the way they worshipped Eros, the way the author described it all made me feel as if I was there alongside them. Then it all goes wrong and the word cursed is uttered! Why had the gods chosen to smite Psyche and her family?? It just got better and better from there!
Definitely recommend this one for all mythology lovers and I’ll definitely carry on the series. Looking forward to the next one about Atlantis!
I am one that absolutely loves anything to do with Greek Mythology. This was an interesting take on the myth of Eros and Psych. There's was an interesting love story and one that shows the independence of woman at that time. She was a strong mortal that would do anything for the love of her life.
The writing was good but I feel like the story was missing something. There was a lag in the beginning/middle section that took me a long time to get past. I would have finished this book a lot sooner if there was more action in that section.
Overall a good story and can't wait to see more from this author.
Enjoyment came in waves with this. Psyche was frustrating in the beginning, and it felt like her powers were just going to be brushed to the side but I'm glad that wasn't the case.
I have no idea how I didn't realise this was a 3 part series, so I look forward to reading the other two 😂
*adding after reading the extract from the 2nd book because it's given me the ick and kinda ruined my excitement... without giving spoilers, things happen in book one to a certain brother but in the extract when it's going over previous events (which I hate) it references those things happening to the OTHER brother... details like this matter 😬
Wow get ready for the ride of your life while reading this book about a young girl whose life will change for the worse. Her life is all good until somehow she becomes the target of an angry goddess. Her life will take a turn when offered an almost impossible choice between death and a life sentence with them. You will be pulled into her life as she hope everything will get better for her in the end I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved where I was taken in this brilliant read
"The Ruins of Eros" by Maya Gryffin is a captivating retelling of the Greek legend of Psyche and Eros. Gryffin’s vivid and descriptive writing brings the story to life, weaving together drama, angst, adventure, and danger, with some steamy moments included. I found myself quickly immersed in this enchanting tale, appreciating its parallels to Beauty and the Beast. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds in the next installment!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
this was a great start to the Ruin of Eros series, it had that element that I wanted and enjoyed the Greek mythology element. The characters were everything that I wanted and was glad I got to start this journey. Maya Gryffin has a strong writing style and was able to weave characters that I was looking for. I'm excited to read more in this series and from the author.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellent retelling of Psyche and Eros. I loved this tale and I’m always interested in reading further retellings. I loved the strength of Psyche and the darkness of Eros sadly I felt the build up to love to be slow and then all of a sudden them both being madly in love just felt wrong. I’d love to have seen more of the original myth such as Eros pricking himself with the arrow but hopefully we see this in book 2 of which I’ve now just started so I’ll be eager to be proved wrong!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love retellings of Greek myths. I liked that it was set in the time, and it wasn't awful. But my main issue is that speed at which her feelings shifted. One minute she was running away and then she was in love with him? It meant that I couldn't get on board with the rest of the plot. She was really quite self centred and didn't think of others, so that added to my lack of investment in the character.
The retelling of Eros and Psyche. The story stayed pretty true to the storyline, but with some added twist. I would say, the story became a little predictable at times, however some of the twists?! Oh boy! ALSO THE CLIFFHANGER?! I CANNOT! I am looking forward to the second book!
The Ruin of Eros is a great novel. It is a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story but with the backdrop of Greek mythology. The characters are great. The story is engaging. I will definitely need to check out the rest of the series. Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and the author for giving me a chance to read it.
Premise is interesting but the execution is lacking.
No build up for the romance, just two of them bickering without revealing their characters/getting to know each other. There were moments of tension, where each character touches on something meaningful. But then it's interrupted and it never goes anywhere.
I skimmed since page 250 until the end and still understood the last few pages.
WTF is this lmao toddlers and tiaras???? Fantasy (and I’ll use that term loosely) version???? “epic fantasy”??? Seriously that’s just an insult to readers intellect. 🙄
My god people have truly threw competent storytelling and writing out the window in 2025 haven’t they. Why bother when they can use AI to help. This really does show 😭
This book was a pleasure to read! I so enjoyed the author's take on the Psyche and Eros love story. I love that she kept the setting in classic Greece but allowed the story to still have a contemporary fantasy romance feel. I look forward to reading the rest of her books!
This was amazing. I loved Greek Mythology, i also love the story of Eros and psyche. If you like mythology and fantasy and romance, this is definitely the book for you. It was fun and romantic and spicy and just kept getting better and better the longer i read.