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Lives of Legends
A Quest for True Love: An Orpheus & Eurydice Retelling
She was stolen away on her wedding day.
He will stop at nothing to get her back.
Even if it means descending into the criminal underworld . . .
The moment that Tamas saw Isako, he knew that she was the woman he was meant for. He didn't care that she was the daughter of one of the most powerful syndicate leaders in the city. All that mattered was winning her hand and her heart. Now on the day he has finally become her husband, he is thrilled to lead Isako to the happily ever after he has prepared for her. Except, his bride has vanished.
Isako finally has the chance to leave behind her family's violent legacy. She never expected a foreign bard to pursue her so ardently and somehow win her father's blessing, but she is excited to start an honest life with him. But the day that was supposed to usher in her freedom turns sour when one of her father's enemies steals her away.
With only a handful of clues to guide him, Tamas plunges into the criminal underworld to find his wife. He fears nothing except losing her forever and will face every obstacle head-on. But the true danger lies in the temptation to look back . . .
“A Quest for True Love,” a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice, is a standalone no-spice novella, complete with tropes like he falls first, wound tending, and nightmare comfort. It is the first installment of the “Lives of Legend” series, a collection of eight retellings of Greek myths where the tragedies become happily ever afters. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the Human Coalition to provide for mothers facing crisis pregnancies.
He will stop at nothing to get her back.
Even if it means descending into the criminal underworld . . .
The moment that Tamas saw Isako, he knew that she was the woman he was meant for. He didn't care that she was the daughter of one of the most powerful syndicate leaders in the city. All that mattered was winning her hand and her heart. Now on the day he has finally become her husband, he is thrilled to lead Isako to the happily ever after he has prepared for her. Except, his bride has vanished.
Isako finally has the chance to leave behind her family's violent legacy. She never expected a foreign bard to pursue her so ardently and somehow win her father's blessing, but she is excited to start an honest life with him. But the day that was supposed to usher in her freedom turns sour when one of her father's enemies steals her away.
With only a handful of clues to guide him, Tamas plunges into the criminal underworld to find his wife. He fears nothing except losing her forever and will face every obstacle head-on. But the true danger lies in the temptation to look back . . .
“A Quest for True Love,” a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice, is a standalone no-spice novella, complete with tropes like he falls first, wound tending, and nightmare comfort. It is the first installment of the “Lives of Legend” series, a collection of eight retellings of Greek myths where the tragedies become happily ever afters. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the Human Coalition to provide for mothers facing crisis pregnancies.
- GenresFantasy
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2025
1 person is currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Jes Drew
87 books528 followersJes Drew is the author of the Cursed Fae of Orphydice Manor Series, the Sunset at Dawn trilogy, The Samurai's Student saga, the Ninja and Hunter trilogy, the Howling Twenty trilogy, the Kristian Clark saga/The Man on the Run series, the Castaways trilogy, The Dystopian Takeover trilogy, Summers of Yesteryear series, The Clockwork Faerie Tale Novellas, the Legends of the Master Spy series, The New ESE Files series, Tales from Parallel Worlds, Genie and Serena, Accidentally on the Run, This Side of Heaven, and The Death of a Hero.
She has three degrees, including a Master of Arts in Behavioral Counseling. Also, she has about five million houseplants (and counting— the plants and not the degrees . . . unless she relapses). She is still debating if having a fae husband is worth the hassle.
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She has three degrees, including a Master of Arts in Behavioral Counseling. Also, she has about five million houseplants (and counting— the plants and not the degrees . . . unless she relapses). She is still debating if having a fae husband is worth the hassle.
Sign up to Jes' newsletter to read Entreaty of Shadows for free!
https://mailchi.mp/ddd429767392/untit...
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 5, 2025
Let’s be honest, despite the many, MANY times I was subjected to the history of the Greeks and Romans in school I know next to nothing about their myths. THOSE I learned from Percy Jackson and other novels and were waaayyy more interesting then the history, cough, but I digress. All this to say I actually DO know the basic plot line of this tale and how it ends tragically (because of course it does, it’s a Greek myth, they all seem to end tragically) and that this is the sweetest, perfect little tale that does NOT, yay!
I love the Japanese/Asian setting and cultural elements, I love the way the OG myth was handled in weaving the original threads (of the tiny bit I know, that is) with the author’s own creative spin, I love how the jumps back and forth from the past to the present was executed, but most of all I LOVE our leads, Tamas and Isako!
Tamas is an utter riot who reminded me a LOT of Flynn Rider (without the more, uh, deceitful side Flynn starts out with, lol) and I snorted over 90% of his dialogue and inner thoughts because he’s just himself with no shame but also strong and will do ANYTHING for Isako, and we love that kind of relationship in this house. Isako is sweet and strong who’s stuck in a bad place and receives light and hope from the most unlikely person in the most unlikely way and by the end I think Tamas’ personality is rubbing off on her, lol.
This was a delight I gobbled up in a day and would happily do so again. Another solid win from Jes!
‼️Content‼️
Violence: injuries and blood (not detailed); fighting with weapons and hand to hand (not detailed); heads are severed (not detailed)
Sexual: a mild suggestive hint; kissing (not detailed)
Alcohol/Drugs: characters drink sake; characters are drugged and knocked out
Other: a character is kidnapped and tied up; a character’s father runs a crime syndicate
****Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are most assuredly my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review. If I was I wouldn’t have read it. 😜****
I love the Japanese/Asian setting and cultural elements, I love the way the OG myth was handled in weaving the original threads (of the tiny bit I know, that is) with the author’s own creative spin, I love how the jumps back and forth from the past to the present was executed, but most of all I LOVE our leads, Tamas and Isako!
Tamas is an utter riot who reminded me a LOT of Flynn Rider (without the more, uh, deceitful side Flynn starts out with, lol) and I snorted over 90% of his dialogue and inner thoughts because he’s just himself with no shame but also strong and will do ANYTHING for Isako, and we love that kind of relationship in this house. Isako is sweet and strong who’s stuck in a bad place and receives light and hope from the most unlikely person in the most unlikely way and by the end I think Tamas’ personality is rubbing off on her, lol.
This was a delight I gobbled up in a day and would happily do so again. Another solid win from Jes!
‼️Content‼️
Violence: injuries and blood (not detailed); fighting with weapons and hand to hand (not detailed); heads are severed (not detailed)
Sexual: a mild suggestive hint; kissing (not detailed)
Alcohol/Drugs: characters drink sake; characters are drugged and knocked out
Other: a character is kidnapped and tied up; a character’s father runs a crime syndicate
****Note: I received a free copy of the book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are most assuredly my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review. If I was I wouldn’t have read it. 😜****
July 28, 2025
I finished it in one sitting. I am kind of upset about it. Why did it have to end???
Anyway back to actually reviewing it. This was completely different to what I am used to reading. Normally I stick to western, Greek and fantasy fiction but this was a fresh and new world that I absolutely loved.
There was action, there was romance, there was dance fighting that I didn't know I needed and there was a sassy charming bard who swept me and the FC off our feet.
Stunning twist on the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Anyway back to actually reviewing it. This was completely different to what I am used to reading. Normally I stick to western, Greek and fantasy fiction but this was a fresh and new world that I absolutely loved.
There was action, there was romance, there was dance fighting that I didn't know I needed and there was a sassy charming bard who swept me and the FC off our feet.
Stunning twist on the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
July 25, 2025
This uses the Orpheus and Eurydice retelling as a way that worked in creating something new. I enjoyed this as a novella and how everything was told in this. I enjoyed that this was a tragedy turned into a happily ever after. It worked overall as a genre and enjoyed getting to this new story that had the characters that I cared about. I thought Jes Drew wrote this so well and was invested in what was going on and had that writing style that I enjoyed from other books. I'm excited to read more from Jes Drew and in the Lives of Legend series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 17, 2025
4,5 stars rounded to 5
A Quest for True Love is the first novella in the Lives of Legends multiauthor series and an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling.
First I have to admit that I have next to no knowledge when it comes to Greek Mythology. I know some names and the very basics of a few stories, but that’s it and I have never heard of this specific myth. This didn’t impact my understanding of the retelling, but at the same time I can’t really say how close it was to the original and I personally I think it would be great to have a brief summary of the original at the beginning (or end) of the story.
But like I said, I could still easily follow the storyline and enjoyed this mix of romance and let’s say adventure.
The characters are adorable, especially Tamas who brought a lot of humor to the story. We have two different timelines in which we see the characters fall in love and risk everything for each other. I loved the Asian setting and the action and danger made this a fast paced and intriguing read that I devoured in two days.
A Quest for True Love is a great kickoff to a new series that I will definitely continue reading. I mean - what better way to catch up on my non-existing Greek mythology knowledge than to read versions with humour, sweet romance and a happy ending?
“[The series] is a collection of eight retellings of Greek myths where the tragedies become happily ever afters. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the Human Coalition to provide for mothers facing crisis pregnancies.”
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and I leave this review voluntarily. The expressed opinions are my own.
A Quest for True Love is the first novella in the Lives of Legends multiauthor series and an Orpheus and Eurydice retelling.
First I have to admit that I have next to no knowledge when it comes to Greek Mythology. I know some names and the very basics of a few stories, but that’s it and I have never heard of this specific myth. This didn’t impact my understanding of the retelling, but at the same time I can’t really say how close it was to the original and I personally I think it would be great to have a brief summary of the original at the beginning (or end) of the story.
But like I said, I could still easily follow the storyline and enjoyed this mix of romance and let’s say adventure.
The characters are adorable, especially Tamas who brought a lot of humor to the story. We have two different timelines in which we see the characters fall in love and risk everything for each other. I loved the Asian setting and the action and danger made this a fast paced and intriguing read that I devoured in two days.
A Quest for True Love is a great kickoff to a new series that I will definitely continue reading. I mean - what better way to catch up on my non-existing Greek mythology knowledge than to read versions with humour, sweet romance and a happy ending?
“[The series] is a collection of eight retellings of Greek myths where the tragedies become happily ever afters. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the Human Coalition to provide for mothers facing crisis pregnancies.”
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and I leave this review voluntarily. The expressed opinions are my own.
October 21, 2025
I am a sucker for a good Orpheus and Eurydice retelling. Once I see that, I must read it. And I'm very glad I did.
First up, we have a glossary. It was really useful to me, because I'm not that familiar with the culture or language. The writing style is beautiful and sets the tone of the story wonderfully.
The story is told from the persepctive of both Isako and Tamas. Isako tells us the story of their meeting and falling in love, while Tamas picks it up at their wedding and all that follows it. They switch POVs every chapter, keeping up tension while playing into each others stories. There are portraits of both, but in my copy they were in the middle, between chapters ten and eleven. The portraits are lovely, they match what the text told me about these two perfectly.
With every retelling of this myth, you have to find the balance between the ending you want and the tragedy of the original. Every time, I fear the author will let Orpheus reach the end without turning. While the author takes some liberties, as any good retelling should, I'm happy to report the feel of the myth is intact. The story does it justice while also telling its own tale.
The story works well without the context of the myth. There's just enough worldbuilding for us to understand where we are and what the stakes are. If you're not familiar with the myth, this is a comfortable and fairly short love story, with a little mystery and action thrown in. You can get through it in a night, if you get sucked in like me. Overall, a wonderful story that'll oocupy your mind for some time after you finish it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First up, we have a glossary. It was really useful to me, because I'm not that familiar with the culture or language. The writing style is beautiful and sets the tone of the story wonderfully.
The story is told from the persepctive of both Isako and Tamas. Isako tells us the story of their meeting and falling in love, while Tamas picks it up at their wedding and all that follows it. They switch POVs every chapter, keeping up tension while playing into each others stories. There are portraits of both, but in my copy they were in the middle, between chapters ten and eleven. The portraits are lovely, they match what the text told me about these two perfectly.
With every retelling of this myth, you have to find the balance between the ending you want and the tragedy of the original. Every time, I fear the author will let Orpheus reach the end without turning. While the author takes some liberties, as any good retelling should, I'm happy to report the feel of the myth is intact. The story does it justice while also telling its own tale.
The story works well without the context of the myth. There's just enough worldbuilding for us to understand where we are and what the stakes are. If you're not familiar with the myth, this is a comfortable and fairly short love story, with a little mystery and action thrown in. You can get through it in a night, if you get sucked in like me. Overall, a wonderful story that'll oocupy your mind for some time after you finish it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2025
How far would you go to save the love of your life? 💔
📖 A Quest of True Love by Jes Drew
⭐ 3.5
🫑
Genre: Historical-inspired romantasy
TW: kidnapping
Isako was stolen right after her wedding, leaving her groom, Tamas, unconscious. When he woke, nothing mattered more than finding his bride.
This was a short and sweet read, with feudal Japan vibes woven together with an Orpheus and Eurydice–inspired tale. I loved the alternating chapters between past (how they met) and present (his desperate search for her). Tamas’s devotion shone through, and it was beautiful to see just how much he loved her.
The only reason I rated it lower is because I wanted more—more of their adventure, their backstory, and their romance. It felt too short for me to fully bask in their love. Still, it was a sweet, compelling story I finished in one sitting.
Thank you BookSirens and Jes Drew for this ARC.
Tropes:
🛡 Protective MMC
👑 Syndicate princess x bard
🏺 Greek mythology inspired
🗡 Feudal Japan inspired
📖 A Quest of True Love by Jes Drew
⭐ 3.5
🫑
Genre: Historical-inspired romantasy
TW: kidnapping
Isako was stolen right after her wedding, leaving her groom, Tamas, unconscious. When he woke, nothing mattered more than finding his bride.
This was a short and sweet read, with feudal Japan vibes woven together with an Orpheus and Eurydice–inspired tale. I loved the alternating chapters between past (how they met) and present (his desperate search for her). Tamas’s devotion shone through, and it was beautiful to see just how much he loved her.
The only reason I rated it lower is because I wanted more—more of their adventure, their backstory, and their romance. It felt too short for me to fully bask in their love. Still, it was a sweet, compelling story I finished in one sitting.
Thank you BookSirens and Jes Drew for this ARC.
Tropes:
🛡 Protective MMC
👑 Syndicate princess x bard
🏺 Greek mythology inspired
🗡 Feudal Japan inspired
September 6, 2025
I am a huge fan of retellings! Fairytale, historical, arthurian, mythological, every type of retelling is a new opportunity to see what the author does differently to make it their own. A Quest for True Love focuses on Orpheus & Eurydice through the characters Tamas and Isako. Using a Japanese backdrop, readers will get to see how the two fell in love and how Tamas will save his kidnapped love Isako fighting crime lords in the seedy underbelly of where she has been taken. I was intrigued from the beginning and I loved seeing how the two fought for each other. While this was a short read, it was full!
August 8, 2025
What a unique Orpheus and Eurydice retelling. Set in a land very similar to feudal Japan, A Quest for True Love alternates between Tamas, an exiled Bard, and Isako, the daughter of a crime lord. The short story follows their love story, going from past to present to fill in some of the gaps.
I would love more stories in this world. Even though it was short, Drew really made the world and characters come to life. It had all of the elements of the classic myth yet stood on its own.
I'm excited to see what the other authors in this collection come up with.
I would love more stories in this world. Even though it was short, Drew really made the world and characters come to life. It had all of the elements of the classic myth yet stood on its own.
I'm excited to see what the other authors in this collection come up with.
August 10, 2025
Well this was different from what I’ve read in the past. Isn’t there something like two steps forward two steps back? This is 4 months forward 4 months back. Fast. Paved with a good amount of action. Can’t say much for Isako’s father but Tamas and his idea of courtship was a bit odd. He was able to free Isako from the underworld so that gives us a happy ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2025
I read this as a ARC book, and am leaving a voluntary review. Personally this book was not for me, it was a good plot line and story, but I found that it just wasn’t something I enjoyed reading. The story had too many time jumps for me to enjoy and it sometimes made the storyline confusing to me. Although for someone who likes a short mythology retelling I think they would enjoy it.
September 13, 2025
This book captured my attention from the very beginning. I loved the Japanese setting, imaginative world building, and diverse characters. What made this story even more appealing to me is that it involved Crime Lords, the Underworld, and an unexpected Kidnapping that ended with a happily ever after. 10/10 highly recommend!
December 29, 2025
I received this book for free as an ARC. I loved the world building, the depth of emotions. There was so much that I could relate to and I was able to understand and appreciate each character and their motives. I was immersed in the story from the start and loved every moment of it, the growth for the characters and the ability to connect with their struggles drew me in more too. Wonderful book!
August 8, 2025
This was a short, fun, clean retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice in the style of a Japanese fairytale! I found it to be a fascinating glance into two cultures, and I also enjoyed the world that I was able to glimpse!
August 14, 2025
This is a short and sweet twist on the Orpheus and Euridice myth with a happy ending.
This is a clean read and the editing is decent. I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so and the opinions stated are my own.
This is a clean read and the editing is decent. I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so and the opinions stated are my own.
August 31, 2025
I enjoyed read this book I couldn’t put it down turning the pages. I thought the story was interesting and was well written that kept you reading. I can’t wait to read from this Jes Drew. I recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this retelling! This was a very unique retelling based in Japanese culture.
There is a dual time-line that alternates between chapters. This was actually really fun to read. You are able to read about the present, when Isako is kidnapped, and the past, where Isako and Tamas fall in love, simultaneously.
I found the concept of dealing crime lords interesting and enjoyed how Jes Drew combined parts of the original tale with this world.
I recommend this book to story to anyone who enjoys mythology retellings.
🖤dual time-line
🖤dual p.o.v
🖤they save each other
🖤care taking
🖤criminal underworld
I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There is a dual time-line that alternates between chapters. This was actually really fun to read. You are able to read about the present, when Isako is kidnapped, and the past, where Isako and Tamas fall in love, simultaneously.
I found the concept of dealing crime lords interesting and enjoyed how Jes Drew combined parts of the original tale with this world.
I recommend this book to story to anyone who enjoys mythology retellings.
🖤dual time-line
🖤dual p.o.v
🖤they save each other
🖤care taking
🖤criminal underworld
I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 4, 2025
Part of the Lives of Legends series. If you love the retelling of Greek tales this is a must-read. Very well-written and a must-read. Waiting to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2025
This was an interesting read and one of my favorite retellings. Jes Drew did a good job creating unique and wonderful characters. The dual point of view works since the two main characters have distinct voices.
August 19, 2025
A breath of fresh air. Close enough to the original to warrant being called a retelling but it stands on it's own two feet.
December 11, 2025
I liked it. A nice stiry and the ending was great.
September 19, 2025
Thank you to Jes Drew for the ARC.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 3.5/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 3.75/5
-This was cute and fun little story to read on a lazy morning. I had fun. It was very quick, fast paced and I always knew what was going on. There was one plot line, one goal and it was followed nicely. I didn’t really know this story until I’d read this book and saw the Sandman TV series so it nice to discover it though reading. I also enjoyed seeing the past and present at the same time.
-The characters were fun. Seeing them meet but also seeing their wedding day was great. They were so sweet to each other but also I enjoyed their meet cute and the banter along the way.
-Not knowing the actual story was where the ending kind of fell off for me. I thought it was too simple of a release from the villain but now I get it. Although I do think the happily ever after was too much of a miracle after everything. But that’s just a very personal opinion.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 3.5/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 3.75/5
-This was cute and fun little story to read on a lazy morning. I had fun. It was very quick, fast paced and I always knew what was going on. There was one plot line, one goal and it was followed nicely. I didn’t really know this story until I’d read this book and saw the Sandman TV series so it nice to discover it though reading. I also enjoyed seeing the past and present at the same time.
-The characters were fun. Seeing them meet but also seeing their wedding day was great. They were so sweet to each other but also I enjoyed their meet cute and the banter along the way.
-Not knowing the actual story was where the ending kind of fell off for me. I thought it was too simple of a release from the villain but now I get it. Although I do think the happily ever after was too much of a miracle after everything. But that’s just a very personal opinion.
August 8, 2025
ARC Review
This book was good, it was 134 pages so it was kinda short and I feel like it could have been longer. The chapters jump from past to present and it threw me off for a few but then I was okay.
He falls first, no smut but it was good woth out it.
This book was good, it was 134 pages so it was kinda short and I feel like it could have been longer. The chapters jump from past to present and it threw me off for a few but then I was okay.
He falls first, no smut but it was good woth out it.
December 11, 2025
I love how sweet and charming the MMC is! He’s so endearing you can’t help but love him from the start. And Isako, the FMC, my heart goes out to her because she keeps getting in my caught between two worlds—the crime world and the Underworld. Overall I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and the way the romance builder—it was fast yet somehow still natural. It didn’t feel forced. By the end it was so obvious that those two would do anything for each other and I think those stories are the best of all.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews