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Aphrodite in Pieces
Experience the myth and magic of antiquity's most alluring—and provocative—goddess as never witnessed before, in this gorgeously rendered, unflinching, and deeply vulnerable retelling from the author of Mother of Rome and Medusa's Sisters.
Two hundred years before the common era, Aphrodite surprises an itinerant sculptor with a shocking Hear my story, see me for who I truly am, and carve it into stone. Never before has the goddess posed for her likeness, and as the artist works, she shares pieces of herself.
Her greatest triumphs and most grievous mistakes. The truth behind the tales of her beneficence and vengeance. And the one epic romance that slips through her perfect fingers, time and time again.
Part memoir, part fantasy, and all heart, Aphrodite in Pieces begs the eternal, essential what do love and beauty truly mean? And can they last?
Two hundred years before the common era, Aphrodite surprises an itinerant sculptor with a shocking Hear my story, see me for who I truly am, and carve it into stone. Never before has the goddess posed for her likeness, and as the artist works, she shares pieces of herself.
Her greatest triumphs and most grievous mistakes. The truth behind the tales of her beneficence and vengeance. And the one epic romance that slips through her perfect fingers, time and time again.
Part memoir, part fantasy, and all heart, Aphrodite in Pieces begs the eternal, essential what do love and beauty truly mean? And can they last?
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2026
About the author
Lauren J.A. Bear
3 books620 followersAuthor of MEDUSA'S SISTERS, MOTHER OF ROME, & APHRODITE IN PIECES ('26)
Reader. Educator. Mama Bear. Trouble maker. Lyrical gangster.
Based in Seattle.
Rep: Jane Dystel
Reader. Educator. Mama Bear. Trouble maker. Lyrical gangster.
Based in Seattle.
Rep: Jane Dystel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
November 28, 2025
I have spent the last 48 hours completely immersed in Lauren J.A. Bear’s newest work: Aphrodite in Pieces. I absolutely loved Medusa’s Sisters and Mother of Rome, and this book is another credit to Bear’s immense talent.
Bear delivers a gorgeous ode to the life and legacy of Aphrodite. True to form, she reclaims the story of this ancient goddess and brings a fierce compassion to another one of mythology’s most misunderstood and misinterpreted figures. Told through Aphrodite’s own narration, the novel becomes a sweeping journey across the vast and immeasurable span of her immortal life.
The writing is exquisite. The relationship between Aphrodite and Ares, her unwavering loyalty to those she loves, the tenderness and pain woven into Bear’s portrayal of motherhood, and the layers of Olympian scheming all come together in a story that feels intimate, timeless, and unforgettable.
-
This book reminds me of:
✨ Hera by Jennifer Saint for its storytelling style, a tapestry of moments across history that capture the essence of an immortal goddess.
✨ Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid for its questions of love versus possession, love spells, and games of power.
✨ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue for its exploration of art and legacy.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted early review copy! 🤍
Bear delivers a gorgeous ode to the life and legacy of Aphrodite. True to form, she reclaims the story of this ancient goddess and brings a fierce compassion to another one of mythology’s most misunderstood and misinterpreted figures. Told through Aphrodite’s own narration, the novel becomes a sweeping journey across the vast and immeasurable span of her immortal life.
The writing is exquisite. The relationship between Aphrodite and Ares, her unwavering loyalty to those she loves, the tenderness and pain woven into Bear’s portrayal of motherhood, and the layers of Olympian scheming all come together in a story that feels intimate, timeless, and unforgettable.
-
This book reminds me of:
✨ Hera by Jennifer Saint for its storytelling style, a tapestry of moments across history that capture the essence of an immortal goddess.
✨ Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid for its questions of love versus possession, love spells, and games of power.
✨ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue for its exploration of art and legacy.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted early review copy! 🤍
Want to Read
February 22, 2026Lauren J.A. Bear’s Mother of Rome is my favorite story I have read this year (and one of the top ever) so I’m so excited to have received this ARC, fingers crossed it’s a banger too. 🌿
“Two hundred years before the common era, Aphrodite surprises an itinerant sculptor with a shocking request: Hear my story, see me for who I truly am, and carve it into stone. Never before has the goddess posed for her likeness, and as the artist works, she shares pieces of herself.
Her greatest triumphs and most grievous mistakes. The truth behind the tales of her beneficence and vengeance. And the one epic romance that slips through her perfect fingers, time and time again.”
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Ace for the ARC. All opinions my own.
“Two hundred years before the common era, Aphrodite surprises an itinerant sculptor with a shocking request: Hear my story, see me for who I truly am, and carve it into stone. Never before has the goddess posed for her likeness, and as the artist works, she shares pieces of herself.
Her greatest triumphs and most grievous mistakes. The truth behind the tales of her beneficence and vengeance. And the one epic romance that slips through her perfect fingers, time and time again.”
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Ace for the ARC. All opinions my own.
March 22, 2026
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Ace Books for the gifted advance reader’s copy. All opinions are my own.
“What a world we could enjoy if men treated all women like they were real people.”
Lauren J.A. Bear never fails to tap into the reality of life as a woman. In MOTHER OF ROME (a standout 2025 read for me) she examined woman’s role as mother, daughter, and friend. She captured the intensity and ferocity of a mother’s love and sacrifice. To say I was eagerly anticipating APHRODITE IN PIECES would be a gross understatement. In this mythological retelling, she focuses attention on how women are manipulated to appease the whims of men and jealousy of other women.
“When men tell my story, I become the character they create.”
Friends, this is another must read for those who appreciate and admire strong female characters. Aphrodite is FIERCE.
I highlighted a ridiculous number of passages in this book. Bear’s writing combines the lyricism of mythology with a timeless look at how women have been labeled and mistreated through history. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is revered for her beauty which makes men desire her and women distrust her. And from hatred and envy nothing good ever grows.
“And my life, my happiness were being bartered by men, for men.”
APHRODITE IN PIECES is a multilayered story of love and resilience. It is a love story not just between Aphrodite and Ares, but mostly Aphrodite learning to love herself, claim her place in the world, and write her own legacy.
“The other Olympians wanted me to take my place, but instead, I assumed my power.”
And the ending … PERFECTION! Bear once again shows us the power of the matriarchy.
“What a world we could enjoy if men treated all women like they were real people.”
Lauren J.A. Bear never fails to tap into the reality of life as a woman. In MOTHER OF ROME (a standout 2025 read for me) she examined woman’s role as mother, daughter, and friend. She captured the intensity and ferocity of a mother’s love and sacrifice. To say I was eagerly anticipating APHRODITE IN PIECES would be a gross understatement. In this mythological retelling, she focuses attention on how women are manipulated to appease the whims of men and jealousy of other women.
“When men tell my story, I become the character they create.”
Friends, this is another must read for those who appreciate and admire strong female characters. Aphrodite is FIERCE.
I highlighted a ridiculous number of passages in this book. Bear’s writing combines the lyricism of mythology with a timeless look at how women have been labeled and mistreated through history. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is revered for her beauty which makes men desire her and women distrust her. And from hatred and envy nothing good ever grows.
“And my life, my happiness were being bartered by men, for men.”
APHRODITE IN PIECES is a multilayered story of love and resilience. It is a love story not just between Aphrodite and Ares, but mostly Aphrodite learning to love herself, claim her place in the world, and write her own legacy.
“The other Olympians wanted me to take my place, but instead, I assumed my power.”
And the ending … PERFECTION! Bear once again shows us the power of the matriarchy.
June 3, 2026
Abel is in Pieces😭😭 (I am Abel). I couldn’t put this book down. Here are just some of the jaw dropping quotes from the book
“And yet, love almost always creates beauty. When two souls connect, the physical defects disappear. A good heart radiates from the core; a great love transforms. And this beauty, the one that comes from love, makes us feel the most alive.”
…
“You don’t need a stupid apple, Aphrodite,” he said, almost gruffly. “You’re the most beautiful creature that’s ever walked upon this ugly world, and that’s only a piece of who you truly are.”
…
“I think, Aphrodite, I was not fated for war, but for loving you.”
…
“I would crawl my broken, battered body across every field of war to reach you.”
…
“I do not love you because you are beautiful, or because you’re an absolute beast in bed, but because of who you are and have been and will be.”
…
“Thankfully they got my brown eyes. If they had yours, I might have come undone.”
Ugh, Ares. Oh, Ares… I absolutely loved their love story. It was SO steamy. Truly iconic. I’m sure you haven’t seen anything like it. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS. “The polarizing duality— the capacity for both tenderness and terror, love and war. “ Thank you for not making Ares anything other than what you did 😭😭
However, Aphrodite in Pieces is a book about love, but not just romantic love. It is also about identity, self-worth, power, and what it means to be truly seen.
I also liked how the book dismantles the patriarchy and challenges the power structures within Greek mythology. One line that really stuck with me was when Aphrodite was discussing the King of the Gods:
“So many powerful men are overgrown babies. Zeus was no better than a hissy child.”
The novel is not interested in preserving the myths exactly as they were told (even though it’s pretty dang close to keeping mythological/ historical accuracy). Instead, it asks what happens when the gods are viewed through a more human lens—when power is questioned, when women are allowed to define themselves (or transitioning into doing so), and when love is treated as something deeper than possession.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Aphrodite’s friendship with Apollo. In a story filled with passion, heartbreak, and expectation, their friendship felt steady and genuine. Apollo never tried to tell Aphrodite how she should feel. He listened. He gave her space to be vulnerable, angry, uncertain, or grieving without judgment. There was something beautiful about seeing a friendship built on understanding rather than obligation. In many ways, Apollo saw Aphrodite clearly, and that kind of friendship is just as important as the romantic relationships in the story.
This book explores love, identity, beauty, motherhood, friendship, power, and the search for self-worth. It asks whether we can reclaim ourselves after others have defined us, used us, or written stories about who we are supposed to be.
“Is it possible to reclaim my body after others have taken it, twisted it? Put stories on it? Sometimes it hardly feels mine.”
That question lingers long after the final page. What is love and beauty?
“Maybe life isn’t about the beginning or the end, though both can be noteworthy, but more about the in between and what you make of it.”
This is art…
Falling in love with yourself sometimes takes a lot of work… but the unconditional love that comes as a conclusion was rewarding.
So overall what is love and beauty? Well, to my belief, it is whatever you make it… there is perhaps no greater beauty than to fall in love with your own life. So Love thyself. This book changed my life. I loved it with my whole heart. A must read. Oh, will we get a Brigitte and Oskar romance book!??! IYKYK
“And yet, love almost always creates beauty. When two souls connect, the physical defects disappear. A good heart radiates from the core; a great love transforms. And this beauty, the one that comes from love, makes us feel the most alive.”
…
“You don’t need a stupid apple, Aphrodite,” he said, almost gruffly. “You’re the most beautiful creature that’s ever walked upon this ugly world, and that’s only a piece of who you truly are.”
…
“I think, Aphrodite, I was not fated for war, but for loving you.”
…
“I would crawl my broken, battered body across every field of war to reach you.”
…
“I do not love you because you are beautiful, or because you’re an absolute beast in bed, but because of who you are and have been and will be.”
…
“Thankfully they got my brown eyes. If they had yours, I might have come undone.”
Ugh, Ares. Oh, Ares… I absolutely loved their love story. It was SO steamy. Truly iconic. I’m sure you haven’t seen anything like it. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS. “The polarizing duality— the capacity for both tenderness and terror, love and war. “ Thank you for not making Ares anything other than what you did 😭😭
However, Aphrodite in Pieces is a book about love, but not just romantic love. It is also about identity, self-worth, power, and what it means to be truly seen.
I also liked how the book dismantles the patriarchy and challenges the power structures within Greek mythology. One line that really stuck with me was when Aphrodite was discussing the King of the Gods:
“So many powerful men are overgrown babies. Zeus was no better than a hissy child.”
The novel is not interested in preserving the myths exactly as they were told (even though it’s pretty dang close to keeping mythological/ historical accuracy). Instead, it asks what happens when the gods are viewed through a more human lens—when power is questioned, when women are allowed to define themselves (or transitioning into doing so), and when love is treated as something deeper than possession.
One of my favorite parts of the book was Aphrodite’s friendship with Apollo. In a story filled with passion, heartbreak, and expectation, their friendship felt steady and genuine. Apollo never tried to tell Aphrodite how she should feel. He listened. He gave her space to be vulnerable, angry, uncertain, or grieving without judgment. There was something beautiful about seeing a friendship built on understanding rather than obligation. In many ways, Apollo saw Aphrodite clearly, and that kind of friendship is just as important as the romantic relationships in the story.
This book explores love, identity, beauty, motherhood, friendship, power, and the search for self-worth. It asks whether we can reclaim ourselves after others have defined us, used us, or written stories about who we are supposed to be.
“Is it possible to reclaim my body after others have taken it, twisted it? Put stories on it? Sometimes it hardly feels mine.”
That question lingers long after the final page. What is love and beauty?
“Maybe life isn’t about the beginning or the end, though both can be noteworthy, but more about the in between and what you make of it.”
This is art…
Falling in love with yourself sometimes takes a lot of work… but the unconditional love that comes as a conclusion was rewarding.
So overall what is love and beauty? Well, to my belief, it is whatever you make it… there is perhaps no greater beauty than to fall in love with your own life. So Love thyself. This book changed my life. I loved it with my whole heart. A must read. Oh, will we get a Brigitte and Oskar romance book!??! IYKYK
May 13, 2026
Aphrodite in Pieces is another 5-star read from Lauren JA Bear. Her writing is lyrical, creative, and emotionally immersive. She has such a unique way of making every line feel beautiful without losing the heart of the story.
What really stood out to me was the depth she brings to Aphrodite’s journey. Lauren JA Bear explores every facet of her with so much nuance and humanity, adding real depth to the traditional trope and making her feel both timeless and completely new.
This book felt raw, tender, and deeply human. The themes of love, identity, healing, and becoming whole again were handled so thoughtfully. Lauren JA Bear continues to be a must read author for me. Stunning from beginning to end.
What really stood out to me was the depth she brings to Aphrodite’s journey. Lauren JA Bear explores every facet of her with so much nuance and humanity, adding real depth to the traditional trope and making her feel both timeless and completely new.
This book felt raw, tender, and deeply human. The themes of love, identity, healing, and becoming whole again were handled so thoughtfully. Lauren JA Bear continues to be a must read author for me. Stunning from beginning to end.
May 9, 2026
2.5 stars
The writing is truly well done and here's a few quotes to support that...
"I was not looking for pain, but like love it found me anyway."
"There is poetry in a rough man's tenderness."
"The rage of broken families is a unique kind of anger."
I adored how the book started with Aphrodite finding a human artist to sculpt her.
A few of the characters were delightful and I would have liked more with them.
**I will say that some of my reasons for disliking this book will be what someone else loves about it. To each their own.
THOUGHTS:
I understand that all mythology is problematic with its morality or lack of it, but this took it to an unnecessary degree. We could have had more nuance with the toxic and historical choices made, but the fictional parts seemed to enhance the negativity instead of equalizing it. The vast cast of characters left the plot feeling chaotic and rushed. I never had a chance to really settle in and care about their progression.
The choice to go through all of Aphrodite's legendary stories was also a risk. The best parts were when we spent time and milked her moments, but those were few. Much of this book is fast forwarding to this event, and then that. It felt like the Author was trying to do and say too much.
I cared about Aphrodite in the beginning but then she became a character I despised. Which I guess would put me as one of the hateful women in her narrative. She's oftentimes a misunderstood character but this put her in a light where I had no pity for her in the end.
As much effort that was put into "love" in this book, there's also an overwhelming amount of hate. And for the most part, it's not done in an introspective or thoughtful way. The little moments of goodness put in were not impactful enough to combat all the sludge and toxic cycles.
The love story between Aphrodite and Aries had zero depth. It's all physical and sex driven through the entire book. They say they love each other, but I don't know WHY. This made me not care about their problematic relationship. They were both horny for each other at the most inappropriate times.
I understand that everyone has opinions that can leak into their writing, but this was agenda, female rage and men (and some women) are shit, on steroids.
The pacing and predictability became tiring. It felt rushed and slow all at once. The ridiculous cycle of something unfair happens to Aphrodite,
she retaliates with heavy spite,
people get hurt,
she's miserable and distraught,
then she gets a few moments of happiness and repeat, again and again.
The thing that knocked this down to 2 stars were the last few chapters. I actually thought it ended beautifully with the artist in the end, but then it took the weirdest and most uncomfortable and confusing turn. Is this mythology or a contemporary? We didn't need this extension; it made everything feel strange and upset the flow of a more natural ending. I feel greatly that it pulled the book down.
The writing is truly well done and here's a few quotes to support that...
"I was not looking for pain, but like love it found me anyway."
"There is poetry in a rough man's tenderness."
"The rage of broken families is a unique kind of anger."
I adored how the book started with Aphrodite finding a human artist to sculpt her.
A few of the characters were delightful and I would have liked more with them.
**I will say that some of my reasons for disliking this book will be what someone else loves about it. To each their own.
THOUGHTS:
I understand that all mythology is problematic with its morality or lack of it, but this took it to an unnecessary degree. We could have had more nuance with the toxic and historical choices made, but the fictional parts seemed to enhance the negativity instead of equalizing it. The vast cast of characters left the plot feeling chaotic and rushed. I never had a chance to really settle in and care about their progression.
The choice to go through all of Aphrodite's legendary stories was also a risk. The best parts were when we spent time and milked her moments, but those were few. Much of this book is fast forwarding to this event, and then that. It felt like the Author was trying to do and say too much.
I cared about Aphrodite in the beginning but then she became a character I despised. Which I guess would put me as one of the hateful women in her narrative. She's oftentimes a misunderstood character but this put her in a light where I had no pity for her in the end.
As much effort that was put into "love" in this book, there's also an overwhelming amount of hate. And for the most part, it's not done in an introspective or thoughtful way. The little moments of goodness put in were not impactful enough to combat all the sludge and toxic cycles.
The love story between Aphrodite and Aries had zero depth. It's all physical and sex driven through the entire book. They say they love each other, but I don't know WHY. This made me not care about their problematic relationship. They were both horny for each other at the most inappropriate times.
I understand that everyone has opinions that can leak into their writing, but this was agenda, female rage and men (and some women) are shit, on steroids.
The pacing and predictability became tiring. It felt rushed and slow all at once. The ridiculous cycle of something unfair happens to Aphrodite,
she retaliates with heavy spite,
people get hurt,
she's miserable and distraught,
then she gets a few moments of happiness and repeat, again and again.
The thing that knocked this down to 2 stars were the last few chapters. I actually thought it ended beautifully with the artist in the end, but then it took the weirdest and most uncomfortable and confusing turn. Is this mythology or a contemporary? We didn't need this extension; it made everything feel strange and upset the flow of a more natural ending. I feel greatly that it pulled the book down.
June 8, 2026
Her writing is just beautiful and exquisite and so intentional. I loved everything about this story - the author knew her characters SO WELL. The structure of this book was so well done, the plot was familiar (who DOESN'T know the old Greek myths?) but was done in a way that felt new.
Lauren J.A. Bear just has an amazing way of taking stories we think we know and making them fresh, impactful, and empowering.
Lauren J.A. Bear just has an amazing way of taking stories we think we know and making them fresh, impactful, and empowering.
May 22, 2026
Another stunner from Lauren J A Bear. The voice of a famous goddess given life in exquisite prose, in a story spanning millennia, from the very beginning of the world to antiquity to today. Truly spellbinding. The definition of literary magic. I absolutely loved this.
April 15, 2026
4.5/5
What an absolutely stunning read! Thank you Titan Books for the proof.
Lauren J. A. Bear is one of the most creative voices in mythology retelling space right now. I love her unique narrative choices and we’re treated to that again here, and in signature lyrical prose. In Aphrodite in Pieces the goddess opens up and reflects on her ‘life’ so far with sculptor Alexandros, in the hopes that he can carve the pieces of her into stone.
If you’ve encountered Aphrodite in myth, like most deities she is often petty and capricious in nature and modern depictions usually lean into that or attempt to humanise. Bear took the challenge head on and didn’t shy away from portraying Aphrodite in her multitudes, both together and apart from Ares, and balanced this with such nuance that despite them not necessarily being ‘good’, I couldn’t help but root for them.
One thing I especially loved is that Bear drew inspiration for Aphrodite’s character from women of the golden age of Hollywood, adding a fresh and vibrant feel to a story well researched and grounded in original myth.
As all-consuming love can be, this was at times toxic and at others so heart-achingly tender and romantic that I was clutching my chest! As you might have guessed, this covers a large span of time but the incredible character work and emotion meant that I never felt disconnected.
A whole-hearted recommendation from me, I struggled to put this down and already can’t wait to reread!
What an absolutely stunning read! Thank you Titan Books for the proof.
Lauren J. A. Bear is one of the most creative voices in mythology retelling space right now. I love her unique narrative choices and we’re treated to that again here, and in signature lyrical prose. In Aphrodite in Pieces the goddess opens up and reflects on her ‘life’ so far with sculptor Alexandros, in the hopes that he can carve the pieces of her into stone.
If you’ve encountered Aphrodite in myth, like most deities she is often petty and capricious in nature and modern depictions usually lean into that or attempt to humanise. Bear took the challenge head on and didn’t shy away from portraying Aphrodite in her multitudes, both together and apart from Ares, and balanced this with such nuance that despite them not necessarily being ‘good’, I couldn’t help but root for them.
One thing I especially loved is that Bear drew inspiration for Aphrodite’s character from women of the golden age of Hollywood, adding a fresh and vibrant feel to a story well researched and grounded in original myth.
As all-consuming love can be, this was at times toxic and at others so heart-achingly tender and romantic that I was clutching my chest! As you might have guessed, this covers a large span of time but the incredible character work and emotion meant that I never felt disconnected.
A whole-hearted recommendation from me, I struggled to put this down and already can’t wait to reread!
Want to Read
October 8, 2025I am SO excited for this, it is not funny
June 28, 2026
4.5⭐️ I love how Lauren Bear gives voice to so many women in mythology that are misunderstood. I fell in love with her books after reading Medusa’s Sisters in a day. I didn’t know what to expect going into Aphrodite in Pieces, because like many others, I thought “oh it’s Aphrodite - Goddess of love and beauty, there’s not much to her.” Well I was wrong, Aphrodite is also a goddess who is overlooked. I loved her story, especially her relationship with Ares. Bear makes you feel as if you’re in the same room with Aphrodite and Alexandros, hearing her story. If you love Greek mythology, or historical fiction, Aphrodite in Pieces is a must read.
June 30, 2026
Second book by this author I’ve read and a must read yet again faultless
April 25, 2026
Not me staying up until after 5:30 in the morning to finish this and nearly dehydrating from all the crying that came with it… Aphrodite In Pieces left me in pieces, but in the best possible way. The last book that made me feel this much was “Medusa’s Sisters,” so I should’ve known I was going tk get emotionally demolished.
I’ve always wanted Aphrodite’s story in her own words, but I’ve also feared she’d be reduced to the usual… Like an archetypal bimbo or a callous home-wrecker… But this book does the exact opposite.
This book heartbreak and devastation, like the kind of tragedy that threatens to hollow you out… but it’s also threaded with these beautiful moments of such intense, life-affirming love and joy.. You can’t look away.
Reading it had me feeling like I was Alexandros of Antioch, taking in her story and creating mental sketches of each scene… But it was also like witnessing someone put words to emotions I didn’t even realize I was even carrying. I was feeling exposed, maybe a little undone, but also completely desperate for more.
This book absolutely wrecked me, and I will joyfully let it wreck me again. Lauren J.A. Bear is just so damn good at humanizing this much-maligned goddess… She takes you on an emotionally scenic journey… Like from new to broken to “perfectly imperfect…” And in a way that has lines and scenes from the book on repeat in my head. She’s easily one of my favorite authors.
I’ve always wanted Aphrodite’s story in her own words, but I’ve also feared she’d be reduced to the usual… Like an archetypal bimbo or a callous home-wrecker… But this book does the exact opposite.
This book heartbreak and devastation, like the kind of tragedy that threatens to hollow you out… but it’s also threaded with these beautiful moments of such intense, life-affirming love and joy.. You can’t look away.
Reading it had me feeling like I was Alexandros of Antioch, taking in her story and creating mental sketches of each scene… But it was also like witnessing someone put words to emotions I didn’t even realize I was even carrying. I was feeling exposed, maybe a little undone, but also completely desperate for more.
This book absolutely wrecked me, and I will joyfully let it wreck me again. Lauren J.A. Bear is just so damn good at humanizing this much-maligned goddess… She takes you on an emotionally scenic journey… Like from new to broken to “perfectly imperfect…” And in a way that has lines and scenes from the book on repeat in my head. She’s easily one of my favorite authors.
May 9, 2026
This is Aphrodite’s story, told in her own voice, to the artist Alexandros whom she’s commissioned to create her first ever likeness in statue. Though the life story she shares is the focus, as a lovely bonus we get to see how her words influence the art itself as well as the artist’s own life.
When I started writing here that Aphrodite’s iconic love story is worth the read, I asked myself “wait do I mean with Ares? Or do I mean with herself?” 🤔 and then I decided the answer is both, truly! 🫶
I was smitten by the prose, which is as beautiful as the goddess herself. After reading this, I see Lauren J.A. Bear has written a couple other beloved mythology retellings, which I am very much looking forward to reading.
Many many thanks to Berkley for the digital copy.
When I started writing here that Aphrodite’s iconic love story is worth the read, I asked myself “wait do I mean with Ares? Or do I mean with herself?” 🤔 and then I decided the answer is both, truly! 🫶
I was smitten by the prose, which is as beautiful as the goddess herself. After reading this, I see Lauren J.A. Bear has written a couple other beloved mythology retellings, which I am very much looking forward to reading.
Many many thanks to Berkley for the digital copy.
June 30, 2026
Mythology is my favourite genre. Without a doubt, i grab anything I can get my hands on. There has been a recent spell of Meduesa and Medea based books and now it's the turn of Aphrodite.......I have to admit what I know about her and her " stereotypical " character isnt a lot but this book gives her the justice she deserves. I absolutely adore this retelling and what an outstanding job Bear has done. We are given a strong independent women ( obviously godess really) who is abused, ashamed and put in her in place by men but, fights back in a way that has you screaming and ralleyed up to defend her yourself. I love the way we see everything through Aphrodite eyes and how easy it is to relate to her. The relationship with Appollo is just " fresh kiss," and her role in many well-known Greek mythology events is just so well written. I can't wait to see what else Bear brings to the table in the future. A very easy 5⭐️ for me and a future recommendation to all regarding mythology interested readers.
April 23, 2026
I win this book from goodreads so thank you so much for giving me the chance to read and review this. The book itself it’s beautiful. The colors are eye catching. I have always been fascinated in mythology and love hearing stories about the characters. This new trend of retellings is one of my favorites and this one did not disappoint. Aphrodite is one of my favorite mythological characters and this book it’s fantastic. It kept me intrigued. I did not get bored and I thought it was very well done.
May 2, 2026
My first five star of the year! This was an absolutely beautiful book. I saw myself in Aphrodite so much and I just devoured this book.
Anything Lauren writes I will read immediately.
Anything Lauren writes I will read immediately.
May 20, 2026
it’s criminal how few ratings this book has. definitely one of my favorites so far this year.
June 3, 2026
The ending is the best part. Don’t skip it.
June 11, 2026
Ohh love love
June 24, 2026
Absolutely loved this clever book it scratched my mythology itch and made me reconsider Aphrodite’s myths in a new light
June 26, 2026
Beautiful
June 26, 2026
Beautifully written with amazing research. Definitely worth a read.
June 10, 2026
I’m obsessed with this book now. I will be rereading this once a year the way I reread Circe.
Aphrodite, how I admire you.
Lauren J.A. Bear, I’m sorry I didn’t know your game 🙇♀️
Aphrodite, how I admire you.
Lauren J.A. Bear, I’m sorry I didn’t know your game 🙇♀️
May 5, 2026
4.5; A highly anticipated read for me, and it didn’t disappoint. I adore retellings of historically misunderstood women, and Aphrodite was an excellent choice. She’s just a girl! The goddess of love, yet so deeply hated. Her epic love is rejected by all, even Ares himself, and Apollo is the only one who ever truly accepts her.
I found myself wanting a stronger sense of retribution in the end for all the ways she was wronged. Still, I loved that she inspired Alexandros in both art and life, and that he ultimately left her with control over her own mystery.
Ending in the modern era offered an interesting perspective, however unfortunate it may be that some managed to endure so long.
I found myself wanting a stronger sense of retribution in the end for all the ways she was wronged. Still, I loved that she inspired Alexandros in both art and life, and that he ultimately left her with control over her own mystery.
Ending in the modern era offered an interesting perspective, however unfortunate it may be that some managed to endure so long.
May 19, 2026
"𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒄𝒚."
As someone who taught mythology for years, I am always a little wary when I pick up a retelling centered on one of the Olympians because so many of them flatten these figures into something easily digestible. This book did the exact opposite. Framed through Aphrodite recounting her life to a sculptor who has been tasked with capturing her true likeness, this story peels back every polished layer history has placed over her. What unfolds is part confession, part reckoning, and part love story stretched painfully across centuries. The gods feel enormous here, but they also feel achingly human in all the ways that matter most.
What completely floored me was how deeply emotional this interpretation of Aphrodite became. The author understands that mythology survives because these stories continue to expose the rawest parts of ourselves. This Aphrodite is not merely vain or cruel or seductive. She is a woman carrying the unbearable weight of being worshipped for what she represents while starving for someone to truly see her. There is such tenderness woven into her reflections on love and beauty, but also bitterness, regret, and exhaustion. I found myself thinking not about the goddess from paintings or statues, but about every woman who has ever been reduced to an idea instead of allowed to exist as a person.
This is easily one of the most thoughtful and emotionally intelligent mythological retellings I have read in years. You can feel the research on every page, but it never reads like a lecture. It feels alive. It feels intimate. It feels like sitting at the feet of a goddess who is finally tired of being misunderstood. By the end, Aphrodite no longer felt untouchable to me. She felt heartbreakingly real, and that may be the most powerful magic mythology can offer. Many thanks to Berkley for this stunning read that is available now.
As someone who taught mythology for years, I am always a little wary when I pick up a retelling centered on one of the Olympians because so many of them flatten these figures into something easily digestible. This book did the exact opposite. Framed through Aphrodite recounting her life to a sculptor who has been tasked with capturing her true likeness, this story peels back every polished layer history has placed over her. What unfolds is part confession, part reckoning, and part love story stretched painfully across centuries. The gods feel enormous here, but they also feel achingly human in all the ways that matter most.
What completely floored me was how deeply emotional this interpretation of Aphrodite became. The author understands that mythology survives because these stories continue to expose the rawest parts of ourselves. This Aphrodite is not merely vain or cruel or seductive. She is a woman carrying the unbearable weight of being worshipped for what she represents while starving for someone to truly see her. There is such tenderness woven into her reflections on love and beauty, but also bitterness, regret, and exhaustion. I found myself thinking not about the goddess from paintings or statues, but about every woman who has ever been reduced to an idea instead of allowed to exist as a person.
This is easily one of the most thoughtful and emotionally intelligent mythological retellings I have read in years. You can feel the research on every page, but it never reads like a lecture. It feels alive. It feels intimate. It feels like sitting at the feet of a goddess who is finally tired of being misunderstood. By the end, Aphrodite no longer felt untouchable to me. She felt heartbreakingly real, and that may be the most powerful magic mythology can offer. Many thanks to Berkley for this stunning read that is available now.
May 29, 2026
Wow, just obsessed. Phenomenal writing, character development and relationships. Genuinely sad that the book is finished.
June 6, 2026
This is my ode to the Venus de Milo, to women loving themselves without shame, to art and beauty and love throughout history. Incredible book!! This author is amazing!!! It's always fun to find a new-to-me author who writes a totally unexpected book. I credit fiction books more for my knowledge of the Greek and Roman gods than academic volumes. This book provided historical information in a fictional format that is my preferred method of learning. It's more fun that way.
March 15, 2026
This book was stunning! So beautifully written, charming, raw and captivating in every way. Absolutely loved the concept of Aphrodite telling her own story to the artist as he creates her in stone, giving him the chance to capture not just her physical beauty but her flaws too. Bear has done such a wonderful job bringing Aphrodite to life, I really can’t fault this book at all.
Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for the the advanced copy
Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for the the advanced copy
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