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The Perilous Gods #1
While the Gods Sleep
The first time Ty died he was five, the second time he was seven. He's always believed his third death will be the final one, and now he may find out.
More than twenty years after his near-death experiences and the visions of terrifying gods that came with them, Ty leads a quiet life working as a locksmith.
When a client persuades him to play in an ancient game of throwing bones his peaceful existence is shattered and Ty quickly finds himself deeply in debt, his life hanging in the balance once more.
Forced to descend to the eerie mid-world of Erebus to repay his debt, his fate is soon entwined with sleeping gods, the factions that seek to control them, and an enemy powerful enough to destroy them all.
More than twenty years after his near-death experiences and the visions of terrifying gods that came with them, Ty leads a quiet life working as a locksmith.
When a client persuades him to play in an ancient game of throwing bones his peaceful existence is shattered and Ty quickly finds himself deeply in debt, his life hanging in the balance once more.
Forced to descend to the eerie mid-world of Erebus to repay his debt, his fate is soon entwined with sleeping gods, the factions that seek to control them, and an enemy powerful enough to destroy them all.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2018
10 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
L.D. Colter
20 books47 followersL. D. Colter has farmed with draft horses and worked as a paramedic, Outward Bound instructor, athletic trainer, roller-skating waitress, and concrete dispatcher, among other curious choices. She’s an author of contemporary, epic, and dark fantasy novels, a WSFA Small Press Award finalist, and a two-time winner of the Colorado Book Award for science fiction and fantasy. Her website and blog can be found at: https://www.ldcolter.com/ and her newsletter subscription at: https://l-d-colter-speculations.kit.c...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 21, 2025
L. D. Colter’s While the Gods Sleep is a gripping entry into a new trilogy that seamlessly merges historical Athens with high-stakes dark fantasy. Set in the late 1950s—thirteen years after World War II—the novel reimagines Athens as both familiar and uncanny, a mirror image of 1960s Greece that feels richly alive through Colter’s masterful use of sensory detail. The result is a world where history and myth collide, and where readers are pulled deep into a story brimming with action, danger, and mystery.
Our protagonist, Ty, is a 29-year-old gambler who quickly loses more than just money. When one of his enemies tasks him with retrieving an object from Erebus—the shadowy mid-world of ancient Athenian belief—his life changes forever. What makes Ty’s journey unique is not only the perilous descent (a katabasis worthy of Homer) but also the harrowing physical ordeal he undergoes: his entire body tattooed as preparation for his quest. From the end of the first chapter, the tension sharpens, and by chapter two, the story plunges us into Erebus—a realm of demi-god children, shapeshifters, and ever-unfolding chaos.
The pacing is relentless. Battles erupt unexpectedly, the wars and skirmishes piling one atop another in a rhythm that mirrors epic cinema—think Clash of the Titans brought to life in prose. The book is also notable for its cast of formidable female characters—politically, socially, and physically powerful women who enrich the narrative with strength and nuance.
Colter structures the novel with precision: Part I builds tension with Ty’s descent, while Part II explores the settling chaos and the promise of new beginnings. This balance of order and upheaval makes the story easy to follow, despite its many twists. That said, readers unfamiliar with the labyrinthine family trees of Greek gods may feel lost at times. Maps, illustrations, or genealogical charts would have been welcome additions to ground the mythology more firmly for modern audiences.
Still, 'While the Gods Sleep' is an exhilarating read. It’s fast-paced, vividly imagined, and layered with themes of humans vs. gods, the price of katabasis, and the fragility of mortal ambition. Colter doesn’t shy away from darkness, but within that darkness, readers find moments of awe.
A strong start to 'The Perilous Gods' trilogy—one that promises even greater peril and spectacle to come.
4/5 🌟
Our protagonist, Ty, is a 29-year-old gambler who quickly loses more than just money. When one of his enemies tasks him with retrieving an object from Erebus—the shadowy mid-world of ancient Athenian belief—his life changes forever. What makes Ty’s journey unique is not only the perilous descent (a katabasis worthy of Homer) but also the harrowing physical ordeal he undergoes: his entire body tattooed as preparation for his quest. From the end of the first chapter, the tension sharpens, and by chapter two, the story plunges us into Erebus—a realm of demi-god children, shapeshifters, and ever-unfolding chaos.
The pacing is relentless. Battles erupt unexpectedly, the wars and skirmishes piling one atop another in a rhythm that mirrors epic cinema—think Clash of the Titans brought to life in prose. The book is also notable for its cast of formidable female characters—politically, socially, and physically powerful women who enrich the narrative with strength and nuance.
Colter structures the novel with precision: Part I builds tension with Ty’s descent, while Part II explores the settling chaos and the promise of new beginnings. This balance of order and upheaval makes the story easy to follow, despite its many twists. That said, readers unfamiliar with the labyrinthine family trees of Greek gods may feel lost at times. Maps, illustrations, or genealogical charts would have been welcome additions to ground the mythology more firmly for modern audiences.
Still, 'While the Gods Sleep' is an exhilarating read. It’s fast-paced, vividly imagined, and layered with themes of humans vs. gods, the price of katabasis, and the fragility of mortal ambition. Colter doesn’t shy away from darkness, but within that darkness, readers find moments of awe.
A strong start to 'The Perilous Gods' trilogy—one that promises even greater peril and spectacle to come.
4/5 🌟
October 20, 2025
Review originally on JamReads
While The Gods Sleep is the first standalone instalment in the Perilous Gods series, written by L. D. Colter, published by Solaris Nova. A novel that blends historical elements with Greek mythology to deliver a high-stakes urban fantasy proposal, reimagining Athens really vividly, while we follow the literal odyssey of our main character, Eustychios (Ty), through Erebus, the mid-world.
Ty, a 29-year-old locksmith, gets himself into a tricky situation after gambling more than he could afford in an antique bone-throwing game; now his debtor demands him to retrieve an object from the mythical Erebus, the shadowy mid-world the ancient Athenians believed. A journey that will also serve as the key for Ty's change, a quest that will also put him in contact with mythical demigods, shapeshifters and a big dose of chaos.
Colter's choice of Ty as the main character is a rather interesting one: we have an almost normal person who is forced to meddle in the business of creatures he thought to be an ancient belief; a person that is lost in life, despite having some priorities, but who soon proves that he's prepared to change and grow.
The rest of the cast predates the intricate Greek mythology, putting a special emphasis on painting formidable female characters, powerful and implicated into the politics and schemes that are ruling Erebus (incidentally, female characters tend to be the great forgotten/unfairly treated in the OG mythology).
The worldbuilding masterfully blends together 1950s Athens with its own ancient mythology, slowly introducing those uncanny details that give Ty the hints that this is a different world.
The pacing tends to be fast, with the plot being structured into two clear parts, gifting the reader with vivid imagery and propulsive scenes that keep you glued to the page.
While The Gods Sleep is a great dark fantasy novel, a perfect read if you like fast-paced and high stakes fantasy while being a lover of mythology; a first instalment (standalone) of a series that promises to continue exploring other mythologies, something I'm totally in for!
While The Gods Sleep is the first standalone instalment in the Perilous Gods series, written by L. D. Colter, published by Solaris Nova. A novel that blends historical elements with Greek mythology to deliver a high-stakes urban fantasy proposal, reimagining Athens really vividly, while we follow the literal odyssey of our main character, Eustychios (Ty), through Erebus, the mid-world.
Ty, a 29-year-old locksmith, gets himself into a tricky situation after gambling more than he could afford in an antique bone-throwing game; now his debtor demands him to retrieve an object from the mythical Erebus, the shadowy mid-world the ancient Athenians believed. A journey that will also serve as the key for Ty's change, a quest that will also put him in contact with mythical demigods, shapeshifters and a big dose of chaos.
Colter's choice of Ty as the main character is a rather interesting one: we have an almost normal person who is forced to meddle in the business of creatures he thought to be an ancient belief; a person that is lost in life, despite having some priorities, but who soon proves that he's prepared to change and grow.
The rest of the cast predates the intricate Greek mythology, putting a special emphasis on painting formidable female characters, powerful and implicated into the politics and schemes that are ruling Erebus (incidentally, female characters tend to be the great forgotten/unfairly treated in the OG mythology).
The worldbuilding masterfully blends together 1950s Athens with its own ancient mythology, slowly introducing those uncanny details that give Ty the hints that this is a different world.
The pacing tends to be fast, with the plot being structured into two clear parts, gifting the reader with vivid imagery and propulsive scenes that keep you glued to the page.
While The Gods Sleep is a great dark fantasy novel, a perfect read if you like fast-paced and high stakes fantasy while being a lover of mythology; a first instalment (standalone) of a series that promises to continue exploring other mythologies, something I'm totally in for!
August 21, 2025
I received an advance copy from the author.
Dark, intense, and packed with twists and turns, While the Gods Sleep innovatively recreates the Greek pantheon against a backdrop of near-modern Greece. The book gripped me from page one as Ty is compelled to gamble with everything on the line--but he has no idea what is truly at stake. When he loses, he's given a task that sounds ludicrous in the 1950s: he is to journey into another world, Erebus, to fetch an item. The book breathlessly moves forward from there as Ty descends into a land of demigods and horrific creatures of lore. I could not predict what would happen next.
Dark, intense, and packed with twists and turns, While the Gods Sleep innovatively recreates the Greek pantheon against a backdrop of near-modern Greece. The book gripped me from page one as Ty is compelled to gamble with everything on the line--but he has no idea what is truly at stake. When he loses, he's given a task that sounds ludicrous in the 1950s: he is to journey into another world, Erebus, to fetch an item. The book breathlessly moves forward from there as Ty descends into a land of demigods and horrific creatures of lore. I could not predict what would happen next.
September 27, 2025
I love all things Greek Mythology so I really enjoyed this fun and innovative story.
This book quite literally starts the action on page one. The MMC, Ty, finds himself in a bind when he’s unable to repay a gambling debt. His bookie decides in order to fulfill his debt, Ty must descend the mortal realm and enter Erebus on a quest to steal an item from a demigod.
There are so many twists and turns I really had no idea where this book would lead. I enjoyed that it left me guessing and didn’t follow a predictable path. The story changes POVs a lot. Like 4-5 times in a single chapter during some of the more action packed scenes, which I found to be a bit rough to follow. Other than that, I really thought it was a well thought out and well written story.
We see the MMC facing a quest, developing unlikely allies, encountering all manner of enemies, and finding a touch of romance. If you’re a fan of the Percy Jackson series, but add in an adult twist, I think you’d really enjoy this book.
This is the first book in an expected trilogy so I’ll definitely be reading the others when they come out!
Thank you to L.D. Colter, Solaris Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. 🩷
This book quite literally starts the action on page one. The MMC, Ty, finds himself in a bind when he’s unable to repay a gambling debt. His bookie decides in order to fulfill his debt, Ty must descend the mortal realm and enter Erebus on a quest to steal an item from a demigod.
There are so many twists and turns I really had no idea where this book would lead. I enjoyed that it left me guessing and didn’t follow a predictable path. The story changes POVs a lot. Like 4-5 times in a single chapter during some of the more action packed scenes, which I found to be a bit rough to follow. Other than that, I really thought it was a well thought out and well written story.
We see the MMC facing a quest, developing unlikely allies, encountering all manner of enemies, and finding a touch of romance. If you’re a fan of the Percy Jackson series, but add in an adult twist, I think you’d really enjoy this book.
This is the first book in an expected trilogy so I’ll definitely be reading the others when they come out!
Thank you to L.D. Colter, Solaris Books, and NetGalley for the ARC. 🩷
October 16, 2025
Thank you first of all to C.D. Colter, NetGalley and Rebellion Publisher for allowing me to read „While the Gods sleep“, published on the 24/09/2025, in exchange for an honest review.
Put Greek mythology, fantasy and modern world into a blender, give it a good mix and you have the vibe of this book served to you. The world building is astounding, the more magnificent.
It was however difficult for me personally to emerge into the story fully, sometimes I was 10/10 committed and other moments I fought the desire to stop reading, quite often I was confused about the vast of information that was fed to me — which is NOT a negative mention here since this is just my personal lack of attention.
What caused my rating the most however is the disconnect with most of the characters that I felt, as for now I do not have any emotional string to any of them.
But I STILL highly recommend this because k it you’re into Greek mythology because the writing is majestic and the premise is very intriguing.
Put Greek mythology, fantasy and modern world into a blender, give it a good mix and you have the vibe of this book served to you. The world building is astounding, the more magnificent.
It was however difficult for me personally to emerge into the story fully, sometimes I was 10/10 committed and other moments I fought the desire to stop reading, quite often I was confused about the vast of information that was fed to me — which is NOT a negative mention here since this is just my personal lack of attention.
What caused my rating the most however is the disconnect with most of the characters that I felt, as for now I do not have any emotional string to any of them.
But I STILL highly recommend this because k it you’re into Greek mythology because the writing is majestic and the premise is very intriguing.
October 30, 2018
I've read a couple of Colter's books, and was given this ARC for an honest review.
Colter seems to have found a niche in writing thoughtful books about metaphysics, often in the planes of the divine or mythological. Her books are highly interior, although certainly there is action. They often grapple with the ideas of morality, ethics, and appropriateness.
In this particular version, Colter turns Greek mythology inside out, examining it from the perspective of modern Greek culture, post world war two. The hero Ty is a flawed hero thrust into a situation he doesn't want to be in. The plot twists and turns in a dark, cerebral fashion.
Disturbing in parts, the book requires a careful thoughtful read. It's not the kind of book you can devour in an afternoon. Rather, it invites contemplation, even as the adventure stakes are high.
Colter seems to have found a niche in writing thoughtful books about metaphysics, often in the planes of the divine or mythological. Her books are highly interior, although certainly there is action. They often grapple with the ideas of morality, ethics, and appropriateness.
In this particular version, Colter turns Greek mythology inside out, examining it from the perspective of modern Greek culture, post world war two. The hero Ty is a flawed hero thrust into a situation he doesn't want to be in. The plot twists and turns in a dark, cerebral fashion.
Disturbing in parts, the book requires a careful thoughtful read. It's not the kind of book you can devour in an afternoon. Rather, it invites contemplation, even as the adventure stakes are high.
September 13, 2025
Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. As someone who loves supporting indie authors, I always aim to share thoughtful, fair feedback. While I have personal reading preferences like a love for fantasy, horses, or specific tropes, I never let that impact my rating unless it is relevant to the book’s intent or audience. I review with the genre and readership in mind. Thank you Netgalley for the copy!
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Darkness/Bloodiness: 🖤🩸 meant for adult audience!
It's been quite a while since I had a chance to read about a story inspired by Greek mythology, I have been a big fan of it for a long time and I always try to read anything related I find.
The book didn't disappoint. Love, hate, power and secrets were all over the plot, exactly how you would expect the Greek gods to be. There are so many interesting and even horrifying creatures (that hole in the dirt scene absolutely gave me the shivers) that made the story feel unique, they also shook up the story and added more action and a feeling of danger.
The main character Ty was quite refreshing, filled with faults, regrets and just so confused, that in the end made so much sense. I absolutely loved how he reflected on being a puppet for the overwordly creatures, gods and whatnot.
At points I felt that we are getting into too much detail and the pacing at times felt so slow, that made it a bit difficult to follow the plot. I also definitely wanted to know everything, notice all the clue crumbs to guess the end and that made it feel a bit overwhelming. I don't recommend playing the detective, I don't think you can guess the ending ahead of time.
The authors writing style helps you so much to get deeper into the ancient Greek feel, especially when the characters are in Erebos. I wouldn't say you need deep Greek mythology knowledge to read the book, but certainly be at least interested, otherwise this story might not be for you.
A quote I loved from the book:
"I wish I could turn back the clock and make everything okay." "You'd have to turn it back a very long way." He smiled. "I'd try."
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Darkness/Bloodiness: 🖤🩸 meant for adult audience!
It's been quite a while since I had a chance to read about a story inspired by Greek mythology, I have been a big fan of it for a long time and I always try to read anything related I find.
The book didn't disappoint. Love, hate, power and secrets were all over the plot, exactly how you would expect the Greek gods to be. There are so many interesting and even horrifying creatures (that hole in the dirt scene absolutely gave me the shivers) that made the story feel unique, they also shook up the story and added more action and a feeling of danger.
The main character Ty was quite refreshing, filled with faults, regrets and just so confused, that in the end made so much sense. I absolutely loved how he reflected on being a puppet for the overwordly creatures, gods and whatnot.
At points I felt that we are getting into too much detail and the pacing at times felt so slow, that made it a bit difficult to follow the plot. I also definitely wanted to know everything, notice all the clue crumbs to guess the end and that made it feel a bit overwhelming. I don't recommend playing the detective, I don't think you can guess the ending ahead of time.
The authors writing style helps you so much to get deeper into the ancient Greek feel, especially when the characters are in Erebos. I wouldn't say you need deep Greek mythology knowledge to read the book, but certainly be at least interested, otherwise this story might not be for you.
A quote I loved from the book:
"I wish I could turn back the clock and make everything okay." "You'd have to turn it back a very long way." He smiled. "I'd try."
May 16, 2019
Fabulous story! This book highlights the marriage of contemporary lit with mythology. The GRAEAE are fearsome. Duplicitous characters reign! LOVE it.
August 26, 2025
Thank you to Rebellion Publishing and Solaris for the advanced copy of While The Gods Sleep!
Wow—this book absolutely blew me away! It’s one of the most engaging and captivating stories I’ve read in a long time. The narrative follows Ty, a mortal man, on his harrowing journey into the land of the gods.
The worldbuilding was vivid and immersive—I could easily picture everything Ty encountered along the way. I especially loved Naia’s character and the dynamic between her and Ty as their journey unfolded. The plot twists were shocking and had me gasping more than once!
If you enjoy Greek mythology-inspired fantasy, this is definitely a book to add to your TBR. I can’t wait to dive into book two!
I give this one 4.5 stars (rounded up) out of 5. My only critique is that the frequent POV shifts could be a bit disorienting, as there wasn’t always a clear indication of whose perspective we were entering. Even so, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
Wow—this book absolutely blew me away! It’s one of the most engaging and captivating stories I’ve read in a long time. The narrative follows Ty, a mortal man, on his harrowing journey into the land of the gods.
The worldbuilding was vivid and immersive—I could easily picture everything Ty encountered along the way. I especially loved Naia’s character and the dynamic between her and Ty as their journey unfolded. The plot twists were shocking and had me gasping more than once!
If you enjoy Greek mythology-inspired fantasy, this is definitely a book to add to your TBR. I can’t wait to dive into book two!
I give this one 4.5 stars (rounded up) out of 5. My only critique is that the frequent POV shifts could be a bit disorienting, as there wasn’t always a clear indication of whose perspective we were entering. Even so, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
October 10, 2025
What a fun book! While the God’s Sleep rekindled my love for classical mythology. I fell into Colter’s reimagining of the underworld and the gods and denizens that populate it. Ty is a wonderful protagonist, flawed and realistic. He’s easy to like, and his relationship with Naia is lovely and well developed. The antagonist characters, however, are every bit as interesting. What an imagination! Colter gives Ty and Naiah powerful and weird enemies to battle. The Graeae, wraths, harpies, and demigods—I loved reading about these truly formidable antagonists. Colter has created an exciting story, fast paced with twists and turns. The author’s writing brought this world and its characters to life, and the montage of POVs makes for a breathtaking finish. This is definitely a book worth picking up.
September 29, 2025
Set in Greece between WWI & WWII, "While the Gods Sleep" follows Ty, a mortal locksmith and gambler, as he descends into the underworld to pay a debt, where he quickly becomes entangled in far more than he bargained for.
The world building here is so amazing! The ancient Greek gods are asleep, and factions are attempting to control their resting forms, using Ty as their pawn while he desperately attempts to remain alive and return to the living world above. His encounters are so clearly shown and so unique that I wasn't able to speed through the book, but had to slow down and savor the many strange wonders. (I especially love the conjoined twin queens and her gargoyle carriage steeds!) There's a bit of violence, a bit of romance, and a lot of awesome. This book is a must-read for fans of Greek mythology, or any myth retellings, and a lot of fun for anyone else looking for a character-driven underworld quest story.
The world building here is so amazing! The ancient Greek gods are asleep, and factions are attempting to control their resting forms, using Ty as their pawn while he desperately attempts to remain alive and return to the living world above. His encounters are so clearly shown and so unique that I wasn't able to speed through the book, but had to slow down and savor the many strange wonders. (I especially love the conjoined twin queens and her gargoyle carriage steeds!) There's a bit of violence, a bit of romance, and a lot of awesome. This book is a must-read for fans of Greek mythology, or any myth retellings, and a lot of fun for anyone else looking for a character-driven underworld quest story.
October 5, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up. The pace of this book was very fast and very jam-packed with details. Unfortunately, this did not include enough details to get you invested in the characters in my opinion. On paper (ha) Ty would be an interesting character, a gambler and a locksmith tasked with stealing a magical object from a spooky magical parallel universe, but he fell flat for me, as did Naia. The world being heavily influenced by Greek mythology makes this book a great fit for people who really enjoy Greek mythology retellings, I just personally prefer a more character-driven book.
Thank you NetGalley and Solaris books for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Solaris books for the ARC!
September 3, 2018
This book starts like an adult Percy Jackson when a mortal named Ty is forced to accept a mission to Erebus, a mid-world between the surface world and Tartarus, in repayment of a gambling debt. His mission seems straightforward: retrieve an item and he'll be free of the debt. However, navigating the world of gods is never easy. The landscape constantly shifts making travel difficult and anyone that Ty meets is a minor deity or creature that Ty half-remembers from his mother's stories. Underneath it all runs a current of fear because the gods have disappeared.
Ty finds himself in the company of Naia, a daughter of Eros who has her own private agenda, and Lamia, a wraith being whose entire agenda seems to be keeping track of Ty. They are part of a faction that wants to wake the gods, but other factions in Erebus want to either keep the gods asleep or to kill them outright. Ty wants to get the item and get back to the surface world until he realizes his actual mission. And then everything changes.
This book is an engaging and compelling mystery with engrossing characters and details of Greece architecture and history that make the reader feel like she is present. The mythological world is well-developed and enticing. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Ty finds himself in the company of Naia, a daughter of Eros who has her own private agenda, and Lamia, a wraith being whose entire agenda seems to be keeping track of Ty. They are part of a faction that wants to wake the gods, but other factions in Erebus want to either keep the gods asleep or to kill them outright. Ty wants to get the item and get back to the surface world until he realizes his actual mission. And then everything changes.
This book is an engaging and compelling mystery with engrossing characters and details of Greece architecture and history that make the reader feel like she is present. The mythological world is well-developed and enticing. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
May 25, 2019
More interested in the words than the story.
This was an unpleasant read. The language is dense and often convoluted, though never indecipherable, it did not flow gently. The plot and general narrative was too simple and predictable for the work of reading it. The characters packed originality and were rather flat.
The author does display enough skill at writing for me to try some of her other work, and I suspect that I will find some gems amongst them. The reader's mood and environment can place an undue burden on a book experience, and though I strive to be objective, may be a factor this time.
This was an unpleasant read. The language is dense and often convoluted, though never indecipherable, it did not flow gently. The plot and general narrative was too simple and predictable for the work of reading it. The characters packed originality and were rather flat.
The author does display enough skill at writing for me to try some of her other work, and I suspect that I will find some gems amongst them. The reader's mood and environment can place an undue burden on a book experience, and though I strive to be objective, may be a factor this time.
September 9, 2018
If you love suspense, fantasy, romance, and mythology, you will love this book! Well-drawn characters I expect to "meet" again, and fabulous imagery with subtle parallels to the 21st century. For a good read, you can't go wrong, although I recommend reading the first chapter in the day time :-)
Read
September 9, 2025Thanks to NetGalley and Rebellion/Solaris for this advance copy of While the Gods Sleep.
I was drawn to the book by its magnificent cover and tagline: The first book in a new fantasy trilogy where ordinary people stumble into the twisted games of the gods! I looked forward to tales of Zeus, Hera, Dionysus, Athena et al. indulging in whimsy and cruelty while playing with the lives of us ordinary people, and following some poor sod trying to figure out his or her way to staying alive through it all.
However, my expectation was a fair way off, and I eventually ascribed this book a 'DNF' at 60%. The change in expectations wasn't inherently a problem, but I found that the novel as written just didn't have the same pull for me. A few comments:
Characters
The cover and tagline suggest to me that some unfortunate mortal would fall into the road of the Olympians, but the title is literal; in the 60% that I read, all of the Olympians (and many other well-known lesser deities) are genuinely asleep, as in unconscious. Perhaps I'm a fool for not taking the title at face value, thinking it might have been describing e.g. events happening while the Gods were negligently looking the other way - but I don't think I would be alone in this. I did an experiment with my wife to see what she expected based on the cover, title and tagline, and her guess was much the same as mine.
The mortal protagonist interacts with demi-gods and still-magical descendants of the more famous gods, some of which come across vividly while others are a tad forgettable. Naia and Lamia were the most interesting for me; Ty was ok as a protagonist, but I never found myself feeling very connected to him.
Setting
The book's setting alternates between 1970's Athens in the world as we know it and Erebus, a kind of liminal underworld that, in this book, is something like an inverted shadow-Athens. I enjoyed the descriptions once a certain character's sight improved - and L. D. Colter turns a lovely phrase now and then - but Erebus always felt a little undefined for me. I found it difficult to imagine a place in which some mythical creatures/people live in standard residential apartments with lifts/elevators, but the occasional lesser deity lives down the road in an enchanted cave in a park. A few questions were unanswered: what did the resident demigods/mythical beings do in Erebus all day before Ty showed up? Many of them are free from human constraints, and I don't recall a money system. Do they have jobs? Do they swan about like the Olympians used to? I would have liked more exploration here.
Pacing
I tend to prefer character work over plot and world-building in the books I read. As a result, I appreciate the clear effort going into characters' interior worlds and relationships in this book. However, it was overdone for me, and the emphasis on interior thought processes and emotional nuances took a lot of the momentum out of the plot. I'd imagined Ty, a locksmith, as a crafty and creative guy with perhaps questionable morals, jumping from the odd to the bizarre with little time to consider anything beyond how to survive. He is, however, very internally-focused, and I found this element to be somewhat overwritten.
Final thoughts: I might still recommend this for people generally interested in the subject matter, but I would make it clear that the book may be different to what its marketing suggests.
September 11, 2025
Kind of felt like Percy Jackson for adults with a bit of the messiness of Kaos!
3.5 🌟 rounded up.
This is a hard book to rate as it had a lot going for it, but like the Greek gods themselves just got a bit messy at times.
🔐✨🔐✨
Premise:
Ty, living in ‘Athens’ in the 1950s’, has racked up substantial gambling debts. In order to keep himself and his family safe, he agrees to venture into the underworld and retrieve an item, in exchange for clearing his debt.
But Ty finds the item belongs to a demi-goddess. And not only gets caught under her spell, but finds himself to be a pawn in something much larger…
…For the gods have been cursed to a deep sleep. Some want to destroy them and some want to set them free.
🔐✨🔐✨
What I enjoyed:
✨ The whole curse nature: I loved the curse and the complexity of all the players involved. There was a lot of double crossing and doubt of who you could trust. It was interestingly layed out and I’m curious what happens next after the conclusion of the book.
🔐 Ty and Naia. Whilst they are rather instalove-y and I’m more of a slow burn girl, it’s to be expected when the daughter of Eros is involved I guess. But I liked the uncertainty of whether they were falling for each or whether it was other things at play. I feel Naia truly is a romantic, and spent all these years wanting a hero of old to help her save the Gods, and ended up with a rather unexpected hero in a way! They were a cute pair 🥰
✨ The world! I love the set up of the underworld and the parallels to real world Greece. I always love seeing how authors take on setting up the underworld!
I’d say, the thing that I struggled with at times was the rather messy nature of the book. I feel sometimes scenes got lost in themselves. But the chaotic nature did keep me on my toes slightly as it made it harder to guess what would happen next!
All in all, I loved the concept and am torn whether to continue. Part of me is intrigued as to what comes next, but at the same time feel this book wrapped things up quite nicely, so it could stand on its own.
3.5 🌟 rounded up.
This is a hard book to rate as it had a lot going for it, but like the Greek gods themselves just got a bit messy at times.
🔐✨🔐✨
Premise:
Ty, living in ‘Athens’ in the 1950s’, has racked up substantial gambling debts. In order to keep himself and his family safe, he agrees to venture into the underworld and retrieve an item, in exchange for clearing his debt.
But Ty finds the item belongs to a demi-goddess. And not only gets caught under her spell, but finds himself to be a pawn in something much larger…
…For the gods have been cursed to a deep sleep. Some want to destroy them and some want to set them free.
🔐✨🔐✨
What I enjoyed:
✨ The whole curse nature: I loved the curse and the complexity of all the players involved. There was a lot of double crossing and doubt of who you could trust. It was interestingly layed out and I’m curious what happens next after the conclusion of the book.
🔐 Ty and Naia. Whilst they are rather instalove-y and I’m more of a slow burn girl, it’s to be expected when the daughter of Eros is involved I guess. But I liked the uncertainty of whether they were falling for each or whether it was other things at play. I feel Naia truly is a romantic, and spent all these years wanting a hero of old to help her save the Gods, and ended up with a rather unexpected hero in a way! They were a cute pair 🥰
✨ The world! I love the set up of the underworld and the parallels to real world Greece. I always love seeing how authors take on setting up the underworld!
I’d say, the thing that I struggled with at times was the rather messy nature of the book. I feel sometimes scenes got lost in themselves. But the chaotic nature did keep me on my toes slightly as it made it harder to guess what would happen next!
All in all, I loved the concept and am torn whether to continue. Part of me is intrigued as to what comes next, but at the same time feel this book wrapped things up quite nicely, so it could stand on its own.
October 28, 2025
An intriguing take on Greek mythology that stumbles pretty heavily in the back half. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
The beginning of this novel is quite strong. Ty, while not exceptionally remarkable as a protagonist, is decent enough and behaves in a generally sensible way. If you're giving me a protagonist who radiates everyman energy, at least don't have him do stupid things for no reason. The take on Greek mythology in the world building feels unique, as someone who grew up on Percy Jackson and read a fair amount of other middle grade and YA novels that also featured Greek mythology. I love how nasty many things in this world are, from the monsters to some of the more eldritch locations that appear. That snake monster in the burrow will haunt me; I hope Colter has written or will write some out-right horror. Colter does a really good job of handling the increasing scope of the novel: things start off small, and gradually escalate until the fate of the universe itself is in the hands of the protagonist. It's remarkably well done considering the size of the novel.
Alas, many good things came to an end in the latter half of the novel. The engaging world building was still there, but that's really they only positive that I can give. The romance was where things really started to go south for me. I did not give a single damn about Naia and Ty's relationship, and I could not tell you a thing about why they work as a couple. They both became far less interesting to me when about 60-70% of Ty's internal monologue was working through his feelings about Naia. The ending felt far too convenient and happened far too quickly. It did not totally kill the book for me, but it left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.
Overall, a flawed but intriguing read.
The beginning of this novel is quite strong. Ty, while not exceptionally remarkable as a protagonist, is decent enough and behaves in a generally sensible way. If you're giving me a protagonist who radiates everyman energy, at least don't have him do stupid things for no reason. The take on Greek mythology in the world building feels unique, as someone who grew up on Percy Jackson and read a fair amount of other middle grade and YA novels that also featured Greek mythology. I love how nasty many things in this world are, from the monsters to some of the more eldritch locations that appear. That snake monster in the burrow will haunt me; I hope Colter has written or will write some out-right horror. Colter does a really good job of handling the increasing scope of the novel: things start off small, and gradually escalate until the fate of the universe itself is in the hands of the protagonist. It's remarkably well done considering the size of the novel.
Alas, many good things came to an end in the latter half of the novel. The engaging world building was still there, but that's really they only positive that I can give. The romance was where things really started to go south for me. I did not give a single damn about Naia and Ty's relationship, and I could not tell you a thing about why they work as a couple. They both became far less interesting to me when about 60-70% of Ty's internal monologue was working through his feelings about Naia. The ending felt far too convenient and happened far too quickly. It did not totally kill the book for me, but it left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.
Overall, a flawed but intriguing read.
September 9, 2025
Thank you for this ARC I received from NetGalley
While the Gods Sleep
⭐️ 4/5
It’s Greek mythology, just… different. We follow Ty, a guy who’s already cheated death twice as a child and now, living a quiet life in Greece after the Second World War, suddenly gets dragged straight into the twisted games of gods and fate. And let me tell you—his peaceful locksmith days are over pretty fast.
What I really liked was how the book blended post-war Greece with mythology. Instead of the typical “epic hero goes on a quest,” we have this very normal man who stumbles into things way bigger than him—sleeping gods, eerie mid-worlds, debts he can’t pay, and danger at every turn. Add a demigod love interest into the mix, and you’ve got tension, heart, and a touch of romance in a story that’s otherwise filled with dread and mystery.
Ty surviving everything he does is both unbelievable and fascinating. It works, though, because the story leans into the idea of fate, inevitability, and the way gods like to play games with mortals. And honestly, that’s the part that hooked me—seeing how much control Ty really has over his own destiny when the gods are involved.
The pacing was solid, the world eerie but captivating, and while some parts felt a bit predictable, I enjoyed the ride. The atmosphere was heavy, but the character dynamics (especially the romance angle) gave it balance.
Final thought: A dark twist on Greek mythology, where gods are less majestic and more terrifying, and a mortal man tries to carve out his place in a world stacked against him. Definitely worth the read if you like myth retellings with a fresh spin.
While the Gods Sleep
⭐️ 4/5
It’s Greek mythology, just… different. We follow Ty, a guy who’s already cheated death twice as a child and now, living a quiet life in Greece after the Second World War, suddenly gets dragged straight into the twisted games of gods and fate. And let me tell you—his peaceful locksmith days are over pretty fast.
What I really liked was how the book blended post-war Greece with mythology. Instead of the typical “epic hero goes on a quest,” we have this very normal man who stumbles into things way bigger than him—sleeping gods, eerie mid-worlds, debts he can’t pay, and danger at every turn. Add a demigod love interest into the mix, and you’ve got tension, heart, and a touch of romance in a story that’s otherwise filled with dread and mystery.
Ty surviving everything he does is both unbelievable and fascinating. It works, though, because the story leans into the idea of fate, inevitability, and the way gods like to play games with mortals. And honestly, that’s the part that hooked me—seeing how much control Ty really has over his own destiny when the gods are involved.
The pacing was solid, the world eerie but captivating, and while some parts felt a bit predictable, I enjoyed the ride. The atmosphere was heavy, but the character dynamics (especially the romance angle) gave it balance.
Final thought: A dark twist on Greek mythology, where gods are less majestic and more terrifying, and a mortal man tries to carve out his place in a world stacked against him. Definitely worth the read if you like myth retellings with a fresh spin.
September 27, 2025
The story follows Ty, who feels as if he is going to win big during the ancient game of throwing bones, but he ends up losing. He owes a lot of money to a loan shark, and when that shark comes to collect, he offers Ty a chance to make it even without having to give any money. The only catch: Ty must head to Erebus to retrieve a key. At first, Ty thinks he is joking, but when he remembers his own past of seeing the gods when he almost drowned as a child, he has a little faith. Ty undergoes a brutal tattooing process to begin his journey. When he is dropped in the ocean, he must swim the rest of the way to get to Erebus, and when he ends up in a cave, his journey begins.
I thought this was such a fun book and easy read. Greek mythology sucks me in at anytime. I really thought this was a cool depiction of Erebus in Ty's eyes (seeing it as his city) - the world was cool as a whole with the parallels to Greece. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Naia and Ty (a little instalove, but what is to be expected when the daughter of Eros is involved). The curse itself was interesting as there was such a complexity between all the players involved with lots of twists and turns making you really question who you could trust and who you couldn't. I definitely was able to predict some of those and if they were actually a slumbering god or not. I think the pacing is what is off at times in this book as it can move a little slow. Also the switching of POVs within the same chapter was an odd choice.
Overall looking forward to what this author writes next.
Thanks netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Why did I read? I love Greek Mythology. Would I read again? Yes it was quick and fun
I thought this was such a fun book and easy read. Greek mythology sucks me in at anytime. I really thought this was a cool depiction of Erebus in Ty's eyes (seeing it as his city) - the world was cool as a whole with the parallels to Greece. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Naia and Ty (a little instalove, but what is to be expected when the daughter of Eros is involved). The curse itself was interesting as there was such a complexity between all the players involved with lots of twists and turns making you really question who you could trust and who you couldn't. I definitely was able to predict some of those and if they were actually a slumbering god or not. I think the pacing is what is off at times in this book as it can move a little slow. Also the switching of POVs within the same chapter was an odd choice.
Overall looking forward to what this author writes next.
Thanks netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Why did I read? I love Greek Mythology. Would I read again? Yes it was quick and fun
September 7, 2025
I m a sucker for anything even remotely related to Greek mythology.
Give me any retelling or twist on the old stories and I am in.
This book was a fun take on all the recent retellings, more of a twist on using Greek mythology and weaving it into a book that reads a bit like a fantasy novel and a little action adventure.
All of the Gods and monsters of Greek myth are used in really fun ways and I liked the idea of the two worlds and even giving Ty a sort of second sight so her could see both.
I liked the world building and the use of characters and the sort of “magic” that existed in Erebus, the so called underground world housing these creatures of myth.
The relationship between Naia and Ty was ok, but it felt a little rushed.
I really liked the first half of this book, it felt like a fantasy meets a heist movie but the whole retrieving “a key” took barely any time at all and then the story very much became more political intrigue.
Not to say I minded because when done well that is just as fun but it all felt a bit rushed near the end.
I can see that this is going to be a series or at least more than one book so I’m sure more things will happen as the story progresses but I do think some of the plot points from this book could have been saved for a sequel to better draw out the mystery of it all.
Overall a decent start and I do want to see where this series might go.
As ever, thank you to NetGalley for the arc.
4⭐️
Give me any retelling or twist on the old stories and I am in.
This book was a fun take on all the recent retellings, more of a twist on using Greek mythology and weaving it into a book that reads a bit like a fantasy novel and a little action adventure.
All of the Gods and monsters of Greek myth are used in really fun ways and I liked the idea of the two worlds and even giving Ty a sort of second sight so her could see both.
I liked the world building and the use of characters and the sort of “magic” that existed in Erebus, the so called underground world housing these creatures of myth.
The relationship between Naia and Ty was ok, but it felt a little rushed.
I really liked the first half of this book, it felt like a fantasy meets a heist movie but the whole retrieving “a key” took barely any time at all and then the story very much became more political intrigue.
Not to say I minded because when done well that is just as fun but it all felt a bit rushed near the end.
I can see that this is going to be a series or at least more than one book so I’m sure more things will happen as the story progresses but I do think some of the plot points from this book could have been saved for a sequel to better draw out the mystery of it all.
Overall a decent start and I do want to see where this series might go.
As ever, thank you to NetGalley for the arc.
4⭐️
September 21, 2025
If you love Greek myths with a dark twist, this one’s a treat. Set in 1958 Greece, While Gods Sleep follows Ty, a locksmith with a haunted past, who gets dragged into a dangerous world of gambling debts, gods under a spell, and monsters lurking under the surface. What starts as “just pay off a loan” spirals into something much bigger — and Colter does a great job weaving myth, magic, and moral stakes together.
What hit me well: the world-building is vivid (both Athens and the eerie underworld of Erebus feel alive), the mythological creatures and factions are creepy and interesting, and Ty is flawed in compelling ways — not perfect, so when he messes up, you actually worry. The stakes grow nicely, and while there are a lot of mythic nods (graeae, demi-gods, chthonic stuff) it never feels like mythology for its own sake — everything ties back into Ty’s journey.
What didn’t quite stick for me: some of the pacing drags in the middle, especially when alliance politics take over. A few twists are somewhat predictable if you’ve read other myth-heavy fantasy. Also, because there are so many minor characters and mythic factions, a couple felt less developed.
Overall: While Gods Sleep is a tense, thoughtful fantasy with monsters, gods, and a hero who doesn’t want to be one — but has to be. If you like your fantasy with mythology, moral ambiguity, and a darker tone, this is worth your time. #netgalley #whilethegodssleep
What hit me well: the world-building is vivid (both Athens and the eerie underworld of Erebus feel alive), the mythological creatures and factions are creepy and interesting, and Ty is flawed in compelling ways — not perfect, so when he messes up, you actually worry. The stakes grow nicely, and while there are a lot of mythic nods (graeae, demi-gods, chthonic stuff) it never feels like mythology for its own sake — everything ties back into Ty’s journey.
What didn’t quite stick for me: some of the pacing drags in the middle, especially when alliance politics take over. A few twists are somewhat predictable if you’ve read other myth-heavy fantasy. Also, because there are so many minor characters and mythic factions, a couple felt less developed.
Overall: While Gods Sleep is a tense, thoughtful fantasy with monsters, gods, and a hero who doesn’t want to be one — but has to be. If you like your fantasy with mythology, moral ambiguity, and a darker tone, this is worth your time. #netgalley #whilethegodssleep
September 23, 2025
While the Gods Sleep is the first in a planned trilogy following Ty, a young man living in Athens in the 1950s. Following a decline into serious gambling debt, Ty finds himself at the center of a plot between two factions of warring mythological beings. Thrust into the mire, Ty has to decide which side, if any, he will trust, and what is he willing and capable of doing to help them.
The author is clearly quite knowledgeable on Greek history and mythology. A number of detailed characters from ancient myth play both major and minor roles throughout the novel. However, the book doesn’t feel truly set in the 1950s – if anything, it felt more present day than 70 years in the past.
The plot is fast paced, which for a fantastical thriller is typically a good thing, but in this case, it works against Ty’s story. Some of the more action-packed scenes get lost inside themselves. Most of the major plot points felt like they were happening just to move the story along.
Ty in and of himself is a compelling character. His struggle with love, romantic relationships, trust and grief was interesting and realistic, and I wish the author had explored more of his internal dialogue. Overall, the story has more of a ‘telling’ bent than a ‘showing’ one that could possibly be rectified in the second installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Solaris Books for an Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.
The author is clearly quite knowledgeable on Greek history and mythology. A number of detailed characters from ancient myth play both major and minor roles throughout the novel. However, the book doesn’t feel truly set in the 1950s – if anything, it felt more present day than 70 years in the past.
The plot is fast paced, which for a fantastical thriller is typically a good thing, but in this case, it works against Ty’s story. Some of the more action-packed scenes get lost inside themselves. Most of the major plot points felt like they were happening just to move the story along.
Ty in and of himself is a compelling character. His struggle with love, romantic relationships, trust and grief was interesting and realistic, and I wish the author had explored more of his internal dialogue. Overall, the story has more of a ‘telling’ bent than a ‘showing’ one that could possibly be rectified in the second installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Solaris Books for an Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2025
While the Gods Sleep is the first book in the Perilous Gods series. It’s a Greek-mythology-inspired modern dark fantasy with a thread of romance, and it leans into some of my favorite story elements; especially the classic katabasis (descent into the underworld) and the reluctant hero.
Ty, the main character, doesn’t just stumble through this story, he endures trial after trial, and when he pushes through, it feels earned. As a reader, I got to feel disoriented and afraid alongside him, but also experience his growth. That’s one of the elements I appreciated most: the way his personal journey resonated so deeply.
This is a book that works on more than one level. On the surface, it’s a gripping fantasy adventure. But beneath that, I found myself thinking of it as a metaphor: about survival, obligation, and what it costs to be caught between worlds. Some things weren’t obvious on the page, and that subtlety made the story linger with me. It’s sticking in the best way, giving me undercurrents to chew on long after finishing.
I’d especially recommend this one to readers who love Greek mythology, but also to anyone looking for an adult version of Percy Jackson, or to readers of the classics who would love to see a fantasy retelling that reimagines those themes with modern grit and emotion.
Ty, the main character, doesn’t just stumble through this story, he endures trial after trial, and when he pushes through, it feels earned. As a reader, I got to feel disoriented and afraid alongside him, but also experience his growth. That’s one of the elements I appreciated most: the way his personal journey resonated so deeply.
This is a book that works on more than one level. On the surface, it’s a gripping fantasy adventure. But beneath that, I found myself thinking of it as a metaphor: about survival, obligation, and what it costs to be caught between worlds. Some things weren’t obvious on the page, and that subtlety made the story linger with me. It’s sticking in the best way, giving me undercurrents to chew on long after finishing.
I’d especially recommend this one to readers who love Greek mythology, but also to anyone looking for an adult version of Percy Jackson, or to readers of the classics who would love to see a fantasy retelling that reimagines those themes with modern grit and emotion.
September 23, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for this Advance reader copy.
This book is based on Grec Mythology and is about the concept of Katabasis : the journey to the underworld.
Ty is a young man who is forced by circumstances to go to the underworld and steal from a goddess but he found out that he is a just a pawn in a bigger play.
This book is divided into three parts.
For me personally the first and last one were really good.
The second part was where i was not fully convinced. There is too much going on, i feel like the multiple plot point from different characters’ pov, sometimes lost me.
I also think that the writing style was not my favourite because there were times when the descriptions of fight scenes and places made me feel like the author was trying too hard to put allegories everywhere which didn’t help comprehensive wise.
There was a tiny bit of romance in this book but personally i felt like it was superficial—which made it kinda unnecessary and flat—and would have loved if we dived a little more deeper into it.
It is still a good fantasy book for Grec mythology lovers that i would recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for this Advance reader copy.
This book is based on Grec Mythology and is about the concept of Katabasis : the journey to the underworld.
Ty is a young man who is forced by circumstances to go to the underworld and steal from a goddess but he found out that he is a just a pawn in a bigger play.
This book is divided into three parts.
For me personally the first and last one were really good.
The second part was where i was not fully convinced. There is too much going on, i feel like the multiple plot point from different characters’ pov, sometimes lost me.
I also think that the writing style was not my favourite because there were times when the descriptions of fight scenes and places made me feel like the author was trying too hard to put allegories everywhere which didn’t help comprehensive wise.
There was a tiny bit of romance in this book but personally i felt like it was superficial—which made it kinda unnecessary and flat—and would have loved if we dived a little more deeper into it.
It is still a good fantasy book for Grec mythology lovers that i would recommend.
August 30, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Solaris for the eARC
Nice enough read, with vivid descriptions and well researched. The story starts between the two world wars, follwing Ty, locksmith and gambler, is forced to travel to Erebus to retrieve an object in order for his debt to be erased. Of course, things aren't as easy as they could be, with factions, sleeping gods and love spells. Ty is thrown in the middle of all this and will have to chose what to do and who to follow and trust.
The author does know her history and mythology and use it to create a great tale, if a little simple and predictable if you have enough background in the genre.
The prose carries to story well, adding to the sense of atmosphere. I must say I wasn't that invested in the world, the characters or the story but kept going just to be sure of how the ending would play out. There are a few twists, and the resolution comes well at the end, making for an entertaining read. I can't say the little romance on the side interested me, but it's there and plays its part.
Nice enough read, with vivid descriptions and well researched. The story starts between the two world wars, follwing Ty, locksmith and gambler, is forced to travel to Erebus to retrieve an object in order for his debt to be erased. Of course, things aren't as easy as they could be, with factions, sleeping gods and love spells. Ty is thrown in the middle of all this and will have to chose what to do and who to follow and trust.
The author does know her history and mythology and use it to create a great tale, if a little simple and predictable if you have enough background in the genre.
The prose carries to story well, adding to the sense of atmosphere. I must say I wasn't that invested in the world, the characters or the story but kept going just to be sure of how the ending would play out. There are a few twists, and the resolution comes well at the end, making for an entertaining read. I can't say the little romance on the side interested me, but it's there and plays its part.
September 16, 2025
Dark, tense and vivid, While the Gods Sleep is a novel inspired by Greek mythology, but telling an original, compelling story set in mid-20th century Greece. It follows Ty, an unlucky gambler who makes a deal to pay his debt: he must descend into Erebus, survive the monsters that inhabit it, and steal a powerful object from a demi-goddess.
I liked much about this story. Ty, a reluctant, morally grey underdog, is a fun character to follow. I've always loved Greek Mythology, so it was fun to visit this innovative world populated with familiar characters. I also love cursed deals involving gods and terrible outcomes - right up to the end, it looked as if every choice Ty made was a terrible one. The romance at the end was plausible and quite sweet.
The only thing that bothered me a little was the sudden changes of POV - but the story was tense and fast-paced enough that it held my attention to the end. Overall - an original, imaginative novel with great characters.
I received an advanced copy from the author.
I liked much about this story. Ty, a reluctant, morally grey underdog, is a fun character to follow. I've always loved Greek Mythology, so it was fun to visit this innovative world populated with familiar characters. I also love cursed deals involving gods and terrible outcomes - right up to the end, it looked as if every choice Ty made was a terrible one. The romance at the end was plausible and quite sweet.
The only thing that bothered me a little was the sudden changes of POV - but the story was tense and fast-paced enough that it held my attention to the end. Overall - an original, imaginative novel with great characters.
I received an advanced copy from the author.
September 18, 2025
HUGE shoutout to Solaris Books for providing MY FIRST EVER advanced readers copy of a book. While The Gods Sleep - releasing 9/24/25.
The gods are sleeping and Ty, a mortal, gambler and locksmith, finds himself in the middle of a romance, a struggle for power, and an adventure in a world.
-Very good pacing with an emphasis on action, broken up by moments of characterization.
-Not so much in the vein of Circe, or Percy Jackson. Would be a good book for someone looking for a
fast and fun fantasy/romance narrative as opposed to true Greek retelling. Some Greek mythological background helps but is certainly not vital.
-Sometimes things were a bit too convenient for me to suspend my disbelief.
-The romance storyline felt thin, maybe a little too ‘love at first site’ for me. I could never see these
two grocery shopping together, which is apparently my barometer for relationship success.
-Cover of the book is beautiful and made me gravitate towards this novel.
Will definitely consider reading the sequel to this trilogy when it is released.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The gods are sleeping and Ty, a mortal, gambler and locksmith, finds himself in the middle of a romance, a struggle for power, and an adventure in a world.
-Very good pacing with an emphasis on action, broken up by moments of characterization.
-Not so much in the vein of Circe, or Percy Jackson. Would be a good book for someone looking for a
fast and fun fantasy/romance narrative as opposed to true Greek retelling. Some Greek mythological background helps but is certainly not vital.
-Sometimes things were a bit too convenient for me to suspend my disbelief.
-The romance storyline felt thin, maybe a little too ‘love at first site’ for me. I could never see these
two grocery shopping together, which is apparently my barometer for relationship success.
-Cover of the book is beautiful and made me gravitate towards this novel.
Will definitely consider reading the sequel to this trilogy when it is released.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 25, 2025
I was lucky enough to have had a chance to read an early version of this novel, and now I can safely say that L.D. Colter has done it again. Her Tim Powers-esque command of history, culture, and drama come together here in a creepy contemporary fantasy, and her powers of prose are as strong as ever (there are some haunting moments that still stick with me all these years later). Highly recommended for anyone who enjoyed "Last Call" or other horror/fantasy mixes.
November 15, 2025
Fantastic story set in early 20th century Greece and the underworld. Ty is down on his luck and his mother is dying, so he's forced to accept an assignment to travel via magic tattoos to steal an item for the chance to win back money he lost gambling. Fun for those familiar with the gods but engaging and fun even if not.
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