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This Immortal Heart
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The epic, captivating tale of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who must reconcile her mind and heart when she is drawn against all odds to Ares, the god of war, from the internationally bestselling author of Ariadne and Hera.
From the moment Aphrodite emerges fully formed from the sea, she is devastatingly beautiful and imbued with ancient power. Driven by passion yet strategic in how she moves through the halls of Olympus and the earthly realm alike, the free-willed goddess wields unparalleled influence over every living being.
When fate brings her face to face with Ares, she bristles at this surly, hot-tempered warrior who’s seemingly her disliked by everyone and devoted to stirring up conflict. Yet these gods are no more immune to the dizzying highs and lows of love and loss than anyone else, and soon, they are irresistibly drawn to one another.
As their love affair spans mortal lifetimes, Aphrodite begins to question the gods’ games and her role in them. But there’s only so much room for fire and passion in Zeus’s kingdom. Before long, she must test her devotion to her own divine purpose—and to a love that can only lead to ruin.
From the moment Aphrodite emerges fully formed from the sea, she is devastatingly beautiful and imbued with ancient power. Driven by passion yet strategic in how she moves through the halls of Olympus and the earthly realm alike, the free-willed goddess wields unparalleled influence over every living being.
When fate brings her face to face with Ares, she bristles at this surly, hot-tempered warrior who’s seemingly her disliked by everyone and devoted to stirring up conflict. Yet these gods are no more immune to the dizzying highs and lows of love and loss than anyone else, and soon, they are irresistibly drawn to one another.
As their love affair spans mortal lifetimes, Aphrodite begins to question the gods’ games and her role in them. But there’s only so much room for fire and passion in Zeus’s kingdom. Before long, she must test her devotion to her own divine purpose—and to a love that can only lead to ruin.
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 9, 2026
33 people are currently reading
25019 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Saint
10 books7,318 followersJennifer Saint is a Sunday Times bestselling author. Her debut novel, ARIADNE, was shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year 2021 and was a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards Fantasy category in 2021. Her second novel, ELEKTRA, comes out in 2022 and is another retelling of Greek mythology told in the voices of the women at the heart of the ancient legends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jennifer Saint offers an ambitious reimagining of one of Greek mythology’s most complex goddesses, but ultimately This Immortal Heart feels uneven in its execution. While there are moments of insight, the narrative arc struggles to build tension or fully explore the implications of its own creative choices.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is the characterisation of Aphrodite herself. Saint presents her as thoughtful and observant, and there are glimpses of a more introspective goddess beneath the familiar veneer of beauty and desire. However, Aphrodite often feels frustratingly passive. Despite being positioned as a powerful, ancient deity, she frequently reacts to events rather than shaping them, which undercuts the authority and agency the narrative seems to promise. This passivity is especially noticeable in her relationship with Ares. Ares feels underdeveloped, and the emotional foundation of their relationship feels thin. There is not enough build-up to make their connection compelling, which weakens what should be one of the most dynamic and charged relationships in Greek myth.
The retelling itself is extremely loose, and while reinterpretation is expected, the degree of deviation here often diminishes the story’s stakes. The marriage narrative is significantly altered, along with Hephaestus’s character. Galatea fleeing to Artemis’ forests and becoming her lover feels trite. Moreover, Eros is already born and has no father, rather than being fathered by Ares. These choices feel arbitrary rather than purposeful. Because the story selectively reshapes mythological elements without fully committing to the consequences of those changes, it becomes difficult to feel any real tension. The plot seems to pick and choose which myths to honour based on convenience, rather than using them to build a coherent internal logic.
The decision to make Aphrodite the daughter of Ouranos rather than Zeus is one of the more intriguing decisions, but it is not explored deeply enough. This origin should give Aphrodite a vastly different perspective from the Olympians—particularly given her references to being older than Ares and other gods. However, the calamity of her birth feels more like an afterthought than a defining aspect of her character. It rarely informs her decision-making or worldview in a meaningful way. Instead of delving into this unique perspective, the novel often falls back on extended sequences of plotting and name-dropping minor mythological figures—what readers have come to expect from Greek myth retellings, but without enough variation or emotional payoff to make them feel fresh. Without stronger character-driven tension or clearer thematic focus, these sections begin to feel repetitive.
Overall, while the novel has an interesting premise and a solid central character, it lacks narrative tension and emotional stakes. The looseness of the retelling, combined with underdeveloped relationships and missed opportunities for deeper character exploration, prevents the arc from fully realising its potential.
I received an advance review copy for free via NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily 📚.
One of the strongest aspects of the novel is the characterisation of Aphrodite herself. Saint presents her as thoughtful and observant, and there are glimpses of a more introspective goddess beneath the familiar veneer of beauty and desire. However, Aphrodite often feels frustratingly passive. Despite being positioned as a powerful, ancient deity, she frequently reacts to events rather than shaping them, which undercuts the authority and agency the narrative seems to promise. This passivity is especially noticeable in her relationship with Ares. Ares feels underdeveloped, and the emotional foundation of their relationship feels thin. There is not enough build-up to make their connection compelling, which weakens what should be one of the most dynamic and charged relationships in Greek myth.
The retelling itself is extremely loose, and while reinterpretation is expected, the degree of deviation here often diminishes the story’s stakes. The marriage narrative is significantly altered, along with Hephaestus’s character. Galatea fleeing to Artemis’ forests and becoming her lover feels trite. Moreover, Eros is already born and has no father, rather than being fathered by Ares. These choices feel arbitrary rather than purposeful. Because the story selectively reshapes mythological elements without fully committing to the consequences of those changes, it becomes difficult to feel any real tension. The plot seems to pick and choose which myths to honour based on convenience, rather than using them to build a coherent internal logic.
The decision to make Aphrodite the daughter of Ouranos rather than Zeus is one of the more intriguing decisions, but it is not explored deeply enough. This origin should give Aphrodite a vastly different perspective from the Olympians—particularly given her references to being older than Ares and other gods. However, the calamity of her birth feels more like an afterthought than a defining aspect of her character. It rarely informs her decision-making or worldview in a meaningful way. Instead of delving into this unique perspective, the novel often falls back on extended sequences of plotting and name-dropping minor mythological figures—what readers have come to expect from Greek myth retellings, but without enough variation or emotional payoff to make them feel fresh. Without stronger character-driven tension or clearer thematic focus, these sections begin to feel repetitive.
Overall, while the novel has an interesting premise and a solid central character, it lacks narrative tension and emotional stakes. The looseness of the retelling, combined with underdeveloped relationships and missed opportunities for deeper character exploration, prevents the arc from fully realising its potential.
I received an advance review copy for free via NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily 📚.
Want to Read
July 20, 2025Finally... Ares
April 17, 2026
4.5****
I really enjoyed this retelling!! This is probably my second favourite of Jennifer Saints (Ariadne will forever hold my heart).
I was so excited going into this book and I was not disappointed. This book is solely from the perspective of Aphrodite.
Jennifer’s take on Aphrodite was refreshing (and Ares too!!), it was so nice to see Aphrodite portrayed as a more gentle Goddess (I feel she is usually portrayed in Greek myth/retellings as very egotistical and a bit flighty). It showed her role as a goddess, the interactions with other gods, and how her and Ares come together. I especially enjoyed her love of mortals and her strong empathy skills.
I really loved reading Ares and Aphrodite together. The grumpy / dark and mysterious man and the goddess who seems his opposite in every way. How they are drawn together was beautiful. It was also great to see the character of Ares more fleshed out and a new perspective of him.
Jennifer writes in a beautiful lyrical way and her descriptions are so vivid that I had no issue imagining the beauty of some of the scenes.
Again, with her other retellings, the author seamlessly interweaves different Greek myths into the story. I was highly curious which myths Jennifer Saint would include in this retelling as Aphrodite in mentioned in a lot of them! And I was excited to uncover myths I had never heard of before.
Will I be buying this when it comes out? Absolutely!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the E-ARC
I really enjoyed this retelling!! This is probably my second favourite of Jennifer Saints (Ariadne will forever hold my heart).
I was so excited going into this book and I was not disappointed. This book is solely from the perspective of Aphrodite.
Jennifer’s take on Aphrodite was refreshing (and Ares too!!), it was so nice to see Aphrodite portrayed as a more gentle Goddess (I feel she is usually portrayed in Greek myth/retellings as very egotistical and a bit flighty). It showed her role as a goddess, the interactions with other gods, and how her and Ares come together. I especially enjoyed her love of mortals and her strong empathy skills.
I really loved reading Ares and Aphrodite together. The grumpy / dark and mysterious man and the goddess who seems his opposite in every way. How they are drawn together was beautiful. It was also great to see the character of Ares more fleshed out and a new perspective of him.
Jennifer writes in a beautiful lyrical way and her descriptions are so vivid that I had no issue imagining the beauty of some of the scenes.
Again, with her other retellings, the author seamlessly interweaves different Greek myths into the story. I was highly curious which myths Jennifer Saint would include in this retelling as Aphrodite in mentioned in a lot of them! And I was excited to uncover myths I had never heard of before.
Will I be buying this when it comes out? Absolutely!!
Thank you to NetGalley for the E-ARC
April 17, 2026
Thank you to the publishers for sending me an arc of this book!
3.5⭐️
I want to preface this by saying this is my first Greek mythology read and my first Jennifer saint book too. So I didn’t really know what to expect but I enjoyed it! Even though I don’t know the full lore about all the Greek gods, I enjoyed being introduced to them and other people we’ve all heard of before - Adonis, The Amazons etc
But I can’t comment on how accurate it is to the known mythological stories of Aphrodite out there as I’m unfamiliar.
The pacing was a little off and it felt like it was lots of little episodes but together rather than one full story. There also wasn’t much tension or build up at the end.
But I enjoyed the romance between the God of Love and the God of War and I did find myself not being able to put it down!
I will definitely be checking out Jennifer Saint’s other books because I love her writing!
3.5⭐️
I want to preface this by saying this is my first Greek mythology read and my first Jennifer saint book too. So I didn’t really know what to expect but I enjoyed it! Even though I don’t know the full lore about all the Greek gods, I enjoyed being introduced to them and other people we’ve all heard of before - Adonis, The Amazons etc
But I can’t comment on how accurate it is to the known mythological stories of Aphrodite out there as I’m unfamiliar.
The pacing was a little off and it felt like it was lots of little episodes but together rather than one full story. There also wasn’t much tension or build up at the end.
But I enjoyed the romance between the God of Love and the God of War and I did find myself not being able to put it down!
I will definitely be checking out Jennifer Saint’s other books because I love her writing!
February 10, 2026
This retelling was a breath of fresh air, I’m so happy Jennifer chose to write a gentle Aphrodite. Usually portrayed as haughty and self obsessed it was refreshing to see her reimagined as kind and somewhat naive.
Hephaestus usually surly and abrupt is shy and a little awkward where Ares is harsh and uncompromising.
I was a little sad to see Hera back to being typecast as jealous and quarrelsome again after loving her story so much, though it is Aphrodite’s POV so I suppose that’s fair. But guess what every retelling continues to agree on? Zeus is still a prick.
As for the story, the tension between Aphrodite and Ares in part one is nothing short of exquisite. The events leading to the inevitable marriage in part two were a great take on the story, in fact this felt like a retelling of a retelling exploring different motivations with softer eyes and I actually loved this version so much.
This was such an enjoyable read, I sped through it and I already can’t wait to see who gets the Saint treatment next. (Athena PLEASE) 🙏🏼
Hephaestus usually surly and abrupt is shy and a little awkward where Ares is harsh and uncompromising.
I was a little sad to see Hera back to being typecast as jealous and quarrelsome again after loving her story so much, though it is Aphrodite’s POV so I suppose that’s fair. But guess what every retelling continues to agree on? Zeus is still a prick.
As for the story, the tension between Aphrodite and Ares in part one is nothing short of exquisite. The events leading to the inevitable marriage in part two were a great take on the story, in fact this felt like a retelling of a retelling exploring different motivations with softer eyes and I actually loved this version so much.
This was such an enjoyable read, I sped through it and I already can’t wait to see who gets the Saint treatment next. (Athena PLEASE) 🙏🏼
February 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC!
This Immortal Heart - Aphrodite’s novel was a fever dream set in the backdrop of the feuding Greek Gods. Rather than the often-portrayed flippant Goddess of Love, Jennifer Saint’s Aphrodite, is a Goddess who actually cares about the mundane affairs of her human worshippers and goes to great trouble to rectify errors she inadvertently fashioned. The tension between the God of War and the Goddess of Love was absolutely perfect, who knew that Ares was capable of such love?. What captivated me the most was her genuine friendship with Hephaestus and her entourage. Reading This Immortal Heart on the heels of completing Hera (which I also enjoyed immensely), I appreciate how little repetition there was of the events in the previous novel. It was also a sharp contrast in portraying how Aphrodite ‘managed’ Zeus and Poseidon with her wiles vs Hera’s vengeful wrath.
I am already looking forward to the next installment in Jennifer Saint’s World of Greek Mythology. This Immortal Heart is another dazzling jewel in her collection!
This Immortal Heart - Aphrodite’s novel was a fever dream set in the backdrop of the feuding Greek Gods. Rather than the often-portrayed flippant Goddess of Love, Jennifer Saint’s Aphrodite, is a Goddess who actually cares about the mundane affairs of her human worshippers and goes to great trouble to rectify errors she inadvertently fashioned. The tension between the God of War and the Goddess of Love was absolutely perfect, who knew that Ares was capable of such love?. What captivated me the most was her genuine friendship with Hephaestus and her entourage. Reading This Immortal Heart on the heels of completing Hera (which I also enjoyed immensely), I appreciate how little repetition there was of the events in the previous novel. It was also a sharp contrast in portraying how Aphrodite ‘managed’ Zeus and Poseidon with her wiles vs Hera’s vengeful wrath.
I am already looking forward to the next installment in Jennifer Saint’s World of Greek Mythology. This Immortal Heart is another dazzling jewel in her collection!
February 28, 2026
The first 100 pages were very slow to read. After that, it became enjoyable. 3.5⭐️
March 31, 2026
An incredible and beautiful retelling, with a fresh take on Aphrodite. Saint weaves this story with so much passion and complexity it grips you from the very start, and it’s a breath of fresh air to read a version of Aphrodite that is a stark contrast to how she is perceived in other retellings, more gentle and thoughtful. Forever grateful for the ARC and couldn’t recommend this book enough!
April 8, 2026
4.5/5 RTF
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
I am a huge Greek Mythology fan, and have read many tales spanning the Greek Gods and Goddesses and their stories, strifes, loves and losses, and when I saw the ARC for this, I jumped at the chance!
I absolutely devoured the story of Aphrodite, I knew about her marriage to Hephaestus, and her love affair (Is it really, though???) with Ares. What part didn't sit right with me was her utter despondence when things broke off with him. Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love, and she is known for her lovers. I guess being the Goddess of Love doesn't spare you from heartbreak, though, does it?
I also feel the story paints Hephaestus in a much lighter and fluffier light, from the tales it's a stark difference, but I can see what Saint was going for, wanting to keep the story light. In the true myth, their marriage is not so amicable or friendly, and ends quite badly. Regardless of this, I absolutely devoured this book. The story is vivid, the emotions are tangible and I just couldn't put it down for love nor money.
I love Saint's style of writing, and her ability to capture her audience and keep you hooked is second to none. Amazing, an easy 5 stars for this.
I am a huge Greek Mythology fan, and have read many tales spanning the Greek Gods and Goddesses and their stories, strifes, loves and losses, and when I saw the ARC for this, I jumped at the chance!
I absolutely devoured the story of Aphrodite, I knew about her marriage to Hephaestus, and her love affair (Is it really, though???) with Ares. What part didn't sit right with me was her utter despondence when things broke off with him. Aphrodite is the Goddess of Love, and she is known for her lovers. I guess being the Goddess of Love doesn't spare you from heartbreak, though, does it?
I also feel the story paints Hephaestus in a much lighter and fluffier light, from the tales it's a stark difference, but I can see what Saint was going for, wanting to keep the story light. In the true myth, their marriage is not so amicable or friendly, and ends quite badly. Regardless of this, I absolutely devoured this book. The story is vivid, the emotions are tangible and I just couldn't put it down for love nor money.
I love Saint's style of writing, and her ability to capture her audience and keep you hooked is second to none. Amazing, an easy 5 stars for this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Once again Jennifer Saint enriches a story that we all know and love and makes something new and magical eminate from the pages (or in this instance, a screen).
I have been lucky enough to read the ARC copy of this book and it did not disappoint. We follow Aphrodite and her turmoilous love with the God of War. One cannot be without the other: Love and War, always at odds with eachother, but also living side-by-side harmoniously.
The story deviates between their love affair and stories that they become involved in, notably Aphrodite's marriage to Ares's brother, Hephaestus and how it effects them both. The self-proclaimed exile of Ares and the lives they create for themselves from the pieces of broken hearts. To when they realise it was all too much and they actually belong together.
There was passion (without the need for spicy scenes), there was humbleness, quiet laughter, so much content that it was impossible to put down and of course, love and war(s). Jennifer Saint clearly puts a lot of time and effort into her work and it shows on every page. She fills the pages with atmosphere, colour and imagination. She has a way with words that transports you to the point she is making. I have enjoyed this book as much as I hoped I would.
5⭐️
0 🌶
Fave quotes:
"Love is always the antidote to loss, the balm to any wound"
"If you didn't care so much, you wouldn't be the Goddess of Love". He takes a breath. "You wouldn't be the Goddess / love..."
"... he's appealing to my heart, it has already shrivelled to ashes in the furnace of my wrath".
"Hurt and grief are not the price of love; they are the testaments to its strength".
I have been lucky enough to read the ARC copy of this book and it did not disappoint. We follow Aphrodite and her turmoilous love with the God of War. One cannot be without the other: Love and War, always at odds with eachother, but also living side-by-side harmoniously.
The story deviates between their love affair and stories that they become involved in, notably Aphrodite's marriage to Ares's brother, Hephaestus and how it effects them both. The self-proclaimed exile of Ares and the lives they create for themselves from the pieces of broken hearts. To when they realise it was all too much and they actually belong together.
There was passion (without the need for spicy scenes), there was humbleness, quiet laughter, so much content that it was impossible to put down and of course, love and war(s). Jennifer Saint clearly puts a lot of time and effort into her work and it shows on every page. She fills the pages with atmosphere, colour and imagination. She has a way with words that transports you to the point she is making. I have enjoyed this book as much as I hoped I would.
5⭐️
0 🌶
Fave quotes:
"Love is always the antidote to loss, the balm to any wound"
"If you didn't care so much, you wouldn't be the Goddess of Love". He takes a breath. "You wouldn't be the Goddess / love..."
"... he's appealing to my heart, it has already shrivelled to ashes in the furnace of my wrath".
"Hurt and grief are not the price of love; they are the testaments to its strength".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2026
3.5 rounded up. I was unsure going into This Immortal Heart after really not liking Hera, but this feels like it was written by a completely different author (in a good way)!
This Immortal Heart takes a look at Aphrodite’s story — mainly her romance with Ares. Ares was as broody and morally grey as you’re typically MMC in modern Romantasy, which I loved. I also enjoyed watching Aphrodite grow and also confront double standards, both her own and those put on her.
The use of first person really made a difference compared to Hera, as did Saint’s decision to tackle a smaller range of myths. For comparison, a huge plotline of This Immortal Heart is maybe a chapter in Hera. This let Saint have more creative freedom with her story and helped me get more invested. If you are a mythology buff you’ll appreciate Saint’s ability to tackle similar storylines within her own novels from different angles using varying original mythology sourcing (the Author’s Note at the end is very interesting).
Read if…
- you like mythology (even if you didn’t like Hera)
- you enjoy a broody and morally grey MMC
Skip if…
- you want a strict retelling of Greek mythology (would have liked seeing Eros as her and Ares’ son)
- you dislike an occasionally passive FMC
Spice: 🌶️
Violence: 🗡️
*Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
This Immortal Heart takes a look at Aphrodite’s story — mainly her romance with Ares. Ares was as broody and morally grey as you’re typically MMC in modern Romantasy, which I loved. I also enjoyed watching Aphrodite grow and also confront double standards, both her own and those put on her.
The use of first person really made a difference compared to Hera, as did Saint’s decision to tackle a smaller range of myths. For comparison, a huge plotline of This Immortal Heart is maybe a chapter in Hera. This let Saint have more creative freedom with her story and helped me get more invested. If you are a mythology buff you’ll appreciate Saint’s ability to tackle similar storylines within her own novels from different angles using varying original mythology sourcing (the Author’s Note at the end is very interesting).
Read if…
- you like mythology (even if you didn’t like Hera)
- you enjoy a broody and morally grey MMC
Skip if…
- you want a strict retelling of Greek mythology (would have liked seeing Eros as her and Ares’ son)
- you dislike an occasionally passive FMC
Spice: 🌶️
Violence: 🗡️
*Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review*
January 4, 2026
Saint writes so well about Greek mythology and with particular emphasis on the female perspective, a genre which has given us some great novels from the likes of Natalie Haynes, Pat Barker and my current favourite Claire North.
This book centres on Aphrodite (intriguing fact: this is the first of her books which does not have the central character’s name as its title) and particularly her relationship with Ares and Hephaestus.
The insights are interesting - Aphrodite is more excited and interested in the fate of mortals than her fellow gods. Events are based on established mythology and we meet well known characters like Pandora, Adonis, Eros and the Amazons within the narrative.
However, the central relationship isn’t fully convincing and events tend to be rather episodic. That doesn’t mean they’re any less entertaining though and it will be interesting to see which character becomes the focus in Saint’s next novel.
Athena is seen by Aphrodite as austere and one-dimensional so surely deserves an opportunity to present her own view of the world!
(I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review)
This book centres on Aphrodite (intriguing fact: this is the first of her books which does not have the central character’s name as its title) and particularly her relationship with Ares and Hephaestus.
The insights are interesting - Aphrodite is more excited and interested in the fate of mortals than her fellow gods. Events are based on established mythology and we meet well known characters like Pandora, Adonis, Eros and the Amazons within the narrative.
However, the central relationship isn’t fully convincing and events tend to be rather episodic. That doesn’t mean they’re any less entertaining though and it will be interesting to see which character becomes the focus in Saint’s next novel.
Athena is seen by Aphrodite as austere and one-dimensional so surely deserves an opportunity to present her own view of the world!
(I was given an advance copy in exchange for an honest review)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Immortal Heart
A Novel of Aphrodite by Jennifer Saint
Pub Date Jun 09 2026
This Immortal Heart is a book about Aphrodite and Ares. Told through Aphrodite's POV. I like Jennifer Saint's writing and have enjoyed a few of her books. I've never been academic about how I write reviews. If I enjoyed the book, it was entertaining, it flowed well, the characters weren't annoying, and I finished it without wanting to put it down; that's a win for me. This book is a 4-5 star read. I love mythology and retellings. Did I LOVE Aphrodite? Not really. She was her, and her nature made her behave and think in certain ways. I liked that her character made sense. She's the goddess of love. She's strong and loves her followers. This is a story about her, Ares, her followers, Hephestus, and the politics of the Olympian Gods. Zeus is, of course, the universal A-hole. There really is no way to spin that one to make him any different. Ares and Hephestus, I really liked. They were true to their nature. They both had a past that shaped them and put them on different paths. Which I suspect is all of us.
Reading as Aphrodite weaved through life and the politics of Olympian court life while staying true to her core was interesting. The story flowed well. It is not a long read. Well paced.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine | Ballantine Books, for this galley. I was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
A Novel of Aphrodite by Jennifer Saint
Pub Date Jun 09 2026
This Immortal Heart is a book about Aphrodite and Ares. Told through Aphrodite's POV. I like Jennifer Saint's writing and have enjoyed a few of her books. I've never been academic about how I write reviews. If I enjoyed the book, it was entertaining, it flowed well, the characters weren't annoying, and I finished it without wanting to put it down; that's a win for me. This book is a 4-5 star read. I love mythology and retellings. Did I LOVE Aphrodite? Not really. She was her, and her nature made her behave and think in certain ways. I liked that her character made sense. She's the goddess of love. She's strong and loves her followers. This is a story about her, Ares, her followers, Hephestus, and the politics of the Olympian Gods. Zeus is, of course, the universal A-hole. There really is no way to spin that one to make him any different. Ares and Hephestus, I really liked. They were true to their nature. They both had a past that shaped them and put them on different paths. Which I suspect is all of us.
Reading as Aphrodite weaved through life and the politics of Olympian court life while staying true to her core was interesting. The story flowed well. It is not a long read. Well paced.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine | Ballantine Books, for this galley. I was under no obligation to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
April 26, 2026
This is a review following the receipt of an Advanced Reader Copy via NetGalley.
Firstly, thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC. This was a magnificent read, and I feel so lucky to have read it early! This was one of my most anticipated books of 2026 and it didn’t disappoint me at all.
I loved the angst, the action and the tension. Some depictions of Aphrodite have painted her in a more negative light, so it was also interesting to view her in another perspective.
Like all Greek mythology, what would it be without drama? I’d bring the popcorn every time Zeus appears on the page if I were you!
This was engaging from start to finish and has truly been a delight to read. Thank you so much!
Firstly, thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC. This was a magnificent read, and I feel so lucky to have read it early! This was one of my most anticipated books of 2026 and it didn’t disappoint me at all.
I loved the angst, the action and the tension. Some depictions of Aphrodite have painted her in a more negative light, so it was also interesting to view her in another perspective.
Like all Greek mythology, what would it be without drama? I’d bring the popcorn every time Zeus appears on the page if I were you!
This was engaging from start to finish and has truly been a delight to read. Thank you so much!
January 6, 2026
I generally enjoy Greek myth retellings and I found this one interesting in its focus on Aphrodite and intra-Olympian politicking. The story lacked emotional resonance for me, however, and the character development felt a little flat. Maybe it’s too tall an order to make the gods of Mount Olympus relatable, but none of the main characters really came alive for me and so their trials and tribulations left me only mildly interested. The pacing also struck me as slightly off, with the Scythia portion of the story compressed right at the end despite the considerable narrative weight it was meant to hold, and the Adonis storyline being so brief as to have virtually no impact on the reader.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader copy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance reader copy.
February 23, 2026
This is a really beautiful retelling, I loved the prose and characterization. I knew a little bit about Aphrodite going into the book, specifically her relationship with Hephaestus, but didn’t know much at all about her and Ares. This portrayal of the intensity and longing in their relationship has such a great payoff.
The pacing felt a bit choppy at times, more like a bunch of shorter stories about Aphrodite melded into one. Despite the ending feeling a bit rushed, it was still satisfying. I couldn’t put this down!
The pacing felt a bit choppy at times, more like a bunch of shorter stories about Aphrodite melded into one. Despite the ending feeling a bit rushed, it was still satisfying. I couldn’t put this down!
April 4, 2026
Jennifer Saint has done it again! And I fear this may be my favourite so far - I absolutely devoured this story. I loved this gentle, soft version of Aphrodite and her view of the world. It was a beautiful romance, but still filled with the usual vengeful, angry gods and fascinating glimpses into other myths, like Pandora’s box. I’d highly recommend for fans of Greek mythology retellings, especially if you enjoy a truly poetic, yearning romance story as well. These two have my heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC!
Want to Read
December 23, 2025aphrodite and ares??? hell yes
Read
March 25, 2026Thank you NetGalley for the eARC!
Read
February 4, 2026EARC LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO
April 25, 2026
The 1st and 3rd act of Saints retelling of Aphrodite and Ares love affair were excellent. However, the momentum really fell lax in the middle. As always, stellar character and settings writing, but the missing cherry on top in my opinion was a more fluid and tight plot. I will read this women’s grocery list at this point, always looking for her next bold and immersive recounts of Greek mythology!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Was so excited to read this after enjoying Ariadne but it was a miss for me. I did enjoy the interpersonal politics between the gods on Mount Olympus, but overall I think the plot struggled to build tension and lead to any kind of pay off for the reader, with the second half in particular feeling quite rushed.
This retelling veered too far from established myth for me, and too many characters and stories were added that didn't have an impact on the overall plot or on Aphrodite's arc. This made some parts begin to feel repetitive and formulaic.
I really wanted to love this, but Aphrodite's passivity and the lack of characterisation of the other gods left me feeling cold.
I'll still look forward to Jennifer Saint's future retellings but this one wasn't for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin/Viking for this eARC
This retelling veered too far from established myth for me, and too many characters and stories were added that didn't have an impact on the overall plot or on Aphrodite's arc. This made some parts begin to feel repetitive and formulaic.
I really wanted to love this, but Aphrodite's passivity and the lack of characterisation of the other gods left me feeling cold.
I'll still look forward to Jennifer Saint's future retellings but this one wasn't for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin/Viking for this eARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
****Many thanks to Netgalley, Random House and Ballantine for an advanced eArc in exchange for my honest opinion****
1 Star means there was nothing redeemable in this book sadly.
First off I don't know what this Aphrodite stood for other than answering her worshippers prayers like it's a checklist. I don't even get the faintest whiff that Aphrodite is about Love in this book in general.. Which is sad since its about her... It is told to us that she "deeply" cares about the mortals she blesses but the interactions between them don't make me believe that one bit. The legend of Pygmalion is he actually deeply hated women in general so he sculpted "the perfect woman" and fell in love with it, not he was generally okay with women, the sculpture came to life and then he hated women.
Aphrodite in this retelling is flighty and I don't like that, I would have thought she would stand up for what she believes in or loves because love requires that at times but no... she literally goes with the flow in almost every regard. "Oh look the mortal I blessed is dead... I'm upset only because I blessed him/her". "No I won't run away with Ares, I "care" too much about my worshippers"... Or being told by The Graces and Eros the ONLY way to get over a broken heart is to fall in with another lover. ICK.
Jennifer Saint did Ares so so bad. I feel like Aphrodite herself didn't understand that Ares does not create war he is called to it because that is his affinity. He answers his worshippers same as she does. Just because it is violent does not make Ares any less than Aphrodite. The scenes between the two of them had me constantly rolling my eyes. I felt no passion, no heartache, no yearning.. NOTHING.
I'm also confused as to where their children are? Harmonia, Phobos, Deimos, Eros and Anteros? For some reason Eros is already born before Aphrodite and Ares become lovers I'd love to know who his father is.. Oh wait she supposedly gives birth to Eros by herself? With her leftover power from when she herself was born? Oh yeah no that is ACTUALLY what happened...
All the other gods felt watered down, Hephaestus, Zeus and Poseidon I noticed the most. I felt like I learned more about the Olympian Gods with Rick Riordan's Lightning Thief Series.
I don't know I am not feeling any passion or heart coming from Jennifer Saint in her books. It comes off as her researching significant event's in whatever character/god she is writing about and copy/pasting. Like I'm sorry where are the event's from her Hera book? The uprising that happened and the giants and other creatures attacked Mount Olympus. Or I don't know THE TROJAN WAR. Which is a major event that Aphrodite was a part of. We didn't even get the wedding with the apple.
1 Star for the legends of Ares (not her book Ares).
1 Star means there was nothing redeemable in this book sadly.
First off I don't know what this Aphrodite stood for other than answering her worshippers prayers like it's a checklist. I don't even get the faintest whiff that Aphrodite is about Love in this book in general.. Which is sad since its about her... It is told to us that she "deeply" cares about the mortals she blesses but the interactions between them don't make me believe that one bit. The legend of Pygmalion is he actually deeply hated women in general so he sculpted "the perfect woman" and fell in love with it, not he was generally okay with women, the sculpture came to life and then he hated women.
Aphrodite in this retelling is flighty and I don't like that, I would have thought she would stand up for what she believes in or loves because love requires that at times but no... she literally goes with the flow in almost every regard. "Oh look the mortal I blessed is dead... I'm upset only because I blessed him/her". "No I won't run away with Ares, I "care" too much about my worshippers"... Or being told by The Graces and Eros the ONLY way to get over a broken heart is to fall in with another lover. ICK.
Jennifer Saint did Ares so so bad. I feel like Aphrodite herself didn't understand that Ares does not create war he is called to it because that is his affinity. He answers his worshippers same as she does. Just because it is violent does not make Ares any less than Aphrodite. The scenes between the two of them had me constantly rolling my eyes. I felt no passion, no heartache, no yearning.. NOTHING.
I'm also confused as to where their children are? Harmonia, Phobos, Deimos, Eros and Anteros? For some reason Eros is already born before Aphrodite and Ares become lovers I'd love to know who his father is.. Oh wait she supposedly gives birth to Eros by herself? With her leftover power from when she herself was born? Oh yeah no that is ACTUALLY what happened...
All the other gods felt watered down, Hephaestus, Zeus and Poseidon I noticed the most. I felt like I learned more about the Olympian Gods with Rick Riordan's Lightning Thief Series.
I don't know I am not feeling any passion or heart coming from Jennifer Saint in her books. It comes off as her researching significant event's in whatever character/god she is writing about and copy/pasting. Like I'm sorry where are the event's from her Hera book? The uprising that happened and the giants and other creatures attacked Mount Olympus. Or I don't know THE TROJAN WAR. Which is a major event that Aphrodite was a part of. We didn't even get the wedding with the apple.
1 Star for the legends of Ares (not her book Ares).
February 4, 2026
ARC review—thank you Ballantine books for the digital copy via NetGalley!
Solid 4 star read. Jennifer Saint can do no wrong to me! Two fierce gods, uncompromising in their beliefs fall in love? Ya I’m sold. It was very Romeo and Juliet star crossed lovers and I enjoyed every minute of it.
There are a few reasons why I read this book in under 24 hours:
Readability: Jennifer Saint writes books that are easy to immediately fall into. I was immersed in this story specifically because of the sensuality of the prose. Everything used to describe Aphrodite or her actions was based on her senses which means I could taste the ambrosia, feel the fluttering of hearts and shuttering of earth as she walked through villages, and smell the ripening fruit and smoke from her altars
Character development:Aphrodite and Ares could easily be one dimensional characters because we know them by their functions alone in Greek mythology. Aphrodite is the goddess of love which could make her shallow or naive but she grows into a thoughtful mediator of the heart and comes to understand there are so many different forms of love and that lust is not love. Love takes commitment and care. Ares could be the furious wrathful god of war but through Saint’s writing we get a softer simp side to him which makes their love story more believable. I also love the idea that they’re two sides of the same coin—both in the business of passion and destruction
Plot: Even thought we studied these myths in school, Saint makes them come alive on the page for us in way that feel fresh and vibrant. Her signature showcasing of feminine rage leads the way as Aphrodite experiences the consequences of meddling gods and men who have unchecked power. It’s also front and center when we get to the story of the Amazons (such a nice touch) and their unique way of life. This may be the first HEA I’ve read in a JS book and I loved the second chance romance of it all.
My 1 star off is based on a personal preference in how the plot unfurled: [minor spoiler] I wish that as Aphrodite’s power waned and she realized it’s because she wasn’t experiencing true love that that’s when she received the call from Scythia. I don’t want to say it cheapened her love for Ares to have her side quest with Adonis but to charis’ point it felt like a bandaid solution or running away from her actual problems instead of facing them. In the end though I got what I wanted (Ares + Aphrodite forever!!!)
Solid 4 star read. Jennifer Saint can do no wrong to me! Two fierce gods, uncompromising in their beliefs fall in love? Ya I’m sold. It was very Romeo and Juliet star crossed lovers and I enjoyed every minute of it.
There are a few reasons why I read this book in under 24 hours:
Readability: Jennifer Saint writes books that are easy to immediately fall into. I was immersed in this story specifically because of the sensuality of the prose. Everything used to describe Aphrodite or her actions was based on her senses which means I could taste the ambrosia, feel the fluttering of hearts and shuttering of earth as she walked through villages, and smell the ripening fruit and smoke from her altars
Character development:Aphrodite and Ares could easily be one dimensional characters because we know them by their functions alone in Greek mythology. Aphrodite is the goddess of love which could make her shallow or naive but she grows into a thoughtful mediator of the heart and comes to understand there are so many different forms of love and that lust is not love. Love takes commitment and care. Ares could be the furious wrathful god of war but through Saint’s writing we get a softer simp side to him which makes their love story more believable. I also love the idea that they’re two sides of the same coin—both in the business of passion and destruction
Plot: Even thought we studied these myths in school, Saint makes them come alive on the page for us in way that feel fresh and vibrant. Her signature showcasing of feminine rage leads the way as Aphrodite experiences the consequences of meddling gods and men who have unchecked power. It’s also front and center when we get to the story of the Amazons (such a nice touch) and their unique way of life. This may be the first HEA I’ve read in a JS book and I loved the second chance romance of it all.
My 1 star off is based on a personal preference in how the plot unfurled: [minor spoiler] I wish that as Aphrodite’s power waned and she realized it’s because she wasn’t experiencing true love that that’s when she received the call from Scythia. I don’t want to say it cheapened her love for Ares to have her side quest with Adonis but to charis’ point it felt like a bandaid solution or running away from her actual problems instead of facing them. In the end though I got what I wanted (Ares + Aphrodite forever!!!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Firstly, an absolutely humongous thank you to Viking Books for sending me an ARC of this book. It is my most anticipated read of this year and I cannot tell you how happy you have made me.
Secondly, I don't think I'm jumping the gun to say this will be my favourite read of the year. I have loved every book Jennifer Saint has written so far, but This Immortal Heart just became my absolute favourite of all her books.
Saint has a way with words that makes these well known myths brand new, gripping and so emotive. I could easily cry just thinking about it. I've read a few versions of the Greek myths and I mostly find the gods unlikable. Not in Saint's books. I have completely fallen in love with Aphrodite and Ares! Reading their love story brought me heartache and joy alike, and I think Ares may be my favourite of the all the gods now.
In this book, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, is full of passion and devoted to her followers. I liked her immediately and enjoyed getting her perspective on life on Olympus with the other Gods. Ares was much more mysterious. He spent little time on Olympus because his father is Zeus and, to be fair, you can't blame him for wanting to have a little contact with him as possible!
When Aphrodite and Ares come together, it looks like a classic case of opposites attract but it's deeper than that. Ares is so much more caring and kind that his domain as the God of war would have you believe. The two share more values than you'd expect and their passion for each other is beautiful and heart warming.
Without giving too much away for anyone who hasn't read the myths, I knew what was to come with Aphrodite and Hephaestus (who is also a lot more likeable and gentle in this retelling than the myths themselves) but knowing it was coming didn't prevent the heartbreak and pure rage I felt on Aphrodites behalf.
I felt like I was living everything as Aphrodite was, walking in her shoes and feeling it all!! Then the ending... again, trying not to give anything away, but it ends perfectly! I couldn't have asked for any more.
This book is now my favourite of all the Greek mythology retellings I've read and loved. I will be recommending this book to all Greek mythology lovers, all romance lovers, all fantasy lovers... everyone really!! And I know I'll be rereading it many times in the future.
Secondly, I don't think I'm jumping the gun to say this will be my favourite read of the year. I have loved every book Jennifer Saint has written so far, but This Immortal Heart just became my absolute favourite of all her books.
Saint has a way with words that makes these well known myths brand new, gripping and so emotive. I could easily cry just thinking about it. I've read a few versions of the Greek myths and I mostly find the gods unlikable. Not in Saint's books. I have completely fallen in love with Aphrodite and Ares! Reading their love story brought me heartache and joy alike, and I think Ares may be my favourite of the all the gods now.
In this book, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, is full of passion and devoted to her followers. I liked her immediately and enjoyed getting her perspective on life on Olympus with the other Gods. Ares was much more mysterious. He spent little time on Olympus because his father is Zeus and, to be fair, you can't blame him for wanting to have a little contact with him as possible!
When Aphrodite and Ares come together, it looks like a classic case of opposites attract but it's deeper than that. Ares is so much more caring and kind that his domain as the God of war would have you believe. The two share more values than you'd expect and their passion for each other is beautiful and heart warming.
Without giving too much away for anyone who hasn't read the myths, I knew what was to come with Aphrodite and Hephaestus (who is also a lot more likeable and gentle in this retelling than the myths themselves) but knowing it was coming didn't prevent the heartbreak and pure rage I felt on Aphrodites behalf.
I felt like I was living everything as Aphrodite was, walking in her shoes and feeling it all!! Then the ending... again, trying not to give anything away, but it ends perfectly! I couldn't have asked for any more.
This book is now my favourite of all the Greek mythology retellings I've read and loved. I will be recommending this book to all Greek mythology lovers, all romance lovers, all fantasy lovers... everyone really!! And I know I'll be rereading it many times in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Click here for my full review.
Thank you to Penguin for providing this ARC via Netgalley.
“Gods need worship, and mortals need stories.”
Are you a reader or an author? That might be the fundamental question of myth retellings. The genre’s protagonists, such as Pat Barker’s Briseis or Ariadne in Saint’s debut novel, are often women constrained powerful men: like the books’ readers, they can’t change the outcome of a dated and uncomfortable text, only observe with horror.
Not so with Aphrodite. While beholden to Zeus’ will, Saint’s adaptation grants her the power to challenge him—and the myths we seemingly know. Ovid tells the story of the sculptor Pygmalion, whose love for a statue he creates causes Aphrodite to give it life as the maiden Galatea. But Saint shows us the all-too-plausible aftermath: believing he’s favoured by the gods, Pygmalion grows vain and misogynistic, and Aphrodite grants Galatea courage to leave him. “I have plenty of power,” thinks Aphrodite, “here is the chance to use it for something worthwhile.”
Saint’s goddess isn’t just a reader, but an author. When Zeus uses Pandora to punish humanity, Aphrodite ensures Pandora and her husband Epimetheus find safe haven elsewhere: “It’s love that I care about more than anything else, and Zeus can’t destroy that,” Aphrodite thinks. The philosophy behind retellings can’t get more obvious: the patriarchal tyrant Zeus spinning misogynistic stories, Aphrodite’s intervention adding new dimensions.
But the novel’s pace flags halfway, with an increasingly constrained Aphrodite living out predictable versions of stories like the death of Adonis. THIS IMMORTAL HEART rallies with its conclusion, a compelling justification of her love for the god of war Ares, but never revives its first act’s sense of daring.
Maybe that’s the point: showing Aphrodite’s storytelling being diminished, revealing how she’s vulnerable despite her power. That’s a tragic note which THIS IMMORTAL HEART strikes effectively. However, it’s in those earlier scenes of a boldly authorial Aphrodite where we can see Saint’s unique vision at play...
“Gods need worship, and mortals need stories.”
Are you a reader or an author? That might be the fundamental question of myth retellings. The genre’s protagonists, such as Pat Barker’s Briseis or Ariadne in Saint’s debut novel, are often women constrained powerful men: like the books’ readers, they can’t change the outcome of a dated and uncomfortable text, only observe with horror.
Not so with Aphrodite. While beholden to Zeus’ will, Saint’s adaptation grants her the power to challenge him—and the myths we seemingly know. Ovid tells the story of the sculptor Pygmalion, whose love for a statue he creates causes Aphrodite to give it life as the maiden Galatea. But Saint shows us the all-too-plausible aftermath: believing he’s favoured by the gods, Pygmalion grows vain and misogynistic, and Aphrodite grants Galatea courage to leave him. “I have plenty of power,” thinks Aphrodite, “here is the chance to use it for something worthwhile.”
Saint’s goddess isn’t just a reader, but an author. When Zeus uses Pandora to punish humanity, Aphrodite ensures Pandora and her husband Epimetheus find safe haven elsewhere: “It’s love that I care about more than anything else, and Zeus can’t destroy that,” Aphrodite thinks. The philosophy behind retellings can’t get more obvious: the patriarchal tyrant Zeus spinning misogynistic stories, Aphrodite’s intervention adding new dimensions.
But the novel’s pace flags halfway, with an increasingly constrained Aphrodite living out predictable versions of stories like the death of Adonis. THIS IMMORTAL HEART rallies with its conclusion, a compelling justification of her love for the god of war Ares, but never revives its first act’s sense of daring.
Maybe that’s the point: showing Aphrodite’s storytelling being diminished, revealing how she’s vulnerable despite her power. That’s a tragic note which THIS IMMORTAL HEART strikes effectively. However, it’s in those earlier scenes of a boldly authorial Aphrodite where we can see Saint’s unique vision at play...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars!
What a beautiful retelling of Aphrodite. While we commonly associate the goddess of love with shallow romance, petty drama, and unnecessary conflict, Saint's retelling showcases Aphrodite's gentler side, the side responsible for making the world worth living in--the side that offers love and romance, not as a useless distraction from what's really important, but as vital to making sense of anything. Love is not a frivolous pastime to get lost in when you need a break from the real world, but a framework for understanding the very world you live in, a counterbalance, or a narrowing of the lens, to avoid falling into complete disorder. Love is not a break from reason; it's what gives reason to everything else.
We follow Aphrodite through her most famous moments in Greek mythology: her relationship with Ares, her marriage to Hephaestus, and her brief connections to Phaon and Adonis. Throughout it all, we see how Aphrodite is not an extraneous or weak goddess. As the other Olympian gods struggle for power against each other, Aphrodite is there to keep everything in check. Though her influence is quiet and discreet--and more often than not, overlooked--much of Aphrodite's strength comes her very distance from the gods. She does not need, or desire, the approval of the Olympians.
While I greatly enjoyed the story, the writing style was not my favorite. At times, I wish we were able to infer what Aphrodite was feeling rather than having it directly told to us. Saint's prose is strong enough to illustrate the emotional undertones of the story. It felt redundant to have what was so clearly conveyed in the text stated to us. It feels counterintuitive, but I would have been much more drawn to the story if we were kept at a little more of a distance, if we had to work more at understanding Aphrodite's character and her motives--once again, if we had to infer rather than simply be told what was happening.
Regardless, I still found myself rooting for Aphrodite the entire way through. I'd recommend this to any Greek mythology fan.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for letting me read this early!
What a beautiful retelling of Aphrodite. While we commonly associate the goddess of love with shallow romance, petty drama, and unnecessary conflict, Saint's retelling showcases Aphrodite's gentler side, the side responsible for making the world worth living in--the side that offers love and romance, not as a useless distraction from what's really important, but as vital to making sense of anything. Love is not a frivolous pastime to get lost in when you need a break from the real world, but a framework for understanding the very world you live in, a counterbalance, or a narrowing of the lens, to avoid falling into complete disorder. Love is not a break from reason; it's what gives reason to everything else.
We follow Aphrodite through her most famous moments in Greek mythology: her relationship with Ares, her marriage to Hephaestus, and her brief connections to Phaon and Adonis. Throughout it all, we see how Aphrodite is not an extraneous or weak goddess. As the other Olympian gods struggle for power against each other, Aphrodite is there to keep everything in check. Though her influence is quiet and discreet--and more often than not, overlooked--much of Aphrodite's strength comes her very distance from the gods. She does not need, or desire, the approval of the Olympians.
While I greatly enjoyed the story, the writing style was not my favorite. At times, I wish we were able to infer what Aphrodite was feeling rather than having it directly told to us. Saint's prose is strong enough to illustrate the emotional undertones of the story. It felt redundant to have what was so clearly conveyed in the text stated to us. It feels counterintuitive, but I would have been much more drawn to the story if we were kept at a little more of a distance, if we had to work more at understanding Aphrodite's character and her motives--once again, if we had to infer rather than simply be told what was happening.
Regardless, I still found myself rooting for Aphrodite the entire way through. I'd recommend this to any Greek mythology fan.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for letting me read this early!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5⭐ rounded up
Jennifer Saint has really outdone herself with this one. While I have always enjoyed her writing, there's a polish and beauty to this prose that completely swept me away. If I hadn't had to work, I could have floated my way through the whole thing without looking up.
This Immortal Heart tells the story of how Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, fell in love with Ares, the god of war. As a long time fan of Saint who has recently become very interested in the figure of Aphrodite, I was really excited to see how she would be approached here and was not let down.
Saint really grounds all of the gods in their humanity, which is part of what made this her most emotive book yet for me, and despite some familiarity with the broad strokes of the mythology this felt fresh, and imagined some clever twists. Haephaestus, Ares and Aphrodite are all complicated people as well as powerful deities, and the interpersonal dynamic between this trio was heart achingly compelling. I also really enjoyed the time Dionysus spent on page.
This Aphrodite was a loving goddess of substance, and beyond all, passionate - to a fault, at times. Exploring how this passion could lead her to make choices for others without thinking through the fallout led my mind down some really interesting paths while reading. I particularly enjoyed the way the narrative had me considering consent & agency, as well as the similarities and differences between love and war.
My only slight issue was the pacing; as with a lot of retellings focused on the Olympians themselves, covering such a huge span of time left me feeling a little jerked around towards the end. But that was such a small part of my experience of this book that it's barely worth mentioning.
This is my favourite of Jennifer Saint's books yet, and I'd recommend it to those looking for a slightly more romantic tone to their retellings as well as to fantasy and romance readers unfamiliar with the myth. Thank you a hundred times over to Viking for sending me a GORGEOUS proof copy in exchange for a review, I will treasure it forever and ever
Jennifer Saint has really outdone herself with this one. While I have always enjoyed her writing, there's a polish and beauty to this prose that completely swept me away. If I hadn't had to work, I could have floated my way through the whole thing without looking up.
This Immortal Heart tells the story of how Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, fell in love with Ares, the god of war. As a long time fan of Saint who has recently become very interested in the figure of Aphrodite, I was really excited to see how she would be approached here and was not let down.
Saint really grounds all of the gods in their humanity, which is part of what made this her most emotive book yet for me, and despite some familiarity with the broad strokes of the mythology this felt fresh, and imagined some clever twists. Haephaestus, Ares and Aphrodite are all complicated people as well as powerful deities, and the interpersonal dynamic between this trio was heart achingly compelling. I also really enjoyed the time Dionysus spent on page.
This Aphrodite was a loving goddess of substance, and beyond all, passionate - to a fault, at times. Exploring how this passion could lead her to make choices for others without thinking through the fallout led my mind down some really interesting paths while reading. I particularly enjoyed the way the narrative had me considering consent & agency, as well as the similarities and differences between love and war.
My only slight issue was the pacing; as with a lot of retellings focused on the Olympians themselves, covering such a huge span of time left me feeling a little jerked around towards the end. But that was such a small part of my experience of this book that it's barely worth mentioning.
This is my favourite of Jennifer Saint's books yet, and I'd recommend it to those looking for a slightly more romantic tone to their retellings as well as to fantasy and romance readers unfamiliar with the myth. Thank you a hundred times over to Viking for sending me a GORGEOUS proof copy in exchange for a review, I will treasure it forever and ever
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Immortal Heart is the tale of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, and Are, God of War. On one hand we have Aphrodite, ruling over the loves and lusts of every heart, be it mortal or divine. Ruled by passion and desire, she strives to bring love and beauty to the world. Ares, on the other hand, inspires destruction, chaos and often fear. Two more different beings couldn't exist, and yet they are destined to come together...
First of all, I want to state that I adore Jennifer Saint's writing, and when I was accepted for this ARC I was thrilled. And I was not disappointed - she has done it again! The story is immersive, rich and encompassing, and I struggled to put it down. I adore a Greek mythology retelling, and I was not familiar with Aphrodite and Are's story beforehand, so it came as surprise to me how the tale unfolded.
Aphrodite is vital and passionate, emphatic, driven and loyal. She is as devoted to her followers as they are to her, and her dedication is admirable. She is not merely the Goddess of Love as she has come to be known recently, she is so much more than that. She also encompasses so many other traits - fury, responsibility, compassion, vulnerability, dedication. She reflects facets of womanhood that we all embody, given the opportunity. She struggles with her feelings and comprehension of the world around her in a very human way. Her relationship with Ares has her questioning her own feelings and thoughts, and makes her so accessible - not just a Goddess, but a person. And as Aphrodite struggles with her feelings, so does Ares - after all, he was created for destruction, not love. The fact that even Gods and Goddesses have doubts and concerns was somewhat comforting to me as a reader, and made me feel I understood them better.
This book is beautifully written, with wonderful descriptions of Mount Olympus and the wider world portrayed in Greek mythology. It's explorations of love, conflict, desire and anger are wonderfully done, and I can't wait to own a physical copy of this wonderful book for my selves.
First of all, I want to state that I adore Jennifer Saint's writing, and when I was accepted for this ARC I was thrilled. And I was not disappointed - she has done it again! The story is immersive, rich and encompassing, and I struggled to put it down. I adore a Greek mythology retelling, and I was not familiar with Aphrodite and Are's story beforehand, so it came as surprise to me how the tale unfolded.
Aphrodite is vital and passionate, emphatic, driven and loyal. She is as devoted to her followers as they are to her, and her dedication is admirable. She is not merely the Goddess of Love as she has come to be known recently, she is so much more than that. She also encompasses so many other traits - fury, responsibility, compassion, vulnerability, dedication. She reflects facets of womanhood that we all embody, given the opportunity. She struggles with her feelings and comprehension of the world around her in a very human way. Her relationship with Ares has her questioning her own feelings and thoughts, and makes her so accessible - not just a Goddess, but a person. And as Aphrodite struggles with her feelings, so does Ares - after all, he was created for destruction, not love. The fact that even Gods and Goddesses have doubts and concerns was somewhat comforting to me as a reader, and made me feel I understood them better.
This book is beautifully written, with wonderful descriptions of Mount Olympus and the wider world portrayed in Greek mythology. It's explorations of love, conflict, desire and anger are wonderfully done, and I can't wait to own a physical copy of this wonderful book for my selves.
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