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This Immortal Heart
Not yet published
Expected 9 Jun 26The 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
11 people are currently reading
2945 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Saint
9 books7,031 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 9, 2026
As requested by the publisher, I will publish my review a week before release day. All I will say is I really enjoyed this book.
Want to read
July 20, 2025Finally... Ares
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 📚.
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)
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.
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December 23, 2025aphrodite and ares??? hell yes
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Aphrodite is more than the goddess of love but a goddess who perseveres for her people and desires. She is an empathetic goddess who truly fights for what she believes in. The writing is descriptive and immerses you into the mythology of Ares and Aphrodite with a modern twist. There is a new voice given to Aphrodite that depicts her as stronger than ever before. What does it mean to have a divine purpose and to stray against your mystical destiny? A love story written in blood and feminist themes.
The ocean is vast of mystery in which Saint greatly integrated that vision with Aphrodite’s personality. The character developed of the goddess and gods are well written with in-depth research into their psyche. These are characters written as they were intended with a feminist lens. Love is a complicated emotion that stems past the relationships we create – it is a distinctive sentiment that extends into the way we interact with the world and respond to situations. Aphrodite is fiery and intense as she wages a war to fight for her desires.
I am always picky about my romance narratives and I appreciate one that is full of battles, well- developed characters, and woman who truly find their voice in themselves. How do we find love when we have not reconciled what we want against the human condition. Is love conditional or something we embrace as a reflection of desires? Thank you Jennifer Saint, Ballantine Books, and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.
For more recommendations, reviews, and tarot readings, check out my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
The ocean is vast of mystery in which Saint greatly integrated that vision with Aphrodite’s personality. The character developed of the goddess and gods are well written with in-depth research into their psyche. These are characters written as they were intended with a feminist lens. Love is a complicated emotion that stems past the relationships we create – it is a distinctive sentiment that extends into the way we interact with the world and respond to situations. Aphrodite is fiery and intense as she wages a war to fight for her desires.
I am always picky about my romance narratives and I appreciate one that is full of battles, well- developed characters, and woman who truly find their voice in themselves. How do we find love when we have not reconciled what we want against the human condition. Is love conditional or something we embrace as a reflection of desires? Thank you Jennifer Saint, Ballantine Books, and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own.
For more recommendations, reviews, and tarot readings, check out my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Many thanks to the publisher for this manuscript draft, I started on it straight away having already been a fan of the author's previous mythology works. This Immortal Heart gives us the story of Aphrodite, using her long standing affair with the war god Ares as a central theme plus a scattering of other stories and Easter eggs throughout. I admit that I rarely tire of new Greek and Roman mythology interpretations because there is always a new perspective to explore. For obvious reasons Aphrodite's tale is more romance focused which might not be for everyone.
I do wish especially because the version of Aphrodite we see born here is of the Hesiodian variety and not a daughter of Zeus that more had been made of her origins because many references are made to her being older than the Olympians but this is glossed over a bit to get on with the normal plotting and scheming amongst the usual cast of gods and goddesses. In this way Aphrodite could have been a little more singularly unique, I feel. More also might have been made of some associations within her own mythology tied to war, which makes her all the more appropriate as a link to Ares. Overall though it's a nice book for this genre and a very easy relaxed read.
I do wish especially because the version of Aphrodite we see born here is of the Hesiodian variety and not a daughter of Zeus that more had been made of her origins because many references are made to her being older than the Olympians but this is glossed over a bit to get on with the normal plotting and scheming amongst the usual cast of gods and goddesses. In this way Aphrodite could have been a little more singularly unique, I feel. More also might have been made of some associations within her own mythology tied to war, which makes her all the more appropriate as a link to Ares. Overall though it's a nice book for this genre and a very easy relaxed read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review – This Immortal Heart
This Immortal Heart delivers a compelling and emotionally rich story that blends mythology with heartfelt character moments. The author does a particularly strong job portraying the inner lives of the gods, striking a satisfying balance between divine power and very human emotion. Their struggles, vulnerabilities, and relationships feel grounded and relatable, which adds depth to the narrative and makes the stakes resonate.
While the story is engaging throughout, it could have benefited from being a little shorter, as some sections feel more drawn out than necessary. That said, the pacing never fully loses momentum, and the emotional throughline keeps the reader invested.
Overall, This Immortal Heart is an enjoyable and thoughtful read, especially for readers who appreciate mythological elements paired with strong emotional exploration. A solid and immersive story with memorable characters and a well-handled emotional core.
This Immortal Heart delivers a compelling and emotionally rich story that blends mythology with heartfelt character moments. The author does a particularly strong job portraying the inner lives of the gods, striking a satisfying balance between divine power and very human emotion. Their struggles, vulnerabilities, and relationships feel grounded and relatable, which adds depth to the narrative and makes the stakes resonate.
While the story is engaging throughout, it could have benefited from being a little shorter, as some sections feel more drawn out than necessary. That said, the pacing never fully loses momentum, and the emotional throughline keeps the reader invested.
Overall, This Immortal Heart is an enjoyable and thoughtful read, especially for readers who appreciate mythological elements paired with strong emotional exploration. A solid and immersive story with memorable characters and a well-handled emotional core.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have just finished This Immortal Heart and I have rated it 3 stars. I struggled to get into the story to begin with as it was jumping from pillar to post consistently, which made it difficult to follow at times.
The knowledge of greek mythology and the writing itself is impressive. Saint captured the essence of what I I.agine Zeus to have been like perfectly and I enjoyed the take she gave on the other Gods too.
I didnt enjoy Aphrodite as a character if I am being honest. I felt that Saints interpretation of her being an older God than Zeus was irrelevant if it was never going to amount to anything. When this information was shared, and she became entangled with Ares, I expected her to overpower Zeus with the aid of Ares, but she consistently was portrayed as weak and compliant, which didnt sit right.
I enjoyed the last 20% of the book, but felt that alot of this story was unnecessary.
The knowledge of greek mythology and the writing itself is impressive. Saint captured the essence of what I I.agine Zeus to have been like perfectly and I enjoyed the take she gave on the other Gods too.
I didnt enjoy Aphrodite as a character if I am being honest. I felt that Saints interpretation of her being an older God than Zeus was irrelevant if it was never going to amount to anything. When this information was shared, and she became entangled with Ares, I expected her to overpower Zeus with the aid of Ares, but she consistently was portrayed as weak and compliant, which didnt sit right.
I enjoyed the last 20% of the book, but felt that alot of this story was unnecessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lyrical, haunting, and emotionally devastating.
Jennifer Saint is a master of mythological retellings.
This Immortal Heart is beautifully written, deeply reflective, and soaked in longing. The prose is elegant without being heavy, and the emotional undercurrent lingers long after the final page.
What makes this novel stand out is its intimacy, gods and mortals alike feel painfully human. Love, grief, fate, and sacrifice are explored with tenderness and restraint, making the story feel timeless and aching rather than grandiose.
This is a book to savour, not rush. If you love mythology retellings that prioritise emotion and character over spectacle, This Immortal Heart will break your heart softly... and beautifully.
Jennifer Saint is a master of mythological retellings.
This Immortal Heart is beautifully written, deeply reflective, and soaked in longing. The prose is elegant without being heavy, and the emotional undercurrent lingers long after the final page.
What makes this novel stand out is its intimacy, gods and mortals alike feel painfully human. Love, grief, fate, and sacrifice are explored with tenderness and restraint, making the story feel timeless and aching rather than grandiose.
This is a book to savour, not rush. If you love mythology retellings that prioritise emotion and character over spectacle, This Immortal Heart will break your heart softly... and beautifully.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Immortal Heart stayed with me long after I finished it. I really connected with how deeply the story explored love and loss, and how the characters’ choices were shaped by history and fate. The writing felt rich and emotional, pulling me into a world that was both timeless and vividly alive.
What I loved most was how the romance unfolded with real weight and complexity. The connection between the lovers felt fierce, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. It is the kind of book that makes you think about the sacrifices people make for love and how those choices define them. This Immortal Heart is beautiful, powerful, and deeply affecting.
What I loved most was how the romance unfolded with real weight and complexity. The connection between the lovers felt fierce, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. It is the kind of book that makes you think about the sacrifices people make for love and how those choices define them. This Immortal Heart is beautiful, powerful, and deeply affecting.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Penguin/Viking for the ARC! I absolutely devoured this book.
This Immortal Heart is based on Greek mythology and centers around Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. It’s the first book I’ve read based on Greek mythology and a little different to my usual fantasy reads, but I was utterly hooked from page one.
I absolutely loved this retelling. The writing was beautifully lyrical, almost poetic, while remaining effortless to read. The worldbuilding was rich and vivid, the characters complex and the yearning in the latter half was just perfection. It was really giving star-crossed lovers.
Aphrodite’s story held my heart in a vice. A beautifully magnetic, romantic read ✨
This Immortal Heart is based on Greek mythology and centers around Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. It’s the first book I’ve read based on Greek mythology and a little different to my usual fantasy reads, but I was utterly hooked from page one.
I absolutely loved this retelling. The writing was beautifully lyrical, almost poetic, while remaining effortless to read. The worldbuilding was rich and vivid, the characters complex and the yearning in the latter half was just perfection. It was really giving star-crossed lovers.
Aphrodite’s story held my heart in a vice. A beautifully magnetic, romantic read ✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
e-arc provided by Netgalley
Jennifer Saint always has beautiful writing and truly fleshed out characters. This is I think my favorite of her books so far. Since I've read so many Greek Gods retellings its hard for me sometimes to remember what is officially "cannon" at this point but I think this is the first Aphrodite x Ares I've read and I really enjoyed it and they worked really well together.
Jennifer Saint always has beautiful writing and truly fleshed out characters. This is I think my favorite of her books so far. Since I've read so many Greek Gods retellings its hard for me sometimes to remember what is officially "cannon" at this point but I think this is the first Aphrodite x Ares I've read and I really enjoyed it and they worked really well together.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book because it reminds me a bit of Blood of Hercules from the Greek mythology that it has in this book. The characters were interesting. World building was good. It was slow but it still was enjoyable.
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December 18, 2025really hope there's gonna be no ableism against hephaestus -_-
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