What do you think?
Rate this book
Lives of Legends
A Quest for Sight: A Cassandra of Troy Retelling
She’s a seer far from home.
He’s the son of the man holding her captive.
Their marriage is meant to bring peace…but all Cassandra sees in their future is danger.
A Seer trapped in a land where they’re unheard of, Cassandra has grown used to being ignored. Her last attempt to share her visions ended with her imprisonment and a city’s destruction. Now a captive of the feared Agamemnon, the last thing Cassandra expects is to be married to the man whose face has filled her visions for years. No matter how kind he is, though, Cassandra knows better than to trust him. She knows how their story ends.
In a family consumed with conquest and revenge, Orestes is trying to hold his kingdom together. His father’s return has already worsened the people’s unrest. Orestes’s marriage to the captive princess he brought with him threatens to provoke a rebellion. After all the stories he’s heard of her, Orestes expects Cassandra to be little more than another responsibility resting on his shoulders. What Orestes didn’t count on was falling in love with her.
A storm is building, one fueled by a rage that won’t be quelled. While Orestes fights against the rebels growing in the shadows, Cassandra endures more and more visions telling of Argos’s destruction. If she confides in Orestes, will he believe her? Or will her Sight bring nothing but their doom?
“A Quest for Sight,” a retelling of Cassandra’s tale, is a standalone no-spice novella. It is the sixth installment in the “Lives of Legend” series, a collection of eight retellings of Greek myths where the tragedies are replaced with happily ever afters. Each book is written by a different author, so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the Human Coalition to provide for mother’s facing crisis pregnancies.
He’s the son of the man holding her captive.
Their marriage is meant to bring peace…but all Cassandra sees in their future is danger.
A Seer trapped in a land where they’re unheard of, Cassandra has grown used to being ignored. Her last attempt to share her visions ended with her imprisonment and a city’s destruction. Now a captive of the feared Agamemnon, the last thing Cassandra expects is to be married to the man whose face has filled her visions for years. No matter how kind he is, though, Cassandra knows better than to trust him. She knows how their story ends.
In a family consumed with conquest and revenge, Orestes is trying to hold his kingdom together. His father’s return has already worsened the people’s unrest. Orestes’s marriage to the captive princess he brought with him threatens to provoke a rebellion. After all the stories he’s heard of her, Orestes expects Cassandra to be little more than another responsibility resting on his shoulders. What Orestes didn’t count on was falling in love with her.
A storm is building, one fueled by a rage that won’t be quelled. While Orestes fights against the rebels growing in the shadows, Cassandra endures more and more visions telling of Argos’s destruction. If she confides in Orestes, will he believe her? Or will her Sight bring nothing but their doom?
“A Quest for Sight,” a retelling of Cassandra’s tale, is a standalone no-spice novella. It is the sixth installment in the “Lives of Legend” series, a collection of eight retellings of Greek myths where the tragedies are replaced with happily ever afters. Each book is written by a different author, so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the Human Coalition to provide for mother’s facing crisis pregnancies.
228 pages, Paperback
Published September 12, 2025
3 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 5, 2025
I was completely intrigued with this book from the very beginning. I quite enjoy foreshadowing in books and the nature of this storyline ensured I got foreshadowing. Despite the foreshadowing/foretelling of the future plot point, I still was not sure what was going to happen and how things would transpire, which kept me engaged. There were twists that had me re-reading sections in surprise.
I loved the wholesome relationship between Cassandra and Orestes. They both prioritized each other and their relationship as best they could despite the less than optimal circumstances.
I am so happy I got an eARC of this book and will definitely be adding it to my bookshelf.
I loved the wholesome relationship between Cassandra and Orestes. They both prioritized each other and their relationship as best they could despite the less than optimal circumstances.
I am so happy I got an eARC of this book and will definitely be adding it to my bookshelf.
September 20, 2025
A Quest for Sight is the sixth novella in the Lives of Legends multiauthor series and a retelling of the legend of Cassandra.
Like I said in other reviews for books of this series - I have next to no knowledge when it comes to Greek Mythology. While I have heard of Cassandra and know that she is some kind of seer or prophetress, I am not really familiar with this specific myth. This didn’t impact my understanding of the retelling, but at the same time I can’t really say how close it was to the original.
That said - I absolutely enjoyed this retelling! It took me a few chapters to get into the story (probably due to my lack of knowledge of the myth), but then I was totally invested. I loved Cassandra and Orestes. It was just impossible to not feel for her and Orestes was such a sweetheart! He was kind and respectful, supporting her without really understanding the situation.
This book is full of mystery and sweet romantic moments mixed with intrigue and betrayal, action and suspense. It’s a book I really didn’t want to put down and I definitely will check out Maegan M. Simpson’s other stories, since this was my first by her. At the risk of sounding silly - I kind of feel more literate after reading these novellas without having to work through the tragic endings of the originals.
“[The series] is a collection of eight retellings of Greek myths where the tragedies become happily ever afters. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the Human Coalition to provide for mothers facing crisis pregnancies.”
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
Like I said in other reviews for books of this series - I have next to no knowledge when it comes to Greek Mythology. While I have heard of Cassandra and know that she is some kind of seer or prophetress, I am not really familiar with this specific myth. This didn’t impact my understanding of the retelling, but at the same time I can’t really say how close it was to the original.
That said - I absolutely enjoyed this retelling! It took me a few chapters to get into the story (probably due to my lack of knowledge of the myth), but then I was totally invested. I loved Cassandra and Orestes. It was just impossible to not feel for her and Orestes was such a sweetheart! He was kind and respectful, supporting her without really understanding the situation.
This book is full of mystery and sweet romantic moments mixed with intrigue and betrayal, action and suspense. It’s a book I really didn’t want to put down and I definitely will check out Maegan M. Simpson’s other stories, since this was my first by her. At the risk of sounding silly - I kind of feel more literate after reading these novellas without having to work through the tragic endings of the originals.
“[The series] is a collection of eight retellings of Greek myths where the tragedies become happily ever afters. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the Human Coalition to provide for mothers facing crisis pregnancies.”
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
August 15, 2025
This was such an amazing retelling. Somehow very accurate to the original and with the same names even, yet somehow doesn't mention a single Greek god throughout? Instead of getting the gift of Sight from Apollo and being cursed by him so no one believes the visions, Cassandra sees the future because sees a Seer from another world and no one understands her visions because that's not a thing in our world so they take her words as threats or madness. She also has a different love interest in Orestes, son of Agamemnon but the side characters all act almost exactly as they do in the original (from what I could tell from my prior research) so I thought it was really cleverly done and worked so well as a fantasy story.
I adored both of our main characters Cassandra and Orestes. They were both such lovely people that it was impossible not to fall in love with them and sympathise with the horrible lives they've lived. But seeing them support each other even when they weren't 100% sure what was going on or what support was needed it was so sweet.
I loved the way the story unfolded and was told through both Orestes knowing and investigating the rebellion stirring within the city, but also Cassandra having seen glimpses of the future but not knowing the full story. She sees snapshots but with no way of knowing any other context it's hard for her and us to piece together what's going to happen when which I enjoyed a lot.
The book was really well written and I loved Maegan's writing style. I'll definitely be checking out her others as this was my first book by her.
I adored both of our main characters Cassandra and Orestes. They were both such lovely people that it was impossible not to fall in love with them and sympathise with the horrible lives they've lived. But seeing them support each other even when they weren't 100% sure what was going on or what support was needed it was so sweet.
I loved the way the story unfolded and was told through both Orestes knowing and investigating the rebellion stirring within the city, but also Cassandra having seen glimpses of the future but not knowing the full story. She sees snapshots but with no way of knowing any other context it's hard for her and us to piece together what's going to happen when which I enjoyed a lot.
The book was really well written and I loved Maegan's writing style. I'll definitely be checking out her others as this was my first book by her.
September 21, 2025
A happy ending for Cassandra and Orestes
A Quest for Sight is a retelling not only of the legend of the Trojan princess Cassandra, but also a loose retelling of the Greek play Agamemnon. In this retelling, Cassandra is brought from Troy by Agamemnon to be his son's bride. The story begins with Cassandra and Orestes being forced into a marriage, much to the dismay of Clytemnestra, who, as in the original play, dislikes Cassandra and seems unhappy with her husband's return.
Cassandra is a character you can't help but root for, her visions are painful for her and you can feel that perfectly as you read them, her gift seems like a curse, as no one believes her until she meets Orestes. He is a true warrior of the mind, serving as a wise ruler of Argos until his father's return. Orestes and Agamemnon's relationship is quite strained, as they have differing views on what is truly important for governing, and his relationship with his mother is not much better, as she has become a cold person with the loss of her daughter Iphigenia. Orestes's family is a mess, and Cassandra's arrival in his life is like a beacon in the darkness for him. They are so tender with each other, and their bond is beautiful and pure, gradually progressing into true love.
A Quest for Sight is a well-done retelling, crafted in a way that cleverly twisted the climax of the Greek play, giving our couple a well-deserved happy ending. I only wish the book had been longer; Orestes and Cassandra resolved the misunderstandings in their relationship only near the end; I wish I had seen more of their happiness when they finally became a real couple. Despite the abrupt ending, A Quest for Sight is a brilliant retelling and I hope many more people can get to know and appreciate this beautiful story.
A Quest for Sight is a retelling not only of the legend of the Trojan princess Cassandra, but also a loose retelling of the Greek play Agamemnon. In this retelling, Cassandra is brought from Troy by Agamemnon to be his son's bride. The story begins with Cassandra and Orestes being forced into a marriage, much to the dismay of Clytemnestra, who, as in the original play, dislikes Cassandra and seems unhappy with her husband's return.
Cassandra is a character you can't help but root for, her visions are painful for her and you can feel that perfectly as you read them, her gift seems like a curse, as no one believes her until she meets Orestes. He is a true warrior of the mind, serving as a wise ruler of Argos until his father's return. Orestes and Agamemnon's relationship is quite strained, as they have differing views on what is truly important for governing, and his relationship with his mother is not much better, as she has become a cold person with the loss of her daughter Iphigenia. Orestes's family is a mess, and Cassandra's arrival in his life is like a beacon in the darkness for him. They are so tender with each other, and their bond is beautiful and pure, gradually progressing into true love.
A Quest for Sight is a well-done retelling, crafted in a way that cleverly twisted the climax of the Greek play, giving our couple a well-deserved happy ending. I only wish the book had been longer; Orestes and Cassandra resolved the misunderstandings in their relationship only near the end; I wish I had seen more of their happiness when they finally became a real couple. Despite the abrupt ending, A Quest for Sight is a brilliant retelling and I hope many more people can get to know and appreciate this beautiful story.
September 1, 2025
I love Greek myth retellings, and especially retelling set in their original time and place. This is one of the rare books that checks both boxes. I have always wanted a better ending for Cassandra, and this book does that. It also went into the story of Orestes, son of Agamemnon (who is the WORST, and this book accurately portrays that) and I absolutely loved seeing the retelling beats as well as the original twists on the legend.
This story follows Cassandra, who is taken back from troy as a bride for Orestes, who is kind to her just as her visions foretold. Her visions of their coming tragedy warn her that their happily ever after may very well have an expiration date, though... Very intriguing from start to finish (and somehow, there is a happily ever after, so don't worry about that).
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This story follows Cassandra, who is taken back from troy as a bride for Orestes, who is kind to her just as her visions foretold. Her visions of their coming tragedy warn her that their happily ever after may very well have an expiration date, though... Very intriguing from start to finish (and somehow, there is a happily ever after, so don't worry about that).
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
August 2, 2025
This book was truly enthralling from the first page. The characters were beautifully vivid and complex, the plot was imersive, and I just adored the poetic wording of Cass's prophecies.
My only grievance, and the reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5, was how rushed the resolution of the conflict felt. I don't know, it just felt so sudden. Like there should have been more build up before the climax.
Still, for such a short novel, this was amazing.
I just wish there was more to the story.
* I received an ARC of 'A Quest for Sight' from its author and leave this honest review of my own free will.
My only grievance, and the reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5, was how rushed the resolution of the conflict felt. I don't know, it just felt so sudden. Like there should have been more build up before the climax.
Still, for such a short novel, this was amazing.
I just wish there was more to the story.
* I received an ARC of 'A Quest for Sight' from its author and leave this honest review of my own free will.
September 14, 2025
What little information that exists about Cassandra of Troy always saddens me. To not be believed by anyone around her before dying a tragic death away from the land she knew through no fault of her. Devastating. However, Simpson has offered up a sweet, hopeful retelling of her story with her own interpretations and additions.
There're still deaths, war, and visions of the future, but there's also hope and love. I enjoyed the partnership between Cassandra and Orestes even when they weren't sure if they trusted each other.
There're still deaths, war, and visions of the future, but there's also hope and love. I enjoyed the partnership between Cassandra and Orestes even when they weren't sure if they trusted each other.
September 18, 2025
4.5 rounded up to 5. I really enjoyed this.
I love a good arranged marriage/marriage of convenience story. Usually it makes for great banter and enemies to lovers set up, but this one was different. The MMC is kind and respectful to the FMC immediately...
Orestes is a true gentleman. He is also scholarly... who doesnt love a scholarly MMC?
Cassandra is smart and strong. You have to feel bad for her , being abducted and forced to marry a stranger (Although she does have some comfort from her visions).
This story is filled with sweet romance and political intrigue - with just a little bit of mystery.
I dont want to give anything away! I definitely recommend it to fans of mythology/mythology retellings.
I received an ARC all opinions are my own.
I love a good arranged marriage/marriage of convenience story. Usually it makes for great banter and enemies to lovers set up, but this one was different. The MMC is kind and respectful to the FMC immediately...
Orestes is a true gentleman. He is also scholarly... who doesnt love a scholarly MMC?
Cassandra is smart and strong. You have to feel bad for her , being abducted and forced to marry a stranger (Although she does have some comfort from her visions).
This story is filled with sweet romance and political intrigue - with just a little bit of mystery.
I dont want to give anything away! I definitely recommend it to fans of mythology/mythology retellings.
I received an ARC all opinions are my own.
September 17, 2025
Alright let’s get into it. Cassandra being locked up for telling the truth was disgusting and I’m sorry she had to endure that. I’m not sure how Orestes turned out to be a wonderful human being with having such vile parents, but I’m glad he was able to find happiness with Cassandra. King Agamemnon got what he deserved and I feel absolutely no sympathy for him. Y’all the characters of this story were absolutely wild and the plot was satisfyingly twisty. This Greek myth fantasy kept me in utter suspense and I can’t recommend it enough!
October 16, 2025
Surprisingly Peaceful Retelling
3.5* Considering the source material, I was surprised how calm this book's tone is. I liked Orestes, but wish we got to see him in action more than hearing about some of his accomplishments. Cassandra was ok, but I didn't realize this book was set in the author's world vice Homer's. I didn't like that change, but it didn't have too great an impact on character interactions. I do think more excitement and drama could have occurred involving her visions, perhaps with others. Overall, I liked Orestes/Cassandra.
3.5* Considering the source material, I was surprised how calm this book's tone is. I liked Orestes, but wish we got to see him in action more than hearing about some of his accomplishments. Cassandra was ok, but I didn't realize this book was set in the author's world vice Homer's. I didn't like that change, but it didn't have too great an impact on character interactions. I do think more excitement and drama could have occurred involving her visions, perhaps with others. Overall, I liked Orestes/Cassandra.
August 5, 2025
A huge thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity to be on her arc team. This is my first time reading one of her books and I must say that I was impressed. I enjoyed the characters and the plotline.
August 6, 2025
I loved this retelling of the story of Cassandra, the seer. It is so full of mystery and romantic moments and truly lovable characters. I was drawn in from page one!
Maegan's writing is lovely, and this book is just perfect to share with teens!
Maegan's writing is lovely, and this book is just perfect to share with teens!
September 12, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever read a retelling centered on Cassandra of Troy, and this one completely swept me away. From the very first chapter, my heart was in my throat, and it stayed there until the end.
I immediately needed these haunted characters not to have risked so much of their hearts for nothing, but every page seemed to hint that sorrow was inevitable. The myth was reimagined with such skill—familiar and yet wholly new—that I couldn’t stop reading.
I especially loved the contrast between the kindhearted hero and the fiercely devoted heroine, whose love and determination made their story unforgettable. By the time I reached their hard-won happily ever after, I was in tears.
Terrifying and beautiful all at once, this book left me breathless.
I immediately needed these haunted characters not to have risked so much of their hearts for nothing, but every page seemed to hint that sorrow was inevitable. The myth was reimagined with such skill—familiar and yet wholly new—that I couldn’t stop reading.
I especially loved the contrast between the kindhearted hero and the fiercely devoted heroine, whose love and determination made their story unforgettable. By the time I reached their hard-won happily ever after, I was in tears.
Terrifying and beautiful all at once, this book left me breathless.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews