What do you think?
This Immortal Heart
From the #1 bestselling author comes an epic story of love and war as two opposing deities find themselves drawn to each other against all odds. Because when Aphrodite and Ares fall in love, sparks are bound to fly.
THIS IS THE OLDEST LOVE STORY OF ALL TIME . . .
Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, wields unparalleled power over every divine and mortal heart. Mistaken to be all beauty, no brains, she is in fact the most dangerous of all, driven by passion regardless of the consequences.
While on the surface, Ares, God of War, is her opposite –disliked by everyone and devoted to stirring up conflict – the two are more alike than they realise, each causing havoc for gods and mortals as they rule their primal realms.
These gods are no more immune to the dizzying highs and lows of love and loss than anyone else and before long, they are irresistibly drawn to one another. But there’s only so much room for fire and passion in Zeus’ kingdom, and whilst the God of War may be capable of greater love than anyone else, so may the Goddess of Love be capable of the gravest mistakes.
THIS IS THE OLDEST LOVE STORY OF ALL TIME . . .
Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, wields unparalleled power over every divine and mortal heart. Mistaken to be all beauty, no brains, she is in fact the most dangerous of all, driven by passion regardless of the consequences.
While on the surface, Ares, God of War, is her opposite –disliked by everyone and devoted to stirring up conflict – the two are more alike than they realise, each causing havoc for gods and mortals as they rule their primal realms.
These gods are no more immune to the dizzying highs and lows of love and loss than anyone else and before long, they are irresistibly drawn to one another. But there’s only so much room for fire and passion in Zeus’ kingdom, and whilst the God of War may be capable of greater love than anyone else, so may the Goddess of Love be capable of the gravest mistakes.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 9, 2026
About the author
Jennifer Saint
9 books7,739 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 912 reviews
July 30, 2026
The disappointment I feel from this book is something I believe I will never fully overcome.
I want to focus on the initial 200 pages first. I absolutely loved them; I devoured these pages with enthusiasm, reading quickly and eagerly. I was completely immersed in the story, unable to put the book down.
Aphrodite’s portrayal was as I had envisioned the goddess of love to be: sensual and alluring, yet without an overly sexualized tone. She craved praise and attention, cherishing connections between mortals and immortals alike. Her character embodied a free-spirited, carefree, and mischievous nature, and she took great pleasure in life’s delights. I found myself adoring her.
However, I did have some minor criticisms regarding her demeanor and actions. I thought these issues might be addressed later in the story. Sadly, that expectation was misplaced.
Ares was also depicted in a way that made me swoon. Despite being a formidable god of war, he melted at Aphrodite's feet whenever he was with her. The way this powerful god worshipped and revered her was so romantic that it made me giggle. He respected her deeply, didn't want her to change, and assured her she could have as many lovers as she desired, as long as she returned to him. This level of devotion was such a green flag.
Their relationship felt like a dream come true. I’ve always been more fascinated with the love story between Aphrodite and Ares than that of Persephone and Hades, and this book delivered what I envisioned their relationship to be: passionate and tumultuous.
However, the last 100 pages took a dramatic and negative turn. The narrative shifted from a high point to a surprisingly low one. It changed from a Greek feminist retelling into a Greek retelling told from a woman’s perspective, which is a significant distinction.
Aphrodite's character development stagnated and even regressed rather than progressing. She initially struggled with the reality of war and bloodshed and sought peace, but I had hoped to see her grow and evolve from that mindset. Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed, and my expectations proved too high. It puzzles me why so many authors tend to portray women as opposing violence solely because they are women. Why not write a woman who, despite wishing for peace, also desires war, who isn’t afraid of bloodshed and sometimes enjoys it, who wields power without restraint? I found it perplexing that a goddess like Aphrodite would be depicted this way, especially considering she is the goddess of love, who has the capacity to turn love into something ugly, something capable of causing conflict and war.
Furthermore, the character of Hephaestus also deteriorated as the story progressed. The author attempted to portray him as a gentle, sad god longing for his family’s love, but this approach became excessive, turning into a pity-party tone that felt overdone. She failed to realize that she turned him into a sort of “nice guy,” claiming to support women's empowerment, yet immediately shifting tone when a woman rejected a relationship and preferred friendship instead. His behavior made me profoundly uncomfortable. He kissed Aphrodite without her consent, and the way their marriage was arranged only worsened my disgust. I couldn’t help but laugh when Aphrodite told Hephaestus she preferred to be married to him rather than any other god. In my view, Hephaestus’s character became worse than that of Zeus, Poseidon, and Apollo combined because, unlike those gods who don't hide their true selves, Hephaestus hides behind a facade of kindness, while his true motives remain questionable.
The relationship between Aphrodite and Ares also fell apart entirely, which genuinely hurt me to read. Aphrodite became hypocritical; she never fully understood Ares and constantly wanted to change him, despite his unconditional acceptance and love for her. She failed to recognize that Ares, as the god of war, embodied that identity inherently; it's not just a title but who he is. Similarly, Aphrodite’s identity as the goddess of love is fundamental to her existence. She also refused to see their similarities and how significantly their domains overlapped. Ares was willing to love and accept her without trying to change her, yet Aphrodite never reciprocated to that same extent. Ares truly deserved so much better.
In conclusion, this book will leave a lasting scar because it started so beautifully but ended in complete devastation. The first 200 pages are five-star material, but the last 100 pages drop my rating to just one star.
I want to focus on the initial 200 pages first. I absolutely loved them; I devoured these pages with enthusiasm, reading quickly and eagerly. I was completely immersed in the story, unable to put the book down.
Aphrodite’s portrayal was as I had envisioned the goddess of love to be: sensual and alluring, yet without an overly sexualized tone. She craved praise and attention, cherishing connections between mortals and immortals alike. Her character embodied a free-spirited, carefree, and mischievous nature, and she took great pleasure in life’s delights. I found myself adoring her.
However, I did have some minor criticisms regarding her demeanor and actions. I thought these issues might be addressed later in the story. Sadly, that expectation was misplaced.
Ares was also depicted in a way that made me swoon. Despite being a formidable god of war, he melted at Aphrodite's feet whenever he was with her. The way this powerful god worshipped and revered her was so romantic that it made me giggle. He respected her deeply, didn't want her to change, and assured her she could have as many lovers as she desired, as long as she returned to him. This level of devotion was such a green flag.
Their relationship felt like a dream come true. I’ve always been more fascinated with the love story between Aphrodite and Ares than that of Persephone and Hades, and this book delivered what I envisioned their relationship to be: passionate and tumultuous.
However, the last 100 pages took a dramatic and negative turn. The narrative shifted from a high point to a surprisingly low one. It changed from a Greek feminist retelling into a Greek retelling told from a woman’s perspective, which is a significant distinction.
Aphrodite's character development stagnated and even regressed rather than progressing. She initially struggled with the reality of war and bloodshed and sought peace, but I had hoped to see her grow and evolve from that mindset. Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed, and my expectations proved too high. It puzzles me why so many authors tend to portray women as opposing violence solely because they are women. Why not write a woman who, despite wishing for peace, also desires war, who isn’t afraid of bloodshed and sometimes enjoys it, who wields power without restraint? I found it perplexing that a goddess like Aphrodite would be depicted this way, especially considering she is the goddess of love, who has the capacity to turn love into something ugly, something capable of causing conflict and war.
Furthermore, the character of Hephaestus also deteriorated as the story progressed. The author attempted to portray him as a gentle, sad god longing for his family’s love, but this approach became excessive, turning into a pity-party tone that felt overdone. She failed to realize that she turned him into a sort of “nice guy,” claiming to support women's empowerment, yet immediately shifting tone when a woman rejected a relationship and preferred friendship instead. His behavior made me profoundly uncomfortable. He kissed Aphrodite without her consent, and the way their marriage was arranged only worsened my disgust. I couldn’t help but laugh when Aphrodite told Hephaestus she preferred to be married to him rather than any other god. In my view, Hephaestus’s character became worse than that of Zeus, Poseidon, and Apollo combined because, unlike those gods who don't hide their true selves, Hephaestus hides behind a facade of kindness, while his true motives remain questionable.
The relationship between Aphrodite and Ares also fell apart entirely, which genuinely hurt me to read. Aphrodite became hypocritical; she never fully understood Ares and constantly wanted to change him, despite his unconditional acceptance and love for her. She failed to recognize that Ares, as the god of war, embodied that identity inherently; it's not just a title but who he is. Similarly, Aphrodite’s identity as the goddess of love is fundamental to her existence. She also refused to see their similarities and how significantly their domains overlapped. Ares was willing to love and accept her without trying to change her, yet Aphrodite never reciprocated to that same extent. Ares truly deserved so much better.
In conclusion, this book will leave a lasting scar because it started so beautifully but ended in complete devastation. The first 200 pages are five-star material, but the last 100 pages drop my rating to just one star.
June 20, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for an ARC of This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint.
🌟4.5🌟
Those who have been around these parts know that I absolutely love mythology, especially Greek mythology. Does that make me biased? Perhaps. But one could also argue that it makes me a tougher critic. Either way, this was a book I really enjoyed for several reasons.
I appreciate how it branched out and explored gods and goddesses we don't usually hear much about. Sometimes I find mythology based stories can feel a bit choppy, but this one flows exceptionally well. The story itself is engaging and exciting, making it easy to get swept up in the narrative.
You can clearly tell this was written by someone who is also deeply passionate about mythology. It's most definitely worth reading if, like me, mythology is your jam. And if you've been looking to dip your toes into the genre, this would be an excellent place to start.
Until next time
Hades
🩵
🌟4.5🌟
Those who have been around these parts know that I absolutely love mythology, especially Greek mythology. Does that make me biased? Perhaps. But one could also argue that it makes me a tougher critic. Either way, this was a book I really enjoyed for several reasons.
I appreciate how it branched out and explored gods and goddesses we don't usually hear much about. Sometimes I find mythology based stories can feel a bit choppy, but this one flows exceptionally well. The story itself is engaging and exciting, making it easy to get swept up in the narrative.
You can clearly tell this was written by someone who is also deeply passionate about mythology. It's most definitely worth reading if, like me, mythology is your jam. And if you've been looking to dip your toes into the genre, this would be an excellent place to start.
Until next time
Hades
🩵
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5-3.75!
Ooh Aphrodite ❤️ FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW!!!
This is a story of a love that can lead to ruin. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, comes face to face with Ares, the god of war, with whom she begins a love affair that spans mortal lifetimes. She begins to questions the gods' games and her role in the realm. The story highlights how central love is to her, above all else.
I am obsessed with Greek mythology and the world of the Olympians, so hope this is a winner.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballentine Publisher and the author, Jennifer Saint for an early copy.
Publication date: June 9, 2026
Ooh Aphrodite ❤️ FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW!!!
This is a story of a love that can lead to ruin. Aphrodite, the goddess of love, comes face to face with Ares, the god of war, with whom she begins a love affair that spans mortal lifetimes. She begins to questions the gods' games and her role in the realm. The story highlights how central love is to her, above all else.
I am obsessed with Greek mythology and the world of the Olympians, so hope this is a winner.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Ballentine Publisher and the author, Jennifer Saint for an early copy.
Publication date: June 9, 2026
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 📚.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
੭୧ 3.5 stars . ۫
These last few months have been incredibly chaotic and honestly put me into such a reading slump, but oh my gosh… this book gave me everything I needed 😭
I surprisingly took my time reading this one and savoured every word. It was such a beautifully written and entertaining story. The romance felt gentle and fresh, and I adored every minute spent with Aphrodite and Ares together.
Of course, like all of Jennifer Saint's retellings, I really appreciated the feminist perspective woven throughout the story. The pacing was also perfect for me, and while the writing is simple, it still felt lush and captivating.
I will say I was not quite as invested in Part 3 or the larger conflicts between the gods. The love story was by far my favourite aspect, and honestly, I wish it had been even more of the focal point.
Overall though, this felt like such a lovely breath of fresh air, and I would definitely recommend!
“ You were my life, ” he says simply.
“ Always. ”
Thank you to Jennifer Saint and Ballantine for the ARC! This Immortal Heart releases June 9, 2026.
CW: death, violence
────
finished: 05/23/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
this was just what i needed right now!!
pre read: 05/21/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
i haven't read a greek mythology book in soo long, but after hearing this one is an aphrodite x ares retelling, i just had to pick it up asap! this looks like a great palate cleanser, which i desperately need right now bc i'm in a mini slump 😕
These last few months have been incredibly chaotic and honestly put me into such a reading slump, but oh my gosh… this book gave me everything I needed 😭
I surprisingly took my time reading this one and savoured every word. It was such a beautifully written and entertaining story. The romance felt gentle and fresh, and I adored every minute spent with Aphrodite and Ares together.
Of course, like all of Jennifer Saint's retellings, I really appreciated the feminist perspective woven throughout the story. The pacing was also perfect for me, and while the writing is simple, it still felt lush and captivating.
I will say I was not quite as invested in Part 3 or the larger conflicts between the gods. The love story was by far my favourite aspect, and honestly, I wish it had been even more of the focal point.
Overall though, this felt like such a lovely breath of fresh air, and I would definitely recommend!
“ You were my life, ” he says simply.
“ Always. ”
Thank you to Jennifer Saint and Ballantine for the ARC! This Immortal Heart releases June 9, 2026.
CW: death, violence
────
finished: 05/23/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
this was just what i needed right now!!
pre read: 05/21/26 𖥻𓈒 ꒱ ੭
i haven't read a greek mythology book in soo long, but after hearing this one is an aphrodite x ares retelling, i just had to pick it up asap! this looks like a great palate cleanser, which i desperately need right now bc i'm in a mini slump 😕
June 26, 2026
LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS ONE SO MUCH!!!
to be honest, I don’t know anything about Greek mythology, like I couldn’t name a singular Greek god before reading this book lol and I think that’s a major reason why I enjoyed this book a lot, since I didn’t know anything about Ares and Aphrodite’s story I didn’t get bored while reading it.
The writing was amazing, it was so lyrical and immersive. This was also my first Jennifer Saint book but now I want to read all her other books😋
frtc later
to be honest, I don’t know anything about Greek mythology, like I couldn’t name a singular Greek god before reading this book lol and I think that’s a major reason why I enjoyed this book a lot, since I didn’t know anything about Ares and Aphrodite’s story I didn’t get bored while reading it.
The writing was amazing, it was so lyrical and immersive. This was also my first Jennifer Saint book but now I want to read all her other books😋
frtc later
July 15, 2026
I love Jennifer Saint's Greek retellings, they're very accessible and easy to read. This time she takes on the story of Aphrodite and her tumultuous relationship with Ares, the God of War. It's interspersed with some stories of the mortals who Aphrodite influences along the way - from Galatea to Phaon and the Amazonians. It also explores her rather complicated relationship with Hephaestus, and her place amongst the Olympians.
Aphrodite has always held an interesting place on Mt Olympus, not one of the siblings of Zeus but set apart, with a power that transcends Gods and mortals alike. It was fun to see her weave her influence and explore a softer side to her character. Too often Aphrodite is perceived as superficial and simpering to the Gods. Not so here.
I think this would be a good starting novel for those dipping their toes in Greek myth retellings, as Saint manages to bring these characters to life without overwhelming the reader in lore. There's some fun Easter eggs for avid Greek myth lovers, but prior knowledge isn't necessary to enjoy this. Fun time.
Aphrodite has always held an interesting place on Mt Olympus, not one of the siblings of Zeus but set apart, with a power that transcends Gods and mortals alike. It was fun to see her weave her influence and explore a softer side to her character. Too often Aphrodite is perceived as superficial and simpering to the Gods. Not so here.
I think this would be a good starting novel for those dipping their toes in Greek myth retellings, as Saint manages to bring these characters to life without overwhelming the reader in lore. There's some fun Easter eggs for avid Greek myth lovers, but prior knowledge isn't necessary to enjoy this. Fun time.
June 22, 2026
This is a really difficult one for me to rate as I genuinely think my own personal rating will differ from the majority of readers so take that with a grain of salt.
I took a good chunk of time off of mythology retellings after the craze took off and Madeline Miller did her thing. We saw an influx of retellings and while part of me loves that because I LOVE mythology, there was a lot of trash in the mix as everyone put out what they could as fast as they were able.
Years ago, I read Ariadne and it was one of the last retellings I recall reading. I felt like it was average as well and decided I should take some time off the genre and really be picky going forward. Years later, I figured I would give This Immortal Heart a try aa Aphrodite is weirdly so beloved and yet largely unexplored. But this also just fell so short for me and I’m questioning a lot of the tone, voice, and style that is going into retellings nowadays more than anything else.
It’s not that this book is inherently bad by any means, but it does read more as YA. Of course there are going to be some more “adult” and heavier subjects but I’ve read a lot of YA that tonally handles themes and subjects in a harsher light that makes it more adult. But I felt the tone and plot was so lackluster and quite frankly, juvenile. I’m not sure if I’m the only one that’s been feeling this way but it truly read like an average romantasy protagonist and not the actual goddess Aphrodite. She could’ve been anyone and it made reading and connecting the mythos I’m so in love with impossible. And this is not to say I’m shitting on romantasy or any other genre as there’s gold intermingled everywhere. But I just truly couldn’t read this as a mythos retelling and to me, isn’t that the whole point?
I took a good chunk of time off of mythology retellings after the craze took off and Madeline Miller did her thing. We saw an influx of retellings and while part of me loves that because I LOVE mythology, there was a lot of trash in the mix as everyone put out what they could as fast as they were able.
Years ago, I read Ariadne and it was one of the last retellings I recall reading. I felt like it was average as well and decided I should take some time off the genre and really be picky going forward. Years later, I figured I would give This Immortal Heart a try aa Aphrodite is weirdly so beloved and yet largely unexplored. But this also just fell so short for me and I’m questioning a lot of the tone, voice, and style that is going into retellings nowadays more than anything else.
It’s not that this book is inherently bad by any means, but it does read more as YA. Of course there are going to be some more “adult” and heavier subjects but I’ve read a lot of YA that tonally handles themes and subjects in a harsher light that makes it more adult. But I felt the tone and plot was so lackluster and quite frankly, juvenile. I’m not sure if I’m the only one that’s been feeling this way but it truly read like an average romantasy protagonist and not the actual goddess Aphrodite. She could’ve been anyone and it made reading and connecting the mythos I’m so in love with impossible. And this is not to say I’m shitting on romantasy or any other genre as there’s gold intermingled everywhere. But I just truly couldn’t read this as a mythos retelling and to me, isn’t that the whole point?
August 8, 2026
Well, this is it—the final book from this author, and to be honest, I am ready for a change of pace. Electra has been my favourite out of all the novels, and in my opinion, it was really well written. This one, however, I found a bit hit-and-miss.
Aphrodite is a very different breed of goddess than Hera. She plays a very wily game to keep the other male gods at bay and remain unmarried. She has many lovers in this book (which I am not overly keen on!) but staying unwed and un-Zeus'ed is quite an achievement, frankly. Even his own sisters didn’t manage that at times! Except, of course, for the MVP GOAT that is Hestia.
I was glad to see that Aphrodite was kind to Hephaestus in this book. He and Hestia are probably some of my favourite characters on Mount Olympus.
Note: I was a bit surprised that the author chose to vary some of her myths even between her own books, but that is actually quite true to real Greek mythology, so I wasn't too upset about it.
Warnings ⚠️
╰➤ References to Castration - Aphrodite's Genesis
╰➤ References to Sex - Fade to Black
╰➤ References to Homosexual Relationships
╰➤ Adult Language
╰➤ Domestic Violence
╰➤ Casual Sex
╰➤ Infidelity
╰➤ Forced/Arranged Marriage
╰➤ Incest
╰➤ Gender Swapping
🤍 Tropes 🤍
🕊️🌹 Based on Myths, Legends, Epics and Tragedies from Greece
🤍 All the LUV
🖤Dysfunctional Family
⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️⚠️
The casual sex was frequent, and I just did not enjoy that. It is Aphrodite, though, so I am trying to get past it, but I just do not want to read about it. By about halfway through, I found myself skimming. To be honest, I'm just not really feeling this author anymore. I'm glad this is the last one in her bibliography because I want something new.
That said, the part where Aphrodite becomes Hephaestus' wife is really well written. Ares disappearing after Aphrodite agrees to the promise to marry Hephaestus, and love in the world going off course because Aphrodite is heartbroken—it’s all skilfully done. Aphrodite's relationships with Eros and Demeter are also very sweet.
I think the issue with this book, as well as with Hera, is the long lifespan of the characters. It makes everything seem a bit pointless. Lots of mortals die, and it all kind of means nothing in the end. It feels very episodic, which works well in standalone myths but doesn't work for me as a cohesive book.
I think what should have happened here was for the author to pick a few myths centred on, say, Ares and Aphrodite, and focus completely on them. Nobody cares about Adonis or Aphrodite's trips to other lovers. It dilutes the plot and makes for a more drawn-out, weaker story. I wanted to see Ares and Aphrodite's story exclusively. The beginning of the book was quite strong but right now I am just glad that it is over.
P.S. This was not the Kevin Smith Ares that I had in my head. Disappointed 💔
🤍🤍🤍 Thank you for reading! 🤍🤍🤍
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧ ⋆ ˚｡⋆──────୨୧────── ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆
Pre-Read: Final book from this author, I've now read her entire catalogue. I hope it is a good one!
Note: Ares is supposedly based on Xena’s Ares—Kevin Smith! I loved Xena growing up and was so sad to hear of his death. I hope this book does him justice. If there is even a hint of a black brush on this god of war based on Smith, there will be riots here in this review!
Aphrodite is a very different breed of goddess than Hera. She plays a very wily game to keep the other male gods at bay and remain unmarried. She has many lovers in this book (which I am not overly keen on!) but staying unwed and un-Zeus'ed is quite an achievement, frankly. Even his own sisters didn’t manage that at times! Except, of course, for the MVP GOAT that is Hestia.
I was glad to see that Aphrodite was kind to Hephaestus in this book. He and Hestia are probably some of my favourite characters on Mount Olympus.
Note: I was a bit surprised that the author chose to vary some of her myths even between her own books, but that is actually quite true to real Greek mythology, so I wasn't too upset about it.
Warnings ⚠️
╰➤ References to Castration - Aphrodite's Genesis
╰➤ References to Sex - Fade to Black
╰➤ References to Homosexual Relationships
╰➤ Adult Language
╰➤ Domestic Violence
╰➤ Casual Sex
╰➤ Infidelity
╰➤ Forced/Arranged Marriage
╰➤ Incest
╰➤ Gender Swapping
🤍 Tropes 🤍
🕊️🌹 Based on Myths, Legends, Epics and Tragedies from Greece
🤍 All the LUV
🖤Dysfunctional Family
⚠️⚠️⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️⚠️⚠️
The casual sex was frequent, and I just did not enjoy that. It is Aphrodite, though, so I am trying to get past it, but I just do not want to read about it. By about halfway through, I found myself skimming. To be honest, I'm just not really feeling this author anymore. I'm glad this is the last one in her bibliography because I want something new.
That said, the part where Aphrodite becomes Hephaestus' wife is really well written. Ares disappearing after Aphrodite agrees to the promise to marry Hephaestus, and love in the world going off course because Aphrodite is heartbroken—it’s all skilfully done. Aphrodite's relationships with Eros and Demeter are also very sweet.
I think the issue with this book, as well as with Hera, is the long lifespan of the characters. It makes everything seem a bit pointless. Lots of mortals die, and it all kind of means nothing in the end. It feels very episodic, which works well in standalone myths but doesn't work for me as a cohesive book.
I think what should have happened here was for the author to pick a few myths centred on, say, Ares and Aphrodite, and focus completely on them. Nobody cares about Adonis or Aphrodite's trips to other lovers. It dilutes the plot and makes for a more drawn-out, weaker story. I wanted to see Ares and Aphrodite's story exclusively. The beginning of the book was quite strong but right now I am just glad that it is over.
P.S. This was not the Kevin Smith Ares that I had in my head. Disappointed 💔
🤍🤍🤍 Thank you for reading! 🤍🤍🤍
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧ ⋆ ˚｡⋆──────୨୧────── ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆
Pre-Read: Final book from this author, I've now read her entire catalogue. I hope it is a good one!
Note: Ares is supposedly based on Xena’s Ares—Kevin Smith! I loved Xena growing up and was so sad to hear of his death. I hope this book does him justice. If there is even a hint of a black brush on this god of war based on Smith, there will be riots here in this review!
Want to Read
July 20, 2025Finally... Ares
Did Not Finish
July 6, 2026Soft DNF- I think this is a book I need to read and not listen to. Something in the narration is not working for me.
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I have 3 days to read this, do you think I'll make it?
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I have 3 days to read this, do you think I'll make it?
June 27, 2026
4.5⭐️
The depictions of both Aphrodite and Ares were refreshing, in my opinion. So often Aphrodite is shown as self-absorbed and fickle, often using her gift of love to play with those around her. Here we see a goddess who just loves love. She genuinely cares about her followers and wants to make the world a better place, with as much love as possible in it. She tries to keep the peace on Olympus and ease the discord between the other gods and goddesses, while also caring about the mortals they reign over.
Ares too had a depth to him- he's not a raging hot-head who's only care is violence. He goes to war because that's just who he is- he can't stop it any more than Aphrodite can stop being the goddess of love. He acknowledges the ugliness in it and concedes maybe one day, war will cease to exist.
I adored the romance between these two. The myths of their affair are of course famous- but here it had such longing and angst. I loved the scenes we got of Ares looking out for Aphrodite and returning to Mount Olympus again and again for her. He was so soft and different with her, which as she knows is a side that only she ever got to see.
"A god who thrives on chaos... whose wildness can be tamed only by me."Wow I really loved this. I've enjoyed JS's past novels but this is easily her best, in my opinion. It definitely has a more upbeat and hopeful tone- this is the goddess of love, after all- and leans into the romance, which as a romance reader I personally loved.
The depictions of both Aphrodite and Ares were refreshing, in my opinion. So often Aphrodite is shown as self-absorbed and fickle, often using her gift of love to play with those around her. Here we see a goddess who just loves love. She genuinely cares about her followers and wants to make the world a better place, with as much love as possible in it. She tries to keep the peace on Olympus and ease the discord between the other gods and goddesses, while also caring about the mortals they reign over.
Ares too had a depth to him- he's not a raging hot-head who's only care is violence. He goes to war because that's just who he is- he can't stop it any more than Aphrodite can stop being the goddess of love. He acknowledges the ugliness in it and concedes maybe one day, war will cease to exist.
I adored the romance between these two. The myths of their affair are of course famous- but here it had such longing and angst. I loved the scenes we got of Ares looking out for Aphrodite and returning to Mount Olympus again and again for her. He was so soft and different with her, which as she knows is a side that only she ever got to see.
July 13, 2026
Jennifer did a stellar job with this Greek mythology retelling of Aphrodite! I was entranced and fully immersed in her writing and storytelling that really sets up the scene with each Greek God. Also, the audiobook was fantastic and made the reading experience even more immersed! This is my first book of reading from hers and it did not disappoint!
Aphrodite is portrayed as the goddess of love, but she is so much more than that. She felt utterly human and relatable. Questioning her purpose and role with the mortals lives and the Olympus. Giving blessings and her love towards Ares, who is the God of war.
She was the strongest offspring of the ruined king. Feeling her power awakening. But also, wanting to feel loved. True love. Because love can feel so disappointing or even ruined. And when her and Ares grow closer, Jennifer did a great job telling their story in a different perspective as these two absolutely hate each other! Like they are total opposites and stubborn and loved how beautiful it felt when their relationship blossomed.
Thank you so much to Ballantine books, Netgalley, and Jennifer for the eARC! I can’t wait to read more from Jennifer! 🤍
Aphrodite is portrayed as the goddess of love, but she is so much more than that. She felt utterly human and relatable. Questioning her purpose and role with the mortals lives and the Olympus. Giving blessings and her love towards Ares, who is the God of war.
She was the strongest offspring of the ruined king. Feeling her power awakening. But also, wanting to feel loved. True love. Because love can feel so disappointing or even ruined. And when her and Ares grow closer, Jennifer did a great job telling their story in a different perspective as these two absolutely hate each other! Like they are total opposites and stubborn and loved how beautiful it felt when their relationship blossomed.
Thank you so much to Ballantine books, Netgalley, and Jennifer for the eARC! I can’t wait to read more from Jennifer! 🤍
July 4, 2026
3.5 stars.
Thanks to @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook.
Aphrodite has always been my least favorite goddess, but after reading Jennifer Saint's retelling, I realized that my perception of her has been formed by stories in which she has been depicted as vain and vapid. I didn't give her enough credit for being more than what ancient myth made her out to be, In this novel, the Goddess of Love is devoted to her worshippers and cares more for humans than most of the gods. She also makes mistakes and admits to errors, which was refreshing. I liked her scenes when she was alone best. I was less interested in her romance with Ares. To me, it takes away from her story. If anything, I would've liked to hear more about Hephaestus, but that's a personal preference. I've always liked him and believe he and Aphrodite had much in common because of their devotion to humankind. The audiobook performance was excellent!
Thanks to @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook.
Aphrodite has always been my least favorite goddess, but after reading Jennifer Saint's retelling, I realized that my perception of her has been formed by stories in which she has been depicted as vain and vapid. I didn't give her enough credit for being more than what ancient myth made her out to be, In this novel, the Goddess of Love is devoted to her worshippers and cares more for humans than most of the gods. She also makes mistakes and admits to errors, which was refreshing. I liked her scenes when she was alone best. I was less interested in her romance with Ares. To me, it takes away from her story. If anything, I would've liked to hear more about Hephaestus, but that's a personal preference. I've always liked him and believe he and Aphrodite had much in common because of their devotion to humankind. The audiobook performance was excellent!
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 (I find he is usually written as a bit of a brutal idiot in other books/telling of Greek mythology).
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 (I find he is usually written as a bit of a brutal idiot in other books/telling of Greek mythology).
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
August 19, 2026
Ughhhhh what a readdddddd.
I have read every single one of Jennifer Saint’s books, so This Immortal Heart was immediately on my order list the moment it was released. And honestly… I think this might be my favorite one yet. That might also be because Aphrodite is my favorite goddess, but still.
I am so, so happy with how she was portrayed. Soft but powerful, sensual, empowered, and truly a girls’ girl.
This book honestly felt like stepping into a dream. The way love and passion are described as all-consuming, the way Aphrodite deeply loves her realm and does everything she can for her worshippers. It was just beautiful to read. And what I really appreciated is that she isn’t perfect. She makes mistakes, she doesn’t always foresee how her gifts will play out, and that only makes her more relatable. What matters is that she always tries to make things right again, like with Galatea’s story.
Beyond the usual messy Olympian family dynamics, this book really felt like an ode to love in all its forms.
Aphrodite’s own love story shows so clearly that love and heartbreak can happen to anyone, even the goddess of love herself. But what I loved most is how she handles that heartbreak. She allows herself to feel it, to heal, and then she rises again. She remembers who she is. She doesn’t stay stuck in sadness, she finds her power again, her joy, and uses that not just to save herself, but to bring love back into the world for others too.
This book was poetic, whimsical, empowering, and honestly just felt magical. Like being wrapped up in a dream.
I have read negative reviews that said that after 200 pages the book got dull and boring, but to me it only got better the further I went into the story. I'm truly obsessed with this book if you couldn't tell yet.
I absolutely loved this newest addition to Saint’s work. And I'm so so curious to see who will be the next character that Jennifer Saint will write about. I will be ready to buy it for sure.
Five stars, without a doubt.
I have read every single one of Jennifer Saint’s books, so This Immortal Heart was immediately on my order list the moment it was released. And honestly… I think this might be my favorite one yet. That might also be because Aphrodite is my favorite goddess, but still.
I am so, so happy with how she was portrayed. Soft but powerful, sensual, empowered, and truly a girls’ girl.
This book honestly felt like stepping into a dream. The way love and passion are described as all-consuming, the way Aphrodite deeply loves her realm and does everything she can for her worshippers. It was just beautiful to read. And what I really appreciated is that she isn’t perfect. She makes mistakes, she doesn’t always foresee how her gifts will play out, and that only makes her more relatable. What matters is that she always tries to make things right again, like with Galatea’s story.
Beyond the usual messy Olympian family dynamics, this book really felt like an ode to love in all its forms.
Aphrodite’s own love story shows so clearly that love and heartbreak can happen to anyone, even the goddess of love herself. But what I loved most is how she handles that heartbreak. She allows herself to feel it, to heal, and then she rises again. She remembers who she is. She doesn’t stay stuck in sadness, she finds her power again, her joy, and uses that not just to save herself, but to bring love back into the world for others too.
This book was poetic, whimsical, empowering, and honestly just felt magical. Like being wrapped up in a dream.
I have read negative reviews that said that after 200 pages the book got dull and boring, but to me it only got better the further I went into the story. I'm truly obsessed with this book if you couldn't tell yet.
I absolutely loved this newest addition to Saint’s work. And I'm so so curious to see who will be the next character that Jennifer Saint will write about. I will be ready to buy it for sure.
Five stars, without a doubt.
September 19, 2026
3,5⭐
„E în mintea și în inima mea de zici de ani și va fi în continuare acolo și dacă vor mai trece o sută de secole. Suferința și rănile nu sunt prețul plătit pentru dragoste, ci o mărturie a puterii ei.”
„E în mintea și în inima mea de zici de ani și va fi în continuare acolo și dacă vor mai trece o sută de secole. Suferința și rănile nu sunt prețul plătit pentru dragoste, ci o mărturie a puterii ei.”
September 15, 2026
It was fine, but felt too light & cutesy, and I never want my Greek mythology to be either of those.
June 6, 2026
This Immortal Heart was a wonderful read. I really enjoyed the story and the concept is good. The cover is beautiful but I feel understated. The colours are great and they pop. It's eye-catching. The writing is excellent and the story flowed beautifully. I loved the element of Greek Mythology. It was obvious just how much Jennifer invested into the research of Greek Mythology. The setting was good and I thought I worked well. Jennifer's world-building was strong. I liked the characters. It was great reading about Aphrodite and Ares and watching their story unfold. If you enjoy Greek Mythology you will definitely enjoy this book.
Read
July 27, 2026it was fine. at this point i'm just happy to have finished something.
June 12, 2026
Jennifer Saint has built her career on giving the women of Greek mythology room to breathe outside the narrow frames their original poets gave them. With This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint, she steps onto unfamiliar ground in two ways at once. First, she hands the narration to a goddess rather than a mortal woman. Second, she leans openly into romance for the first time, threading her usual mythological scholarship through the bones of a love story that her acknowledgements freely admit is her switch into the genre.
The result is a sensuous, slow-burning retelling of Aphrodite and Ares, an affair the ancient sources usually treated as gossip, scandal, or a punchline involving Hephaestus and a golden net. Saint takes that tabloid sliver and stretches it across centuries.
Premise and Setup, Spoiler-Free
Aphrodite tells her own story. She is newly born from sea-foam and her father's blood, comfortable in her power, devoted to her worshippers' secrets and the quiet pleasures she stirs in mortal and divine hearts alike. Her dalliances are brief and bright, and she is determined never to marry, having watched what marriage has done to Hera.
Then a battle she cannot prevent steals away a mortal she has just blessed with a second chance. The man behind the spear is Ares, brooding, untouchable, despised by most of Olympus. Their spheres of power could not be more opposed: she stirs longing, he stirs war. Beneath the friction, the two recognise something of themselves in each other. What follows is a courtship pulled taut between desire, divine politics, and the bargains gods are forced to make in Zeus's court.
The Voice in This Book
Saint writes Aphrodite in a register that feels deliberately drawn from her source material:
A languorous, sensory prose style indebted to Sappho and Ovid
Long looping sentences thick with petals, oils, salt, smoke, and skin
A first-person narrator who is amused, observant, slightly vain, and not above admitting it
Cool, quick dialogue that offsets the lyrical interior monologue
Readers who came to her through Hera, Atalanta, Elektra, or Ariadne will recognise her instinct for plain emotional clarity inside ornate sentences. But Aphrodite is a different kind of narrator. She is a goddess speaking in her prime, not a girl looking back on a tragedy, and the book takes its tonal cues from her appetite for the world.
What the Book Does Well
A few craft choices come through as genuinely strong:
The mortal interludes. Phaon, Pygmalion's Galatea, Pandora, Iphis, and Adonis each anchor a self-contained novella in miniature stitched into the larger arc, and they carry much of the book's moral weight.
The reframing of familiar episodes. Hephaestus's exile, Pandora's jar, the trial at the Areopagus. Saint diverges from the versions she used in her earlier novel Hera, and the author's note is refreshingly honest about why.
The chemistry. Ares is written with restraint rather than posturing. He listens before he speaks, and the slow accumulation of his presence in Aphrodite's thoughts is one of the book's best-paced threads.
The Amazons sequence. The detour to Scythia, drawn from Adrienne Mayor's nonfiction work, gives the second half fresh geographic and emotional air.
Where the Cracks Show
For a romance promising sparks between fire and passion, the early courtship sometimes runs cooler than the blurb suggests. Saint's lyrical instincts occasionally smother the heat she is supposed to be generating, and a few central encounters are described with so much atmospheric language that the bodies and stakes inside them go a little soft.
Other readers may stumble on these points:
Aphrodite's mortal lovers in the first hundred pages can blur into one another, since they share a rhythm of meeting, melting, and moving on.
The Olympian council scenes carry useful exposition but slow the pulse whenever they appear back to back.
Hephaestus, who carries enormous narrative weight, is granted less interiority than the central pair, which makes one major turn in part two feel more engineered than inevitable.
The mortal subplots are sometimes so vivid that the central romance suffers by comparison.
None of these are fatal flaws, but they explain why the book reads, even to admirers, as a strong four-out-of-five rather than a clear five.
Where This Sits in Saint's Wider Work
This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint is her fifth novel. Ariadne was the breakout, Elektra and Atalanta both hit number one on the Sunday Times list, and Hera reframed the queen of Olympus through her grievances and her dignity. Set against those, this is the warmest book she has written. Less brutal than Elektra, less wounded than Ariadne, less politically claustrophobic than Hera. It is the book of an author granting herself permission to enjoy her gods.
It is also the first of her novels where the protagonist openly wants pleasure, and where the page lingers on it without flinching. For longtime readers, that loosening of register is the most interesting evolution on offer.
Who Will Love It
Anyone expecting a fast paranormal romance in togas may need to recalibrate. This is mythology first, romance second. It is best suited for:
Readers who loved Madeline Miller's Circe and want a similarly reflective, first-person goddess voice
Fans of Natalie Haynes who enjoy mythological retellings with a feminist edge
Romance readers willing to trade urgency for atmosphere
Anyone who has wanted Saint to give the gods themselves the microphone
If you prefer the tighter dread of Ariadne or the white-hot vengeance of Elektra, you may find this softer at the edges. That softness is, I think, part of its argument.
Closing Thoughts
This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint is not a flawless novel, but it is a confident one. Saint knows what her readers come to her for, and she gives them that while also taking a real risk in opening the door to romance. The book glows more than it burns, ruminates more than it races, and makes a quietly radical case inside its mythological frame: love is not weaker than war, it just outlasts it. For readers willing to sit inside that argument, This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint is a generous, lyrical addition to her body of work, and a promising opening if she chooses to write more in this register.
The result is a sensuous, slow-burning retelling of Aphrodite and Ares, an affair the ancient sources usually treated as gossip, scandal, or a punchline involving Hephaestus and a golden net. Saint takes that tabloid sliver and stretches it across centuries.
Premise and Setup, Spoiler-Free
Aphrodite tells her own story. She is newly born from sea-foam and her father's blood, comfortable in her power, devoted to her worshippers' secrets and the quiet pleasures she stirs in mortal and divine hearts alike. Her dalliances are brief and bright, and she is determined never to marry, having watched what marriage has done to Hera.
Then a battle she cannot prevent steals away a mortal she has just blessed with a second chance. The man behind the spear is Ares, brooding, untouchable, despised by most of Olympus. Their spheres of power could not be more opposed: she stirs longing, he stirs war. Beneath the friction, the two recognise something of themselves in each other. What follows is a courtship pulled taut between desire, divine politics, and the bargains gods are forced to make in Zeus's court.
The Voice in This Book
Saint writes Aphrodite in a register that feels deliberately drawn from her source material:
A languorous, sensory prose style indebted to Sappho and Ovid
Long looping sentences thick with petals, oils, salt, smoke, and skin
A first-person narrator who is amused, observant, slightly vain, and not above admitting it
Cool, quick dialogue that offsets the lyrical interior monologue
Readers who came to her through Hera, Atalanta, Elektra, or Ariadne will recognise her instinct for plain emotional clarity inside ornate sentences. But Aphrodite is a different kind of narrator. She is a goddess speaking in her prime, not a girl looking back on a tragedy, and the book takes its tonal cues from her appetite for the world.
What the Book Does Well
A few craft choices come through as genuinely strong:
The mortal interludes. Phaon, Pygmalion's Galatea, Pandora, Iphis, and Adonis each anchor a self-contained novella in miniature stitched into the larger arc, and they carry much of the book's moral weight.
The reframing of familiar episodes. Hephaestus's exile, Pandora's jar, the trial at the Areopagus. Saint diverges from the versions she used in her earlier novel Hera, and the author's note is refreshingly honest about why.
The chemistry. Ares is written with restraint rather than posturing. He listens before he speaks, and the slow accumulation of his presence in Aphrodite's thoughts is one of the book's best-paced threads.
The Amazons sequence. The detour to Scythia, drawn from Adrienne Mayor's nonfiction work, gives the second half fresh geographic and emotional air.
Where the Cracks Show
For a romance promising sparks between fire and passion, the early courtship sometimes runs cooler than the blurb suggests. Saint's lyrical instincts occasionally smother the heat she is supposed to be generating, and a few central encounters are described with so much atmospheric language that the bodies and stakes inside them go a little soft.
Other readers may stumble on these points:
Aphrodite's mortal lovers in the first hundred pages can blur into one another, since they share a rhythm of meeting, melting, and moving on.
The Olympian council scenes carry useful exposition but slow the pulse whenever they appear back to back.
Hephaestus, who carries enormous narrative weight, is granted less interiority than the central pair, which makes one major turn in part two feel more engineered than inevitable.
The mortal subplots are sometimes so vivid that the central romance suffers by comparison.
None of these are fatal flaws, but they explain why the book reads, even to admirers, as a strong four-out-of-five rather than a clear five.
Where This Sits in Saint's Wider Work
This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint is her fifth novel. Ariadne was the breakout, Elektra and Atalanta both hit number one on the Sunday Times list, and Hera reframed the queen of Olympus through her grievances and her dignity. Set against those, this is the warmest book she has written. Less brutal than Elektra, less wounded than Ariadne, less politically claustrophobic than Hera. It is the book of an author granting herself permission to enjoy her gods.
It is also the first of her novels where the protagonist openly wants pleasure, and where the page lingers on it without flinching. For longtime readers, that loosening of register is the most interesting evolution on offer.
Who Will Love It
Anyone expecting a fast paranormal romance in togas may need to recalibrate. This is mythology first, romance second. It is best suited for:
Readers who loved Madeline Miller's Circe and want a similarly reflective, first-person goddess voice
Fans of Natalie Haynes who enjoy mythological retellings with a feminist edge
Romance readers willing to trade urgency for atmosphere
Anyone who has wanted Saint to give the gods themselves the microphone
If you prefer the tighter dread of Ariadne or the white-hot vengeance of Elektra, you may find this softer at the edges. That softness is, I think, part of its argument.
Closing Thoughts
This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint is not a flawless novel, but it is a confident one. Saint knows what her readers come to her for, and she gives them that while also taking a real risk in opening the door to romance. The book glows more than it burns, ruminates more than it races, and makes a quietly radical case inside its mythological frame: love is not weaker than war, it just outlasts it. For readers willing to sit inside that argument, This Immortal Heart by Jennifer Saint is a generous, lyrical addition to her body of work, and a promising opening if she chooses to write more in this register.
August 9, 2026
As always, Jennifer Saint’s retellings are beautifully done. And “This Immortal Heart” was beautiful. I’m always left with a maudlin sense whenever I finish a Jennifer Saint book. Despite how pleasant the ending was, I am still feeling a little melancholic.
Earlier this year I had read Phenoecia Rogerson’s Aphrodite and I was disgusted by it. It was so bad. Just so bad. I’m glad I read this one because it washed away the disgust I had for that book.
Jennifer Saint really brings the elegance in her prose for Aphrodite in “This Immortal Heart”, just as how I had imagined it to be.
Flawlessly done.
Earlier this year I had read Phenoecia Rogerson’s Aphrodite and I was disgusted by it. It was so bad. Just so bad. I’m glad I read this one because it washed away the disgust I had for that book.
Jennifer Saint really brings the elegance in her prose for Aphrodite in “This Immortal Heart”, just as how I had imagined it to be.
Flawlessly done.
June 18, 2026
3.75/5 stars
The first 2/3 of this book was sooo good. 5 stars actually. It’s been way too long since I’ve picked something up with writing that is actually good. But unfortunately, the last 1/3 of this book lost me a bit. I think I was just hoping for different drama. More scandal maybe.
The first 2/3 of this book was sooo good. 5 stars actually. It’s been way too long since I’ve picked something up with writing that is actually good. But unfortunately, the last 1/3 of this book lost me a bit. I think I was just hoping for different drama. More scandal maybe.
August 17, 2026
Oh a book about my favourite Greek myth, of course I'm going to read it.
I'll review it more later.
I'll review it more later.
July 3, 2026
I LOVED her other books, but this one didn't do it for me unfortunately
Aphrodite felt more like a teenage girl to me instead of a literal goddess??
The storyline itself felt so choppy as well.
Aphrodite felt more like a teenage girl to me instead of a literal goddess??
The storyline itself felt so choppy as well.
June 16, 2026
This Immortal Heart takes such significant liberties with greek mythology that it simply wasn’t for me. It made me realise I personally prefer seeing those stories and characters remain a little more recognizable.
Case in point: I nearly started liking Aphrodite in this version. Considering I usually can’t stand her in most myths, that’s saying something. 😂
Case in point: I nearly started liking Aphrodite in this version. Considering I usually can’t stand her in most myths, that’s saying something. 😂
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) 🙏🏼
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!
2026-reads
June 28, 2026I am currently trying to calm down from this book, wipe tears of joy away, and gather my focus. This was THE BEST retelling of any Greek god or goddess I've encountered. It was beauty. It was war. It was romance. It was pain. It was longing. It was ethereal.
"Hurt and grief are not the price of love; they are testaments to its strength"
Aphrodite was not born as the other gods. She was born of the sea, fully formed, endowed with striking beauty and ancient power. She is the goddess of love. Fulfilled in her temple, hearing and answering the prayers of her people, she longs to bring mortals together. She is also known to enjoy her own frivolous moments of passion. But duty calls, and it's time for another council meeting on Olympus. And when Ares, the wrathful god of war no one likes, finally makes an appearance, she does not realize she will be spending centuries fighting her own battle between her heart drawn to him and her duty to her people. After all, the gods play games unfairly.
"Love is always the antidote to loss, the balm to any wound."
I was captivated by the crafting and evolution of Aphrodite and Ares. Not only was I drawn to their love affair, but their internal struggles and how they interacted with their worshippers were masterfully executed. I was especially drawn to the shorter stories created within each prayer lifted up to Aphrodite, her method of communication with mortals, and her secretive observances. I can't imagine it would be a small feat to create the inner monologues of the goddess of love. And yet, Jennifer Saint exceeded my expectations. There's no question. This is well-written. It wasn't cheesy, cringey, nor did it follow any common fantasy trope. I enjoy Saint's books, but this one is next level.
Thank you so much NetGalley, Jennifer Saint, and Ballantine Books for this eARC in exchange for my raving, yet honest review.
"Hurt and grief are not the price of love; they are testaments to its strength"
Aphrodite was not born as the other gods. She was born of the sea, fully formed, endowed with striking beauty and ancient power. She is the goddess of love. Fulfilled in her temple, hearing and answering the prayers of her people, she longs to bring mortals together. She is also known to enjoy her own frivolous moments of passion. But duty calls, and it's time for another council meeting on Olympus. And when Ares, the wrathful god of war no one likes, finally makes an appearance, she does not realize she will be spending centuries fighting her own battle between her heart drawn to him and her duty to her people. After all, the gods play games unfairly.
"Love is always the antidote to loss, the balm to any wound."
I was captivated by the crafting and evolution of Aphrodite and Ares. Not only was I drawn to their love affair, but their internal struggles and how they interacted with their worshippers were masterfully executed. I was especially drawn to the shorter stories created within each prayer lifted up to Aphrodite, her method of communication with mortals, and her secretive observances. I can't imagine it would be a small feat to create the inner monologues of the goddess of love. And yet, Jennifer Saint exceeded my expectations. There's no question. This is well-written. It wasn't cheesy, cringey, nor did it follow any common fantasy trope. I enjoy Saint's books, but this one is next level.
Thank you so much NetGalley, Jennifer Saint, and Ballantine Books for this eARC in exchange for my raving, yet honest review.
June 12, 2026
Jennifer has spun yet another breath stealing Greek tapestry in This Immortal Heart. I am lost for words. This is one of the most beautiful, mythological pieces I have ever read. Sensual and full of this magnetic, pulling power 🏛️💘
Ares and Aphrodite: the oldest love story in Grecian history, and yet they began as the ultimate cosmic antithesis. The reviled Ares-shunned on Mount Olympus for his insatiable lust for bloodshed, and the charming Aphrodite: sprung to life from sea foam and in command of the heart and its chamber of desires. This isn’t an illicit tryst, this is a fierce insurrection against the meddling in Zeus’s court. You can really feel the headiness of it all coming off the page and into your bones. Saint’s Aphrodite is more dangerous than an army carrying a thousand bronze shields. The two together, threaten to tear Olympus apart at its very seams. It is utterly joyous. What a feast ✨
I absolutely love the way Saint pairs the terrifying, careless immortality of the gods with the fleeting, burning brilliance of a mortal life. She is excellent at conjuring a world of
divine politics and the agonizing cost of seeking liberty in a world that demands a goddess be a possession. The Olympians are suffocating tempests, and the mortals caught in their wake must learn to navigate a sea of celestial caprice. Aphrodite herself builds a fortress out of her own resilience 🏛️
When the Gods grow cold, the stories of those who loved and suffered in their shadows will forever burn with an inextinguishable, brilliant flame 🔥
Ares and Aphrodite: the oldest love story in Grecian history, and yet they began as the ultimate cosmic antithesis. The reviled Ares-shunned on Mount Olympus for his insatiable lust for bloodshed, and the charming Aphrodite: sprung to life from sea foam and in command of the heart and its chamber of desires. This isn’t an illicit tryst, this is a fierce insurrection against the meddling in Zeus’s court. You can really feel the headiness of it all coming off the page and into your bones. Saint’s Aphrodite is more dangerous than an army carrying a thousand bronze shields. The two together, threaten to tear Olympus apart at its very seams. It is utterly joyous. What a feast ✨
I absolutely love the way Saint pairs the terrifying, careless immortality of the gods with the fleeting, burning brilliance of a mortal life. She is excellent at conjuring a world of
divine politics and the agonizing cost of seeking liberty in a world that demands a goddess be a possession. The Olympians are suffocating tempests, and the mortals caught in their wake must learn to navigate a sea of celestial caprice. Aphrodite herself builds a fortress out of her own resilience 🏛️
When the Gods grow cold, the stories of those who loved and suffered in their shadows will forever burn with an inextinguishable, brilliant flame 🔥
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