Psyche

by Forrest Gladstone

Keep your own name and demand the gods say it.

This reimagining of the myth's earliest written source—the 2nd-century Roman text Metamorphoses by Apuleius—centers its heroine's interior life and questions Cupid's place in it. Using the original Roman naming conventions, Psyche examines what happens when a woman pushes back on the story that others would write for her.

Psyche of Crete is determined to marry with greater happiness than her sisters. When her beauty threatens Venus's influence, the goddess of love takes the matter personally and dispatches her son Cupid to intervene. Pricked by his own weapon and falling irrevocably in love, Cupid’s attempt to claim Psyche sets her on a collision course with the gods.

Caught between divine cruelty and impossible expectations, Psyche must fight for a voice in a world determined to silence her.

Psyche asks what makes a myth endure: the truth it holds, or the lie it comforts us with.

Genres: Fantasy

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 1, 2026

About the author

Forrest lives with her husband, kids, and cats in Richmond, Virginia. She earned her BA in Religious Studies and Anthropology from the University of Virginia, and her masters degree in Education from the College of William and Mary. She has taught language arts, theatre, and writing. Psyche is her first novel.

Reviews

[Rachel Doubek · Rating 4 out of 5]

An expansive story of Psyche and Cupid from birth to love. The author did a great job telling the whole story across time. The story grapples a lot with SA and I worried the ending wasn’t going to stick it. But 10/10.

I do wonder if the cover may scare people off because many Greek retellings lean more classic/adult and this is a cartoon cover. But the themes are very adult and women’s fiction. I hope it gets the attention it deserves. This isn’t an easy book to read, in terms of everyone ends up happy or the girl gets revenge in the end. There is suffering and hardship, but ultimately agency. I’m glad Psyche’s tale was told like this, the author did a great job.

Thank you to Bosque Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

[John Richard Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 debut from first-time author

Lots of engaging fun characters with great dialogue.
The action starts quickly and pulls you along.
The focus here is on the story and the characters, but along the way it asks some important questions about how our society ever came to consider Cupid as a romantic figure.

[Cher Van Der Woude · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review — Psyche
3.5⭐️

The story of Psyche and Cupid immediately drew me in because I’ve always loved mythology. From the start, though, I couldn’t help noticing that the book uses the Greek version of the myth but adds a Roman twist to it, and I didn’t really enjoy that. It often felt forced rather than natural or accurate. The book itself reads very smoothly, and I enjoyed getting both Psyche’s and Cupid’s POVs, though Cupid’s chapters were definitely the ones that resonated with me the most.

There were also moments where having prior knowledge of the original myth definitely helped; without it, some scenes might feel abrupt or certain characters a bit flat.

That said, there are parts of the story that are genuinely strong and engaging, but others didn’t land as well. Because of that inconsistency, rating this book wasn’t easy. In the end, it’s a solid 3.5‑star read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[that.onebookgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley for access to this book!

I have read many retellings of greek mythology. As an avid reader of ancient myths and a former classics student, retellings have always been right up my alley. So many times, characters are side-lined, ignored, or silenced in these myths: both in ancient sources and in modern sources! Seeing how authors reinterpret these characters within our modern context is one of my favorite things.

Now I have read a lot of retellings, especially feminist ones. Many times, I have never felt compelled by these novels: usually because these retellings either favor the man, distort the original myth, or aren't faithful to the source material. When I started Psyche, I had hopes for it to turn well, but expected to be lightly disappointed.

Forrest Gladstone blew me out of the water.

Psyche follows the story of the infamous myth of Psyche and Cupid, taking place in a world in which the gods grapple with the new Roman world they now occupy. Gladstone weaves this growing political tension into the story of a young woman who is taken advantage of and suppressed by the Gods. Now, this story handles some sensitive themes: such as rape, marital abuse, and assault. Rather than shying away from the subject, or sanitizing it for the sake of the love story, Gladstone confronted these issues head-on and dealt with them in ways that were affirming of Psyche's experience. I thought the depiction was expertly handled and sensitive, well-done in a way that I have yet to see many other books handle these subjects. When so many of the greek myths depict assault and rape as major points in their story, I was proud that Gladstone addressed these issues head on and gave Psyche the voice that she has been lacking over the centuries.

The story is hypnotizing, and the writing is clever. You don't just follow Psyche, but the other characters that she interacts with. Rather than feeling like it detracted from Psyche's experiences, the extra perspectives only highlighted and added to it. The characters are compelling, steadfast, and the Gods are cruel and capricious. I can honestly say I have yet to read a greek retelling that has so expertly interacted with, addressed, and expanded upon the source material than Forrest Gladstone. I heartily recommended this book (with the content warnings in mind for any future readers) for anyone who wants to expand their library of greek retellings. Five stars!

[Haylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psyche is proof to never judge a book by its cover — while it was the beautiful cartoon that made me curious, I was a bit nervous after finding out this was a mythology retelling. But this was worth a read, and good one at that. I like how this also provided insight to the Olympians and their perspective on Psyche and Eros; especially Aphrodite as the goddess of love and as a mother

Thank you Forrest Gladstone, Bosque Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Leah McGeorge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an incredible retelling. I love the balance of the gods perspectives and Psyche's. I really enjoyed how Psyche grew through the book and learned to play a game she shouldn't have had to.

[Torz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written retelling of the story of Psyche and Cupid.

Definitely puts perceptions of women, and how we cope with tragedy and day-to-day patriarchy under the microscope. The expectation that we just sweep things under the rug and get on with life - which we're strong enough to do but we shouldn't have to do.

This book makes you feel all the feels, a lot of rage, loss, insight and contemplation

Some of my favourites lines:

It was her cradle all over again, devotion that could kill her, only this time, her greatest protectors were gone.

Diana's smile was wicked. "I? I'd go with a classic: one jealous goddess attempting to bring down another. That one stands the test of time."

It occurred to Venus, in a distant corner of her ind, that the last time she had felt rage this intense had also been in Mercury's presence and also over an unplanned child.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've heard of "the original Beauty and the Beast" as my fairy tale and folklore professor put it, then you know that the tale of Psyche and Cupid has a happy ending. But what if it actually dealt with topics like SA and what the aftermath of it is, even if it takes you time to call it that? Being able to read this title on NetGalley, I was entranced with how strong Pysche is. Being able to stand up to your parents, your perpetrator, and the Greco-Romano gods takes a lot of guts, and she does it so eloquently. I loved seeing a more modern take on this myth and having it grapple with topics that today we are just only realizing shouldn't be as taboo as they seem to be.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a unique retelling about Psyche and Cupid that spanned from their childhood into their adulthood. I enjoyed the different perspectives of the gods and especially goddesses in the story and how they perceived the happenings. It certainly made me think about how the narrative of stories and myths are perceived. I felt like the author handled the themes of SA well and I felt like it did Psyche in the book justice. She suffered a lot throughout it and ultimately she grew a lot because of it. I really liked the relationship she had with her sisters and the important part they had in the story.

While I do like the cover I don't think it quite matches the story told and I almost expected something different.

[Peyton McCain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Forrest Gladstone for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! I am a huge fan of mythological adaptations or retellings, and this followed in the footsteps of Circe and Song of Achilles very well. The story of Psyche and Cupid is an interesting one in canon, and I feel that Gladstone adapted it into a very compelling novel.

One of my issues with Greek/Roman myths is the lack of agency female characters have, including goddesses. This novel gave its female characters that agency and the ability to make a difference in their own lives, while still emphasizing that those who had that agency were not the norm in their society and time.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the relationship posed between Psyche and her sisters, and the emphasis on how life and perception changes through womanhood, motherhood, and being a wife. Many myths lack complex female relationships, but those between Psyche and her sisters felt very realistic and raw.

Thanks again to NetGalley and Forrest Gladstone!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this from NetGalley for a honest review.

A refreshing take on a classic mythological story. I like that this book challenges the traditional (patriarchal) narratives of Greek mythology, giving the females agency and resistance against oppressive power structures at play.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a modern, feminist retelling of the myth of Psyche and it very consciously reinterprets the original story.

Instead of presenting the romance with Cupid as a sweeping, unquestioned love story, this version examines it more critically.

It highlights the imbalance of power, the secrecy, and the manipulation at the core of their relationship. From this perspective, Psyche is not simply a passive figure moving toward a divine happy ending, she becomes someone who questions what was done to her and what she is willing to accept.

I appreciated that shift.

The retelling focuses on exactly the right themes: agency, consent, truth, and the cost of love when it’s built on control. It gives Psyche a stronger voice and allows her to make her own choices, rather than simply following the path laid out in the original myth.

That said, I struggled with the ending. And I struggle with my struggle.
As someone who loves a clear emotional resolution and a traditional HEA, Psyche’s final choice, prioritizing her autonomy over the romantic relationship, didn’t satisfy me on a personal level. I understand why the story goes there, and within the logic of this interpretation, it makes sense. But emotionally, it left me wanting something different.

There’s also an interesting tension when applying modern moral frameworks to Greek mythology. These myths are full of power imbalances and behavior that would be deeply problematic by today’s standards. If we fully deconstruct all of it, the entire foundation of many of these stories begins to shift, which is exactly what this book is exploring.

In terms of writing, it took me a little while to settle into the style. The prose is quite direct and unadorned, especially compared to more lyrical, poetic authors. The beginning moves a bit slowly, but once the story gains momentum, it flows much more easily.

Overall, I think this is a thoughtful and worthwhile retelling. It aims to question.
And even if it didn’t give me the ending I personally wanted, I can still appreciate what it was trying to do.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[RUTH GUCKIEAN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Psyche is not the retelling I expected—and whether that's a good thing depends entirely on what you're looking for.

Forrest Gladstone returns to the source material, drawing from Apuleius's Metamorphoses and preserving the Roman naming conventions that give the story its classical weight. Psyche of Crete is a woman whose beauty threatens Venus, whose fate becomes entangled with Cupid's, and whose journey pits her against gods who would rather she stay silent. It's a familiar framework, but Gladstone isn't interested in simply retelling it.

This is philosophical fiction. The narrative spends more time reflecting on Psyche as a symbol—what she represents about consciousness, identity, power, and the stories we inherit—than it does on the romance or the adventure. It's meditative, deliberate, and very much ideas-first.

And honestly? Some of it works beautifully. The passages exploring why myths endure, what truths they hold versus what lies they comfort us with, gave me genuine pause. Gladstone is clearly a thoughtful writer wrestling with big questions.

But I wanted more fire. The emotional through-line feels muted, the pacing drags in places, and the love story—arguably the heart of the original myth—operates at a distance. I kept waiting to feel swept up, and instead I felt... contemplative. Which isn't nothing. It's just not what I was craving.
If you love speculative fiction that engages with mythology as a lens for examining the human condition, this will likely resonate. If you're here for the romance, the drama, the mythic sweep—temper your expectations.

An interesting reframing. Just not the one my heart wanted.

[thwipy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please check trigger warnings for this book! As with many retellings there are explicit themes of sexual assault and rape, forced pregnancy, miscarriage, domestic abuse.

Thank you NetGalley and Bosque for an eARC of Psyche!

Psyche is a mortal princess, and Cupid is the god of erotic love. Despite his mother’s orders to punish Psyche for drawing worship away from her, Cupid falls in love with the mortal instead.

This isn’t the typical Psyche story you may know. If you know her tale, expect this retelling to be less of a love story. It is called Psyche, after all—not Psyche and Cupid. Anticipate a more feminist lens. The gods are (rightfully) not painted in a very flattering or innocent light except maybe Ceres. I see a lot of woman-centered retellings end up pacifying the men to make them ‘one of the good ones’, and this novel doesn’t really do that. This is definitely more of a character study than a romance!

I’d say the pacing matches that of many primary sources like The Golden Ass, the ancient Roman novel that gave us the clearest depiction of Psyche and Cupid. Pacing in these original stories can feel slow and then important plot points occur in the span of a few sentences. If you’re familiar with ancient stories, it shouldn’t throw you off in this one. It definitely takes a bit to get going, though it isn’t a bore. Even so, it drags a little between major plot points.

This might be the first book, including Percy Jackson as a child, to make me hate Mercury/Hermes. That’s saying a lot. Pick this one up if you want a sort of more introspective version of Psyche’s story and/or a slightly more harsh depiction of the pantheon.

[Brandi Smallwood Uncaged Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a long-time lover of Greek mythology, I’ll admit the Roman names threw me for a loop initially! However, once I settled in, I found Psyche to be a fast-paced and fascinating read. I love learning through stories, and I realized I had never actually heard the full tale of Psyche and Cupid before.
Forrest Gladstone does a wonderful job weaving in most of the Gods, making the world feel expansive yet accessible. Whether you’re a die-hard mythology fan or just looking for a fun, interesting way to learn something new, this debut novel is definitely worth checking out!

+++I have received this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++

I want to thank @netgalley and @writeornot for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the ARC version from Netgalley:

I am positively suprised by this. I had no idea going in how it could possibly go. This was the first time I read the story of Psyche and Eros and it is NOT written as love story, which appreciate so much. Yes, you could argue it is the start of an eventual love story but I would speak against it.

The way themes of SA are handled is done so beautifully and with a lot of care, which I very much appreciate. The ending was really pleasant. And I do love the way the Gods are portrayed.

Psyche as main character was fascinating. She was called out and yet she was still treated unfairly. Seeing Cupid in comparisment was interesting.

I also enjoy the explaination and intigration of the roman names of the Gods as well as the two quotes at the end.

My one critique is that I personally found the writing style somewhat "dry" (for a lack of better word) sometimes. Which is absolutly not a bad thing. It fits the tone of the story. It is not poetic and sometimes some streches felt somewhat boring. However that did not take away from anything. It is only my own preferance of what kind of writing style I prefer. The dialogues were written amazingly. It was only the narration that did not hit my personal style. However this is a nitpicky critque and it does not warrant less than five stars because the book really was wonderfully.

[Dingske · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Keep your own name and demand the gods say it.”

Who is the hero in a story often depends on how it is told. Who doesn't know the story of Psyche and Cupid? Whether it is a love story or not is a matter of opinion. In Psyche, we hear the story told by Forrest Gladstone and the adventures of this myth.

Although the use of Roman names (not without reason) seemed to pull me out of the story a little at first, the writing style made up for it. You follow the gods and mortals in this great chess game in search of the truth. For what is the real story and what is it that people want to hear? What is the power of stories and the power that each of us possesses? But above all, the bigger question: what is love? And what is love worth? It is a quest, just like this book.

A book ideal for people who love retellings. The book contains difficult themes and big questions, but isn't that exactly what a book can give access to? The writing style is smooth and I enjoyed the story. The story is 'modern' in the themes it addresses. And although I was quite afraid of how they would handle the ending without resolving things, I am very happy with the way they did it.

This is an ARC read thanks to Netgally

[Halema · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reimaging of Psyche and Cupid is one of my favorite versions of the Greek mythology. The relationship between Psyche and her sisters was one of my favorite aspects in the book. The sisters in many versions are not as fleshed out, but with this one, it's important in the story. I did like Venus as well, Cupid's mom, because of being a mother and the struggles she went through. This book does go into depth about being a mother and being a woman. The expectations of how your life is destined to be, becoming a mother, and the struggles your body has to bear. All these women have different conflicts with their male partners. Cupid and Psyche's relationship is interesting because of how dynamically it changes throughout the story. This story is not as focused on the romance aspect but more on the characters' development and their advocacy for themselves. Gladstone's writing on mythology is one of the best I have read. I also really liked that they used the Roman version of the name instead of the Greek. I would recommend this book to lovers of Greek Mythology.

Thank you, Netgalley and Bosque Publishing, for the review copy.

[Jordan | TiredButBooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Psyche and Cupid has always been one of my favorite pieces of classical mythology. When I was younger, I reread that section in Mythology by Edith Hamilton several times. Psyche and Cupid's story, the themes of curiosity, love, and transformation have always stayed with me, so I’m always interested in seeing how authors reinterpret the myth.

This version leans more toward the philosophical side of the story than the romantic one. Rather than simply retelling the myth, the book reflects on Psyche as a symbol and on what her story reveals about consciousness, identity, and the human experience. It’s very much an ideas-driven narrative.

That approach will likely work best for readers who enjoy speculative or philosophical fiction that engages with myth in a reflective way.

For readers who already have a connection to the Psyche myth, this offers an interesting lens through which to revisit a very old story that still continues to inspire reinterpretation.

[Poppy Cain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing retelling that swings between bland, childish prose, and serious topics that butt heads with the dry and unfeeling storytelling. There is no showing, only telling.

The Author struggles with pairing the historical truth of women and marriage at the time with the myth and glossing over the allegory behind it. Psyche is the depiction of the human soul, Eros, sexual desire, and together through struggles of 'Love' and 'Death' (Aphrodite and Persephone) they end up creating Hedone (the depiction of pleasure). It is confusing how the author mixes the roman depictions in the book with 'Psyche' who is greek, instead of her roman counterpart Anima.

It is impossible not to compare to Circe, which manages to both handle the reality of historical women with the author added allegory of immortality and humanity.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bosque publishing for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book. The cover on the NetGalley is different and MUCH preferable to the one displayed here.

I struggled a little with the Roman names replacing the Greek ones I was more familiar with but the book made it easy enough to figure out who was who. From the first few chapters, I thought this was going to be a frivolous book that made fun of how ridiculous Gods are. Happily, I was wrong. Psyche developed as a character, processing and understanding all the awful things that had happened to her and her loved ones, choosing what options she could. This book explored consent, sexual assault and gender hypocrisy in a way that I appreciated. Best of all, it was well-written and hard to put down.

[Sammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

A retelling of classical Greek/Roman mythology?! COUNT ME IN!

These story's will always have a place in my heart for I really do love them. There just really is something special about ancient mythology that keeps me interested and coming back for more.

I loved the way the relationship between Psyche and her sisters is discriped. That instead of jealousy about Psyche's situation and trying to get the attention of Cupid, which ultimately leads to them dying. The sisters are supportive and loving and just wholesome! I reallyyyyyy loved this!

Not going to ly, I was a bit thrown by the chosen names. Going with the Roman names of the Gods and not by the Greek. But hey, after a while you do get used to it.

Thank god they changed the cover! Because these cartoons really don't do the book justice.

But wow, what a great deput novel!

Thank you Netgalley and Bosque publishing for the ARC! 💛💛

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psyche by Forrest Gladstone is a beautifully written and surprisingly accessible dive into the myth of Psyche, perfect for readers who aren't well-versed in Greek mythology. Gladstone brings emotional depth and a modern sensibility to an ancient tale, making the characters feel human and relatable rather than distant or symbolic. The novel explores love, transformation, and resilience with a lyrical style that’s easy to follow but rich in feeling. Even without prior knowledge of the myth, the story unfolds naturally, drawing you in with vivid imagery and a heroine whose journey of self-discovery feels timeless. It's a compelling, soulful read that lingers long after the last page.

[Ellie Raddatz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Psyche is a retelling of the classic Greek myth and while overall the book was enjoyable, I didn't really enjoy the ending. Now I know that not every book can have a true happily ever after but I feel like for this day I can see why they had the ending they did, I wish it had a bit more of an uplifting ending and not just an ending that basically says that we are going to hide the truth to save face and you have to deal with the consequences. While it is a very Greek myth type of ending I feel like I wanted more from this story and to turn the myth on its head in a unique way.

[Spencer Perreault · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐️ - I am a long time lover of lesser-told (and perhaps misunderstood) myths, meaning this book was an exciting prospect for me. Overall, the writing was easy to consume & enjoy, however sometimes the pacing felt slightly off to me. The choice to use the Roman names instead of Greek was interesting, but I enjoyed the tie-ins and call-backs to that shared history. Overall the book was good, however I didn’t find myself blown away. I would still recommend to other lovers of mythology!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bosque Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

(eARC from NetGalley)
Writing ⭐⭐⭐/5
World building ⭐⭐⭐/5
Plot ⭐⭐⭐/5
Characters ⭐⭐⭐/5

This, my friend, is NOT a romantasy. This retelling contains hope, before the force of life knocks us down, anguish, when hope is lost, anger and love when they are molded together. And lastly, a decision made by listening to yourself, and not the people around you or what's expected of you.

I believe this book is Greek gods and goddesses retelling. It is an okay experience, though I'm not sure if I'd want to continue down this road.

[Lesley Kirby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful retelling of a classic myth, with modern tweaks to make it relatable. Gorgeous writing. And, I particularly enjoyed the shared understanding among the female characters of what it means to be a woman in a man’s world, regardless of the character’s motivations for their actions. Highly recommend!

[Lilian Heil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really refreshing take on a classic story. The focus on femininity, family, and motherhood makes this story resonate in 2025! Worth the read!

[Kate Serrao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! The narrative was reminiscent of other mythology but very approachable. Excellent!

[Forrest Gladstone]

CONTENT ADVISORY

As the author, I'm leaving this note to help readers navigate the heavier themes in this book. Psyche draws directly from the Roman source Metamorphoses by Apuleius and explores systemic violence, silencing, and power dynamics.

Specific content warnings include: sexual assault, rape, domestic abuse, forced pregnancy, and miscarriage. This is a critical retelling, not a romantic one. Please read with care.