What do you think?
Rate this book
Pharmakos
Not yet published
Expected 25 May 26What happens when a girl wins a mysterious trip hosted by a reclusive billionaire, from a raffle she never actually entered?
On a dreary Sunday evening in San Francisco, Delphi, an analyst by day and smut reader by night, receives startling news. She has won the prize of a lifetime: a week in Greece hosted by one of the world’s most famous and reclusive billionaires. When she steps onto his private jet a week later, the drudgery of her day-to-day life is forgotten as she’s whisked away to a private villa perched above the sparkling turquoise sea and nestled among rolling verdant hills. The only problem is the arrogant entrepreneur himself, whose swaggering superiority complex makes Delphi want to tear her hair out.
As one of the most powerful beings in existence, Apollo would normally ignore the silly mortal girl. Back in the human realm yet again, still ruthlessly pursuing the revenge he has sought for so many centuries, he never lets himself get distracted. But when he gets close to Delphi for the first time, his skin tingles in a way it hasn’t in ages. Could she be the answer to the prophecy?
From author Emily Otten comes a thrilling story of unlikely enemies to lovers who can’t help but interfere in each other’s quests. A romantasy unlike any other, full of spicy twists and turns that will leave your jaw on the floor. A story about fate, and how sometimes, it’s dead wrong.
On a dreary Sunday evening in San Francisco, Delphi, an analyst by day and smut reader by night, receives startling news. She has won the prize of a lifetime: a week in Greece hosted by one of the world’s most famous and reclusive billionaires. When she steps onto his private jet a week later, the drudgery of her day-to-day life is forgotten as she’s whisked away to a private villa perched above the sparkling turquoise sea and nestled among rolling verdant hills. The only problem is the arrogant entrepreneur himself, whose swaggering superiority complex makes Delphi want to tear her hair out.
As one of the most powerful beings in existence, Apollo would normally ignore the silly mortal girl. Back in the human realm yet again, still ruthlessly pursuing the revenge he has sought for so many centuries, he never lets himself get distracted. But when he gets close to Delphi for the first time, his skin tingles in a way it hasn’t in ages. Could she be the answer to the prophecy?
From author Emily Otten comes a thrilling story of unlikely enemies to lovers who can’t help but interfere in each other’s quests. A romantasy unlike any other, full of spicy twists and turns that will leave your jaw on the floor. A story about fate, and how sometimes, it’s dead wrong.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 25, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
March 31, 2026
where do i even start? i was blessed with the opportunity to read this as an early arc reader (thank you Emily & Inktincture) and i feel it's my duty to provide a detailed review. i would also like to highlight that the original version of this review includes reaction memes and was printed at the Inktincture office and put up for all to see. yes i'm bragging.
i'm going to start with delphi. a character that is insufferable and yet ridiculously relatable. her trauma, her fierce independence, her dedication to doing all she can for herself and inability to accept help... it felt so horrifically relatable, but i also wanted to shake her because spencer wanted to help because she loves her, not because she's a charity case. she proved that over, and over, and over again. but noooo. delphi kept her pretty little head in the godsdamned clouds.
now... apollo? HOT DAMN. he might be the ‘bad brother’ but he sounds like he’d be a good ride. i was literally smirking to myself while reading his chapters because HOT DAMN.
now on to specer. she loved/loves delphi so deeply, never once pitied her, always wanted to share her fortune with her in the best possible way and her ultimate sacrifice for apollo, not knowing anything more than how delphi feels, that her best friend was in love with this man, was tear jerking and an accurate representation of the ends of the earth i would also go to for my bestie. but, how DARE!!!! she get that ending. i get it. but the AUDACITY. i am side-eyeing Emily something rotten from now on.
enough about the characters anyway. now on to the story.
the woman in the keep’s chapters were so beautifully written. the backstory to her life, her albinism that had her literally driven out of villages. so, so beautifully put. thank you emily, for giving us her moments, her little flashes of her time with lia, it felt so perfectly placed within the story too. even if the prophecy she provides left me feeling more than a little confused until the reveal, my ass was not prepared for the twist either.
spencer dragging delphi to the conference, and delphi running away to get cinnamon buns? entirely fair and exactly what i would do, especially if i had also heard apollo talk about how important he is and no one can be like him (ironic for a fucking twin). there's some wonderful foreshadowing at the conference, and when they are in apollo's vicinity that could go unnoticed if you don't pay attention.
the ability to have a miscommunication trope without it being a direct miscommunication is delicious and so well written.
also, delphi winning the raffle... come on, it was obviously going to be apollo. duh.
i adored the exchanges between casey and delphi and then sasha and delphi, i wanted to see more of their characters, i also would have loved to have seen a sasha x spencer moment but maybe that’s me wanting loveable side characters to smooch.
casey being upfront about her autism and dislike for small talk was a nice representation of autism, she wasn’t being rude, she wasn’t beating round the bush and she didn’t want to put either of them in an awkward or uncomfortable situation and i liked that delphi internally acknowledged she’d been rude.
the descriptions of mount olympus, the clouds, the pillars, the colours, it was so dreamlike and it blended with the story. it didn’t feel like scene setting, it felt natural. just like it flowed so well. i loved the vivid descriptors, the fact the clouds were solid but not, you could mould and bend them? ugh never felt so jealous of someone’s imagination before but girl, you made me wish i could live in the world you created - but without the whole mankind doom, warring god brothers part, maybe. (i’d still fuck apollo, and dioynsus of course)
the entire third act had me riveted, it had me hook line and sinker. i felt as useless as a fish out of water after being caught thanks to a pretty lure.
but when i tell you i got to the part where we finally realised apollo wasn’t the ‘good’ brother, boy my poor kindle almost met the wall. i could see it coming but i was still hoping, i was delusional because every chapter of his, when he’s trapped in the summons, the way he fought to get to delphi when he knew she was there too? ugh. i should’ve known not to trust a man that attractive, that’s my bad.
emily puts so much action into the last 5% of this book, the library scene, the spencer revelation, the final vision... only to then have the audacity to end it on a cliffhanger. unimpressed.
i once asked an author of a 6 part series i devoured if she could fight because of how those books made me feel. i may have also asked emily if she can also fight because whew.
all in all? read PHARMAKOS. enjoy delphi's story. enjoy the oracle's life. enjoy the teasers, the foreshadowing, the dynamics that play out so perfectly.
i'm going to start with delphi. a character that is insufferable and yet ridiculously relatable. her trauma, her fierce independence, her dedication to doing all she can for herself and inability to accept help... it felt so horrifically relatable, but i also wanted to shake her because spencer wanted to help because she loves her, not because she's a charity case. she proved that over, and over, and over again. but noooo. delphi kept her pretty little head in the godsdamned clouds.
now... apollo? HOT DAMN. he might be the ‘bad brother’ but he sounds like he’d be a good ride. i was literally smirking to myself while reading his chapters because HOT DAMN.
now on to specer. she loved/loves delphi so deeply, never once pitied her, always wanted to share her fortune with her in the best possible way and her ultimate sacrifice for apollo, not knowing anything more than how delphi feels, that her best friend was in love with this man, was tear jerking and an accurate representation of the ends of the earth i would also go to for my bestie. but, how DARE!!!! she get that ending. i get it. but the AUDACITY. i am side-eyeing Emily something rotten from now on.
enough about the characters anyway. now on to the story.
the woman in the keep’s chapters were so beautifully written. the backstory to her life, her albinism that had her literally driven out of villages. so, so beautifully put. thank you emily, for giving us her moments, her little flashes of her time with lia, it felt so perfectly placed within the story too. even if the prophecy she provides left me feeling more than a little confused until the reveal, my ass was not prepared for the twist either.
spencer dragging delphi to the conference, and delphi running away to get cinnamon buns? entirely fair and exactly what i would do, especially if i had also heard apollo talk about how important he is and no one can be like him (ironic for a fucking twin). there's some wonderful foreshadowing at the conference, and when they are in apollo's vicinity that could go unnoticed if you don't pay attention.
the ability to have a miscommunication trope without it being a direct miscommunication is delicious and so well written.
also, delphi winning the raffle... come on, it was obviously going to be apollo. duh.
i adored the exchanges between casey and delphi and then sasha and delphi, i wanted to see more of their characters, i also would have loved to have seen a sasha x spencer moment but maybe that’s me wanting loveable side characters to smooch.
casey being upfront about her autism and dislike for small talk was a nice representation of autism, she wasn’t being rude, she wasn’t beating round the bush and she didn’t want to put either of them in an awkward or uncomfortable situation and i liked that delphi internally acknowledged she’d been rude.
the descriptions of mount olympus, the clouds, the pillars, the colours, it was so dreamlike and it blended with the story. it didn’t feel like scene setting, it felt natural. just like it flowed so well. i loved the vivid descriptors, the fact the clouds were solid but not, you could mould and bend them? ugh never felt so jealous of someone’s imagination before but girl, you made me wish i could live in the world you created - but without the whole mankind doom, warring god brothers part, maybe. (i’d still fuck apollo, and dioynsus of course)
the entire third act had me riveted, it had me hook line and sinker. i felt as useless as a fish out of water after being caught thanks to a pretty lure.
but when i tell you i got to the part where we finally realised apollo wasn’t the ‘good’ brother, boy my poor kindle almost met the wall. i could see it coming but i was still hoping, i was delusional because every chapter of his, when he’s trapped in the summons, the way he fought to get to delphi when he knew she was there too? ugh. i should’ve known not to trust a man that attractive, that’s my bad.
emily puts so much action into the last 5% of this book, the library scene, the spencer revelation, the final vision... only to then have the audacity to end it on a cliffhanger. unimpressed.
i once asked an author of a 6 part series i devoured if she could fight because of how those books made me feel. i may have also asked emily if she can also fight because whew.
all in all? read PHARMAKOS. enjoy delphi's story. enjoy the oracle's life. enjoy the teasers, the foreshadowing, the dynamics that play out so perfectly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was interesting.
There was definitely a little bit of a twist and while some of it was predictable, for me, there were a couple of aspects that were not and it was pretty interesting to me how Otten went about the surprise. The twist wasn’t super predictable to me but maybe it’s because I enjoy Greek mythology and retellings and the like so the characterization of certain archetypes are a little hard to overcome once you know them.
The syntax though. The syntax would occasionally take me out but it was overall a pretty awesome book. The characterization was interesting and, I feel, a little bit rushed. There were certain scenes where in the beginning of the scene Delphi was so sure of something and then almost immediately was either checked or proven wrong or told something that made her do a pretty much complete 180. I’m not saying that doesn’t happen but that it was happening, maybe, a little too often for it to not jump out at me.
Delphi was a pretty well rounded character, but I feel like the character development was a little quick. Like I said, there were some scenes (several of them) where she was quickly put in her place and her thinking did a 180 nearly instantly. It was the way she switched it almost at the threat of confrontation. I don’t know. Maybe I’m nitpicking but I feel like a character should struggle with their thoughts if they are so adamant and absolute in their thinking and then are proven the opposite. 🤷Also, and this kind of bothered me, Delphi randomly mentions that her father was Hispanic about halfway ish through the book and then mentions mofongo (a typical Puerto Rican dish with different styles being made throughout the Caribbean) and then nothing else. She never mentions it ever again. I’m not expecting to get hit in the head with Latin references but when it’s virtually nonexistent and feels almost like an afterthought, I kinda feel like maybe don’t mention it at all…
Spencer was a pretty awesome side character and I wish that we had gotten more page time with her. I wish there would have been more in depth moments with her. But I feel the same way about Spencer’s racially mixed heritage as I do about Delphi’s. Each girl’s race was referenced only once (or twice in Delphi’s case) and again I feel like if you were going to include those details, make sure they were included. Not merely glossed over in a “check yourself before you wreck yourself” talk between them.🤷
While getting you in the first half to think that Apollo is a good guy, turning that archetype on it’s head, it ultimately falls into the OG archetype. With some, I imagine, pretty heavy consequences for Delphi in terms of mentally forgiving herself.
Now onto what bothered me. Honestly, the book itself was pretty good, like I’m pretty curious for the second one but the syntax just really bothered me sometimes.The syntax, which is not usually my main focus, to me was a little distracting. In several pages, there would be sections of scenes made up of one sentence filled with, I counted, eight commas. I love commas (duh lol) but I think that there should be a limit. There were sometimes words used during…”certain” scenes that stopped the scene from feeling very immediate and punchy and fast and slow and … It was being described a certain way but it didn’t feel like that. And maybe that was the real problem. I was told that the character was feeling like blank and, as the reader, I was feeling like the exact opposite. Like I said, pretty curious for the second one but I couldn’t give it more than 3.5 to four stars. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have liked.
There was definitely a little bit of a twist and while some of it was predictable, for me, there were a couple of aspects that were not and it was pretty interesting to me how Otten went about the surprise. The twist wasn’t super predictable to me but maybe it’s because I enjoy Greek mythology and retellings and the like so the characterization of certain archetypes are a little hard to overcome once you know them.
The syntax though. The syntax would occasionally take me out but it was overall a pretty awesome book. The characterization was interesting and, I feel, a little bit rushed. There were certain scenes where in the beginning of the scene Delphi was so sure of something and then almost immediately was either checked or proven wrong or told something that made her do a pretty much complete 180. I’m not saying that doesn’t happen but that it was happening, maybe, a little too often for it to not jump out at me.
Delphi was a pretty well rounded character, but I feel like the character development was a little quick. Like I said, there were some scenes (several of them) where she was quickly put in her place and her thinking did a 180 nearly instantly. It was the way she switched it almost at the threat of confrontation. I don’t know. Maybe I’m nitpicking but I feel like a character should struggle with their thoughts if they are so adamant and absolute in their thinking and then are proven the opposite. 🤷Also, and this kind of bothered me, Delphi randomly mentions that her father was Hispanic about halfway ish through the book and then mentions mofongo (a typical Puerto Rican dish with different styles being made throughout the Caribbean) and then nothing else. She never mentions it ever again. I’m not expecting to get hit in the head with Latin references but when it’s virtually nonexistent and feels almost like an afterthought, I kinda feel like maybe don’t mention it at all…
Spencer was a pretty awesome side character and I wish that we had gotten more page time with her. I wish there would have been more in depth moments with her. But I feel the same way about Spencer’s racially mixed heritage as I do about Delphi’s. Each girl’s race was referenced only once (or twice in Delphi’s case) and again I feel like if you were going to include those details, make sure they were included. Not merely glossed over in a “check yourself before you wreck yourself” talk between them.🤷
While getting you in the first half to think that Apollo is a good guy, turning that archetype on it’s head, it ultimately falls into the OG archetype. With some, I imagine, pretty heavy consequences for Delphi in terms of mentally forgiving herself.
Now onto what bothered me. Honestly, the book itself was pretty good, like I’m pretty curious for the second one but the syntax just really bothered me sometimes.The syntax, which is not usually my main focus, to me was a little distracting. In several pages, there would be sections of scenes made up of one sentence filled with, I counted, eight commas. I love commas (duh lol) but I think that there should be a limit. There were sometimes words used during…”certain” scenes that stopped the scene from feeling very immediate and punchy and fast and slow and … It was being described a certain way but it didn’t feel like that. And maybe that was the real problem. I was told that the character was feeling like blank and, as the reader, I was feeling like the exact opposite. Like I said, pretty curious for the second one but I couldn’t give it more than 3.5 to four stars. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have liked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
I was given an ARC of this book. I am grateful to Emily Otten and Ink Tincture Publishing for the opportunity.
PHARMAKOS follows Delphi, the introverted FMC who is struggling to find her footing, as she takes on the opportunity of a lifetime. Thanks to her extroverted and beautiful best friend, Spencer, Delphi wins a raffle to be mentored by a successful business. What she does not know until she is on his private jet to Greece (her dream destination) is that her "mentor" is a cruel billionaire that she cannot stand. Apollo is tall, gorgeous, and cold, not seeming to care about anyone but himself. But that changes as Delphi spends more time with him during her 5 days in Greece. The layers are peeled back to reveal a man who does have a heart for the right things and places. Delphi, against her better judgements, starts to fall for this man, as he does for her. She returns to the states with hope for a better future.
Or so she thinks.
PHARMAKOS was an interesting read. At first the plot seemed obvious. A young woman just starting out falls for the charm and endless pockets of a gorgeous, godlike billionaire. Happily ever after, here we come. Except, Apollo is a god and the ever after is far from happy. While at times the plot felt predictable, Emily Otten shows she has several tricks, twists, and turns up her sleeve. The last 60 pages were impossible to put down. Watching Delphi peel back the layers of her past and come into her power, literally and figuratively, was so satisfying. Delphi is extremely relatable, especially the malicious voice in her head.
The side characters were incredibly well written. It seemed obvious from the beginning that Apollo was the big bad, but the more you learn about him the more you begin to doubt your initial instinct. The addition of the brother, Dionysus, makes things even more dubious. The distinction of who is the good brother and bad brother stays muddled to the very end. It's both difficult and not to root for Apollo. The other characters, Spencer, the Oracle, Casey, Sascha and their stories tied well into the story.
I both liked and disliked the author's use of the side characters to move the story along and reveal key points. There was some information that felt rushed, or it would have been preferred to learn what was going on through Delphi's point of view. I would have loved to learn more about Delphi's father, even her mother, as well as the Oracle and Dionysus' relationship. Also why is Mount Olympus empty? And that absolute shock of a cliffhanger? These are all things I hope are addressed in PHARMAKON, which I'm very excited for.
PHARMAKOS follows Delphi, the introverted FMC who is struggling to find her footing, as she takes on the opportunity of a lifetime. Thanks to her extroverted and beautiful best friend, Spencer, Delphi wins a raffle to be mentored by a successful business. What she does not know until she is on his private jet to Greece (her dream destination) is that her "mentor" is a cruel billionaire that she cannot stand. Apollo is tall, gorgeous, and cold, not seeming to care about anyone but himself. But that changes as Delphi spends more time with him during her 5 days in Greece. The layers are peeled back to reveal a man who does have a heart for the right things and places. Delphi, against her better judgements, starts to fall for this man, as he does for her. She returns to the states with hope for a better future.
Or so she thinks.
PHARMAKOS was an interesting read. At first the plot seemed obvious. A young woman just starting out falls for the charm and endless pockets of a gorgeous, godlike billionaire. Happily ever after, here we come. Except, Apollo is a god and the ever after is far from happy. While at times the plot felt predictable, Emily Otten shows she has several tricks, twists, and turns up her sleeve. The last 60 pages were impossible to put down. Watching Delphi peel back the layers of her past and come into her power, literally and figuratively, was so satisfying. Delphi is extremely relatable, especially the malicious voice in her head.
The side characters were incredibly well written. It seemed obvious from the beginning that Apollo was the big bad, but the more you learn about him the more you begin to doubt your initial instinct. The addition of the brother, Dionysus, makes things even more dubious. The distinction of who is the good brother and bad brother stays muddled to the very end. It's both difficult and not to root for Apollo. The other characters, Spencer, the Oracle, Casey, Sascha and their stories tied well into the story.
I both liked and disliked the author's use of the side characters to move the story along and reveal key points. There was some information that felt rushed, or it would have been preferred to learn what was going on through Delphi's point of view. I would have loved to learn more about Delphi's father, even her mother, as well as the Oracle and Dionysus' relationship. Also why is Mount Olympus empty? And that absolute shock of a cliffhanger? These are all things I hope are addressed in PHARMAKON, which I'm very excited for.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of PHARMAKOS. I absolutely loved the story. In the first act, we are introduced to Delphi and the hardships she has had to endure. But she makes the best of life with her bestie, Spencer. Delphi is a relatable character, just trying to make ends meet while navigating a soul-crushing job to save for her dream dance studio. She's got a crappy relationship with her mom, but Spencer is literally a golden friend and makes up for the fact that Delphi has no family.
We meet Apollo and Delphi can't stand him. Even still, she can't help but be attracted to him. We see him as the arrogant billionaire who doesn't seem to care about helping people. (Trust your intuition, Delphi!) Through winning the charity raffle at the symposium, she starts to see a softer side of him than most people see. She hears from the people close to him that he's a good man. (Sidenote: I need more Sascha!) Apollo tells her the stories of the good brother and bad brother. She begins to soften toward him and decides that maybe she can bang him out of her system. He, however, doesn't think he deserves her and decides his mission is more important, despite this wild pull he has to her. So we see him as a good guy, doing all the philanthropic things, sacrificing his wants for the greater good of the mission. Which, of course, is to prep Delphi for her destiny of being the next Oracle and save humanity, right? RIGHT?! Then he had the audacity to make us swoon by giving Delphi her dance studio after offing her attacker!
The last act is really where I couldn't put the book down. I learned so much information in the last 10% of the book that had my head spinning. Apollo isn't the hero we wanted him to be. But he is FIIINNEE, and I do love a good morally grey MMC. Spencer dying hurt my soul. And while I kind of saw the good brother/bad brother twist coming, I was not expecting the twist of who Spencer really was. The way my jaw DROPPED, but really, good for her. She deserves all that power AND her revenge💅.
The cliffhanger at the end was rough. I need Delphi to get her closure. I need her to make Apollo suffer. But also, will we get Delphi/Dionysus action in book 2?👀
Thank you to Emily and Ink Tincture Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early! I can't wait for book 2!💜
We meet Apollo and Delphi can't stand him. Even still, she can't help but be attracted to him. We see him as the arrogant billionaire who doesn't seem to care about helping people. (Trust your intuition, Delphi!) Through winning the charity raffle at the symposium, she starts to see a softer side of him than most people see. She hears from the people close to him that he's a good man. (Sidenote: I need more Sascha!) Apollo tells her the stories of the good brother and bad brother. She begins to soften toward him and decides that maybe she can bang him out of her system. He, however, doesn't think he deserves her and decides his mission is more important, despite this wild pull he has to her. So we see him as a good guy, doing all the philanthropic things, sacrificing his wants for the greater good of the mission. Which, of course, is to prep Delphi for her destiny of being the next Oracle and save humanity, right? RIGHT?! Then he had the audacity to make us swoon by giving Delphi her dance studio after offing her attacker!
The last act is really where I couldn't put the book down. I learned so much information in the last 10% of the book that had my head spinning. Apollo isn't the hero we wanted him to be. But he is FIIINNEE, and I do love a good morally grey MMC. Spencer dying hurt my soul. And while I kind of saw the good brother/bad brother twist coming, I was not expecting the twist of who Spencer really was. The way my jaw DROPPED, but really, good for her. She deserves all that power AND her revenge💅.
The cliffhanger at the end was rough. I need Delphi to get her closure. I need her to make Apollo suffer. But also, will we get Delphi/Dionysus action in book 2?👀
Thank you to Emily and Ink Tincture Publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this book early! I can't wait for book 2!💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2026
I was so lucky to be an early arc reader for this book and I am so so grateful!!
I truly loved this story. Delphi is a character that is so annoyingly lovable. You want her to win, but you also want to shake some sense into her! She’s such a relatable character because she struggles with her insecurities like so many of us do. Sometimes I really wanted to be like, “girl chill! Your friends love you and care about you!!! It’s not pity!!!” But I truly feel that her struggles and eventual ability to overcome them, and facing the trauma of her past was handled so delicately and so well. Emily Otten truly understands how to write deep, flawed, and complex characters.
The overall plot and story lines were immaculate. I was pulled in and invested immediately. I enjoyed Apollo’s chapters because they were short but gave an incredible amount of information and insight to the plot in a subtle and interesting way. And the woman in the stone keep’s chapters? Holy hell. I wanted more. There were times the chapters ended and I had to stop myself from skipping ahead just to read more from her. At the end when everything clicked was magical. Although I did see some things coming (such as Apollo actually being the bad brother) overall the twists and reveals blew my mind. The last 20% of the book I could not put it down. I had to know what happened. There was so much that was revealed I kept thinking, “there’s no way everything’s gonna get reserved.” But nothing felt rushed or like the author was cramming everything in. It flowed beautifully and left on the biggest cliffhanger!
Emily Otten’s writing is fantastic and I absolutely cannot get enough of it. I will absolutely be a fan for life and cannot wait to see what comes next in this series!!!
I truly loved this story. Delphi is a character that is so annoyingly lovable. You want her to win, but you also want to shake some sense into her! She’s such a relatable character because she struggles with her insecurities like so many of us do. Sometimes I really wanted to be like, “girl chill! Your friends love you and care about you!!! It’s not pity!!!” But I truly feel that her struggles and eventual ability to overcome them, and facing the trauma of her past was handled so delicately and so well. Emily Otten truly understands how to write deep, flawed, and complex characters.
The overall plot and story lines were immaculate. I was pulled in and invested immediately. I enjoyed Apollo’s chapters because they were short but gave an incredible amount of information and insight to the plot in a subtle and interesting way. And the woman in the stone keep’s chapters? Holy hell. I wanted more. There were times the chapters ended and I had to stop myself from skipping ahead just to read more from her. At the end when everything clicked was magical. Although I did see some things coming (such as Apollo actually being the bad brother) overall the twists and reveals blew my mind. The last 20% of the book I could not put it down. I had to know what happened. There was so much that was revealed I kept thinking, “there’s no way everything’s gonna get reserved.” But nothing felt rushed or like the author was cramming everything in. It flowed beautifully and left on the biggest cliffhanger!
Emily Otten’s writing is fantastic and I absolutely cannot get enough of it. I will absolutely be a fan for life and cannot wait to see what comes next in this series!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 13, 2026*I was given this book but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
I liked the beginning, it really grabbed and caught my attention. It is a bit slow at first while the reader is learning about who Delphi is and what not. It is interesting having all these Greek names and then her best friend is Spencer. Felt off.
For a tech analyst, she sure is very thought provoking and eloquent. Sometimes the wording did feel off, like it didn’t belong to her as a character. For example:
He leveled his gaze back at me, and of their own volition my eyes snapped instantly back to the roiling golden motion in his. The color had slightly shifted, golden-amber now, like the necklaces I'd seen at museums, housing tiny ancient secrets from long past. The hues seemed to swirl and churn like magma, burning with heat and might and energy that needed to be expressed before it exploded. As if he possessed the same raw power as the Earth's core. Molten lava. Dangerous.
I do love the representation of group so people that may not get mentioned in books as much, like Casey with her autism.
There’s a lot of surprise after surprise, I do like the ending and I feel like there some promise here. There’s a lot of Greek retelling so it’s hard to stay original which I thought this book did. I did feel there was a lot of telling then showing in the storytelling and at times it felt slow. I can’t wait to see the growth of the author and what they do in the future. Happy to see so many people enjoying it
I liked the beginning, it really grabbed and caught my attention. It is a bit slow at first while the reader is learning about who Delphi is and what not. It is interesting having all these Greek names and then her best friend is Spencer. Felt off.
For a tech analyst, she sure is very thought provoking and eloquent. Sometimes the wording did feel off, like it didn’t belong to her as a character. For example:
He leveled his gaze back at me, and of their own volition my eyes snapped instantly back to the roiling golden motion in his. The color had slightly shifted, golden-amber now, like the necklaces I'd seen at museums, housing tiny ancient secrets from long past. The hues seemed to swirl and churn like magma, burning with heat and might and energy that needed to be expressed before it exploded. As if he possessed the same raw power as the Earth's core. Molten lava. Dangerous.
I do love the representation of group so people that may not get mentioned in books as much, like Casey with her autism.
There’s a lot of surprise after surprise, I do like the ending and I feel like there some promise here. There’s a lot of Greek retelling so it’s hard to stay original which I thought this book did. I did feel there was a lot of telling then showing in the storytelling and at times it felt slow. I can’t wait to see the growth of the author and what they do in the future. Happy to see so many people enjoying it
April 15, 2026
I received this as an eARC and didn’t know what to expect but was super excited to read it and this is STRAIGHT up an 11/10. NO NOTES.
Plot? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot twists: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional investment? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I swear this book has IT. I devoured it in 3 days. The writing is lyrical with an engaging tone that captures you on page 1 and holds you hostage through page 436. The most tasteful blend of Greek mythos and Romantasy 🤌🏻
One of my favorite writing styles is when the reader only knows as much as the MC so you get to discover information as the character does. It makes the reading experience so fun and feel so much more personal, it keeps you deeply engaged. Emily managed to write a beautifully weaved story of the past into the present that gave you *just* the right amount of “wait, what?” and not feel like you missed something. You only knew as much as Delphi did. The love I have for Delphi and her growth as a young woman facing real and relatable struggles resonated so deeply with me. She is a STRONG FMC with an amazing story to tell. I also love a story that makes you feel a wide range of emotions and I felt them ALL - often times in rapid succession (particularly the last 4 chapters 🫣). I think there was only 1 time I predicted the plot twist and the rest? Unpredictable. The plot twist at the end will leave you speechless and dying for book 2!
Do NOT miss this book!!
Plot? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot twists: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Emotional investment? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I swear this book has IT. I devoured it in 3 days. The writing is lyrical with an engaging tone that captures you on page 1 and holds you hostage through page 436. The most tasteful blend of Greek mythos and Romantasy 🤌🏻
One of my favorite writing styles is when the reader only knows as much as the MC so you get to discover information as the character does. It makes the reading experience so fun and feel so much more personal, it keeps you deeply engaged. Emily managed to write a beautifully weaved story of the past into the present that gave you *just* the right amount of “wait, what?” and not feel like you missed something. You only knew as much as Delphi did. The love I have for Delphi and her growth as a young woman facing real and relatable struggles resonated so deeply with me. She is a STRONG FMC with an amazing story to tell. I also love a story that makes you feel a wide range of emotions and I felt them ALL - often times in rapid succession (particularly the last 4 chapters 🫣). I think there was only 1 time I predicted the plot twist and the rest? Unpredictable. The plot twist at the end will leave you speechless and dying for book 2!
Do NOT miss this book!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Well this was unexpected. What started out as a billionaire romance turned into something completely different.
I went into this book not knowing a lot about it, so color me surprised when we start with a very interesting scene of the FMC being burned alive. Yeah. The story immediately sucks you in, because you're trying to figure out what's going on. It honestly read like the mix of a billionare comtemporary romance, turned to an intruiging fantasy story. The banter was good, the writing was great, and I honestly did not know what to expect. We had plot twist after plot twist, and especially that last one really threw me. The ending make me curious for what the hell could be happening in book 2 because I have no clue where the chqrqcters go from here.
The only negatives I have, is that I had a hard time really connecting to the characters, especially the MMC. I liked Delphi and Spencer well enough, but Appollo just didn't do it for me. I also thought maybe there were a bit too many plot twists? Don't get me wrong, I love to be shocked, but at some point you just expect to be shocked. Aside from these things, I did really like the sotry and the writing, and it was a fresh take on the fantasy genre. For me this book was a 3,75 stars, but I will round up.
Thank you, Bookfunnel, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I went into this book not knowing a lot about it, so color me surprised when we start with a very interesting scene of the FMC being burned alive. Yeah. The story immediately sucks you in, because you're trying to figure out what's going on. It honestly read like the mix of a billionare comtemporary romance, turned to an intruiging fantasy story. The banter was good, the writing was great, and I honestly did not know what to expect. We had plot twist after plot twist, and especially that last one really threw me. The ending make me curious for what the hell could be happening in book 2 because I have no clue where the chqrqcters go from here.
The only negatives I have, is that I had a hard time really connecting to the characters, especially the MMC. I liked Delphi and Spencer well enough, but Appollo just didn't do it for me. I also thought maybe there were a bit too many plot twists? Don't get me wrong, I love to be shocked, but at some point you just expect to be shocked. Aside from these things, I did really like the sotry and the writing, and it was a fresh take on the fantasy genre. For me this book was a 3,75 stars, but I will round up.
Thank you, Bookfunnel, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book- I’m so grateful to Emily and her team for the chance to read and review Pharmakos before its launch!
4.5 ⭐️
When I started this book, I was not sure how I felt about it!! Delphi annoyed me and the pacing just wasn’t grabbing me. But let me tell you, the longer I held on, the more exciting the book got!! The character development was amazing. The book was filled with twists and turns I never saw coming- HELLO THE ENDING?? I suspected Dionysus wasn’t the bad guy but I wasn’t prepared at all for Spencer ascending and her mom being the OG earth oracle. By the last third of the book I was desperately turning each page trying to uncover all of the secrets being held between everyone.
And um HI the sneak peek of Pharmakon??? Dionysus I’m so into you already I can’t believe I ever fell for Apollo. Emily I’m gonna need this next book STAT
I took off half a star because the middle felt a little messy to me- the transition from the human world to Mt. Olympus felt choppy, especially the development of Delphi from human to oracle. I think there could have been a liiiiitle more development here, but it didn’t take away from the story too much.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m stoked for the next one!
4.5 ⭐️
When I started this book, I was not sure how I felt about it!! Delphi annoyed me and the pacing just wasn’t grabbing me. But let me tell you, the longer I held on, the more exciting the book got!! The character development was amazing. The book was filled with twists and turns I never saw coming- HELLO THE ENDING?? I suspected Dionysus wasn’t the bad guy but I wasn’t prepared at all for Spencer ascending and her mom being the OG earth oracle. By the last third of the book I was desperately turning each page trying to uncover all of the secrets being held between everyone.
And um HI the sneak peek of Pharmakon??? Dionysus I’m so into you already I can’t believe I ever fell for Apollo. Emily I’m gonna need this next book STAT
I took off half a star because the middle felt a little messy to me- the transition from the human world to Mt. Olympus felt choppy, especially the development of Delphi from human to oracle. I think there could have been a liiiiitle more development here, but it didn’t take away from the story too much.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’m stoked for the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Everything about this book is perfect! Delphi is a little unhinged but totally relatable and the use of multi POV really pulls you into the story from every angle. I really loved the way it was broken up into three parts. I had clear expectations that were beyond surpassed in every part of this book.
We have Delphi, a beautiful, kind soul with a horrible case of imposter syndrome and Apollo, the aloof mega hot tech billionaire. When Delphi wins a week long mentorship in Greece, that she never actually signed up for, she gets close to Apollo and closer to the person she was always meant to be.
This book was sexy, funny, and nerve wracking all the way through. There were multiple times I had to sit it down and just stare at the wall and think 'wtf' because she just kept throwing curveballs at me!
This book was so incredible!!
Thank you Emily and Ink Tincture Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ booksta — @sammilikesbooks ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ
ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ tiktok — @sammilikesbooks ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ
We have Delphi, a beautiful, kind soul with a horrible case of imposter syndrome and Apollo, the aloof mega hot tech billionaire. When Delphi wins a week long mentorship in Greece, that she never actually signed up for, she gets close to Apollo and closer to the person she was always meant to be.
This book was sexy, funny, and nerve wracking all the way through. There were multiple times I had to sit it down and just stare at the wall and think 'wtf' because she just kept throwing curveballs at me!
This book was so incredible!!
Thank you Emily and Ink Tincture Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ booksta — @sammilikesbooks ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ
ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ tiktok — @sammilikesbooks ꕤ₊˚⊹♡⊹˚₊ꕤ
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Overall, the story itself is intriguing and I am a sucker for Greek mythology and modern tie-ins. The pacing is decent throughout, and picks up at the end. I struggled to really like or relate to the main character, personally. While I enjoyed the plot, a lot of it was fairly predictable- which it should be with the right hints and foreshadowing. There were some really good plot twists; while I saw the first big reveal coming since almost the beginning (lots of hints and foreshadowing), there was another that I absolutely did NOT see coming that made me actually curse out loud. I loved a few of the very heartfelt moments, and the internal conflict representation. I LOVED the author’s attention to details, including the multiple POVs and how that was structured throughout. I also loved the secret hidden in the very first few pages and the patterns throughout that are subtle but added to the overall experience. Although the story started out slow, it grew to a wild ride that kept me hooked and wanting to know more.
May 2, 2026
This book is so good.
Delphi is messy yet ridiculously relatable. Her trauma and fierce "I do it all myself" energy had me wanting to shake her and hug her at the same time.
Spencer is the golden bestie we all deserve and her arc absolutely wrecked me.
Apollo? HOT DAMN. Morally gray, arrogant, rich, and stupidly hot. I was smirking through every one of his chapters.
The Greek mythology blended with modern day is chef's kiss. Those oracle chapters were hauntingly beautiful and the third act delivered twist after twist.
The spice 🌶️🌶️, the emotional punches, and that brutal cliffhanger have me desperate for book two.
It started a little slow and some parts felt predictable but the heart, heat, chaos, and late game drama more than made up for it.
If you love HOT gods and messy fate, definitely pick this one up!
I was gifted an ARC by Ink Tincture Publishing and Emily Otten and thank you both so much! 💜
Delphi is messy yet ridiculously relatable. Her trauma and fierce "I do it all myself" energy had me wanting to shake her and hug her at the same time.
Spencer is the golden bestie we all deserve and her arc absolutely wrecked me.
Apollo? HOT DAMN. Morally gray, arrogant, rich, and stupidly hot. I was smirking through every one of his chapters.
The Greek mythology blended with modern day is chef's kiss. Those oracle chapters were hauntingly beautiful and the third act delivered twist after twist.
The spice 🌶️🌶️, the emotional punches, and that brutal cliffhanger have me desperate for book two.
It started a little slow and some parts felt predictable but the heart, heat, chaos, and late game drama more than made up for it.
If you love HOT gods and messy fate, definitely pick this one up!
I was gifted an ARC by Ink Tincture Publishing and Emily Otten and thank you both so much! 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review
"Come on, all-knowing mentor. Tell me something I don't know."
"I sleep in the nude," he purred.
What in the hell was that? First a hell of a plottwist. Didn't saw that coming, it was going fine we where going straight for that hea and than BOOM
This happens. It's onyx storm all over again. I almost threw my. Kindle across the room. Lol
So an honest warning. Do not read of you can't handle cliffhangers.
Other than that READ IT
The writing style reminds me a bit of When the Moon hatched, with different timelines and POV's but everything is starting to come together halfway in the book. Urban fantasy for the more advanced fantasy reader, or so it feels.
The worldbuilding is good, the character building great. I was sucked in and totally invested in Apollo and Delphi. And the spicey scenes oeh, it had me kicking my feet. Cried my eyes out for Delphi and Spencer., the hard choises they had to make.
I loved all of it.
Can't wait for the next book. I really want to know what happens next.
6 stars in my opinion
"Come on, all-knowing mentor. Tell me something I don't know."
"I sleep in the nude," he purred.
What in the hell was that? First a hell of a plottwist. Didn't saw that coming, it was going fine we where going straight for that hea and than BOOM
This happens. It's onyx storm all over again. I almost threw my. Kindle across the room. Lol
So an honest warning. Do not read of you can't handle cliffhangers.
Other than that READ IT
The writing style reminds me a bit of When the Moon hatched, with different timelines and POV's but everything is starting to come together halfway in the book. Urban fantasy for the more advanced fantasy reader, or so it feels.
The worldbuilding is good, the character building great. I was sucked in and totally invested in Apollo and Delphi. And the spicey scenes oeh, it had me kicking my feet. Cried my eyes out for Delphi and Spencer., the hard choises they had to make.
I loved all of it.
Can't wait for the next book. I really want to know what happens next.
6 stars in my opinion
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was a bit skeptical when I first started Pharmakos, as it was a little slow and I was ARC reading, but I am SO glad I held on and continued. The suspense, the plot, the TWIST! I’m going to do my best to keep spoilers out of this!
First, the character building was supremely thought out. It starts out a bit confusing because it jumps POV frequently, but that writing technique gives the reader a unique view of the characters. As the book continues, minute details start to thread themselves together and the effect is very satisfying.
Second, when the little things start to add up, the suspense of the book lands nicely. You know that feeling of “I need to just find out this one thing, so I’ll read just a bit longer”? That happened for me several times throughout the book. Very well done.
Third, the lore built into the plot was believable, tasteful, and structured. Instead of being overdone like a lot of Greek mythology based books where it’s the same lore over and over, this put a new spin on something many of us know a lot about through reading so many Greek god stories.
Lastly, the twists, plural, are quite exciting. I can’t go any further on that. Just know the book is worth it.
Overall, I am very much looking forward to the next installment. For a debut novel, Emily Otten did beautifully!
First, the character building was supremely thought out. It starts out a bit confusing because it jumps POV frequently, but that writing technique gives the reader a unique view of the characters. As the book continues, minute details start to thread themselves together and the effect is very satisfying.
Second, when the little things start to add up, the suspense of the book lands nicely. You know that feeling of “I need to just find out this one thing, so I’ll read just a bit longer”? That happened for me several times throughout the book. Very well done.
Third, the lore built into the plot was believable, tasteful, and structured. Instead of being overdone like a lot of Greek mythology based books where it’s the same lore over and over, this put a new spin on something many of us know a lot about through reading so many Greek god stories.
Lastly, the twists, plural, are quite exciting. I can’t go any further on that. Just know the book is worth it.
Overall, I am very much looking forward to the next installment. For a debut novel, Emily Otten did beautifully!
May 9, 2026
“If you allow the Oracles to have their own progeny, they will create a being to whom even you will bend the knee.”
Pharmakos by Emily C. Otten was such a fantastic read. In college, I took a ton of Classics courses, so the Greek mythology woven throughout this story instantly pulled me in and brought me right back to those days. The world building was incredible — immersive, vivid, and so well crafted that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters.
Our FMC, Delphi, is strong-willed yet constantly battling self-doubt, and I absolutely loved watching her growth throughout the story. And Apollo? The perfect arrogant tech billionaire with just enough of a softer side… well, maybe “softer side” is debatable (no spoilers 👀). The chemistry and banter between these two were everything, and I loved seeing their relationship evolve.
And can we talk about that ending?! The plot twists had my jaw on the floor. I genuinely cannot even process everything that happened. Emily C. Otten absolutely delivered, and now I’m left desperately asking: when do we get Pharmakon?!
Pharmakos by Emily C. Otten was such a fantastic read. In college, I took a ton of Classics courses, so the Greek mythology woven throughout this story instantly pulled me in and brought me right back to those days. The world building was incredible — immersive, vivid, and so well crafted that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters.
Our FMC, Delphi, is strong-willed yet constantly battling self-doubt, and I absolutely loved watching her growth throughout the story. And Apollo? The perfect arrogant tech billionaire with just enough of a softer side… well, maybe “softer side” is debatable (no spoilers 👀). The chemistry and banter between these two were everything, and I loved seeing their relationship evolve.
And can we talk about that ending?! The plot twists had my jaw on the floor. I genuinely cannot even process everything that happened. Emily C. Otten absolutely delivered, and now I’m left desperately asking: when do we get Pharmakon?!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I didint really know what I was getting into with this book, the blurb intrigued me and so did the modern take on greek mythology. When I really got into this book, it was not really what I was expecting. From the beginning it had me glued to the book, the plot was great the story flowed, and she gives so much attention to those little details that for others might not be alot but to me they just make it that much more enjoyable.I loved the way the story flowed and gave me like a little past little present kinda vibe, The one thing that I had a hard time with, which I think was more me and not the book, is that I couldint really connect myself with the characters, that was pretty much the only thing. There were so many plot twist, some more recognisable than others because of the clues given throughout but then some I didint know would happen at all, it kept me on the edge the entire time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pharmakos is a bold, fast-moving Romantasy that blends fate, danger, and unexpected connection into a story that’s hard to put down. Emily Otten introduces two characters who should be enemies, yet keep crashing into each other’s lives in ways that change everything. Their dentist full of tension, sharp banter, and emotional pull and watching them interfere with each other’s quests becomes one of the book’s biggest strengths.
Their dentist full world Otten builds feels fresh, with twists that land at just the right moments and keep the story unpredictable. The plot leans into the idea that destiny isn’t always right-and sometimes the most important choices are the ones you make for yourself. It’s a story about breaking pa, challenging expectations, and discovering connection in the last place you’d expect.
If you enjoy fantasy with strong character chemistry, high stakes, and a few jaw-dropping turns Pharmakos delivers a compelling and memorable ride.
Their dentist full world Otten builds feels fresh, with twists that land at just the right moments and keep the story unpredictable. The plot leans into the idea that destiny isn’t always right-and sometimes the most important choices are the ones you make for yourself. It’s a story about breaking pa, challenging expectations, and discovering connection in the last place you’d expect.
If you enjoy fantasy with strong character chemistry, high stakes, and a few jaw-dropping turns Pharmakos delivers a compelling and memorable ride.
Read
May 2, 2026ARC copy.
Pharmakos starts off strong with our main character Delphi having an out of body experience. Who is this? Where is she? Why did this happen?
What begins as a stroke of luck for Delphi to win an European trip with a billionaire as a mentor-mentee relationship quickly develops into much more. The lust begins growing as Delphi gets closer to the MMC Apollo on the trip. The pace quickens when the trip ends and Delphi is thrown into trials she, but not Apollo, is unaware of that will determine her future. The twists and story development ramp up as Delphi learns the truth about her and Apollo.
The writing and storyline draw you into the book while the pacing ramps up and keeps you coming back for me. The character development is strong and complex. Emily Otten has performed a wonderful job developing an unique story with several complex and unexpected twists.
I'm looking forward to book two to see where Delphi and Apollo end up.
Pharmakos starts off strong with our main character Delphi having an out of body experience. Who is this? Where is she? Why did this happen?
What begins as a stroke of luck for Delphi to win an European trip with a billionaire as a mentor-mentee relationship quickly develops into much more. The lust begins growing as Delphi gets closer to the MMC Apollo on the trip. The pace quickens when the trip ends and Delphi is thrown into trials she, but not Apollo, is unaware of that will determine her future. The twists and story development ramp up as Delphi learns the truth about her and Apollo.
The writing and storyline draw you into the book while the pacing ramps up and keeps you coming back for me. The character development is strong and complex. Emily Otten has performed a wonderful job developing an unique story with several complex and unexpected twists.
I'm looking forward to book two to see where Delphi and Apollo end up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay, as this is still an unpublished book and I want readers to find my review helpful, I WON’T put any spoilers and WON’T give a whole rundown of the parts I liked, disliked, felt deep or shallow. NO NO, this is a review for NEW READERS!!
This book had me in the first chapter. I loved the relationship between Delphi and Spencer. It was giving Bryce and Danika and that’s just perfect 👌🏽
The FMC is so good and pure, while the MMC is at the very least ✨morally grey✨
There’s so much foreshadowing, but still this crazy turn of events and plot twists where I actually SAT UP to ‘read better’.
⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️
DON’T READ THE BLIB, because it kind of spoils said plot twist!
I feel like this is a perfect book to ease into the Romance / Romantasy genre as it is not too complex. There aren’t countless chapters for worldbuilding or explaining the magic system. It’s really easy to grasp and just go with the story :)
YAY!!
This book had me in the first chapter. I loved the relationship between Delphi and Spencer. It was giving Bryce and Danika and that’s just perfect 👌🏽
The FMC is so good and pure, while the MMC is at the very least ✨morally grey✨
There’s so much foreshadowing, but still this crazy turn of events and plot twists where I actually SAT UP to ‘read better’.
⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️
DON’T READ THE BLIB, because it kind of spoils said plot twist!
I feel like this is a perfect book to ease into the Romance / Romantasy genre as it is not too complex. There aren’t countless chapters for worldbuilding or explaining the magic system. It’s really easy to grasp and just go with the story :)
YAY!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pharmakos is an interesting take on Greek mythology and modern setting.
The book is divided into 3 parts. The first part felt very disconnected, but it made more sense as I went through the book (trust the process). Second part is where things really kick up, and the third part is where I got hit like a truck with all the twists and reveals.
Overall, it's good storytelling paced just right and characters you'd be invested in (even the side characters). The reveals in part 3 really made me think back on all the hints dropped in parts 1-2. Due to this alone, it gets 4 stars from me. However, I didn't really connect with the story as much as I wanted. There were things in part 3 that felt too convenient, and the reveals didn't feel like a nicely wrapped bow. Also wasn't fan of the fact that there wasn't a real conclusion, but I suppose it's good news for those who liked the book because there's a sequel to look forward to.
The book is divided into 3 parts. The first part felt very disconnected, but it made more sense as I went through the book (trust the process). Second part is where things really kick up, and the third part is where I got hit like a truck with all the twists and reveals.
Overall, it's good storytelling paced just right and characters you'd be invested in (even the side characters). The reveals in part 3 really made me think back on all the hints dropped in parts 1-2. Due to this alone, it gets 4 stars from me. However, I didn't really connect with the story as much as I wanted. There were things in part 3 that felt too convenient, and the reveals didn't feel like a nicely wrapped bow. Also wasn't fan of the fact that there wasn't a real conclusion, but I suppose it's good news for those who liked the book because there's a sequel to look forward to.
Review of advance copy received from Author
okay but Pharmakos by Emily Otten???
this book had me hooked so fast. like the whole “you won a trip you never entered” thing immediately felt off in the best way, and then it just spirals from there. Delphi gets thrown into this whole situation with Apollo and I was EATING IT UP!!!
Their dynamic is very much back and forth, and I loved that she actually stands her ground instead of just going along with everything. and Apollo… yeah he’s not exactly soft at first but that’s kind of the point.
I also really liked how it mixed mythology into a modern setting without it feeling weird. there’s more going on than just romance too fate, secrets, all of that layered in made it way more interesting. The end got a little confusing to me and it was harder to follow along but overall I’d give it like a 4/5⭐️
def recommend if you like enemies to lovers, tension, and a little chaos 🖤
this book had me hooked so fast. like the whole “you won a trip you never entered” thing immediately felt off in the best way, and then it just spirals from there. Delphi gets thrown into this whole situation with Apollo and I was EATING IT UP!!!
Their dynamic is very much back and forth, and I loved that she actually stands her ground instead of just going along with everything. and Apollo… yeah he’s not exactly soft at first but that’s kind of the point.
I also really liked how it mixed mythology into a modern setting without it feeling weird. there’s more going on than just romance too fate, secrets, all of that layered in made it way more interesting. The end got a little confusing to me and it was harder to follow along but overall I’d give it like a 4/5⭐️
def recommend if you like enemies to lovers, tension, and a little chaos 🖤
May 4, 2026
I received this book as an ARC, and I’m already counting down for the next one.
If you love stories filled with gods, mythology, and a touch of chaos, this is absolutely for you.
We follow Delphi—a girl just trying to survive life with a job she hates, a past that’s left its mark (literally), and a dream of opening her own dance studio. She’s relatable, a little worn down, but still holding onto hope.
Then Apollo enters her life… and everything unravels in the best way.
From that point on, the story takes off. Secrets, twists, and just enough unpredictability kept me hooked—I genuinely didn’t know where things were going next.
If you’re into mythology mixed with real-world struggles and a main character you can root for, this one’s worth picking up.
And that ending? I need the next book immediately. 💜
If you love stories filled with gods, mythology, and a touch of chaos, this is absolutely for you.
We follow Delphi—a girl just trying to survive life with a job she hates, a past that’s left its mark (literally), and a dream of opening her own dance studio. She’s relatable, a little worn down, but still holding onto hope.
Then Apollo enters her life… and everything unravels in the best way.
From that point on, the story takes off. Secrets, twists, and just enough unpredictability kept me hooked—I genuinely didn’t know where things were going next.
If you’re into mythology mixed with real-world struggles and a main character you can root for, this one’s worth picking up.
And that ending? I need the next book immediately. 💜
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the synopsis, but this book exceeded every expectation. A gorgeous fusion of Greek mythology and contemporary romance, it delivers fully realized characters and an irresistible plot, focusing on saving humankind from the Gods. Delphi’s growth is compelling, and her bond with best friend, Spencer, feels authentic and warm. The novel contains plenty of spice, which enhances rather than overshadows the story. Multiple POVs and shifts between past and present are handled smoothly and are easy to follow. I couldn’t put it down, stayed up late every night and had to force myself to stop reading, or I would’ve finished it in one sitting. Highly recommended.
I received an advanced copy and this review was left voluntarily.
I received an advanced copy and this review was left voluntarily.
April 26, 2026
Thank you to the author and publisher for a physical ARC of this book 🫶🏻
I really enjoyed this book. It pulled me in straight away with a fresh take on Greek mythology and a story that keeps building with unexpected twists. Delphi is a strong, relatable character who has been through a lot but keeps pushing forward, and I loved her friendship with Spencer.
The dynamic with Apollo adds tension and intrigue, starting off rocky but revealing more depth as the story goes on. As Delphi is drawn into a world she somehow belongs to but doesn’t remember, the mystery deepens and keeps you hooked.
It is an engaging read with great character development and a storyline that keeps you turning the pages, especially with that ending leaving me wanting more.
I really enjoyed this book. It pulled me in straight away with a fresh take on Greek mythology and a story that keeps building with unexpected twists. Delphi is a strong, relatable character who has been through a lot but keeps pushing forward, and I loved her friendship with Spencer.
The dynamic with Apollo adds tension and intrigue, starting off rocky but revealing more depth as the story goes on. As Delphi is drawn into a world she somehow belongs to but doesn’t remember, the mystery deepens and keeps you hooked.
It is an engaging read with great character development and a storyline that keeps you turning the pages, especially with that ending leaving me wanting more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Colour me shocked! This book was not what I was expecting - in a good way.
First, I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now to the good stuff.
I love the way this book was able to blend modern day with Greek mythology.
This was definitely enemies to lovers, there were trials, a great best friend and even a little furry one 🥹
There was representation of neurodivergence, a non binary side character, alcoholism and addiction management.
There is definitely a lot of will they or won’t they and I did pick up on one of the twists early on, but the book still had more to give and the end packed a punch!
This was a fun read, gobbled it up in a day. I look forward to reading the next instalment and seeing where the story has to take us.
First, I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now to the good stuff.
I love the way this book was able to blend modern day with Greek mythology.
This was definitely enemies to lovers, there were trials, a great best friend and even a little furry one 🥹
There was representation of neurodivergence, a non binary side character, alcoholism and addiction management.
There is definitely a lot of will they or won’t they and I did pick up on one of the twists early on, but the book still had more to give and the end packed a punch!
This was a fun read, gobbled it up in a day. I look forward to reading the next instalment and seeing where the story has to take us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pharmakos is the kind of book that pulls you in emotionally, frustrates you in the best way, and then leaves you staring at the last page wondering how you’re supposed to just… move on.
The main protagonist, Delphi, is every introvert I've ever met. Her best friend is every extrovert I've ever met. Overall, a whirlwind of a book, with fantastic world-building and Greek mythology as you've not heard before.
Without getting "spoiler-y" Pharmakos is a vivid, character-driven story that blends mythology, emotion, and tension into something memorable. It’s messy in the way people are messy, intense in the way good stories should be, and just unpredictable enough to keep you hooked until the very last page—and beyond.
The main protagonist, Delphi, is every introvert I've ever met. Her best friend is every extrovert I've ever met. Overall, a whirlwind of a book, with fantastic world-building and Greek mythology as you've not heard before.
Without getting "spoiler-y" Pharmakos is a vivid, character-driven story that blends mythology, emotion, and tension into something memorable. It’s messy in the way people are messy, intense in the way good stories should be, and just unpredictable enough to keep you hooked until the very last page—and beyond.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was chosen for an early copy arc!
I loved Pharmakos, especially its emotional depth and twists.
The story follows Delphi, a struggling but relatable protagonist trying to build a better life with support from her loyal friend Spencer. She initially clashes with Apollo, a seemingly arrogant billionaire, but gradually sees a more complex and compassionate side of him as their connection deepens.
As the story progresses, Apollo is revealed to be morally gray, prioritizing a larger mission over his feelings for Delphi. Major twists, especially involving Spencer’s true identity and fate add shock and intensity. The final part of the book is fast-paced and full of revelations, leaving a strong impact.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, I’m eager for book two!
I loved Pharmakos, especially its emotional depth and twists.
The story follows Delphi, a struggling but relatable protagonist trying to build a better life with support from her loyal friend Spencer. She initially clashes with Apollo, a seemingly arrogant billionaire, but gradually sees a more complex and compassionate side of him as their connection deepens.
As the story progresses, Apollo is revealed to be morally gray, prioritizing a larger mission over his feelings for Delphi. Major twists, especially involving Spencer’s true identity and fate add shock and intensity. The final part of the book is fast-paced and full of revelations, leaving a strong impact.
The book ends on a cliffhanger, I’m eager for book two!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for the arc!
4.5 ⭐
Listen, I truly did not know what to expect with this book but wow was I blown away!
Delphi is tired of dealing with some bs at her job and her dream is to open a dance studio. Her best friend Spencer (shout out to Spencer) enters her in a raffle to learn from a tech billionaire and what do you know? She wins!
Enter Apollo an annoyingly handsome tech billionaire who she can't stand but accepts to learn from him for a week.
Apollo is more than he appears and is starting to suspect Delphi is special too.
I was so captivated by the story, the mythology, the scenery! I couldn't put this book down!
If you love greek mythology in a modern setting, definitely pick this up. This is a fantastic read.
Crossing my fingers for a book 2!!
4.5 ⭐
Listen, I truly did not know what to expect with this book but wow was I blown away!
Delphi is tired of dealing with some bs at her job and her dream is to open a dance studio. Her best friend Spencer (shout out to Spencer) enters her in a raffle to learn from a tech billionaire and what do you know? She wins!
Enter Apollo an annoyingly handsome tech billionaire who she can't stand but accepts to learn from him for a week.
Apollo is more than he appears and is starting to suspect Delphi is special too.
I was so captivated by the story, the mythology, the scenery! I couldn't put this book down!
If you love greek mythology in a modern setting, definitely pick this up. This is a fantastic read.
Crossing my fingers for a book 2!!
May 10, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
This is an interesting read. I am a big fan of mythology, romance, fantasy, etc, and was really curious about this book.
While I personally struggled to connect with any of the characters, the premise of this book itself is fun. It is a touch on Greek mythology meets billionaire romance in present time.
I do feel like there are some plot holes, which makes things seem a bit all over the place as a whole. I also feel that there isn’t a lot of depth with these characters, which is why I think I struggled to connect with or have any emotional attachment to any characters.
The first half of the book is a bit slow, so it did make it difficult for me to stay engaged, but about the 50% mark we really start to pick up momentum and it’s fairly smooth sailing from there.
This is an interesting read. I am a big fan of mythology, romance, fantasy, etc, and was really curious about this book.
While I personally struggled to connect with any of the characters, the premise of this book itself is fun. It is a touch on Greek mythology meets billionaire romance in present time.
I do feel like there are some plot holes, which makes things seem a bit all over the place as a whole. I also feel that there isn’t a lot of depth with these characters, which is why I think I struggled to connect with or have any emotional attachment to any characters.
The first half of the book is a bit slow, so it did make it difficult for me to stay engaged, but about the 50% mark we really start to pick up momentum and it’s fairly smooth sailing from there.
April 7, 2026
Ugh I love when I just really get to enjoy a book! I quite appreciated this basis of Greek Mythology, but kept it modern and fun and overall relatable.
Delphi feels like she could be me or could be my friend. She’s broken but firm in who she is, and I appreciated the way she was written and what she had to go through throughout the course of the book.
I will say, I may have guessed one of the plot twists early on, but i didn’t mind it. It really was more of a I KNEW IT moment which kinda felt good too.
Overall, this was a lovely read and I’m really happy I got to read it as an ARC reader. Absolutely 100% will be reading book two!! I need to know if I’m right on where it’s headed😬
Delphi feels like she could be me or could be my friend. She’s broken but firm in who she is, and I appreciated the way she was written and what she had to go through throughout the course of the book.
I will say, I may have guessed one of the plot twists early on, but i didn’t mind it. It really was more of a I KNEW IT moment which kinda felt good too.
Overall, this was a lovely read and I’m really happy I got to read it as an ARC reader. Absolutely 100% will be reading book two!! I need to know if I’m right on where it’s headed😬
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews