What do you think?
Mythic Saga #2
Son of Umber and Nyx
Jessa Whitley survived the Underworld.
Turns out, that was the easy part.
After a summer of brutal training, Jessa is white-knuckling her way through a “normal” senior year, balancing color guard, garage band rehearsals, and pretending the god-brand on her wrist isn’t burning hotter by the day. Being drafted as the new Hercules was never part of the plan. Falling for Paul, the immortal guardian she’s forbidden to love? Even worse.
When a fatal accident puts her in the path of the God of Death, Jessa realizes the one god she killed didn’t stay dead. Thanatos isn’t the monster she remembers. He asks questions no one should ask, watches her like she’s a language he’s trying to learn, and keeps slipping into her world like he belongs there.
As the Veil between realms unravels, Jessa’s visions bleed into waking life, twisting memory, prophecy, and nightmare into traps built to break her. Someone older than the gods is learning her pressure points, using the people she loves as levers, and turning her own mind against her.
Caught between the god she still loves, the god she can’t escape, and a darkness that wants her alive for reasons no one fully understands, Jessa has to figure out what she’s becoming before the Veil tears open for good. Because something inside her is waking, and even the gods have no name for it.
Turns out, that was the easy part.
After a summer of brutal training, Jessa is white-knuckling her way through a “normal” senior year, balancing color guard, garage band rehearsals, and pretending the god-brand on her wrist isn’t burning hotter by the day. Being drafted as the new Hercules was never part of the plan. Falling for Paul, the immortal guardian she’s forbidden to love? Even worse.
When a fatal accident puts her in the path of the God of Death, Jessa realizes the one god she killed didn’t stay dead. Thanatos isn’t the monster she remembers. He asks questions no one should ask, watches her like she’s a language he’s trying to learn, and keeps slipping into her world like he belongs there.
As the Veil between realms unravels, Jessa’s visions bleed into waking life, twisting memory, prophecy, and nightmare into traps built to break her. Someone older than the gods is learning her pressure points, using the people she loves as levers, and turning her own mind against her.
Caught between the god she still loves, the god she can’t escape, and a darkness that wants her alive for reasons no one fully understands, Jessa has to figure out what she’s becoming before the Veil tears open for good. Because something inside her is waking, and even the gods have no name for it.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
C.C.S. Jones
5 books30 followersC.C.S. Jones is an award-winning fantasy author who writes bold, emotionally charged stories about fierce women standing at the edge of transformation. Her breakout novel Magicbound launched The Last Mage series with a five-star seal from Readers’ Favorite, and her latest release, Daughter of Ash and Myth, kicks off The Mythic Saga—a YA fantasy steeped in mythology, monsters, and girl-powered grit.
With a background in education and a passion for character-driven storytelling, she blends high-stakes plots with gritty emotion and vivid, cinematic storytelling to portray strong girls in all their complexity and truth.
When she’s not writing or workshopping with fellow writers at DFW Writers’ Workshop, she’s performing on stage, chasing storms with her son, or savoring quiet moments with her soulmate, their three incredible kids, and sweet baby grandson. A devoted coffee drinker, she’s forever inspired by the power of stories to fight, heal, and shine.
With a background in education and a passion for character-driven storytelling, she blends high-stakes plots with gritty emotion and vivid, cinematic storytelling to portray strong girls in all their complexity and truth.
When she’s not writing or workshopping with fellow writers at DFW Writers’ Workshop, she’s performing on stage, chasing storms with her son, or savoring quiet moments with her soulmate, their three incredible kids, and sweet baby grandson. A devoted coffee drinker, she’s forever inspired by the power of stories to fight, heal, and shine.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 28, 2026
Jessa is back , slightly upgraded and in for so much more fun !!! Oh and monsters !! Surprises !! And of course medaling gods !!! I really enjoyed the return of a certain someone who you will just have to read to find out. I never know if I’m going to like or despise someone when I meet them in these reads !!! I withhold judgement till a later time and they have proved themselves !!! It’s like gods and mortals behaving badly / sometimes sorta goodly (it’s a word ok ) and we are just along for the enjoyable ride !!! I enjoy Jessa more and more although poor girl needs a break !! Can’t wait for more !!
August 12, 2026
Jessa is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. She is getting more mature and tougher every single day in this book. I also adore her sarcasm and wit, on top of it all! She is a likable FMC, and I truly don’t mind the YA aspect of her character!
The tropes are so awesome, and I truly enjoy the Greek mythology twist added in. I highly recommend this whole series!!
This book is a must read, and you guys should go check it out! Son of Umber and Nyx is now available on Kindle Unlimited, ebook, hardcover, and paperback! 🖤
The tropes are so awesome, and I truly enjoy the Greek mythology twist added in. I highly recommend this whole series!!
This book is a must read, and you guys should go check it out! Son of Umber and Nyx is now available on Kindle Unlimited, ebook, hardcover, and paperback! 🖤
September 17, 2026
3 🌟
After indulging in the first installment, Daughter of Ash and Myth, I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from the author.
And I'm conflicted about the second story as I was the first. Our journey with Jessa picks up a few months after the first book ends so not much has changed; Jessa is still training to becoming Hercules but now minus Paul (Apollo) due to rules of Gods not allowed to have romantic relationships with humans and Demi Gods. Apollo would literally have to give up his Godness for them to be together. Therefore they are kept apart majority of the story. So falling back to the first story, for me, their love does not really progress. Yes there is a sense of yearning on Jessa's part but due to me not feeling the connection before, it really wasn't an interesting plot for me.
Instead what's presented is this "fascination" of the God Thanatos who has tried to kill her in the previous book. And I use the word fascination because again, I'm not sure if that was supposed to be a new romantic interest or not.. I took it as if he was just fascinated with the idea of Jessa and wanted to understand humans, I could see where maybe a romantic interest could have festered, but I did not lean too far into the idea due to the lack of implications and actions. I did like him as a character this time around. He reminded me of a new born baby trying to understand the world around him but again, I just didn't understand his placement in the story... he was literally just there. The only time I felt he really had something to say is when they were in her hospital room and he challenged Paul with his words. Now that had me on the edge of my seat.
The book does of course present a new problem for Jessa to navigate which was interesting. Due to her mark from Hades, it appears she now has some sort of connection and things of the underworld are finding cracks between the two worlds and sliding through to her world causing a ruckus. The build up was engaging enough until we get to the finale which again, did nothing for me. The elements of "big secrets" are still present in this story as well, not as much as the first because at this point they can't really keep too much from Jessa, but still, the secrets are easily foreseen or not that pearl clutching worthy.
What I did enjoy through and through are the action scenes, they truly engulf you into a fight that seems unimaginable for Jessa to win and some of them she doesn't, which I appreciate. A hero needs to know defeat at least once. But I feel like Jessa is making some slow progress, YES I understand that she is dealing with other worldly things that may take years to get used to so I'm not faulting her too much for that, but girl, peoples lives are literally in your hand, the doubt has got to go because you faulting can change the outcome of the fight. I just wish however she would believe in herself a bit more. I'm kind of over the whole "I'm not worthy" bit and would love for her to see herself worthy AND of the worlds of the Gods. Which I feel like will be a new outlook for her in the next book.
And if I were Jessa, I'd start making my own demands. How dare the Gods just decide how I should live the rest of my life because of some tragedy bestowed upon me. They expect her to take on the role of Hercules, girl set some boundaries on their ass. Yea Zeus, I'll protect whoever from whatever but me and my man gonna live happily ever after and dont wanna hear a peep about your rules. I lowkey would prefer that versus what I think the author is heading towards based off the ending of the book.
My love for mythology isa major reason why I'm holding onto this story. I do think the plots and storytelling is good in its own right, I just wish there was a bit more excitement. I do want to read the third installment and if I'm still conflicted, that may be where my journey with Jessa ends. There were just too many days I'd pick up my kindle and set it down because I was uninterested about what happened next.
After indulging in the first installment, Daughter of Ash and Myth, I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from the author.
And I'm conflicted about the second story as I was the first. Our journey with Jessa picks up a few months after the first book ends so not much has changed; Jessa is still training to becoming Hercules but now minus Paul (Apollo) due to rules of Gods not allowed to have romantic relationships with humans and Demi Gods. Apollo would literally have to give up his Godness for them to be together. Therefore they are kept apart majority of the story. So falling back to the first story, for me, their love does not really progress. Yes there is a sense of yearning on Jessa's part but due to me not feeling the connection before, it really wasn't an interesting plot for me.
Instead what's presented is this "fascination" of the God Thanatos who has tried to kill her in the previous book. And I use the word fascination because again, I'm not sure if that was supposed to be a new romantic interest or not.. I took it as if he was just fascinated with the idea of Jessa and wanted to understand humans, I could see where maybe a romantic interest could have festered, but I did not lean too far into the idea due to the lack of implications and actions. I did like him as a character this time around. He reminded me of a new born baby trying to understand the world around him but again, I just didn't understand his placement in the story... he was literally just there. The only time I felt he really had something to say is when they were in her hospital room and he challenged Paul with his words. Now that had me on the edge of my seat.
The book does of course present a new problem for Jessa to navigate which was interesting. Due to her mark from Hades, it appears she now has some sort of connection and things of the underworld are finding cracks between the two worlds and sliding through to her world causing a ruckus. The build up was engaging enough until we get to the finale which again, did nothing for me. The elements of "big secrets" are still present in this story as well, not as much as the first because at this point they can't really keep too much from Jessa, but still, the secrets are easily foreseen or not that pearl clutching worthy.
What I did enjoy through and through are the action scenes, they truly engulf you into a fight that seems unimaginable for Jessa to win and some of them she doesn't, which I appreciate. A hero needs to know defeat at least once. But I feel like Jessa is making some slow progress, YES I understand that she is dealing with other worldly things that may take years to get used to so I'm not faulting her too much for that, but girl, peoples lives are literally in your hand, the doubt has got to go because you faulting can change the outcome of the fight. I just wish however she would believe in herself a bit more. I'm kind of over the whole "I'm not worthy" bit and would love for her to see herself worthy AND of the worlds of the Gods. Which I feel like will be a new outlook for her in the next book.
And if I were Jessa, I'd start making my own demands. How dare the Gods just decide how I should live the rest of my life because of some tragedy bestowed upon me. They expect her to take on the role of Hercules, girl set some boundaries on their ass. Yea Zeus, I'll protect whoever from whatever but me and my man gonna live happily ever after and dont wanna hear a peep about your rules. I lowkey would prefer that versus what I think the author is heading towards based off the ending of the book.
My love for mythology isa major reason why I'm holding onto this story. I do think the plots and storytelling is good in its own right, I just wish there was a bit more excitement. I do want to read the third installment and if I'm still conflicted, that may be where my journey with Jessa ends. There were just too many days I'd pick up my kindle and set it down because I was uninterested about what happened next.
August 10, 2026
An amazing YA, Greek Mythology retelling!
I adore C.C.S Jones’ writing. It is raw and captures our deepest feelings so accurately.
There is so much to take away and reflect upon. “You’re not broken, Jessa. You’ve seen things and carried things most mortals cannot survive.” A female Hercules is such an amazing concept and loved Book 2
Post stand off in Hell, things are heavier and harder for Jessa. The conflict within her about her new strengths and now even riskier decisions weigh heavily on her conscience. The trauma, the vulnerability was very well written and I felt such empathy for her as she matured and grew in this book.
I loved the dynamics of the characters and their banter. They navigate the trials concerning their mission and prove their determination to remain true to themselves in the face of overwhelming odds. The stakes are higher and their problems more complex. And I loved watching them grow and learn and fight back!
I adore C.C.S Jones’ writing. It is raw and captures our deepest feelings so accurately.
There is so much to take away and reflect upon. “You’re not broken, Jessa. You’ve seen things and carried things most mortals cannot survive.” A female Hercules is such an amazing concept and loved Book 2
Post stand off in Hell, things are heavier and harder for Jessa. The conflict within her about her new strengths and now even riskier decisions weigh heavily on her conscience. The trauma, the vulnerability was very well written and I felt such empathy for her as she matured and grew in this book.
I loved the dynamics of the characters and their banter. They navigate the trials concerning their mission and prove their determination to remain true to themselves in the face of overwhelming odds. The stakes are higher and their problems more complex. And I loved watching them grow and learn and fight back!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to C.C.S. Jones for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book!
I enjoyed reading the first book, but this one I couldn't put down! Jessa is angry, the Guardians have stepped up their training, and the plot thickens. The story follows Jessa through her training and growing a stronger backbone. Her sarcasm is on point all the way through to the last page.
Theo might be my favourite character. He is like a little puppy, and his sympathy moment left me choking on coffee because I started laughing mid-sip. As I said in my review for Daughter of Ash and Myth, YA isn't my usual genre of choice, but I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone for this series.
If you're a fan of retellings, Greek Mythology, and a reluctant hero coming into her own, this is a fun story from the first page to the last.
I enjoyed reading the first book, but this one I couldn't put down! Jessa is angry, the Guardians have stepped up their training, and the plot thickens. The story follows Jessa through her training and growing a stronger backbone. Her sarcasm is on point all the way through to the last page.
Theo might be my favourite character. He is like a little puppy, and his sympathy moment left me choking on coffee because I started laughing mid-sip. As I said in my review for Daughter of Ash and Myth, YA isn't my usual genre of choice, but I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone for this series.
If you're a fan of retellings, Greek Mythology, and a reluctant hero coming into her own, this is a fun story from the first page to the last.
August 12, 2026
This is the second book in the series, and it was so much better than the first. It was more fleshed out, with more depth to the characters and the world. Jessa is trying to navigate her senior year while also trying to kill demons. She is training with Gods, learning as she goes while keeping secrets from those closest to her.
There was great action in this one, it kept me engaged from the start, and I ended up finishing it in about 6 hours. I liked Jessa's snark, and I enjoyed the twists with Thanatos and the creatures that came into her world. I am looking forward to seeing how the next book comes together.
There was great action in this one, it kept me engaged from the start, and I ended up finishing it in about 6 hours. I liked Jessa's snark, and I enjoyed the twists with Thanatos and the creatures that came into her world. I am looking forward to seeing how the next book comes together.
August 10, 2026
Review of advance copy received from author
A pleasant new twist on the Hercule tale, and flows nicely from the first book.
Admittedly I probably should have re-read the first one to familiarise myself with it but that was user error more than anything.
Nice cliffhanger to end on, with some typical teenage drama and a heart dash of Greek mythology.
A pleasant new twist on the Hercule tale, and flows nicely from the first book.
Admittedly I probably should have re-read the first one to familiarise myself with it but that was user error more than anything.
Nice cliffhanger to end on, with some typical teenage drama and a heart dash of Greek mythology.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved it.
July 20, 2026
Great writing style, very immersive. Loved every bit of this!
August 11, 2026
I've been looking forward to tbis book since I first got book one from a con. I devoured both in one sitting. These books are phenominal.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews