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Into the Arms of Morpheus
Sylvia has always harboured a solitary obsession with Morpheus, the Greek God of Dreams. She's brought it with her from her adolescence in a village of Northern England where she grew up, to the university in Manchester where she now studies.
Nyx is the Goddess of Night, and has spent the centuries stewing in an ancient, unrequited love. Not easily pleased, her attention is drawn to a voice chanting its devotion and desire for her, and she seeks the source of it.
She is not the only god playing in the realms of men, however. When the God of Death, and Morpheus himself become aware of Sylvia and this new devotee, the stage is set for the gods to secure their worship, or for a mortal to become one of them.
Nyx is the Goddess of Night, and has spent the centuries stewing in an ancient, unrequited love. Not easily pleased, her attention is drawn to a voice chanting its devotion and desire for her, and she seeks the source of it.
She is not the only god playing in the realms of men, however. When the God of Death, and Morpheus himself become aware of Sylvia and this new devotee, the stage is set for the gods to secure their worship, or for a mortal to become one of them.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
First published July 23, 2014
1 person is currently reading
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About the author
Jessica Nicholls
10 books67 followersJessica Nicholls is originally from Northwestern Illinois. She lived in the Northwest of England for just over ten years, where she studied and had her children. After a seven year stint in the United Arab Emirates, She's now back in the UK with her husband and two children. Writing the type of stories she would enjoy reading (anything dark or weird or romantic...or a combination of the three) is a passion.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 23, 2015
This is a remarkable tale. I was originally drawn to it by my love of Greek mythology. It doesn't involve just any gods, but dark, enigmatic, dangerous gods: Night, Death, Dreams, the Sea. The author captures the essence of these beings with beautiful, hypnotic, subtle writing. It's dark and gets right down into the raw core of things. I was captivated by the sensuous and high-contrast descriptions of moods, emotions, desires, landscapes, etc. Whether experiencing a cool night, the sadness of a god or the ugly underside of humanity, it was done with equal intensity.
I loved that the gods had issues. Messed up issues. This is played out through two well-developed, complex mortal characters who share a passionate longing to experience the Divine and to leave this world for the Otherworld. (Bad idea, as it turns out.)
This story is well edited and written in an interesting style. Short, crisp sentences, first person, present tense, as one might record a dream. This threw me a little at first, but I quickly became immersed. The point of view shifts around between mortals, gods, dreams and waking consciousness and in a few places I had to keep floating along until I figured out what was happening. By the end, it all became clear...in a startling way.
I received this book from Masquerade Crew in return for a fair review.
I loved that the gods had issues. Messed up issues. This is played out through two well-developed, complex mortal characters who share a passionate longing to experience the Divine and to leave this world for the Otherworld. (Bad idea, as it turns out.)
This story is well edited and written in an interesting style. Short, crisp sentences, first person, present tense, as one might record a dream. This threw me a little at first, but I quickly became immersed. The point of view shifts around between mortals, gods, dreams and waking consciousness and in a few places I had to keep floating along until I figured out what was happening. By the end, it all became clear...in a startling way.
I received this book from Masquerade Crew in return for a fair review.
July 31, 2014
I edit a lot of good books and it's a shame that it kind of conflicts with being able to review without having to say that, but I have been reading along with this book during the author's process of creation and then edited. If you're interested in dark fantasy with a suspenseful psychological edge and a lot of Greek mythology (but not your standard gods and goddesses) then I'd definitely recommend this one!
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November 20, 2018NB: Not only am I super thankful that Jessica was kind enough to send me a copy of her book for review; I am equally grateful that she has been so patient in awaiting my thoughts ... 'cause this review is a LONG time coming.
***
"Into the Arms of Morpheus" feeds the reader in me that loves titles like "The Wicked and the Divine", but is too much of a 'fraidy cat to read "American Gods."
As someone whose Greek Goddess of choice is Persephone, I love stories that delve into the darker side of the pantheon, and this book goes there, without crossing the line into extreme violence or gore.
The pacing is so full of anticipation that it borders on tantric, and the characterization of both the deities and the mortals is complex in the best way possible -- that way that makes the characters feel real.
I also love stories that mine deep cut characters from any given mythology, and this is the first book I've ever read that has such a fleshed out characterization of Nyx, Greek goddess of the night.
Definitely one of the darker books in my collection, there is some violence and adult language, I think it would fit nicely into a Fall / Winter (or maybe even a Hot Summer Night) suspenseful, thriller-themed TBR.
***
"Into the Arms of Morpheus" feeds the reader in me that loves titles like "The Wicked and the Divine", but is too much of a 'fraidy cat to read "American Gods."
As someone whose Greek Goddess of choice is Persephone, I love stories that delve into the darker side of the pantheon, and this book goes there, without crossing the line into extreme violence or gore.
The pacing is so full of anticipation that it borders on tantric, and the characterization of both the deities and the mortals is complex in the best way possible -- that way that makes the characters feel real.
I also love stories that mine deep cut characters from any given mythology, and this is the first book I've ever read that has such a fleshed out characterization of Nyx, Greek goddess of the night.
Definitely one of the darker books in my collection, there is some violence and adult language, I think it would fit nicely into a Fall / Winter (or maybe even a Hot Summer Night) suspenseful, thriller-themed TBR.
April 13, 2015
While Sylvia, who works in a bookshop and studies at the university in Manchester, is the main character, Morpheus and Nyx are equally important, and Killer -to his great disappointment- is a secondary character. Killer is known by this name because it is his choice and his function. He wants power, he wants Nyx to make him an immortal, and to do so he'll sacrifice a mortal, he'll sacrifice Sylvia to Nyx. Meanwhile Sylvia has been obsessively devoted to Morpheus since she was 14, and Nyx had enough of her obsession with Poseidon and needs a new focus.
What is it about Sylvia that makes her so attractive to Morpheus, Nyx, and Killer? Maybe Morpheus holds on to Sylvia because rarely have mortals devoted themselves solely to him. Maybe Nyx is intrigued by Sylvia's single-mindedness. Maybe she thinks that the deep connection between Sylvia and Morpheus is unhealthy, and she has more to offer to a mortal of such purity. It seems that Killer is just a tool, a tool that'll bring Sylvia to Nyx. But why use Killer when Nyx could so easily seduce the innocent Sylvia?
No deep knowledge of Greek mythology is required to appreciate and give oneself to this story. Sylvia tells you that Morpheus is the god of Dreams. Killer explains to you that Nyx is the goddess of Night. Greek gods and goddesses have always been flawed and bad role models. They bicker among themselves and need mortals to feel alive and powerful.
Nyx and Morpheus are suitably dark and enigmatic adding to the dream-like atmosphere of the writing style, and the style is dream-like even when mapping reality because Sylvia and Killer are no mere mortals. While the story is told with a quiet sensitivity and an underlining of intense passion, it is told from three different viewpoints, each personal. Killer has an obsessive desire to elevate himself over the mortals he looks at with disdain. Nyx is arrogant and curious. Sylvia is innocent and naive.
Jessica Nicholls wrote this novel with a touch of poetry and a hint of mystery. 'Into the Arms of Morpheus' is a moody piece, full of intense emotions. A captivating read that'll capture your minds and transport you into another realm, fluid and ocean-like, leaving you just enough air to breathe.
What is it about Sylvia that makes her so attractive to Morpheus, Nyx, and Killer? Maybe Morpheus holds on to Sylvia because rarely have mortals devoted themselves solely to him. Maybe Nyx is intrigued by Sylvia's single-mindedness. Maybe she thinks that the deep connection between Sylvia and Morpheus is unhealthy, and she has more to offer to a mortal of such purity. It seems that Killer is just a tool, a tool that'll bring Sylvia to Nyx. But why use Killer when Nyx could so easily seduce the innocent Sylvia?
No deep knowledge of Greek mythology is required to appreciate and give oneself to this story. Sylvia tells you that Morpheus is the god of Dreams. Killer explains to you that Nyx is the goddess of Night. Greek gods and goddesses have always been flawed and bad role models. They bicker among themselves and need mortals to feel alive and powerful.
Nyx and Morpheus are suitably dark and enigmatic adding to the dream-like atmosphere of the writing style, and the style is dream-like even when mapping reality because Sylvia and Killer are no mere mortals. While the story is told with a quiet sensitivity and an underlining of intense passion, it is told from three different viewpoints, each personal. Killer has an obsessive desire to elevate himself over the mortals he looks at with disdain. Nyx is arrogant and curious. Sylvia is innocent and naive.
Jessica Nicholls wrote this novel with a touch of poetry and a hint of mystery. 'Into the Arms of Morpheus' is a moody piece, full of intense emotions. A captivating read that'll capture your minds and transport you into another realm, fluid and ocean-like, leaving you just enough air to breathe.
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September 6, 2014Into the Arms of Morpheus was not what I expected. It is a first person story in multiple viewpoints. The main character, I believe, is Sylvia. Sylvia is a college student who works in a bookstore and is a devotee to the god Morpheus. We are introduced early on to a main character identified only as "Killer". Through Morpheus, we are introduced to the goddess Nyx. Nyx has a love affair with the god of the sea. Morpheus may be in love with Sylvia. And the Killer obviously wants to kill Sylvia. Nyx takes an interest in Morpheus's devotee and moves in with her while in human form. She drags Sylvia out of her comfort zone while Morpheus tries to protect her.
Minus: Killer, Nyx and Sylvia are all viewpoint characters and since it was written in first person, it was difficult for me to separate each viewpoint from the other as I read despite the chapters being marked at the beginning. I read the entire book and even at the end, I still didn't really understand what was going on. The story's climax was foreshadowed too heavily early on, so it took the punch out when it happened. Descriptions of people drinking and pissing on the street are way overdone. I understood after the first time. The second came from another viewpoint, so it was okay. But the more the characters went on about it really started to grate on my nerves. I feel as though I was missing something and maybe if I knew more about the mythology I might have gotten more out of the story.
Plus: The story has a very dreamlike feel and while I am not normally a fan of passive voice, it worked for this book. The story kept me turning pages to find out what was going to happen next. While I didn't care much about Sylvia, I loved Nyx. I called who Killer was early on and wasn't disappointed in the end. I really enjoyed the dreamlike feel and the distance the characters had between their bodies and their spirits. It added a little to the feel.
I would recommend the book simply because it makes passive voice work. It was a very dream-like read.
Minus: Killer, Nyx and Sylvia are all viewpoint characters and since it was written in first person, it was difficult for me to separate each viewpoint from the other as I read despite the chapters being marked at the beginning. I read the entire book and even at the end, I still didn't really understand what was going on. The story's climax was foreshadowed too heavily early on, so it took the punch out when it happened. Descriptions of people drinking and pissing on the street are way overdone. I understood after the first time. The second came from another viewpoint, so it was okay. But the more the characters went on about it really started to grate on my nerves. I feel as though I was missing something and maybe if I knew more about the mythology I might have gotten more out of the story.
Plus: The story has a very dreamlike feel and while I am not normally a fan of passive voice, it worked for this book. The story kept me turning pages to find out what was going to happen next. While I didn't care much about Sylvia, I loved Nyx. I called who Killer was early on and wasn't disappointed in the end. I really enjoyed the dreamlike feel and the distance the characters had between their bodies and their spirits. It added a little to the feel.
I would recommend the book simply because it makes passive voice work. It was a very dream-like read.
March 28, 2015
This book took me a long time to read. I had to reread many parts due to its complex, rich, multi-perspective narrative. Plus, Greek mythology has never been my strong suit. Nicholls deftly shifts from the three major characters, creating a mood that is very cerebral and intense. I felt that the strongest aspect of In the Arms of Morpheus was the narrative. Each character, but especially Sylvia, was written in a way that heightened the pacing of the book until it reached a fever pitch as Sylvia's path (I'll leave this intentionally vague) unfurls in the climax. This was a really enjoyable read by a good friend whose writing continues to impress. Essential reading.
September 24, 2014
It took a little getting used to the way this book is written but I must say it was a very enjoyable read. The writing is different, but works and is well edited. I liked the characters and the feel each one has. This is a darker sort of fantasy, which I like a lot. There is some mythology but leave your preconceived notions behind and just enjoy it. I received an evaluation copy through Masquerade Book Tours in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 11, 2015
This is not any typical twist on the Greek gods.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
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November 10, 2014Read my review in the December/ January release of InD'Tale's magazine. http://indtale.com/
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews