Immortal librarian Clio has existed for thousands of years. Her purpose—to influence and inspire mortals. Now as one has inspired her, a battle is mounting between the Muses and a god who care little for the plight of man. A hostile takeover is imminent at Olympus Enterprises.
History professor Jax Callahan is battling his own uncertainties. His previous employer’s refusal to heed his warnings results in a tragic loss of life. Blaming himself, he no longer believes he can make a difference.
Tyranny will stop at nothing to appease her father and succeed in taking over Olympus and the world. To save mankind, Clio must reveal herself as a Muse to Jax, the man she’s fallen in love with. Facing the end of humanity as they know it, she must convince him to trust in the magic of what if. Because failure spells doom for everyone.
Gemma's favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a 'round tuit,' and a fortune from a fortune cookie proclaiming her a lover of words; some day she'd write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss even the rejections, addressed to 'Dear Author', were gratifying. After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue an avocation as a romance author. Her gamble paid off when she was a 2012 Finalist in the prestigious Golden Pen contest for Romantic Suspense and she received contracts for her first and second book.
I love and adore Greek mythology. And this contemporary spin on the muses in the modern world makes for such an exciting new series. TYRANNY is original, sexy, and exciting! I can't wait to see where the new stories take us. Recommended for all PNR lovers with a weak spot for Greek myths.
Tyranny was an immortal trek into the world of gods and goddess (daughters of the gods). Clio has a great love of history and politics. She find a like minded individual in the new professor at her university. Jax has a past of his own that has lead to him being in a new position with a sexy librarian. I was drawn in by the idea of fantasize more about what it was like for the lives of the daughters of the gods. Clio all alone was fascinating and taking part in her journey towards love and the battle with evil. Clio was a flawed individual not untouchable or unapproachable. She was down to Earth and relateable. I like her a lot. I would like to see more of her sisters. Jax was a cool guy. He was ready to tackle what came their way even being out matched.
I got me a tidy foot hold in the door of the Goddesses of Delphi. I am very much liking what I am seeing at this time.
“Tyranny” is the first book in Gemma Brocato’s new paranormal series about the Greek muses: The Goddesses of Delphi. Having read a couple of Ms. Brocato’s contemporary romances, I was looking forward to seeing how her writing would translate to paranormal: I think she has found her niche with this genre.
The Story- Clio is one of the nine Greek muses, daughter of Zeus and Gaia, and is a university librarian. She inspires history and politics, so it is no surprise that she should feel an immediate connection to the hot new history professor. When an ancient enemy sets into motion a plan by which he may conquer the world and end her inspiration, she must team up with a man and fight to save the world from Tyranny. After a demoralizing decision forces him to find a new job, Jax begins to see the bright side of his new position when he meets the sexy librarian with secrets.
My Thoughts- One of the reasons I enjoy the paranormal genre is that the story pulls you in because the stakes are so high: usually life and death or the end of the world. By the time I got to the second half of the book, there was no putting it down because I had to find out what happened. Another reason I love paranormal is the chance to escape to a different world through detailed world building. I thought this book could have had more world-building, especially early on. I want to know about Delphi: where it is, why they are there. I want to know about how Clio (and the other muses) insinuates herself into the lives of these important people to influence them. Later in the book, we got some explanation of their births and deaths, but it wasn’t enough for me. I want to know all about this world she has created so I can have a clear picture in my head for the rest of the series. I think the idea is a clever approach, and it isn’t overdone, so she really has a chance to build something with this series.
The Good- I really like the idea behind the whole series. The villain has strong motivation and the path is certainly set for the future books. Even though she is a muse, Clio was very human to me, and I understood her insecurities. I loved that she wasn’t some perfect woman with the perfect response to everything, even though she has seen and experienced so much. The historic references and tidbits throughout the book were like fun little Easter eggs for this history buff; the author has clearly done her research. I can’t wait to see what she throws in when we get to the art and comedy/tragedy muses. (Gemma, if you want to talk theatre or art as “research” for those books, give me a call!)
The Bottom Line- I see potential in this series and look forward to seeing where it goes, especially since we have eight more sisters! I think there are secrets and details to this world that we have not yet been made privy to, and I want to know them. I like that this is “lighter” paranormal, not the kind I have to prepare myself for the terrible images and things I might read about. A nice start to this new series! 4 stars
Clio is a Greek muse, and... a university librarian! She has a bit of a crush on the new hottie history professor- well she is the muse of history and politics.
Jax has taken a new teaching post after a decision at his previous post left a bad taste in his mouth. It sure salves his mixed feelings about his new job when the sexy librarian catches his eye. But when he and Clio are pitted against an ancient and deadly foe, will they be able to defeat him or will their promising romance crash into oblivion before it has a chance to soar?
This is most absolutely a must-read-to-the-end-undisturbed book as it just sucks you in and won't let go! There could have been more background for those not versed in Delphi and reek mythology in general (I'm a History and Mythology buff, so I could fall right into the story). I do love a good villain and this does not disappoint. Clio in particular is a very "real" person. She is not perfect by any stroke of the imagination and has foibles like the rest of us.
I'm looking forward to more in this series and can'y wait to indulge my little history heart with them!!!
LOVED IT!!!! I've read and enjoyed Gemma's contemporary romances but she has knocked this one out of the ballpark! The paranormal touch here was perfectly nuanced. Clio is one of the nine Muses and Jax is an ancient history professor. Their romance mixes contemporary time and current real world situations with just the right amount of ancient Greece. Seeing the ancient gods in a contemporary light was fun and light hearted. I can't wait to see how the rest of the series pans out. Great read!!! ps: received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Greek mythology is one of my guilty pleasures and I’m always on the lookout for books, or movies, that either offer up a retelling of the myths or put a twist on them. So, when I read the synopsis for Tyranny I had to give it a go and it was a quick, fun, sexy ride and I loved how she brought the Gods of Mount Olympus into the 21st century.
I loved Clio and Jax. Clio, being the Muse of history, has had a hand in every momentous decision made by mankind throughout the centuries and is able to recall each and every one, which I will admit I’m just a tad bit jealous about since I’m something of a closet history geek. She’s calm, sweet, sassy and will admit to having a middle child syndrome every once in a blue moon. Jax is a Historian and after a disastrous run in the private sector has turned to teaching. He is charming, determined and I loved that he has that sexy nerdy vibe going on.
Their relationship does evolve quickly, but it works within the parameters of the story and how the challenge was set up. The chemistry between them was hot and I really liked that their attraction to each other was equal parts physical and intellectual. While I liked the fact that there was very little angsty drama in their relationship, I would have liked it if we had been able to delve a little deeper into Jax’s background outside of what happened with his former employer. We do a get a little bit, but a touch more would have been nice. But other than that I liked how it all played out in the end.
As I said at the start of the review, I loved how Ms. Brocato brought the Gods of Mt Olympus into the 21st century. They still have their powers and are able to manipulate things when they want to, but they have also evolved over the ages just as mankind has and do not live in the past. I really liked the whole concept of how the Muses are immortal and yet mortal (you’ll have to read the book to find out how all that works out). I like how she kept things simple when it came to the gods because anyone who has read any of the myths knows that they are not simple and enjoy pitting themselves against each other.
This was my first book by Gemma Brocato and it was engaging, well paced and the dual 3rd person POV was well done. I liked how we got to meet all of the sisters, but they didn’t overtake the story ~ especially since there are nine of them. Callie is the one that I’m most interested in seeing what truly makes her tick, but I’m looking forward to seeing what each sister’s task will be and how it all plays out. If, you like Greek mythology and are looking for something fun, sexy and low on angsty drama to read on a Sunday afternoon I’d definitely check out this series.
~ ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ~
I received this book from net gallery for an honest review.
Clio and her sisters are muses who have inspired humans for thousands of years. A demigod whose daughters were turned into magpies by Zeus is trying to take over Olympus. Clio and her sisters must each complete a challenge with the help of a man, but if any sister should fail, they all fail. The muse who fails will become a magpie for eternity. Clio is the first person to face the challenge. Will she succeed?
Jax has recently joined the university as a history professor. He's lost faith in being able to make a difference. When he joins the library, he's attracted to the librarian Clio.
Clio must get Jax onboard to win the challenge - but is she ready to spill her secrets? Will he believe her? Will he help her or walk away?
I enjoyed the book, it had originality and the story definitely captured my attention. Zeus's choice of clothing was funny. Zeus was surprisingly very caring and affectionate towards his daughters. I couldn't stop laughing when Nia blurted out very loudly in a busy cafe about Clio finally doing the nasty with Jax lol. Tyranny in magpie form was just plain creepy and whenever she made an appearance there was always an eerie vibe. Jax and Clio had amazing chemistry: and they complemented each other beautifully throughout.
There were times I got a little overwhelmed and lost with the history aspect but it didn't deter me from reading.
It was a beautiful story about a muse finally finding her one true love. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the challenges her sisters will face. I would definitely recommend the book.
*This book was received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Clio is a muse, daughter of Zeus and Gaia, to inspire and influence mortals, she is set a challenge by Pierus to save mankind, failure would mean his daughter Tyranny would becomehuman from a magpie and set her wrath on all. She needs a human man to help her in this and she meets the Professor Jax Callahan whose previous employer was a think tank to stop the plight of the world.
This was a very enjoyable read fun to learn about the myths of old, by Gemma Brocato in the first of her Goddesses of Delphi series and look forward to the next installment
This is my long overdue first read from Gemma Brocato, who I met at the RT Convention this year. Gemma is one of the Kickass Chicks, a super fun group of authors that let me tag along with them to dinner one night. So I'm happy I'm finally getting one of Gemma's books on the blog.
I love mythology-based stories and Gemma has created an interesting modern world interspersed with Greek Gods and their offspring. This series is based on the myth of Pierus and the Muses. The 9 Muses are Zeus' daughters with Gaia, and they inspire mankind in all kinds of areas like sacred song, written word, the Heavens, history, etc. Pierus was a jealous lower God, who also had 9 daughters known as the Pierides. Pierus and his daughters were always trying to subvert Zeus and, as a result, Zeus turned the Pierides into magpies. It is this story that Gemma has taken and given a unique modern twist. The Muses now have mortal life spans, to be reborn again throughout eternity with all their prior memories in tact. Olympus is being run by Zeus as if it were an international corporation, and all of this is taking place in modern day Delphi.
Pierus has issued a new challenge to the Muse sisters in an effort to parole his magpie daughters. The challenge requires each Muse to become embroiled romantically with a mortal man, convince him to reject a deep-seated belief, and save humankind. One romance to save the world, nine times. And if any one sister fails, they all fail, and will take the Pierides place as magpies.
The first Muse up in the challenge is Clio, Muse of History, who works as a university librarian. Clio must find the man to help her stop the encroachment of The Five Nations (Ukraine, Serbia, Romania, Turkey and Greece) from encroaching the borders of its weaker neighbors. The man to help her do this is Jax Callahan, a new history professor who previously worked for a political think tank focusing on the Five Nations coalition. Sparks fly rather quickly between Clio and Jax, particularly when she attempts to "nudge" him with her Muse gift. The pair did an admirable job of juggling intimate moments with world-saving ideas.
I enjoyed the interplay of Clio and her sisters, but I think my favorite character of the story was Zeus. I enjoyed imagining the millenias-old god walking earth-bound in Hawaiian shirts and red chucks. These particular mythological characters make great subjects for for a story, and will provide plenty of fodder for the series to continue into the future. Gemma provided delicious chemistry for Clio and Jax, and I'm excited to see what (and who) the Muses will be doing next. If there was one thing that I felt lacking, it was character development. I would have loved more backstory for Jax and Clio, particularly Clio's role in historical events. However, this was a quick read so the detail provided was adequate for the length of the story.
This book was available via Kindle Unlimited as of October 6, 2016. 4 stars/ 3 flames.
*** This book was reviewed via Netgalley é Barclay Publicity***
Brocato’s Tyranny follows Clio, one of the Greek Muses. It is present day, and Clio, Muse of history, appropriately works in a library. The wheel has turned 'round again, and again Clio and her family are challenged by the demented deity Pierus, whose daughters were turned to magpies after their father tried to elevate them above the Muses in importance.
Over the millennia Pierus has challenged the muses time and again. Their failure would result in a daughter freed of magpie form. This latest challenge involves each Muse being paired to a human mortal in the depths of despair. Using their special gifts, each Muse must inspire wonder and magic again in their human partner.
Fate has brought Jax, once a political advisor, now a teacher, to Delphi University. He is Clio’s match, and they are drawn to one another as magnets. Sparks fly, but can she reignite his sense of wonder, the questing 'what if’ in time, or will she be the first to free one of the Pierides? She must succeed, lest Tyranny be loosed upon an unsuspecting population of hapless humans.
I enjoyed this story, though I did feel their relationship evolved quite fast. I suppose I was expecting more smoulder and less sizzle. The writing was good, and the story prompted me to go look up Pierus and the story of the Pierides, which I had never heard of before. So I learned something new! That should be the goal of any good book, from non-fiction biography to steamy romance. This genre is not my common forte, but I'm learning to branch out. Finding books like Tyranny make it easy to keep exploring. All it takes is one bad book in a new-to-you genre to thwart any other attempts at expanding your reach.
Tyranny (Goddess of Delphi Book 1) is the first book in Gemma Brocato’s new paranormal series about the Greek muses. This new series is absolutely amazing and entertaining to say the least. I was pulled into the paranormal world of the Greek muses from the moment I started reading this book.
Gemma did an amazing job of storytelling by including just the right amounts of sexy, steamy romance and suspense all rolled into a paranormal world! She rocked it with this new series!
I received a complimentary ARC digital copy of this book from Barclay Publicity and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Firstly, let me just say I looooove this cover, and once I started the first page I was fully drawn into the story. Clio is a Greek muse and on an important mission when she discovers human Jax will be the one she needs to aid her with it. He is scrummy and delicious, a history professor, and the one man that Clio has honestly been waiting several lifetimes to meet.
The chemistry between these two is hot, and the storyline kept me completely immersed within it. I loved the flow, which kept me rooting for the couple the whole way through.
Tyranny holds Gemma's amazing attention to detail, characters that you can't help but fall a little in love with, & spurts of actual history thrown in.
Clio is intriguing, made even moreso by the fact of who she truly is. Jax is intelligent, loyal, & a hottie - everyone's dream professor.
The fact that it's a Gemma Brocato book, with all of her usual attributes: suspenseful, romantic, a bit steamy in places, is awesome. The fact that it also involves the paranormal, makes it even better.
Gemma Brocato's first book in the Goddesses of Delphi series is so well done I immediately ordered the next book before I had even finished. It is a great mix of ancient myths and modern problems that work to create a great story with wonderful, witty heroes who come up against some seriously evil bad guys. Each of the Muses will be faced with a challenge that will push the world to the brink. In this book Clio, Muse of history. must find a man to help her in the quest. If she fails, she and her sisters will be turned into magpies and Olympus will fall into the hands of aforementioned evil bad guys. Throw in the Pantheon of Greek mythology and you have a great story, filled with passion, danger and action. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Holy Zeus! Tyranny was a awesome take on modern day muses and Olympus. Jax and Clio were one steamy couple however hidden secrets could destroy both of them if they aren't careful. I enjoyed reading every minute of this book. I love Greek Mythology and Tyranny had no shortage of it. I won't tell you how it all works out but, I will tell you that Gemma Brocato can write Greek Mythology for me any time.
What a fun book!! I read this at the insistence of a friend and fell in love!! If you like a little Gods and Goddesses mixed into your story, you'll love this!! And if you don't know anything about the Greek Gods, that's ok, too, because they're explained!! And the romance is off the charts!! I can't wait for book 2!
Gemma Brocato is a new author to me. If you like mythology you will love this book. It isn't your typical book on mythology. I would recommend everyone to read Gemma's books. She is a fantastic author.
I really enjoyed this story and especially this author's twist on mythology! This book had a fantastic plot and wonderful characters to go with it. I really like Zeus!! I cannot wait to start the next book in this series!!