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Underworld Saga
Charon's Quest
The ferryman of the dead is forced to leave the life he’s always known.
Apollo has had a vision: as the life of each soul flashes before Charon’s eyes, the ferryman ages like an old man. Charon needs to experience his own adventures to become youthful again, or he will soon die.
The last thing Charon expects is to fall in love with a mortal woman—someone he can’t take with him when he returns. Charon must decide whether to abandon the love of his life or his duties.
While Charon's Quest shares the world of The Gatekeeper's Saga, it can be read before or after or anytime in between the rest of the books in the saga.
Apollo has had a vision: as the life of each soul flashes before Charon’s eyes, the ferryman ages like an old man. Charon needs to experience his own adventures to become youthful again, or he will soon die.
The last thing Charon expects is to fall in love with a mortal woman—someone he can’t take with him when he returns. Charon must decide whether to abandon the love of his life or his duties.
While Charon's Quest shares the world of The Gatekeeper's Saga, it can be read before or after or anytime in between the rest of the books in the saga.
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Published January 20, 2018
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About the author
Eva Pohler
113 books1,740 followersEva Pohler is a USA Today bestselling author of over forty novels in multiple genres, including mysteries, thrillers, and young adult paranormal romance based. Her books have been described as "addictive" and "sure to thrill"--Kirkus Reviews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 11, 2018
This wasn't as bad as The Gatekeeper's Sons. That's the praise I'll give it. There isn't any pedophilia.
This reads like a children's book, especially the start of it. You know, the whole: "Clara found a squirrel. It looked hungry, so she gave it money to buy some food. 'Thanks,' said the squirrel. 'With this money I can get my family out of poverty! You're a life-saver!' Clara smiled and went home. The next day the squirrel's family had moved to a tree in the rich sector, and the squirrel decided to stay with her." Just replace the squirrel with a poorly-written dog.
So the story is Charon having to go around the world or else he'll die. Which is like... ok, I guess. I told you before that I like non-conventional stories! But the fact that the characters are like 20+ and it reads like a children's book destroys all my caring. There are so many times the author tells me 'this is sad/scary/funny' instead of showing it! It was ridiculous.
There's an actual scene where a kid tells about his life in the foster system and how he was beaten by another kid and this is basically the whole description with a 'Charon was on the verge of tears as he said it' added at the end.
I'm sorry, but it doesn't work like that! You can't make cry by telling me 'look how sad his story is this character is almost crying!'! You need to put actual effort in telling the story of the kid- put it into a monologue that I can read, not in a tiny summarized paragraph, and leave the readers to decide how they feel!
HOW AM I TELLING THIS TO A PUBLISHED AUTHOR???
All the characters are so... eh. Charon had the most potential, being a god and for the most part I did enjoy him. I love these dutiful, serious guys who don't understand humor and I was happy he kept the dutiful part to the end. But he's also such a pushover, meeting this random-ass exposition dog and crying after it dies not a day later and summoning all the Greek fucking Pantheon to help with... itchy ears????
Seriously, all the dog does is spew exposition about himself with the wisdom of an old man. He was so fake I couldn't believe anything that was remotely related to him, and when he died I was just laughing at how pathetic this all was. And Charon honestly summons Apollo and Athena and Aphrodite to help with the mundanest things the world has ever seen and just... behold! The Greek Gods! Giving some random ferryman ear drops for his dog and drying it when he can't find a fucking towel.
Here's a thing about the Greek Gods: THEY'RE ASSHOLES. Even the bestest of their followers will be turned into a sheep the second they sleep in too late or stray from their path. And you want to tell me that they'll go down to earth and ready a romantic date for Hades' ferryman??? THEY HATE HADES. THEY THINK HE SUCKS, AND HE'S ZEUS' FUCKING BROTHER.
WHY DO YOU THINK THEY'D EVEN BREATHE IN THE DIRECTION OF FUCKING CHARON???
The romance was ridiculous. So Charon goes around being old and slowly becoming younger as he connects with humans and he goes into this bar. There he realizes that the bartender's friend has died, and he's surprised at how many people can be affected by one person's death. He talks with the hot bartender and leaves her a 200$ tip.
Until then I had no issue. This was interesting, and I liked that the logic of a magical pouch that spews money infinitely was used until the end- why would he bother with prices or restrain? Throw it all away my man. Although I wonder where it's coming from. Bills have numbers on them, right?
But then he sees her again and STALKS her to the hospital. She is obviously creeped out by this and he balks. After meeting his stupid dog who thankfully dies fast, he goes back to the bar and is now young enough to pass as his own son, so that's the lie he tells the bartender- whose name is Matilda, btw- that the old man she met was his dad, Bill (name of the dog) and that he died. She obviously empathizes, having lost her friend yesterday. Then they go to the hospital, Charon offers to pay for a cancer kid's bucket list and Matilda's all happy. So he goes with the kid, they bond, and next time he sees Matilda she's all wet for him.
I'm sorry what? This bitch just lost her friend and seems to have money problems with how thankful she was at the giant tip, and she's still DTF this random guy she met- ohhhh no I see she's a gold digger. Got it.
The rest is just random happenings as the instalove gets worse. It was okay, I liked Johnny, but the whole story was so ridiculous. Charon doesn't seem to have any emotional intelligence, he's always so disconnected and flat it got kind of grating and Matilda was okay. I just thought she was a little too much the good samaritan, with wanting to help all the cancer kids ever! Like, wouldn't seeing all these innocent kids die from a terrible illness fuck her up a bit? I think that someone like her probably would've gotten mad at Charon for leaving as soon as Johnny died.
The rest was just ??? Of course let's make this random-ass lady a god! WHY THE FUCK NOT. It's not like becoming a god is super hard and rare ahahaha
I hate this.
This reads like a children's book, especially the start of it. You know, the whole: "Clara found a squirrel. It looked hungry, so she gave it money to buy some food. 'Thanks,' said the squirrel. 'With this money I can get my family out of poverty! You're a life-saver!' Clara smiled and went home. The next day the squirrel's family had moved to a tree in the rich sector, and the squirrel decided to stay with her." Just replace the squirrel with a poorly-written dog.
So the story is Charon having to go around the world or else he'll die. Which is like... ok, I guess. I told you before that I like non-conventional stories! But the fact that the characters are like 20+ and it reads like a children's book destroys all my caring. There are so many times the author tells me 'this is sad/scary/funny' instead of showing it! It was ridiculous.
There's an actual scene where a kid tells about his life in the foster system and how he was beaten by another kid and this is basically the whole description with a 'Charon was on the verge of tears as he said it' added at the end.
I'm sorry, but it doesn't work like that! You can't make cry by telling me 'look how sad his story is this character is almost crying!'! You need to put actual effort in telling the story of the kid- put it into a monologue that I can read, not in a tiny summarized paragraph, and leave the readers to decide how they feel!
HOW AM I TELLING THIS TO A PUBLISHED AUTHOR???
All the characters are so... eh. Charon had the most potential, being a god and for the most part I did enjoy him. I love these dutiful, serious guys who don't understand humor and I was happy he kept the dutiful part to the end. But he's also such a pushover, meeting this random-ass exposition dog and crying after it dies not a day later and summoning all the Greek fucking Pantheon to help with... itchy ears????
Seriously, all the dog does is spew exposition about himself with the wisdom of an old man. He was so fake I couldn't believe anything that was remotely related to him, and when he died I was just laughing at how pathetic this all was. And Charon honestly summons Apollo and Athena and Aphrodite to help with the mundanest things the world has ever seen and just... behold! The Greek Gods! Giving some random ferryman ear drops for his dog and drying it when he can't find a fucking towel.
Here's a thing about the Greek Gods: THEY'RE ASSHOLES. Even the bestest of their followers will be turned into a sheep the second they sleep in too late or stray from their path. And you want to tell me that they'll go down to earth and ready a romantic date for Hades' ferryman??? THEY HATE HADES. THEY THINK HE SUCKS, AND HE'S ZEUS' FUCKING BROTHER.
WHY DO YOU THINK THEY'D EVEN BREATHE IN THE DIRECTION OF FUCKING CHARON???
The romance was ridiculous. So Charon goes around being old and slowly becoming younger as he connects with humans and he goes into this bar. There he realizes that the bartender's friend has died, and he's surprised at how many people can be affected by one person's death. He talks with the hot bartender and leaves her a 200$ tip.
Until then I had no issue. This was interesting, and I liked that the logic of a magical pouch that spews money infinitely was used until the end- why would he bother with prices or restrain? Throw it all away my man. Although I wonder where it's coming from. Bills have numbers on them, right?
But then he sees her again and STALKS her to the hospital. She is obviously creeped out by this and he balks. After meeting his stupid dog who thankfully dies fast, he goes back to the bar and is now young enough to pass as his own son, so that's the lie he tells the bartender- whose name is Matilda, btw- that the old man she met was his dad, Bill (name of the dog) and that he died. She obviously empathizes, having lost her friend yesterday. Then they go to the hospital, Charon offers to pay for a cancer kid's bucket list and Matilda's all happy. So he goes with the kid, they bond, and next time he sees Matilda she's all wet for him.
I'm sorry what? This bitch just lost her friend and seems to have money problems with how thankful she was at the giant tip, and she's still DTF this random guy she met- ohhhh no I see she's a gold digger. Got it.
The rest is just random happenings as the instalove gets worse. It was okay, I liked Johnny, but the whole story was so ridiculous. Charon doesn't seem to have any emotional intelligence, he's always so disconnected and flat it got kind of grating and Matilda was okay. I just thought she was a little too much the good samaritan, with wanting to help all the cancer kids ever! Like, wouldn't seeing all these innocent kids die from a terrible illness fuck her up a bit? I think that someone like her probably would've gotten mad at Charon for leaving as soon as Johnny died.
The rest was just ??? Of course let's make this random-ass lady a god! WHY THE FUCK NOT. It's not like becoming a god is super hard and rare ahahaha
I hate this.
March 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this story, although I haven’t read any of the other books set in this world. It was a fun concept and an easy read.
January 29, 2018
I read this spectacular read in Sigils and Spells, but recently received a first edition paperback copy today. This was a spectacular read. You take a familiar god that isn't so often featured with his own book especially in such a manor. It's fresh in every way. The ferryman has many adventures within this book but his most amazing one is falling in love. Though unfortunately it is to someone who's beyond his reach for she's mortal. The story itself revolves around Chaon's Quest to save himself from dying and what could add more youth to him then meeting a wonderful woman and falling for her. There is also dealings with Zeus who is never up to any good. And of course a few of the other gods are seen as well. This is a good short novel for those that want to be taken into a new story under the Gatekeeper saga mantle. It has fun and happy moments, with sad moments as well as lovely romantic moments, all of which you will enjoy. Eva does her thing in this so those looking for something from her to read while waiting for Stoeming Olympus this is it. If you want chronological standing this is in between Gatekeepers Bride and Gatekeepers sons.
October 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It can be read before or after the Underworld Saga. I happened to read/listen after I read the other books. I’m glad it was in that order. It gives me a look at the man I’ve grown to love in the other books. He has always been a man of few words. Doing his job without any complaint. But now it’s predicted he might die. He has become so old and withered. Seems it’s due to no contact with others. So he is sent up to earth. Here he meets a bar tender who is also a nurse. They become fast friends. Pretty soon, due to his interaction with others and the emotions it gives him, he is looking younger and younger. It was like a fairy tale in a way. We see how he learns to cope with being around others. There were also some old friends from other books who were in the picture some. This was a different pace and story type compared to the rest of the books so even if you haven’t read the others, if this isn’t your cup of tea, please give the others a try too. And if you like audiobooks, this is to die for, no pun intended with the whole underworld and death lol. The narrator is excellent.
March 21, 2025
I just love the ferry man, and in this book we see Charon ageing quickly with every soul he ferries across the underworld, so whilst his brothers and the rest of the gods retain their youth he is looking and feeling like a very old man. It is suggested that he travels to the upperworld to regain his strength and youth through interacting with humans. However poor Charon has never left his skiff and knows nothing of humans, so little did he expect to fall in love with a mortal woman, to dread going back to the underworld and leave her behind, and to be so hurt by things that he experienced whilst in the mortal world. He felt the loss of a beloved dog, the pain of losing a friend to cancer as well as the loss of leaving a beloved behind. When Charon returns to his job in the underworld he is a changed man. I really enjoyed all the adventures Charon went on with his new friend, making sure to attempt all there was listed on the bucket list, thus making his friend feel worthwhile, and I loved the ending of this book!
September 29, 2021
Apollo sees a vision. Charon will die if he doesnt get a break. Watching all the lives of the souls he ferries is killing him. So Hades sends him up top to rejuvinate himself. With Than's help, he starts to learn what it is to truly be human. He makes friends with a dog, Bill, and with a human woman, Matilda. Matilda is a witch and determined to bring her mother back. Charon tries to stop her, knowing it would mean her death. Through their shared goal in helping a young cancer patient they bond. But can that bond last? Or will it be threatened by the other gods?
Charon grows young as he learns about being human. This book made me cry first, then laugh, then cry again. So heartfelt. And the end? Perfection.
Charon grows young as he learns about being human. This book made me cry first, then laugh, then cry again. So heartfelt. And the end? Perfection.
October 31, 2019
Interesting paranormal romance between Charon the Greek demigod of the Underworld and a mortal woman. Both have to make painful choices to remain together.
What I didn't like was the device by which he could hear mortal thoughts. It was explained that he didn't have telepathy but could hear prayers addressed to him. To me, "he's hot" and similar thoughts are not prayers.
Typos: laying used for lying, incorrect use of apostrophes, too many commas (e.g., of course, we can), troupe used for troop, hoards for hordes, saying there were wards to keep Zeus out of the Underworld and then having him waltz in, precedence used fore precedent.
What I didn't like was the device by which he could hear mortal thoughts. It was explained that he didn't have telepathy but could hear prayers addressed to him. To me, "he's hot" and similar thoughts are not prayers.
Typos: laying used for lying, incorrect use of apostrophes, too many commas (e.g., of course, we can), troupe used for troop, hoards for hordes, saying there were wards to keep Zeus out of the Underworld and then having him waltz in, precedence used fore precedent.
December 31, 2018
Eva Pohler is one of the best authors of our time. Charon, the ferryman has been advised through a vision Apollo has had that he needs to go, live, and be among the living. The story is so full of energy and suspense. You will laugh and maybe even shed a tear or two. He's someone you dont hear much about in Greek mythology. I'm very glad his story was told. I really love how He is truly loyal to Hades, even when tempted by Zeus in regards to his love. You will love this and want to re read time again.
December 31, 2018
Charon's Quest by Eva Pohler. As she has done with the other books in the series you get great behind the story on one of your favorite characters in the series. Charon needed to go on a quest to help bring back his youth. He met a great lady that worked at the bar in the hotel he was staying at. She ends up being a very good friend and even more to Charon. As normal Zeus is still up to no good. I don't want to give away of the fun twist and turns that happen, but make sure to read this book if you have read any of the Gatekeeper's series. Lots of happy and sad moment as well.
February 25, 2018
I loved this story! Set in the same world as the gatekeeper's sons series, I loved how this story followed Charon along on his quest and showed how he grew emotionally. I enjoyed getting to know the ferryman, he has a very noble soul. I had purchased the Sigils and Spells anthology especially for this story because I had enjoyed the Gatekeeper's Sons series so much, and it was definitely a worth while read for me!
February 25, 2018
I loved this story! Set in the same world as the gatekeeper's sons series, I loved how this story followed Charon along on his quest and showed how he grew emotionally. I enjoyed getting to know the ferryman, he has a very noble soul. I had purchased the Sigils and Spells anthology especially for this story because I had enjoyed the Gatekeeper's Sons series so much, and it was definitely a worth while read for me!
May 1, 2018
This story made me laugh it ripped my heart in half. As always eva has woven magic through her fingers. I really enjoyed the story even though it hurt right in the feels at times. I loved this story i couldnt put it down. I loved the new characters she bought into the story. I hope we hear more of charons adventures.
January 7, 2019
I loved this novel and a wonderful addition to the Gatekeeper's World. We get to see the history of one of the lesser known Gods, the Ferryman. Why has he aged so unlike the other Gods or does he find love like all the rest? These are some of the questions answered and I think you will like what you find out.
December 1, 2019
I love Greek mythology, and it was a fun read.
I always adore hearing tales of the gods inspired by the ancient mythology but also with the authors input.
Nevertheless I thought it felt rushed and not a lot of world and character build up and arc and that’s why even though I found it a cute story I cannot give more than 3⭐️
I always adore hearing tales of the gods inspired by the ancient mythology but also with the authors input.
Nevertheless I thought it felt rushed and not a lot of world and character build up and arc and that’s why even though I found it a cute story I cannot give more than 3⭐️
April 22, 2021
High praise for this book that was just okay for me. It was interesting enough to keep me reading, but looking back, I'm not sure why I stuck with it. It took me a long time to get through it. There were aspects that were creative and parts I enjoyed, but it's not a book I'm running to tell my friends about.
November 27, 2022
This book started out as a unique tale with very clever writing. However, it rapidly deteriorated into silliness. What seems to be setting up as a romance abruptly turns into several chapters between the main male character and a dog that talked. Sort of went downhill from there. I had hoped that it would pick up again, but while the author has talent, this was just dumb, dumb, dumb.
March 28, 2024
I'm really love this Greek mythology genre and find that I need to do much needed homework!! When I've thought of Hades, I thought he was the devil. In this book, however, he's caring. Zeus is a petulant man child who needs needs a serious kick in his God's baby making jewels!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!!!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series!!!!
August 2, 2018
I loved this book. I adore anything Greek mythology related. This was a really fascinating read focusing on Charon, the ferryman of the dead. It was wonderful to get to know the ferryman. Eva wove a heart pounding story from the beginning to the end.
October 26, 2019
LOVED IT!!! it's a very thought provoking book. I loved how THE Ferryman of souls learned so much about humanity that he never knew anything about and how much it affected him. I couldn't put it down, couldn't wait for the next encounter he had with humanity and his reaction to it.
September 28, 2023
It's a cute retelling of Charon's story. Charon is the ferryman of Hades who carries the souls of the those who have been given funerals across the rivers dividing the world of the dead from the land of the living..
October 2, 2023
I loved this book!
Eva Pohler has such a gift for storytelling! I absolutely loved the characters and storyline! It was really cool to read about Charon's life. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes Greek mythology and romance.
Eva Pohler has such a gift for storytelling! I absolutely loved the characters and storyline! It was really cool to read about Charon's life. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes Greek mythology and romance.
February 4, 2018
I really liked it. Read all in one sitting, it was a fun stand-alone. A few points here and there that didn’t get wrapped up as nicely as they could have perhaps, but overall worth the read.
April 8, 2018
This book was something interesting to read specially when finding out about Charon having a lady friend yay! Otherwise this was such a precious thing!
May 8, 2018
An interesting story about the Greek gods. The romance was sweet.
January 4, 2019
Absolutely phenomenal. Eva has done it again with such a detailed and brilliant story that captured my mind as well as my heart. Well done.
December 15, 2019
Charon gets tied up in the lives of mortals. A fine book, but I didn't find myself really engaged with the plot or characters.
May 5, 2020
Can be read as a standalone book
I like Eva Poehler's way of story telling. Greek mythology going along with modern day life.
It is a good read for a short time.
I like Eva Poehler's way of story telling. Greek mythology going along with modern day life.
It is a good read for a short time.
January 9, 2022
Good quick read. Didn't like the pedophilic romantic kiss between the god and the minor, poor taste to add that.
February 13, 2022
A bit perfunctory
A good story, but sketched rather than fully drawn, unlike many of this author’s books. Enjoyable, but a bit one-dimensional.
A good story, but sketched rather than fully drawn, unlike many of this author’s books. Enjoyable, but a bit one-dimensional.
April 12, 2022
DNF'd at the talking dog. Writing is too underwhelming for me. Good idea, just not the right book for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews