Windstorm: Sun Oracle Burning

Game of Gods

by Rosetta M. Overman

Born to the god Apollo, Aello was raised with all the priviledge of a goddess. Despite this, she knows her future is among the mortals of Gaia with her mother. Her upbringing doesn't prepare her for the life of a royal or how cruel humans can be.
Trapped under the thumb of a brutal husband, Aello has little hope for happiness until a trip to Egypt brings her together with kindred spirits. Treated in much the same way she is, the goddess Sahure quickly becomes a cherished friend and protector. But it's the companionship of an ostracized god that proves the strongest of temptations in her sea of misfortunes.
As their bond grows, more forces come together to destroy them and all they hold dear.

385 pages, ebook

Published August 31, 2018

About the author

Rosetta M. Overman lives in Central North Carolina and got her start at writing for the public on the eBook community Wattpad. She is terrible at writing these biographies, but invites you to ask questions if you like.

Reviews

[J.B. Trepagnier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm familiar enough with Greek mythology to know that Overman stayed true to the lore and time period while putting her own spin on a new demigod. The story was enjoyable with ample characters to love and hate. Sometimes, I wished Aello would have fought back against her husband a little harder when he hurt her, but that was standard for the time period.

I loved the character of Set int he story and the intertwining of Greek and Egyptian gods, but I felt like the story wasn't finished. It ends on a bit of a cliff hanger. I've read 2 other books in the previous game of gods series and they are all told from different characters. I can see this is listed as a new trilogy and i hope the entire trilogy follows Aello as there were plot elements and things that were said in this story that lead me to believe we don't know her full story and there is more to tell in the next book

[Jenna “Meadow” | The Book of Meadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost always enjoy books on Greek mythology and this one definitely did the tales justice while also adding a unique spin and story line to keep things intriguing.

I enjoyed Rosetta Overman's character development and imagery throughout the book. She did a great job of painting a picture of this era, the time where the people believed in the Gods and that they walked among them. I also truly enjoyed the main character, Aello. She was a great mix of a strong woman but also was learning and growing. There are times she fights for things but other times when she is smart and understands what she is truly capable of. I hate when authors make a strong female character that is over confident in their abilities, or just too focused on always saving everyone to realize that it's okay to ask for help. Aello did not do this and I felt like it was more realistic of her life trying to acclimate to being a mortal and being in the mortal realm.

I also enjoyed the timeline of this book. There are a few times when the author skips several months or years but I didn't feel like I was missing out on the main character's story and still knew them enough for the story to progress. I feel like there is a fine line when using this format for a book, but Overman did a great job of keeping on the positive side of that line and keeping you entertained while bringing you along the characters' life journey.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to those interested in Greek mythology and action mixed with a romance. The romance definitely does not overpower the rest of the story, so I'd say that's more of a secondary plot line. And I am certainly looking forward to seeing if the second book revisits some of my favorite characters of this book.

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

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[Jobie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosetta is a skilled storyteller and did a great job drawing me into an intriguing world where gods walk the earth alongside humans.

I was immediately hooked in by Rosetta's world building and character development - at times I genuinely hurt for Aello, and I found myself developing a real love-hate relationship with the Gods of ancient Greece (among others). What's more, Rosetta managed to surprise me once or twice along the way.

Aello is a likeable character and I enjoyed watching her find her way in the hostile new world she found herself in. She does a grand job in difficult circumstances (no I'm not going to tell - you will have to read the book to find out). I hope we will hear more from Aello in the future, she has the makings of a very strong heroine.

In a couple of places, time or events jumped forward without warning, and it took me a few paragraphs to realise what had happened; I would have preferred a more obvious break as a signpost. And there were a few too many 'bad guys' and not enough allies, in the story for me. But those are minor quibbles on a story that held my attention from start to finish.

Due to my own lack of knowledge, I find myself unable to tell you whether Rosetta accurately depicted the Gods and Goddesses she included in this novel. What I can say is that reading this story has me intrigued enough to go out and learn more.

I would definitely recommend this novel to those who enjoy reading about the escapades and romantic adventures of ancient Gods and Goddesses both 'real' and invented by the talented Ms Overman.

[Cyana Scriptora · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.7 stars-

Most of us are familiar with legends in Greek mythology, I confess I am very limited when it comes to this... I know the basic gods and goddesses, but I have never heard the story of Aello (daughter of Apollo)

I felt a deep sympathy for this demi-goddess, the woman's life was rough and that's putting it mildly. I do not know how similar Overman's rendition is to the actual legend, but I thought it was really well done. I fell quickly into this world. And really loved the diversity of the characters and the incorporation of Egyptian mythology as well. I have a strong loathing for the horrific husband, and I struggled to understand Zeus' role in the curse, but... really, does Zeus need a reason to be a complete jerk? Things really got interesting when a certain handsome god stepped into her world and their initial encounter was my favorite part of the book. Really liked their relationship.

This is definitely for the fantasy lover and mythology guru. The plot is a combination of several events during Aello's life, so it is easy to follow and doesn't require much background knowledge. It's fast paced, and full of drama and a nice escape. Excellent world building and characters. Really enjoyed this one.

[Tristen Kozinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong, emotional narrative that was well-plotted and sustained a compelling main protagonist in Aello, who was a particularly pleasing rendition of a deific character. She combined both the humanity that makes her likable with a cruelty that makes her feel like she belongs in Greek mythology (and gives a wonderful amount of danger and bite to her character.)
The writing could occasionally be a bit confusing when the author time/scene skips in middle of scenes with only a paragraph break to indicate it, and some of the prose in the opening chapters read a little weak due to an overeliance on telling. This eases further into the story as events build enough emotional relation between the readers, characters and narrative that the prose isn't required to add any more.

[Norma Nikutowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts with Zeus deciding the destiny of Apollo’s tiny babe, Aello. She will be allowed to live in Mount Olympus until she is ten and six years. Then, she will be the Princess of Macedonia living among the mortals in Gaia with her mother. She is warned that her life will not be easy. She will have many struggles including her unreasonable and cruel husband.
The underlying theme is about destiny, what is going to happen no matter what we do and the choices we make. There are curses and fortunetellers. Your palm could hold all the secrets of your life.
If you enjoy mythology and romance you will enjoy this book.
The story continues in Windstorm Bright Star, Dark Sun.

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line and character work were great. The book had a smooth flow to it. This was a good read and kept me hooked from beginning to end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.