What do you think?
Rate this book
New Olympians #3
By the Book
A M/M Non-Shifter MPREG Romance.
True love seemed like something the Lord of the Dead could never hope to have. But when there is a prophecy at work... anything is possible.
Content to be ignored by not only his wife, but the rest of the Olympians, Hades, Lord of the Dead has always been alone. Gruff and obstinate, Hades preferred the silence of his library to the chaos of the nursery and the troubles of the human world. His anger at the betrayal of the goddesses had more to do with being neglected than anything… it took a great deal to stir his passions, but when they awoke in him, he was a force to be reckoned with.
Olympus is starting to feel like a home again, but while two of his brothers are basking in the glow of fatherhood, Hades has done nothing but scowl. For centuries he has been content to convince himself that he doesn’t need any of that noise and heartache.
Escaping Olympus for Earth, he finds solace in the great libraries of Rome, but the oracle is not finished with the divine brothers, and Hades’ piece of the heavenly puzzle is about to fall into place.
Gideon Vogel is just a librarian, but even he notices that there’s something different about the tall, brooding figure that stalks the dusty aisles of his ancient library. Aiden doesn’t talk much, but there’s something about him that Gideon can’t seem to chase from his mind. He’s not usually one to pursue, but he can’t seem to help himself… and just this once, it might be worth it to find out what’s happening behind those furious dark eyes.
"By the Book" is book 3 in the New Olympians series. 30,000 words, a HEA featuring an outgoing omega a brooding alpha-god to claim him.
NEW OLYMPIANS
Book 1 ~ Lightning Strikes
Book 2 ~ Rip Tide
Book 3 ~ By the Book (September 2018)
Book 4 ~ Swift Wings (October 2018)
Book 5 ~ Marble Heart (October 2018)
True love seemed like something the Lord of the Dead could never hope to have. But when there is a prophecy at work... anything is possible.
Content to be ignored by not only his wife, but the rest of the Olympians, Hades, Lord of the Dead has always been alone. Gruff and obstinate, Hades preferred the silence of his library to the chaos of the nursery and the troubles of the human world. His anger at the betrayal of the goddesses had more to do with being neglected than anything… it took a great deal to stir his passions, but when they awoke in him, he was a force to be reckoned with.
Olympus is starting to feel like a home again, but while two of his brothers are basking in the glow of fatherhood, Hades has done nothing but scowl. For centuries he has been content to convince himself that he doesn’t need any of that noise and heartache.
Escaping Olympus for Earth, he finds solace in the great libraries of Rome, but the oracle is not finished with the divine brothers, and Hades’ piece of the heavenly puzzle is about to fall into place.
Gideon Vogel is just a librarian, but even he notices that there’s something different about the tall, brooding figure that stalks the dusty aisles of his ancient library. Aiden doesn’t talk much, but there’s something about him that Gideon can’t seem to chase from his mind. He’s not usually one to pursue, but he can’t seem to help himself… and just this once, it might be worth it to find out what’s happening behind those furious dark eyes.
"By the Book" is book 3 in the New Olympians series. 30,000 words, a HEA featuring an outgoing omega a brooding alpha-god to claim him.
NEW OLYMPIANS
Book 1 ~ Lightning Strikes
Book 2 ~ Rip Tide
Book 3 ~ By the Book (September 2018)
Book 4 ~ Swift Wings (October 2018)
Book 5 ~ Marble Heart (October 2018)
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2018
32 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 28, 2018
I actually liked this book more than the first two. I knew that Hades' story will be a little bit more intense since in previous books he was always belligerent if not outright mean. I think I can understand some of his anger. Apart from the whole prophecy situation (I know, I know, they brought it all on themselves) how would you like to be hated through no fault of your own while the rest of your family is exalted and celebrated?! Add the fact that Underworld must be one of the gloomiest and coldest places on Earth, and yes, you get an extremely angry and frustrated God Hades.
____________________________________________________________
"The great black gate had marked the entrance to the Underworld since the fall of our father, Cronos. I had built it myself, full of rage and bitterness while my brothers had created the shining columns of Olympus. If their marble palace was a shrine to their triumph, this gate was a shrine to my hatred." ____________________________________________________________
So no wonder he has a hard time accepting all the changes that are happening at the palace, and he seeks solace in his library with Cerberus as his only companion. First half of the book explains in great detail the relationship between Hades and many other Gods, it shows them as more human and approachable. It also tells a story of why Hades is extra bitter then the rest, how betrayal shaped his view for the last centuries. Actually for most of the book he was a total prick and I would have written him off but there are those moments where some vulnerability shows through. Even when he seems incapable or scared to show his feelings to his spark Gideon, we see him care for Cerberus, the only creature who will never betray him. As Emmanuel Kant said: “He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”
Gideon is an archivist and works in a very old library in Rome. He is the happiest among his books. (Hades and Gideon are perfect for each other, BTW) He does not feel lonely per se, but in some of his musings we can hear the dissatisfaction - the fact that none of his previous lovers ever gave him what he wanted. What is it that he wants? When these two men meet it's not HEA or even How do you do? They blow hot and cold, sweet and cruel. There is raw honesty between them that at times made me wonder if they were going to even be civil to each other. But Gideon challenges Hades, he is stubborn and fearless, keeps him on his toes and that is exactly what Hades needs to get out of his emotional stupor and let love into his heart again. But he denies till the very end what Gideon means to him. But when they finally are together, holy moly, it's intense and super hot even sweet a little bit (really little bit).
____________________________________________________________
"And as I looked down upon his willing sacrifice, this honey-sweet libation poured out beneath me, I felt myself loving him helplessly - and on the tails of that love, a tempestuous desire to tear him apart."
____________________________________________________________
But it's not that simple. The Goddesses are angry and this time they go too far. Hades has to own up to his mistakes, has to atone and become a better man, and the best way to do it is to be with the perfect man by his side - Gideon the Librarian. A very well-written novel with historical and mythological references and elements of D/s relationship, a very docile and happy protector of the gates Cerberus and slightly unhealthy love for the books! I loved every page, never a dull moment. Hades might have been cruel most of the time but the love he didn't know he felt showed him the way in the end. I highly recommend it!
** ARC kindly provided by Leslie Copeland for my honest review **
____________________________________________________________
"The great black gate had marked the entrance to the Underworld since the fall of our father, Cronos. I had built it myself, full of rage and bitterness while my brothers had created the shining columns of Olympus. If their marble palace was a shrine to their triumph, this gate was a shrine to my hatred." ____________________________________________________________
So no wonder he has a hard time accepting all the changes that are happening at the palace, and he seeks solace in his library with Cerberus as his only companion. First half of the book explains in great detail the relationship between Hades and many other Gods, it shows them as more human and approachable. It also tells a story of why Hades is extra bitter then the rest, how betrayal shaped his view for the last centuries. Actually for most of the book he was a total prick and I would have written him off but there are those moments where some vulnerability shows through. Even when he seems incapable or scared to show his feelings to his spark Gideon, we see him care for Cerberus, the only creature who will never betray him. As Emmanuel Kant said: “He who is cruel to animals becomes hard also in his dealings with men. We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.”
Gideon is an archivist and works in a very old library in Rome. He is the happiest among his books. (Hades and Gideon are perfect for each other, BTW) He does not feel lonely per se, but in some of his musings we can hear the dissatisfaction - the fact that none of his previous lovers ever gave him what he wanted. What is it that he wants? When these two men meet it's not HEA or even How do you do? They blow hot and cold, sweet and cruel. There is raw honesty between them that at times made me wonder if they were going to even be civil to each other. But Gideon challenges Hades, he is stubborn and fearless, keeps him on his toes and that is exactly what Hades needs to get out of his emotional stupor and let love into his heart again. But he denies till the very end what Gideon means to him. But when they finally are together, holy moly, it's intense and super hot even sweet a little bit (really little bit).
____________________________________________________________
"And as I looked down upon his willing sacrifice, this honey-sweet libation poured out beneath me, I felt myself loving him helplessly - and on the tails of that love, a tempestuous desire to tear him apart."
____________________________________________________________
But it's not that simple. The Goddesses are angry and this time they go too far. Hades has to own up to his mistakes, has to atone and become a better man, and the best way to do it is to be with the perfect man by his side - Gideon the Librarian. A very well-written novel with historical and mythological references and elements of D/s relationship, a very docile and happy protector of the gates Cerberus and slightly unhealthy love for the books! I loved every page, never a dull moment. Hades might have been cruel most of the time but the love he didn't know he felt showed him the way in the end. I highly recommend it!
** ARC kindly provided by Leslie Copeland for my honest review **
August 7, 2019
Ugh...I know all my friends liked this one better than the others, but I didn’t. Hades was a dick pure and simple. I didn’t like that he fought it and treated Gideon like something to use almost the whole book. He comes around the last few pages and I can’t stand that. I never felt like he felt anything for Gideon even at the end when he changes his tune. Definitely not my favorite and I’m disappointed. He could have been so delicious. And really I felt like Gideon was pathetic chasing him. 🤬
October 5, 2018
YES! My favorite of the series so far! (And I totally knew it would be - I was hooked on this series from this blurb alone before I knew anything about the other two books)
This is Hades' story, and he's a bit of a grump lol. He refuses to believe that their luck might be changing, that what happened with Zeus and Poseidon could happen to him. He finds his spark, however, in Gideon, the librarian and book restorer at a library in Italy. I thought that these two had some great chemistry together. Lots of fire, snark, even just angry sex, and it was all hot.
Of course, once Hades finds his spark, he also inadvertently places Gideon in danger. I do like this idea - however, I do hope that this won't be a rinse and repeat conflict device that we see through the entire series (since that's what happened in the first 2 books). I do hope the author will vary things up a bit. I also liked how this story felt a bit more complete than the second book. I still feel like Poseidon and Brooke didn't get a full story together.
I can't wait for more of the gods' stories. And now I REALLY want Hephaestus' story!
This is Hades' story, and he's a bit of a grump lol. He refuses to believe that their luck might be changing, that what happened with Zeus and Poseidon could happen to him. He finds his spark, however, in Gideon, the librarian and book restorer at a library in Italy. I thought that these two had some great chemistry together. Lots of fire, snark, even just angry sex, and it was all hot.
Of course, once Hades finds his spark, he also inadvertently places Gideon in danger. I do like this idea - however, I do hope that this won't be a rinse and repeat conflict device that we see through the entire series (since that's what happened in the first 2 books). I do hope the author will vary things up a bit. I also liked how this story felt a bit more complete than the second book. I still feel like Poseidon and Brooke didn't get a full story together.
I can't wait for more of the gods' stories. And now I REALLY want Hephaestus' story!
Read
June 19, 2024Yeeahhhh, this series isn't for me. I liked the first 2, but they ended so abruptly. I hated that. still... I had to give grumpy Hades' story a go.
It just made me mad.
Hades talked all that shit to Zeus and Poseidion about staying away from their mate so the goddess couldn't locate them.
What does he do?? I'll tell ya!
He finds his mate. Treats him like absolute trash. fucks him and says "dont look for me"
Then leaves him to DIE!!!
Not a fan.
It just made me mad.
Hades talked all that shit to Zeus and Poseidion about staying away from their mate so the goddess couldn't locate them.
What does he do?? I'll tell ya!
He finds his mate. Treats him like absolute trash. fucks him and says "dont look for me"
Then leaves him to DIE!!!
Not a fan.
October 11, 2018
I can't quite put my finger on exactly why, but this is definitely my favorite thus far of this series. Maybe it's due to Hades reluctance to have a mate, or perhaps the suspense as danger continued to stalk Gideon. Regardless, as much as I loved the first two books, this one just grabbed me me by the throat, sucked me in and had my heart pounding. The author does such an awesome job of building especially the personalities of the Gods that they feel very real despite these books being paranormal fantasies. All in all this was truly a wonderful read and I can't wait till Hermes story is released next!
probably-not-but-freebie
November 23, 2018Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Book-Non-Shi...
October 7, 2019
I knew this one would be a favorite. Hades’ spark would have to have some fire in him to go toe to toe with the God of the Underworld. Gideon is perfect for him but as to be expected, it’s not a smooth courtship. Add to that the Goddesses are getting more aggressive in their strikes. I expect things will continue to get darker and more vicious as each couple welcomes a new Olympian.
October 10, 2018
I am really loving this series. It is so clever. This was Hades' book, and he was just as much of a Grumpy Gus as I would expect him to be. Gideon was a perfect match for him in many ways, but most importantly he was able to give as good as Hades did with attitude. There is still so much drama I can imagine will blow up in the future books as more gods get their spark, and I know the goddesses will get madder and madder. I'm really looking forward to reading it.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
December 27, 2018
Hades the God of the underworld gets a spin at wheel of fate as he as well battles to reverse the outlines of the curse that contained him and his fellow Gods to eternal celibacy as their touch would signal death to their paramours.
July 6, 2022
Un romance M/ M entre el Dios del inframundo y un bibliotecario común y corriente pero no tan inocente.🔥
October 2, 2018
I've really enjoyed reading this series. It's a very interesting view of mythology. But no matter how much I like the other books, I think that this is the best one so far. I like Hades a lot more than I like Zeus and Posideon. There's just something that's so much realer and more vulnerable about Hades, even though he wants everyone to think that he's so strong and tough and that no one bothers him. I really loved this series.
And the whole calling his dog Spot? Yeah,it's true.
And the whole calling his dog Spot? Yeah,it's true.
July 14, 2024
The first two books in this series are goofy, have a lot of annoying elements, and aren't exactly well-written, but in spite of that I quite enjoyed them because the relationships were charming enough despite the inherent weird dubcon element of the whole "hey so I might've mpreg'd you" thing (at least with Zeus, Poseidon was actually a decent guy). This one still has all of the bad aspects and then on top of that the "relationship" (insofar as they have one, at least the other couples went on dates) is godawful.
Hades is an asshole. Just a total piece of shit, both in general and during sex. The sex scenes in this one are loveless, violent and degrading - the first one is literally an assault in public with choking (choking is never safe, kids!) There's zero bond between the characters, negotiation, proper discussion, safety or care or anything like that, with Gideon putting up with it because he likes "rough sex" and is down to go around in horrible pain for days after... I wonder how many people who get on Fifty Shades of Grey's case for being a bad and harmful representation of kink endorse books like this when it comes to m/m? We don't get one single sex scene where Hades treats Gideon well or even a scene where he does anything remotely nice or romantic for him ever (this guy does NOT reciprocate oral). The end of the book is bizarre as it seems to be implying that Hades will be better and actually start treating Gideon with respect and love but, as they say, show don't tell, and nothing is shown, and it's impossible to even imagine because there's nothing to base a potential "nice" version of their relationship or of Hades on because there have been zero positive interactions so far and it's like the author's just bored of them now that they're actually together. One can only assume they're still going to have horrifically bad "BDSM etiquette" or whatever the kinksters call it, since it implies that Hades gets off on abusing and "breaking" Gideon and I doubt he'll magically change. Oh, and this will all be happening with a pregnancy and then with a child, lovely! I also thought it was really sad how their mutual interest in old books, history, restoration and such is barely discussed between them except when Hades wants to mock and goad Gideon about his beliefs about the afterlife or whatever; it should be the whole crux of their relationship, the way theater or the ocean was with the first two couples, but it barely matters because Hades doesn't really care about Gideon's mind or interests, or even his physical wellbeing, and just treats him like a toy.
Ugggh, there's just so much potential with misanthropic asshole characters who turn out to be caring and attentive in bed (or against a bookshelf, whatever), and Hades in mythology is pretty much a poster guy for "scary but secretly tender" but instead C.J. Vincent instead wrote this abomination. It's so jarring to go from the cutesiness of the first books to this too, why are they in the same series?
Anyway, to get back to the plot: Hades, despite not being sure Gideon is his "spark" or whatever and if his magic seed (lmao) will kill him, takes off the condom during sex without Gideon's permission because "he felt love but also an urge to destroy him" (not an exact quote but WHAT that's horrifying) and Gideon's response to this is to have one line of dialogue where he's mildly annoyed - he doesn't know about the hellseed of course but he asked him to wear condom for normal, human reasons - and then this blatant violation and breach of consent is never mentioned again??? Holy shit.
Then Gideon gets pregnant from this, which is something Hades knew would most likely happen, and that he'd be in danger both from the pregnancy and the vengeful goddesses..... and he just leaves him, when he's the one who's been lecturing his brothers about the danger the past two books??? And even mocks and violently assaults him when Gideon encounters him at the library and calls him an asshole for abandoning him after sex??? And then he abandons him again and Gideon is actually killed by the goddesses - which creates a huge plothole by the way because if the Sparks and the unborn children can be so easily revived with zero consequences or trauma then there's no tension to the peril they're in - who Hades KNEW were after him because he literally saw Eris. And then he gets Gideon from the Styx (in a sequence that feels suspiciously reminiscent of Disney's Hercules) and Shade Gideon can't be brought back unless Hades apologises and HADES IS ACTUALLY RELUCTANT TO APOLOGISE AND TRIES TO GET OUT OF IT??? And then Hades is all like "oops sorry you died guess you're stuck with me now" so Gideon didn't even get to make a choice and they get off scott free from actually having to, like, have a conversation or mutual understanding or anything other than them still being at, like, square two of their extremely toxic relationship.
The relationships from the past books were pretty shallow as well but this one is by far the worst due to, as I have mentioned countless times, the complete lack of affection, tenderness or respect, and the fact that Hades seems to be pretty much a sociopath where the author just tags on a very unconvincing "oh yeah he totally cares about and loves Gideon don't worry" ending. Anyway, at least Gideon is apparently mad with him but since the book just ends after this, and he realises that Hades has a cool library, he's probably over it already; Gideon is one of those characters we get told is fiery when they're actually just a pushover who lets the so-called love interest treat them like crap. In my wildest dreams he stays pissed and subsequent books have him and Persephone team up to murder Hades but if they do I won't ever know because I think I'm done with this series after this abomination.
As an aside here since I didn't review any other books: this series is hilariously misogynistic. Usually m/m books have some female cheerleader type characters that the author throws in to be like "see I'm not like those fanfiction authors from back in the day who made all the women in their yaoi fics evil, look at this nice girl pointless side character!" and this series had a couple of those in the first book, but in addition to that it also has a bunch of insanely over-the-top annoying female characters (even the cheerleader-character sister from the first book was written like an annoying teenage girl despite being a working single mother) and on top of that every single goddess/nymph that's shown up or been mentioned thus far, no matter their dominion or role or relationships in Greek mythology, is an evil bitch whose sole purpose in life is to ruin the gods' love lives. Why is Eris siding with the wronged goddesses instead of being a chaotic neutral party? Because WAHMAN I guess. Then of course there's the fact that the entire premise of this series is that all the goddesses in the Olympian pantheon are being replaced by mpreg twinks who are going to make a better, cooler Olympus and turn the gods into devoted, loving husbands when none of the goddesses ever could lmao.
Actually, thinking about this highlights another issue with By the Book specifically, in that we're supposed to root for the gods in this series because even though they were terrible, selfish lovers in the past they've changed their ways and are going to prove themselves worthy of their mates now... and then in this book Hades is a POS who treats his Spark like trash, what an utter fail of a character. Oh, and apparently part of what made Persephone a bad wife is that she likes tenderness and a partner who actually gives a damn about her comfort, but thankfully now poor ol' Hades has found someone who will put up with all his abuse and is down to choke on his **** while Hades stares out across the city drinking wine and disinterestedly listening to the sounds of the choking (yes, this is an actual sex scene that happens in the book). Disgusting. The fact that this seems to be one of the better-liked of the series makes me so sad.
... Oof, I did not expect to have so much to say about this trash, I am absolutely not editing this for grammar or anything so you're a trooper if you read the whole thing.
Hades is an asshole. Just a total piece of shit, both in general and during sex. The sex scenes in this one are loveless, violent and degrading - the first one is literally an assault in public with choking (choking is never safe, kids!) There's zero bond between the characters, negotiation, proper discussion, safety or care or anything like that, with Gideon putting up with it because he likes "rough sex" and is down to go around in horrible pain for days after... I wonder how many people who get on Fifty Shades of Grey's case for being a bad and harmful representation of kink endorse books like this when it comes to m/m? We don't get one single sex scene where Hades treats Gideon well or even a scene where he does anything remotely nice or romantic for him ever (this guy does NOT reciprocate oral). The end of the book is bizarre as it seems to be implying that Hades will be better and actually start treating Gideon with respect and love but, as they say, show don't tell, and nothing is shown, and it's impossible to even imagine because there's nothing to base a potential "nice" version of their relationship or of Hades on because there have been zero positive interactions so far and it's like the author's just bored of them now that they're actually together. One can only assume they're still going to have horrifically bad "BDSM etiquette" or whatever the kinksters call it, since it implies that Hades gets off on abusing and "breaking" Gideon and I doubt he'll magically change. Oh, and this will all be happening with a pregnancy and then with a child, lovely! I also thought it was really sad how their mutual interest in old books, history, restoration and such is barely discussed between them except when Hades wants to mock and goad Gideon about his beliefs about the afterlife or whatever; it should be the whole crux of their relationship, the way theater or the ocean was with the first two couples, but it barely matters because Hades doesn't really care about Gideon's mind or interests, or even his physical wellbeing, and just treats him like a toy.
Ugggh, there's just so much potential with misanthropic asshole characters who turn out to be caring and attentive in bed (or against a bookshelf, whatever), and Hades in mythology is pretty much a poster guy for "scary but secretly tender" but instead C.J. Vincent instead wrote this abomination. It's so jarring to go from the cutesiness of the first books to this too, why are they in the same series?
Anyway, to get back to the plot: Hades, despite not being sure Gideon is his "spark" or whatever and if his magic seed (lmao) will kill him, takes off the condom during sex without Gideon's permission because "he felt love but also an urge to destroy him" (not an exact quote but WHAT that's horrifying) and Gideon's response to this is to have one line of dialogue where he's mildly annoyed - he doesn't know about the hellseed of course but he asked him to wear condom for normal, human reasons - and then this blatant violation and breach of consent is never mentioned again??? Holy shit.
Then Gideon gets pregnant from this, which is something Hades knew would most likely happen, and that he'd be in danger both from the pregnancy and the vengeful goddesses..... and he just leaves him, when he's the one who's been lecturing his brothers about the danger the past two books??? And even mocks and violently assaults him when Gideon encounters him at the library and calls him an asshole for abandoning him after sex??? And then he abandons him again and Gideon is actually killed by the goddesses - which creates a huge plothole by the way because if the Sparks and the unborn children can be so easily revived with zero consequences or trauma then there's no tension to the peril they're in - who Hades KNEW were after him because he literally saw Eris. And then he gets Gideon from the Styx (in a sequence that feels suspiciously reminiscent of Disney's Hercules) and Shade Gideon can't be brought back unless Hades apologises and HADES IS ACTUALLY RELUCTANT TO APOLOGISE AND TRIES TO GET OUT OF IT??? And then Hades is all like "oops sorry you died guess you're stuck with me now" so Gideon didn't even get to make a choice and they get off scott free from actually having to, like, have a conversation or mutual understanding or anything other than them still being at, like, square two of their extremely toxic relationship.
The relationships from the past books were pretty shallow as well but this one is by far the worst due to, as I have mentioned countless times, the complete lack of affection, tenderness or respect, and the fact that Hades seems to be pretty much a sociopath where the author just tags on a very unconvincing "oh yeah he totally cares about and loves Gideon don't worry" ending. Anyway, at least Gideon is apparently mad with him but since the book just ends after this, and he realises that Hades has a cool library, he's probably over it already; Gideon is one of those characters we get told is fiery when they're actually just a pushover who lets the so-called love interest treat them like crap. In my wildest dreams he stays pissed and subsequent books have him and Persephone team up to murder Hades but if they do I won't ever know because I think I'm done with this series after this abomination.
As an aside here since I didn't review any other books: this series is hilariously misogynistic. Usually m/m books have some female cheerleader type characters that the author throws in to be like "see I'm not like those fanfiction authors from back in the day who made all the women in their yaoi fics evil, look at this nice girl pointless side character!" and this series had a couple of those in the first book, but in addition to that it also has a bunch of insanely over-the-top annoying female characters (even the cheerleader-character sister from the first book was written like an annoying teenage girl despite being a working single mother) and on top of that every single goddess/nymph that's shown up or been mentioned thus far, no matter their dominion or role or relationships in Greek mythology, is an evil bitch whose sole purpose in life is to ruin the gods' love lives. Why is Eris siding with the wronged goddesses instead of being a chaotic neutral party? Because WAHMAN I guess. Then of course there's the fact that the entire premise of this series is that all the goddesses in the Olympian pantheon are being replaced by mpreg twinks who are going to make a better, cooler Olympus and turn the gods into devoted, loving husbands when none of the goddesses ever could lmao.
Actually, thinking about this highlights another issue with By the Book specifically, in that we're supposed to root for the gods in this series because even though they were terrible, selfish lovers in the past they've changed their ways and are going to prove themselves worthy of their mates now... and then in this book Hades is a POS who treats his Spark like trash, what an utter fail of a character. Oh, and apparently part of what made Persephone a bad wife is that she likes tenderness and a partner who actually gives a damn about her comfort, but thankfully now poor ol' Hades has found someone who will put up with all his abuse and is down to choke on his **** while Hades stares out across the city drinking wine and disinterestedly listening to the sounds of the choking (yes, this is an actual sex scene that happens in the book). Disgusting. The fact that this seems to be one of the better-liked of the series makes me so sad.
... Oof, I did not expect to have so much to say about this trash, I am absolutely not editing this for grammar or anything so you're a trooper if you read the whole thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2018
Intriguing
The goddesses are getting bolder and more aggressive in their attacks against the sparks. Hades is jaded and cynical and even though he interpreted the prophecy and saw that his two brothers found their sparks he was unwilling to believe the same was possible for him. He was forced to step outside his comfort zone. It's amazing that considering all the centuries that have passed that the goddess Hera is still angry!
The goddesses are getting bolder and more aggressive in their attacks against the sparks. Hades is jaded and cynical and even though he interpreted the prophecy and saw that his two brothers found their sparks he was unwilling to believe the same was possible for him. He was forced to step outside his comfort zone. It's amazing that considering all the centuries that have passed that the goddess Hera is still angry!
October 2, 2018
Well, this was certainly better than the other 2 books simply because the sex was hotter. Sometimes. And we FINALLY get to see one of the babies.
BUT
1) the author insistence on not specifying from which goddess the MC’s were descended from. It is not very reader friendly, specially if you’re someone that’s not well versed in Greek mythology.
2) The whole portraying ancient Greek Gods as....hipsters. Tattoos, manbuns, fuckboy names, weird beards. If a man named Adrian and dressed like a hipster told me that he was Zeus or Poseidon or Hades, I would laugh at his face. On the other hand, if a man wearing a very expensive fitted suit or even some casual clothing, clean shaven, beautifully styled hair with a grown-mans name, told me he was a Greek God, I would not only drop my panties but be more inclined to believe them.
3) the fight scenes are becoming repetitive. Hell, the past 3 books are. God is reluctant to believe the prophecy > introduce mortal spark > God meets mortal in an awkward situation and somehow the mortal wants to drop to their knees and suck their dicks even though said Gods treat them like trash > some side characters intervine > sexual tension > the God goes back to Olympus to brood > God comes back realizes who the spark is and they have sex > this puts the mortal in danger and they get attacked/maimed/killed > God saves them at the last minute, take them to Olympus and make them immortal + they are pregnant or about to be.
See? I just spoiled the past 2 books. Just change the characters and some settings.
Oh well. To see what’s up with #4. No hopes here. At this point I am only reading this to amuse myself and because I am not paying for the books (my bff lends it to me)
BUT
1) the author insistence on not specifying from which goddess the MC’s were descended from. It is not very reader friendly, specially if you’re someone that’s not well versed in Greek mythology.
2) The whole portraying ancient Greek Gods as....hipsters. Tattoos, manbuns, fuckboy names, weird beards. If a man named Adrian and dressed like a hipster told me that he was Zeus or Poseidon or Hades, I would laugh at his face. On the other hand, if a man wearing a very expensive fitted suit or even some casual clothing, clean shaven, beautifully styled hair with a grown-mans name, told me he was a Greek God, I would not only drop my panties but be more inclined to believe them.
3) the fight scenes are becoming repetitive. Hell, the past 3 books are. God is reluctant to believe the prophecy > introduce mortal spark > God meets mortal in an awkward situation and somehow the mortal wants to drop to their knees and suck their dicks even though said Gods treat them like trash > some side characters intervine > sexual tension > the God goes back to Olympus to brood > God comes back realizes who the spark is and they have sex > this puts the mortal in danger and they get attacked/maimed/killed > God saves them at the last minute, take them to Olympus and make them immortal + they are pregnant or about to be.
See? I just spoiled the past 2 books. Just change the characters and some settings.
Oh well. To see what’s up with #4. No hopes here. At this point I am only reading this to amuse myself and because I am not paying for the books (my bff lends it to me)
November 17, 2018
Omg, I really didn't like this book. It's too bad cause there's not a lot of books out there about the lives of gods. It could have been a really great book I think, the basis of the story is solid. The problem is they took a straight up hard core fantasy story and mashed it with over the top characters and it's just weird. Honestly, it's almost like two different people wrote it-one took care of the outline and someone else filled in the story. I really didn't care much for the sex parts either, not that there was anything wrong with them conceptually, but I guess I prefer some romance, or at least chemistry, between the main characters instead of this fated mates/instalust crap that seems to be infecting so many books lately. I'm also getting really tired of all of the super nosy & bitchy friends and family members never giving the main characters a second of peace. I just don't understand why this is a thing. He's the god of the underworld, he's centuries old. Why would he ever, even for a second, put up with that kind of crap? Doesn't he have enough on his plate? He has to deal with constantly nagging family too? ugh!
October 2, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This one was harder for me to get through than the others. It was hard to connect with Hades, all he did was pout about Persephone betraying him while trying to push everyone away and he almost lost his chance at happiness. I didn’t get much from Gideon either other than the fact that he loved books and his mom would love for him to move back to the states.
This continues the story from the previous books which mostly make it a requirement to read them but the author tries to give you the background at the beginning where you maybe wouldn’t have to but I think it helps. Some of the timelines with the previous books seem to jump back and forth a bit at one point Brooke (from the previous story) is at Olympus and the next he wasn’t there yet, a basic timeline and editing issue. While I like to see how this is moving on I can’t help but think that the goddesses weren’t so innocent in their liaisons either especially since these sparks that the gods are finding are decedents of theirs.
This one was harder for me to get through than the others. It was hard to connect with Hades, all he did was pout about Persephone betraying him while trying to push everyone away and he almost lost his chance at happiness. I didn’t get much from Gideon either other than the fact that he loved books and his mom would love for him to move back to the states.
This continues the story from the previous books which mostly make it a requirement to read them but the author tries to give you the background at the beginning where you maybe wouldn’t have to but I think it helps. Some of the timelines with the previous books seem to jump back and forth a bit at one point Brooke (from the previous story) is at Olympus and the next he wasn’t there yet, a basic timeline and editing issue. While I like to see how this is moving on I can’t help but think that the goddesses weren’t so innocent in their liaisons either especially since these sparks that the gods are finding are decedents of theirs.
December 8, 2018
💙💜
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
Book 3 in the series and one I was most looking forward too, Hades God of the underworld. The grouchy book loving unenthusiastic for finding his spark that happens to be his true love. Gideon is his spark, a librarian and they share their love for the written word but Hades is darker and so was this book. Loved Hades and Gideon, and the plot that led to Hades journeying to the underworld to save Gideon after the goddesses plan works. A good read that portrayed Hades character personality, grumpy, loves cerebus and he's got a kinky side. Entertaining read.
I received this book by the author and this is my honest opinion.
Book 3 in the series and one I was most looking forward too, Hades God of the underworld. The grouchy book loving unenthusiastic for finding his spark that happens to be his true love. Gideon is his spark, a librarian and they share their love for the written word but Hades is darker and so was this book. Loved Hades and Gideon, and the plot that led to Hades journeying to the underworld to save Gideon after the goddesses plan works. A good read that portrayed Hades character personality, grumpy, loves cerebus and he's got a kinky side. Entertaining read.
October 3, 2018
This book wasn't my favorite in the series, but it isn't bad. I feel like his moment, where he tries to fix his mistake, is too little too late.
Hades seems to dislike everyone and doesn't have that redeeming moment that needed to happen.
He blames himself for the curse even though all the gods played a part in it. He is so angry at Persephone that he won't open to anyone and that includes Gideon. He plays with Gideon and plays with his life.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion and review.
Hades seems to dislike everyone and doesn't have that redeeming moment that needed to happen.
He blames himself for the curse even though all the gods played a part in it. He is so angry at Persephone that he won't open to anyone and that includes Gideon. He plays with Gideon and plays with his life.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion and review.
October 9, 2018
This is the third book in The New Olympians Series. A compelling book the writing was good. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters intriguing. The characters were developed and thought out. Hades and Gideon are the MC’s of this book and mates. This book is slightly different from the first two as Hades is full of anger. But it is a good read and I did feel for the guy. I can recommend this as a good read and can’t wait for the next book. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
October 13, 2019
Fascinating story
I've heard the saying "Hatred is like drinking poison and waiting for your enemy to die." I think that Hera and the goddesses that follow her are living this proverb. They've been banished from Olympus, they set up the whole situation where they've basically created their replacements (who the gods are destined to be much more faithful to), and since the big three (Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades) originally assigned the gods' responsibilities, what's to stop them from stripping the goddesses of even their purpose in the governing of the earth?
I've heard the saying "Hatred is like drinking poison and waiting for your enemy to die." I think that Hera and the goddesses that follow her are living this proverb. They've been banished from Olympus, they set up the whole situation where they've basically created their replacements (who the gods are destined to be much more faithful to), and since the big three (Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades) originally assigned the gods' responsibilities, what's to stop them from stripping the goddesses of even their purpose in the governing of the earth?
October 3, 2018
Hades and his librarian
Hades was such an ass but he's met his match in Gideon, his spark. I really enjoyed this, as I enjoyed the first two books in the series. The storyline is just so unique, sure there are stories about the Olympians but this series is the first that tackles what would happen if the goddesses turned on the gods and the aftermath. I can't wait to Hermes' book and I'm really looking forward to Ares' too.
Hades was such an ass but he's met his match in Gideon, his spark. I really enjoyed this, as I enjoyed the first two books in the series. The storyline is just so unique, sure there are stories about the Olympians but this series is the first that tackles what would happen if the goddesses turned on the gods and the aftermath. I can't wait to Hermes' book and I'm really looking forward to Ares' too.
January 4, 2019
It could have been so much more. Ok one big difference: The mortal actually dies in this book. But as he is Hades mortal, guess what happens....
Oh and Hades proofs to be interesting as he adds an element of BDSM to the sex. But it was only on the surface to make things a bit spicier in the erotic content of the book, nothing major. Could have gone a bit deeper over all. Because I´m a bit disappointed in the book only 3 stars this time.
Oh and Hades proofs to be interesting as he adds an element of BDSM to the sex. But it was only on the surface to make things a bit spicier in the erotic content of the book, nothing major. Could have gone a bit deeper over all. Because I´m a bit disappointed in the book only 3 stars this time.
March 2, 2019
I think of all the books of this series, this was my favourite.
Hades was perfectly horrible. But there was a softer side of him that he never let show, mostly because he is prickly with everybody, but a bit because he never had somebody to challenge him and push him to show that side.
Gideon was wonderful. He was sweet but no pushover and fought for what he wanted. He never shied away from confronting Hades, which was a delight to read.
Really really loved it
Hades was perfectly horrible. But there was a softer side of him that he never let show, mostly because he is prickly with everybody, but a bit because he never had somebody to challenge him and push him to show that side.
Gideon was wonderful. He was sweet but no pushover and fought for what he wanted. He never shied away from confronting Hades, which was a delight to read.
Really really loved it
December 19, 2018
Another Olympian God finds his Spark. Gideon and Hades (Aiden) have a great story. They have that rough and fierce passion that ignites their souls. Definitely not a sweet and adorable tale, but one that burns hot and heavy. I can not wait for the next installment of this series.
I received this book as an advanced reader's copy and voluntarily am leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received this book as an advanced reader's copy and voluntarily am leaving my honest review and recommendation.
October 1, 2018
this is amazing and wonderful and so much fun to read.. this series gets better and better.. i love the different personalities and who they are.. it is so interesting to read.. and the emotions are perfect. very good
October 1, 2018
DNF. I just didn’t care for this one and couldn’t connect with the characters.
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2018
I loved this one even more than the other two! These just keep getting better though I wish they were longer!
November 18, 2018
3/4 my fav of the series so far
September 26, 2020
New Olympians 3
Who better for the God of the Underworld Hades with his vast library than a man who dedicates his life to books
Who better for the God of the Underworld Hades with his vast library than a man who dedicates his life to books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews