Fatal Attraction: Aphrodite's Tale

The Goddesses #2

by Alicia Fields

Aphrodite, the beautiful goddess with a talent for romantic mayhem, finds herself torn between two would-be immortal suitors--the artistic and steady Hephaestus and his quarrelsome, hot-headed brother Ares, who has just run off to take part in the Trojan War. Original.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Romance, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Greek Mythology, Historical

281 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the dollar store. I saw it there a few times, and finally decided that I wanted to read a trashy romance. This book didn't let me down. In fact, it exceeded my expectations.

I have always fancied Greek and Roman mythology. This book put a whole new spin on the age old characters. The characters didn't have an incredible amount of depth, but they weren't completely lacking. Hephaestus was my favorite. Ares was just scary, I don't know why Aphrodite loved him so much. It was really fascinating to see how Aphrodite changed as she grew older. She matured a lot about herself and her sexuality, but she was still very selfish by trying to keep Psyche away from her son. No one else really changed at all.

I liked the little peek into what their ancient religion may have been like. It really reminded me a lot of the religion of Atlantis in Stephen R. Lawhead's Taliesin. I didn't really understand why women were such second class citizens when their deity was the Goddess.

A few things I thought were strange in the book was that Aphrodite was an intensely sensual person starting as early as age 10, and it was just icky how some of the men were lusting after a 10 to 12 year old girl.

Another thing I found strange was the huge eunuch man. If boys were castrated at a very young age, wouldn't it have pretty much halted their development. That's just being nit-picky though, isn't it?

Anyway, this is a really fun read.

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unique way to retell myths of Aphrodite from her complicated relationship for Ares, her unhappy marriage to Hephaestus, a history of all of her lovers including handsome Adonis, birth of Eros, her influence on the affair of Helen and Paris and so much more! Some Olympians and a couple of Titans make an appearance throughout the book. I recommend Fatal Attraction for readers that have an interest in Greek mythology.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo good! I read this when I was around fifteen from my local library and absolutely loved the whole Goddesses Tales trilogy. Was thinking about this book a while ago and ordered it off amazon, it was just as magical and beautiful as I remembered. Aphrodite isn't as sympathetic of a character as the others in the trilogy but you fall in love with her and become invested in her character growth.

[Drucilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on the goddess Aphrodite's story. The author writes the gods of Olympus as mortals and we get to follow them from when Aphrodite is brought home through the Trojan war and to Eros's marriage to Psyche. Aphrodite is definitely not the most sympathetic character ever created so this book may be hard to get into for some. I also thought that, while the inclusion of her first son at Troy was understandable, we're left hanging about his eventual fate. I'll probably pick up the others in the series.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love anything Greek mythology related and this book was no exception. I was not sure what to expect when I started the book but I knew within the first few pages it was an adult retelling of the story. I fell in love with Hephestus in this retelling and now I need to go back and read other stories with him in it now that I see him in a different light. This is the 2nd book in the series and I am looking forward to the 3rd to round out the series.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read. Love how the Greek Gods/Goddesses are portrayed. Given their godly personalities and the characteristics they are known for, yet they are represented as humans and family and face life with the struggles and triumphs as such

[Nin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, Aphrodite is that wanton. 'Nuff said. :) Kidding aside, it is an enjoyable read.

[Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

No. Just no

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting retelling of Aphrodite/Ares/Hephaestus and Eros/Psyche myths