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Scorned by the Gods #1
The Sphinx
Some stories are told, others are not, the best ones are rewritten. Stories are told of the sphinx—a monster with the head of a woman, the body of a lioness, the wings of an eagle, and a tail tipped with the head of a serpent. This beast was told to have been made to guard the entrance to the Greek city of Thebes. For each traveler to cross her path, a riddle was presented. If they could answer it correctly, access would be granted. What was her riddle? “What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three in the evening?” The price to pay for answering the riddle incorrectly, which of course they all did, was not a simple denial of entry to Thebes. Instead of turning them away, the sphinx, monster that was, strangled them with her tail and devoured them whole. The story goes that when it finally came to pass that someone could answer her riddle and the consecutive ones to follow, she committed suicide. What else was a girl to do? Some say she threw herself down from the high rocks and fell to her death, while others say that she devoured herself, subjecting herself to the same punishment she dished out to all those who had failed before, a talented feat. However, the question remains ... what really happened to her?
226 pages, Paperback
First published March 20, 2018
194 people are currently reading
465 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Cage
63 books1,443 followersBorn and raised in Chicago, IL, writing has always been a passion for Jessica Cage. She dabbles in artistic creations of all sorts but at the end of the day, it's the pen that her hand itches to hold. Jessica had never considered following her dream to be a writer because she was told far too often "There is no money in writing." So she chose the path most often traveled. During pregnancy she asked herself an important question. How would she be able to inspire her unborn son to follow his dreams and reach for the stars, if she never had the guts to do it herself? Jessica decided to take a risk and unleash the plethora of characters and their crazy adventurous worlds that had previously existed only in her mind, into the realm of readers. She did this with hopes to inspire not only her son but herself. Inviting the world to tag along on her journey to become the writer she has always wanted to be. She hopes to continue writing and bringing her signature Caged Fantasies to readers everywhere.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 2, 2018
This has it all! Greek Gods, Sirens, Vampires, Shifters….all things paranormal! LOVED this book! As you read in the description this is about the Sphinx and what really happened to her when she dies. As all stories are told over the years they change, just like the game of telephone that we all grew up with. Asa is our main character here. She was, or still is, the Sphinx. She was cursed to be the Sphinx when she denied the God of War, Ares. She was bound to be cursed forever but she found her loophole and went into hiding. She continues to hide and plot just waiting for the day that she faces Ares again. She is out for the ultimate revenge….but come to find out that she may not be the only one that is out for revenge (not telling you who!!!!) She has lived a lonely life preparing for the moment that she can seek her revenge but there are always speed bumps as she has been living in isolation for so long. I believe Asa meets her match with Carter! When the two of them meet the sparks fly! They are attracted to each other but they both have wicked trust issues. As the story unfolds and truths are revealed they are going to have to decide if revenge is worth it or if they can survive….together. This has the perfect mix of paranormal mixed into the retellings of Greek history. Action packed with a love story! Jessica Cage is a new author to me and I look forward to reading more of her stories. This is definitely an intriguing page turner. You won’t want to miss The Sphinx!
March 30, 2018
Loved this book couldn't put it down till i finished get this asap
April 18, 2020
Too convoluted
Following the story of the sphinx, this book reimagines the tragic take and spins off a fight for survival and revenge. Calypso now known as Asa, has been waiting for her revenge upon Ares for centuries. When the gods finally awaken, she sees her opportunity but then she encounters a interesting man who is more than what he seems.
What i didn't like us that in a bid to appear mysterious, the author just became confusing in her writing, it was hard to follow the many times she switched POV in the middle of a paragraph with no warning. The ending was anticlimactic and doesn't make me want to read another book in the same world.
Following the story of the sphinx, this book reimagines the tragic take and spins off a fight for survival and revenge. Calypso now known as Asa, has been waiting for her revenge upon Ares for centuries. When the gods finally awaken, she sees her opportunity but then she encounters a interesting man who is more than what he seems.
What i didn't like us that in a bid to appear mysterious, the author just became confusing in her writing, it was hard to follow the many times she switched POV in the middle of a paragraph with no warning. The ending was anticlimactic and doesn't make me want to read another book in the same world.
November 14, 2020
Holy Tailspin
Jeez.. whew what a ride. This story was worth the wait. I am holding on to hope that Asa and Carter will be back in another story soon...
Jeez.. whew what a ride. This story was worth the wait. I am holding on to hope that Asa and Carter will be back in another story soon...
April 21, 2018
Jessica Cage is a new author for me, but based on her The Sphinx, I’m promising myself that we will become well acquainted. As the book’s blurb notes, “Some stories are told, others are not, the best ones are rewritten”. This is a re-imagination of The Sphinx myth that works much better than the one in classical mythology while also being a rousing tale with a great urban fantasy / Greek mythology vibe. This novel truly is, quite simply, wonderful. Revenge, gods and magic, bounty hunter of the supernatural and so much more. This tale had just what I wanted and was well written and with a great plot and great cast of characters. Asa, the current name being used by the Sphinx, is perfectly crafted and her supporting cast (especially Carter) is also superb. Oh, and I love it when we find out who the God is who cursed her, what Rise he did and - mist importantly - who “Asa” really is.
But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend
But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend
November 20, 2021
I believe this author has great potential, but the execution of this book did not do it for me. There is so much telling over showing/discovery that it’s hard to get wrapped up in the narrative.
There are some nice moments in the novel, and the world is a great modern take on ancient mythology. However, much of the book is very surface-y, never feeling like a fully fleshed out world. Some of the dialogue is clunky and doesn’t feel like something a real person would say, especially the friends of Carter introduced late in the narrative.
Honestly it feels like a really good first or second draft that doesn’t have the foreshadowing, discovery, and right plotting that can get executed through revisions. Having said all of that, I look forward to reading other, newer works by this author and seeing where she can go. There’s a lot of potential in the great imagination shown here.
There are some nice moments in the novel, and the world is a great modern take on ancient mythology. However, much of the book is very surface-y, never feeling like a fully fleshed out world. Some of the dialogue is clunky and doesn’t feel like something a real person would say, especially the friends of Carter introduced late in the narrative.
Honestly it feels like a really good first or second draft that doesn’t have the foreshadowing, discovery, and right plotting that can get executed through revisions. Having said all of that, I look forward to reading other, newer works by this author and seeing where she can go. There’s a lot of potential in the great imagination shown here.
April 23, 2018
This is an amazing story by Jessica Cage it’s a modern day version of the Sphinx. I’ve always been interested in Egyptian Mythology tales but this one is taken further and I really enjoyed it. The Sphinx guards the entrance to Thebes she gives travellers a question and if they answer correctly they are let through but if they answer wrong then the Sphinx would strangle them with her tail. But then Oedipus answered correctly and the Sphinx was supposed to of killed herself but in this tale she didn’t and this is Asa’s story. I loved this story and that’s all I can really say without giving anymore spoilers away, georgous cover and I love the eyes they look like that they are looking right into your soul. A fantastic read and I highly recommend this book it’s well worth the read.
October 25, 2020
Overall 4/5 will get the next in this series, Medusa!
Asa, our heroine, is modern day Calypso looking to take revenge on the old gods, specifically Ares, a true hell hath no fury like a woman scorned story line.
I love greek mythology, so this book had me from the get go. It takes some twists and turns and the author makes it her own. It definitely kept me engaged and interested.
The ending felt a little rushed, I would have preferred that to be longer and more flushed out. The characters were so interesting but we're quickly introduced and then jumped right into the climax. I would have loved to get to know them more. I hope some of them get spinoffs so I can read more about them and get great back stories!
Asa, our heroine, is modern day Calypso looking to take revenge on the old gods, specifically Ares, a true hell hath no fury like a woman scorned story line.
I love greek mythology, so this book had me from the get go. It takes some twists and turns and the author makes it her own. It definitely kept me engaged and interested.
The ending felt a little rushed, I would have preferred that to be longer and more flushed out. The characters were so interesting but we're quickly introduced and then jumped right into the climax. I would have loved to get to know them more. I hope some of them get spinoffs so I can read more about them and get great back stories!
April 21, 2018
AsA is dead set on taking down the God who ruined her life, only to find Carter who is a demigod but doesn't know it, team up to take down the HOW. only to fall in love but have it ripped away or does it.
I enjoyed the twist Jessica Cage put on Greek mythology.
it took me a bit to get through the book, but I did like how she wrote the characters. in would recommend this book if you love Greek mythology
I enjoyed the twist Jessica Cage put on Greek mythology.
it took me a bit to get through the book, but I did like how she wrote the characters. in would recommend this book if you love Greek mythology
December 18, 2020
Quick Delightful Read
Yea, it really is THAT GOOD! Action that flows from one scene to the next. Heartache, triumph, sorrow, a battle for the ages, it’s all here in this book. Beautifully written and leaves you wanting more. Oh AND it ties into the other series written by this author!!!! I’m off to read more!
Yea, it really is THAT GOOD! Action that flows from one scene to the next. Heartache, triumph, sorrow, a battle for the ages, it’s all here in this book. Beautifully written and leaves you wanting more. Oh AND it ties into the other series written by this author!!!! I’m off to read more!
July 18, 2021
Awesome!
I liked this story. It was an experience that I havent had before because the story was great and located in my hometown while the main characters were of the same ethincity as me. Plus, the plot was grounded in real relationship issues and the author gave real drink recipes and good wine advice. I was very entertained. So I am on to the next book.
I liked this story. It was an experience that I havent had before because the story was great and located in my hometown while the main characters were of the same ethincity as me. Plus, the plot was grounded in real relationship issues and the author gave real drink recipes and good wine advice. I was very entertained. So I am on to the next book.
March 24, 2022
A Good Time
It was a little hard to get into at first. The pacing felt a little off, but... A few chapters in and I was having a great time. I really enjoyed Asa's character, and while I didn't think the romance was necessary it was a lot of fun too.
I would definitely read this again.
It was a little hard to get into at first. The pacing felt a little off, but... A few chapters in and I was having a great time. I really enjoyed Asa's character, and while I didn't think the romance was necessary it was a lot of fun too.
I would definitely read this again.
March 30, 2022
Even though this book could have gone with another round of edits, I had to give it five stars for the story. I am a sucker for mythology, and modern retellings are definitely one of the highest on that list. This story is beautifully woven and while the plot was a bit rushed in timing, I really enjoyed it. Definitely a beautiful empowering quick read.
April 22, 2018
I have never read this author before. I am so glad I read this book now, cause it wasn't nothing like I expected. I loved it. The characters were fun to hang out with. You have to read this, it is so refreshing to have a new concept to read and enjoy. I would definatly recommend.
June 24, 2020
Great Read
This book had me doing research breaks. I loved it. This story actually have you thinking what if. I read this story in one day only stoped for food and potty breaks even then I still read lol Can’t wait to read the next book!
This book had me doing research breaks. I loved it. This story actually have you thinking what if. I read this story in one day only stoped for food and potty breaks even then I still read lol Can’t wait to read the next book!
April 19, 2018
Another great by Jessica Cage. This time it’s about Asa the Sphinx and the stories of why she happened to be like that. Loved it, totally enjoyable version.
May 2, 2018
coming...
October 21, 2019
The Sphinx
This book was different and it took me out of my comfort zone. I enjoyed all the roller coasters that you put me through. #KNL
This book was different and it took me out of my comfort zone. I enjoyed all the roller coasters that you put me through. #KNL
October 27, 2019
It is a different type of read that I normally read but this was a great book! I definitely look forward to reading more books by this author!! #KNL
August 16, 2020
Great book!
September 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this. It’s a great fantasy works set up in Chicago! I can’t wait to read the next one in the series. 4/5 stars
September 28, 2020
Quick good read
The cover caught my attention, and I'm glad it did. I love the twist on the Greek Gods. Can't wait to dive into pt 2.
The cover caught my attention, and I'm glad it did. I love the twist on the Greek Gods. Can't wait to dive into pt 2.
August 23, 2021
Great concept ruined by terrible writing :( very dissapointing
February 10, 2022
entertaining
Entertaining and original story. I enjoyed her characters and was surprised by the ending, but pleased.I enjoyed the happy fantasy
Entertaining and original story. I enjoyed her characters and was surprised by the ending, but pleased.I enjoyed the happy fantasy
July 1, 2020
Destiny doesn't change
Loved this story and the way the characters intertwined. Catching the nuances weaved in the tale brought me joy. Things happen for reasons unknown but just as thet should regardless.
Loved this story and the way the characters intertwined. Catching the nuances weaved in the tale brought me joy. Things happen for reasons unknown but just as thet should regardless.
October 26, 2022
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I've gotten halfway through The Sphinx and couldn't will myself to finish the rest. I had a hard time trying to picture the imagery Cage was describing. She tried pulling off a mysterious underlining tone in the story, but the novelty wore off after the first chapter. Because of this, it took a while for me to get acclimated to the characters. It was very noticeable when Cage switched the character's POV many times without warning. I don't think there was enough development with each character or the story. The best way I can describe the structure of The Sphinx is when a person is telling a joke but forgot how to set it up.
I've gotten halfway through The Sphinx and couldn't will myself to finish the rest. I had a hard time trying to picture the imagery Cage was describing. She tried pulling off a mysterious underlining tone in the story, but the novelty wore off after the first chapter. Because of this, it took a while for me to get acclimated to the characters. It was very noticeable when Cage switched the character's POV many times without warning. I don't think there was enough development with each character or the story. The best way I can describe the structure of The Sphinx is when a person is telling a joke but forgot how to set it up.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews