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Apollo Ascending #3
A Shield of Fate and Ruin
When the world is at war.
No one is safe.
Not even the gods.
Apollo would hide with Hyacinth and hold him until the sun burned out.
But that is not their destiny.
When Ares arrives announcing a turn of the tides and war thundering towards Niria, Apollo and Hyacinth take on a journey to save everyone from Zeus’ wrath.
But when things don’t go as planned, they might destroy themselves instead.
In this third installment of the Apollo Ascending series, romance, fate, adventure, and tragedy intermingle into an exhilarating story of loyalty and sacrifice.
No one is safe.
Not even the gods.
Apollo would hide with Hyacinth and hold him until the sun burned out.
But that is not their destiny.
When Ares arrives announcing a turn of the tides and war thundering towards Niria, Apollo and Hyacinth take on a journey to save everyone from Zeus’ wrath.
But when things don’t go as planned, they might destroy themselves instead.
In this third installment of the Apollo Ascending series, romance, fate, adventure, and tragedy intermingle into an exhilarating story of loyalty and sacrifice.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2022
41 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 3, 2024
I was provided an e-copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Greek and Roman mythology
✅ Angst
✅ Pace
✅Plot
✅ War and fighting
✅🆗 Romance
✅🆗 Characters
❗️❗️Cliffhanger
This third book picks up right where the second book ended, with Hyacinth being back with Apollo against all odds. Apollo ascended at the end of the second book, so he now had new responsibilities as God of the sun, but Hyacinth and he still need to find a way to ally with Jupiter and defeat Zeus once and for all.
I said it in one of my previous reviews for this series, but I really like how the author mixed Greek mythology and Roman one. Zeus and Jupiter are fighting against each other in this book, Apollo and Hyacinth met Zephyrus and Boreas in the second book… It’s refreshing to see those two pantheons mix and clash together, but at the same time, you can still understand the story very well even if you don’t know a lot about Greek or Roman mythology.
The relationship between Apollo and Hyacinth is still strong in this third book, and even though they are on a mission to try to save Niria, they still have more time together than in the second book, which I enjoyed. There are still different plot lines in this book, but at least Cyn and Apollo are together for almost all of it this time. Temi, Pip, and Valerian are also together, so it felt less disconnected than the second book’s 2 plot lines did.
The one character that annoyed me more is Pip… My heart aches for Val and her because their love is impossible, and I can’t even imagine how hard it must be, but sadly, she has a responsibility to her country, now more than ever and it’s not just about duty and appearances, it’s about the survival and stability of Niria. Pip needs to make a tough decision and think of her country first, and she seemed to be doing so, but then she kept saying how unfair it was to lie to Gale and abuse his kindness… I do not agree with the whole “abusing his kindness” feeling, because she told him that she had someone before, and even though he doesn’t know that she’s still in love with that person, Pip still cares about him, and he’s kind and respectful. He is also clever, so he does not expect her to be madly in love with him, but as far as arranged marriage goes, a match with Gale is really not that bad, and even though I understand that she sees the fact that she does not love him as a “lie”, she still needs to do what’s best for her country. This is about more than just her and her hopes and feelings… I am done now, sorry about that long rant.
There are many unexpected deaths in this book, but sadly, they were not all that impactful because I was not that attached, or I didn’t feel like I really knew some of the characters that died. It was shocking though because many died in a short time, and I enjoyed the unpredictability of it. It was different from the usual YA/fantasy where everyone ends up being fine even though they go through many life-threatening situations, and where you are anxious, but not that anxious because somehow you know that everyone will survive. After the first death in this book, I was not sure what to expect anymore, and after the second one I understood that there was no guarantee at all that every important character would survive this adventure, but I loved the stress it added to the story.
This is a fast-paced quick read full of action and greedy gods, and there will definitely be a 4th book, because at the end of this book, out of the 5 more important characters of this series, 3 might be dead, one is gravely hurt, and the last one is also in BIG trouble.
1. A Veil of Gods and Kings ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. A Crown of Hopes and Sorrows ⭐⭐⭐.5
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✅ Greek and Roman mythology
✅ Angst
✅ Pace
✅Plot
✅ War and fighting
✅🆗 Romance
✅🆗 Characters
❗️❗️Cliffhanger
This third book picks up right where the second book ended, with Hyacinth being back with Apollo against all odds. Apollo ascended at the end of the second book, so he now had new responsibilities as God of the sun, but Hyacinth and he still need to find a way to ally with Jupiter and defeat Zeus once and for all.
I said it in one of my previous reviews for this series, but I really like how the author mixed Greek mythology and Roman one. Zeus and Jupiter are fighting against each other in this book, Apollo and Hyacinth met Zephyrus and Boreas in the second book… It’s refreshing to see those two pantheons mix and clash together, but at the same time, you can still understand the story very well even if you don’t know a lot about Greek or Roman mythology.
The relationship between Apollo and Hyacinth is still strong in this third book, and even though they are on a mission to try to save Niria, they still have more time together than in the second book, which I enjoyed. There are still different plot lines in this book, but at least Cyn and Apollo are together for almost all of it this time. Temi, Pip, and Valerian are also together, so it felt less disconnected than the second book’s 2 plot lines did.
The one character that annoyed me more is Pip… My heart aches for Val and her because their love is impossible, and I can’t even imagine how hard it must be, but sadly, she has a responsibility to her country, now more than ever and it’s not just about duty and appearances, it’s about the survival and stability of Niria. Pip needs to make a tough decision and think of her country first, and she seemed to be doing so, but then she kept saying how unfair it was to lie to Gale and abuse his kindness… I do not agree with the whole “abusing his kindness” feeling, because she told him that she had someone before, and even though he doesn’t know that she’s still in love with that person, Pip still cares about him, and he’s kind and respectful. He is also clever, so he does not expect her to be madly in love with him, but as far as arranged marriage goes, a match with Gale is really not that bad, and even though I understand that she sees the fact that she does not love him as a “lie”, she still needs to do what’s best for her country. This is about more than just her and her hopes and feelings… I am done now, sorry about that long rant.
There are many unexpected deaths in this book, but sadly, they were not all that impactful because I was not that attached, or I didn’t feel like I really knew some of the characters that died. It was shocking though because many died in a short time, and I enjoyed the unpredictability of it. It was different from the usual YA/fantasy where everyone ends up being fine even though they go through many life-threatening situations, and where you are anxious, but not that anxious because somehow you know that everyone will survive. After the first death in this book, I was not sure what to expect anymore, and after the second one I understood that there was no guarantee at all that every important character would survive this adventure, but I loved the stress it added to the story.
This is a fast-paced quick read full of action and greedy gods, and there will definitely be a 4th book, because at the end of this book, out of the 5 more important characters of this series, 3 might be dead, one is gravely hurt, and the last one is also in BIG trouble.
1. A Veil of Gods and Kings ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. A Crown of Hopes and Sorrows ⭐⭐⭐.5
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July 27, 2022
Well, Nicole Bailey has proved yet again that she can rip my heart out, slice it into a million pieces, and then have me thank her profusely for it. I adored this third book in the Apollo Ascending series and will forever love Apollo and Hyacinth! The story picks up where book two left off, and it’s a wild adventure for all of the major characters.
The plot is layered and has a ton of action and political turmoil. It’s super suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat! No one is safe in this world of clashing gods, and I feared for the lives of some of my favorite characters! All of the characters are as developed and layered as the plot, and their emotional journeys are as interesting as their physical ones. Each character, especially the major ones, has a strong arc and grows so much over the course of the series. Now that Apollo has ascended, new responsibilities and threats change his life. Hyacinth also has to deal with new situations and struggles to find his place. Hyacinth’s family faces some really difficult times, and Pip and Val’s relationship hits some turbulence as she takes on new responsibilities. It’s so interesting to see how new relationships and experiences change different characters’ perspectives and goals.
And the world-building!!! The author created a world where the Greek and Roman gods collide. It’s such a unique retelling in that it combines different mythologies and cultures into a cohesive new world, and it’s fascinating. New settings and characters are introduced, which are vivid and add to the richness of the story. I love Bailey’s writing style. Beautiful and poetic at times, it captivated me from the first lines and immersed me into the story. I’m a fan of mythology, and Bailey made me care for characters that I’ve always felt ambivalence toward in the past. That, for me, is skilled storytelling.
The romances in this series are brilliant – layered, emotional, and so unbelievably moving. Apollo and Hyacinth have my whole heart! I love how they feel for each other and how they verbalize those feelings. They show their love in so many ways – in their words, actions, gestures, and more, and it is incredibly romantic. Another romance in the story is much more complicated, as Hyacinth’s sister must choose between duty and desire, but I love all of the angst and yearning in her story. She has a tough road ahead of her, especially after all the tragic events that happened in this book, and I’m curious to see how that influences her decisions and role in the story.
If you enjoy YA fantasy with layered characters, mythology, and beautiful love stories, you should totally check out this series! It’s so engaging, and A Shield of Fate and Ruin is no exception. I loved the book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series! Thanks to Nicole Bailey for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
The plot is layered and has a ton of action and political turmoil. It’s super suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat! No one is safe in this world of clashing gods, and I feared for the lives of some of my favorite characters! All of the characters are as developed and layered as the plot, and their emotional journeys are as interesting as their physical ones. Each character, especially the major ones, has a strong arc and grows so much over the course of the series. Now that Apollo has ascended, new responsibilities and threats change his life. Hyacinth also has to deal with new situations and struggles to find his place. Hyacinth’s family faces some really difficult times, and Pip and Val’s relationship hits some turbulence as she takes on new responsibilities. It’s so interesting to see how new relationships and experiences change different characters’ perspectives and goals.
And the world-building!!! The author created a world where the Greek and Roman gods collide. It’s such a unique retelling in that it combines different mythologies and cultures into a cohesive new world, and it’s fascinating. New settings and characters are introduced, which are vivid and add to the richness of the story. I love Bailey’s writing style. Beautiful and poetic at times, it captivated me from the first lines and immersed me into the story. I’m a fan of mythology, and Bailey made me care for characters that I’ve always felt ambivalence toward in the past. That, for me, is skilled storytelling.
The romances in this series are brilliant – layered, emotional, and so unbelievably moving. Apollo and Hyacinth have my whole heart! I love how they feel for each other and how they verbalize those feelings. They show their love in so many ways – in their words, actions, gestures, and more, and it is incredibly romantic. Another romance in the story is much more complicated, as Hyacinth’s sister must choose between duty and desire, but I love all of the angst and yearning in her story. She has a tough road ahead of her, especially after all the tragic events that happened in this book, and I’m curious to see how that influences her decisions and role in the story.
If you enjoy YA fantasy with layered characters, mythology, and beautiful love stories, you should totally check out this series! It’s so engaging, and A Shield of Fate and Ruin is no exception. I loved the book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series! Thanks to Nicole Bailey for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
January 26, 2025
2.75⭐️
Multiple POVs are fun but there’s a fine line between satisfying curiosity and outright boring the reader with the side plots.
Valerian and epiphany have been having the same conversation every scene since book 1. If I have to read ONE MORE of their POVs, I’ll chew my hand off.
Otherwise it was fine. Weaker than the first two.
Things are just happening now.
As long as you don’t ask “hold on why did this happen?” you’re good to go. Enjoy the vibes ✨
Multiple POVs are fun but there’s a fine line between satisfying curiosity and outright boring the reader with the side plots.
Valerian and epiphany have been having the same conversation every scene since book 1. If I have to read ONE MORE of their POVs, I’ll chew my hand off.
Otherwise it was fine. Weaker than the first two.
Things are just happening now.
As long as you don’t ask “hold on why did this happen?” you’re good to go. Enjoy the vibes ✨
May 13, 2024
⋆｡𖦹°‧★did not finish :.. 11/5/24
✦ ⠂⠂୨୧ -> 2 stars
honestly the writing is sorta improving, but apollo and Hyacinth are together frl now and thats cool n all but i want bitchy and whiny apollo now 😮💨 what happened to "gods can't change their attitudes over less than a decade"
I WANT BITCHY AND WHINY APOLLO. NOW.
and this vic and epiphany plot line is kinda deafening and boring. good day!
if i ever get possessed to finally finish this, i will put away my judgement. lots of love to the author!! great idea but i don't know where the plot is going 😕
✦ ⠂⠂୨୧ -> 2 stars
honestly the writing is sorta improving, but apollo and Hyacinth are together frl now and thats cool n all but i want bitchy and whiny apollo now 😮💨 what happened to "gods can't change their attitudes over less than a decade"
I WANT BITCHY AND WHINY APOLLO. NOW.
and this vic and epiphany plot line is kinda deafening and boring. good day!
if i ever get possessed to finally finish this, i will put away my judgement. lots of love to the author!! great idea but i don't know where the plot is going 😕
September 3, 2022
5 ⭐ CW: War, violence, death, animal death, grief, hunting mention, misogyny, death of a parent, cursing, sexual content
A Shield of Fate and Ruin by Nicole Bailey is book three in the Apollo Ascending Series. So first, of all this book is rude. Second of all, Nicole is still on the hook for my emotional damage 😭. Empasis on the Ruin, as in "this series is ruining my life." Beware of spoilers for earlier books below.
Hyacinth lives! We pick up with our gentle prince and golden boy and get to have some nice warm and fuzzy (spicy 🥵) times. They are just so freaking cute and I love their relationship so much. This happens in the first 20% and then I realized, oh shit the shoe is about to drop on my heart. Apollo's new mission is to retrieve Ares' son, Ixion, and keep him safe while he faces Zeus alone.
I still love Temi so much! Most of the tabbed parts of the book are Temi chapters. Our girl is coming into her powers and literally move the moon. I love her friendship with Orion, it's the perfect grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Pip. Poor Pup. Nicole really put her through it in this book. I was so mad about so many things. I just want Pip and Val to be together forever.
Ack! That cliffhanger! Why do I keep doing this to myself? Nicole makes it her personal business to stomp on my heart with each and every book. Will the last book finally destroy me? Probably, but imma read it anyway.
A Shield of Fate and Ruin by Nicole Bailey is book three in the Apollo Ascending Series. So first, of all this book is rude. Second of all, Nicole is still on the hook for my emotional damage 😭. Empasis on the Ruin, as in "this series is ruining my life." Beware of spoilers for earlier books below.
Hyacinth lives! We pick up with our gentle prince and golden boy and get to have some nice warm and fuzzy (spicy 🥵) times. They are just so freaking cute and I love their relationship so much. This happens in the first 20% and then I realized, oh shit the shoe is about to drop on my heart. Apollo's new mission is to retrieve Ares' son, Ixion, and keep him safe while he faces Zeus alone.
I still love Temi so much! Most of the tabbed parts of the book are Temi chapters. Our girl is coming into her powers and literally move the moon. I love her friendship with Orion, it's the perfect grumpy/sunshine dynamic. Pip. Poor Pup. Nicole really put her through it in this book. I was so mad about so many things. I just want Pip and Val to be together forever.
Ack! That cliffhanger! Why do I keep doing this to myself? Nicole makes it her personal business to stomp on my heart with each and every book. Will the last book finally destroy me? Probably, but imma read it anyway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2022
im very conflicted with this series i love the characters and writing style along with the amazing plot twists but the plot up until the twists feel very unrelevent towards plot development and weak within plotting but every ending does manage to leave me stunned and im attached to the characters so ill definitely read the final one.
July 27, 2022
What can I say about this book without spoilers? That's hard because A LOT happens in this book. A LOT! And just when you think Nicole has taken things as far as they can go...nope, she's got more up her sleeve of pain.
this book will hurt, be warned. BUT...it has some of the most beautiful writing in it and it will make you swoon all over the place. I absolutely love all the story lines that we get in this series. It's so much more than the romance between Apollo and Hyacinth, which is so epic and beautiful- we get to follow their sisters as well. Artemis, an asexual/aromantic badass warrior, who also happens to be a god, learning her powers. Epiphany, who has to carry a heavy burden as a princess in a world ruled by men. There are so many great characters that we get to see, and each story ties together for the bigger picture.
Get this book, get your tissues, get a pillow ready to cushion your book or kindle when you throw it. I can't wait for the next one to see how it all comes together
this book will hurt, be warned. BUT...it has some of the most beautiful writing in it and it will make you swoon all over the place. I absolutely love all the story lines that we get in this series. It's so much more than the romance between Apollo and Hyacinth, which is so epic and beautiful- we get to follow their sisters as well. Artemis, an asexual/aromantic badass warrior, who also happens to be a god, learning her powers. Epiphany, who has to carry a heavy burden as a princess in a world ruled by men. There are so many great characters that we get to see, and each story ties together for the bigger picture.
Get this book, get your tissues, get a pillow ready to cushion your book or kindle when you throw it. I can't wait for the next one to see how it all comes together
January 15, 2023
I really liked the first one. I'm not sure why the second and third have felt like such a drag. I'm blaming the diverging storylines. On one hand we have Apollo and Hyacinth, again in peril and the thick of the action. Then Artemis, who's emotional crisis is tampered by the war around her. Then Valerian and Epiphany, who are somehow still in a love triangle, "will they, won't they" kind of story, and that makes their story drag.
We jump from life and death moments in Apollo, Hyacinth and Artemis to Valerian feeling sorry for himself and Epiphany feeling conflicted about her feelings (and background politics). Their chapters brought very little to the table. They could have been cut and the story would have moved faster.
We jump from life and death moments in Apollo, Hyacinth and Artemis to Valerian feeling sorry for himself and Epiphany feeling conflicted about her feelings (and background politics). Their chapters brought very little to the table. They could have been cut and the story would have moved faster.
December 22, 2024
I am finally done! It had taken me all semester to get finish this book because I kept pushing it off. It was still such a great story and addition to the Apollo Ascending series. There truly were some great moments. Since I spaced out reading this instead of reading it consecutively, it was harder to really connect with the character. However, that is my fault, not the stories fault. There was drama, love, death, and I am so excited to keep reading this series and seeing where it goes. Each book sets the next book up for success when reading this series. The writing style is like the rest of the series which is why it gets a 4 instead of a 5, but it still is a great book and would definitely recommend it!
September 13, 2022
In case you missed my reviews of the previous books, this series is inspired by the myth of Apollo and Hyacinth, although it takes place in a queernorm fantasy setting and mixes characters from both Greek and Roman mythology. There is a love story between Apollo and Hyacinth, but it’s more of an ensemble cast fantasy story, although their romance is central to the plot. The story is told from the POVs of five different characters.
The relationship between Apollo and Hyacinth is so romantic! After having some relationship trouble in the previous book, they are stronger than ever. So much of their dialogue had me swooning! I feel like Nicole has gotten a lot better with pacing in this series compared to her previous series. There was a lot of action along the way as the story built up to its big climax.
Just in case book two didn’t, book three proves that no one is safe in this series! War has come to Niria and there’s a serious body count. So much crazy stuff happens in this one, it ends on a HUGE cliffhanger, and I honestly have no idea where this story is going! Luckily the fourth and final book comes out September 27 so we don’t have to wait that long to find out!
The relationship between Apollo and Hyacinth is so romantic! After having some relationship trouble in the previous book, they are stronger than ever. So much of their dialogue had me swooning! I feel like Nicole has gotten a lot better with pacing in this series compared to her previous series. There was a lot of action along the way as the story built up to its big climax.
Just in case book two didn’t, book three proves that no one is safe in this series! War has come to Niria and there’s a serious body count. So much crazy stuff happens in this one, it ends on a HUGE cliffhanger, and I honestly have no idea where this story is going! Luckily the fourth and final book comes out September 27 so we don’t have to wait that long to find out!
November 29, 2023
this was somehow angstier than the last :0
i'm so invested in that ending though
i'm so invested in that ending though
February 1, 2024
i should’ve read this when i was 12
February 6, 2025
4,5/5
Dit boek was by far de beste van de 3 die ik tot nu toe heb gelezen. I loved Temi more and more through this book, but she died. Ik vond Pip questionable, but she died. Ik vond Valerian een beetje irritant, but he died. I love my honey Apollo, but he died. King Magnes was een lieverd, but he died. Emrin was vreselijk maar heeft er in 5 bladzijdes voor gezorgd dat ik keihard moest huilen om zijn dood BC HE ALSO DIED. Delon is de beste vriend ever, but he died. Zoals je zojuist hebt gelezen is inderdaad iedereen dood behalve Cyn met het lieve kleine schatje Ixion 😀😀😀. I cant fucking believe this. De eerste 2 boeken waren zo lievig en ik dacht “nee joh, ze gaan echt geen main characters doodmaken”. BOY WAS I WRONG. LETTERLIJK ALLE MAIN CHARACTERS + SIDE CHARACTERS ZIJN DOOD (behalve Cyn). Het is ongelofelijk ik weet niet wat ik zojuist heb gelezen. Ik ben zo benieuwd hoe boek 4 verder gaat AANGEZIEN IEDEREEN DOOD IS. Ik kan helaas niet meteen verder lezen aangezien het 1 uur s’nachts is op een woensdagavond en ik echt moet slapen. Echt ik word gek ik moet boek 4 zsm beginnen. Dit boek heeft me op zoveel manieren verrast, omdat de toon zoooooo anders was dan in de eerste 2 boeken. Het was zoveel zwaarder, heftiger, serieuzer en verdrietiger (just how i like it). I fucking loved this one, maar mijn hart is ook heel erg gebroken. Wat een vreselijk tragisch boek.
Dit boek was by far de beste van de 3 die ik tot nu toe heb gelezen. I loved Temi more and more through this book, but she died. Ik vond Pip questionable, but she died. Ik vond Valerian een beetje irritant, but he died. I love my honey Apollo, but he died. King Magnes was een lieverd, but he died. Emrin was vreselijk maar heeft er in 5 bladzijdes voor gezorgd dat ik keihard moest huilen om zijn dood BC HE ALSO DIED. Delon is de beste vriend ever, but he died. Zoals je zojuist hebt gelezen is inderdaad iedereen dood behalve Cyn met het lieve kleine schatje Ixion 😀😀😀. I cant fucking believe this. De eerste 2 boeken waren zo lievig en ik dacht “nee joh, ze gaan echt geen main characters doodmaken”. BOY WAS I WRONG. LETTERLIJK ALLE MAIN CHARACTERS + SIDE CHARACTERS ZIJN DOOD (behalve Cyn). Het is ongelofelijk ik weet niet wat ik zojuist heb gelezen. Ik ben zo benieuwd hoe boek 4 verder gaat AANGEZIEN IEDEREEN DOOD IS. Ik kan helaas niet meteen verder lezen aangezien het 1 uur s’nachts is op een woensdagavond en ik echt moet slapen. Echt ik word gek ik moet boek 4 zsm beginnen. Dit boek heeft me op zoveel manieren verrast, omdat de toon zoooooo anders was dan in de eerste 2 boeken. Het was zoveel zwaarder, heftiger, serieuzer en verdrietiger (just how i like it). I fucking loved this one, maar mijn hart is ook heel erg gebroken. Wat een vreselijk tragisch boek.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2023
Nicole really said I’m about to give you a book with so much tragedy that you’ll be swimming in it.
January 19, 2025
probably not my fav in the series but wowza. that ending…
August 24, 2022
I don't even know where to start with how good this book was. I am a massive fan of the Apollo Ascending series so far and Nicole has never let me down
The way she understands the mythology at play in her books, and yet still manages to twist them to suit her own style and story, and portrays them so, so well is amazing!
As with all the book in this series so far, there is some swoonworthy prose. I adore the love that's shared between Apollo and Hyacinth so much
I really enjoyed seeing more into Temi's POV this book, and I love her new friendship with Orion! I can already tell those two are going to be best friends! And Arion! Oh my god, I love him. He's a sassy, magic horse from the sea who understands human's talking? What's not to love!
And Epiphany, seeing her growing into her role in all of this has been amazing, too!
This book didn't make me sob as much as book 2 did, by there were definitely some heartbreaking moments and moments that had me tearing up.
This book very much ramps up that intensity and action even more than the 2nd book did, and that ending!! Such a good, suspenseful "oh my god I need to know what happened" moment for sure!
I adored this book, absolutely would recommend this - and the rest of the series - for all queer Greek mythology retelling lovers our there!
The way she understands the mythology at play in her books, and yet still manages to twist them to suit her own style and story, and portrays them so, so well is amazing!
As with all the book in this series so far, there is some swoonworthy prose. I adore the love that's shared between Apollo and Hyacinth so much
I really enjoyed seeing more into Temi's POV this book, and I love her new friendship with Orion! I can already tell those two are going to be best friends! And Arion! Oh my god, I love him. He's a sassy, magic horse from the sea who understands human's talking? What's not to love!
And Epiphany, seeing her growing into her role in all of this has been amazing, too!
This book didn't make me sob as much as book 2 did, by there were definitely some heartbreaking moments and moments that had me tearing up.
This book very much ramps up that intensity and action even more than the 2nd book did, and that ending!! Such a good, suspenseful "oh my god I need to know what happened" moment for sure!
I adored this book, absolutely would recommend this - and the rest of the series - for all queer Greek mythology retelling lovers our there!
March 2, 2025
RESEÑA EN ESPAÑOL (My English review comes after this)
Una idea fantástica con un desarrollo no tan afortunado.
“A Shield of Fate and Ruin” prometía adentrarnos a la inminente guerra para derrocar a Zeus pero, en su lugar, nos dejó fuera de los principales obstáculos y nos privó del desarrollo de varios conflictos que parecían bastante interesantes y que merecíamos disfrutar por completo.
En esta tercera entrega me encontré decepcionado más de una vez al encontrar mucha más presente esta tendencia de la escritoria de no querer desarrollar los conflictos (aspecto que ya había mencionado en las dos críticas anteriores).
Suceden eventos sumamente importantes en cuestión de segundos, sin consecuencias expandibles o que suceden a lo lejos sin explicación, lo que suele ser frustrante cuando, a mi parecer, son hechos que me hubiera gustado leer y disfrutar si fueran descritos.
Mi objetivo no es dar spoilers pero hay tantos aspectos que me quedaron a deber que debo al menos mencionarlos a grandes rasgos para que aquellos que ya lo hayan leído puedan compartir conmigo si les pasó lo mismo: cosas como casamientos y planes de ser padres que se resuelven en un mismo capítulo y así, en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, cuando esas decisiones toman tiempo; muertes que suceden de la nada, a lo lejos y sin ningún indicio de que fueran a ocurrir, pero lo peor, no nos las describen; sacrificios que no tienen sentido porque no salvan a nadie; una batalla final que en su gran mayoría no es descriptiva y una trama que se desvía del objetivo principal que se siente como de relleno.
Y es que, en esta ocasión, Apollo y Hyacinth emprenden una misión para rescatar a Ix, el sobrino de Apollo, que en ningún libro anterior fue mencionado, y que los lleva por un camino que se siente como que les quita protagonismo y los aleja de la misión que desde el primer libro tienen, enfrentándolos a retos que carecen de importancia y dan esa desabrida sensación que solo están ahí de relleno.
Por el otro lado, Pip ahora tiene que realizar acciones diplomáticas para Niria en nombre de su padre, en medio de un conflicto que se pinta como menor, pero con ese rol se le resta todo el poder y fuerza que le habíamos conocido en entregas anteriores y que ahora la hunden en una historia de amor y desamor que solo la dotan de clichés.
Artemis es la única que me parece que sostiene su fuerza como personaje e, incluso, se siente la protagonista de esta entrega, ya que tiene un rol más activo y más interesante que los demás, aunque también la mete en esta dinámica de clichés de los cuales la había alejado en entregas anteriores.
Con todo esto, desde el inicio y hasta el clímax se siente una historia débil, sin sentido y que se aleja de la misión principal solo para mejorar en sus últimos episodios.
Aunado a ello, la gran batalla que estábamos esperando presenciar también se resuelve en media página y con un desarrollo que no pudimos leer, lo cual termina de generar una frustración importante que no se había sentido en los libros anteriores.
Me parece una lástima que este libro se presente así porque había establecido altas expectativas y pensé que esta guerra sería aun más espectacular y épica de lo que en realidad fue.
Sin embargo, y a pesar que a lo mejor lo que he opinando suene desastroso, es que hay aspectos positivos que defienden al libro y equilibran los puntos negativos. El libro es ágil de leer, tiene giros de trama realmente interesantes (pero que necesitan desarrollo), la manera en la que determina el destino de todos los personajes en los últimos capítulos es muy interesante e introduce a Orion, un gran personaje a mí parecer que destaca muchísimo en la novela.
Gracias a estos aspectos es que sigo interesado en leer el cuarto y último libro de la saga, por lo menos para darle un cierre a esta historia que en sus dos primeras entregas sí me atrapó.
Espero realmente que en esa cuarta y última entrega sí remonte porque creo que nos lo merecemos no solo nosotros, sino esta historia también.
—————————————————————————————
ENGLISH REVIEW
A fantastic idea with a not so fortunate development.
“A Shield of Fate and Ruin” promised to take us into the imminent war to overthrow Zeus, but instead, it left us out of the main obstacles and deprived us of the development of several conflicts that seemed quite interesting and that we deserved to enjoy completely.
In this third installment I found myself disappointed more than once with this tendency of the writer to not want to develop the conflicts more (an aspect that I had already mentioned in the two previous reviews).
Extremely important events happen in a matter of seconds, without expandable consequences or that happen in the distance without explanation, which is usually frustrating when, in my opinion, they are events that I would have liked to read and enjoy if they were described.
My goal is not to give spoilers, but there are so many things that I didn't enjoy that I should at least mention them in broad strokes so that those who have already read it can share with me if the same thing happened to them: things like marriages and plans to become parents that are resolved in the same chapter and so, in the blink of an eye, when those decisions take time; deaths that happen out of nowhere, far away and without any indication that they were going to happen, but the worst thing is that they are not described to us; sacrifices that make no sense because they don't save anyone; a final battle that is mostly non-descriptive and a plot that deviates from the main objective that feels like a filler.
And this time, Apollo and Hyacinth embark on a mission to rescue Ix, Apollo's nephew, who was not mentioned in any of the previous books, and which takes them down a path that feels like it takes away their protagonism and distances them from the mission they have had since the first book, facing challenges that lack importance and give that bland feeling that they are just there as filler.
On the other hand, Pip now has to carry out diplomatic actions for Niria on behalf of her father, in the middle of a conflict that is portrayed as minor, but with that role, all the power and strength that we had known her about in previous installments is taken away from her and now she is plunged into a story of love and heartbreak that only covers her with clichés.
Artemis is the only one that I think maintains her strength as a character and even feels like the protagonist of this installment, since she has a more active and interesting role than the others, although it also puts her in this dynamic of clichés that the author had distanced her from in previous installments.
With all this, from the beginning to the climax it feels like a weak, meaningless story that moves away from the main mission only to improve in its last episodes.
In addition to this, the great battle that we were waiting to witness is also resolved in half a page and with a development that we could not read, which ends up generating a significant frustration that had not been felt in the previous books.
It seems a shame that this book is presented like this because it had set high expectations on itself and thought that this war would be even more spectacular and epic than it actually was.
However, and despite the fact that what I have said may sound disastrous, there are positive aspects that defend the book and balance the negative points. The book is a quick read, has some really interesting plot twists (but they needed development), the way the author determines the fate of all the characters in the last chapters is very interesting and she introduces Orion, a great character in my opinion who stands out a lot in the novel.
Thanks to these aspects I am still interested in reading the fourth and last book of the saga, at least to give closure to this story that in its first two installments did captivate me.
I really hope that in this fourth and last installment it does recover because I think that not only we deserve it, but this story too.
Una idea fantástica con un desarrollo no tan afortunado.
“A Shield of Fate and Ruin” prometía adentrarnos a la inminente guerra para derrocar a Zeus pero, en su lugar, nos dejó fuera de los principales obstáculos y nos privó del desarrollo de varios conflictos que parecían bastante interesantes y que merecíamos disfrutar por completo.
En esta tercera entrega me encontré decepcionado más de una vez al encontrar mucha más presente esta tendencia de la escritoria de no querer desarrollar los conflictos (aspecto que ya había mencionado en las dos críticas anteriores).
Suceden eventos sumamente importantes en cuestión de segundos, sin consecuencias expandibles o que suceden a lo lejos sin explicación, lo que suele ser frustrante cuando, a mi parecer, son hechos que me hubiera gustado leer y disfrutar si fueran descritos.
Mi objetivo no es dar spoilers pero hay tantos aspectos que me quedaron a deber que debo al menos mencionarlos a grandes rasgos para que aquellos que ya lo hayan leído puedan compartir conmigo si les pasó lo mismo: cosas como casamientos y planes de ser padres que se resuelven en un mismo capítulo y así, en un abrir y cerrar de ojos, cuando esas decisiones toman tiempo; muertes que suceden de la nada, a lo lejos y sin ningún indicio de que fueran a ocurrir, pero lo peor, no nos las describen; sacrificios que no tienen sentido porque no salvan a nadie; una batalla final que en su gran mayoría no es descriptiva y una trama que se desvía del objetivo principal que se siente como de relleno.
Y es que, en esta ocasión, Apollo y Hyacinth emprenden una misión para rescatar a Ix, el sobrino de Apollo, que en ningún libro anterior fue mencionado, y que los lleva por un camino que se siente como que les quita protagonismo y los aleja de la misión que desde el primer libro tienen, enfrentándolos a retos que carecen de importancia y dan esa desabrida sensación que solo están ahí de relleno.
Por el otro lado, Pip ahora tiene que realizar acciones diplomáticas para Niria en nombre de su padre, en medio de un conflicto que se pinta como menor, pero con ese rol se le resta todo el poder y fuerza que le habíamos conocido en entregas anteriores y que ahora la hunden en una historia de amor y desamor que solo la dotan de clichés.
Artemis es la única que me parece que sostiene su fuerza como personaje e, incluso, se siente la protagonista de esta entrega, ya que tiene un rol más activo y más interesante que los demás, aunque también la mete en esta dinámica de clichés de los cuales la había alejado en entregas anteriores.
Con todo esto, desde el inicio y hasta el clímax se siente una historia débil, sin sentido y que se aleja de la misión principal solo para mejorar en sus últimos episodios.
Aunado a ello, la gran batalla que estábamos esperando presenciar también se resuelve en media página y con un desarrollo que no pudimos leer, lo cual termina de generar una frustración importante que no se había sentido en los libros anteriores.
Me parece una lástima que este libro se presente así porque había establecido altas expectativas y pensé que esta guerra sería aun más espectacular y épica de lo que en realidad fue.
Sin embargo, y a pesar que a lo mejor lo que he opinando suene desastroso, es que hay aspectos positivos que defienden al libro y equilibran los puntos negativos. El libro es ágil de leer, tiene giros de trama realmente interesantes (pero que necesitan desarrollo), la manera en la que determina el destino de todos los personajes en los últimos capítulos es muy interesante e introduce a Orion, un gran personaje a mí parecer que destaca muchísimo en la novela.
Gracias a estos aspectos es que sigo interesado en leer el cuarto y último libro de la saga, por lo menos para darle un cierre a esta historia que en sus dos primeras entregas sí me atrapó.
Espero realmente que en esa cuarta y última entrega sí remonte porque creo que nos lo merecemos no solo nosotros, sino esta historia también.
—————————————————————————————
ENGLISH REVIEW
A fantastic idea with a not so fortunate development.
“A Shield of Fate and Ruin” promised to take us into the imminent war to overthrow Zeus, but instead, it left us out of the main obstacles and deprived us of the development of several conflicts that seemed quite interesting and that we deserved to enjoy completely.
In this third installment I found myself disappointed more than once with this tendency of the writer to not want to develop the conflicts more (an aspect that I had already mentioned in the two previous reviews).
Extremely important events happen in a matter of seconds, without expandable consequences or that happen in the distance without explanation, which is usually frustrating when, in my opinion, they are events that I would have liked to read and enjoy if they were described.
My goal is not to give spoilers, but there are so many things that I didn't enjoy that I should at least mention them in broad strokes so that those who have already read it can share with me if the same thing happened to them: things like marriages and plans to become parents that are resolved in the same chapter and so, in the blink of an eye, when those decisions take time; deaths that happen out of nowhere, far away and without any indication that they were going to happen, but the worst thing is that they are not described to us; sacrifices that make no sense because they don't save anyone; a final battle that is mostly non-descriptive and a plot that deviates from the main objective that feels like a filler.
And this time, Apollo and Hyacinth embark on a mission to rescue Ix, Apollo's nephew, who was not mentioned in any of the previous books, and which takes them down a path that feels like it takes away their protagonism and distances them from the mission they have had since the first book, facing challenges that lack importance and give that bland feeling that they are just there as filler.
On the other hand, Pip now has to carry out diplomatic actions for Niria on behalf of her father, in the middle of a conflict that is portrayed as minor, but with that role, all the power and strength that we had known her about in previous installments is taken away from her and now she is plunged into a story of love and heartbreak that only covers her with clichés.
Artemis is the only one that I think maintains her strength as a character and even feels like the protagonist of this installment, since she has a more active and interesting role than the others, although it also puts her in this dynamic of clichés that the author had distanced her from in previous installments.
With all this, from the beginning to the climax it feels like a weak, meaningless story that moves away from the main mission only to improve in its last episodes.
In addition to this, the great battle that we were waiting to witness is also resolved in half a page and with a development that we could not read, which ends up generating a significant frustration that had not been felt in the previous books.
It seems a shame that this book is presented like this because it had set high expectations on itself and thought that this war would be even more spectacular and epic than it actually was.
However, and despite the fact that what I have said may sound disastrous, there are positive aspects that defend the book and balance the negative points. The book is a quick read, has some really interesting plot twists (but they needed development), the way the author determines the fate of all the characters in the last chapters is very interesting and she introduces Orion, a great character in my opinion who stands out a lot in the novel.
Thanks to these aspects I am still interested in reading the fourth and last book of the saga, at least to give closure to this story that in its first two installments did captivate me.
I really hope that in this fourth and last installment it does recover because I think that not only we deserve it, but this story too.
July 14, 2022
"𝙈𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙝. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙚. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙛 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙬, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙢𝙚. 𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙨’ 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙜𝙤 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙨, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
As always I want to thank Nicole for this lovely eARC and I appreciate it more than anything! ❤️
*nervous chuckling* Hi, read this series it'll destroy you. Is that an appropriate way to start a review? I honestly don't know, but you'll probably still thank Nicole for scarring your soul. Mine has decided to visit Hades for some much deserved peace because it just couldn't take the abuse.
So we're officially at book 3 and boy is it a long journey!There was so much P A I N, I'm sure the characters suffered the most in this book! I just want to kidnap them all, wrap a blanket around them and keep them safe - because SOMEONE 👀 doesn't know how to play nice and likes to torture them -.
Regardless, the plot was amazing, I absolutely adore Nicole's writing style, and the way she brings the characters to life amazes me! I love how the world of the story keeps becoming richer, reading about all these places the characters visit mesmerized me.
What I loved - more than anything in this book - was the beautiful balance between physical and mental "journey". Not only was it enjoyable to see the characters venture on to unknown lands, going through hardships and trials, but we could also read about what it means to struggle trying to find your place in this world, where you might belong, and it left me in awe.
It's difficult to write a spoiler free review this far into the story - hence why I am leaving out names, one can never be too sure, and I don't wish to spoil such a beautiful series -, still I have some minor spoilers in my review further down, read at your own risk 🥰❤️
Last but not least before the spoilers, congratulations to this book making me cry so much i was having a hard time to read 🥲❤️
---- Spoilers
I was a mess at the end of the second book for obvious reasons, Hyacinth is my precious flower boy and I was devastated when I thought he might be gone, but now we have more character deaths, and I swear I'll need a lot to get through the heartbreak if Apollo and the rest who could still be saved end up dead 🤧
Epiphany's character was more to my liking here, I found her a tiny bit annoying in the second book, but here I kind of understand her more. Because regardless of how she is, she's going through so much and is just trying to find a little bit of happiness. Which is more than understandable after this book's happenings.
Val, my poor Val is just trying to get by, I feel for him and also Temi who has to speedrun the How To Be A Deity tutorial.
(Ps. Soon to be posted on Instagram, I need to shoot a pretty photo of this cover 🥰)
As always I want to thank Nicole for this lovely eARC and I appreciate it more than anything! ❤️
*nervous chuckling* Hi, read this series it'll destroy you. Is that an appropriate way to start a review? I honestly don't know, but you'll probably still thank Nicole for scarring your soul. Mine has decided to visit Hades for some much deserved peace because it just couldn't take the abuse.
So we're officially at book 3 and boy is it a long journey!There was so much P A I N, I'm sure the characters suffered the most in this book! I just want to kidnap them all, wrap a blanket around them and keep them safe - because SOMEONE 👀 doesn't know how to play nice and likes to torture them -.
Regardless, the plot was amazing, I absolutely adore Nicole's writing style, and the way she brings the characters to life amazes me! I love how the world of the story keeps becoming richer, reading about all these places the characters visit mesmerized me.
What I loved - more than anything in this book - was the beautiful balance between physical and mental "journey". Not only was it enjoyable to see the characters venture on to unknown lands, going through hardships and trials, but we could also read about what it means to struggle trying to find your place in this world, where you might belong, and it left me in awe.
It's difficult to write a spoiler free review this far into the story - hence why I am leaving out names, one can never be too sure, and I don't wish to spoil such a beautiful series -, still I have some minor spoilers in my review further down, read at your own risk 🥰❤️
Last but not least before the spoilers, congratulations to this book making me cry so much i was having a hard time to read 🥲❤️
---- Spoilers
I was a mess at the end of the second book for obvious reasons, Hyacinth is my precious flower boy and I was devastated when I thought he might be gone, but now we have more character deaths, and I swear I'll need a lot to get through the heartbreak if Apollo and the rest who could still be saved end up dead 🤧
Epiphany's character was more to my liking here, I found her a tiny bit annoying in the second book, but here I kind of understand her more. Because regardless of how she is, she's going through so much and is just trying to find a little bit of happiness. Which is more than understandable after this book's happenings.
Val, my poor Val is just trying to get by, I feel for him and also Temi who has to speedrun the How To Be A Deity tutorial.
(Ps. Soon to be posted on Instagram, I need to shoot a pretty photo of this cover 🥰)
November 28, 2024
After not liking the second book as much as the first, I was a bit reticent to pick up A Shield of Fate and Ruin. I was just scared it would become redundant, especially now that all the pairings are together, and that the myth of Apollo and Hyacinth has been told in its entirety. But I was really pleasantly surprised by this book. We pick up a few weeks after the reunion of our two lovers, as they prepare to announce to his family that Hyacinth is alive and has been deified. But war is looming closer than ever, and every character separates, so they can all cover different attacks points of the war between Zeus and Jupiter.
As the war truly begins, the plot gets much darker than it was precedently. The intensity and the stakes get higher than ever before, as the book focuses more on telling it story than the character development and romance. It’s a nice change of pace from the first books, and I genuinely don’t mind it. The story is riveting, and it allows us even more to observe how much all the characters evolved.
I will say there are still too many different POVs, as I complain with each book, and it stills builds a really weird pacing. It was still a bit better than the second book, but they could have removed absolutely everything relating to Epiphany’s part and we still wouldn’t miss any plot. In a book telling the horrifying story of a gruesome war, where everyone is fighting for their lives, I don’t understand why we still focus on Epiphany having the same questions about herself (again), and even add to that to an horribly cringey love triangle. But at least I like Epiphany as a character, whereas I don’t have a care about Valerian, and I wish he would just die so we would have less of his POVs (and maybe give Epiphany something else to think about).
What I didn’t realise in the first two books, it’s how little the impact the Gods have on the humans. Yes, the Gods go to war, so they raise human armies to battle each other, but it’s nothing more than if two kings of two countries would do so. The actual war between the High Gods has no impact at all on nature, nor is anyone’s belief being challenged. Actual Gods DIE in this book, and no one notices anything. They don't feel godly at all, and once again more like high lords ruling over their people. It could be an interesting take, but I would have loved to see more of them being powerful deities not caring about the carnage their powers cause. It’s just… another classic war.
Of course, this story is still very far from being accurate to the real myths, but we’re used to it at this point. Honestly, everything becomes a hundred times better if you imagine it being a fantasy universe with made up deities. We still do get small hints from other myths, like Apollo and the Python, or Orion being introduced as a new character, but they don’t matter at all in the plot itself.
Apollo and Hyacinth still take a good chunk of my heart. They travel the country to save Ares’ son from Zeus’ wrath, and though it seems a bit unimportant in the grand scheme of things, it allows us to see them grow closer together after their hardships in the second book. It allows us to observe how much they both evolved, especially Apollo (who’s my favorite character and definitely the one who went through more development°;
Temi’s POV was a way to make the reader witness more of the actual war, which I really loved. The battles were always really well told, and the right amount of horrifying. It’s also the feminist bit of the novel, as Temi struggles with being the only woman (Goddess) amongst these men, and she’ll need to show them she’s way more powerful than them. I did also really like her friendship with Orion, though I don’t really understand the point of it. He’s cute and all, but he doesn’t serve anything in the plot.
And of course, you already know my feelings about Valerian and Epiphany, who were absolutely useless. It’s once again more romantic drama, and I feel like their character and relationship development are just going in a circle at this point. The only moment I found them a little bit interesting interesting was towards the end, as Epiphaly struggle with the hardship of war and its consequences (I promise, I don’t really want her to suffer. It’s not my fault she’s more interesting when she’s sad).
This book was better than the second one, but still not as entertaining as the very first one. I really like this new pathway it’s taking, and I can’t wait to see how things will conclude in the last book. Honestly, after this insane ending, I’m a little bit terrified. But I feel like it has a chance of being my favorite book of the series.
My breaths follow the beat of your heart, and my soul is notched into your flesh. You cannot lose me. Even if I'm gone and the world forgets my name, every time the sun touches your brow, you can know it's me. For wherever gods' souls may go after their deaths, I will fight to find you.
As the war truly begins, the plot gets much darker than it was precedently. The intensity and the stakes get higher than ever before, as the book focuses more on telling it story than the character development and romance. It’s a nice change of pace from the first books, and I genuinely don’t mind it. The story is riveting, and it allows us even more to observe how much all the characters evolved.
I will say there are still too many different POVs, as I complain with each book, and it stills builds a really weird pacing. It was still a bit better than the second book, but they could have removed absolutely everything relating to Epiphany’s part and we still wouldn’t miss any plot. In a book telling the horrifying story of a gruesome war, where everyone is fighting for their lives, I don’t understand why we still focus on Epiphany having the same questions about herself (again), and even add to that to an horribly cringey love triangle. But at least I like Epiphany as a character, whereas I don’t have a care about Valerian, and I wish he would just die so we would have less of his POVs (and maybe give Epiphany something else to think about).
I tried not to think about how young they were, how some still had baby faces and terrified eyes. But my heart hurt anyway.
So much destruction and loss.
For what?
For gods and rich men's greed. For this idea of patriotism that would do nothing but see them die in a foreign land, never embrace their mothers or fathers again, kiss their partners, hug their children.
We did nothing here but fill the underworld with lives spent too soon.
And that made me furious.
What I didn’t realise in the first two books, it’s how little the impact the Gods have on the humans. Yes, the Gods go to war, so they raise human armies to battle each other, but it’s nothing more than if two kings of two countries would do so. The actual war between the High Gods has no impact at all on nature, nor is anyone’s belief being challenged. Actual Gods DIE in this book, and no one notices anything. They don't feel godly at all, and once again more like high lords ruling over their people. It could be an interesting take, but I would have loved to see more of them being powerful deities not caring about the carnage their powers cause. It’s just… another classic war.
Of course, this story is still very far from being accurate to the real myths, but we’re used to it at this point. Honestly, everything becomes a hundred times better if you imagine it being a fantasy universe with made up deities. We still do get small hints from other myths, like Apollo and the Python, or Orion being introduced as a new character, but they don’t matter at all in the plot itself.
“But know this... if something happens, my love for your burns as strongly as yours does for me. And long after intelligent life is gone, the gods have fallen, and this world ceases to exist, my love for you will remain. I'm embedded in your soul, and I believe we are more than just this flesh." I squeezed his hand, lifting it and pressing a kiss over his ring. "Our love is woven into the fabric of this universe. And I know it will not die within this lifetime. That... that alone is the only thing that makes me brave enough to meet this.”
Apollo and Hyacinth still take a good chunk of my heart. They travel the country to save Ares’ son from Zeus’ wrath, and though it seems a bit unimportant in the grand scheme of things, it allows us to see them grow closer together after their hardships in the second book. It allows us to observe how much they both evolved, especially Apollo (who’s my favorite character and definitely the one who went through more development°;
Temi’s POV was a way to make the reader witness more of the actual war, which I really loved. The battles were always really well told, and the right amount of horrifying. It’s also the feminist bit of the novel, as Temi struggles with being the only woman (Goddess) amongst these men, and she’ll need to show them she’s way more powerful than them. I did also really like her friendship with Orion, though I don’t really understand the point of it. He’s cute and all, but he doesn’t serve anything in the plot.
My voice came fiercely, a hurricane of a whisper. "Do you think the Fates gave me eyes for some other purpose than to absorb your beauty?" I spread my hand out, brushing the edge of his lips. "Do you think they let me have fingers for any other reason than to run them down the notches of your spine and feel your skin warm beneath mine?" I leaned in, pressing a kiss to the corner of his jaw. "Were my lips not given to me so I could taste your kiss and worship you?”
And of course, you already know my feelings about Valerian and Epiphany, who were absolutely useless. It’s once again more romantic drama, and I feel like their character and relationship development are just going in a circle at this point. The only moment I found them a little bit interesting interesting was towards the end, as Epiphaly struggle with the hardship of war and its consequences (I promise, I don’t really want her to suffer. It’s not my fault she’s more interesting when she’s sad).
This book was better than the second one, but still not as entertaining as the very first one. I really like this new pathway it’s taking, and I can’t wait to see how things will conclude in the last book. Honestly, after this insane ending, I’m a little bit terrified. But I feel like it has a chance of being my favorite book of the series.
August 29, 2022
Stars : ⭐️ 5 ⭐️
___________________________
~~~~~ Navigating Review
Positive Point: ➕
Negative Point: ➖
Side note: ⚫️
___________________________
~~~~~ Review
➕ If the authors goal was to make me cry 20+ times, than they succeeded! It’s been a long time since I’ve actually got teary eyed from reading a book, and this book made me do just that. The heartbreak, and longing is all there. So much emotion I just don’t me know what to do with, or how to deal with now.
➕ I pre-ordered the next book already, and I’m screaming at my calendar to become September already! The ending… THE ENDING… oh my god, the ending has my heart beating a mile a minute. Unlike the other books in the series too, the summary for book four gives away NOTHING. I have no idea what to expect from the fourth book, but I definitely know what I hope will happen.
➕ This book is not going off any of the true GM tails, and I’m grateful for that at this point. Most of the time when I read a GM related book I hope for it to be at least 75% on the nail, but with this series I’m glad the author has pushed away front what the true tail is.
➕ At this point of the book… I’m in tears. My soul and heart is crushed. And I don’t know how to feel. I love the book, that I know for a fact, but oh my god my entire body is shivering from reading this book. I’m surprised I kept myself so tamed when readying. I didn’t read it all in one go, but with this book I’m glad I did that. The imagery is so good, and it was almost like waiting for a new episode to come out. Every chapter has something important happen in it, and the plot got thicker and thicker with each turn of the page.
➖ The only negative I can think of is that every time something dramatic happens in a chapter, it goes to a different person that has nothing to do with what just happened POV for the following chapter. With this book, it made me a little annoyed. I understand it’s to build suspense, but it made me want to skip important chapters like I did in the other two books. I didn’t, this time, but the urge was still there.
⚫️ Don’t do that with this book!!!!!!! Every chapter is important in some way and there’s no fillers.
___________________________
~~~~~ Rates 1-5
Plot: 5
Main Characters: 5
Side Characters: 4
Ending: 5
Epilogue: n/a
Beginning: 5
Dialogue: 5
Narration: 4
Written overall: 4.5
Worth Reading: 5
Romantic tension: 5
Romantic scenes: 5
Sexual tension: 5
Sex scenes: 4
___________________________
~~~~~ Explain (Spoilers!)
Details: Unlike the other books in the series, the author added way more detail in this book. It’s not an annoying amount of detail or anything unnecessary. In fact, I think this book had the best amount of detail so far.
Chapters Layout: Switch POV between five people. (Apollo, Cyn, Pip, Tami, and Val)
Trope: Enemies to Lover & Friends to Lovers. (All progressed in the first and second book, but some of the friends to lovers trope is in this book too)
___________________________
~~~~~ Yes/No/Maybe/Not Really
Slow Burn: No
No Plot: No
Sex Scenes: Yes
Triggered By Any Scenes: No
16+ Audience Recommended: Yes
18+ Audience Recommended: No
Would I recommend: Yes
Would I re-read: Yes
Would I read more books by author: Maybe
Would I read more books like this: Yes
Would I read the rest of the series: Yes
- If it’s a standalone, do I wish there was a series: n/a
- If no, why: n/a
Was it Worth the Price: Yes
- The price: 4.99
- Read/Bought at Website: Kindle/Amazon
___________________________
After reading, I would recommend: The Good Counselor (Book #3 of series)
By: Rachel Alexander
___________________________
___________________________
~~~~~ Navigating Review
Positive Point: ➕
Negative Point: ➖
Side note: ⚫️
___________________________
~~~~~ Review
➕ If the authors goal was to make me cry 20+ times, than they succeeded! It’s been a long time since I’ve actually got teary eyed from reading a book, and this book made me do just that. The heartbreak, and longing is all there. So much emotion I just don’t me know what to do with, or how to deal with now.
➕ I pre-ordered the next book already, and I’m screaming at my calendar to become September already! The ending… THE ENDING… oh my god, the ending has my heart beating a mile a minute. Unlike the other books in the series too, the summary for book four gives away NOTHING. I have no idea what to expect from the fourth book, but I definitely know what I hope will happen.
➕ This book is not going off any of the true GM tails, and I’m grateful for that at this point. Most of the time when I read a GM related book I hope for it to be at least 75% on the nail, but with this series I’m glad the author has pushed away front what the true tail is.
➕ At this point of the book… I’m in tears. My soul and heart is crushed. And I don’t know how to feel. I love the book, that I know for a fact, but oh my god my entire body is shivering from reading this book. I’m surprised I kept myself so tamed when readying. I didn’t read it all in one go, but with this book I’m glad I did that. The imagery is so good, and it was almost like waiting for a new episode to come out. Every chapter has something important happen in it, and the plot got thicker and thicker with each turn of the page.
➖ The only negative I can think of is that every time something dramatic happens in a chapter, it goes to a different person that has nothing to do with what just happened POV for the following chapter. With this book, it made me a little annoyed. I understand it’s to build suspense, but it made me want to skip important chapters like I did in the other two books. I didn’t, this time, but the urge was still there.
⚫️ Don’t do that with this book!!!!!!! Every chapter is important in some way and there’s no fillers.
___________________________
~~~~~ Rates 1-5
Plot: 5
Main Characters: 5
Side Characters: 4
Ending: 5
Epilogue: n/a
Beginning: 5
Dialogue: 5
Narration: 4
Written overall: 4.5
Worth Reading: 5
Romantic tension: 5
Romantic scenes: 5
Sexual tension: 5
Sex scenes: 4
___________________________
~~~~~ Explain (Spoilers!)
Details: Unlike the other books in the series, the author added way more detail in this book. It’s not an annoying amount of detail or anything unnecessary. In fact, I think this book had the best amount of detail so far.
Chapters Layout: Switch POV between five people. (Apollo, Cyn, Pip, Tami, and Val)
Trope: Enemies to Lover & Friends to Lovers. (All progressed in the first and second book, but some of the friends to lovers trope is in this book too)
___________________________
~~~~~ Yes/No/Maybe/Not Really
Slow Burn: No
No Plot: No
Sex Scenes: Yes
Triggered By Any Scenes: No
16+ Audience Recommended: Yes
18+ Audience Recommended: No
Would I recommend: Yes
Would I re-read: Yes
Would I read more books by author: Maybe
Would I read more books like this: Yes
Would I read the rest of the series: Yes
- If it’s a standalone, do I wish there was a series: n/a
- If no, why: n/a
Was it Worth the Price: Yes
- The price: 4.99
- Read/Bought at Website: Kindle/Amazon
___________________________
After reading, I would recommend: The Good Counselor (Book #3 of series)
By: Rachel Alexander
___________________________
August 24, 2022
I devoured this book! Nicole has done it once again! I really enjoyed the pace of this book. I never felt like I was sitting around waiting for something exciting to happen. One of the things that I really enjoy about the writing style of Nicole, is that she knows how to get to the point in her books. I never felt like the pace was too slow. Everyone's journey in this book, yes even Pip, had me excited to read their chapters.
Out of every character in this series I have always struggled with Pip the most. She has tough choices to make, but it also feels like it somehow becomes the same kind of decision that she has to make. I understand that it is a very hard choice to make, but three books in and she is still trying to figure out what she should do. Choose love or her country. The constant back and forth with her can sometimes feel a little hard to follow when she is alongside characters that are making tough decisions throughout the story. I respect her journey though!
Apollo and Hyacinth.. Well where do I even begin! I still love them! I felt like the way they expressed their love to each other in this book, just felt more passionate. It broke my heart that Hyacinth was constantly wondering what his place in this story was anymore. I felt like Apollo was way more affectionate in this book and I'm not mad about it! There was this one chapter of his toward the end of the book (If you know you know) that stands out to me the most because I found it to be SO beautiful the way he spoke about his love for Hyacinth!
The ending of this book.... You just have to get there! All I can say is it was SHOCKING. It was late at night when I finished it and I remember sitting there in a stunned silence for a bit of time.
I am very thankful to Nicole for releasing these books close together, because I don't know what I would have done if I had to wait a few years for the next book!
Pick up this series!!!
Out of every character in this series I have always struggled with Pip the most. She has tough choices to make, but it also feels like it somehow becomes the same kind of decision that she has to make. I understand that it is a very hard choice to make, but three books in and she is still trying to figure out what she should do. Choose love or her country. The constant back and forth with her can sometimes feel a little hard to follow when she is alongside characters that are making tough decisions throughout the story. I respect her journey though!
Apollo and Hyacinth.. Well where do I even begin! I still love them! I felt like the way they expressed their love to each other in this book, just felt more passionate. It broke my heart that Hyacinth was constantly wondering what his place in this story was anymore. I felt like Apollo was way more affectionate in this book and I'm not mad about it! There was this one chapter of his toward the end of the book (If you know you know) that stands out to me the most because I found it to be SO beautiful the way he spoke about his love for Hyacinth!
The ending of this book.... You just have to get there! All I can say is it was SHOCKING. It was late at night when I finished it and I remember sitting there in a stunned silence for a bit of time.
I am very thankful to Nicole for releasing these books close together, because I don't know what I would have done if I had to wait a few years for the next book!
Pick up this series!!!
August 26, 2022
I had to give it time for my heart to settle after reading this third book in the Apollo Ascending series. When I say I love Nicole Bailey’s writing, I LOVE it. The new worlds are so easy to become immersed in, and they are different from other books in the same genre I have read. It’s almost getting difficult to find fresh reads so I’m always excited to get my hands on another Bailey book. This book has more of all of our favorites (Hyacinth, Apollo, Temi, Pip) and some BIG surprises. Surprises that had my eyes popping out, some in excitement and joy for the characters, and at the end I was all but yelling at the author. Again, keep the tissues ready in the last few chapters. She’s so good at making you really care about the characters and then taking you through allll the feels. The gods throw all kinds of temper tantrums in this book, there’s a big war, upheavals, new characters, advancement in the plotlines of all the mains. I really love this series and the unique take on commonly known mythology. The love stories are touching and are across the spectrum. A beautiful example of love is love. Yet again I had to stay up late to finish the book and am excited for the final installment!
October 27, 2022
This is the third book in the series Apollo Ascending! I think that this is the weakest book out of the three so far, but it still is an excellent book! The reason I think it is the weakest, is because there is mainly only two settings, the battle field, in which Temi, Val, and Pip are in, & the journey Apollo and Cyn take to find Ares son. That is not to say the book isn't action packed. In this book, Orion is introduced. The relationship Orion and Temi make is my favorite part of the entire book. Knowing that Temi isn't very trusting of anyone but her brother, Cyn, Val and Pip it is nice to see her heart open up towards Orion. The main plot of the entire book is leading up to that Apollo at some point, must battle his father Zeus for the spark. Lots of heartbreak as well as undying love mixed together creating a wonderful combination of sorrow & hope. Will Cyn and Apollo succeed in finding Ares son & getting him to safety? Will Pip & Val finally be able to make their relationship public? Who will win, Zeus or Apollo, or will they both die in the process? Cannot wait to see where this story goes regarding all of the main characters love lives and what the future holds for not only mortals, but also deity's.
July 30, 2022
Thank you to the author for an ARC of A Shield of Fate and Ruin in return for an honest review.
Nicole Bailey should be known as Zeus from here on forward. Without giving too much away, be prepared to have your favourite characters taken from you, without so much as whisper of goodbye. She is cutthroat and cunning, and I truly believe she laughs at our sorrow, thus being renamed Zeus.
This third book in the series is fantastic, there’s so much action, evolving love stories, incredible sadness, and pure joy. It’s everything you could ask for in a fantasy fiction and I’m the biggest fan.
Once this series is over I’m going to be begging for an Artemis spin off, I’m here for all things Temi!!
Love this book, love this series, love this author! So incredibly good! Bring on the finale (it better come with a lifetime supply of tissues.)
April 24, 2025
Less romance and more just regular plot which makes this book a little better for me. I don't really need sex scenes.
I was surprised at how rapidly the deaths started piling up in this book. With Hyacinth returning from the dead, Naria soon heads off to war with our usual narrators playing various parts. Apollo and Hyacinth seem to be off on their own tangent until it ends with Apollo's final confrontation with Zeus and it's left very unresolved. Time for the next book.
Meanwhile in the war, King Magne dies and then Prince Emrin dies in rapid succession. I thought there was going to be more drama with Emrin being moody about Hyacinth and Pip but he dies without having done much at all. Grateful it didn't turn into something dramatic with him since it wasn't well seeded to have him be a jerk to people.
I was surprised at how rapidly the deaths started piling up in this book. With Hyacinth returning from the dead, Naria soon heads off to war with our usual narrators playing various parts. Apollo and Hyacinth seem to be off on their own tangent until it ends with Apollo's final confrontation with Zeus and it's left very unresolved. Time for the next book.
Meanwhile in the war, King Magne dies and then Prince Emrin dies in rapid succession. I thought there was going to be more drama with Emrin being moody about Hyacinth and Pip but he dies without having done much at all. Grateful it didn't turn into something dramatic with him since it wasn't well seeded to have him be a jerk to people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2022
I received this ARC read. One day, that's all it took to blitz through this book. One day to absolutely break me. One day to go through so many emotions I have whiplash. The third book in this series is right up there with the other two which is hard to say with series. I hole each of them in such a high regard they are simply amazing. The storyline, characters, the way it makes you feel, gains your trust and has the ability to make you care for these characters as if they were real. Everytime I pick up a Nicole bailey book I am always shocked at how fast and easy they are to read. I am.so sad to be finished it already but I cannot wait for more !!! Glutton for punishment 100 percent. I learned to love new characters.
August 1, 2022
This seems to be one of those super rare series for me where every book is consistently 5* (book four please don't let me down) because I've adored every single installment so far. Although this one destroyed me possibly more than book 3 which is an achievement.
I adore Apollo and Hyacinth as well as all of the side characters and I'm so invested in this story that it's insane. Apollo and Hyacinth's relationship is just.. beautiful and their dialogue with each other is some of the best I've read. Definitely, my favorite series of the year thus far and I cannot wait until the final one releases.
The writing is complex but easy to follow and there are so many layers to this story. The world-building is also incredible and encompasses a lot of different aspects of mythology.
I adore Apollo and Hyacinth as well as all of the side characters and I'm so invested in this story that it's insane. Apollo and Hyacinth's relationship is just.. beautiful and their dialogue with each other is some of the best I've read. Definitely, my favorite series of the year thus far and I cannot wait until the final one releases.
The writing is complex but easy to follow and there are so many layers to this story. The world-building is also incredible and encompasses a lot of different aspects of mythology.
December 6, 2023
This left me an emotional wreck, in ways I cannot even begin to grasp. I am so attached to each character, their stories, desires, and hopes. Seeing their fates unwind in such a way has left me almost breathless. People like Emrin, I still feel for. I felt for him despite how withdrawn he seemed and his less-than-lovely actions in this book. I used to think I would not care for him, I felt like I'd known these characters for so long, I feel the grief they do, and I have the hopes they do. I'm still hoping and wishing that the next and final book provides some relief and gives these characters a happy ending. For my mental sake and theirs.
December 25, 2024
I…didn’t like it. I really didn’t know where the plot was going, it wasn’t particularly entertaining to read and overall felt like a burden to keep reading. I got about 87% of the way done and I DNFed it because it just seemed to drag on and go nowhere. I probably won’t get the last book if I didn’t even finish this one. The series started out fun but this one just wasn’t good. The grammar is beyond poorly edited, some of the writing is repetitive and the multi-POV of the four characters was getting annoying at this point.
September 2, 2022
*3.5 less engaging than book one and definitely book two but still good. so many deaths i didn’t think they’d go through with but i’m expecting them to take at least one back (cough, apollo) in the next book. i will be very surprised if they don’t.
still a good read and it’s rare i read a book where i don’t dread at least one of the character pov’s but i like epiphany, temi and valerian’s pov and find them just as interesting as cyn and apollo’s.
still a good read and it’s rare i read a book where i don’t dread at least one of the character pov’s but i like epiphany, temi and valerian’s pov and find them just as interesting as cyn and apollo’s.
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