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Dying Gods #2
Burn the Stars
Time-travelling to the Bronze Age Mediterranean was never part of Adrienne’s plans.
Adrienne has been doing her best to adapt to life among the Minoans. But the language barrier is nothing compared to the cultural divide – and the ensuing misunderstanding that results in Adrienne falling for a man already promised to another.
When Adrienne discovers that the famed Oracle on Crete might know how she can return home, she agrees to leave her newfound friends behind and embark on a dangerous journey.
Will the Oracle give her the answers she seeks … or will she find her destiny is already written in the stars?
Burn the Stars is the second book in the Dying Gods series. It is a slow burn historical time-travel reverse harem romance suitable for readers 18+. Contains mm.
Adrienne has been doing her best to adapt to life among the Minoans. But the language barrier is nothing compared to the cultural divide – and the ensuing misunderstanding that results in Adrienne falling for a man already promised to another.
When Adrienne discovers that the famed Oracle on Crete might know how she can return home, she agrees to leave her newfound friends behind and embark on a dangerous journey.
Will the Oracle give her the answers she seeks … or will she find her destiny is already written in the stars?
Burn the Stars is the second book in the Dying Gods series. It is a slow burn historical time-travel reverse harem romance suitable for readers 18+. Contains mm.
429 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2022
85 people are currently reading
456 people want to read
About the author
Elisha Kemp
15 books133 followersElisha Kemp is an author of young adult and new adult fiction who writes in a range of genres, including fantasy, paranormal, contemporary and romance.
Elisha Kemp loves creating worlds you can get lost in and characters you can fall in love with.
She lives with her partner, two human-shaped wolf pups and black cat by the beach in New Zealand.
Her ideal day would be a powder day on the slopes, then relaxing by the fire with a red wine and a good book.
Elisha Kemp loves creating worlds you can get lost in and characters you can fall in love with.
She lives with her partner, two human-shaped wolf pups and black cat by the beach in New Zealand.
Her ideal day would be a powder day on the slopes, then relaxing by the fire with a red wine and a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
May 15, 2023
Thanks Daisy, Rachel, CrocCousti, and Mabel for an awesome series buddy read!
Yes indeed, I finally managed tomanhandle bully strongarm uh I mean kindly convince my friends into reading this a-MAY-zing series with me.
Because I will not shut up about this series. I refuse! To shut up! About this series!
Book two is just as good as book one, if not better. We expand on the world, the romance(s), amazing characters (such as my best friend Brita), and we even get another guy to lust after. Plus, we’re getting closer to figuring out what the heck Adrienne is actually meant to do in this world.
On to book three!!!
Yes indeed, I finally managed to
Because I will not shut up about this series. I refuse! To shut up! About this series!
Book two is just as good as book one, if not better. We expand on the world, the romance(s), amazing characters (such as my best friend Brita), and we even get another guy to lust after. Plus, we’re getting closer to figuring out what the heck Adrienne is actually meant to do in this world.
On to book three!!!
March 26, 2023
Oh. My. GOODNESS. This book is AMAZING. As the second book in a series I won't go into a lot of detail with the plot, but it was so exciting I literally couldn't put it down and read it in less than a day. Basically, Adrienne discovers she is at the center of a pretty intense prophecy, and her life is put in danger multiple times thanks to the Minas Crete. She ends up much closer to Asterion, Jadikira, and Kitanetos - and we meet sweet Nerites (who I am OBSESSED with). It's action packed, but with some serious spice mixed in.
How did this series get even better after Drown the Sea?! First of all, I totally missed the historical note at the beginning of the first book (I listened to it as an audiobook). I'm SO IMPRESSED with the research and thought Elisha Kemp put into this series. I have an advanced degree in history, but ancient history wasn't my time period - I'm legit about to go look up books about the Minoans right now because their culture seems SO COOL. An ancient matriarchy?! Yes please. Though Elisha was obviously filling some significant gaps in our knowledge of the time period and taking some liberties in the interest of storytelling, in context Adrienne's story really does read like historical fiction and I LOVE IT. Second, I personally like why choose romance, but there's always at least one guy I don't like - NOPE, not in this one. The guys are all very different, but they are all so wonderful and completely devoted to Adrienne (and in some cases each other). And, unlike some of the other books like this that I've read, the whole premise for one woman having multiple men "pledged" to her actually seem plausible in this case.
I'll save more of my gushing for my review of Wake the Gods because I started it immediately after I finished this one, but suffice to say I'm going pretty feral about the Dying Gods series right now. Prepare for ALL the hype, more people need to read these books!!
How did this series get even better after Drown the Sea?! First of all, I totally missed the historical note at the beginning of the first book (I listened to it as an audiobook). I'm SO IMPRESSED with the research and thought Elisha Kemp put into this series. I have an advanced degree in history, but ancient history wasn't my time period - I'm legit about to go look up books about the Minoans right now because their culture seems SO COOL. An ancient matriarchy?! Yes please. Though Elisha was obviously filling some significant gaps in our knowledge of the time period and taking some liberties in the interest of storytelling, in context Adrienne's story really does read like historical fiction and I LOVE IT. Second, I personally like why choose romance, but there's always at least one guy I don't like - NOPE, not in this one. The guys are all very different, but they are all so wonderful and completely devoted to Adrienne (and in some cases each other). And, unlike some of the other books like this that I've read, the whole premise for one woman having multiple men "pledged" to her actually seem plausible in this case.
I'll save more of my gushing for my review of Wake the Gods because I started it immediately after I finished this one, but suffice to say I'm going pretty feral about the Dying Gods series right now. Prepare for ALL the hype, more people need to read these books!!
May 16, 2023
4 stars
Thanks to the #cakeeaters group and Helen and Mable to recommend this series, any time they got a chance to recommend it LOL.
I liked the first book of the series better than the second, that's the reason for the 4 star rating instead of 4.5 for the first book.
It kind of dragged a little for me at the end. Still it was really good, had more spice than the first one and I love Jadi!
I'm also recommending this series now whenever I have the change 😉.
Thanks to the #cakeeaters group and Helen and Mable to recommend this series, any time they got a chance to recommend it LOL.
I liked the first book of the series better than the second, that's the reason for the 4 star rating instead of 4.5 for the first book.
It kind of dragged a little for me at the end. Still it was really good, had more spice than the first one and I love Jadi!
I'm also recommending this series now whenever I have the change 😉.
June 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5
I became aware of this series at Apolly Con, and when I heard it was historical time travel with RH and Spice, I nearly lost my ever loving mind!
This series was almost perfect! I mean, it hit every check mark I thought I would. The character development was spot one as well as the romance. The plot was so there and wouldn't change anything with that.
There are only a few small things I would add..
1. I would love more of an ending. Like what is their future look like?
2. I would love to see if there is a time where it does miss her old like or even talk about some of that with MMCs.
❤️❤️❤️❤️/5
🌶🌶🌶.5/5
I became aware of this series at Apolly Con, and when I heard it was historical time travel with RH and Spice, I nearly lost my ever loving mind!
This series was almost perfect! I mean, it hit every check mark I thought I would. The character development was spot one as well as the romance. The plot was so there and wouldn't change anything with that.
There are only a few small things I would add..
1. I would love more of an ending. Like what is their future look like?
2. I would love to see if there is a time where it does miss her old like or even talk about some of that with MMCs.
October 16, 2025
It's more like a 4.8 ⭐ but it's been a while since I've enjoyed a book this much, so I was inclined to give the 5°.
I'm a bit angry that I couldn't finish this sooner, because it's binge-worthy, but I couldn't go faster these days.
Lately, I've managed to point out all the bad things in my book reviews, but not this one. The book is not perfect, but perfectly enjoyable. I loved it and I only want to pinpoint the best of this one.
I loved the first arc with Asterion & Adrienne alone SO MUCH. And then Brita, my fav girl, and the bromances, the boys' romance intertwined with the Adrianne's centric romance. It's all so fluid, but natural.
Even tho the book is definitely steamy, it's never overly pornographic or vulgar. In all the explicit scenes you can feel the passion, the care and that's so beautiful to read.
I got emotional a few times, especially in 3 moments:
1- In the first part when Asterion gets emotional with Adrianne;
2- When the threesome Jedi-Asterion-Adrianne happens
3- At the very end, when Kit and Adrienne finally talk and make up, OR: when the two idiots understand they're in love and the other is not avoiding them but waiting to make up. Kit melted my heart just there.
And now the last book begins, we got a war ahead. But will it be a mortal war or a war amongst gods?
I'm a bit angry that I couldn't finish this sooner, because it's binge-worthy, but I couldn't go faster these days.
Lately, I've managed to point out all the bad things in my book reviews, but not this one. The book is not perfect, but perfectly enjoyable. I loved it and I only want to pinpoint the best of this one.
I loved the first arc with Asterion & Adrienne alone SO MUCH. And then Brita, my fav girl, and the bromances, the boys' romance intertwined with the Adrianne's centric romance. It's all so fluid, but natural.
Even tho the book is definitely steamy, it's never overly pornographic or vulgar. In all the explicit scenes you can feel the passion, the care and that's so beautiful to read.
I got emotional a few times, especially in 3 moments:
1- In the first part when Asterion gets emotional with Adrianne;
2- When the threesome Jedi-Asterion-Adrianne happens
3- At the very end, when Kit and Adrienne finally talk and make up, OR: when the two idiots understand they're in love and the other is not avoiding them but waiting to make up. Kit melted my heart just there.
And now the last book begins, we got a war ahead. But will it be a mortal war or a war amongst gods?
April 30, 2025
amazing!
This book is a fantastic example of why I prefer sequels.
I found book 1 simply alight. I wasn’t exactly enthralled but it had enough to keep me. Book 2 absolutely pulled me in with the force of a rocket. I. Was. Hooked.
Read it in one sitting. And I can’t wait for how 3.
The characters were much better developed and Adrienne is starting to come into her own. The writing also flowed a little better, which is to be expected when the plot is really becoming fleshed out.
Fantastic job!
This book is a fantastic example of why I prefer sequels.
I found book 1 simply alight. I wasn’t exactly enthralled but it had enough to keep me. Book 2 absolutely pulled me in with the force of a rocket. I. Was. Hooked.
Read it in one sitting. And I can’t wait for how 3.
The characters were much better developed and Adrienne is starting to come into her own. The writing also flowed a little better, which is to be expected when the plot is really becoming fleshed out.
Fantastic job!
October 19, 2022
The Dying Gods series has to be one of my favorite series that I have read this year. There is something to be said about a story that has you so captivated with characters and a plot that has you ignoring everything else. That leaves you day dreaming of a time filled with goddesses and gods. Oh and let's not forget the research the author dedicated to this era to try and keep true to the culture while providing a fictional romance.
Honestly I get so hyped when talking about this series and everything I learned from the pages and the romance that is blooming within. The way Elisha is able to weave a tale around this era that brings you in and has you feeling the warm breeze as you sit on the rooftops or the cool breeze from the sea. The smell of olive oil that fills the halls.
Drown the Sea will suck you in as you are introduced to the characters and learn about Minoan civilization during the bronze age era.
While Burn the Stars will take what you loved in the first book and amplify it, as you become reacquainted with the characters you fell in love with in Drown the Sea. You'll watch the characters mature and grow with each turning of a page. You'll watch connections form and the start of something big begin. As you continue to embrace living in the bronze age era where the women are the rulers and men respect them.
Check the TW as their are some sensitive subjects in the story.
Thank you to the author for an ARC. This review is my honest opinion of the book.
Honestly I get so hyped when talking about this series and everything I learned from the pages and the romance that is blooming within. The way Elisha is able to weave a tale around this era that brings you in and has you feeling the warm breeze as you sit on the rooftops or the cool breeze from the sea. The smell of olive oil that fills the halls.
Drown the Sea will suck you in as you are introduced to the characters and learn about Minoan civilization during the bronze age era.
While Burn the Stars will take what you loved in the first book and amplify it, as you become reacquainted with the characters you fell in love with in Drown the Sea. You'll watch the characters mature and grow with each turning of a page. You'll watch connections form and the start of something big begin. As you continue to embrace living in the bronze age era where the women are the rulers and men respect them.
Check the TW as their are some sensitive subjects in the story.
Thank you to the author for an ARC. This review is my honest opinion of the book.
June 29, 2023
Good 2nd story, 4 stars. We pick up right away where book 1 leaves off and I like that there isn't a lot of back story before we get to the good stuff.
I enjoyed Asterion being the grump:
If Jadi were here, he would say that Potina’s axe swings both ways. That the seasons are just one more way the gods give and take, keeping a balance in the world.
And I would tell him that an axe cuts off a man’s head regardless of how it swings.
And his getting to know Adrienne on their trip to the Oracle. Her inner POV still is the best part to me:
Be calm? That’s his advice? Since when has telling someone to ‘be calm’ ever had the desired effect? I’m in a cave with a person who wears teeth for a necklace.
I think it was a naïve move to return to Xenodice and yes, she outwitted them.
But Adrienne now has the gang back with an interesting new guy:
“Yes. That’s what I want from you,” he says, with a self-satisfied nod.
“And in exchange, I’ll get Adrienne out of the cave. And I’ll help you, because I think I might like you, even if you are without honor.”
He shrugs. “You seem interesting. In a tragic sort of way. I’m sure you’ll be entertaining.” I open my mouth to reply, to offer some sort of retort in my defense, but nothing comes out.
“And, before you reject my offer,” he continues, rambling on. “You’d do well to remember that you don’t really have any other options. You’re naked. You have a little blade.”
He is really a breath of fresh air! They are headed back to Thera but I have no idea what's coming next.
I enjoyed Asterion being the grump:
If Jadi were here, he would say that Potina’s axe swings both ways. That the seasons are just one more way the gods give and take, keeping a balance in the world.
And I would tell him that an axe cuts off a man’s head regardless of how it swings.
And his getting to know Adrienne on their trip to the Oracle. Her inner POV still is the best part to me:
Be calm? That’s his advice? Since when has telling someone to ‘be calm’ ever had the desired effect? I’m in a cave with a person who wears teeth for a necklace.
I think it was a naïve move to return to Xenodice and yes, she outwitted them.
But Adrienne now has the gang back with an interesting new guy:
“Yes. That’s what I want from you,” he says, with a self-satisfied nod.
“And in exchange, I’ll get Adrienne out of the cave. And I’ll help you, because I think I might like you, even if you are without honor.”
He shrugs. “You seem interesting. In a tragic sort of way. I’m sure you’ll be entertaining.” I open my mouth to reply, to offer some sort of retort in my defense, but nothing comes out.
“And, before you reject my offer,” he continues, rambling on. “You’d do well to remember that you don’t really have any other options. You’re naked. You have a little blade.”
He is really a breath of fresh air! They are headed back to Thera but I have no idea what's coming next.
October 22, 2022
4.5 ⭐️ Steam: 3.5/5. Strong Language: 2.5/5. Characters: 5/5. Plot: 4.5/5
Triggers: Wa£, Vio!ence, A$$ault, D€ath
Burn The Stars is the second book in Elisha Kemp’s Dying Gods series. It is not a standalone book. To be enjoyed fully, you must read the series in order.
Adrienne is a young woman swept up in circumstances beyond her control. She’s been taken back in time, forced to adapt to her new environment, people, and language. Now a new task is set before her, find out why this happened to her in the first place and if she can get back home.
The men who she’s met in this ancient time period, Jadi, Asterion, and Kit, all have very different yet important roles to play in either her success or failure. As their burgeoning relationships start to kindle, can they work together to solve the mystery?
Ms. Kemp is a remarkable storyteller. The amount of researched and intricate detail that go into her stories bring not only the time period to life but give each character a living, breathing embodiment of humanity long gone. Her stories weave a beautiful tapestry of the everyday life, culture, and religion of the Minoan people. It’s a pleasure to visit their world and I’m always sad to leave it behind when I turn the last page. Kudos to Ms. Kemp.
Triggers: Wa£, Vio!ence, A$$ault, D€ath
Burn The Stars is the second book in Elisha Kemp’s Dying Gods series. It is not a standalone book. To be enjoyed fully, you must read the series in order.
Adrienne is a young woman swept up in circumstances beyond her control. She’s been taken back in time, forced to adapt to her new environment, people, and language. Now a new task is set before her, find out why this happened to her in the first place and if she can get back home.
The men who she’s met in this ancient time period, Jadi, Asterion, and Kit, all have very different yet important roles to play in either her success or failure. As their burgeoning relationships start to kindle, can they work together to solve the mystery?
Ms. Kemp is a remarkable storyteller. The amount of researched and intricate detail that go into her stories bring not only the time period to life but give each character a living, breathing embodiment of humanity long gone. Her stories weave a beautiful tapestry of the everyday life, culture, and religion of the Minoan people. It’s a pleasure to visit their world and I’m always sad to leave it behind when I turn the last page. Kudos to Ms. Kemp.
October 17, 2022
Love history? Gods and goddesses? Epic battles and prophecies that span the threads of time? Then this book is for you, after reading the first of course. And of course having a small harem of hotness doesn’t hurt.
Book two starts where the first left off, with a trip to the Oracle, a prince pledged to a minas (queen), and a bit of suspected back room, black market trading. Toss in a prophecy and you have what leads to a story of epic proportions that will have you devouring this book in a single day.
The plot building, world building, and character growths are deep and rich. You can’t help but grow to love these people as they love, bleed, and suffer from one chapter to the next. With minor plots so thoroughly interwoven through the main plot, this book so worth all its pages and more. Now I just have to anxiously wait for the next book to come out…
Book two starts where the first left off, with a trip to the Oracle, a prince pledged to a minas (queen), and a bit of suspected back room, black market trading. Toss in a prophecy and you have what leads to a story of epic proportions that will have you devouring this book in a single day.
The plot building, world building, and character growths are deep and rich. You can’t help but grow to love these people as they love, bleed, and suffer from one chapter to the next. With minor plots so thoroughly interwoven through the main plot, this book so worth all its pages and more. Now I just have to anxiously wait for the next book to come out…
October 21, 2022
Love God's, Goddess,time travel, prophecies demigods. Then Dying God's series is for you. This is book 2, Burning the Stars this series will suck you in from book one and have you impatiently tapping your foot for book 3. Please note this is a Reverse Harem, MFMMM Slow burn and the amount of History research the Author took her time make sure you have a short history about the time period and people of that time. Which make this book all the more special. Come Dive into a world and I hope you love it as much as I do!
xx kayla
xx kayla
October 23, 2022
First and foremost! This series goes in order and leaves off with cliffhangers. If you haven't read, "Drown the Sea: Dying Gods Book One" go read that book first. Otherwise, this review will contain spoilers and be confusing. Secondly, this series takes place in the Bronze Age Mediterranean, the Minoan civilization. Historically accurate with creative flare.
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"Only a fool would hike Mount Ida unprepared." - Brita
Finally! Adrienne may have a way to get back home. Climbing a mountain to get to the Oracle in hopes of gaining answers ones that will hopefully lead her back home. Only Adrienne did not anticipate the company of Asterion, the grumpy man is still keen on bullying her. Also no one mentioned there would be so much walking involved! Never mind Asterion, she will soon be leaving this time period and going back to modern society.
Will Adrienne get the answers she seeks? Will she truly be able to time travel back home? Will Asterion cease being a grump? Will Kit fully pledge himself to Xenodice? And why does her heartache with the thought of leaving the Bronze Age?
"And if the stars have already written their destiny, then I will change the course of those stars, or I will burn them down." - Jadikira
This book. . .this series. . . I could and did get lost in these pages. I am now begging for the next book to come out as soon as possible! I didn't realize how much I love historical fiction until I read this series. Now I cannot get enough of historical fictions with historical accuracies and of course, creative liberties.
I loved being able to fully submerge into a story that was historically accurate. Not being pulled out of the book because of random modern tidbits mentioned. Clothing, language, culture, etc. everything was just accurate! The author clearly does so much research when it comes to this series, and I respect that so much. Elisha even had a little history lesson at the beginning of the book on how Minoan's potentially viewed things.
Adrienne's still trying to figure out the Bronze Age and how she "fits" into it. Not wanting to fully submerge herself into the time period because she hopes to be leaving soon. Though you can tell it's getting harder and harder for Adrienne to not form attachments and relationships. But let's be honest, Adrienne's only fooling herself.
Having to deal with the new life, her newfound feelings, and all the things that come with being in a new time period. Something else that really solidified my love for this series is that Adrienne has to learn EVERYTHING, right down to the language. Even to other main characters irritations on how ill equipped she is to handle life. I liked that she didn't just randomly know how to do everything.
With this book we get to dive in deeper with Asterion and Jadikira's relationship and back grounds. I got very excited when the author did a cover reveal and Jadikira was on it! He's still one of my favorite characters and after reading this book that love has only grown. I liked Asterion's arc throughout this book and what's under that mask of his.
There's also a particular scene that in the modern world we see nothing wrong with, but in the Bronze Age it is seen as not appealing. I just wanted to hug Asterion! On several occasions throughout this read! He's one that I have liked but with this book it has turned to love. Kit's still growing on me, but I will say this book has helped changed my view on him, not saying I hated him. Just you could tell from book one on, he was due for a reality check.
This series is about a slow burn RH or why choose time travel, historical fiction, romance. I loved how the Minoan's were matriarchal with women as the head of the families and holding higher positions than men. Men still being seen in high regards and respected. I loved the balance and the uniqueness of things and the culture along with the pledges. Oaths men took and how a boy became a man or was seen as such.
The book has language along with curses relating to the time period. We get more spice with this book because of all the buildup from book one. There are still some relationships being built or figured out along with tension. MF action, MM action, MFM action, both at the same time because the men are not shy of helping one another out. The female in the situation not protesting at all. FF action with passionate kissing and implications of more. Multiple POVs, violence, and some gore.
I like how the author included brief recaps of the first book. A short glossary at the ending of the book along with a list of Minoan Pantheon. Just the author did such a good job with this book, and I will be needing this series in physical copies when I can!
Now excuse me while I draw a bath and see if I can time travel back to the Bronze Age Mediterranean. I'm in a landlocked state it's my only option and I know my pledges are waiting for me. Sooo. . .bye! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
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"Only a fool would hike Mount Ida unprepared." - Brita
Finally! Adrienne may have a way to get back home. Climbing a mountain to get to the Oracle in hopes of gaining answers ones that will hopefully lead her back home. Only Adrienne did not anticipate the company of Asterion, the grumpy man is still keen on bullying her. Also no one mentioned there would be so much walking involved! Never mind Asterion, she will soon be leaving this time period and going back to modern society.
Will Adrienne get the answers she seeks? Will she truly be able to time travel back home? Will Asterion cease being a grump? Will Kit fully pledge himself to Xenodice? And why does her heartache with the thought of leaving the Bronze Age?
"And if the stars have already written their destiny, then I will change the course of those stars, or I will burn them down." - Jadikira
This book. . .this series. . . I could and did get lost in these pages. I am now begging for the next book to come out as soon as possible! I didn't realize how much I love historical fiction until I read this series. Now I cannot get enough of historical fictions with historical accuracies and of course, creative liberties.
I loved being able to fully submerge into a story that was historically accurate. Not being pulled out of the book because of random modern tidbits mentioned. Clothing, language, culture, etc. everything was just accurate! The author clearly does so much research when it comes to this series, and I respect that so much. Elisha even had a little history lesson at the beginning of the book on how Minoan's potentially viewed things.
Adrienne's still trying to figure out the Bronze Age and how she "fits" into it. Not wanting to fully submerge herself into the time period because she hopes to be leaving soon. Though you can tell it's getting harder and harder for Adrienne to not form attachments and relationships. But let's be honest, Adrienne's only fooling herself.
Having to deal with the new life, her newfound feelings, and all the things that come with being in a new time period. Something else that really solidified my love for this series is that Adrienne has to learn EVERYTHING, right down to the language. Even to other main characters irritations on how ill equipped she is to handle life. I liked that she didn't just randomly know how to do everything.
With this book we get to dive in deeper with Asterion and Jadikira's relationship and back grounds. I got very excited when the author did a cover reveal and Jadikira was on it! He's still one of my favorite characters and after reading this book that love has only grown. I liked Asterion's arc throughout this book and what's under that mask of his.
There's also a particular scene that in the modern world we see nothing wrong with, but in the Bronze Age it is seen as not appealing. I just wanted to hug Asterion! On several occasions throughout this read! He's one that I have liked but with this book it has turned to love. Kit's still growing on me, but I will say this book has helped changed my view on him, not saying I hated him. Just you could tell from book one on, he was due for a reality check.
This series is about a slow burn RH or why choose time travel, historical fiction, romance. I loved how the Minoan's were matriarchal with women as the head of the families and holding higher positions than men. Men still being seen in high regards and respected. I loved the balance and the uniqueness of things and the culture along with the pledges. Oaths men took and how a boy became a man or was seen as such.
The book has language along with curses relating to the time period. We get more spice with this book because of all the buildup from book one. There are still some relationships being built or figured out along with tension. MF action, MM action, MFM action, both at the same time because the men are not shy of helping one another out. The female in the situation not protesting at all. FF action with passionate kissing and implications of more. Multiple POVs, violence, and some gore.
I like how the author included brief recaps of the first book. A short glossary at the ending of the book along with a list of Minoan Pantheon. Just the author did such a good job with this book, and I will be needing this series in physical copies when I can!
Now excuse me while I draw a bath and see if I can time travel back to the Bronze Age Mediterranean. I'm in a landlocked state it's my only option and I know my pledges are waiting for me. Sooo. . .bye! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.blogspot.com
October 6, 2022
Burn the Stars is SO good y'all! Sequel to Drown the Sea, it starts with Adrienne and Asterion's journey to find the Oracle so Adrienne could go home.
The tension, the spice 🤌 AMAZING.
As always, I love Kemp's interpretation of Minoan mythology and history. They're well done and it clearly shows how much research the author had done 😭💜 I appreciate it so much.
Can't wait to read the next book!
The tension, the spice 🤌 AMAZING.
As always, I love Kemp's interpretation of Minoan mythology and history. They're well done and it clearly shows how much research the author had done 😭💜 I appreciate it so much.
Can't wait to read the next book!
October 12, 2022
Thank you for the arc!!
5⭐️
3🌶
I loved the first book but the second one, Burn the Stars was even better. The plot, spice and characters were amazing.
Minor spoilers below*
Rh is probably one of my favourite book genres and this series is definitely one of my favs now. It was such a nice surprise when Nerites showed up. He’s the perfect guy to add to the group especially cause he’s like the perfect golden retriever character.
I’m so happy we saw major development from Asterion because he might be my favourite now. I honestly can’t pick. When he cuddled Adrienne because she was cold my heart was melting. That was such a cute scene. Jadi was perfect as always. I don’t think there has been a moment where I didn’t like him. He’s so protective over Adrienne it’s adorable.
Kit needs to do some major grovelling so I’m hoping to see that in the next book.
I can’t wait for the next book!!
5⭐️
3🌶
I loved the first book but the second one, Burn the Stars was even better. The plot, spice and characters were amazing.
Minor spoilers below*
Rh is probably one of my favourite book genres and this series is definitely one of my favs now. It was such a nice surprise when Nerites showed up. He’s the perfect guy to add to the group especially cause he’s like the perfect golden retriever character.
I’m so happy we saw major development from Asterion because he might be my favourite now. I honestly can’t pick. When he cuddled Adrienne because she was cold my heart was melting. That was such a cute scene. Jadi was perfect as always. I don’t think there has been a moment where I didn’t like him. He’s so protective over Adrienne it’s adorable.
Kit needs to do some major grovelling so I’m hoping to see that in the next book.
I can’t wait for the next book!!
August 10, 2024
Increíble, incluso mejor que el primero.
October 21, 2022
This is book 2 in this series! The story picks up where book 1 left off with our characters heading to find the oracle to send Adrienne home. This books is everything! The tension is jump off the page hot and then the build up to the spice is beautiful. You can feel and read the research the author has put intro this metrology and it’s appreciated. I loved the continuation of this story and cannot wait for more! If you haven’t started yet your missing out! It starts with drown the sea.
February 4, 2024
This series has become my entire personality. I have completely fallen in love with this world and these characters. The plot thickens, the characters face new (and old) challenges, decisions are made, questions are answered, oaths and pledges are made. It's so obvious that Kemp is passionate about keeping this series and world as historically accurate as possible. I will literally never stop recommending this series 💙
October 24, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Burn the Stars picks up directly where Drown the Sea left off, and it was perfect! The transition was so smooth, and the story dove straight into the meat of the plot with no distracting fluff to catch the reader up, which is unnecessary if you read this book straight after the first. Readers were introduced to new twists and characters that significantly progressed the story from the first book, but there was a lot more focus on character growth. The only complaint I had about this book was the structure of the ending. I loved Drown the Sea, but I felt it took too long to get to the main story in the beginning. Burn the Stars was the opposite. The whole first half was plot heavy and moved very quickly, while the last few chapters were a bit repetitive and subduded. However, a new love interest was introduced who I found adorable, so I am not complaining that much. There was also a lack of build-up at the end. Not every book needs to end on a cliffhanger, but I like a bit of tension when a book in a series ends, and I felt like that tension was missing. There is a battle coming up in the next book, but Adrienne and her men were so wrapped up in each other that the impending war felt like an afterthought. But none of this deminished my desire to read teh next book!
On a positive note, I loved everything else! The problems I had with Adrienne’s naïveté and lack of interest in her new world from the first book were addressed, and she grew significantally as she developed her self-confidence and courage. I liked her a lot more this time around, especially when she stood up for herself and her loved ones. The smut was amped way up in this book, and I loved it!!! Not all of the guys were involved but based on some very blatant hints, that should be changing soon, and I can't wait. Adrienne also strengthened her relationships with Asterion, Jadikira, and Kit, and all three men had significant character growth. Especially Kit, who had a rough time but made significant personal growth by learning some hard lessons. He grew on me, and I'm eager to see how he acts as the series progresses.
The first book featured more action, while this book featured more emotional development and built on the suspicions about Adrienne’s role in the past. Burn the Stars was a fantastic follow-up to Drown the Sea. I only rated it four stars because the ending didn’t wow me, but I had a great time reading this book. Time flew by while the story completely sucked me in. I can’t wait for the third, and I think, final book!
Burn the Stars picks up directly where Drown the Sea left off, and it was perfect! The transition was so smooth, and the story dove straight into the meat of the plot with no distracting fluff to catch the reader up, which is unnecessary if you read this book straight after the first. Readers were introduced to new twists and characters that significantly progressed the story from the first book, but there was a lot more focus on character growth. The only complaint I had about this book was the structure of the ending. I loved Drown the Sea, but I felt it took too long to get to the main story in the beginning. Burn the Stars was the opposite. The whole first half was plot heavy and moved very quickly, while the last few chapters were a bit repetitive and subduded. However, a new love interest was introduced who I found adorable, so I am not complaining that much. There was also a lack of build-up at the end. Not every book needs to end on a cliffhanger, but I like a bit of tension when a book in a series ends, and I felt like that tension was missing. There is a battle coming up in the next book, but Adrienne and her men were so wrapped up in each other that the impending war felt like an afterthought. But none of this deminished my desire to read teh next book!
On a positive note, I loved everything else! The problems I had with Adrienne’s naïveté and lack of interest in her new world from the first book were addressed, and she grew significantally as she developed her self-confidence and courage. I liked her a lot more this time around, especially when she stood up for herself and her loved ones. The smut was amped way up in this book, and I loved it!!! Not all of the guys were involved but based on some very blatant hints, that should be changing soon, and I can't wait. Adrienne also strengthened her relationships with Asterion, Jadikira, and Kit, and all three men had significant character growth. Especially Kit, who had a rough time but made significant personal growth by learning some hard lessons. He grew on me, and I'm eager to see how he acts as the series progresses.
The first book featured more action, while this book featured more emotional development and built on the suspicions about Adrienne’s role in the past. Burn the Stars was a fantastic follow-up to Drown the Sea. I only rated it four stars because the ending didn’t wow me, but I had a great time reading this book. Time flew by while the story completely sucked me in. I can’t wait for the third, and I think, final book!
February 26, 2024
“If the stars have already written their destiny, then I will change the course of those stars, or I will burn them down.”
Somehow this sequel is even more addicting than Drown the Sea, and Elisha Kemp is blowing my mind with the new direction this story is taking. This book will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about this Ancient Greek world, and you won’t want to put it down until you have all the answers. Many of those answers come in this second installment, but Elisha is holding out to fully sate our curiosity until the final book, Wake the Gods.
Some things to look forward to in book 2…
😈 We see firsthand why Asterion is referred to as a bull
🛏️ Angsty, one-bed and one-tent moments
🥵 Lots of on-page spice - MMF, MF, FF
🧜♂️ The fourth and final of Adrienne’s suitors makes an appearance
💗 Swoon-worthy proclamations by said suitors
I am obsessed with this world and these characters, and I’m so excited to see where their journey takes them in the final book!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Somehow this sequel is even more addicting than Drown the Sea, and Elisha Kemp is blowing my mind with the new direction this story is taking. This book will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about this Ancient Greek world, and you won’t want to put it down until you have all the answers. Many of those answers come in this second installment, but Elisha is holding out to fully sate our curiosity until the final book, Wake the Gods.
Some things to look forward to in book 2…
😈 We see firsthand why Asterion is referred to as a bull
🛏️ Angsty, one-bed and one-tent moments
🥵 Lots of on-page spice - MMF, MF, FF
🧜♂️ The fourth and final of Adrienne’s suitors makes an appearance
💗 Swoon-worthy proclamations by said suitors
I am obsessed with this world and these characters, and I’m so excited to see where their journey takes them in the final book!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
October 10, 2022
This was an amazing second installment to this series! Both the plot AND the spice picked up in this book and I’m loving it.
Burn the Stars follows Adrienne as she finds out her place in the new world that she has been placed in alongside making deeper connections with her romantic interests. We see Adrienne’s growth into who she’s meant to be, but she still has a long way to go and I can’t wait to see how she develops more in the next installments.
All of her love interests are interesting themselves and it’s nice to get to hear their POV throughout the novel. Their relationships with Adrienne and with one another are all different but also bring something interesting to the table. I can see where some relationships are going to go within the group and it makes me excited for the next installments.
This book delves more into the gods aspect of the plot and I think it will end up being more fleshed out in the next installments because there’s a lot we don’t know. I’ve always loved mythology, so this series is right up my alley in that aspect. I’m incredibly excited to see how the gods play more into the story and how they’ll affect the plotline.
All in all, Burn the Stars made me even more invested in the story that Kemp wants to tell and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
*I was provided an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*
Burn the Stars follows Adrienne as she finds out her place in the new world that she has been placed in alongside making deeper connections with her romantic interests. We see Adrienne’s growth into who she’s meant to be, but she still has a long way to go and I can’t wait to see how she develops more in the next installments.
All of her love interests are interesting themselves and it’s nice to get to hear their POV throughout the novel. Their relationships with Adrienne and with one another are all different but also bring something interesting to the table. I can see where some relationships are going to go within the group and it makes me excited for the next installments.
This book delves more into the gods aspect of the plot and I think it will end up being more fleshed out in the next installments because there’s a lot we don’t know. I’ve always loved mythology, so this series is right up my alley in that aspect. I’m incredibly excited to see how the gods play more into the story and how they’ll affect the plotline.
All in all, Burn the Stars made me even more invested in the story that Kemp wants to tell and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
*I was provided an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review*
May 30, 2023
By the Gods, this series is so addicting (I'll return to give a better review, I swear)
FOUR AND A HALF STARS FOR MEEEEEE.
I waited for the audiobook's recent release and HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Not only to learn how to pronounce the characters' names but just for the eargasms. I am absolutely obsessed with this story and its characters. Not even going to wait for the third audiobook release and will be doing a physical read. THEN - I'm going to do a re-read and tab all my favorite parts.
These characters need to be protected at all costs. The number of obstacles they all have to overcome to find happiness is something we can all relate to. I am not going to spoil anything.
If you love an excellent reverse harem, time traveling, see you next Tuesdays, MM love, and SO much tension and drama - Pick up this series.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS FOR MEEEEEE.
I waited for the audiobook's recent release and HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Not only to learn how to pronounce the characters' names but just for the eargasms. I am absolutely obsessed with this story and its characters. Not even going to wait for the third audiobook release and will be doing a physical read. THEN - I'm going to do a re-read and tab all my favorite parts.
These characters need to be protected at all costs. The number of obstacles they all have to overcome to find happiness is something we can all relate to. I am not going to spoil anything.
If you love an excellent reverse harem, time traveling, see you next Tuesdays, MM love, and SO much tension and drama - Pick up this series.
June 3, 2023
🌊 I really, really liked the dynamic of Asterion, Jadi, and Adrienne together. The three of them really just fit together
🌊 Brita having a side-romance!!! YES! I really hope her get page time in the last book. I know this isn't their story, but I really like Brita. And also I just like sapphic romance 🤷
🌊 The new and last has been revealed! We didn't get much of him, but is already jockeying for being my fav. He's adorable clueless and earnest.
Yup, that's it. Time to binge the last book.
October 22, 2022
I was excitedly waiting for this book after reading Drown the Sea and let me tell you all I wasn't disappointed in the least because it was such an amazing book!!! I loved it and now I'm gonna be waiting not-so-patiently for the next one :) Adrienne is an awesome FMC, so resilient and resourceful and it definitely shows more than ever in Burn the Stars. I don't want to spoil anything, but there were some BIG reveals in this book, starting with the visit to the oracle. So much action awaits you, but also a lot more on the romantic and relationship side than in the first book. All of that awesome story is wrapped in a bronze age setting with gods, grandiose destinies and a mysterious prophecy.
November 5, 2022
Elisha Kemp has done it again! I adore this series.
In Burn the Stars, Adrienne and the gang are continuing their adventures, picking up where Drown the Sea ended. We get a full prophecy, another lover introduced, and the strengthening of existing bonds, all within the beautifully-dipicted Minoan world.
There's clearly so much historical research feeding this story--I love the details, the matriarchal society, and the mystical bits mixed in.
Mild cliffhanger ending because of the series nature, but again it's like "this is a reasonable pause" type of ending rather than "omg something crazy JUST happened one page ago."
I'm so excited for the story to continue!
In Burn the Stars, Adrienne and the gang are continuing their adventures, picking up where Drown the Sea ended. We get a full prophecy, another lover introduced, and the strengthening of existing bonds, all within the beautifully-dipicted Minoan world.
There's clearly so much historical research feeding this story--I love the details, the matriarchal society, and the mystical bits mixed in.
Mild cliffhanger ending because of the series nature, but again it's like "this is a reasonable pause" type of ending rather than "omg something crazy JUST happened one page ago."
I'm so excited for the story to continue!
October 22, 2022
The second in the series, we get an even richer understanding of what the characters. The plot thickens! The author excels at spinning a rich story about life in ancient times. It feels like you are walking the paths that the people walked. It takes an exceptional amount of research an knowledge to make it believable… let alone imagination to brave a tale such as this one. We get time travel, forbidden love, steam, journeys, character development, personal development… it’s a lovely second book. I am so curious how the author will pull off the conclusion. It’s always curious how time travel love will work. It’s going to take quite the imagination to pull an HEA off…. I can’t wait.
October 7, 2022
This is the second book in this time travel series, and I am loving it. The spice has picked up, and the story takes off right from where the other stopped. I am loving the whole premise of this book. It's obvious the author took the time and really researched her history before moving forward into this book. I am loving all the different elements that makes this not simply a "time travel romance".
The world building is perfect, and the writing is amazing, the author really draws you into her story. The characters are so well thought out, and everything just meshes so well. When I read this story it's not just reading a story, it's getting a mini history lesson in an era I had heard of, but never knew anything about. Another well written book in this series, and so worth the read.
The world building is perfect, and the writing is amazing, the author really draws you into her story. The characters are so well thought out, and everything just meshes so well. When I read this story it's not just reading a story, it's getting a mini history lesson in an era I had heard of, but never knew anything about. Another well written book in this series, and so worth the read.
October 21, 2022
I felt transported back in time yet again. Like the previous book I lost all thoughts and time itself seemed to slow as I dove in to book 2 burn the Stars. First I loved the time Elisha gave to fully research this book, the way the Minoans thinks in regards to culture, sex, womens rights etc .I love the detail in Elisha's storytelling, I can picture each chapter as if I'm right next to Adrienne. When I finished the book , I didn't want to return to our current world I loved escaping into the past. I eagerly await book three. Thank you for bringing a once thought lost era to the current timespace.
Great job by Elisha once again. I did get a ARC for my honest review.
Great job by Elisha once again. I did get a ARC for my honest review.
October 2, 2022
"Goddess," he groans, his eyes squeezing shut. "What are you doing to me?" I smile against his lips in reply because, clearly, I'm trying to seduce him.
"Burn the Stars" is the second book in the "Dying Gods" series and picks up right where the first book ended. I really love this time travel series; the worldbuilding is superb and it's clear even the smallest details are well thought out. I love the combination of the past with a paranormal twist and the involvement of the Gods, and how all those elements come together in a truly awesome story. As an extra, the humor that's injected into the stories at times feels like the cherry on top.
In this second book in the series, the spice picks up, and I love how these men worship their woman from the start. The burn level isn't the same between Adrienne and her different mates in this book, and I think the burn level follows the relationship development between these characters perfectly. I love all the differences between the men, and how the culture they live in forms the values they live by. It's interesting to learn about the similarities and differences with other cultures, and I'm looking forward to discovering more in the next book.
"Burn the Stars" is the second book in the "Dying Gods" series and picks up right where the first book ended. I really love this time travel series; the worldbuilding is superb and it's clear even the smallest details are well thought out. I love the combination of the past with a paranormal twist and the involvement of the Gods, and how all those elements come together in a truly awesome story. As an extra, the humor that's injected into the stories at times feels like the cherry on top.
In this second book in the series, the spice picks up, and I love how these men worship their woman from the start. The burn level isn't the same between Adrienne and her different mates in this book, and I think the burn level follows the relationship development between these characters perfectly. I love all the differences between the men, and how the culture they live in forms the values they live by. It's interesting to learn about the similarities and differences with other cultures, and I'm looking forward to discovering more in the next book.
October 6, 2022
Absolutely LOVED this book.
The plot picks up significantly and the world-building was effortless and so much fun.
With reverse harems (poly), the men in the harem always follow the same recipe, making it a little repetitive to read them. but Ellisha's books are a breath of fresh air in that regard. Her characters are so easy to love that I can't blame Adrienne for falling for them all instantly and wanting them so quickly. The chemistry, the tension and the payoff are just perfection!
I found myself not wanting to finish the book because I didn't want to leave the bronze age matriarchal world and come back to our shitty patriarchal society but alas, all good things must come to an end.
I can't wait for the next book.
The plot picks up significantly and the world-building was effortless and so much fun.
With reverse harems (poly), the men in the harem always follow the same recipe, making it a little repetitive to read them. but Ellisha's books are a breath of fresh air in that regard. Her characters are so easy to love that I can't blame Adrienne for falling for them all instantly and wanting them so quickly. The chemistry, the tension and the payoff are just perfection!
I found myself not wanting to finish the book because I didn't want to leave the bronze age matriarchal world and come back to our shitty patriarchal society but alas, all good things must come to an end.
I can't wait for the next book.
October 12, 2022
Elisha Kemp brings us another amazing and epic fantasy tale with heart, grit, and devotion. The way she is able to take the mythology and weave it into her beautiful story absolutely amazes me. This is one of the best why choose romances I have read. It’s the perfect balance of plot and spice. I’m only sad that I have to wait for the next book!
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