Westside Titan

Midlife Olympians #3

by T.J. Deschamps

When a fake fortune teller receives the gift of the oracle, of course there's strings attached, Olympic-sized strings.

I'm getting the knack of this oracle thing, harpy screeching, and lightning bolt flinging; too bad my gifts are attracting the wrong kind of attention. Typhon, Echidna, and a few other monstrous titans have escaped Tartarus. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades are all acting like man-babies over whose fault it is and who should take care of the problem. But, that's not the worst of it.

Carlo was exonerated for his crimes, and he wants his wife back. Lucky me. He knows my past dirt and supes have to be on the up and up or I.S.E.A. (International Supernatural Enforcement Agency) will crack down. If he stirs trouble, I might get deported to Olympus.

I've got to stop my monstrous ex before the so-called monsters like me get the boot.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2023

About the author

After living all over the U.S., T.J. Deschamps made the Pacific Northwest her home. There she raises three precocious teens. T.J. likes to lift weights, read, draw, dance, and collect oddities. Loves building worlds with words. Might be a dragon. Definitely a bog witch.

Reviews

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read in the Midlife Olympians series and TJ DesChamps is a consistently strong and let's face it, downright hilarious author! I am utterly invested in this series and frankly, I never want it to end

In Westside Titan, our favourite hellhound comes across a foot, just a foot, in a very limited edition sneaker that could have only been obtained by a member of Lydia's ex-husbands criminal gang. Is this revenge in the form of Lydia being framed for a murder she did not commit? Lydia has a varied array of comrades and supporters behind her, but is this a power beyond resolution?

If you've not read any of this series yet, I can summarise as follows;

The flow is fantastic, the worldbuilding outstanding and as for the characters, brilliant (I am a sucker for a pet hellhound and especially one with a less than subtle saliva spatter issue)

I absolutely adore how gods and monsters in the Olympians series go about life in the same way we do and this is something I really like about urban fantasy. DesChamps' wit is reminiscent of Holt and Pratchett but with her own unique flare and I am all over it

Lydia is a fantastic character and just poddling her way through a new life as an oracle, learning the ropes, making friends and enjoying life. Everything is ticketyboo and domestic bliss until chaos inevitably ensues and she realises she is firmly ensconced in the middle of an epic tug-of-war with ultimate power as the prize

The books are witty, action-packed, engaging and a great way to explore Greco Roman mythology.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this third book in this series. Lydia has grown much more into her powers as the Oracle to the Ancient Greek gods and goddesses, but this role does not come without its trials and tribulations.

Having defeated some Titans and other worldly beings in the previous book, you would hope things would settle down a bit more for Lydia, Hermes and all her other friends and allies, but no! Apollo is not one to give up easily and this time, he is using Lydia's ex, Carlo, in his machinations! Carlo is not the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree and is a master manipulator himself, but when he messes with gods and goddesses even he gets more than he bargained for.

Lydia has so much to deal with in this book and there are a few surprising twists here and there, but most shocking for me were the depths that Carlo would scoop to to save himself over his friends and family! Although Lydia has essentially wiped her hands clean of him, she still can't get rid of him completely.

I loved all the action in this one as well as the romance between Lydia and Hermes. There were lots of giggles to be had as well as some very tense moments. I really hoped Lydia would deal with Carlo and send him off to Tartarus to be rid of him for good, but she's too kind hearted for that! Maybe that's a hope for the future book! Cerberus and Gregory are still some of my favourite characters though!

This is such a fun series and I am so glad I requested it from Book Sirens.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good installment full of mythical creatures and gods of legends. Lydia has grown so much as has her son Luke since the first story so I am glad knowing more stories are coming and more characters from this story will get their own spinoff. After all these stories, you have to love Cerebrus\Spot. His unquestionable loyalty and antics make him both a force to be reckoned with and a lovable friend. The story unfolds with lots of action and more creatures to stir the pot. However, what was most interesting in this story was how Olympus was turned on its head and gods settled into "normal" lives on Earth.

The ending was lovely and truly a happily ever after for some but it also felt very much like the calm before the storm. I almost felt like Apollo was lulling the heroes and their allies into believing all was well so they could strike hard.

As I mention, the lull in the action made the end a little lackluster by comparison to part books but again, I think that will only highlight the action that is coming in the next book. I am glad I read this and can't wait for the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another entertaining installment of the "Midlife Olympians" series. Lydia is gaining more control of her powers and her relationship with Hermes continues to strengthen. But suddenly the ISEA throw Lydia, Gabriel, Nicky, Luke are thrown into prison (The Vault) for a crime she didn't commit.

Lydia realizes there are more beings in the Vault than just them. When her crew finally find and rescue her, Lydia discovers that the Vault was a depository for the most heinous and extremely old and powerful primordials from Earth and other worlds left there for so long, forgotten. She realizes this must be Apollo's next stop after freeing the Titans...to release these creatures and destroy Earth.
Trying to stay one step ahead of Apollo is proving trickier and more difficult. Once again, Lydia needs to diplomatically gather more allies to try to circumvent disaster.

On the edge of my seat to see when Apollo makes his move.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carin Boersma - Diepstraten · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK how to explain this series?! It is fun-filled, nail-biting, fantasy-full, makes you giggle en cheer for the leading couple and their family and friends… This book is the 3rd installment in a 3 part series but a 4th book is announced in the authors' notes at the end of the 3rd book and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.

Be prepared for sleepless nights, munching on cookies alknd crisps for if you start with this series you will not be able to put the books down. The world is filled with gods, goddesses, and all the mythological creatures you can think of.

My wish for 2024? More books set in this world built by T.J....

I apologise for not writing sooner after reading these books but Post Covid Syndrome got in the way. I really do like these books and I had a blast reading them.

Through BookSirens I received an ARC and I choose to leave this review.

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this story. Lydia is an amazing heroine who is constantly cutting through the layers of social norms and petty drama. These skills are honed through a hard life, both as the ex-wife of a conman AND a psychic who has relied more on her ability to read people, than divine intervention. She is snarky and real and relatable. I have enjoyed watching her, quite literally, come into her powers.

However, she is also a mom to an amazing kid, who is now an adult in his own right and must go back to his normal life. Unfortunately, some bad decisions are about to come back and bite Lydia in the bum, when her ex-husband starts his own mechanisations.

I adored this series and the author's ability to turn tropes on their head. I am curious to see where she takes us next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is pretty good. I have enjoyed Lydia and her found family of people she has discovered since finding out she was the Oracle. (I am a myths and legends fiend of all types.) I love how they are alll here from pretty much any pantheon you can name. The characters are engaging and our heroine can kick some butt in her own right. She finally has some happiness to call her own and I am down for that. Hermes kinda grew on me but I love the harpies. This whole series has been an enjoyable read.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia has come into her full abilities as the Oracle. Having said that Evil has also come fully into his powers as well an intends that he shall rule all. While one might think he is the stronger of the two, the Oracle has her own team of somewhat sharky supernaturals that have pledged her full allegiance. You will have to continue reading to see how it all comes out. I received this novel from BookSirens. This is my true and honest opinion.

[Leslie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this third installment of the Midlife Olympians series. Lydia is so relatable, and her struggles are as well. I love all the entertaining of the Greek mythology as well as the incorporation of beloved characters from Midlife Supernaturals. Looking forward to what’s next for Lydia and the gang.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sara Irons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lydia's journey has not been easy. But she is becoming the woman she was meant to be. Finding love with Hermes has been the light that she needed to lead her out of the darkness of her past.

While times are difficult with the gods each wanting thier power, can they find a way to bring peace? Will they finally find who is behind all the treachery? Only time will tell.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I found this series, it has been a total joy to read. I'm also glad that this wasn't the last book in the series as I don't think I could've handled that! These books are just too good and this one is no exception. I can't believe how lost I get in these books, I turn around and two hours are gone and the only thing that bothers me is that I'm not still inside the story! Fantastic, fantastic author. Don't miss out.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read! I enjoyed the snark, the different Supernaturals and the creativity. The "Hold my beer" comment made me laugh. Cerberus aka Spot has a totally unexpected attitude for a guardian. Loved the ending!

[LaWanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series! I can't believe there is only one book left. I can't wait to read it. If you've read the others, you definitely should read this one too.
I received a free copy of this book, but these opinions are my own.

[Linley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series. Very gripping I stay up late to finish the book as I’m so engrossed. Love all the references to the myths and find myself trying to work out what will happen however I can’t work it out. So it’s a thought provoking unpredictable read. Love it.

[LizJ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 3 in the Midlife Olympians series by T.J. Deschamps and is a thoroughly enjoyable and humorous book. It's a great continuation of the series and I really can't wait to read more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jeanéva Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the series.
This one really has the mother and lover feels. The danger and intrigue are turned up. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Patricia Joyner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book in this series and I am delighted to say this is keeping to the same high standard as the others, this author certainly knows how to spin an epic, can’t wait for more.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again the author has given us a fascinating story that will make you love everything about the characters. Action to keep you wondering what could possibly happen next. Don’t miss out.

[Karen Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read! I enjoyed the snark, the different Supernaturals and the creativity. The "Hold my beer" comment made me laugh. Cerberus aka Spot has a totally unexpected attitude for a guardian. Loved the ending!