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Midlife Olympians #2
Westside Harpy
When I quit my job as a fake fortuneteller to become Oracle, of course there were strings attached. Olympic-sized strings.
A modern epic of Homeric proportions with belly laughs and ibuprofen chasers
I’m adjusting to my life as Oracle with new friends, a pet monster, and a smoking hot god at my side. Things are looking up and I’m learning the ropes. Mostly.
The lights go out every time I access my oracular gift. Since the time of Pythia in Delphi, the Oracle’s worth and her life depended upon how she delivered the news to gods and kings. With Dione locked up, I can’t exactly ask her how to do it—not that I would trust her after what she did to my ancestors.
My only choice is to trust Hermes and my new friends and divulge my secret weakness. After all my ex put me through, can I do that?
While I’m searching for answers, another god seeks me out. I’m dragged to Atlantis where Poseidon reigns and the tech is fishy. When I’m there, Atlantis faces an attack. An ancient enemy of the king of sea has emerged and she’s brought friends.
Learning to do battle on the job was not something no other Oracle ever had to worry about. Good thing I’m a harpy queen and have enough bottled rage to screech across the realms, calling a winged army to my side.
Will my golden girls be enough to face the new threat while the bigger threat of breaching the gates of Tartarus looms?
A modern epic of Homeric proportions with belly laughs and ibuprofen chasers
I’m adjusting to my life as Oracle with new friends, a pet monster, and a smoking hot god at my side. Things are looking up and I’m learning the ropes. Mostly.
The lights go out every time I access my oracular gift. Since the time of Pythia in Delphi, the Oracle’s worth and her life depended upon how she delivered the news to gods and kings. With Dione locked up, I can’t exactly ask her how to do it—not that I would trust her after what she did to my ancestors.
My only choice is to trust Hermes and my new friends and divulge my secret weakness. After all my ex put me through, can I do that?
While I’m searching for answers, another god seeks me out. I’m dragged to Atlantis where Poseidon reigns and the tech is fishy. When I’m there, Atlantis faces an attack. An ancient enemy of the king of sea has emerged and she’s brought friends.
Learning to do battle on the job was not something no other Oracle ever had to worry about. Good thing I’m a harpy queen and have enough bottled rage to screech across the realms, calling a winged army to my side.
Will my golden girls be enough to face the new threat while the bigger threat of breaching the gates of Tartarus looms?
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
195 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2023
15 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Deschamps
21 books196 followersAfter 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.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 19, 2023
What a great follow up to Westside Oracle! Lydia is quickly becoming a favorite character. Love the relationships she is building with Hermes, Arachne, Luke, Nicky, Persephone, and Cerberus. There are some new relationships introduced in this book that I am excited to see unfold and develop. Looking forward to the third book!
I received an advanced reader copy through StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy through StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2024
OMG. I can think of no better place to start this review than with a comment on Poseiden's own personal Playboy mansion. The merpeople might have missed all the symbols but the readers got it and the chuckle the went along with it.
Lydia has grown in just a few short weeks. She has grown closer to her ever expanding circle, closer to her son, stronger in her responsibilities and braver than she thought she could be. Lydia from the first book may have taken things in stride but this Lydia has no problem being the center of attention as proven when she forced the gods to listen.
We get another helping of Greek myths with Poseidon and Hectate and more monsters in this story. We also experience loss, even it it is a bad one who is lost it still causes a moment as Lydia feels the loss. I too felt that moment as I am familiar with a more sympathetic version of the character.
Her fighting skills are getting stronger and she got wings. It was funny and reminiscent of a summer movie when Nicky forced her wings to emerge. This book is truly all about evolution and as Luke points out it is also about found family. I liked how the author did not shy away from more real world issues as Luke grappled with his Oracle side versus his love. We may not have the exact same issue but everyone in their life feels like they must choose.
Speaking of choosing, someone wants to draw lines for a battle and wants the gods at each others throats rather than choosing to side with each other. This book is another great installment if you love Greek myths and want to see how those myths fit in a modern world. I can't wait to see what happens next and with so many myths to explore, I hope this series continues for a while.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lydia has grown in just a few short weeks. She has grown closer to her ever expanding circle, closer to her son, stronger in her responsibilities and braver than she thought she could be. Lydia from the first book may have taken things in stride but this Lydia has no problem being the center of attention as proven when she forced the gods to listen.
We get another helping of Greek myths with Poseidon and Hectate and more monsters in this story. We also experience loss, even it it is a bad one who is lost it still causes a moment as Lydia feels the loss. I too felt that moment as I am familiar with a more sympathetic version of the character.
Her fighting skills are getting stronger and she got wings. It was funny and reminiscent of a summer movie when Nicky forced her wings to emerge. This book is truly all about evolution and as Luke points out it is also about found family. I liked how the author did not shy away from more real world issues as Luke grappled with his Oracle side versus his love. We may not have the exact same issue but everyone in their life feels like they must choose.
Speaking of choosing, someone wants to draw lines for a battle and wants the gods at each others throats rather than choosing to side with each other. This book is another great installment if you love Greek myths and want to see how those myths fit in a modern world. I can't wait to see what happens next and with so many myths to explore, I hope this series continues for a while.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this second book in this series. Lydia is a great character and even though she has had a pretty tough life with her con man ex, she is really starting to grow and shine much more here. I feel like this book was more of turning point for her - she accepted what Carlo had been like and is now ready to move on with her new life, with her new friends and family, with her new job and her new powers, but most important with her new, yet unexpected, relationship.
This book was full of love, friendship, betrayals, revenge and action! I love the Ancient Greek gods and goddesses mythology, so loved reading this interpretation of how they all act and interact with each other. Cerberus and Arachne definitely provide a few giggles too! I loved how all the different races of supernatural beings came together to fight back against some of the more powerful beings in this book, yet the most powerful gods could/would do nothing! Lydia, having developed her harpy powers now, a going to be a force to be reckoned with soon!
I have Book 3 on my TBR pile, so can't wait to get to it! I want to know where Lydia and Hermes go to next, what more the gods have in store for her and if anything will happen with Apollo now!
I received an ARC copy of this book through Book Sirens, but this review is my own, honest one!
This book was full of love, friendship, betrayals, revenge and action! I love the Ancient Greek gods and goddesses mythology, so loved reading this interpretation of how they all act and interact with each other. Cerberus and Arachne definitely provide a few giggles too! I loved how all the different races of supernatural beings came together to fight back against some of the more powerful beings in this book, yet the most powerful gods could/would do nothing! Lydia, having developed her harpy powers now, a going to be a force to be reckoned with soon!
I have Book 3 on my TBR pile, so can't wait to get to it! I want to know where Lydia and Hermes go to next, what more the gods have in store for her and if anything will happen with Apollo now!
I received an ARC copy of this book through Book Sirens, but this review is my own, honest one!
January 24, 2024
This is the second book I have read in the Midlife Olympians series and with each one, I have become more and more a fan of TJ DesChamps
The flow is fantastic, the worldbuilding outstandinng 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 and Westside Titans is already on my TBR (the box set is also on my shopping list!) A keeper for sure and I look forward to reading more of TJ DesChamps books
This Arc was kindly given by BookSirens and the review is given voluntarily and with great enthusiasm
The flow is fantastic, the worldbuilding outstandinng 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 and Westside Titans is already on my TBR (the box set is also on my shopping list!) A keeper for sure and I look forward to reading more of TJ DesChamps books
This Arc was kindly given by BookSirens and the review is given voluntarily and with great enthusiasm
July 13, 2023
Fun read, entertaining. This one had a bit more of the obligatory romance agonizing (Does he love me? Do I love him?) that is useless filler in a book - and there was a sex scene that took so long that I fast forwarded the audio book. I love urban fantasy, but not detailed romance or sex to fill pages instead of unique and interesting ideas and story telling.
This is light fluffy entertainment as background while doing stuff. I have yet to find great writing in the midlife paranormal fiction women's books, but this is one of the better ones.
EM Foner has middle-aged women in his EarthCent cozy sci-fi series, he doesn't fill up pages with agonizing over romance, describing sex instead of just mentioning it, or with empty chatty verbiage. The EarthCent series manage to have interesting ideas and plots from beginning to end. I hope to find, eventually, better writing in the mid-life women's books - it's hard to buy books about teenagers. I keep dipping into these mid-life women's books from time to time hoping they got better.
The narrator is fantastic. It was fun, but I will skip any further books in this series for now.
This is light fluffy entertainment as background while doing stuff. I have yet to find great writing in the midlife paranormal fiction women's books, but this is one of the better ones.
EM Foner has middle-aged women in his EarthCent cozy sci-fi series, he doesn't fill up pages with agonizing over romance, describing sex instead of just mentioning it, or with empty chatty verbiage. The EarthCent series manage to have interesting ideas and plots from beginning to end. I hope to find, eventually, better writing in the mid-life women's books - it's hard to buy books about teenagers. I keep dipping into these mid-life women's books from time to time hoping they got better.
The narrator is fantastic. It was fun, but I will skip any further books in this series for now.
March 15, 2023
Loved this book!!! Lots of emotion, heartbreak, hope, love and pure chaos.
Based around Greco-Roman mythology, there are all kinds of Gods and Goddesses, Oracles, Harpies and Sirens.
I had to brush up on this mythology (I enjoyed that) because I wanted to figure out some of the dynamics, this book is packed with great characters.
It's witty, there's romance and some really great fight scenes.
Most importantly, there's a Cerberus.
"Cerberus lifted his three heads, one woofed, another sneeze-drooled (don't ask, it's even grosser than you'd imagine), and the third panted, not seeming to understand why the other two heads were in a tizzy. "It's okay, Spot," I said, but my tone lacked the confidence I attempted to portray. Cerberus's heads whined, panted, and drooled respectively. Then the pooch rose, circled around in his dog bed and settled down again."
I received this fantastic ARC from T.J. Deschamps. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Based around Greco-Roman mythology, there are all kinds of Gods and Goddesses, Oracles, Harpies and Sirens.
I had to brush up on this mythology (I enjoyed that) because I wanted to figure out some of the dynamics, this book is packed with great characters.
It's witty, there's romance and some really great fight scenes.
Most importantly, there's a Cerberus.
"Cerberus lifted his three heads, one woofed, another sneeze-drooled (don't ask, it's even grosser than you'd imagine), and the third panted, not seeming to understand why the other two heads were in a tizzy. "It's okay, Spot," I said, but my tone lacked the confidence I attempted to portray. Cerberus's heads whined, panted, and drooled respectively. Then the pooch rose, circled around in his dog bed and settled down again."
I received this fantastic ARC from T.J. Deschamps. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 12, 2024
Another impressive installment in this "Midlife Olympian" series. Lydia's growth and belief in herself is increasing. She's trying to get control and learn how to be an Oracle. Also, how to be an Oracle that fights and can defend herself and others (Nice knife she got from her grandparents!). Being a harpy has some advantages but Lydia has to figure out what being a Harpy Queen entails... not to mention other powers she seems to possess. We know her mother was an Oracle, but just who IS her father? She may say she doesn't care, but will she give in and trace the weave back in time to find out? I wonder.
I appreciate that this book, like the last, does not end on some intense cliffhanger. I mean, there is still the threat of Tartarus opening and more Titans escaping, but the end of this book feels like just another day with friends...and life goes on.
Well done. Awaiting Book3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I appreciate that this book, like the last, does not end on some intense cliffhanger. I mean, there is still the threat of Tartarus opening and more Titans escaping, but the end of this book feels like just another day with friends...and life goes on.
Well done. Awaiting Book3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 2, 2024
OK how to explain this series?! It is fun-filled, nail-biting, fantasy-full, makes you giggle and cheer for the leading couple and their family and friends… This book is the 2nd 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.
It is clearly a second installment in a series and it is a great way to build up the momentum for book 3.
Be prepared for sleepless nights, munching on cookies, chocolate and 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….
Through BookSirens I received an ARC and I choose to leave this review.
It is clearly a second installment in a series and it is a great way to build up the momentum for book 3.
Be prepared for sleepless nights, munching on cookies, chocolate and 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….
Through BookSirens I received an ARC and I choose to leave this review.
March 23, 2023
this was a strong sequel in the Midlife Olympians series, it had what I was looking for in this type of book. I was invested in this world and the characters within. It had what I was looking for from the previous book and from T.J. Deschamps. I'm excited to read more in this series and from T.J. Deschamps.
"Apollonia, did Dione teach you how to use your oracle gifts?" She shook her head. "The bitch made me hurt to learn how. Matrix and medieval shit all wrapped in one. Downloaded all the knowledge in my brain by touching the magic stone." "Did you have to place your palms on the gates of Tartarus to learn?"
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Apollonia, did Dione teach you how to use your oracle gifts?" She shook her head. "The bitch made me hurt to learn how. Matrix and medieval shit all wrapped in one. Downloaded all the knowledge in my brain by touching the magic stone." "Did you have to place your palms on the gates of Tartarus to learn?"
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 1, 2023
This novel was just great fun. Lydia is beginning to adjust her role as the Oracle. There are still a few snags. For instance whenever she tries to access her powers all the lights go out. Oh and of course just like winning the lottery all the odd family members come out of the woodwork. You will need to read the first novel to get the lay of the land and understand how and why the old Gods on now living in modern times. I enjoyed the writing and recommend to others. I received this novel from BookSirens. This is my true and honest opinion
January 9, 2024
Lydia discovers she is more than just the Oracle to the gods. She is discovering what true love is and what it feels like to have a family.
While trying to find her place in the world and figuring out who she can trust and who she must avoid, Lydia is the center point of a battle of power.
Will Lydia be able to let go of her past and accept the love that she deserves? Will she be able to survive when there are those that do not want her to expose them? Come read this magical journey and find out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While trying to find her place in the world and figuring out who she can trust and who she must avoid, Lydia is the center point of a battle of power.
Will Lydia be able to let go of her past and accept the love that she deserves? Will she be able to survive when there are those that do not want her to expose them? Come read this magical journey and find out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 12, 2024
Another great book in this series! I love how the story wraps up and doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but the overall story continues in the next book. I will definitely be continuing this series, because I'm hooked! It's a perfect blend of genres. It was a fast and well written read. You find yourself reading just one more chapter, after every chapter end. It's just so hard to put down. Anyone who liked the first one, should definitely give this one a shot too.
I did recieve this for free(so lucky!), but these opinions are my own.
I did recieve this for free(so lucky!), but these opinions are my own.
March 14, 2023
This was a crazy wild ride through multiple kingdoms in the Greek Pantheon! Lydia is learning right along with us about how to be an Oracle, among other things, and I'm right there with her. I loved that it has sexy fantasy characters of all types, some of whom are just cute to look at but don't have much upstairs, if you know what I mean. (Check out Poseidon's army)
Loved it. Can't wait for Book 3!
Loved it. Can't wait for Book 3!
October 17, 2023
Well, Lydia and Luke learn a lot about themselves. Gods, Titans. Kings, Queens, and the many guards they each have, all came to battle. From the depths of Tarturus, to the depths of the sea to Olympus, no place is safe. It seems Gods and their siblings argue like kids. Now that is one area Lydia understands, it is amusing to read. I love modern day Greek Gods and really hope there will be many more books to come.
April 21, 2023
A Riveting Saga
In a world where all supernatural species exist, what's a mildly intuitive fortune teller who is married to a conman supposed to do? Well, how about finding out she's the heir to the talents of THE Oracle? This series is a fresh look at old myths, bright forward to modern America. I am enjoying the series immensely. Highly recommended!
In a world where all supernatural species exist, what's a mildly intuitive fortune teller who is married to a conman supposed to do? Well, how about finding out she's the heir to the talents of THE Oracle? This series is a fresh look at old myths, bright forward to modern America. I am enjoying the series immensely. Highly recommended!
October 3, 2023
The Gods of myth come alive in this book. Literally. Lydia as Oracle faces many challenges. I loved reading about the different Gods and their quirky and often cruel personalities. It's amazing world building with great characters. The ending left me smiling. A very good read and I recommend it. I received an advanced copy of this book and freely leave this honest review.
January 11, 2024
Falling in love despite yourself.
With all the challenges life provides Lydia, falling head over heels with Hermes isn't something she plans on. After all, she has her oracle powers to fix before some unknown God uses her for nefarious purposes. Along the way, she might have to fight a battle or two. There is plenty of danger and intrigue along the route. Can't wait for the next in the series.
With all the challenges life provides Lydia, falling head over heels with Hermes isn't something she plans on. After all, she has her oracle powers to fix before some unknown God uses her for nefarious purposes. Along the way, she might have to fight a battle or two. There is plenty of danger and intrigue along the route. Can't wait for the next in the series.
September 11, 2025
Hooked!!
I fell upon her 1st novel in this series by accident and was so joyful that I had! It possessed all the elements of Greek mythology that I love & made it so relatable! I so thoroughly enjoyed it that I immediately got the rest of the series, and after reading the 2nd, I'm running to the 3rd!!
I fell upon her 1st novel in this series by accident and was so joyful that I had! It possessed all the elements of Greek mythology that I love & made it so relatable! I so thoroughly enjoyed it that I immediately got the rest of the series, and after reading the 2nd, I'm running to the 3rd!!
April 12, 2023
Just Wow and Wow again!
Ms. Deschamps take on the ancient God's leaves you spelled and eager for more. I found myself on the edge of my seat.
Full of emotional upheavals I can't wait to dive in the next installment.
Congrats on the superb writing, Ms Deschamps!!
Ms. Deschamps take on the ancient God's leaves you spelled and eager for more. I found myself on the edge of my seat.
Full of emotional upheavals I can't wait to dive in the next installment.
Congrats on the superb writing, Ms Deschamps!!
March 2, 2024
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. Lydia has been through a lot but she is figuring out how to be an oracle. All of the characters are fun, but I love the harpies most of all. This poor woman deserves a little happiness in her life!
May 8, 2024
Another great book in the series really enjoying these books based on various myths. Not only is it entertaining you also get a trip into your memory to see what you remember about myths. Kept me riveted and am sure I will really enjoy all the books in this series.
December 4, 2023
After another fascinating journey into the world(s) of Greek gods and monsters, I enjoyed this action-packed, fast-paced read. Lydia is still charming, but she's changed. I wasn't as engaged in this installment as I was in the first book. Not only is Lydia an oracle, she is now a Harpy, and a Harpy Queen at that. Lots of characters to keep track of in this fantasy tale, some interesting and some not so much. I would have liked to have seen more world-building as I often struggled to invision the various locations in which this story takes place. For example, I couldn't imagine ships flying through the air in Atlantas, which I'd always assumed to be a watery world. I hesitate recommending this one, but if you enjoyed the first one (which you must read first to follow what's happening in this one), then you may like it. I won't be reading future books in this series.
February 16, 2024
Danger and secrets to keep you involved in this fascinating world of fantasy. How will this ever end. Can’t wait for more.
did-not-finish
April 13, 2024DNF immediately. I hear the character's name as fetus. I'm sure that's not correct but it makes me turn off.
January 13, 2024
Brilliant story, love the mix of shock and dismay followed by a smile and some loving, fantasy at its best, very involved storyline so very well researched, loving this series.
December 31, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023
I listened to the first book in this series on audiobook, and read this book on kindle. So glad to read more about Lydia and how she’s adapting to what being the Oracle means for her and for her future!
Clearly she’s adjusting well to her new life, with her new man by her side, and she is so much better able to handle issues from her past arising and further complicating life. In this book, a new layer of her heritage is revealed, meanwhile the gods and goddesses are battling for their very lives and Lydia’s just trying to keep up! Looking forward to more in this universe!
I listened to the first book in this series on audiobook, and read this book on kindle. So glad to read more about Lydia and how she’s adapting to what being the Oracle means for her and for her future!
Clearly she’s adjusting well to her new life, with her new man by her side, and she is so much better able to handle issues from her past arising and further complicating life. In this book, a new layer of her heritage is revealed, meanwhile the gods and goddesses are battling for their very lives and Lydia’s just trying to keep up! Looking forward to more in this universe!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2024
Lydia has traded in her con man ex for a relationship with her son and his fiancee and a Pantheon of Gods from the stories she grew up hearing about. In this segment, we meet more of Zeus' siblings, and WOW, I did NOT see that one, err… coming.
While I love the story of Lydia and Hermes… I am digging the side characters, who are made up with with Greek Gods and Monsters that I grew up reading about. However, with modern twists that make them all lovable and hysterical! I ADORE Arachne and her spider children and they have just added so much to the narrative. However, as we dive further and further into the story, I am enjoying how the author has woven together the different types of folklore to create a unique world. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While I love the story of Lydia and Hermes… I am digging the side characters, who are made up with with Greek Gods and Monsters that I grew up reading about. However, with modern twists that make them all lovable and hysterical! I ADORE Arachne and her spider children and they have just added so much to the narrative. However, as we dive further and further into the story, I am enjoying how the author has woven together the different types of folklore to create a unique world. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews