What do you think?
Rate this book
Queens of Olympus #5
Burden of Hecate
The goddess of witchcraft has a secret...she can no longer do magic.
Having served in her position for hundreds of years, Hecate's responsibilities are piling up, and she has no way to regain control, something that hasn't gone unnoticed by Zeus' temple.
Alexandra has been sent to convince Hecate to step down, and if she can't, she has to find a reason to fire her. But the more she sees Hecate in action, the less certain she is that it's the right path.
Can the two of them find a compromise that will satisfy both Hecate and Zeus' temple?
Having served in her position for hundreds of years, Hecate's responsibilities are piling up, and she has no way to regain control, something that hasn't gone unnoticed by Zeus' temple.
Alexandra has been sent to convince Hecate to step down, and if she can't, she has to find a reason to fire her. But the more she sees Hecate in action, the less certain she is that it's the right path.
Can the two of them find a compromise that will satisfy both Hecate and Zeus' temple?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2023
4 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Arizona Tape
236 books786 followersArizona Tape lives her dream life hanging out with her dog and writing stories all day.
Her favourite books to write are urban fantasy and paranormal romances with queer leads, stories that she wished were around when she was younger.
When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen, watching shows that make her cry, or trying her hand at her new hobby of the week.
She currently lives in the United Kingdom with her girlfriend and her adorable dog who is the star of her newsletter. Sign up here for adorable pictures, free books, and news about her books: www.arizonatape.com/subscribe
Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/arizonatapeauthor
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/arizonatape
Bookbub: http://www.bookbub.com/authors/arizon...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/arizonatape
Instagram: http://instagram.com/arizonatape
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@arizonatape
Her books are available on all retailers and can be requested from most public libraries.
Her favourite books to write are urban fantasy and paranormal romances with queer leads, stories that she wished were around when she was younger.
When she’s not writing, she can be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen, watching shows that make her cry, or trying her hand at her new hobby of the week.
She currently lives in the United Kingdom with her girlfriend and her adorable dog who is the star of her newsletter. Sign up here for adorable pictures, free books, and news about her books: www.arizonatape.com/subscribe
Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/arizonatapeauthor
Reader Group: http://facebook.com/groups/arizonatape
Bookbub: http://www.bookbub.com/authors/arizon...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/arizonatape
Instagram: http://instagram.com/arizonatape
TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@arizonatape
Her books are available on all retailers and can be requested from most public libraries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 5, 2023
The Queens of Olympus series continues with a sometimes misunderstood and feared Goddess Hecate.
A Goddess whose influence is waning, deemed cold and antisocial brings Zeus' junior Inquisitor to her door to investigate and report back with a possible recommendation for termination of employment. Thus we have the story of Hecate and Ariana.
Oddly enough my emotions were all over the place as I read this.
Through Arizona Tape's storytelling I really felt Hecate's loneliness and sadness - her withdrawal after heartrending loss just going through the motions of her job. Ariana's concern for the individual being investigated was also evident which brought warmth and feeling to the storyline. Reaching beyond the task she was assigned to the reasons for the decline in the services from Hecate's Temple with a possible solution. I looked forward to Hecate finding happiness perhaps with Ariana.
Some may consider this a simple enough tale, but it is now my favorite in the series which is a clever take on Greek myths.
A Goddess whose influence is waning, deemed cold and antisocial brings Zeus' junior Inquisitor to her door to investigate and report back with a possible recommendation for termination of employment. Thus we have the story of Hecate and Ariana.
Oddly enough my emotions were all over the place as I read this.
Through Arizona Tape's storytelling I really felt Hecate's loneliness and sadness - her withdrawal after heartrending loss just going through the motions of her job. Ariana's concern for the individual being investigated was also evident which brought warmth and feeling to the storyline. Reaching beyond the task she was assigned to the reasons for the decline in the services from Hecate's Temple with a possible solution. I looked forward to Hecate finding happiness perhaps with Ariana.
Some may consider this a simple enough tale, but it is now my favorite in the series which is a clever take on Greek myths.
July 8, 2023
This time it is hecats turn to find love The temple of Zeus has noticed that the God Hecat hasn’t been doing her job lately and that she has been lacking on a few things. When they said the prince Ariana to investigate and find out why she finds out way more than the goddess wanted her to. When princess Ariana first arrives in the underground all she wants to do is leave but before it’s over it will be the last thing she wants to do. I love these books by Arizona tape The author has such a great grasp on her subject and I love that when Hecat offered to fix Ariana something to drink but Ariana wouldn’t allow it because a God cannot serve a mortal and most authors wouldn’t pay attention to that and that is not the only detail but the one that stuck out to me while reading the book. I also love that we got to see cameos from the goddesses that have already heard the stories told in those from future stories I know I say this for every book in every review that’s in this collection but I absolutely love love love these books and anyone who is a fan of Love will love them as well. Did I use the word log too many times I apologize I just love these books!!! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2023
I've been reading quite a few installments in this series already. The concept of this world is amazing and it's so interesting to see what the author does with all the different Gods and their tasks. Just like I really enjoy getting a different kind of love story every book. I was therefore really looking forward to this new installment and grabbed it as soon as I got my BookSprout e-mail.
I think this might be one of my favorite installments so far. Partly because Hecate is an interesting Goddess which makes her tasks also really interesting. We see her traveling to the Underworld, we see her try to do blessings and curses. We also quickly understand that there is a lot to do for Hecate and doing it on your own might be a little much, especially mentally.
I especially loved the emotions in this book though. Quite often authors only write about grief shortly after dead happens, but not the kind of grief that lingers. Quite soon it's clear that this Hecate lost someone really special and that it's keeping her from doing her taks and most of all it's keeping her from finding little moments of joy in her life.
Luckily she meets the right investigator. Dutiful, but also empathic. It's instantly clear that the process will be thorough, but fair and probably in the end especially what Hecate needs. I think the true romance only starts after this book, but it's clear that the connection is there and that them meeting is changing everything. For the better.
I think this might be one of my favorite installments so far. Partly because Hecate is an interesting Goddess which makes her tasks also really interesting. We see her traveling to the Underworld, we see her try to do blessings and curses. We also quickly understand that there is a lot to do for Hecate and doing it on your own might be a little much, especially mentally.
I especially loved the emotions in this book though. Quite often authors only write about grief shortly after dead happens, but not the kind of grief that lingers. Quite soon it's clear that this Hecate lost someone really special and that it's keeping her from doing her taks and most of all it's keeping her from finding little moments of joy in her life.
Luckily she meets the right investigator. Dutiful, but also empathic. It's instantly clear that the process will be thorough, but fair and probably in the end especially what Hecate needs. I think the true romance only starts after this book, but it's clear that the connection is there and that them meeting is changing everything. For the better.
June 10, 2023
In Burden Of Hecate, Hecate is dealing with grief, loneliness, and feelings of separation from others which is gradually revealed by Ariana. Ariana who is a priestess of Zeus is sent to convince Hecate to step down, and if she can't, she has to find a reason to fire her. As Ariana spends more time with Hecate and get to know her better she knows that she must help save her but what can she do? You should read and find out what happens with Hecate and Ariana in Burden Of Hecate and see how they deal with everything and what the outcome is! I received this book via Booksprout as an ARC for my honest opinion and I honestly loved it. I would definitely recommend that you read book.
September 9, 2023
5 stars. I’m seriously so obsessed with this series. It’s criminally underrated. This was easily my favorite so far. I loved everything about this. I’m not all that familiar with Hecate’s story so this was so interesting to me and made me want to learn more about her. I loved her character so much. She’s so prickly and moody but Alexandra took none of her shit. She knew how to hold her own and I loved that. Their chemistry was so good and I adored the way that Alexandra was able to get Hecate to let her guards down and open up. It was beautiful. The ending was great and I just had the best time reading this book. One to the next one because I want to stay in this series.
June 1, 2023
Hecate is my favorite Greek goddess, so I had high expectations for this book. And I was not let down! I loved the mystery surrounding Hecate, and the sweet, slow-burn romance between her and Ariana. Although the themes in this book were a bit heavier than the others in the series, this was still fairly lighthearted and makes for a good "in-between" read. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and it's safe to say that it is my favorite in the series so far!. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Ariana is sent to investigate Hecate for not doing her job properly. I liked that Ariana was so dedicated to her job to both find out the truth and present a solution. The solution frees Hecate from her burden and allows her to live as Despina again. It was also nice that there is a burgeoning romance between Despina and Ariana.
July 12, 2023
This did not disappoint, Hecate is on the verge of being being asked to leave her position or be fired, at Zeus’s orders. Just another reason to not like the man who holds the title King of the Gods. Ariana, a priestess of Zeus and his Inquisitor does as asked. Ariana is wonderful, she finds a way to help save Hecate. This was a great read, give it a read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2023
Hecate is a goddess in our own temple. She is going to be investigated by Zeus for. failings at the temple. She meets the investigator Ariana and is immediately taken with her. I found the story very beautiful as two people come together and enjoying that I knew of life. I found the book captivating and their characters were very lifelike with their human characteristics.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2023
Uncommon Goddess, Bittersweet Story
Hecate has been a Goddess for two centuries - she’s tired and worn, but she doesn’t know how to quit. Ariana is an Inquisitor from Zeus’ temple, there to make sure Hecate is doing her job right. These two start out very at odds with each other, but somehow, there’s still a spark. I enjoyed this story - Hecate is such a challenge yet sympathetic character, but Ariana is very likeable as well. A sweet spin on Greek mythology.
Hecate has been a Goddess for two centuries - she’s tired and worn, but she doesn’t know how to quit. Ariana is an Inquisitor from Zeus’ temple, there to make sure Hecate is doing her job right. These two start out very at odds with each other, but somehow, there’s still a spark. I enjoyed this story - Hecate is such a challenge yet sympathetic character, but Ariana is very likeable as well. A sweet spin on Greek mythology.
June 30, 2023
I loved Hecate's story. Arizona does a great job in world building. Hecate's world feels so real. I love Hecate. She is a character that feels so real. Ariana is also a likable character. I liked their interactions. I liked their slow burn.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2026
Hecate is amazing. she is an amazing goddess but she desperately needed someone. knowing it is someone to investigate her who she doesn't care for but she softens her heart. Persphone is a reappearing character. they both have been in the underworld for 100's of years so it make sense they are old friends.
June 8, 2023
Hecate is one of my favorite and one of the most mysterious of the Greek goddesses in my opinion, so of course I had to read this book. I can't imagine being a goddess and not having any magic, but this book takes the reader on such a journey that was entertaining and fun to read.
August 1, 2023
This was another great installment in the Queens of Olympus series. This one follows Hecate, who works in the Underworld of Hades along with doing blessing over world. Suspicions have been running wild that she isn’t doing her job so Zeus has send an inquisitor to investigate.
Enter Arianna, Zeus inquisitor, who’s job is to find out what is going on or not going on with Hecate.
This story kept me engaged, reading along, I finished in less than 24 hours. FF elements, so be aware. I also recommend all previous books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Enter Arianna, Zeus inquisitor, who’s job is to find out what is going on or not going on with Hecate.
This story kept me engaged, reading along, I finished in less than 24 hours. FF elements, so be aware. I also recommend all previous books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2023
This is book five of the Queens of Olympus series and the main characters are the Goddess Hecate (Despina) and priestess of Zeus and investigator Ariana. Ariana has been sent by her boss at the temple of Zeus to find a reason to fire Hecate, and is surprised to find the temple of Hecate completely empty except for a stray dog. Hecate has been in her position for over two hundred years, but has been struggling to keep up with her duties for the last few decades after a sad event. She has been alone ever since and become hardened somewhat to her role and not exactly encouraging others to want to help work in her temple. If Ariana can’t persuade Hecate to step down, she will be forced to find the evidence to have her sacked, or lose the chance of the promotion she has been hoping for. But when she insists on following Hecate’s every action throughout the day or night, she is led down to the Underworld and almost comes a cropper. Permission for the living to visit the Underworld is usually a one-time thing and needs the permission of Hades, the God of the Underworld. Hades (Maia) is fairly new it her role and actually knows Persephone (Penelope) very well, as they are actually going out together. Penelope is an old friend of Hecate, but Hecate has withdrawn from all sorts of social interactions.
Ariana soon finds out that Hecate is very meticulous in recording her duties, and in her tasks in the Underworld. What she only finds out later on, is the other tasks she has in the Overworld, to grant wishes brought to her by frogs. Ariana isn’t sure that firing Hecate is really the right solution, as not mainly would be able to face the Underworld daily to complete that part of the role of Hecate. Zeus has sent investigators to Hecate’s temple for about seventeen years and clearly wants her gone, rather than help find a solution. Ariana gets to know Hecate a bit better over her week of investigations and actually finds out what happened to Hecate and why she has been struggling to fulfil her duties. There is far too much for one person to do, even if they are a Goddess. Ariana will have to work with Hecate to get her to agree to a compromise and wait to see if the Zeus temple will allow it. Change is coming and will have to wait and see if Hecate can bend to the modern world and make changes to how she works or not. A sad story in part, as someone has given up on life, but is given a new chance to change her future. A touch of romance and second chances. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Ariana soon finds out that Hecate is very meticulous in recording her duties, and in her tasks in the Underworld. What she only finds out later on, is the other tasks she has in the Overworld, to grant wishes brought to her by frogs. Ariana isn’t sure that firing Hecate is really the right solution, as not mainly would be able to face the Underworld daily to complete that part of the role of Hecate. Zeus has sent investigators to Hecate’s temple for about seventeen years and clearly wants her gone, rather than help find a solution. Ariana gets to know Hecate a bit better over her week of investigations and actually finds out what happened to Hecate and why she has been struggling to fulfil her duties. There is far too much for one person to do, even if they are a Goddess. Ariana will have to work with Hecate to get her to agree to a compromise and wait to see if the Zeus temple will allow it. Change is coming and will have to wait and see if Hecate can bend to the modern world and make changes to how she works or not. A sad story in part, as someone has given up on life, but is given a new chance to change her future. A touch of romance and second chances. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
July 2, 2023
‘The Underworld isn’t meant for the living’
The Inquisitor and her boss described Hecate as aloof, anti-social, cold and cruel, detached, incompetent, isolated and secretive. Rumors call her ‘flippant, ill-tempered, hostile’. Don't stay somewhere that has people saying these things about you.
Dogs (and other pets) may be wonderful companions, but they might not be the best messengers. Even we introverts still need the occasional interactions with other people.
Speaking of introverts…
Just because we need to manage our energy levels being drained by external influences doesn’t make us anti-social. In fact, there are actually benefits to being thoughtful and in nurturing close personal relationships.
But don’t keep the hurt inside for too long. Let others help you get through the pain; talk to somebody about it so it doesn’t fester. Share.The.Burden.
Some sage travel advice from the author:
Beware hidden trapdoors.
Don’t drink cheap hotel coffee.
Always, always have a way back.
Fave phrase:
‘her voice calm and yet, stormy and traitorous like the ocean at night.’
Fave career quote:
‘No job is worth forfeiting your soul.’
May we all draw from an abundant “happy place” inside ourselves and lead a life of blessings.
Does the “Drama at the Docks” end before ‘Flowers for Pandora’ releases around 30 August?
***
Secrets of Hermes released 30 June - reading now!
The Inquisitor and her boss described Hecate as aloof, anti-social, cold and cruel, detached, incompetent, isolated and secretive. Rumors call her ‘flippant, ill-tempered, hostile’. Don't stay somewhere that has people saying these things about you.
Dogs (and other pets) may be wonderful companions, but they might not be the best messengers. Even we introverts still need the occasional interactions with other people.
Speaking of introverts…
Just because we need to manage our energy levels being drained by external influences doesn’t make us anti-social. In fact, there are actually benefits to being thoughtful and in nurturing close personal relationships.
But don’t keep the hurt inside for too long. Let others help you get through the pain; talk to somebody about it so it doesn’t fester. Share.The.Burden.
Some sage travel advice from the author:
Beware hidden trapdoors.
Don’t drink cheap hotel coffee.
Always, always have a way back.
Fave phrase:
‘her voice calm and yet, stormy and traitorous like the ocean at night.’
Fave career quote:
‘No job is worth forfeiting your soul.’
May we all draw from an abundant “happy place” inside ourselves and lead a life of blessings.
Does the “Drama at the Docks” end before ‘Flowers for Pandora’ releases around 30 August?
***
Secrets of Hermes released 30 June - reading now!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews