I liked this greek retelling!

I often struggle with authors using modern colloquialisms in settings where it just doesn’t seem to fit, but overall it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story too much.

I did find the pacing a bit slow but the story was good so I pushed through.

I love seeing authors take existing characters and create them anew in their own way! Overall fun, with a few things I think could have been done better.

I enjoyed this book; it had good romance and I've always loved greek retellings. I did feel like some of the modern language was sometimes out of place and took me out. This book has such a cute main couple and they embody the opposites-attract trope so well. Apollo is one of my favorite greek figures and it was fun to explore this version of him.

Love him or hate him, Apollo is the subject of so many mythology-based books, and this one is no exception. However, this book presents Apollo in a way that is different from many others. Here Apollo is a demi-god- he is half mortal. Additionally, he refuses to take his place in Olympus as the God of the Sun. He works hard to avoid taking over his responsibilities by throwing himself into experiencing his humanity as much as he possibly can. It all comes crashing to a halt however when Zeus gives him an ultimatum: ascent to Olympus right now, or spend the next year being mentored by the absolutely annoying Prince Hyacinth. Taking the lesser of the two evils, Apollo chooses to spend the next year with Hyacinth even though he simply cannot stand him. Being forced together, the two struggle with their dislike of one another through the mentorship. Of course, that irritation begins to spark into something else, as they spend more time with each other and learn more about one another. I really loved this book. It’s such a refreshing take on a Greek myth. From Apollo being a demi-god, to the different constraints the gods must live by in this world. (I’m being vague on purpose to avoid spoilers!) I love the world-building, it’s such a new and different take on these familiar characters. They felt real, and I became deeply invested in Apollo and Hyacinth’s relationship. I also loved the additional characters in the book, I was just as invested in the lives of Apollo and Hyacinth’s sisters. The entire story is just captivating. I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the series and see where the story goes. Some of the tropes you’ll find in this one are enemies-to-lovers (obviously), forced proximity, touch them and you die, and I would say there is a bit of found family in here too. I’d recommend this one if you like Greek myths, enjoy stories of gods and immortals, an enemies to lovers romance, and writing style of Sarah J. Mass and/or Scarlett St. Clair ( a little less spicy though, at least in this book).

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this book.

Somewhat slow but fun retelling of Greek mythology, I thought the characters were well written. I would read more in the series!

I really enjoyed this book! It was such a unique take on mythology. The characters were so well fleshed out, and the storyline was captivating. I also absolutely loved the writing style! There wasn't anything that I didn't like. I can't wait to see what happens next!

greek mythology and enemies to lovers? sign me in! I love a good retelling and this one did not disappoint! I will be sure to read more of this author soon, the characters, the pace and the romance were so good!!

I am so grateful to NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!

~3.5~

I have always loved Greek retellings, since I was younger. I read any and all I can get my hands on, and I was super excited about this one. I love multiple POV novels, but this one was interesting to have the sister of one of the main love interests POV in here. I still don't know if I understand why she was there, but it was interesting. It took me a second to get through this, but as a Song of Achilles lover, another queer Greek retelling was exactly what I wanted to find.

This book had the cutest MM couple I've ever seen. The opposites attract dynamic has always been one of my favorites. One is an uptight, responsible man, carrying the kingdom on his shoulders, the other is an easygoing, rebelious demi-god who runs from responsibility. Put them together and theyx make each other better, more fulfilled people. This was perfect, but what really won me was the good-natured, slow burn romance. It was so sweet and natural, I squealed with joy when they confessed to each other. Can't wait to start the next book!

I love a book story based on Greek Mythology. And this didn't disappoint. Apollo has always been a favourite God because he's often portrayed as a bit selfish ans callous we get to see another side to him in this. I'd you're a fan if mythology, this is for you.

"A Veil of Gods And Kings" is the first book in the Apollo Ascending series, written by Nicole Bailey. It's a new-adult fantasy story with romance, multi pov, fast paced, intense, and very emotional.

"A Veil Of Gods And Kings" re-tells the story of Apollo, a half-god and the favorite son of Zeus. A prophecy claims that he's destined to be the God of Sun. So, his father wants him to ascend soon, but Apollo isn't ready for it just yet. Apollo loves spending time in the Mortal World with his half sister. His days here are peaceful and he is able help those in need. He knows he won't be able to do any of these things once he ascends. So he constantly refuses to ascend. His refusal infuriates his father. This ends with Zeus giving him an ultimatum. He sends Apollo to spend the year mentoring under the mortal Prince Hyacinth.

I love Greek retellings and this story is no different. The author has a great writing skill that immerses you fully into their world. The world building to the characterization is truly amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of the characters. Would 100% recommend this book to others that love a Greek god retelling, book 2 here we go!

3.5 stars

Plot is a little slow with not much genuinely happening in the book itself.
Character development was present, however, I did expect more significant events.
Plot twist came out a little out of nowhere but it's interesting to continue the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

I love Greek mythology and I love retellings, the fact that this is a queer retelling had me picking this up so fast!

The writing was really good, I felt like I was pulled into the world and could picture everything so clearly I just found my attention wandering a little after a while and struggled to get through some of it.

A great Greek mythology read!
I love the remaining of apollo and hyacinths story!
The worl building was really good and I'm always a suckered for enemies to lovers!
Would definitely recommend.

A fun retelling of the myth of Apollo and Hyacinth that makes for a very enjoyable read. The story is told through the lens of an enemies-to-lovers, suspenseful romance in the vein of Scarlett St. Clair. Definitely a Mythology retelling worth a read!

I found this book to be a cool take on the Greek gods. A queer fantasy following Apollo, I'll take it!

It was fun and interesting, if not forgettable. (But that's fine, most romance books are! I use them as palate cleansers lol)

I will read book two I imagine, and I will definitely recommend it to customers.

I don't think this book was really for me but I liked the representation of LGBTQ+ and the take on the Apollo myth.

Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for a copy of A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey.

"A god fighting his fate. A prince burdened with secrets. And a romance that could end in flames.
Apollo is a deity… almost. Half mortal and refusing to take his position as god of the sun, he spends his nights drowning out haunting memories and his days avoiding responsibilities.
Until his father forces him into an ultimatum:
Ascend immediately.
Or spend the year mentoring under the obnoxious Prince Hyacinth.
Forced together, Apollo and Hyacinth grapple with their mutual disdain for each other.
But what starts as a kindling of irritation begins to burn into something new. A spark that, if it turns to flame, could incinerate everything they’ve always protected."

When I heard this was a retelling of the Greek Myth of Apollo and Prince Hyacinth, I knew I needed to read it!!! The Romance, the Mythology and the Enemies to Lovers troupe!!! I ate it all up!

A Veil of Gods and Kings felt like a fresh take on this Greek myth of Apollo and Prince Hyacinth.
I like Apollo stories in general, so I was excited to read this. I would say this is a loose retelling of their story.
Sometimes Greek mythology can get a little complex if you aren’t very familiar with the characters, luckily, Nicole Bailey did a great job at keeping it easy to follow and understand – which I really appreciate.

- Greek mythology
- Enemies to lovers is always a great time
- Multiple POVs
- Good pace and worldbuilding
- MM romance
- Love this cover! It is stunning!

“I tucked my chin into his shoulder and whispered truth into his hair.
You’re beautiful.
You’re good.
And I love you.”

If you like Greek mythology retellings, this isn’t one to skip! Like seriously, pick it up!
I will definitely picking up book two!

Ah, I loved it.

Turns out I’m a sucker for a beautiful romance.

I saw some reviews say they hated the way the characters had modern mannerisms and it confused their expectations. But I love that about it.

I love how real and relatable and just downright soft (see the words; cute, playful, beautiful) the candour between our chapter leads is.

Will need to read more ASAP please and thank you.