Thank you @NetGalley and the publisher for this book! I'll be posting this review to @flickreadsfiction on April 21.

I was a little confused at the beginning of this book because I felt like I should know these characters but I didn't. Maybe I need to brush up on my Greek mythology? But either way, this book was well written and I was impressed by the pacing of everything (well, up until the very end because I felt like it dragged on).

I don't really have too much to say about this book since it felt like a pretty standard Greek mythology adult fantasy story. I think I'm just not a huge fan of stories like this since I just can never say too much in my reviews. Either way, pretty good book! I can see it becoming a popular book once it comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley, MJ Pankey, and Victory Editing for an arc of this book.

Oh where to start… first things first… what an absolutely amazing story for a debut… honestly I was blown away by the authors knowledge and research that must have gone into this book.

It did start slow, but that was necessary to build the characters and give an overview of the world. Some of the character names I struggled with and ended up shortening them. (Sorry) Once you’re past the intros you won’t be able to put it down, trust me I know!

I cannot recommend this book highly enough, especially if like me you love Greek mythology. This is a very solid 5/5 from me. And I will be on the lookout for more from this author who is a very clear talent.

Lastly, just look at how gorgeous the cover is! That is a 5/5 too

To begin this review I should share that I absolutely love mythology. I was overjoyed to be able to read an arc of this book. It is very clear the author did substantial research in order to masterfully weave history into this work of fiction. Plus, did you look at that cover?

This is a story about what happens after the island of Helinthia’s queen is killed and … let’s just say the person that takes over the throne is neither a good nor compassionate ruler. After 18 years of Anax Charixes rule, the island is barely holding on. There is an unimaginable drought which has led to starvation and death for a sizable percentage of the islands population. Do they go to war to try to place the right person on the throne? Who even is the right person? Will the gods help? Do they even care?

I loved this book. Solid five stars. It started slow, needing a lot of world building and character introductions, but really hit its stride about a quarter of the way through. Once you get to the halfway mark you won’t be able to put it down.

There are several POV’s, which let the reader follow the plot not only from different characters perspectives, but also different locations and times (in the form of flashbacks/memories). Usually, with several characters there is always someone whose POV comes up and I groan…not in this case. Now, there were characters I loved to hate, but there were no POV’s I wanted to skim.

As for the characters, I really liked Loric and Gadnor. It took me a bit to appreciate Gonivien because she started out as the quintessential “princess” who lacks awareness of those less fortunate, but she won me over in the end. Forluna was probably the character I most wanted to get to know better. She sure is good at keeping her secrets. The fact that I, as a character driven reader, can’t pick a favorite is really surprising to me and speaks to the strength of this book. And, looking back on it, the hints for the big reveal(s) were there … but wow, they were subtle. Very well done.

I was appreciative of the glossary and maps, they were incredibly helpful. I think they will be crucial for someone less knowledgeable about Greek mythology. (Don’t worry, they are comprehensive and any reader will be able to follow the story). I do wish we had a pronunciation guide, but that will be solved by an audio version (I hope!)

I cannot recommend this book enough. If you like Greek mythology, well-developed characters, and/or an intricate (but very followable) plot, then go out and grab this book as soon as you can. You won’t be disappointed. And…it looks like it is just the first in a three or four book series! I cannot wait to see where the story goes.

Thanks to NetGalley, MJ Pankey, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an arc of this book.