I wanted to like this book, but the first chapter was so cringy and just not at all well written.

On top of that it’s been spreading on social media that the author has been review bombing other authors with 1 star reviews and pumping up her own book with 5 star reviews. That’s disgusting behavior, and I will NOT support an author like that.

I would give this zero stars if I could.

I started this book, only to discover the recent behavior of the author online. The book itself was fine– it was exactly the kind of thing I craved, as Dionysus and Ariadne are my Roman empire, but it wasn't as engaging as I hoped it would be. Overall, though, I don't wish to support an author who behaves as unprofessionally as Cait Corrain does, which is why I did not finish the book and I am limiting my review to net galley specifically, to spread the word of this behavior.

For more information, see here: https://www.tiktok.com/@xiranjayzhao/video/7310312405571996933?_t=8i2yWmS58d0&_r=1

DNF. I do not support authors who tear down other authors. As much as I wanted to like this book, I won’t let the book community be tainted with this stupid hate.

I can't in good conscience read this book and review it, with all the evidence of the author review bombing other authors and claiming to be the victim. It just doesn't sit right with me. I stick by those authors who were the victims of this slanderous attack and won't be reading this ARC.

the plot/blurb seemed so interesting that i had no choice but to be intrigued in it. the retelling plot was captivating.

however, everything in the book had disappointed me. i didn't feel anything when reading this book, which is a major factor because that simply reflects the author's writing.

the character development could have been a lot better, and i think that if it had, maybe this would have overall been a better book.

thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc

This ARC was really good and had the potential to be a major contender in the book community. Unfortunately there is way too much damning evidence that the author review bombed fellow debut authors while upvoting her own book and I cannot support a book, no matter how good, when the author finds it acceptable to behave in this way. Without this, I truly believe this book would have done incredibly well. This review is for the book itself but I will not be recommending this book to anyone I know and will instead be recommending the books of those impacted by this disgusting act.

I'm sure this won't come as a surprise but after some recent events and allegations I will not be moving forward with reading this book.

It's despicable to review bomb other authors and turn around to try to give herself an upperhand in reviews.

As someone said, she had nothing to gain and everything to lose and she's on that road.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for granting my wish for this book. I was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to read and review this novel, and was extremely excited about this book. However, with the actions of the author coming to light about her actions on Goodreads, and attempting to sabotage other debut authors - mostly BIPOC authors as well - I cannot in good conscience support or review this novel. I do not support the racism inherent in attempting to tear down BIPOC authors to make oneself look better, nor the idea of making other authors look bad in an attempt to make yourself look better just in general.

I would be willing to revise my review if the author is willing to make amends for their actions and takes proper steps to do so, but otherwise I will not support this author or these actions. Thank you to Random House Ballantine for this ARC, and I am sorry that the author’s actions have forced this response from the reading community.

I was eagerly anticipating reading this book, however after the events that have transpired this week with this author, I cannot and will not support her work. To purposely target and review bomb BIPOC authors, which is already a marginalized group is absolutely disgusting. It is my fervent wish that as her publisher you all consider retracting her contract for this book as she has clearly demonstrated that she is not worthy of ANY notoriety.

Please do not use my rating or feedback in relation to this book due to the author's actions on Goodreads.

To Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey, and my fellow readers who would happen upon this review on netgalley.:

Thank you for granting me the wish for this book. Unfortunately I will no longer be able to read, review, and promote this book as it has been revealed that the author has chosen to review bomb multiple diverse authors releasing in 2024 like Molly X. Chang, Kamilah Cole, Frances White. Bethany Baptiste, L.L. McKinney, as well as author POC authors like Thea Guanzon who have released books in 2023. What is even more strange is that Cait Corrain is friends with many of these authors.

I have added the links to the videos explaining, one from a reader's perspective Madi Lim (@limmadi8 on tiktok) and another from a huge author, Xiran Jay Zhao (@xiranjayzhao on tiktok) who both have receipts on this issue.

I hope that the publishers at Del Rey would see this and take action against incredibly abhorrent behavior as this seems to be ruining careers of other authors and peers in the publishing space for seemingly no reason.

I had just started this book and in light of the allegations I will not be continuing. It is never okay to try and demean/sabotage other authors simply for being published at the same time, frankly it's sad. I find it especially ridiculous when this author had already gained quite a hype for the release from what I saw. If these allegations prove false I would be interested in picking up the book again. Thank you Random House for the ARC, I'd still be interested in reviewing for you in the future.

Update: Due to the recent news, I no longer recommend this book.

A Greek mythology retelling with a contemporary and sci-fi twist. Fans of Ariadne and Dionysus have a new book on their radar.

Ariadne Tholos, Crown Princess of the interstellar Cretan Empire, seeks refuge from her tyrannical father by marrying Dionysus and moving to Olympus. There is romance and political unrest at every turn.

I am not familiar with the story of Ariadne, but I’m a huge fan of Dionysus, so I was excited to read more about him. The first part was slow, and I struggled to stay invested. We meet Dionysus in part two, and the story finds its charm. The dialogue is very contemporary, which can deter some. That being said, fans of this mythology will enjoy this new twist to the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine for this ARC.

I'm very disappointed with the authors actions. I'm not comfortable reading and recommending this book at this time.

Update. Changed my review due to what was going on good reads.

Thank you for the ARC.

The Greek retelling of Ariadne and Dionysus retold as a slow burn space opera.
I was a little unsure of how taking this Greek story to space would work but it did.

Ariadne’s life on Crete, helping Theseus in the labyrinth and her meeting Dionysus on Naxos.

The story build up was a bit slow in the beginning and had me put the book down a few times but picked up once on Naxos and had a hard time putting down afterwards.

I enjoyed Ariadne inner monologue and her interaction with Dionysus and her character growth. Dionysus was a good time all around.



Ready for the next book!!!!

I'm grateful to Random House for the opportunity to review this ARC and I hope that I can review for them in the future. But I cannot in good conscience recommend this book after learning about the alleged unethical behavior of the author.

I thought this story looked very promising, but due to the recent controversy surrounding Goodreads and the author, I do not feel comfortable reviewing this title. Such a shame that an author would have such a scarcity mindset and tear down her contemporaries; there is plenty to go around. Should information come out that the allegations are false, I will be happy to update my feedback. Thank you!

Was very excited to read this but due to the recent controversy surrounding Goodreads and the author, I do not feel comfortable honestly reviewing this title. Should information come out that the allegations are false, I will definitely review this upcoming title. Thank you!

Given the situation that happened, I cannot in good conscience review and/or promote this book. What a shame because I was so excited about this book and its concept.

I will not be recommending this book at this time. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity for this review and hope that I can continue to review for Random House in the future. However, due to the current allegations against the author I can not in good faith recommend their work. If the allegations prove false I will gladly update my feedback accordingly as the story did show promise.

Thank you again for your time.