3.5 stars

Release Date: August 12, 2024

Quick Summary:
——————————-
▫️Greek Mythology Retelling (Eros + Psyche)
▫️Queer Romance
▫️Self Discovery
▫️Body Autonomy (+lack of)
▫️Sexism
▫️Gender Fluidity
▫️Perseverance
▫️Power Dynamics
▫️Wanting, Longing, Desire
▫️Sensuality
▫️Aphrodite + other Greek god/goddess story features

What I Loved:
——————————-
▫️The heart wrenching beginning (felt so uncomfy!) and subsequent emotional scenes with Psyche’s sisters
▫️Psyche relationship with her mother
▫️Psyche learning about herself
▫️Eros fluidity and acceptance
▫️Eros relationship with their mother
▫️Beautiful descriptions of the human connection
▫️Aspiring for a greater world theme
▫️The Ending
▫️Book cover obviously - it’s gorgeous! I’m in love with the UK cover version as well 😍

My Personal Critiques:
—————————————
▫️Insta-love

(Just not my type of romance style - wished more of a lead up instead of strangers to immediately head over heels upon intro of the characters, wanted more mental connection mixed in)

▫️Long winded sentences that took away from the story, and dulled down the beautiful descriptions

(for me there were sentences that trailed on for too long, into paragraphs. If edited down would’ve felt more impactful rather than extending the idea/emotion too far)

▫️2 POV in different writing style

(1 was in first person, 2 was in third person. Personally would’ve preferred it to stick to one or the other)

▫️The pacing: second half was better - last 50 pgs strong

(I felt that I was as reading nearly the same thoughts and actions for the first half of the book due to the large amount of smitten physical intimacy and was craving for the story to propel itself into some character development as a couple and as individuals)

✨Overall I enjoyed this retelling and would recommend it to others who enjoy reads based on Greek Mythology! ✨

Thank you Atria Books (Primero Sueno Press) & NetGalley for an eARC!

Thank you Atria/Primero Sueno Press and NetGalley for providing the ARC.

First of all the cover for this is beautiful; I would want a physical copy for that alone. Secondly, a queer retelling of one of my favorite Greek mythological stories? Say less. Of all the Eros and Psyche retellings I’ve read (which are only two other ones so far haha), this one is the closest to what I’d like from a retelling. I thought the writing style was immersive and I enjoyed the introspection within Psyche’s POV. I recommend this work if you do like lyrical prose to get lost in.

However, I feel that the writing style is also its downfall. More times than not, I would find myself nodding off and/or having to reread entire pages because the question “Wait, what did I just read?” would spring to mind. I’m afraid that the contents and writing style may come off as a little too purple, rambly, and hollow for some. There were a whole lot of words that ended up amounting to nothing. Along with this, I don’t know how to feel about making Eros’ POV third person. I was really looking forward to that representation and having that sort of separation when we spend so much time in Psyche’s first POV was disappointing. I also found issue with the pacing, which again gets tied in with the long winded introspectives and purple prose. Some of the story was lost to me and it got frustrating how I was sucked into the prose but then when rereading I questioned what the heck I just read and if it was actually saying anything.

Overall, I thought it was fine. Not the best or worst. But I appreciate what it was trying to do.

The Palace of Eros by Caro De Robertis is a mesmerizing retelling of the myth of Psyche and Eros that genuinely captivated me. This novel offers a fresh and modern twist on ancient mythology, blending it with queer themes and profound emotional depth.

From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into the world De Robertis created. The story follows Psyche, a beautiful young woman whose beauty angers the goddess Aphrodite. To appease the wrathful goddess, Psyche’s father binds her to a rock, expecting her to be claimed by a monstrous husband. However, instead of a monster, it is Eros, Aphrodite's nonbinary child, who rescues Psyche and takes her to a hidden palace. The romance that unfolds between Eros and Psyche is both enchanting and intense, filled with nightly visits cloaked in mystery and passion.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the lyrical and vivid prose. De Robertis's writing brings the myth to life in a way that feels both timeless and refreshingly new. The relationship between Eros and Psyche is portrayed with such tenderness and complexity that I found myself deeply invested in their journey. Eros, in particular, is a fascinating character, struggling with their own identity and the expectations placed upon them by their divine family.

The novel also tackles themes of love, identity, and defiance against oppressive norms. The challenges faced by Eros and Psyche, both from external forces like Aphrodite and internal doubts, add layers of tension and intrigue. Their love story is not just about passion but also about finding freedom and self-acceptance.

Overall, The Palace of Eros is a beautifully crafted tale that reimagines a classic myth with contemporary relevance. It’s a story that celebrates love in all its forms and challenges the boundaries set by society and the gods. If you enjoy retellings of ancient myths with a modern, inclusive twist, this book is a must-read. De Robertis has truly created a work of art that resonates on multiple levels.

Low 2.5 stars
Thank you to net galley for this arc

I want to say I went into this hoping to love it since I love mythology retellings and I was excited to see a new take on psyche and eros. I really did not connect with the writing style at all. I also did not feel the love between psyche and eros as it felt more sexual between the two.

Even though it did not work for me I would recommended this book for people who are looking for a fresh take on psyche and eros.

Not only did I finish this novel in two sittings, but I know that I will continue to think about it for ages to come.. The prose was gorgeous and captivating, never getting bogged down in its own art. This was the sapphic/non-binary Greek legend retelling that I never knew I needed. For a story steeped in the past, the themes are entirely modern in a way that did not detract from the story. The plot dragged a bit in Part Two, which could have been remedied by focusing more on the growing love/conversations of the couple rather than the back-to-back sex scenes. However, if you're going to have gratuitous sex scenes you might as well make them good and this novel delivered.

Points deducted for the repeated improper use of a fig tree.

Thank you for the ARC of this story!

“True strength lay not in conquering others, but in wholeness, the clarity to refuse other people’s shame.”

This was a really beautiful, and very horny, Psyche & Eros retelling. It’s a quick read, but we do spend a ton of time on the nights Psyche and Eros spend together in bliss. It’s a pretty faithful retelling plot-wise, and I really loved both the sapphic twist and how Eros is a gender-fluid shapeshifter.

There is a lot of deep discussion of freedom, power, feminine roles, and exploration of being one’s true self. I thought all of it was really well done. (Ok I really could have done without the fig tree).

Overall, I really enjoyed this and would recommend, especially if you love expressive writing and sensual retellings.

“I know you are the flame that lights my soul.”

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.

This book was a wonderful deep dive into characters minds and emotions. I wasn’t very familiar with the story of Psyche and Eros before, and I enjoyed going into this fresh. The writing was beautiful — there were so many line so highlighted. I found it really fascinating how the author used this story as a metaphor for how queerness interacts with and frees one from the male gaze.

As a budding Greco-Roman tragedy retelling aficionado, this book truly was a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed it so much that I am willing to temporarily overlook my eternal beef with Ovid. While this fits nicely into its category of retellings, it diverts from other books such as Ariadne or Song of Achilles in that it actually has a happy ending. And whew, is that rare! I know they're called tragedies, and I love them all the more for it, but for this particular story, with the way it was retold to center a queer relationship, it was so nice to have a happily ever after.

Not only was it refreshing to have a story that had a queer couple and a happy ending, it was *amazing* to see Zeus getting called out for his atrocious behavior. While it is becoming more common to acknowledge how disgusting he is and to more accurately portray the violence and harm he wrought upon mortals and immortals alike, It was bracing to witness discussions actually taking place his abuses of power.

It will be lovely to have a book within this genre to confidently recommend to those who are looking to dive into mythology while also still enjoying a happy ending.

(I will be sharing my review to various platforms closer to publication date.)

4.5 stars

Beautifully written telling of Psyche and Eros in which Eros is gender fluid, and Psyche has some good character growth.

Psyche is so beautiful that Aphrodite grows jealous of Psyche's praise and sends Eros to make Psyche match with a monstrous man. Only, Eros decides to secret Psyche away for herself and sets the rule that Psyche can never see Eros.

Although I enjoyed Psyche's journey, especially in the second half, I preferred Eros's chapters. The writing is beautiful, and I found many relatable quotes about the way of the world and violence and abuse against women and gender fluid people. Fans of Song of Achilles and Circe will enjoy this.

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

Wow this was such a unique book! As a lover of Greek mythology and queer stories I'm really glad I read it. The nonbinary rep was strong. I loved the discussions of gender fluidity and I adored that the story involved carving out a space to be your unique self and to be free. The romance itself was very myth-like in the way it's told. The prose is similar to Madeline Miller's prose in that there's quite a bit of emotional distance between the reader and the characters. The emotional development of the romance was minimal but it was clear the story was using their relationship to talk about bigger issues so I didn't mind too much. The pace of this book worked really well for me. It moves along very quickly and I managed to finish the book almost in one sitting. I was worried that this book would be grim given the setting but it was actually remarkably hopeful despite the difficult issues it addresses. If you're looking for more books with nonbinary MCs or by nonbinary authors I totally recommend this book! My queer heart was very happy to have read it.

"The question she'd burn with later, when forced to see the cost of her defiance: Why?
Why do it, why risk everything? Did I do it for her? Or did I do it to be true?"

THE PALACE OF EROS is a
stunning addition to the repertoire of Caro De Robertis, with prose so rich it will leave you breathless and attempting to highlight lines on every page. This lyrical and poetic language is perfect for the retelling of a Greek Myth and for encapsulating the themes of the novel. Check out my reflections below and the additional info in the mani design studio on the slides for more

THE PALACE OF EROS delves into the exploration of fate and change. It questions whether we can break free from the systems that bind us and weave a new way forward where everyone reclaims their power - the power of self-determination and chosen identity. It asks if we can overcome remaining barriers and find true happiness while navigating the world on our own terms. Moreover, it wonders if desire and love, cultivated in the darkness, can thrive in the light.

The story is woven with themes of non-binary queerness, bodily autonomy, desire, and love.
It delves into the blurred line between desire and lust, and challenges us to consider what it means to desire a person as a whole, beyond just the parts we've been conditioned to sexualize. The narrative also confronts the monstrous forces in the world, whether they are of divine or human origin, all driven by the urge to dominate and control those they see as vulnerable or different.

"For an infinite moment we held each other and the world held still. Together we stood. Together we breathed. Together we dreamed of futures aching to be born."

The points of view in the novel are structured so beautifully and the characters are developed and challenged in ways that engage you and break you. If you love CIRCE, THE SONG OF ACHILLES, or works like BLACK SUN, this is for you! Get it! Read it! Love it! It's publishing 8/13/2024!

A queer retelling of Psyche and Eros in which Eros is nonbinary and can change their physical body at will? By Caro De Robertis??? I am IN. I knew little of the mythology behind Psyche and Eros before reading this, but I was quickly pulled in by De Robertis' gorgeous prose and multifaceted characters. There were moments in this book were I wasn't sure how I felt, where I questioned if it was really working for me, but honestly, the last few pages are so spine-tinglingly wonderful that I can't give this book anything but five stars.

This was a well-written myth retelling that remained faithful to the original myth while exploring new avenues and perspectives on the classic material. The author was adept at spinning a fascinating story with deep characters. I found myself gently pulled into the story in the beginning by the author’s writing style. Later, I found myself at points wishing they had reined in their narration a bit. At times I felt like skimming when the narration fleshing out character motivations and inner thoughts became repetitive and felt like filler. Not the most groundbreaking myth retelling but overall an enjoyable read.

I have very complicated mixed feelings about this book. I’m always a huge fan of queer retellings, especially when they’re rooted in Greek Mythology, but I feel as if mythology retellings open a gateway to pretentious stylistic choices. I absolutely loved Eros being genderfluid and the exploration of feminine sexuality that was captured through this sapphic retelling, but the writing in general made this book extremely difficult for me to finish. While De Robertis’ writing is undeniably beautiful, it also feels immensely hollow. The flowery purple prose went on and on and felt as if despite using so many words dug up from the deepest troves of the thesaurus, nothing of importance was said. There were several sentences that I read in which I stopped and was like, “What the hell was the point of that sentence being a run-on that was the length of almost a paragraph?”

I so desperately wanted to love this book, I just don’t think it was for me overall. Sometimes I really think that writers should stick to the saying ‘less is more’.

I'll admit I have never before read a retelling of any Greek myths. I know there are plenty out there these days, but none of them really piqued my interest. However, I always had this very small dose of curiosity. I decided to give in to that curiosity by picking this book up. I thought I could benefit more from reading a book that hasn't many reviews yet.
I'm kind of glad I gave this one a go, but it didn't work for me.
Most likely because, indeed, fantasy and Greek mythology retellings are not my cup of tea.
I did enjoy the queer representation as a subject of fiction, though.
I'm sure actual fantasy readers will enjoy this book much more than I did.

Incredibly atmospheric, wonderfully queer, with the most stunning of queer characters. I do wish all these retellings would stop getting comps to Millers books as it does a them a disservice cause we enter with preconceived expectations. What I did wish for was a more cohesive plot and overall the writing style just wasn’t to my taste.

Than you for this ARC!

I was really excited for a queer retelling of this Greek myth and I enjoyed a lot of aspects of this book. The characters were very warm and the story very robust. I did find some of the descriptions long winded and “telling rather than showing” but I’ll never not love a Greek retelling honestly.

I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately the writing style was not for me. I ended up DNFing this book at 53% because I was no longer invested in the characters or plot.

4.25/5 stars

The Palace of Eros is a sapphic (F x enby) retelling of the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche. It’s a love story in which Psyche is ordered never to look upon Eros… until the fateful day when she does.
I loved this, as I love most mythology retellings, and the fact that it was queer added some major points. It was such a good romance that also had so much amazing commentary on gender fluidity and patriarchal/misogynistic norms.
I adored Eros’s character. Psyche too, but Eros really stole the show. I loved the intersex/nonbinary representation and the way she was so fiercely rebellious against the binary that she was forced into.
My main complaint with this book is that, while the writing was gorgeous, there were times where it was a little too flowery. I noticed multiple times where there would be a giant stream-of-consciousness paragraph in the middle of a dialogue, which was super jarring and made it hard to follow the conversations.
I found the smut scenes to be some of the best I’ve ever read. This is a book about Eros (goddess of desire) and the author really pulled through with some of the most poetic erotica I’ve ever seen.
I loved the way that this was a sweet and spicy romance between two feminine characters, while the rest of the Greek pantheon is absolute garbage. This is one of the worst (moral) portrayals I’ve ever seen of Zeus and Hera, and I wanted to give Eros a hug.

CW: as is often the case with Greek mythology, there’s some triggering content in this book — I’m listing the major ones that I noticed, but check warnings before you go in
Sexual assault/harassment; physical/domestic abuse; sexual content (some consensual and some not); misogyny; transphobia; lesbophobia

Will be one of my favorites of the year. This book has something for everyone. It is a greek retelling, but also a romance and deeply horny lit fic. De Robertis remains one of my favorite authors.