I was fortunate to receive an eARC of this from NetGalley.

Who doesn't love a good queer spin on a classic mythology re-telling? The main themes of this book are the powers of sisterhood, overcoming a patriarchal society, and learning how to stand up for yourself against evil. Eirene, who goes in place of her sister to become a monster's bride, was a badass hero and a strong protagonist, and she did whatever it took to keep herself and her sister safe.

That being said, this book was not for me. The maiming and the trauma was a bit too much for me to want to stomach, and I feel like I wanted more of a resolution for everything I had to read through up until that point. Lamia was uninteresting as a character, and even when her secret was revealed, it didn't make her more interesting.

I have read a good handful of Greek mythology retellings in the last couple of years. In the last six months, this is my second sapphic Psyche/Eros retelling (yeah I know, I am predictable). But oh did I LOVE this.

I raced through this novel in two days total, staying up until 2 in the morning to finish it. The writing is easy and accessible, but beautiful in its composition. The interaction between the Psyche/Eros story and that of the Lamia was so well done, and though the FMCs were young, their flaws felt human and real, and I rooted for them from start to finish. The revenge payoff at the end was so well done, and I audibly went “THAT’S RIGHT” when we got to it.

A beautifully romantic retelling, I highly recommend this to anyone wanting a refreshing new take on an old tale. 4.5⭐️ , rounded to 4 on Goodreads

*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I had high hopes for this book. Sapphic Greek mythology retelling? Sign me up! While I liked the concept, the story and writing simply did not follow through.

At no point could I understand the mood the author was going for. The tone constantly shifted between dark and creepy, young and humorous, and fantastical. It left me feeling like I had whiplash.

Characters were flat, the villain cartoonish, the plot repetitive and monotonous, and the dialogue was juvenile.

This book desperately needed a harsh editor. I skimmed the last 25%. The most interesting part was the connection the main character had with her sister, which was completely ignored by the ending resolution. I feel like I wasted my time.

3/10 or 1.5 stars

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Y’all. Gentlest of Wild Things is the kind of book that sinks its teeth into you—literally, because vampiric vibes—and refuses to let go. Sarah Underwood takes the tender ache of Eros and Psyche, twists it with the dark allure of Greek myths, and adds a sapphic love story so fierce it feels like it could split the heavens. The stakes are wild (four impossible tasks!), the setting is lush (hello, Desire bottled on a sun-soaked island!), and the characters are utterly magnetic. Lamia and Eirene’s connection glows with longing, defiance, and a sweetness that will have you rooting for them through every blood-soaked twist. If you love stories where myths are reborn with a bite, this book will absolutely devour you.

I LOVED THIS STORY. It had everything that I was looking for; what an incredible look at a popular Greek mythological tale. I devoured this and it was such a delight. I read a lot of mythological retellings and this one really was unique while still staying true to the core elements of the story.

In this fascinating new Greek mythology-inspired book, readers travel to the island of Zakynthos where Leandros, descended from the god ERos, rules with an iron fist through his control of Desire. When Eirene’s twin sister Phoebe catches Leandros’s eye after his wife dies, Eirene takes Phoebe’s place to complete four elaborate tasks to protect them both. However, the tasks are bigger and more complicated than Eirene imagined, tied to another world and to Desire, but the help of Lamia, Leandros’s hidden and neglected daughter with a secret not even she knows, might be enough. With perspective shifts between Eirene and Lamia, readers get to see the mysteries of Leandros and their relationship unfold in this fascinating new title, and the world that Sarah Underwood brings to life is dramatic, mystical, and immersive. Eirene and Lamia are the stars of the novel, with their relationship and Eirene and Phoebe’s relationship as its heart, and all receive incredible levels of development to their already complex and fascinating characters in this new mythology-inspired sapphic fantasy title. Exciting, incredibly detailed, immersive, dangerous, and adventurous, this new fantasy title is a fascinating and vibrant new novel that fans of Greek mythology retellings will absolutely love.

This was one of my surprise favorite YA fantasies of 2024, and it's so criminally underrated. Billed as a sapphic mashup of the Eros/Psyche myth and the empousa myth, Gentlest of Wild Things not only delivers on both of those promises, but is fully realized and gorgeously written. Gentlest of Wild Things is told in the dual POVs of Eirene, a village girl eeking out a living with her chronically ill sister and their drunken guardian, and Lamia, the daughter of the town's richest man.

When Eirene's sister Phoebe begins receiving gifts from wealthy Leandros, Eirene fears for her; Leandros sells desire itself to the richest bidder, and Eirene's seen too many of her friends married off to men old enough to be their fathers and left a shell of themselves under Desire's influence. So when Leandros demands Phoebe's hand in marriage, Eirene hatches a plot: she will go, veiled and disguised, in her sister's place. Once in Leandros' house, Eirene will find the source of Desire and destroy it so Leandros can never ruin innocent lives again. But Eirene doesn't bargain for the four grueling tasks Leandros sets her when he discovers her treachery, nor the beautiful, quiet girl living in the tower...a girl who's got secrets all her own.

This was honestly a beautiful read, so powerful in its own quiet way. From the slowburn romance between Eirene and Lamia to both girls' character arcs, I was enthralled the whole way through. Underwood has such a way with words, too, fully embodying the ancient Grecian time period while still being contemporary enough that teens can relate easily to the two MCs. While I immediately loved Eirene's fierce protective nature and stubbornness, by the end, Lamia had stolen my heart. I love how complex her character is; from innocent and naive to realizing the wrongness of her upbringing, she felt so authentic it broke my heart. I also loved the chronic illness rep in here and how naturally woven in it is. Phoebe has some sort of chronic fatigue, while Lamia struggles with a bad leg/knee. I particularly related to Lamia, and I will always, always cheer on well-done disability rep in YA books.

I am knocking a star off because the twist of Lamia being an empousa was fairly obvious to me from the start, "Lamia" being another name for an empousa in one variation of the myth. I feel like that's more a me problem than anything else -- readers unfamiliar with the myth will most likely be stunned by the reveal. So, for me, the "thriller" promise of the book fell flat relative to the retelling, romance, and feminist pieces. Otherwise, this is a flawless YA retelling. I can't believe this is only Sarah Underwood's second book -- she is a talent to watch out for. I eagerly await her next book.

Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Sarah Underwood for gifting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Gentlest of Wild Things by Sarah is a phenomenal read that masterfully blends the epic scale of Greek mythology with a tender, intimate romance. The story also explores the powerful theme of beauty versus monstrosity, creating a narrative that's both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The characters and their journey are captivating, and the romance is beautifully written. I couldn't put it down! A must-read for fans of mythology and deeply emotional storytelling.

Trigger Warnings: Emotional and physical abuse by a parent.

*A HUGE thanks to HarperCollins Canada and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this book! I get no compensation whatsoever, and I write this review willingly.*

As soon as I saw the cover and the blurb for Gentlest of Wild Things, a sapphic Ancient Greece story, I yearned to read it! I’m so delighted HarperCollins Canada offered me an e-ARC of this book, iiiiiiiihhhhhh!!! It was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024, and I am proud to bring you this review! :D

Do you want to know why I’m so thrilled about Gentlest of Wild Things?

Read on, loves!

The Positive Points:
What a thrilling beginning chapter! I wasn’t expecting that chase. The prologue is confusing, but in a thrilling “I need to know MORE” kind of way. Honestly, the more I kept reading, the faster I read it and I couldn’t stop thinking about this story. I was so enraptured by this book! Another great thing was how the gods were mentioned in expressions such as “Damn her principles to Hades and back”, and other times Eirene thinks about the gods and how she works and none has ever helped. Like, they’re here and alive, but she only believes in them and doesn’t know they’re real. Like it’s a hint to us, readers. About what’s to come and how the story is more supernatural than we think at first.

As for the characters themselves, I must say that both Eirene and Lamia are loveable in their own ways. Their first meeting was explosively dramatic, emotional, and fun as a ready. I wasn’t expecting that to go this awry! It was different from the usual “I like you already” or “love at first meeting” that is prevalent in so many stories it’s become bland. Eirene is so cute and protective, I love her! She is the strong determined sister to protect her sister Phoebe, weaker in health and in a bad situation. On a side note, I love how each girl has a passion. For Eirene, it’s plants and herbs. For Phoebe, it’s weaving. And for Lamia, it’s drawing. It’s more realistic and it’s nice to see they have something, a hobby, to hold onto, something they love. Lamia is such a cutie! Poor her though, she is so ignorant of the world and abused for the villain’s own riches. She was brainwashed into thinking what her father was doing was good… I love her, she is so kind-hearted and caring, and, poor her, innocent, too! What Lamia has as a special gift, I thought it was just so beautiful and poetic, and well handled throughout the story, with an evolution tied to the character’s arc. Wow! Her character arc is where she becomes more assured and grounded in reality. It was beautiful to see! And the fact that Lamia tried so much to save and help Eirene even if it meant she might run away… Awwwwwww, my FEELS! Plus, there is some closure I wasn’t expecting for one aspect of Lamia’s life later on which echoes the very first chapter. What a great thing to weave into the story!

As for the villain, wow, he’s very dangerous just like I thought before we actually met him. Even with Lamia, his own daughter! He emanates shrewdness, danger, and violence. He is so cruel and abusive, both with Lamia and Eirene, mostly with words, and threats, and mean tricks and lies, but also with physical violence and manipulation. I’m sure he’s a beast—at least, to me.

Speaking of Eirene and Lamia, the sapphic romance is sweet and easy to follow. I love how Eirene is rebellious with boys and wishes not to marry, while Lamia is all compliments and admiration for Eirene. Great ways to show them being sapphic before getting to know each other and falling in love. It’s innate even though they don’t know what it is or means. Their little attraction and romance is so cute. It’s soft and sweet by moments, throughout the big problematic mess they’re in. It’s also really sweet how their affection grows naturally and you can notice it through thoughts, awkward touches, and words like “Our Lamia” when Eirene is proud, and more. For example, it is romantic and soft and sensual per moments with them discovering they desire each other. Like how being close to the other feels, and wishing she would just lean over and kiss her… I also let let out a gasp when I learned that Eirene’s goal is in direct conflict with Lamia herself and her affection and love for her. Ouch! You’ll see! The longing was real, I was so waiting for them to get together, iiiiiiihhhhhh! It was very satisfying! This is a story of love (in many shapes), and also of a void of loneliness being filled by someone you come to love.

Fun fact: I didn’t know wrapping a bandage could be so sensual and romantic, but wow, it is, and it’s beautiful.

Awwww, I love when FMCs cut their own hair. I did it twice too for the unease I felt with my long hair and I was at a time where I couldn’t pay for a haircut, so I tried to cut my hair and felt thrilled and wild. And it wasn’t so bad. I love when the FMC feels the same and tries the same thing. It’s also an act of rebellion and to seek wellness in one’s body.

Oh, and I love how Eirene discovers the source of Desire. I have been waiting for their two storylines to merge like this for the intrigue to have its answer. The “how” took me by surprise because I wasn’t waiting for it anymore. Fun!

Gentlest of Wild Things is a clever retelling in ancient times of Psyche and Eros, but make it sapphic. It’s lovely and magical. It’s also a strong “do it yourself” story, which I always love.

Every one of Eirene’s task was fun and exciting, but the last one was the most thrilling and exciting, and full of magic and mythology. What a retelling, and what turn it took! I noticed, like I mentioned earlier, that Lamia underwent the most changes in her arc. Eireine’s is more subtle, yet still there.

This story respects mythology, like the path to Hades not being for mortal eyes, and more. Also, same respect with the time period, like with men acting out the plays.

Lastly, this is a doubtlessly a story of women who stand up to men who abused them in more ways than one. It’s powerful. As for the conclusion itself, it was veeeery satisfying and had me feeling all warm and fuzzy and giddy, rocking my legs and smiling.

The Negative Points:
Hm, let’s skip this, shall we? None was to be found, whatsoever. The writing, the character development, the intrigue, everything was great!

In Conclusion:
All in all, Gentlest of Wild Things was excellent to the end! It is a feminist, and cutely romantic sapphic tale! And the villain gets what he deserves… Mythology was well mixed with magic and romance as well, it was so nice! I give Gentlest of Wild Things a rating of 5 amphoras out of 5, because it was such a great read and sweet from the beginning to the end with strong emotions, thrills, and a soft romance. I loved all of it! Honestly, I would take a dozen more books like this one!!

An absolutely beautiful story. Underwood has a gift for retelling myths in a way that manages to be both a tribute to the original and something entirely new.

it’s safe to say sarah underwood’s writing is not for me. gentlest of wild things didn’t leave me fuming the way lies we sing to the sea did, but i was still disappointed by the juvenile, one-dimensional storytelling.

inspired by the myths of eros and psyche and the empusa, GOWT centers on a girl willing to do anything to protect her sister and the mysterious daughter of the man who rules their island. when leandros sets his sights on eirene’s twin sister as his next bride, eirene offers to take her place. he accepts, on the condition that she complete four tasks—but her tasks are complicated by her growing bond with leandros’ daughter, lamia.

i liked the concept; eros and psyche and the empusa are both underutilized myths in the sea of greek mythology retellings. i also appreciated the sisterly bond between eirene and phoebe, although i didn’t love the way eirene infantilized her twin.

my biggest issue with GOWT is that i just don’t care for the way underwood handles greek mythology. there’s something very heavy-handed and r/im14andthisisdeep about the way she approaches her retellings. the villains are cartoonishly evil, a famously fickle goddess assists the MCs, and everything is wrapped up a little too tidily to be believable.

someone wake me up when we get a sapphic greek mythology retelling that lives up to the hype.

This sapphic Psyche and Eros retelling had a lot of potential to be amazing, but the pacing was slow enough that I kept losing interest and had to reread parts when I came back to it to make sure I remembered what was happening when I picked it back up to continue. That said, I love Sarah Underwood's writing style and am always willing to pick up another of her books.

Sixteen-year-old Eirene and her twin, Phoebe, who have light brown skin and curly black hair, live in Zakynthos. It is a town controlled by Leandros, a descendant of Eros. Women there are manipulated by Leandros’ Desires, magic that seemingly brainwashes them into being under their husbands’ control. After Alexandra, Leandros’ 18-year-old wife, dies suddenly and mysteriously. What caused her to die? Leandros decides to marry beautiful Phoebe, wooing her with lavish gifts. When Stavros, the sisters’ cousin and guardian, agrees to the match. Eirene, is determined to save her sister from Alexandra’s fate. She makes a deal with Leandros: If she can complete four tasks that he sets, she’ll marry him in her sister’s place. If she fails, he’ll take Phoebe as his wife. Unbeknownst to Eirene, Leandros has a daughter, pale, redheaded Lamia, who’s been hidden from the world. Her left leg never fully healed from an accident and affects her mobility. A connection quickly blossoms between the two girls as Lamia helps Eirene with the increasingly difficult tasks. As they complete each one, Eirene and Lamia get closer to discovering the mysteries of Leandros and his powers.

The author writes a creative novel of Greek mythology. The plot explores themes of feminism, disability, and abuse in thoughtful ways, while staying true to the setting of ancient Greece. I was iintrigued by this Sapphic retelling. the myth of Eros and Psyche as the underpinning of her sapphic romance novel (including dashes of adventure and body horror) set in ancient Greece. (The myth of Eros and Psyche is one of the best love stories in Greek mythology.).

I didn't finish this so I can't say much. But the writing style just wasn't my cup of tea. Very fairytale.

Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A story sparked from Greek-mythology with sapphic romance and fantasy??? Ma’am, sign me up. Immediately.

I do want to start off by saying I love when siblings are close and will do anything for each other. I have a similar closeness with mine, and I love seeing it reflected in literature. Eirene will do anything for her sister, Phoebe, including taking her place as Leandros’s wife in order to save her from that fate.

Eirene must pass four tasks from him, in order for him to agree to said bargain that are quite impossible to do alone. Until… She meets Lamia who is the daughter of Leandros. As Lamia helps Eirene complete her tasks, the two of them begin to form a bond that is mixed with longing and love. I enjoyed reading their relationship building as well as their separate character developments. They would go to great lengths for each other, even as far as the underworld.

CW: child abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, blood, violence, self-harm, murder, misogyny, injury/injury detail

FINALLY a Psyche and Eros retelling - I’m so over Hades and Persephone - it’s been done! It’s time for Cupid and Psycheto have their time to shine.

It’s interesting to me that this author continues to set her stories in their original classical time period then not stick to the story at all. I recognize that it is a retelling, which comes with a certain amount of creative choices, but this is nothing like the original source material. It seems like maybe her work would read better if she changed either the time period or the geographical location? Otherwise the tone is a bit weird. It is also missing the lyrical prose I expect from a Greek myth retelling that is set in its original classical time period.

Nevertheless, In my opinion, this is a step up from Sarah Underwood’s debut. The characters are likable and complex and I really loved their slow burn romance. Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I don't 100% know if this was supposed to be a romance, thriller, or horror book but regardless it was decently well written and a very interesting take.

I really enjoyed reading this sapphic retelling of psyche and Eros. Character development was dramatic, but in a good way! The plot felt a little bit telegraphed but I didn’t mind since I was already pretty familiar with the original tale!

The men of this story were let off way too easy. I support women enacting their revenge and this could've had a lot more of it. Women support women's wrongs and the only wrongness here, beyond the vanquishing of the main villain, was the lack of comeuppance.

Beyond some of that disappointment, though, in THE GENTLEST OF WILD THINGS you'll find sisterly bonds and sacrifice. And a monster who becomes the hero.

That said, having come to the end of this, the best character really was Lamia. Eirene, I have to say, started to wane on me after a fairly strong start and is definitely why I ended up rounding down on this one. But Lamia.. she stole the show and my heart and she deserves everything good. I wish the romance had been given more time to breathe because while I understood it from Lamia's side, Eirene had no reason to be so taken so fast considering her circumstances and also she was very inconstant about it.

But hey, if you are into the Greek retelling craze and you also want something sapphic, this might be the read for you.

2.5 stars