I really enjoyed this book. I went in thinking I wouldn’t but was pleasantly surprised. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Pick up this one!!

I got this as an earc but didn't get around to reading it before release so read the KU version so at least the author got a bit of money.

The book needs work, spelling and grammar is awful and I don't usually notice or care about it but it was very noticeable here.

The Gods in modern times fighting to save themselves from some sinister "disease" for lack of better word is a great plot.

The relationship with Eris and Apollo I felt was rushed and forced. There was no actual chemistry no proper build up to it however I still enjoyed them together.

Will I be rushing out for the next book when it's released? No
Will I read it at some point? Maybe

There is just something about the god myths. Whether it's because they speak of a time of magic and wonder or darker aspect of talking what you want - I don't know but they intrigue me. A good retelling always gets me, especially if the robes happen to fall off (if you catch my meaning).

This one has it all. A derisive, culture-shocked FMC, freed for the first time in 700 years who won't put up with anyone s×*×, not even the seductively, handsome god who is dead set on winning over and under him.

As she learns about this new world and he this connection he feels with her, they each come to realize they may mean more to each other.

** Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to review this advanced copy **

1st POV / 2 POVs / chapters: long / TW below 🌟 3,5 stars

🍏 Eris (the Goddess of Spite and Discord) and Apollo (Sun God)
🍏 Mysterious illness that kills immortal Gods
🍏 Insta-lust, slow-love/trust
🍏 Prophecy
🍏 She stabs him
🍏 Gods and monsters from Greek Mythology incl. magical powers
🍏 Short glossary at the end of the book

❓Romance: Yes
❓Spice: Explicit
❓OW/OM/jealousy: Nope. Cute little jealousy over Ares but nothing dramatic. (past lover).

The author benefited from the fact that world-building wasn't necessary since it relied on Greek mythology and focused on internal relationships/relations instead; therefore, I suggest having the most basic knowledge of Olympus before you dive in.

I adore feisty and stabby FMCs so I enjoyed Eris causing chaos and destroying everything. Honestly, I even wish we saw more of how powerful she can be. The flow between "NO ONE TOUCH ME" to "I miss his touch" was smooth and felt natural which was really important for the story/character growth.

The plot/idea was simple (not in a bad way), but I was genuinely curious what's going on. I can't believe I'm saying this but I'd prefer if there wasn't a HEA since it didn't make a lot of sense.

I love reading smut but for some reason I found myself skipping it because it gave me the ick ("he touched my sex") or was just boring. – Drink every time Apollo mentions he's hard. (They were literally next to a bath/pool, why didn't they wash BEFORE they had sex since they were filthy af???)

Overall: good pacing, likable characters, and interesting plot/setting but I just found it a bit boring and cringy at times.
Side characters: Hermes, Hecate, Peitho, Nyx, Lethe, Nemesis (Aphrodite, Ares)

"I'm looking at you like you're a marvel. Because you are."

Trigger Warnings: they mention a few times that Apollo is known for sexually assaulting/harassing women but it's consensual between the MCs, war, terminal illness, amnesia, murder on page, grief, imprisonment (Tartarus), emotional abuse from a maternal figure, mild body horror

Eris, Goddess of Discord and Strife, is locked away in Tartarus for her part in a war - for which no one else involved is punished. Seven hundred years later, the gods are fading and Apollo, spurred by visions, releases her in hopes that she can help. But does Eris even care to help the family who locked her away because of her nature?

I really enjoyed this modern take on the Greek pantheon. Eris's powers manifested in cool ways. Apollo was more self-aware than I've ever seen him portrayed in fiction. There was satisfying tension and mystery. I look forward to reading more from Shoshana Rain.

I have had this book on my TBR for a while. With this ARC I finally took the plunge to read it, and while there was nothing inherently wrong with it, it just didn’t hold my interest. The story itself was good, and interesting but I lacked the depth of connected I wanted to the characters. This could be because I don’t have the in depth knowledge of Greek gods to support the characters personalities but either way, I wish there was more added to build the readers attachment to Strife and Apollo.
I also would’ve liked to hear more about strifes struggle in isolation, her relationship with her family, and the expansion of her humanity more.
There were several times the dialogue contradicted itself, or that the characters thoughts were in conflict which could make sense as a literary tool but really just came out as confusing.

4.5 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this book! The FMC was so different from the norm and I loved it. Even though she was strife she was lovable.
At first I worried I wouldn’t like the book but as soon as we meet Apollo and I realized he was a man obsessed I was hooked.
I very much recommend this book and look forward to continuing the series.

Thank you netgalley for letting me read this book. I loved this story. It's a great retelling and present day story of the Olympic gods and the Titans. It had a nice mystery that was fun to figure out. I can't wait to read more of these books.

Strifes Apple plats with the ancient Greek gods and brings them into the 21st century.

Eris the goddess of strife is imprisoned for 700 years after causing discord on earth and between the God's.

After a strange blight begins to rob the god of their ichor Apollo acts on his visions to stop it by releasing Eris.

This classic enemies to lovers trope has plenty spice, has more in jokes than your average classicist will know what to do with and a plot that is not too bad.

Unfortunately the author has fallen into the trap of telling over showing. Via the dual pov I was hoping there would be more fleshing out of the main relationship and even that of the other gods unfortunately we are just told rather than shown. Which left me feeling that it was inorganic.

This book was published in 2022, however it was also published in August 2024? This book was just ok for me. It had a decent level of spice, but it was not anything awesome.

I am going to shove this book down so many people’s throats it’s not even funny. THIS IS AMAZING. Phenomenal. Magical. All of the above and in between.

Eris is my personal favorite Greek goddess and she gets virtually zero recognition and I absolutely devoured this like it was my last meal. I will be foaming at the mouth for more.