Psyche and Eros is a retelling of the Greek myth of the same lovers. The author provides a note at the end of the novel which gives more insight and explanation for the myth, legends, and other retellings.
In Luna McNamara’s version, Psyche is the princess of Mycenae and granddaughter of the hero, Perseus. Upon her birth, the king went to the Oracle who prophesied that Psyche would conquer a monster feared by the gods. The king circumvents societal expectations of women to have Psyche properly trained as a warrior.
Years later, Psyche has angered goddess Aphrodite. Aphrodite enlists her “adopted” son, Eros, to deliver a curse on the girl. Eros is one of the last elder gods from before the birth of the Olympians. He has become disgruntled with his purpose as well as many of the other immortals. When he is forced to deliver the curse, he accidentally strikes himself with the arrow.
The main thing I loved about this novel was how the description pulled me in and kept me riveted. The story was beautifully well written to the point that I understood Eros and his disdain for the other gods, as well as his weariness of his own power.
Although it is a retelling, I enjoyed the liberties that the author took. Specifically, making Psyche a warrior instead of just a princess. While I would have related with annoying siblings who get Psyche into trouble, I actually enjoyed the only child Psyche who loved her mentor and cousin like true siblings. It made it easier to understand how she could so quickly fall in love with Eros despite their rocky start.
Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.
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