When the book begins, the gods of the Greek pantheon are living in a rundown flat in London. Artemis, goddess of the wild, is a dog walker; Apollo, god of prophecy, is a televangelist; and Aphrodite, goddess of love, is a phone sex operator. Though they may have adapted to modern careers, the jealousy and irrational tendencies of the gods are still present. For example, a quarrel between Aphrodite and Apollo leads the goddess of love to seek revenge in a way that threatens the fate of the gods, and in turn, the world. With a mortal couple caught in the middle, the gods just might learn a lesson or two.

 

As a disclaimer to potential readers, I found that the novel was deceptively sexual. As a massive fan of Greek mythology and of Rick Riordan’s works, I was looking for another book with modern-day gods, but I was disappointed by the adult portrayal. Sexual content and violence left me feeling very uncomfortable. In addition to the adult content, I found that the plot was disappointing, with a poorly conceived storyline, and no character development. At the end of the book, we are left with the same miserable vain gods we started with. Why would one stay up all night working through the pages?

 

I would not recommend this novel to those hoping for a relatable fiction with Greek gods like in the Percy Jackson series. The lack of historical accuracy, humour, and a riveting plot would only bore such readers. For those more inclined to romantic and adult sexual content, with a hint of plot, then this is for you. 

 

For those looking for an alternative to Rick Riordan’s novels, I would suggest Quiver and Quicksilver by Stephanie Spinner. These are much more appropriate books, with a more enrapturing plot, but also works of Greek mythological fiction.