R&R Book Tours: Strife’s Apple (The New Olympus, Book 1)

 

This book was gifted to me by R&R Book Tours. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Publication Date: August 10, 2022
Title: Strife’s Apple	Author: Shoshana Rain
Series: The New Olympus	Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Greek Mythology
Publisher: Simon Rain LLC	Page Count: 342

Content Warnings:

• Graphic: sexual content, injury/injury detail, violence
• Moderate: death, death of parent
• Minor: sexual assault, blood, war, infidelity, rape

To keep his fellow gods safe, Apollo must retrieve Eris from the pits of Tartarus—where he left her, seven hundred years ago. For seven hundred years, Apollo kept Eris chained in darkness. For seven hundred years, she's never seen sunlight, never known joy, never spoken to another mortal—or god. Until Apollo comes, and with the wave of one imperious hand, frees her. He needs her help. The gods are fading, and only she can save them. Too bad she has no interest in anything beyond revenge. Especially against him.

From the moment I opened "Strife's Apple," I was utterly captivated. This is not just another book; it is a masterfully woven tapestry of narrative that tells a story about Greek gods in the modern era. But what's truly impressive is the author's ability to infuse the tale with an ambiance that harks back to Ancient Greece.

Despite the nods to modern technology, the story feels more like a mythological tale than a contemporary one. This is a tribute to the author's skill and creativity, as they've managed to convey a sense of timelessness amidst a backdrop of the present day. This blend of ancient lore and modernity makes the book all the more fascinating.

Another aspect of the book that I found intriguing was the depiction of the characters' relationships. They were complex and convoluted, yet the author presented them with such clarity that it was easy to understand the connections between the characters. I could easily figure out who was related to whom, who was married to whom, and who was involved in amorous adventures with whom. This clarity in the face of complexity is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.

One of the highlights for me was the progression of the relationship between Eris and Apollo. Their journey from being enemies to allies, and eventually lovers, was nothing short of enthralling. I found myself cheering for their relationship from the very beginning. Their passionate encounters added a layer of unexpected spice to the tale, making it an even more engaging read.

In conclusion, "Strife's Apple" is a story that I fell in love with, and I am confident that other readers will too. If you're a fan of retellings about Greek gods, or if you're just looking for an engrossing read, this book is likely to captivate you as much as it did me.