Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara – [Review]

What’s the Buzz about this book?

I may have said this before…I am a huge fan of historical Greek retellings. I love to hear about myths from a different perspective. I knew about the Psyche and Eros myth from my studies. I did not know about Psyche’s determined nature to be a hero. I did not know about the perhaps tiresome nature of Love that Eros handles. I can say that after reading this, and the author’s note, that I think Eros and Psyche may be my second favourite Greek couple.

Psyche dreams her entire life to be a hero after a prophecy is told stating that she will take down a monster. She learns to fight and does very little in the womanly art of the ancient Greek world. She is content to live as a hero but is quick to understand that women are held to different standards.

Eros, as the god of desire, is tasked with the impossible duty of causing desire in the world. He learns quickly that his arrows can cause great love but also great destruction. When Aphrodite arrives to ask for his help, curses a young woman who has offended her. I bet you can guess who the young woman is?? Yup, Psyche!

When Eros messes up the curse…by pricking himself with his cursed arrow! Eros is haunted by the desire he holds for this mortal. Love is not immediate. However, as Eros and Psyche continue to bond, their affection for each other grows. There’s no easy ride for our lovebirds. They face secret meetings, interfering gods and goddesses, Aphrodite’s anger, and their own insecurities. I am happy that our couple gets a happy ending…it just seems to take the winding, rocky road.

Favourite Quote(s):

” A hero may be immortalized in song for a thousand years, but the greatness of a lover is a quieter thing. The most famous lovers are often unhappy, as Helen and Paris discovered to thier grief.

Truly great lovers rarely make their way into the public eye. They are too busy with one another.”
Page 329

Book Information

Book Title: Psyche and Eros

Author: Luna McNamara

Summary:

“Who said true love is a myth?

A prophecy claims that Psyche, princess of Mycenae, will defeat a monster feared even by the gods. Rebelling against her society’s expectations for women, Psyche spends her youth mastering blade and bow, preparing to meet her destiny.

When Psyche angers the love goddess Aphrodite, she sends Eros, god of desire, to deliver a cruel curse. After eons watching humanity twist his gifts, the last thing Eros wants is to become involved in the chaos of the mortal world. But when he pricks himself with the arrow intended for Psyche, Eros finds himself doomed to yearn for a woman who will be torn from him the moment their eyes meet.

Thrown together by fate, headstrong Psyche and world-weary Eros will face challenges greater than they could have ever imagined. And as the Trojan War begins and divine powers try to keep them apart, the pair must determine if the curse could become something more . . . before it’s too late.

A joyous and subversive tale of gods, monsters, and the human heart and soul, Psyche and Eros dazzles the senses while exploring notions of trust, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a hero. With unforgettably vivid characters, spellbinding prose, and delicious tension, Luna McNamara has crafted a shimmering and propulsive debut novel about a love so strong it defies the will of Olympus.” (As pulled from GoodReads)

Book Length: 340 pages

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Greek Mythology, Historical Fiction, Retellings

Series: N/A

Spice Level ( If applicable): 1 / 5 *

Overall Rating: 9.15 / 10

*How Spicy was the read?

As a married couple, Psyche and Eros share kisses and vague sexual scenes.

Spoilers Bee-ware!

You have been swarmed. Reading past this post means that you understand that you might spoil the book for yourself.

Stats + Facts:

44 chapters (including the prologue)

Eros takes to shapeshifting when he talks to Psyche, as it allows him to interact with his wife without the curse activating. He turns into a dolphin, a rooster, a horse, a lion, a vole, a stag, and a small cat.

Multiple Perspectives: Eros and Psyche both have 18 perspectives.

First Kiss on page 153.

The first meeting is on page 95.

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