by Wendy Higgins
Release Date: February 12, 2019
From Goodreads:
People travel from afar to the small isle in the Aegean Sea hoping for a single glimpse of Princess Psyche. Their adoration for the mortal woman is so all-consuming that citizens begin to shower her with the very gifts and offerings they once left at the alter of Venus, goddess of love and beauty.
But gods are known for their jealousy.
Cupid, the god of love, takes pleasure in causing strife and mischief in the lives of humans. He uses love as a weapon, humoring in the weakness of people at the whims of their feelings. When his mother Venus approaches him about punishing the human girl who dares to steal her offerings and affections from the people, Cupid gladly accepts.
Psyche's punishment is to be given to a mysterious creature who only comes to her in the dark of night under the pact that she will never lay eyes on him. She is terrified of this stranger, who the oracle described as a serpent. Her mate, however, is masterful in his dealings with his bride. He takes his time, morphing her fears into different sensations completely.
Based on the Roman/Greek mythology of Cupid and Psyche by Lucius Apuleius, New York Times bestseller Wendy Higgins brings the tale to life, weaving layers that show exactly how a sacrificial lamb can be enchanted by an unseen monster.
Adult Historical Fantasy. Standalone.
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Retellings are my new obsession.
This Psyche/Cupid retelling is the newest upcoming release from Wendy Higgins. I cannot tell you enough how honored I feel to have read such an alluring, romantic, and beautifully written book in advance.
Soul in Darkness is first and foremost a romance. And being a huge romantic myself, this book was perfect for me. Psyche and Cupid started out with as much mistrust and dislike as you can expect. Especially since Psyche believed Cupid to be a monster who will bring her nothing but suffering and torment. I don't think it will come as a shock to you when I say seeing Psyche and Cupid fall in love is my favorite part of the book. My poor, fragile, romantic heart was swooning and rejoicing and falling in love along with these two. And holy crap. Did I mention the sexy times?! The. Sexy. Times. Off-the-charts hot! *fans self*
The one struggle I had with the book is how the first few chapters of Psyche arriving on the "island" felt a bit repetitive. Although I did like how magical it felt. The trees especially reminded me of the Ents from LotR.
I adored Renae. And reading Cupid's own version of events was an added bonus I was not expecting but was totally welcomed. I liked knowing what he thinks and feels towards Psyche firsthand. But I think I would have liked to see Psyche and Leodes fall in love too? If that makes sense? I dunno maybe I'm just weird, lol.
If you're familiar with the mythology of Psyche and Cupid, you'd know what to expect from this. But the author gave it her own twist to make the story, in a way, uniquely her own. If you're into mythology and retellings (honestly even if you're not), you should absolutely read this!
I received an e-arc from the author to read and review.
I'm not really a romance person but I can appreciate that retelling. I may be adding this on me to my tbr. Great review and thanks for visiting my blog earlier.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll consider reading this. Thanks for stopping by =)
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