A review by dragoninwinterfell
Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara

adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Full disclosure: I've been obsessed with Greek mythology since I was a kid. I've read countless retellings and researched the earliest tellings. So, this novel is specifically targeted for me as a love letter to Greek mythology. 

The novel does have something of a slow start as both Psyche and Eros are set up as individual characters before they are united. But I loved the build-up as McNamara  brought together so many characters and conflicting myths, streamlining them into her narrative. For instance, Eros is both one of the very first gods in existence as well as the son of Aphrodite (who she retroactively adopts), bringing together two very different origin myths for him. Psyche's backstory is also filled out more, connecting her to other mythological figures while also giving her a fully realized characterization and goals of becoming a warrior heroine.

The story is told through the dual POVs of the titular characters. This creates a very interesting tension in their dynamic with each other as they are both dealing with different information and world views. Even as they're growing to love each other, they can't trust each other, which leads to the main conflicts. 

I would recommend this novel to Greek mythology enthusiasts who are comfortable with reimaginings. But the story is still very accessible to anyone who isn't familiar with the myths.