nicksverion's review against another edition
5.0
an amazingly beautiful book. i’ve always wanted a story about apollo and hyacinth, and this story does a phenomenal job. it’s world building is extremely well done as it escapes the original myth and adds a much deeper and more compelling story over the top. so excited for the sequel.
starlessgod's review against another edition
2.0
Man, I should've DNFed this book the instant i said to my friend "the writing seems weird, something isn't right, and I'm not sure whether I like it or hate it." But nooo I kept on going because, it's a short book! And I don't have that much left! Only 150 pages, then 100, then 50, I can do it!
BUT THEN. THEN. The author said, AND I QUOTE: "He visited to align our kingdoms with Jupiter and the other high gods of the West. We intend to together to take down Zeus" as if Jupiter and Zeus aren't two different gods from two different mythologies, linked, similar, yes, but STILL DIFFERENT. Anyway that's where I dipped.
(Also, ngl, the characters and plot and romance fell kinda flat for me.)
BUT THEN. THEN. The author said, AND I QUOTE: "He visited to align our kingdoms with Jupiter and the other high gods of the West. We intend to together to take down Zeus" as if Jupiter and Zeus aren't two different gods from two different mythologies, linked, similar, yes, but STILL DIFFERENT. Anyway that's where I dipped.
(Also, ngl, the characters and plot and romance fell kinda flat for me.)
despinareviews's review against another edition
5.0
This book was divine (pun intended!). Based on Greek mythology, this LGBT+ enemies-to-lovers story takes place in an Ancient-Greece inspired fantasy world. Apollo, a half-God and half-mortal who has yet to ascend and take his role in Olympus is fighting against his destiny - he does not want to become a God. Living with his younger sister Temi (who he loves dearly), he has fallen in love with the mortal world and despises his godly nature. In anger, Zeus sends Apollo to Prince Hyacynth, whom he considers a diligent son to his father, to be mentored for one year, after which he will be forced to ascend.
Apollo is childish and (seemingly) irresponsible. Hyacynth is hardworking and dedicated to his duties. The banter between them was top notch. Though I said above it is enemies to lovers, it's more 'I am annoyed by this person - grr' to 'uh-oh this is ... something' and this is honestly the best kind of dynamic for me.
Beautifully poetic language balanced with dialogue which feels realistic and the character interactions are so good. I absolutely loved the relationship between siblings - Cyn and Epiphany (Emrin is not as prominent in the story whereas we get perspectives from both Hyacynth and Epiphany throughout) but primarily the relationship between Temi and Apollo.
Despite its classification as NA, I would almost consider (minus one or two scenes) to be YA, but I am not convinced that makes a big difference.
This story is the first in a series, and I absolutely cannot WAIT to dive into the rest of this world. The summer vibes are really strong in this book so perfect to read for an inspiration.
Many thanks to Victory Editing Netgally Co-op for the e-ARC (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
Apollo is childish and (seemingly) irresponsible. Hyacynth is hardworking and dedicated to his duties. The banter between them was top notch. Though I said above it is enemies to lovers, it's more 'I am annoyed by this person - grr' to 'uh-oh this is ... something' and this is honestly the best kind of dynamic for me.
Beautifully poetic language balanced with dialogue which feels realistic and the character interactions are so good. I absolutely loved the relationship between siblings - Cyn and Epiphany (Emrin is not as prominent in the story whereas we get perspectives from both Hyacynth and Epiphany throughout) but primarily the relationship between Temi and Apollo.
Despite its classification as NA, I would almost consider (minus one or two scenes) to be YA, but I am not convinced that makes a big difference.
This story is the first in a series, and I absolutely cannot WAIT to dive into the rest of this world. The summer vibes are really strong in this book so perfect to read for an inspiration.
Many thanks to Victory Editing Netgally Co-op for the e-ARC (via NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review.
philatcs's review
3.0
i’d like to thank netgalley and the publisher for this arc!
**3.5
this really pleasantly surprised me.
i have been obsessed since greek mythology retellings since i first read the song of achilles years ago and this one did not disappoint.
this really felt like a fanfiction of madeline miller’s books, as the writing sometimes came across out of place and modern when it shouldn’t have been (usually in the make out or sex scenes) but apart from that i really enjoyed this.
i hadn’t heard about apollo’s story before let alone his romance with mortal prince hyacinth but this was so fun and interesting. it’s brilliant to read about new greek gods that i didn’t know the stories of before.
the romance was great and felt real, and the side plot of apollo’s sister artemis and hyacinth’s sister epiphany was really cool too of them wanting to make their own histories and help the people in pip’s town.
i’d definitely be up to reading the sequels or any other books by this author!
**3.5
this really pleasantly surprised me.
i have been obsessed since greek mythology retellings since i first read the song of achilles years ago and this one did not disappoint.
this really felt like a fanfiction of madeline miller’s books, as the writing sometimes came across out of place and modern when it shouldn’t have been (usually in the make out or sex scenes) but apart from that i really enjoyed this.
i hadn’t heard about apollo’s story before let alone his romance with mortal prince hyacinth but this was so fun and interesting. it’s brilliant to read about new greek gods that i didn’t know the stories of before.
the romance was great and felt real, and the side plot of apollo’s sister artemis and hyacinth’s sister epiphany was really cool too of them wanting to make their own histories and help the people in pip’s town.
i’d definitely be up to reading the sequels or any other books by this author!
ktracey's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
readwithrhys's review
5.0
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review*
I don’t remember how I came across A Veil of Gods and Kings, but oh MAN am I glad I did.
In A Veil of Gods and Kings, we follow Apollo as he is forced, by Zeus, his father, to spend a year getting mentored by Prince Hyacinth. What starts out as mutual distain for one another, but soon turns into something else. A spark, that if turned into a flame, could ignite everything they’ve always protected.
This retelling was SO GOOD. We have 3 POVs (Apollo, Hyacinth, and Epiphany), and each of them are so strong,
Epiphany, Hyacinth’s younger sister, is one of my favourites. She’s strong, willing to fight for what she believes in, and let’s her emotions guide her in times of need. Epiphany is also plus sized, and I was SO happy to have a plus sized character in this book. Non-fat people might misinterpret her description, but I will fight anyone who says she’s just ‘curvy’ and not plus-sized. She’s my plus sized queen.
As for representation, MAN I was not expecting as much as there is. We obviously have Apollo as bisexual, Hyacinth is gay, but then we have Temi who is aromantic, and Epiphany is plus sized. Apollo, Hyacinth, Temi, and Epiphany are also all nonwhite. There is character art on Nicole Bailey’s website that I highly suggest looking at because it is BEAUTIFUL!
The plot was so good. I never felt bored or that there were filler scenes. Also, the chapters are pretty short which helped with pacing a ton!
The relationships themselves are so cute. Apollo and Hyacinth start out as enemies. They absolutely hate each other and don’t want to do anything. Their hate slowly turns into liking, and then into love. I do think that if you aren’t a fan at how fast characters realize that they love one another, this isn’t the book for you. They go from liking one another to kissing one another pretty fast, but it’s not that bad. I think it’s perfectly written for enemies to lovers. There’s also a second one between Epiphany and a stable man, Valerian. It’s a forbidden romance and I just keep yelling ‘KISS KISS KISS’ every time they are on page together. They are absolutely adorable and I will fight anyone who doesn’t like them.
I love everything about this book, and I am desperate for book 2! I love all the characters and can’t wait to see what will happen now.
I don’t remember how I came across A Veil of Gods and Kings, but oh MAN am I glad I did.
In A Veil of Gods and Kings, we follow Apollo as he is forced, by Zeus, his father, to spend a year getting mentored by Prince Hyacinth. What starts out as mutual distain for one another, but soon turns into something else. A spark, that if turned into a flame, could ignite everything they’ve always protected.
This retelling was SO GOOD. We have 3 POVs (Apollo, Hyacinth, and Epiphany), and each of them are so strong,
Epiphany, Hyacinth’s younger sister, is one of my favourites. She’s strong, willing to fight for what she believes in, and let’s her emotions guide her in times of need. Epiphany is also plus sized, and I was SO happy to have a plus sized character in this book. Non-fat people might misinterpret her description, but I will fight anyone who says she’s just ‘curvy’ and not plus-sized. She’s my plus sized queen.
As for representation, MAN I was not expecting as much as there is. We obviously have Apollo as bisexual, Hyacinth is gay, but then we have Temi who is aromantic, and Epiphany is plus sized. Apollo, Hyacinth, Temi, and Epiphany are also all nonwhite. There is character art on Nicole Bailey’s website that I highly suggest looking at because it is BEAUTIFUL!
The plot was so good. I never felt bored or that there were filler scenes. Also, the chapters are pretty short which helped with pacing a ton!
The relationships themselves are so cute. Apollo and Hyacinth start out as enemies. They absolutely hate each other and don’t want to do anything. Their hate slowly turns into liking, and then into love. I do think that if you aren’t a fan at how fast characters realize that they love one another, this isn’t the book for you. They go from liking one another to kissing one another pretty fast, but it’s not that bad. I think it’s perfectly written for enemies to lovers. There’s also a second one between Epiphany and a stable man, Valerian. It’s a forbidden romance and I just keep yelling ‘KISS KISS KISS’ every time they are on page together. They are absolutely adorable and I will fight anyone who doesn’t like them.
I love everything about this book, and I am desperate for book 2! I love all the characters and can’t wait to see what will happen now.
destiel74's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It was a fun Greek adventure story with a cute couple at the forefront. I can't wait to see how Apollo and Cyn's war against Zeus plays out.
caffeinatedmoodreader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
carmonicat's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
midwestern_book_musings's review against another edition
5.0
“A god fighting his fate. A prince burdened with secrets. And a romance that could end in flames.”