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A review by toodlebean
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley for an eARC of this novel.
I absolutely adore the concept of this book. This retelling of a lesser known Greek myth has reignited my love for mythology and retellings. If you're looking for a story close to its source material, you won't find it here but it's a good story nonetheless.
Personally I did find the novel lacking a little overall. As a new adult romantic fantasy I expected a little more depth. The mature content of the book is enough to push it into new adult territory but the writing and character development feels more young adult. The promised slow burn, enemies to lovers relationship is not as expected. The initial excitement leads into a very monotonous mid section with an unsatisfying and abrupt conclusion. Hyacinth's sister Pip nabs quite a few chapters for herself with very little impact on the main storyline. As a character she isn't compelling and her chapters aren't exciting.
Hyacinth and Apollo are equally likeable as characters and their development into friends and lovers is quite believable. Temi is a great character and I love her strength and determination.
I did find one twist unexpected and honestly I think it's more because I'm so dense. It was a twist I should have seen coming and was already anticipating in a way. The actual unveiling had me feeling so incredibly stupid because really, it's so obvious. This may be the only "wow" moment I experienced.
Younger adult readers with an interest in retellings, M/M romance, Greek mythology and easy to read stories may find a lot of enjoyment here. I found A Veil of Gods and Kings didn't meet my own personal expectations but still believe it has its audience.
I absolutely adore the concept of this book. This retelling of a lesser known Greek myth has reignited my love for mythology and retellings. If you're looking for a story close to its source material, you won't find it here but it's a good story nonetheless.
Personally I did find the novel lacking a little overall. As a new adult romantic fantasy I expected a little more depth. The mature content of the book is enough to push it into new adult territory but the writing and character development feels more young adult. The promised slow burn, enemies to lovers relationship is not as expected. The initial excitement leads into a very monotonous mid section with an unsatisfying and abrupt conclusion. Hyacinth's sister Pip nabs quite a few chapters for herself with very little impact on the main storyline. As a character she isn't compelling and her chapters aren't exciting.
Hyacinth and Apollo are equally likeable as characters and their development into friends and lovers is quite believable. Temi is a great character and I love her strength and determination.
I did find one twist unexpected and honestly I think it's more because I'm so dense. It was a twist I should have seen coming and was already anticipating in a way. The actual unveiling had me feeling so incredibly stupid because really, it's so obvious. This may be the only "wow" moment I experienced.
Younger adult readers with an interest in retellings, M/M romance, Greek mythology and easy to read stories may find a lot of enjoyment here. I found A Veil of Gods and Kings didn't meet my own personal expectations but still believe it has its audience.