A review by natashaleighton_
Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara

adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Vividly bold and unapologetically feminist, Luna McNamara’s sweeping reimagining of Psyche and Eros’ story was a refreshingly insightful and engaging read exploring love in all it’s many guides, that I genuinely didn’t want to end. 

First off, I do want to mention that there are quite a few big changes made to Psyche and Eros’ tale both character and plot wise, which you may be disappointed by if you prefer your retellings to stay 100% faithful to the source material. Personally, I actually didn’t mind the changes and really enjoyed the modern take on this classical Greek myth.

I adored McNamara’s lush, vibrant prose and endearingly complex characters-especially Psyche, who quite possibly had the biggest transformation from the original. 

Although still a Princess, this version of Psyche is both an only child and an aspiring warrior (thanks to the prophecy at her birth which claims she’ll conquer a monster feared by the gods.) 

But what intrigued me most about the changes to Psyche’s background and personality was delving into the societal clash and emotional conflict that Psyche’s unconventional upbringing creates. For though her duty is to marry and give her kingdom male heirs, Psyche yearns only to become a great hero (and preferably one that stays chaste.) 

This might not seem all that revolutionary when you consider how many feminist/ female led retellings we’ve seen released in the last few years. However, the unique exploration of the hero’s journey from Psyche’s perspective, and her conflicting thoughts on the true cost of being a hero was really interesting (thanks to some perfectly timed cameos from notable mythological figures such as Medusa, Persephone and Atalanta.) We’re also offered a far more intriguing perspective —that there’s more important things in life than being a hero, and that the violent, callous and fickle nature of the gods is something to be denounced not revered. 

Even Eros (a god himself) shows contempt for the selfish (sometimes harmful) games Zeus’ pantheon of Gods partake in (including his disgust and guilt at some of his own questionable decisions.)

I enjoyed Eros’ character arc, though I admit to finding Psyche just a smidge more developed. I did, however, really love Eros’ alternating POV chapters as they allowed us to delve into the thought processes and emotions of the gods, which we don’t always get to do in retellings. 

The romance was lighter than I had anticipated but still lovely nonetheless,  and the pacing was also quite good  considering the amount of info that needed to be conveyed in the opening half of the book.

Overall a fun and thoroughly entertaining read that’s perfect for fans of Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint. 

Also, a huge thank you to Orion Books and Random Things Tours for the physical copy (and also Netgalley for the e-arc.)
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