
Synopsis
The greatest love story ever told…
Born into an era of heroes, a prophecy claims that Psyche – Princess of Mycenae – will defeat a monster feared even by the gods themselves. Rebelling against society’s traditions, she spends her youth mastering blade and bow, preparing to fulfil her destiny.
But she is soon caught up in powers beyond her control, when the jealous Aphrodite sends the God of Desire, Eros, to deliver a fatal love-curse. The last thing Eros wants is to become involved in the chaos of the mortal world, but when he is pricked by the very arrow intended for Psyche, he is doomed to love a woman who will be torn from him the moment their eyes meet.
Thrown together by fate, headstrong Psyche and world-weary Eros will face challenges greater than they could have ever imagined. And as the Trojan War begins and the whole of the heavens try to keep them apart, will they find their way back to each other… before it’s too late?
My Review
Psyche, is born to the King and Queen of Mycenae. Before her birth her father is told of a prophecy that his child will defeat a great monster. Growing up Psyche has all the training that she would need so she can fulfil the prophecy. However, when she is older Psyche angers the goddess Aphrodite who sends Eros to curse her with an arrow but Eros accidentally cuts himself with the arrow, falling in love with Psyche and becoming the subject of Aphrodite’s curse. Can Psyche and Eros be together and can the curse be broken?
This year has definitely been the year for reading more about Greek mythology and retellings. As soon as I read the synopsis I knew this was a book I needed to read straightaway. I know a little about Eros but very little about Psyche or her beginnings. This was such a beautifully written book that I found it difficult to put down. The way the story was written it was so easy to understand and even though at times there was a lot going on and many characters were introduced it was so easy to follow.
I really enjoyed learning more about Psyche and her origins. Especially the way she was treated by her father and that he wasn’t disappointed by the fact he had a daughter rather than a son. He treated Psyche as if she was a son, making sure she had all of the same opportunities including learning to fight, defend herself and defend others. Psyche is such a smart, talented and strong woman. Psyche shows her strength and agility when she defeats the drakonis because it showed how talented she was.
I loved reading the love story between Psyche and Eros unfold and their relationship develop. Although it started off quite platonic it slowly turned into something more. Although Eros believes that he has been cursed to love Psyche I didn’t see it as a curse but felt it was Eros’ redemption. Prior to meeting Psyche although Eros was a god his life had no meaning. He was not in the best place and he was actually looking to end it all that is until he cuts himself with the arrow. Psyche and Eros represent true love and are soul mates. They’re meant to be together but they have to go through so much including being separated and then battling against the gods so they can be reunited. My favourite scene was when Eros first saw Psyche and falls in love with her. What made it one of my favourite scenes was Eros’ first impression of Psyche who is asleep. Although he sees how beautiful she is, the moment is ruined by Psyche snoring and drooling onto her pillow. This really made me chuckle.
If you’re a fan of Greek mythology and retellings this is a book not to be missed.

Author Bio

LUNA McNAMARA is a social worker living in Boston. She holds a master’s degree from Harvard University with a focus in women and gender in world religions and has studied ancient Greek language and philosophy. Her fiction and creative nonfiction have been published in Rune Bear and the Harvard Divinity Bulletin. Psyche and Eros is her first novel.
