Thursday, April 5

Book Review: Aphrodite's Tears by Hannah Fielding

Author: Hannah Fielding
Title: Aphrodite's Tears
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Pages: ebook
Published: Jan 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)



In Hannah Fielding’s latest novel a young archaeologist who travels to the remote island of Helios to investigate an ancient shipwreck, becomes caught in a web of dark obsession, mystery and seduction.

In ancient Greece, one of the twelve labours of Hercules was to bring back a golden apple from the Garden of Hesperides. To archaeologist Oriel Anderson, joining a team of Greek divers on the island of Helios seems like the golden apple of her dreams.

Yet the dream becomes a nightmare when she meets the devilish owner of the island, Damian Theodorakis. In shocked recognition, she is flooded with the memory of a romantic night in a stranger’s arms, six summers ago. A very different man stands before her now, and Oriel senses that the sardonic Greek autocrat is hell-bent on playing a cat and mouse game with her.

As they cross swords and passions mount, Oriel is aware that malevolent eyes watch her from the shadows. Dark rumours are whispered about the Theodorakis family. What dangers lie in Helios: a bewitching land where ancient rituals are still enacted to appease the gods, young men risk their lives in the treacherous depths of the Ionian Sea, and the volatile earth can erupt at any moment?

Will Oriel find the hidden treasures she seeks? Or will Damian’s tragic past catch up with them, threatening to engulf them both?



This took me a while to read. It was long, but it was like a strong whiskey. Small sips at a time. 

The story follows Oriel Anderson who randomly met a hot guy. They had a one night stand and she didn't see him again until years later. She is a big ol' archeologist and Damian the head of his family and a leader of his small island. Drama, love, hate, weirdness, passion, rumors, and treasure. 

This certainly did have the feeling of a Greek tragedy and I liked it. I enjoyed Oriel's story. I felt so bad for her. I did feel bad for Damian too, but he annoyed me sometimes. I liked him, but he annoyed me at the same time. My feelings are complex and it is fitting. 

The cousin was a crazy one and I just wanted her to go away. I get why she isn't all there in the head, but my goodness. 

I did really enjoy the story, but I feel like it was too long. A little snipping would've been okay. Or maybe two books? 

I am always in awe of the author's writing. She is so good. 

But yes, overall, this was fun and I was not sure what was going to happen next. I had my doubts if Oriel and Damian could fix all their issues. I don't think I would've forgiven him myself...but I guess love and all. 

In the end, this certainly was a modern Greek tragedy with some interesting characters. A little long for my liking, but worth the read. I'll give this 4 stars. 





4 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

That cousin was such a bitch!

Carole Rae said...

Yesss! A super bitch!

Anachronist said...

You two have read it? And liked? Hmmm...

Carole Rae said...

Yessss not a bad one. ;)