REVIEW Radiant Sin (Dark Olympus #4) by Katee Robert

Radiant Sin (Dark Olympus Book 4) by Katee Robert
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Format: Audiobook (Personal Library, Bought from Libro.fm0
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Katee Robert’s Radiant Sin, the fourth book in the Dark Olympus series, picks up after the events of Wicked Beauty with the power dynamics in Olympus once again shifting. New arrivals to the city have disrupted the usual ebb and flow, and a failing boundary system has left all of the members of the Thirteen desperate to shore up their power base and not show weakness to those outside of the city looking to strike.  

Radiant Sin gives readers a different viewpoint on the world of Olympus. Instead of most of the story taking place in the main city, Apollo and Cassandra journey to Minos’ country estate to attend a house party and try to determine his ulterior motives. The action that happens there is reminiscent of the board game Clue or the movie Knives Out, as the duo is thrust into an evolving mystery that they must solve before the ‘villains’ can make their move. The house guests add an extra element of fun to the story, as you have the ever-mischievous Hermes, the laid back party loving Dionysus, and the chaos-inducing Aphrodite (formerly known as Eris) as just a few of those present at the event. 

I’ve constantly been left amazed by the author’s creative ways of reimagining the Greek myths. Apollo and Cassandra’s roles in Olympus take very loose inspiration from the original tales. For example, there are never any references to poetry, healing, or music with Apollo’s role in the Thirteen. Apollo is also not a package deal with Artemis in this book (they’re cordial at best). There’s also no reference to Cassandra’s role in the Greek myths as the ‘mad prophetess’. However, despite the inspirations being loose, I do think Ms. Robert managed to maintain the spirit of those figures as well as their recognizability. 

Overall, Radiant Sin was an excellent read. Zara Hampton Brown and Alex Moorcock did an excellent job bringing Cassandra and Apollo’s perspectives to life in alternating chapters within the book (I really love all of the books they’ve narrated for Katee Robert). As with the other books in the Dark Olympus series, I would recommend Radiant Sin for mature fans of steamy, romance-filled mythology retellings. While Cassandra and Apollo’s story stands alone, a lot of the happenings in this book take up the story threads from Wicked Beauty and really set up the foundation for what should be happening in the next book, Cruel Seduction. I’m really excited to see Ms. Robert’s take on the story of Aphrodite and Hephaestus, and how she will incorporate Pandora and Adonis into that relationship.  

CONTENT WARNINGS (Courtesy of the Author): Body Shaming (referenced briefly, historical), murder, blood, guns, boss/employee relationship

About the Book

There's nowhere more dangerous than Olympus...and no one more captivating than its golden god: Apollo. Keeper of secrets, master of his shining realm...and the only man I am powerless to deny.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Apollo and Cassandra that's as sinful as it is sweet.*

As a disgraced member of a fallen house, Cassandra Gataki has seen firsthand what comes from trusting the venomous Thirteen. But when the maddeningly gorgeous and kind Apollo asks her to go undercover as his plus-one at a week-long party hosted by a dangerous new power player...Cassandra reluctantly agrees to have his back.

On one condition: when it's all over, and Apollo has the ammunition he needs to protect Olympus, she and her sister will be allowed to leave. For good.

Apollo may be the city's official spymaster, but it's his ability to inspire others that keeps him at the top. Despite what the rest of Olympus says, there's no one he trusts more than Cassandra. Yet even as their fake relationship takes a wicked turn for the scaldingly hot, a very real danger surfaces... threatening not only Cassandra and Apollo, but the very heart of Olympus itself.

About the Author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over a million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

 

Katee is represented by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

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REVIEW Wicked Beauty (Dark Olympus #3) by Katee Robert

Wicked Beauty (Dark Olympus #3) by Katee Robert
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: June 7, 2022
Format: Audiobook (Personal Library)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca 

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After the events of Electric Idol, Olympus has been shaken to the core. There’s a new Aphrodite on the scene. The old Ares is dead, and there will be a massive tournament to fill the role. Helen Kasios is used to the power plays between the members of the Thirteen, but when a twist to the Ares tournament is announced she has no choice but to enter and prove to everyone (especially her siblings) that she’s more than just a pretty face. 

Wicked Beauty had more action than the first two books, and I was all here for it. I loved seeing Helen’s performance in the various trials. It seemed like she was a secret American Ninja warrior in the making! The thought of all the shocked faces in the crowd was amusing, especially when I thought about what Zeus’ and Aphrodite’s faces of frustration must have looked like. I imagine it was a glorious full-circle moment for Helen to defy her siblings in such a public way; if I had to guess, Callisto/Hera probably looked pretty smug and amused at the moment too. As a side note, I’d love to see a short story featuring Athena in the future. She’s such a mysterious badass, and I need more of her and Hermes. While Hermes is projected to appear as the main character in Book 10 of the series, Athena is not listed as the main character in any of the currently announced books so it seems like a short story would be the most likely place for her to make another appearance. 

After finishing the Wicked Villains books, it's nice to be able to make the connection that Hercules from Learn My Lesson is the brother of Helen, Zeus (formerly Perseus), and Aphrodite (formerly Eris). It seems like Helen was close to him before he left the city, so it was nice to have the full context available. The relationships of Hercules and Helen offered an interesting contrast. Both are in polyamorous relationships. Meg and Hades went into a relationship with Hercules with the goal of pissing off Zeus and becoming intimate. Achilles and Patroclus, on the other hand, had no interest in Helen at the beginning and only wanted to gain the title of Ares. I also felt it was interesting that the relationship between Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus seems a bit more balanced than that of Hercules, Meg, and Hades (Hades is the primary dominant member of his trio, while Helen, Patroclus, and Achilles all seem to have dominant traits on some level). 

Overall, another fantastic book from Katee Robert. Alex Moorcock and Zara Hampton-Brown did a fantastic job with their performance in the audiobook narration. If you liked Ms. Robert's The Beast, then I think you'll enjoy this book. As with the other books in the Dark Olympus series, I would recommend this book for mature fans of steamy romance-filled mythology retellings. I’m curious to see how the relationship between Cassandra and Apollo will play out in Radiant Sin, especially since Apollo’s duties for the Thirteen and Olympus are not as closely related to his role in the myth. 

TRIGGER WARNINGS (Courtesy of Author’s Website): Abusive Parent, Assault, Attempted Murder, Blood, Abusive Ex, Miscarriage (Side character, Off-Page, Historical)

About the Book

She was the face that launched a thousand ships, the fierce beauty at the heart of Olympus...and she was never ours to claim.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Helen of Troy, Achilles, and Patroclus that's as sinful as it is sweet.*

In Olympus, you either have the power to rule...or you are ruled. Achilles Kallis may have been born with nothing, but as a child he vowed he would claw his way into the poisonous city's inner circle. Now that a coveted role has opened to anyone with the strength to claim it, he and his partner, Patroclus Fotos, plan to compete and double their odds of winning.

Neither expect infamous beauty Helen Kasios to be part of the prize...or for the complicated fire that burns the moment she looks their way.

Zeus may have decided Helen is his to give to away, but she has her own plans. She enters into the competition as a middle finger to the meddling Thirteen rulers, effectively vying for her own hand in marriage. Unfortunately, there are those who would rather see her dead than lead the city. The only people she can trust are the ones she can't keep her hands off-Achilles and Patroclus. But can she really believe they have her best interests at heart when every stolen kiss is a battlefield?

About the Author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over a million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

 

Katee is represented by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

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Electric Idol (Dark Olympus Book 2) by Katee Robert

Electric Idol (Dark Olympus Book 2) by Katee Robert
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: January 18, 2022
Format: eBook (Purchased/Personal Library) + Audiobook (borrowed from the library) 
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Check out my review of the first book in the Dark Olympus series, Neon Gods. 

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Electric Idol by Katee Robert is the second installment in the Dark Olympus series, and I absolutely loved it (but for different reasons than why I loved Neon Gods). There are so many stories surrounding Eros and Psyche, and Ms. Robert absolutely killed it with her take on their relationship. Don’t expect it to be a rehash of Neon Gods though; Hades and Persephone are a very different couple compared to Eros and Psyche, and that’s part of what makes this book so entertaining. Readers who pick up Electric Idol can expect lots of trademark Katee Robert spiciness as well as witty banter and flirtations between the main characters. 

One of the reasons I think I enjoy Katee Robert’s Dark Olympus series so much is the way that she tackles the myths and reimagines them. At the core, the myth stays the same and is recognizable (i.e. Zeus being the ruler of Olympus). Even some of the spins and twists that she layers into the characters still reference the original myths. Eros, our hero in Electric Idol, is still the companion of Aphrodite. He serves as her assassin in this book as opposed to some winged figure going around shooting people and making them fall in love. I love the original myths, but I think I’m starting to prefer Katee Robert’s version of the stories a bit. 

I’m a big fan of witty banter between love interests. There are so many moments in the book where Eros and Psyche wage wars of words that I practically squealed with delight. Despite my love of witty banter and sarcastic remarks, I was particularly taken by the moments of vulnerability that Eros and Psyche shared. Psyche has had to deal with not fitting the Olympus image of perfection her entire life, and her insecurities do come into play with their relationship. It doesn’t initially register for her that someone could love her for her, and as a result, she has her emotional walls built quite high. Eros eventually proves that he does love her and all of her curves; the moment where she realizes and eventually accepts that was beautiful. On the other hand, Eros looks like a male model but he has just as many insecurities as Psyche. He’s been his mother’s “fixer” for most of his life, which has made him view himself as a monster. One of the most touching moments for me is when he first visits Demeter’s home and is shocked to see all the genuine and happy photos featured on the wall. That moment comes full circle at the end of the book - I don’t want to tell you what happens and risk too many spoilers, but it was well worth the wait in my opinion. 

For those who are curious, this book isn’t quite as steamy as Neon Gods. While I appreciated the spice and steaminess that Ms. Robert graced us with Hades and Persephone’s relationship, I am equally appreciative of Eros and Psyche’s sweet romance. Alex Moorcock and Zara Hampton-Brown did another great job with the narration of this book. I loved how seamlessly their performances wove together. If audiobooks are your thing, I would definitely recommend picking up the audiobook for Electric Idol. 

After finishing this book (and getting an introduction to Helen Kasios within), I am so excited to read Wicked Beauty (which comes out in June 2022). Can’t wait to see all the juiciness that will surround Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus’ relationship (and how Eris might play into things). I’m officially hooked on the series - Electric Idol is another smash-hit by Katee Robert. I would recommend this book for mature fans of steamy romance-filled mythology retellings. 

TRIGGER WARNINGS (From the Author’s Page): Abuse (emotional, financial), Body-Shaming (Ch 1, 3, 31), Murder (Off-Page), Guns, Explicit Sex

About the Book

He was the most beautiful man in Olympus...and if I wasn't careful, he was going to be my death.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Psyche and Eros that's as sinful as it is sweet.*

In the ultra-modern city of Olympus, there's always a price to pay. Psyche Dimitriou knew she'd have to face Aphrodite's jealous rage eventually, but she never expected her literal heart to be at stake...or for Aphrodite's gorgeous son to be the one ordered to strike the killing blow.

Eros has no problem shedding blood. Raised to be his mother's knife in the dark, he's been conditioned to accept that he's more monster than man. But when it comes time to take out his latest target...he can't do it. Confused by his reaction to Psyche's unexpected kindness, he does the only thing he can think of to keep her safe: he binds her to him, body and soul.

Psyche didn't expect to find herself married to the glittering city's most dangerous killer, but something about Eros wakens a fire inside her she's never felt before. As lines blur and loyalties shift, Psyche realizes Eros might take her heart after all...and she's not sure she can survive the loss.

About the Author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over a million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

 

Katee is represented by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

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Neon Gods (Dark Olympus Book 1) by Katee Robert

Neon Gods (Dark Olympus Book 1) by Katee Robert

Rating: 5 Stars

Release Date: June 1, 2021

Format: Audiobook (library)

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

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Neon Gods by Katee Robert is a quick and fun read - I devoured it in one sitting. This book is a unique retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, complete with an innovative setting and world. I want to emphasize that this book is a very spicy read, so I would recommend it for mature readers ONLY. Not suitable in any way for the eyes of under 18-year-olds.  

The idea of the Thirteen was super interesting to me. Instead of them being “gods”, the titles are inherited or earned and relate to their job in the city. For example, anyone who holds the Demeter title is responsible for feeding both the lower and upper cities. It was unclear how some titles, like that of Hades and Hera related to their roles from mythology. The idea that Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon are blood titles maintained the idea that those three gods have always had more power than the other Olympians.   

I really loved the characters of Persephone and Hades, both individually and together as a couple. Hades being a “consent king” in this book was a pleasant surprise. I think this quote sums it up best: “For someone so determined to be labeled a monster, he’s incredibly invested in my pleasure and consent.” 

Outside of Persephone and Hades, my favorite characters were Hermes and Dionysus. First of all, Hermes is a female in this book (as opposed to their normal characterization as a male). It was curious to have Dionysus be an asexual character given his role and title. I wonder what the author might end up doing with that in future books. Hermes was hilarious when she unashamedly and repeatedly broke into Hades’ quarters, and Hades is at the point where he just accepts it and has stopped fighting. I also really enjoyed Hermes’ ability of vocal mimicry and how it was used in the book (i.e. to deliver ultimatums in the sender’s voice). It was an interesting twist on their role as messenger of the gods that I’ve never seen before. 

If Neon God was this great, I cannot wait for the release of Electric Idol in 2022. The story of Eros and Psyche is sure to be more intense than that of Hades and Persephone given the source material.  

CW (from the author’s page): Abuse, Parental Death (Historical, Off-Page), Assault/Attempted Assault, Explicit Sex, guns, Blood 

About the Book

He was supposed to be a myth. But from the moment I crossed the River Styx and fell under his dark spell...he was, quite simply, mine.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Hades and Persephone that's as sinful as it is sweet.*

Society darling Persephone Dimitriou plans to flee the ultra-modern city of Olympus and start over far from the backstabbing politics of the Thirteen Houses. But all that's ripped away when her mother ambushes her with an engagement to Zeus, the dangerous power behind their glittering city's dark facade.

With no options left, Persephone flees to the forbidden undercity and makes a devil's bargain with a man she once believed a myth...a man who awakens her to a world she never knew existed.

Hades has spent his life in the shadows, and he has no intention of stepping into the light. But when he finds that Persephone can offer a little slice of the revenge he's spent years craving, it's all the excuse he needs to help her-for a price. Yet every breathless night spent tangled together has given Hades a taste for Persephone, and he'll go to war with Olympus itself to keep her close...

About the Author

Katee Robert is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Entertainment Weekly calls her writing “unspeakably hot.” Her books have sold over a million copies. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

 

Katee is represented by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

Katee Robert Author Website

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