Thirty years ago, the gods of Greek legend returned to the world. Their return restored their powers, which had been spent in a cataclysmic battle with the Titans. With the ancient deities imprisoned in Tartarus, the Olympians now reside in Néo Vasíleio, formerly known as California.Twenty-four-year-old Derek Aerios is a war scion, a descendant of Ares, the God of War. He and his brother, … brother, eighteen-year-old Liam, capture mythological creatures and rogue scions as part of Ares’s elite military force. As he struggles to cope with his violent powers and the scars of a traumatic childhood, Derek tries to keep the two vows he has made: protect his brother, and never kill a human again.
But when Ares forces him to hunt and kill four rogue scions under Athena’s control—by threatening Liam’s life—Derek chooses to go after the scions in order to save his brother and keep his promise to himself.
Yet the closer Derek gets to the scions, the more he realizes that his orders are part of a deeper conspiracy that put him at odds with his mission and his conscience. Athena may not be the enemy, a traitor could be in their midst, and the Titans could be closer to freedom than ever before.
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This new urban fantasy series is off to a great start with a host of strong, complex characters that easily fascinate readers from the very beginning. The brothers, Derek and Liam are intriguing, full of life and courageous males that blow readers away with their determination and ingenuity throughout the story. Derek is the older brother and the story seems focusing on him so far, but it obvious that Liam plays a strong part in every decision that Derek makes, so they make a great team and readers can practically feel the loyalty that flows between them. They certainly need that loyalty and their bond as they are up against the Greek Gods in a fantastic setting where the Gods have re-emerged from obscurity and determined to take back their Godships by force. The author brings the setting to life with descriptive words that create a modern setting with a little of a futuristic feel and readers can easily imagine the Gods and how they would rule their world which makes it very easy for the readers to become completely absorbed in the intense and exhilarating story. The plot is fast paced and flows smoothly from one thrilling event to the next with lots adrenaline pumping suspense that builds throughout the story. There is never a dull moment to be found as the story takes readers on a complicated adventure full of exciting battles, betrayals, emotional turmoil and an extreme sense of expectation as each of the twists and turns of the story depends on life altering decisions and the whims of the gods.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Even better then book one! The brothers know they are in some trouble now yet when the Gods demand they retrieve the rest of the Trinity weapons as well as work with a group they can’t trust they have no choice but to agree. This leads to a fascinating suspenseful adventure as Derek tries to keep his secret while still saving the day. Full of Gods, magic, suspense, and action. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
If you grew up reading Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, watched your kids/grandkids enjoy reading modern stories based on Greek mythology, or (as I did) read it yourself, Amy Braun’s new series is a great transition to an adult view of those gods.
Derek Aerios could’ve gone to Camp Half-Blood with Percy, Annabeth, and Grover. Now, he’s an adult. Percy’s adventures are child’s play compared to the crises he and his brother Liam are forced into.
This story is fast-paced, fight scenes so well done the reader feels right there. Characters are well-drawn, although since this is the first book in a series, I’m sure the reader will learn more about Derek and Liam. With one confrontation after another–battles with scions, monsters, and gods–the reader keeps turning the page to see what’s next.
Between battles and confrontations with Ares, we get glimpses into Derek’s psyche. His vulnerability is his brother. He will do anything to protect Liam. Despite being a war scion (disciple of Ares), Derek will fight but refuses to kill. Ms. Braun forces him into situations where his ethics vie with his sibling obligation. She makes the reader feel his torment, his anguish.
Get set for a fascinating read, one that captures your imagination and doesn’t let go.