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shannonigans322's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
As with the first book in this series, what a wild ride. The world-building is still a bit loosey-goosey, but let's be honest here: We're not here for a fleshed out world, are we? ;) I just wish that Robert did a bit more to explain where Olympus is and how it ended up like this. Like, she references real-life countries, but apparently magic is sort of a thing?? I don't know. The speed of the relationship's progression definitely requires some suspension of belief, but I love musical theatre, so I'm capable of that. I love that both leads are bi/pansexual; just wish we could've had more than just a few passing comments. Big steamy vibes and love the emotional growth between the main couple. Huge CW for narcissistic parent though, cause OOF.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Murder
olivialandryxo's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
[second read, September-October 2023]
Rating raised from 3.5 stars to 4.
Me last year: Eros is being an asshole!!
Me now: Meh. I’ve suffered through a whole book of Dante Russo. This is nothing.
I was curious to see if my opinion would be different this time around, if this book still fell in last place in my Dark Olympus series ranking. While I can now say that I’m considerably fonder of Eros and Psyche—due largely to the parallels between them, Tink and Hook, and another of my favorite, unrelated fictional couples—that stance yet remains the same.
It really is interesting to me, how this pans out. That this is the Dark Olympus equivalent of A Worthy Opponent, my favorite Wicked Villains book and overall favorite Katee book, yet my least favorite in its own series. That, somehow, I just never formed an attachment to Eros and Psyche the way I did Tink and Hook, even though I should adore both ships.
Tastes really do be weird like that.
[first read, February 2022]
I was so excited for this book, both because I loved Neon Gods and because I haven’t seen any other retellings of the Eros and Psyche myth.
Unfortunately, though it was a quick read, Electric Idol wasn’t as entertaining to me as its predecessor. While I did really like Psyche, the same wasn’t true about Eros. His possessiveness toward Psyche was off-putting. I can’t say they had no chemistry, because they did, but I wasn’t really invested in their romance. In the last book, I was so distraught by the idea of Hades and Persephone not being together; in this one, I found myself mostly indifferent to the relationship and whether or not it lasted.
Similarly, in the last book, the final chapters were super intense; I sped through, needing to know if everything would work out. This time around, it felt very anticlimactic. There were a couple of impressive twists, but my point stands.
The best part was the side characters. I love the Dimitriou sisters, as well as Helen, Eris and Hermes. Every mention of Persephone and Hades made me ridiculously happy, and their cameos? I was through the freaking ROOF. To be honest, I kind of wish we’d seen a bit more of them. Also, I don’t think they got officially married in Neon Gods? So the fact that I didn’t get to see their wedding? RUDE.
I’m joking but also not.
(2023 Liv: I stand by this.)
Anyway, criticisms aside, Electric Idol wasn’t a bad book. I liked one of the protagonists, loved most of the side characters, and was living for the banter between Eros and Psyche. I’ll definitely be reading the next book, and also probably rereading the first because I miss Persephone and Hades. They’re the best.
Representation
Rating raised from 3.5 stars to 4.
Me last year: Eros is being an asshole!!
Me now: Meh. I’ve suffered through a whole book of Dante Russo. This is nothing.
I was curious to see if my opinion would be different this time around, if this book still fell in last place in my Dark Olympus series ranking. While I can now say that I’m considerably fonder of Eros and Psyche—due largely to the parallels between them, Tink and Hook, and another of my favorite, unrelated fictional couples—that stance yet remains the same.
It really is interesting to me, how this pans out. That this is the Dark Olympus equivalent of A Worthy Opponent, my favorite Wicked Villains book and overall favorite Katee book, yet my least favorite in its own series. That, somehow, I just never formed an attachment to Eros and Psyche the way I did Tink and Hook, even though I should adore both ships.
Tastes really do be weird like that.
[first read, February 2022]
I was so excited for this book, both because I loved Neon Gods and because I haven’t seen any other retellings of the Eros and Psyche myth.
Unfortunately, though it was a quick read, Electric Idol wasn’t as entertaining to me as its predecessor. While I did really like Psyche, the same wasn’t true about Eros. His possessiveness toward Psyche was off-putting. I can’t say they had no chemistry, because they did, but I wasn’t really invested in their romance. In the last book, I was so distraught by the idea of Hades and Persephone not being together; in this one, I found myself mostly indifferent to the relationship and whether or not it lasted.
Similarly, in the last book, the final chapters were super intense; I sped through, needing to know if everything would work out. This time around, it felt very anticlimactic. There were a couple of impressive twists, but my point stands.
The best part was the side characters. I love the Dimitriou sisters, as well as Helen, Eris and Hermes. Every mention of Persephone and Hades made me ridiculously happy, and their cameos? I was through the freaking ROOF. To be honest, I kind of wish we’d seen a bit more of them. Also, I don’t think they got officially married in Neon Gods? So the fact that I didn’t get to see their wedding? RUDE.
I’m joking but also not.
(2023 Liv: I stand by this.)
Anyway, criticisms aside, Electric Idol wasn’t a bad book. I liked one of the protagonists, loved most of the side characters, and was living for the banter between Eros and Psyche. I’ll definitely be reading the next book, and also probably rereading the first because I miss Persephone and Hades. They’re the best.
Representation
- fat bisexual protagonists
- pansexual protagonist
- queer side characters
- Black side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, Death, Gun violence, Murder, and Fatphobia
Multiple explicit sex scenes. One protagonist was emotionally abused/manipulated by his mother as a child and is working past that in the novel. Mild gun violence in a few scenes. Death/murder discussed, committed in the past, but not really on-page.alli_the_bookaholic13's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this one! I loved Eros and Psyche, I loved their relationship, I loved all of it. The writing was easy to follow, and the story was really compelling. I was hooked from the very beginning.
I’m a huge fan of the fake relationship trope, and I thought the author did a really great job with it. I liked how in the beginning Psyche would flinch when Eros got near, but as she got more comfortable around him, and her feelings grew, she didn’t. I also liked that Eros addressed this.
The politics of Olympus are still high-stakes, and this one had some very exciting moments. I like that we got to see a bit more of the people around the Thirteen, and I’m excited for the next books after all the political happenings in this one.
I thought the pacing was good. The relationship between Eros and Psyche was super hot, but it took time in the book to build up. In the timeline of the book it didn’t take long, but it also didn’t feel fake or forced.
One of my favourite parts of the book was Eros. His character was really awesome, and I like how the author portrayed him. He sees himself as a monster, and he has done monstrous things, but his growth in the story was really sweet.
I’m a huge fan of the fake relationship trope, and I thought the author did a really great job with it. I liked how in the beginning Psyche would flinch when Eros got near, but as she got more comfortable around him, and her feelings grew, she didn’t. I also liked that Eros addressed this.
The politics of Olympus are still high-stakes, and this one had some very exciting moments. I like that we got to see a bit more of the people around the Thirteen, and I’m excited for the next books after all the political happenings in this one.
I thought the pacing was good. The relationship between Eros and Psyche was super hot, but it took time in the book to build up. In the timeline of the book it didn’t take long, but it also didn’t feel fake or forced.
One of my favourite parts of the book was Eros. His character was really awesome, and I like how the author portrayed him. He sees himself as a monster, and he has done monstrous things, but his growth in the story was really sweet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Emotional abuse, Murder, and Body shaming
mxm0290's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Body shaming, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Cursing, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gun violence, Murder, and Alcohol
giuliaathenalombardo's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The love story between Eros/Cupid and Psyche has always been my favourite in all of Mythology.
It is essentially built on the love they have for one another without voluntary lies or deceit from either party, something that is very hard to come by.
Although I truly loved the book I cannot help but with Katee had stuck more to their original storyline, where Psyche was forced into marrying Eros but she had no idea who he was or what he looked like, but had to form feelings for him based on his personality and not his incredible looks. I loved the idea of Psyche thinking she's fallen for a hideous monster only to find he was the god of desire all along.
Despite this, I found their dynamic extremely lovable and unexpectedly sweet, it was clear for the beginning that they cared for one another, despite their resistance, and that manifested itself in the form of intense physical chemistry and a more subtle but strong emotional one. They both put themselves in harms way for the other and puts their partner's sentiments first.
Though it was a stressful read as it was impossible to tell how they would pull off getting Aphrodite off their backs the ending was incredibly satisfying and really filled me with joy for them both.
It is essentially built on the love they have for one another without voluntary lies or deceit from either party, something that is very hard to come by.
Although I truly loved the book I cannot help but with Katee had stuck more to their original storyline, where Psyche was forced into marrying Eros but she had no idea who he was or what he looked like, but had to form feelings for him based on his personality and not his incredible looks. I loved the idea of Psyche thinking she's fallen for a hideous monster only to find he was the god of desire all along.
Despite this, I found their dynamic extremely lovable and unexpectedly sweet, it was clear for the beginning that they cared for one another, despite their resistance, and that manifested itself in the form of intense physical chemistry and a more subtle but strong emotional one. They both put themselves in harms way for the other and puts their partner's sentiments first.
Though it was a stressful read as it was impossible to tell how they would pull off getting Aphrodite off their backs the ending was incredibly satisfying and really filled me with joy for them both.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, and Fatphobia
Minor: Bullying, Blood, Alcohol, and Cursing
kaetheluise_nckl's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Moderate: Gun violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Alcohol, Body shaming, and Murder
nasialex's review
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
diandra_s's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Emotional abuse
venetiana's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
An okay read, but especially in comparison with Neon Gods, it really didn't do anything for me. Also a bit repetitive and dragged out.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Gaslighting, Pregnancy, Sexism, Torture, Alcohol, Blood, Child abuse, Death, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, and Violence
sidhewitch's review
4.75
Audiobook Review. Dual Narration. Our two narrators did a great job, though I continue to feel like Alex is a little miscast. Still, I enjoyed the performance more than I did for Neon Gods, and nothing was distracting or off-putting. A really enjoyable listen.
All I can say is wow. I devoured this book. Psyche is a smart, interesting, understandable character and a plus-size heroine to boot, and Eros is a bit of a dark hero without being too dark. Katee Robert described him as a feral cat who followed home the first person who was ever nice to him, and in that way I feel like this is a little bit or a morality-chain story. Not full-blown, but if that's your jam you might enjoy this.
The book is heavy on the spice, but I'd say it shares the spotlight for most of the books length with the actual plot. There were a few points of contention for me, mostly having to do with feeling like Psyche was either waffling on some opinions without reason or that Eros was just a horribly unreliable narrator when it came to her (which made no sense to me), but they were rare. For the most part the plot is tightly constructed, as good plant-and-pay-off, and serves the romance without getting silly. The two characters felt more fleshed out to me than Hades and Persephone had been, and their falling in love seemed more rooted in getting to know each other (at least for Psyche).
All I can say is wow. I devoured this book. Psyche is a smart, interesting, understandable character and a plus-size heroine to boot, and Eros is a bit of a dark hero without being too dark. Katee Robert described him as a feral cat who followed home the first person who was ever nice to him, and in that way I feel like this is a little bit or a morality-chain story. Not full-blown, but if that's your jam you might enjoy this.
The book is heavy on the spice, but I'd say it shares the spotlight for most of the books length with the actual plot. There were a few points of contention for me, mostly having to do with feeling like Psyche was either waffling on some opinions without reason or that Eros was just a horribly unreliable narrator when it came to her (which made no sense to me), but they were rare. For the most part the plot is tightly constructed, as good plant-and-pay-off, and serves the romance without getting silly. The two characters felt more fleshed out to me than Hades and Persephone had been, and their falling in love seemed more rooted in getting to know each other (at least for Psyche).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Gun violence, Violence, and Fatphobia
Sexual Content: The spice.Emotional Abuse: Adult parent to adult child on-page, adult child reflecting on similar abuse when he was an actual child. Also Demeter continues to be a horrible mother but it's more swept under the rug in this one.
Gun Violence / Violence: Brief, on page, not explicit. Fatphobia: People are assholes on-page to Psyche. It's brief and infrequent.