Reviews with content warning for Death - Radiant Sin

I love when timing works out... I've been slow-rolling through this series (the waitlists are so long!) and this most recent one came ready just a few days before we were set to leave for a birthday vacay to the Riveria Maya - perfecto.

Cassandra has been working for Apollo, the "spymaster" of Olympus, for years, trying to save enough money to get herself and her younger sister out of Olympus for good. Being the child of her disgraced (then murdered) parents has been a shadow Cassandra wants only to get away from. So, when Apollo asks her to be his plus-one on an undercover assignment, after which she and her sister will be allowed to leave for good (with resources to start over), she reluctantly agrees. But over the next week, their fake relationship takes a turn for the real, and Cassandra will have to decide if she can get over her hatred of Olympus and the Thirteen enough to allow herself to find safety and happiness with Apollo (oh, and save the city at the same time, of course).

Coming off Wicked Beauty, which was my favorite of the series so far (and remains so now) *and* the fact that I tried another series by Robert (Hunt on Blue Waters) and was kinda disappointed, I tempered my expectations here. So to be transparent, I can't say if those lower expectations played a role in my enjoyment of this one, but I sped through this one just like I have the last three and really enjoyed the journey. This one had a bit of a mystery with it, as we try to figure out what the ulterior motives are for the new players from outside Olympus (Theseus and the Minotaur, et al, that were introduced in the last book). It was a solid self-contained setting/story, on that front. And I appreciate what this did moving what is clearly becoming a greater series story arc forward, though I will be honest and say I wouldn't have hated it if a few extra steamy scenes had been thrown in. However, to be fair, the steamy scenes that were included were well done. They don't really hold a candle to Helen and Achilles and Patroclus, but they were solid.

As far as Cassandra and Apollo, I thought they made a great pair. Neither of them will stand out to me, I don't think, at the conclusion of this whole series, but in the way this retelling played out, they were a great match for each other. I was completely here for Cassandra’s bluntness (about ordering what she wants to eat, about her clothing choices, about the reality and likelihood of success for their infiltration plans, etc.). I mean, I know it’s a defense mechanism, but it was still refreshing to read (and a couple times it’s made me snort laugh, so I don’t hate that). And I am a bit of a sucker for a strongly protective hero, and that the way that Apollo was that, and demonstrated it hardcore (proving it even to his own detriment, which is rare!), while still giving Cassandra space/autonomy, was a big checkbox for me.

As always, I enjoy Robert's spins on familiar stories, with new aspects and HEAs, while giving some solid call backs to the original (like Cassandra’s warnings/visions not being heeded). I was also loving the Charon and Eurydice vibes - hoping for a friends to lovers story to come there. And Hermes and Dionysus continue to steal the show as side characters. Every time they're on page, the drama and entertainment are high quality.

I'm still wanting more, so that's the sign of a solid entry in a series, right? On to the next!

"This was a mistake, but I don’t care that my parachute is malfunctioning. I’m in a free fall and loving every second of it."

"Apollo is a fire in my blood, and he might burn me alive, but I’ll strike the match happily as long as he doesn’t stop touching me."

"My chest can’t decide whether it wants to expand or close. I settle for simply breathing. It’s enough. Right here, right now, it’s more than enough."

Content Warnings

dealfea's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I truly enjoy this series a lot. The spice mixed with the political intrigue and drama is very fun. I especially loved that Apollo is so kind and loving while still being dominant and sexy. I love that Cassandra is a force to be reckoned with and that at least Apollo always believes and sees her even if the others don't. Oh and of course I absolutely loved that Cassandra is plus-sized and beautiful!

Content Warnings

alicelalicon's review

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emotional tense fast-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

3.75

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