Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - 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

nolalee's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Dark romance, political intrigue, murder mystery- all wrapped into an Apollo and Cassandra Greek myth retelling? Yes please!
Katee Robert's world building of Olympus is so intrinsic to the storyline that it feels like one of the characters in addition to The Thirteen. But to take the Thirteen out of the city and into the countryside home of the mysterious Minos, we get to see the main players of Olympus at their most vulnerable.
Apollo and Cassandra's chemistry is hot fire. The spice is spicy. And the mystery is still unsolved. I had a great time with this fourth entry in the Dark Olympus series and am ready to devour the rest of the series.

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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!

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alicelalicon's review against another edition

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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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nenaveenstra's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This book was a lot more plot-heavy than the others in this series, and I feel like there were less sex scenes, too. It wasn't bad, by all means, and I really enjoyed the bi and fat rep in this book, as well as the smut that was in here. However, especially in the beginning I was so overwhelmed by all the names and the plot shenanigans that I lost track and I actually skimmed over quite a bit. I hope we get to see more of Apollo and Cassandra in the rest of the series, because I liked their dynamic, but overall I think this might have been my least favourite of the series.

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kylasmv15's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

My favorite book of the series!

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kearstenkeepsreading's review against another edition

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challenging emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.75

I absolutely love the Dark Olympus series and this book is no exception! We start with Cassandra who is the executive assistant to Apollo. She is a curvy sassy woman who takes no shit from anyone, especially not Apollo. She has had to grow up fast in a city that has shunned her and her sister because of a failed assassination attempt that resulted in the death of their parents. Enter Apollo who is uncommonly kind and fair for a member of The Thirteen and keeps chipping away at Cassandra’s icy exterior.

They have both been circling each other for years while working together but Apollo knows Cassandra’s opinion of The Thirteen and that she plans on leaving Olympus as soon as possible. Cassandra has been fighting against her attraction to Apollo even though he has treated her with respect and kindness he is still one of The Thirteen. All of their feelings are brought to the surface when Zeus demands Apollo and Cassandra’s presence at Minos’ party to gather information on him and his intentions.

If Cassandra is successful Zeus promises enough money for her to leave Olympus and start a new life, much to Apollo’s chagrin. Thus begins a party of danger and mystery where both Apollo and Cassandra need to keep their heads which is becoming increasingly difficult since they are supposed to be dating but are also fighting their true attraction to each other.

I really enjoyed this book and I really would have liked if Cassandra had considered her sisters feeling and realized that she was an adult and could handle herself but I understand that is also a part of her arc. And as a big sister myself who is protective of their own little sister, I get it. But like maybe more communication between the sisters. All in all I loved it and can’t wait to read Cruel Seduction.

Content Warnings

socialpsysteph's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious 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

4.5

In this installment of the Dark Olympus series, we meet Cassandra, who is the executive assistant for Apollo. Cassandra wants nothing more than to escape Olympus with her younger sister, Alexandra, but she needs money to make that happen. So, to get the cash she needs, she enters into a deal with Apollo and Zeus that puts her at the heart of some dirty Olympus dealings.

I have really been enjoying this series. I think the author does a great job of taking the original Greek myths and putting a modern spin on them. There are always some little easter eggs from the source material utilized in the story and I enjoy them when I notice them. I thought Cassandra was a very relatable character and I liked her "give no shits" attitude. The romance involves boss/assistant, d/s, and rope play, all of which were very well done. I will definitely be continuing this series.

This book counts for the Magical Readathon: Adventures in Aeldia for September, to read a book with romance.

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