A review by rosemaryandrue
Radiant Sin by Katee Robert

emotional mysterious tense medium-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? It's complicated

2.5

Cassandra, the scion of a fallen house in Olympus, has been working as Apollo's assistant for five years, but she's always held herself apart, hoping for the day she and her sister can escape the city. An assignment at Minos's country house seems like her ticket out - but to get through the weeks she has to pretend to be Apollo's girlfriend.

It's disappointing that I can say without much thought that this is my least favorite book in the series. Yet it is a very necessary one, because it helps us transition from the introductory tone of the first three books, opening up what seems likes it will be the major external plot of the series. I also enjoyed getting to see more of secondary characters from earlier books, as well as meeting all of Minos's household. While the investigative portions were a little haphazard, they built to a satisfactory conclusion.

My main criticism of this book is about the lead pair, Apollo and Cassandra. Cassandra is a fun character, very prickly and acutely aware of how messed up the Thirteen's machinations are. I liked the callback to the mythological figure in how no one listens to her warnings of danger. However, I thought Apollo was rather dull - a kind and dutiful man, sure, but one without any real  personality. I didn't care about him, and by extension about his relationship with Cassandra. I almost wished that this book was about Hermes, who is her ex and is unexpectedly intriguing here.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings