Psyche and Eros: A Novel

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Although still a Princess, this version of Psyche is both an only child and an aspiring warrior (thanks to the prophecy at her birth which claims she’ll conquer a monster feared by the gods.) Psyche and Eros (Cupid, in Roman mythology) is such an interesting story, especially this one. Luna McNamara is incredibly knowledgeable on Greek mythology and it’s very blatant with how she depicts the characters in this story. Startlingly lovely. Reading Psyche and Eros feels like starting down a familiar path, only to discover endless new wonders along the way. This is Greek mythology as it's meant to be told—witty, indulgent, deeply felt." — Grace D. Li, New York Times bestselling author of Portrait of a Thief

Psyche was never a warrior, so why make her one? She never challenged Achilles in a race, I don't think they even existed at the same time?

Lisa Fernandes

A beautiful retelling, breathing new life into a beloved myth. Luna McNamara weaves an enthralling tale of adventure, romance, and star-crossed lovers, in an enchanting world of ancient gods and legends.” — Sue Lynn Tan, bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess Plot: I really liked following along on Psyche's adventures. From first training with Atalanta, to the shores of the Trojan War, to her daring quest to the underworld. And of course, let's not forget Eros's role as a beguiling God of desire cursed to love a mortal. Their love story was sweet and slow and had a lovely little happily ever One of my favorite books of all time is Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis, which is a retelling of this very myth. Psyche and Eros couldn’t be more different in tone and telling, and yet I thoroughly enjoyed this iteration, as well. McNamara made some interesting choices in terms of setting and character inclusion that baffled me a bit, but her style was easy and engaging and a lot of fun to read.

Evocative and lyrically spun, Luna McNamara’s Psyche and Eros is a pure delight’ Rebecca Ross, #1 internationally bestselling author of A River Enchanted Also the potion from Hecate that “illegally” turns Psyche immortal? DUMBEST THING I HAVE EVER READ AND IMPOSSIBLE, if you’ve actually studied Greek myth you KNOW Zeus must approve of someone becoming immortal and you must receive ambrosia/nectar, you cannot bypass him!! There’s no such thing as a magic potion. But oh yeah let’s just do it for the sake of *plot*. Ugh. I also found that the settings in the middle of the book were amazing. The seaside house was my favorite location they spent time at. The seaside house was described so well that I could picture it as if I was sitting in the house. It had unique magic as well that captivated me from start to finish. Evocative and lyrically spun, Luna McNamara's Psyche and Eros is a pure delight. Bright as a constellation on a moonless night, this reimagining limns the ancient myth while also granting us vibrant insight into the hearts of both Psyche and Eros. Romantic, poignant, and spellbinding * Rebecca Ross, #1 internationally bestselling author of A River Enchanted * We’ve been treated to many gripping mythological novels with a feminist slant over the past few years – from Madeline Miller’s Circe and Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne to Claire Heywood’s Daughters of Sparta and Natalie Haynes’ Stone Blind. Psyche and Eros is an amalgamation of all these different tales, weaving the lives, loves and losses of legendary characters into one story. Psyche’s quest to be reunited with Eros takes her on an epic journey across dangerous terrain and into the domains of gods, where she encounters the likes of Zephyrus, Prometheus, Aphrodite, Medusa, Persephone, Demeter and Hekate, amongst others. But whilst it’s these gods and goddesses who are the cause of all the havoc that transpires across the novel, the heart of the story is something that feels inherently human: love.

When I walked through the Lion’s Gate in my armour, a victor at the height of my triumph, I could hear people comparing me to manifold goddesses: Artemis for my skill, Athena for my cunning, Aphrodite for my beauty. Of all these, it was only Aphrodite who took issue with the comparison. She never could tolerate competition.” A captivating, feminist retelling of the classical Greek myth. . . . McNamara's prose transports you to another time and place, perfectly capturing the magic and mystery of ancient mythology. A beautifully crafted novel that will enchant fans of Greek mythology and romance alike." — Glamour (UK) Psyche spends the beginning of the novel pursuing a heroic greatness. Yet as she ventures out into the world, love becomes her driving force. Whether it’s the complicated love she has for Eros, the inherent love she has for her parents, or the sisterly love she has for Atalanta and Iphigenia – who are both given their own potted histories and tragedies – Psyche always follows her heart. And it’s a good one too; she’s brave, loyal and compassionate. She understands that the world is not always kind but that kindness can still be given freely. In many ways this is a coming-of-age tale, travelling with Psyche as she goes from a wide-eyed girl to a wise woman. By the end, it’s no surprise that she has more sense and understanding of the world than many of the gods put together.