Minas: Dying Gods Book Four Author Elisha Kemp
Book Review
5 out of 5 stars!
First and foremost! This is a spin-off book from the main series "Dying Gods". You can read this book as a standalone if you wish but know there will be spoilers. This installment takes place shortly after the events of the second book "Burn the Stars".
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"We are mortals born to die, Britomartis. I will not throw my life away needlessly, but I will not horde it like a miser, either." - Sira
Sira had it all until Xenodice decided she deserved the title Minas Crete over her own sister and mother. Second daughter rose to claim the throne whilst third daughter was placed in Potina's temple to "serve" the goddess. Never mind the fact that the temple soon became a prison where Sira remained along with all the secrets that would guarantee her end! Sira refuses to just lie down and decides to continue helping her people any way she can. But is it enough?
When Britomartis enters Sira's life everything gets turned upside down. Sira shouldn't but she trusts Brit and gives up secrets and her heart. Only to taste heartbreak after making a crucial decision. One that has her questioning her own resolve when the feared Achean ships arrive at her doorstep. Xenodice making moves with Sira as a piece in a game that doesn't have Sira's best interests in mind. . . "Where will you stand when the storm comes?"
"I feel like a thread being pulled in the tapestry of the gods." - Lykos
I was so excited for this story! And wasn't expecting all the twists and bonus MCs! Lykos will now forever have a special place in my heart! A giant, very observant, golden retriever but also a dangerous wolf when needed. Not to mention his sarcastic, smart alec behavior! The book does start out a little slow because we are going back to some of the previous events from "Burn the Stars". Understanding how the background characters are helping to influence the main story. But after the recap and establishing things hang on for the ride!
"I had not thought to seduce her." - Britomartis
Brit had a plan, one that was semi solid until she actually met the intended individual. Sira stole Brit's breathe away and more. Sira becoming a catalyst that will set Britomartis on a new path. One that has her betraying a goddess, going against her own mother, stealing a fleet of ships, and potentially starting a war. Aw, the things we do for love! Brit has always been the perfect, dedicated daughter but now she is having to face some hard truths about herself! Will she accept them or shove them back down?
Lykos is one of the feared Achean even though truthfully, he hates it. Having to hide who he truly is or what he wants. Tasked with playing as his brother's hunting dog who will do whatever is asked of him, Lykos grows tired. When he intercepts a note for another Lykos finds himself chasing after a new thread of fate. Even if it means being noticed by the gods. . .
I agree with another reviewer who said it best about this story being "one of righting past wrongs"! Watching the growth of all the characters and how they leave behind past selves, ideas, and stereotypes. Brit also realizing that Sira is no longer the same meek and timid girl she left behind in the temple months ago. Enjoying how the different personalities and viewpoints came together and helped one another out even if two of them didn't want to admit it aloud!
This book does contain language, bloodshed, violence, and deaths. The Achean King fits into all the fears and stereotypes of what Sira and her people have heard about the barbarians. He confides in Lykos about some of the crude things he wishes to do. . . Understanding women's anatomy and periods. Monthly bleeds are seen differently during this time period and even considered sacred. Periods play a part in the main story and there is talk of blood. We get training montages with this read. Multiple POVs, Minoan Pantheon list and terms, and recap of main series!
We get FF action pretty quickly in this read while MF action is a little more of a slow burn. I really loved the different dynamics and how relationships were built and formed. Brit is only interested in Sira but has no issues guiding and ordering Lykos about. Him complaining all the way but secretly loving it. Lykos only interested in Sira romantically. Brit and Lykos relationship had me laughing so many times and appreciating it. The quick, sniping banter at one another and how their dynamic was more frenemies than lovers. Bi awakenings but only for each other. Virgins being educated, FFM action, and so much more.
I love Elisha's writing and how you can completely submerge yourself in this era! Not being thrown out by random modern things. I loved learning more about the gods/goddesses and how certain deities changed from one pantheon to the next. The unique sides of an Achean's views vs Minoan views. The different views in general and how certain things were seen as sacred and how life was back in this time. This book does end with a little bit of a cliffhanger, and I hope to see more of this cast!
Enjoy the next installment in this series during the Bronze Age Mediterranean, with a matriarchal society, living gods, stolen ships, power moves, barbing, and so much more! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
Amazon.com: Minas (Dying Gods Book 4) eBook : Kemp, Elisha: Books
Dying Gods (4 book series) Kindle Edition
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