Book: The Mortal Trials by Casey L. Bond
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 4/5
This was a lot of fun; deadly trials, petty gods and an FMC with a mysterious past. I really liked how this wasn't just the usual Greek or Roman mythology. Instead there are deities from lots of different pantheons and although they are generally side characters, some of those personalities are begging for an extra scene or two! There are a lot of characters though and as much as I was along for ride, I'm hoping as the numbers pare down we get to see some more development of some of the side characters.
The slow reveal of what happened to Carina, what Niall did, and why Ares has Callalie in his sights had me sucked in from the start. Ares is so smarmy and petty; I half thought this may have been an enemies to lovers situation but it's definitely not! Callalie is a great FMC; she has a spine of steel and although she is incredibly pragmatic, she has a heart of gold. Alliances are formed but its edging towards a great found family; I will be devastated if Koda ends up betraying Callalie in any kind of way. I think there is definitely more to him than meets the eye though. August is fine as the MMC; he's a walking green flag and although their romance is sweet, it didn't quite grab me. I appreciate not everyone has to be mean and broody but he's almost a little too squeaky clean and I'm not convinced they are end game. Given the high stakes tension, I was expecting a bit more passion but the most we really see is Torsten's sheer rage.
I was engaged throughout and I'm looking forward to book two!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read