Aphrodite is a feminist retelling of the Goddess of Love and Beauty. but from her POV and Bryony's retelling proves that she is definitely more than a pretty face.

I loved being able to read her perspective of things, especially starting from the moment that she appears out of the sea foam on a shell and how she deals with her existence. Bryony's prose was amazing and made it so accessible to read, I finished the book literally in a day because I couldn't put it down. The book ended on a great note, with her wanting to get to Troy on her own terms, and I definitely need a book 2!!!

There needs to be more myth retellings of the other 12 Gods that don't get as much attention, especially Aphrodite and Hestia!

Look at that cover! The colour, the one huge eye. I can't wait to see it in person - I think it's really going to stand out on the shelf.

I read a lot of myths growing up, and in those days it was mostly Greek and Roman. (Maybe some Egyptian if you were really lucky.) I knew the stories of Aphrodite/Venus, Ares/Mars and Hephaestus/Vulcan well. They tended to be a bit dry, though, and when Hercules: The Legendary Journeys aired, those characterisations stuck in my mind. Hercules shows Aphrodite as a bit air-headed but mostly well meaning, Hera as a jealous old woman, Zeus as a kindly philanderer, and Ares as a violent, jealous war monger. (More or less - things varied a bit from episode to episode.)

That's not what this story shows.

Going back to Aphrodite's birth and showing her first, confused moments on land, the story follows her as she discovers the world. As a beautiful woman, it's not long before she discovers the many ways men can act, but she happens under the guidance of first a kind man and then an interested god. The story unfolds with a surprising amount of politics, but it's never less than fascinating.

Aphrodite is a wonderful character - new to the world, seeing it all with clear eyes, learning her way very quickly. Her interactions with a few other Greek characters of note were brilliantly done to make sense both of the original myths and this new version. Bryony has cleverly woven in bits of the original myths while making this a very original story. I knew Bryony before this for the psychological horror stories Savage Island and Cruel Castle, though she's written loads of others, so being swept away in this fantasy retelling was amazing.

I’ve really enjoyed this. There’s another Aphrodite retelling due later in the year, and I’m especially glad to have started with this one - it sets a high bar and reminds me how exciting it is to see the same myth told in such different, powerful ways.



Book Recommendation: Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald takes on Persephone with the same kindness and reverence as Bryony does Aphrodite. Starting in her early days, when she was known as Kore, she exhibits the same determination and strength as Aphrodite does here.

TV Recommendation: It's primarily a comedy, so the characterisations are a bit lighter, but Hercules: The Legendary Journeys did feature both Aphrodite and Ares, as well as many of the other gods. Their levels of cunning varied depending on the episode: The Apple has Aphrodite at the height of her cunning and power, while Love Takes a Holiday features a gentler Hephaestus than the one shown here. (Note: Some viewers may wish to be aware that the show’s lead actor, Kevin Sorbo, has expressed controversial views in recent years, though the show itself remains a light, myth-inspired romp.)

APHRODITE is a feminist reclamation of the myth of the goddess of love and beauty.

It is a tale of the power and danger of love, of objectification, and of shattering the boxes you're put into. The Aphrodite of this tale is full of power and anger and a desire for a home, not a husband. She's a threat because of this and it was so much fun to watch her wreaking havoc.

I really liked the way that Ares was far less toxic than the other male gods. Not only does he provide a nice (and necessary) contrast to Zeus and Hephaestus to show why she'd fall in love with him, but it was also an interesting and unexpected characterisation. Ares - the god of brutal, chaotic war - is not the most obvious choice for someone who listens and sees someone as multi-faceted. I thoroughly enjoyed being so surprised by it and how it made me think.

In the same vein, the myths chosen for this story were also surprising. There are hints about the Trojan War, but it is not actually present in this book - a future event, rather. Instead, it is myths like Atalanta's footrace and the Hesperides that take centre stage. I really liked seeing lesser retold myths at the core of this story.

The book has a very open ending. You know what Aphrodite is planning on doing and it invites you to imagine the consequences. I also hope it means there might be a sequel that directly deals with those possibilities.

A beautiful retelling of Aphrodite about the loss of innocence and female rage.

This book tells us of how Aphrodite came to be the vengeful Goddess we know today. We meet Aphrodite, who is born of the sea and comes onto earth fully formed. She experiences love and loss and friendship on her journey to Olympus. But there she learns about betrayal and jealousy. She loses herself as people try to control her, but it wakes up a rage the likes of which Olympus has never seen.

I did like this book, but I also felt like it could have been so much more. I wanted more rage, more vengeance, although that is a personal preference. The book was a little too quiet for me. Don’t get me wrong, it was entertaining, and there were things happening all the time. I was just expecting things to be a bit bigger and more explosive. But then this book seemed to focus more on the little events that trigger the build up of female rage rather than the effects of it.

I definitely recommend this book if you like Greek retellings and want a book that delves into the reasons why someone might want to burn down the world.

Thank you to Uclan publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this as an early copy

I've read a lot of mythology retellings, especially greek mythology, however this was a breath of fresh air compared to others I've read. I'm sick of Aphrodite being portrayed as skin-deep, mindless, and sex-crazed. This book stays true to Aphrodite's roots, whilst showing she is so much more than a beautiful face.
I enjoyed how themes including misogyny, feminism and power struggles were explored, as I think so many times they aren't applied to Aphrodite, when of course they are relevant themes and battles!! The writing is modern and realistic, and this was unputdownable.
I loved reading Aphrodite's myth, and I'd be interested in what the author does next.

This is a great story about Aphrodite learning to understand those around her and herself and has a great message about how she is more than just her beauty. It's deep but also easily accessible with modern language and the realistic and complicated family dynamics provide humor throughout

Bryony Pearce gives the reader a beautifully written retelling of the Grecian Goddess, Aphrodite from her perspective and it has any love for the rich collection of stories and legends about the Pantheon of the Gods.

We begin at her birth from the Mediterranean waters through her uncertainty of self to embrace herself as a Goddess of worth. Any reader, I think, will be like myself and captivated by this feminist retelling that gives not only context for some of the parts of Aphrodite's myth that are often swept over. There are moments of her story that have me emotional, and wishing I could step back into the pages and to a Greece from thousands of years ago and into moments that have become stories passed down throughout time simply to reassure this frightened Goddess.

Pearce not only writes Aphrodite in such a thoughtful manner but breathes life into the world around her. You can feel the heat of the sun or the sand beneath our feet as she first wanders around mortals feeling lost and confused. Care is taken to bring context and imagery to all that occurs and places we venture to and it elevates the story so much. I especially liked how Aphrodite, who is only hours old in the context of the Gods, sees Olympus with a cynicism beyond her years as well as comparing it to the mortal world.

She sees each God or Goddess she encounters with fresh and clear eyes, and I loved how honest she is to herself over how awful and self-serving many of them are; especially Zeus (who always seems to be the worst of all beings..) Each God, Goddess or handmaiden encounter reflects aspects of the Pantheon and Aphrodite, through Pearce's incredible writing highlights the patriarchal world she's been thrust into. Every female is a pawn, forced to break and bow to the fleeting whims of Zeus or those Gods who are in favour at that moment.

It's sometimes a hard read, but Aphrodite's story isn't an easy one, and it's sadly often that the harder aspects, that should have more light shone on them? That has been swept over or not even mentioned until retelling such as this? It's been repeatedly written and recalled by men.

Bryony Pearce successfully not only tells Aphrodite's story in a beautiful and thoughtful manner but refuses to make us look away. Her life isn't one that is always good simply because of who she is, she's a victim just as many are in the legends because of what she is and I'm so glad I got to read this.

Aphrodite may well be the Goddess of Love, but she has the heart and strength worthy of a warrior and Pearce doesn't let you forget it.

I loved this one so much! The rapid plot takes us from Aphrodite’s birth from the sea and we get to see not only a retelling and a delve into Aphrodite’s myths which are often ignored in mythology retelling but Pierce also doesn’t flinch away from portraying a heroine who is vengeful and dangerous. Aphrodite herself narrates this tale and as she learns more of the world her perspective changes and we get this glorious depiction of Olympus in the eyes of someone who is on one hand only a few weeks old and yet cynical and powerful.
I love how other characters – especially her handmaidens reflect the world of Olympus. Anyone who is powerful, any woman who could be anything other than a marriageable pawn is reduced to a shallow facet of their true power and there is nothing better than seeing it unfold. Her handmaiden has experienced it before and yet Aphrodite is now experiencing it first hand but she can be supported by her.
I honestly can say that this will stay with me for a while! I can’t wait for another reread once it releases and a sequel because this stunning masterpiece has me hooked!
Bold, powerful and still loyal to the cruelty of the original myths with an exploration of personal power and patriarchy.
Age Recommendation: Upper YA/Adult – 15+
Romance Rating: Open Door – very euphemistic, less than a page.
Violence Rating: Level 6 – there is both physical violence throughout and fights as well as sexual violence which happens regularly and there is the threat of it throughout.
CW: SA, Rape

Not my type of book. I had romance as my settings I was expecting something wholey different. The book is written really well and you wsnt to now route for ahprodite but I like my books a little more hea

I love Greek mythology, and Aphrodite has been one that I've been drawn to for many years. I've done women's circles that dedicate it to her, so when this book came up on netgalley, I couldn't wait to read it. And, it was absolutely brilliant. I love the way it is written.

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I could not put this down, easy 5 stars! Aphrodite is a force to be reckoned with, causing chaos and brilliance in the midst of the Gods. She shows the true power of being a women and navigating the world around her!

Aphrodite by Bryony Pearce is a bold and refreshing feminist retelling of the Goddess of Love and Beauty, offering a perspective rarely explored in mythology. This book reclaims Aphrodite’s story, moving beyond her traditional portrayal as merely a symbol of desire to reveal a powerful, intelligent, and underestimated deity fighting for her place among the gods.

Born from the sea, Aphrodite emerges into a world she knows nothing about, but one thing is clear—she possesses incredible power and an unmatched beauty that captivates and unsettles those around her. When she arrives in Olympus, she quickly discovers that the home of the gods is rife with jealousy, manipulation, and power struggles. Her beauty is seen as a threat by goddesses and a possession to be claimed by gods. Given the title of Goddess of Love and Beauty, she soon realises that this label is both a curse and a weapon—one she must learn to wield if she is to survive in a world determined to control her.

The book retells several well-known myths from Aphrodite’s perspective, offering new depth to familiar stories. Pearce weaves themes of misogyny, feminism, and power into the narrative, showcasing how Aphrodite is repeatedly dismissed and underestimated. Yet, rather than resigning herself to the role others have assigned her, she pushes back, carving her path through the treacherous politics of Olympus.

What sets this book apart is its modern and engaging writing style. The gods are flawed and complex, their relationships filled with both humour and danger, making Olympus feel vividly real. The portrayal of Aphrodite as more than just a beautiful figurehead gives her agency, allowing readers to connect with her as she fights for respect and control over her fate.

Aphrodite is a gripping and empowering read, breathing new life into a figure often reduced to a one-dimensional role. It’s perfect for fans of mythological retellings that challenge traditional narratives and offer fresh perspectives on ancient legends.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I have never read anything from the perspective of Aphrodite. This feminist retelling by Bryony Pearce brought new depth and context to her story.

Aphrodite is born from the sea, and is eventually discovered by the gods. We follow her as she finds her way to Olympus, where her beauty is immediately seen as a threat by jealous goddesses, and a prize by careless gods. The book retells several myths and legends from Aphrodite's point of view, as she wrestles with her beauty being the main thing others see.

I really enjoyed this book - there are plenty of recognisable figures, and some lesser known, and themes including misogyny, feminism, and power struggles. The writing is modern and realistic, with the complicated Olympian family dynamics offering both humour and threat. I would absolutely recommend this to fans of mythology retellings!

I absolutely love a Greek mythology retelling and this didn’t disappoint. Despite being one of the the 12, Aphrodite is quite often a side character and it was refreshing to read something with her in the spotlight. A goddess who is arguably a bit ‘marmite-y’, it is often easy to dislike Aphrodite, but the way Pearce portrays her and the trials she faces makes it much easier to understand and love her. Would absolutely recommend.

Greek Mythology ✔️
Gods✔️
Drama,adventure and excitement ✔️✔️✔️✔️
The title kind of give it away but this book us definitely one of my favourites of the year so far. A story based on one of the 12 main Greek gods especially one that we don't really hear much about... not my favourite godess but now looking at her view point she is definitely one to adore.....starting from her birth and her journey to Olympus I have never been so engrossed in a story and the urge to throw it because of the amount of injustice she suffers. The story is told beautifully and makes you so angry and annoyed that you want to go and commit revenge for her......the struggle of females in a male dominated world has you rooting for Aphrodite....

I have an obsession with Greek god/goddess retellings so the second I saw that Aphrodite gets HER ENTIRE OWN BOOK I knew that I needed to read it. I feel like Persephone gets all of the attention (which, she is awesome so its deserved) but Aphrodite is also so important because like the tagline on the cover says - she's not just a pretty face.

Needless to say, I went into the book with high expectations. I LOVED it. I admit that I don't know a lot about Aphrodite's past or even her myth in general and I adored the author's take on it. Aphrodite is so often portrayed as a lust-filled silly woman or just a vapid pretty face - or sometimes just vile and jealous - and I really just love that Pearce takes her to the next level and gives her a complex personality and life.

The pacing was great, the character development was top tier, and I love the 'sibling' rivalry aspects - Greek myth familial lines are so convoluted and funny that I always love seeing how they interact with one another.

As I was reading I honestly kept trying to think of any kind of constructive criticism and came up blank. I loved all of it.

I’m yet to find a book that features Aphrodite and her story so I was immediately intrigued by this story’s premise. Typically we know Aphrodite as the Goddess of love and beauty and she tends to be portrayed as a side character with a shallow personality. It was refreshing to see her in all her complexity - she did start the Trojan war after all so there has to be more to her than just shallow attributes!

I enjoyed the author’s own personal take on Aphrodite - the story focusses on parts of her myth that seem to get overlooked and gives us more insight into her beginnings which is quite sparse in mythical literature. I did find the writing style hard to engage with but that is just a personal taste, I feel that the characters were well developed and the story was well told.