GUEST REVIEW by Nikki - Antigoddess by Kendare Blake

On Goodreads: Antigoddess

On Amazon: Antigoddess (The Goddess War)

(Goodreads Blurb)

The Goddess War begins in Antigoddess, the first installment of the new series by acclaimed author of Anna Dressed in Blood, Kendare Blake.
 
Old Gods never die…

Or so Athena thought. But then the feathers started sprouting beneath her skin, invading her lungs like a strange cancer, and Hermes showed up with a fever eating away his flesh. So much for living a quiet eternity in perpetual health.

Desperately seeking the cause of their slow, miserable deaths, Athena and Hermes travel the world, gathering allies and discovering enemies both new and old. Their search leads them to Cassandra—an ordinary girl who was once an extraordinary prophetess, protected and loved by a god. 

These days, Cassandra doesn’t involve herself in the business of gods—in fact, she doesn’t even know they exist. But she could be the key in a war that is only just beginning. 

Because Hera, the queen of the gods, has aligned herself with other of the ancient Olympians, who are killing off rivals in an attempt to prolong their own lives. But these anti-gods have become corrupted in their desperation to survive, horrific caricatures of their former glory. Athena will need every advantage she can get, because immortals don’t just flicker out. 

Every one of them dies in their own way. Some choke on feathers. Others become monsters. All of them rage against their last breath.

The Goddess War is about to begin.

Here is what we are working with folks:

• Greek Mythology
• Badassery
• Blood & guts
• FUBAR situations
• Kendare Blake

Antigoddess is an awesome read for fans of anything on that list above. It is a re-telling of the Trojan War story; with a refreshing modern twist and a few surprises up its sleeve. If you don’t remember the story (Dude? The hotness of Brad Pitt in Troy) don’t fret, Kendare Blake has got your back, you won’t get lost. The trick and the treat with this story is that the Gods are dying and they don’t know why.

This book had a killer smooth pace and you jump right into the chaos. Kendare Blake has a real keen talent for building a creepy, kick ass story. You feel totally comfortable while everything goes to complete shit around you. I love doom-y revenge type stories. If you haven’t read Blake’s Anna Dressed in Blood Series, read them immediately.

There are certain attributes each god or goddess should have, in order to be recognizable in a story. I was glad to see how recognizable the modern versions of the Greek gods were in Antigoddess. I was clapping and happily exclaiming to myself “Yes! It’s Apollo” or “Ooooh Hera is such a bitch!” Athena is the Goddess of war, wisdom and the arts, etc. She is affiliated with owls and virginity as well. She’s one of the only Greek gods that isn’t a depraved whore. Kendare Blake’s Athena is a whip smart, sarcastic, tatted up, grey-eyed chick. Who is, by the way, much more likeable than she has any right to be. Because really, gods are just dicks and that’s the whole point of this book. We love to hate them. It’s pretty cool to see them get what they deserve.

There are multiple primary characters and POV’s, but it’s easy to discern where you are at and who is talking. Blake’s characters are not morons. They are intelligent, independent and cool. There is some romance weaved into the story and it’s believable and refreshing. I actually cried a little bit and I’m kind of a black hearted bitch with most characters. The violence isn’t torture porn level, but it’s imaginative and has you widening your eyes just a bit in shock. It’s a good shock, it always is.

Despite ample parts romance, strife and doom; the book doesn’t sway you too sickly-sweet in any one direction. There is an actual ending, rather than being a gigantic raging cliffhanger. I get so tired of book blue balls. The ending had me rubbing my hands together and mwahaha-ing greedily like a villain. Just thinking of all the destruction and chaos to come makes me giddy as hell. It was a very satisfying ending.

FOUR STARS

Antigoddess takes place mostly in upstate New York in the fall. The leaves have already fallen from the trees and its starting to flurry snow just a bit some evenings. Whats more comforting on a cold evening than a warm Apple Pie? Save yourself all the mess of baking and make an Apple Pie cocktail instead.  Check out Nikki's recipe inspired by Antigoddess HERE.

About Nikki:

Nikki spends half her time at the gym and the other half of her time wondering why she is single, which gets old really fast so she reads instead. She loves cats, shopping, cartoons, good music and great friends. She loves to read dystopian, paranormal, steampunk, horror, erotica and even a bit of sci fi. She is an avid Manchester United fan and a total dork.