What do you think?
Rate this book
Psykhe
Kate Forsyth gives voice, power and agency to Psykhe telling this much loved myth from the perspective of the woman at its centre.
It is not wise to anger the gods ... or to fall in love with one.
Psykhe has always been different. Fair as Venus, the goddess of love, and with the hard-won ability to save the lives of those of mortal blood, she is both shunned and revered.
When she unwittingly provokes Venus, she and her sisters lose everything. Psykhe must find a way to make amends and support her family.
Befriended by an old woman, Nokturna, Psykhe finds herself irresistibly drawn to her young friend, Ambrose. But neither is what they seem.
For Psykhe has fallen in love with a man whose face she is forbidden to see. After disobeying this injunction, she must risk everything to try to save him, even if it means travelling down to the shadowy Underworld to face Proserpina, queen of the dead.
The way to the realm of the dead is easy. A thrust of a sword, a sudden fall, a careless bite of toadstool, and the soul is sucked away. It is the return journey that is difficult ....
The story of Psyche and Eros has been told for more than two-and-a-half thousand years. Kate Forsyth infuses it with new vigour as a life-affirming celebration of female strength, sexual desire, and empowerment.
It is not wise to anger the gods ... or to fall in love with one.
Psykhe has always been different. Fair as Venus, the goddess of love, and with the hard-won ability to save the lives of those of mortal blood, she is both shunned and revered.
When she unwittingly provokes Venus, she and her sisters lose everything. Psykhe must find a way to make amends and support her family.
Befriended by an old woman, Nokturna, Psykhe finds herself irresistibly drawn to her young friend, Ambrose. But neither is what they seem.
For Psykhe has fallen in love with a man whose face she is forbidden to see. After disobeying this injunction, she must risk everything to try to save him, even if it means travelling down to the shadowy Underworld to face Proserpina, queen of the dead.
The way to the realm of the dead is easy. A thrust of a sword, a sudden fall, a careless bite of toadstool, and the soul is sucked away. It is the return journey that is difficult ....
The story of Psyche and Eros has been told for more than two-and-a-half thousand years. Kate Forsyth infuses it with new vigour as a life-affirming celebration of female strength, sexual desire, and empowerment.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 2024
About the author
Kate Forsyth
86 books2,474 followersKate Forsyth wrote her first novel at the age of seven, and is now the internationally bestselling author of 40 books for both adults and children.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
Her books for adults include 'Beauty in Thorns', the true love story behind a famous painting of 'Sleeping Beauty'; 'The Beast's Garden', a retelling of the Grimm version of 'Beauty & the Beast', set in the German underground resistance to Hitler in WWII; 'The Wild Girl', the love story of Wilhelm Grimm and Dortchen Wild, the young woman who told him many of the world's most famous fairy tales; 'Bitter Greens', a retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale; and the bestselling fantasy series 'Witches of Eileanan' Her books for children include 'The Impossible Quest', 'The Gypsy Crown', 'The Puzzle Ring', and 'The Starkin Crown'
Kate has a doctorate in fairytale studies, a Masters of Creative Writing, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and is an accredited master storyteller.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 2, 2024
⭐️5 Stars⭐️
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to receive an early copy of Psykhe by Kate Forsyth, I was absolutely spellbound, the writing is beautiful and immersive, I couldn’t put the it down. The story of Psykhe is inspired by ancient history and myth and is a retelling of the story of Eros & Psykhe.
I loved this new and creative version, it was haunting, magical and witchy and set in Tuscany, Rome and the Dolomites in Italy. I was intrigued with the character of Psykhe and her life journey, her relationships with her sisters and cruel father and how she learned about healing herbs and their secrets and became a healer and midwife.
The places in the story are real and I was so excited when we followed Psykhe to Portovenere a small Italian coastal village named after the ancient shrine of the Goddess Venus, a place I will be visiting later this year, how magical.
Psykhe was born dead and revived, she’s always been so different from everyone else, she’s an albino pale beauty with fine white hair. We follow her life as she grows into a woman with compassion and strength. Unfortunately she finds herself at the scorn of the goddess Venus when she falls in love.
The story has themes of magic, darkness, fate, desire and it celebrates female empowerment.
The cover is absolutely gorgeous with the gold foil, striking black background and roses, this is a story not to be missed.
An incredible read! Loved it.
Publication Date 28 May 2024
Publisher Vintage Australia
Thank you to the amazing team at Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book.
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to receive an early copy of Psykhe by Kate Forsyth, I was absolutely spellbound, the writing is beautiful and immersive, I couldn’t put the it down. The story of Psykhe is inspired by ancient history and myth and is a retelling of the story of Eros & Psykhe.
I loved this new and creative version, it was haunting, magical and witchy and set in Tuscany, Rome and the Dolomites in Italy. I was intrigued with the character of Psykhe and her life journey, her relationships with her sisters and cruel father and how she learned about healing herbs and their secrets and became a healer and midwife.
The places in the story are real and I was so excited when we followed Psykhe to Portovenere a small Italian coastal village named after the ancient shrine of the Goddess Venus, a place I will be visiting later this year, how magical.
Psykhe was born dead and revived, she’s always been so different from everyone else, she’s an albino pale beauty with fine white hair. We follow her life as she grows into a woman with compassion and strength. Unfortunately she finds herself at the scorn of the goddess Venus when she falls in love.
The story has themes of magic, darkness, fate, desire and it celebrates female empowerment.
The cover is absolutely gorgeous with the gold foil, striking black background and roses, this is a story not to be missed.
An incredible read! Loved it.
Publication Date 28 May 2024
Publisher Vintage Australia
Thank you to the amazing team at Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book.
July 11, 2024
***4.25*** Really enjoyed this. My fav Greek mythology style so far. Definitely preferred it to Song of Achilles. Could be a 4.5
June 3, 2024
This was a compelling and well-written retelling, but I felt that it lacked a little depth. This is the first book I’ve read by Kate Forsyth and I really enjoyed her writing style! I was very impressed by her descriptions and overall creativity, which can often be lacking in mythology retellings.
Unfortunately, not every aspect of this book impressed me. I was quite underwhelmed by the lack of complexity in our main characters. Not everyone will agree, but personally I believe that the myth of Psykhe and Eros is largely a love story, and while I loved the way that Forsyth brought more of a focus to Psykhe’s independence and womanhood, I felt that the relationship between the two characters was neglected.
Don’t get me wrong, I was a huge fan of the themes of feminism, sexuality, and empowerment, I just felt that the substance of the original myth was somewhat lost. I didn’t connect at all with Eros’ character and thought that he came across almost as an afterthought or accessory, which isn’t inherently an issue, but didn’t work for me in this case.
I still very much enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to both Greek mythology lovers and readers of women’s fiction. I would say that it has a lush but raw feel to it that makes the writing style really stand out despite the book’s flaws. Make sure to check trigger warnings before reading. 3/5
Unfortunately, not every aspect of this book impressed me. I was quite underwhelmed by the lack of complexity in our main characters. Not everyone will agree, but personally I believe that the myth of Psykhe and Eros is largely a love story, and while I loved the way that Forsyth brought more of a focus to Psykhe’s independence and womanhood, I felt that the relationship between the two characters was neglected.
Don’t get me wrong, I was a huge fan of the themes of feminism, sexuality, and empowerment, I just felt that the substance of the original myth was somewhat lost. I didn’t connect at all with Eros’ character and thought that he came across almost as an afterthought or accessory, which isn’t inherently an issue, but didn’t work for me in this case.
I still very much enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to both Greek mythology lovers and readers of women’s fiction. I would say that it has a lush but raw feel to it that makes the writing style really stand out despite the book’s flaws. Make sure to check trigger warnings before reading. 3/5
June 30, 2024
Greek mythology / retelling is really not my thing. I dislike immensely these gods' fickleness and cruelty. YET, being a favourite author, this was an auto buy and having listened to her at Sydney Writers Festival last month as she spoke of her inspiration and all her research for this book, I was keen as a bean to read it.
Within the first 2 chapters, I knew I had to put the book down to save it for when I have a BIG chunk of time so I can just read without having to put it away. I felt that I was going to love it and would need to be able to just sink into the sofa and be immersed in this wonderful world. It felt very much like a bedtime story; that feeling that you are safe and warm and tucked up in bed and having that loved person telling you a story. It is a cocoon that held you safe and loved.
As usual, Dr Kate Forsyth always find a unique way to retell these fairy tales. This time, she has placed Psykhe, a barbarian daughter with albinism, in the middle of the Roman Empire right on the precipice of the fall. The first half of the book is all about Psykhe, on her childhood and how she grew to be the woman she is. The second half of the book is the story we are familiar with. Psykhe is a love story with a mortal woman who dares to defies the gods.
In one of her earlier books, I was traumatised by the violence perpetrated against women. And while it was mentioned in this book (which world does not have any violence against women!), I was ever grateful that there was no description at all; no witnessing of atrocious acts. And if I ever reread a Greek mythology retelling, this is it! Although, I am now curious to track down the book that started Forsyth on this journey, Till We Have Faces
BWF - Team Sassy Sisters - Letter P - NIL tag
Within the first 2 chapters, I knew I had to put the book down to save it for when I have a BIG chunk of time so I can just read without having to put it away. I felt that I was going to love it and would need to be able to just sink into the sofa and be immersed in this wonderful world. It felt very much like a bedtime story; that feeling that you are safe and warm and tucked up in bed and having that loved person telling you a story. It is a cocoon that held you safe and loved.
As usual, Dr Kate Forsyth always find a unique way to retell these fairy tales. This time, she has placed Psykhe, a barbarian daughter with albinism, in the middle of the Roman Empire right on the precipice of the fall. The first half of the book is all about Psykhe, on her childhood and how she grew to be the woman she is. The second half of the book is the story we are familiar with. Psykhe is a love story with a mortal woman who dares to defies the gods.
In one of her earlier books, I was traumatised by the violence perpetrated against women. And while it was mentioned in this book (which world does not have any violence against women!), I was ever grateful that there was no description at all; no witnessing of atrocious acts. And if I ever reread a Greek mythology retelling, this is it! Although, I am now curious to track down the book that started Forsyth on this journey, Till We Have Faces
BWF - Team Sassy Sisters - Letter P - NIL tag
July 10, 2024
4 Stars
Solid retelling of the myth of Eros and Psyche set amidst the Rise of Rome and the time of the Etruscans.
I really liked the way this was written and how much of a well-rounded, powerful character Psyke was. I do think the love story very much took a backseat though and I didn’t really like Ambrose much.
Solid retelling of the myth of Eros and Psyche set amidst the Rise of Rome and the time of the Etruscans.
I really liked the way this was written and how much of a well-rounded, powerful character Psyke was. I do think the love story very much took a backseat though and I didn’t really like Ambrose much.
July 16, 2024
It started off so strong but then I noticed the main character was always tired. It then became a constant thing. Take some herbs and have a good night's sleep.
I loved the apothecary and the retelling of a romance.. but Eros is weak and hardly a main character.
I loved the apothecary and the retelling of a romance.. but Eros is weak and hardly a main character.
July 2, 2024
5 stars for the first half of the book and 4 stars for the second. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I absolutely loved the first half of the book. Etruscan Italy and Rome in the time of the last kings was beautifully portrayed. I found Psykhe’s trials and her growth during this time to be captivating. The writing was lush and beautiful.
Unfortunately the story started to lose momentum once she traveled to the Pale Mountains of the Gauls. The writing is still compellingly beautiful but the love story is left undefined. Eros/Ambrose, the love interest, is something of a cypher that the story never resolves. I would have loved to learn more about him and his own background to better understand him as a character and Psykhe’s love for him.
The ending felt rushed and underdeveloped, which is disappointing considering this is the grand finale, and the mythological tale, the story hangs on. As readers we needed to be led more slowly through the events in the Underworld to match the pace of the earlier parts of the book. We also needed to meet Venus, the antagonist, again at the end. She is part of a great deal of the narrative of the book and to not revisit her at the end in some way was unsatisfying. It would have been nice to see Ambrose have a scene with his mother at the end of the events.
The first part of the book slowly unfolds at a lovely pace to reveal a coming of age tale of complexity and wonder. Sadly this same care hasn’t been applied for the climax or the ending and I’m not sure why. Maybe it was a word count issue with the publishers or maybe I was just greedy to read more of Kate’s exquisite pose.
Ultimately though it was a gorgeous read despite the rush at the end. I would recommend it far and wide for the wonderful sense of place and magic Kate has created here. She is an unparalleled storyteller.
I absolutely loved the first half of the book. Etruscan Italy and Rome in the time of the last kings was beautifully portrayed. I found Psykhe’s trials and her growth during this time to be captivating. The writing was lush and beautiful.
Unfortunately the story started to lose momentum once she traveled to the Pale Mountains of the Gauls. The writing is still compellingly beautiful but the love story is left undefined. Eros/Ambrose, the love interest, is something of a cypher that the story never resolves. I would have loved to learn more about him and his own background to better understand him as a character and Psykhe’s love for him.
The ending felt rushed and underdeveloped, which is disappointing considering this is the grand finale, and the mythological tale, the story hangs on. As readers we needed to be led more slowly through the events in the Underworld to match the pace of the earlier parts of the book. We also needed to meet Venus, the antagonist, again at the end. She is part of a great deal of the narrative of the book and to not revisit her at the end in some way was unsatisfying. It would have been nice to see Ambrose have a scene with his mother at the end of the events.
The first part of the book slowly unfolds at a lovely pace to reveal a coming of age tale of complexity and wonder. Sadly this same care hasn’t been applied for the climax or the ending and I’m not sure why. Maybe it was a word count issue with the publishers or maybe I was just greedy to read more of Kate’s exquisite pose.
Ultimately though it was a gorgeous read despite the rush at the end. I would recommend it far and wide for the wonderful sense of place and magic Kate has created here. She is an unparalleled storyteller.
July 17, 2024
4!!
Okay, I DEVOURED this book, which I haven't been able to do for a while. The story was so gripping!!! Cupid and Psych is my favourite Greek/Roman myth!!! I loved Psykhe in this story. Love her agency, love how she loves, love how compassionate she is, and I love how she's a healer 💕.
I'm taking half a star off because I feel like there were lots of descriptions that either fell flat or didn't exist and could have been there to enrich the story. Don't get me wrong. There were many beautiful descriptions and moments (the Oracle, meeting the goddesses, any scene with Ambrose, etc). The story had many moments that never lingered, when that sort of lingering would have added more character and more depth to the descriptions around them. There are several times we never get to sit with Psyckhe and her emotions (usually a sentence of how she's feeling and then quickly moving onto the next part of the plot). Or we build up to Psykhe journeying to another town/place, but there's no mention of the journey, and in the next sentence, she's at said place. Maybe I just loved this book so much and wanted more 🥹💕.
Overall an excellent story with a wonderful lead 💕 I would've loved an extra hundred pages to be honest.
Okay, I DEVOURED this book, which I haven't been able to do for a while. The story was so gripping!!! Cupid and Psych is my favourite Greek/Roman myth!!! I loved Psykhe in this story. Love her agency, love how she loves, love how compassionate she is, and I love how she's a healer 💕.
I'm taking half a star off because I feel like there were lots of descriptions that either fell flat or didn't exist and could have been there to enrich the story. Don't get me wrong. There were many beautiful descriptions and moments (the Oracle, meeting the goddesses, any scene with Ambrose, etc). The story had many moments that never lingered, when that sort of lingering would have added more character and more depth to the descriptions around them. There are several times we never get to sit with Psyckhe and her emotions (usually a sentence of how she's feeling and then quickly moving onto the next part of the plot). Or we build up to Psykhe journeying to another town/place, but there's no mention of the journey, and in the next sentence, she's at said place. Maybe I just loved this book so much and wanted more 🥹💕.
Overall an excellent story with a wonderful lead 💕 I would've loved an extra hundred pages to be honest.
June 8, 2024
Book 21: PSYKHE
This is a really unique book and I still feel a little heavy after reading it – but in a good way. I guess it is the burden, or weight, of knowledge. Realising things about Gods and culture that I have not paid enough attention to before.
There’s so much to love:
🇮🇹 Learning about Rome: centuries ago, in fact over 2,500 years ago, and how real the Gods felt to society. The sacrifices, rituals and payment in return for a life or some favour. The superstitions. The manipulation. The cleverness of it all.
🐐 The importance of guides and helpers: I loved Nocturna, Nera and Silviano so much. So old, wrinkled and wise. Kind, but brutal.
💘 The power of love: Both the good and the bad. The benefit of hindsight. How innocent mistakes – usually naivety – could curse you forever and beyond.
⚖️ Balance: Death and life. Love and spite. Family and lovers. Masters and slaves. Women and men. Gods and their representation. So many pairs, parallels, pain. So much wisdom. There is always a price to be paid if you keep striving for what you want most. Material or emotional. Strengths that can be taken away to drain, test you.
✍️ The writing, of course: It’s evocative, powerful, sage. Nature, and the environment, are as critical to the story as the characters. Music, poetry and riddles. The weather. Herbs for good and evil, cure or kill. All so beautifully brought to life on the page. Like a magical cauldron!
Thank you @kate_forsyth_ for writing yet another masterpiece, for building a new kind of story that has never been told before.
9.5/10
#bookreview #psykhe #lovestory #venusanderos #penguinbooks #kateforsyth #historicalfantasy #historicalfiction #amreading #amwriting #australianauthor
This is a really unique book and I still feel a little heavy after reading it – but in a good way. I guess it is the burden, or weight, of knowledge. Realising things about Gods and culture that I have not paid enough attention to before.
There’s so much to love:
🇮🇹 Learning about Rome: centuries ago, in fact over 2,500 years ago, and how real the Gods felt to society. The sacrifices, rituals and payment in return for a life or some favour. The superstitions. The manipulation. The cleverness of it all.
🐐 The importance of guides and helpers: I loved Nocturna, Nera and Silviano so much. So old, wrinkled and wise. Kind, but brutal.
💘 The power of love: Both the good and the bad. The benefit of hindsight. How innocent mistakes – usually naivety – could curse you forever and beyond.
⚖️ Balance: Death and life. Love and spite. Family and lovers. Masters and slaves. Women and men. Gods and their representation. So many pairs, parallels, pain. So much wisdom. There is always a price to be paid if you keep striving for what you want most. Material or emotional. Strengths that can be taken away to drain, test you.
✍️ The writing, of course: It’s evocative, powerful, sage. Nature, and the environment, are as critical to the story as the characters. Music, poetry and riddles. The weather. Herbs for good and evil, cure or kill. All so beautifully brought to life on the page. Like a magical cauldron!
Thank you @kate_forsyth_ for writing yet another masterpiece, for building a new kind of story that has never been told before.
9.5/10
#bookreview #psykhe #lovestory #venusanderos #penguinbooks #kateforsyth #historicalfantasy #historicalfiction #amreading #amwriting #australianauthor
July 28, 2024
I love Greek mythology and this is a beautiful retelling of Psyche and Eros. Psyche is a woman of great strength and determination propelled by love - romantic love and love of family. It was wonderful to be immersed in Psyche’s story and teleported into another world. Nothing beats a good book.
August 3, 2024
This is the first book in a while that I just couldn't put down and found myself reading until way past my bedtime. Beautifully written and well researched, weaving myth and history into a stunning love story.
June 10, 2024
I loved it.
June 14, 2024
Utter brilliance. Not often do I feel teary at the end of a book but this one had my eyes stinging with emotion. A beautiful retelling of the Greek mythology of Psykhe
July 7, 2024
Loved this book !!!! Mind boggling and a delight to read ! Magical journey !
July 14, 2024
My new favourite book! It was such a good read
July 19, 2024
I will say that this is clearly a well researched, and Forsyth has a great knowledge of the world she is writing about. But I found the writing style didn't work for me. So often it felt like scenes would abruptly end and move on, or they would play out in predictable ways. Psykhe was prone to bouts of asking herself many reflective questions in a row. Other characters often felt like caricatures, rather than having their own idiosyncracies. Enjoyed the overall story, but it missed the mark for me. I didn't enjoy this in the same way that I've enjoyed other mythological retellings have.
July 25, 2024
I would give it three and a half if I could. I thought it a very clever telling of one of my favourite myths. I loved how strong her character was and how she rounded the story to the end so neatly.
Really easy and enjoyable read.
Only reason it’s not rated higher is I don’t feel like it’s the kind of book that will give me a reading hangover, possibly because it’s a story I’m familiar with.
Really easy and enjoyable read.
Only reason it’s not rated higher is I don’t feel like it’s the kind of book that will give me a reading hangover, possibly because it’s a story I’m familiar with.
June 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book thoroughly, but I didn't -love- it. It was well written and Kate is obviously an extremely talented writer. Her prose was captivating and her pace on point. I will admit though that I didn't feel much for Psykhe's love interest. I couldn't really understand why she'd fall so hard in love with someone she barely knows and hasn't seen for years. It just felt unbelievable to me. I also found the climax at the end a little rushed and underdeveloped. It felt a bit like Kate reached her word count quota and needed to wrap it up quickly, as such I would say the second half of the book let the first half down. Regardless, it was still a very enjoyable overall read.
June 25, 2024
Born white of hair and fair of skin, Psykhe is immediately shunned as an oddity and a stranger in her home. Haunted by stories of others like her, she turns inwards and towards the solitude of gardens, herbs, and pretty things. When her father moves the family of daughters into a hovel outside the city, the old woman Nokturna takes her under her wing to learn midwifery and healing. But Psykhe has attracted the ire of Venus, the goddess of love and hate, and she must tread carefully to keep those she loves safe.
As someone who wasn’t particularly familiar with the story of Psykhe and Eros before, I rather enjoyed this book. So many different stories weave through the tale of Psykhe’s life and love; the curse of the mountain people, the mythology of the Roman pantheon, the gods’ fears that they will be forgotten and their altars left empty, the rise of Brutus and the overthrow of the Roman kings, women’s constant battle with childbirth, and (of course) the love between Psykhe and Eros which is constantly torn at and threatened.
The writing in this is wonderfully lyrical, and I felt every single one of Psykhe’s emotions, fears, desires, and hopes. I did feel like the actual ketabasis part of the story, where Psykhe must undertake her trials to save her lover, was quite a small part of the book, and I wish it had have been given a bit more room. But again, maybe that’s because I’m not as familiar with the myth itself.
Overall, a very lovely book that was a real joy to read.
As someone who wasn’t particularly familiar with the story of Psykhe and Eros before, I rather enjoyed this book. So many different stories weave through the tale of Psykhe’s life and love; the curse of the mountain people, the mythology of the Roman pantheon, the gods’ fears that they will be forgotten and their altars left empty, the rise of Brutus and the overthrow of the Roman kings, women’s constant battle with childbirth, and (of course) the love between Psykhe and Eros which is constantly torn at and threatened.
The writing in this is wonderfully lyrical, and I felt every single one of Psykhe’s emotions, fears, desires, and hopes. I did feel like the actual ketabasis part of the story, where Psykhe must undertake her trials to save her lover, was quite a small part of the book, and I wish it had have been given a bit more room. But again, maybe that’s because I’m not as familiar with the myth itself.
Overall, a very lovely book that was a real joy to read.
June 12, 2024
‘I was born blue, strangled by my own cord.’
In this retelling of the myth, which I remember as ‘Cupid and Psyche’, Ms Forsyth takes us to ancient Etruria, at the time of the Roman kingdom. Psykhe, the youngest of three sisters, has always been different. The three of them, pawns in their father’s thrust for power, are sent to a tower in Velzna. He intends to arrange marriages for them. Psykhe is befriended by an old woman, Nocturna, who teaches her healing and midwifery. She also meets a young man, Ambrose.
Psykhe falls in love with a young man and is forbidden to see his face. An attempt to do so causes injury. And, as Psykhe angers Venus, the world of the sisters is turned upside down, and the young man is near death.
Part love story, part journey of redemption, we journey with Psykhe as she is set difficult tasks by Venus before being allowed save the young man. One of those tasks requires Psykhe to travel into and return from the underworld.
I picked up this novel, walked into a mythical world I found hard to leave. Ms Forsyth brought her characters to life: the magic and vengeance of the gods, the cruelty and opportunism of man.
Recommended.
‘What is remembered lives. What is forgotten dies.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In this retelling of the myth, which I remember as ‘Cupid and Psyche’, Ms Forsyth takes us to ancient Etruria, at the time of the Roman kingdom. Psykhe, the youngest of three sisters, has always been different. The three of them, pawns in their father’s thrust for power, are sent to a tower in Velzna. He intends to arrange marriages for them. Psykhe is befriended by an old woman, Nocturna, who teaches her healing and midwifery. She also meets a young man, Ambrose.
Psykhe falls in love with a young man and is forbidden to see his face. An attempt to do so causes injury. And, as Psykhe angers Venus, the world of the sisters is turned upside down, and the young man is near death.
Part love story, part journey of redemption, we journey with Psykhe as she is set difficult tasks by Venus before being allowed save the young man. One of those tasks requires Psykhe to travel into and return from the underworld.
I picked up this novel, walked into a mythical world I found hard to leave. Ms Forsyth brought her characters to life: the magic and vengeance of the gods, the cruelty and opportunism of man.
Recommended.
‘What is remembered lives. What is forgotten dies.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
May 5, 2024
I’ve been very lucky to have been immersing myself in Kate Forsyth’s upcoming novel, Psykhe, the last few days.
A beautifully wrought story filled with love, longing and some heartache. Alongside this are flawed and complex characters that you can’t help but be sucked in by.
Following Psykhe, as she grows from quiet young girl into an intelligent, kind and fierce woman, who’s compassion knows no bounds. We see her grow into herself under the tutelage of an old healer woman, who shows her the many ways of caring for others from birth to passing. Making so many sacrifices for the others around her, Psykhe finds her strength to fight for her right to live her own life with her twin soul, Ambrose, but not without first overcoming the scorn of the goddess Venus.
I loved this book from page one, Kate’s prose is so beautiful and entrancing you can’t notice how long you’ve been sitting absorbed by the story.
I laughed and cried and then sobbed so much at the end, but it was well worth the emotional roller coaster.
If you love your mythology, or just love a beautifully written (and beautiful looking, that cover is STUNNING!), keep an eye for Psykhe.
Read by Indy
A beautifully wrought story filled with love, longing and some heartache. Alongside this are flawed and complex characters that you can’t help but be sucked in by.
Following Psykhe, as she grows from quiet young girl into an intelligent, kind and fierce woman, who’s compassion knows no bounds. We see her grow into herself under the tutelage of an old healer woman, who shows her the many ways of caring for others from birth to passing. Making so many sacrifices for the others around her, Psykhe finds her strength to fight for her right to live her own life with her twin soul, Ambrose, but not without first overcoming the scorn of the goddess Venus.
I loved this book from page one, Kate’s prose is so beautiful and entrancing you can’t notice how long you’ve been sitting absorbed by the story.
I laughed and cried and then sobbed so much at the end, but it was well worth the emotional roller coaster.
If you love your mythology, or just love a beautifully written (and beautiful looking, that cover is STUNNING!), keep an eye for Psykhe.
Read by Indy
June 26, 2024
Oh, I absolutely loved this book.
"There are many ways down to the land of the dead, but only one way to return alive..."
I haven't read much Greek mythology but this has made me want to read more. The writing is so lyrical, you are wrapped up in the magic of a story teller.
Instead of a heavy focus on Psykhe and Eros's love story, we follow closely along Psykhe's journey from a babe into womanhood. Psykhe lives in ancient Roman times where the men in your life have full control of you every step of the way.
When Psykhe unwittingly provokes Venus, her and her family lose everything. Their father moves them to Velzna where they are then left to care for themselves, but here is where Psykhe is taken in by Nokturna and taught the ways of midwifery, herbs and medicine.
As time goes on and Psykhe sees and falls in love with Ambrose, she is soon quick to learn this love is forbidden and when Venus finds out, she sends Psykhe to the underworld but Psykhe must return alive so she can save her love.
In this story we go to war with kingdoms, with family and with the gods.
"There are many ways down to the land of the dead, but only one way to return alive..."
I haven't read much Greek mythology but this has made me want to read more. The writing is so lyrical, you are wrapped up in the magic of a story teller.
Instead of a heavy focus on Psykhe and Eros's love story, we follow closely along Psykhe's journey from a babe into womanhood. Psykhe lives in ancient Roman times where the men in your life have full control of you every step of the way.
When Psykhe unwittingly provokes Venus, her and her family lose everything. Their father moves them to Velzna where they are then left to care for themselves, but here is where Psykhe is taken in by Nokturna and taught the ways of midwifery, herbs and medicine.
As time goes on and Psykhe sees and falls in love with Ambrose, she is soon quick to learn this love is forbidden and when Venus finds out, she sends Psykhe to the underworld but Psykhe must return alive so she can save her love.
In this story we go to war with kingdoms, with family and with the gods.
August 1, 2024
My notes:
- this was a lucy guess as i love the cover of this book and i didn't know i would fall inlove with this book
-the writting was so beautiful as i couldn't put the book down
- i love the story of Psykhe how it was inspired by ancient history and myth aswell as being a retelling of the story Eros & Psykhe
- love how it was haunting, magical and witchy
- i fell inlove with the character of Psykhe and her life journey, her relationships with her sisters aswell as having a cruel father
-i just love how she learn about healing herbs and their secrets
- she became a healer and a midwife
Summary of the book:
Psykhe has always been different. Fair as Venus , the goddess of love and with the hard-won ability to save the lives of those of mortal blood, she is both shunned and revered.
- this was a lucy guess as i love the cover of this book and i didn't know i would fall inlove with this book
-the writting was so beautiful as i couldn't put the book down
- i love the story of Psykhe how it was inspired by ancient history and myth aswell as being a retelling of the story Eros & Psykhe
- love how it was haunting, magical and witchy
- i fell inlove with the character of Psykhe and her life journey, her relationships with her sisters aswell as having a cruel father
-i just love how she learn about healing herbs and their secrets
- she became a healer and a midwife
Summary of the book:
Psykhe has always been different. Fair as Venus , the goddess of love and with the hard-won ability to save the lives of those of mortal blood, she is both shunned and revered.
June 7, 2024
Star crossed lovers, jealous mothers, cruel fathers & the power of love & perseverance.
The author uses the Roman names for the gods (I prefer the Greek ones) and the trials are jammed in to the last few pages of the book. I’ve always felt that Psyche was right to want answers from Eros and not only trust him blindly. I don’t really feel like it added a whole lot or any interesting angles to the original myth, but as that myth is one of my favourites, I enjoyed this book. Although I would have liked more romance between Psyche and Eros - it was super tame and they didn’t have a lot of page time together.
https://youtube.com/@chanelchapters
The author uses the Roman names for the gods (I prefer the Greek ones) and the trials are jammed in to the last few pages of the book. I’ve always felt that Psyche was right to want answers from Eros and not only trust him blindly. I don’t really feel like it added a whole lot or any interesting angles to the original myth, but as that myth is one of my favourites, I enjoyed this book. Although I would have liked more romance between Psyche and Eros - it was super tame and they didn’t have a lot of page time together.
https://youtube.com/@chanelchapters
June 26, 2024
The myth of Cupid and Psyche told with love and beauty as only Kate Forsyth can. Greek mythology comes to life as we follow ‘Psykhe’ from birth to falling in love with Cupid.
I love the authors writing style. Her passion for telling a good story based upon impeccable skill and research. Nobody writes fairy tale and myth better than the author herself.
What sets this tale of Psykhe apart from the others is the use of holistic medicine, herbs, tinctures. I am going to try some of them myself. I enjoyed the chapters about the birth of Venus being made from seafoam, the chapters with Ambrose in the tower, and Psykhes trip to the underworld to meet with Prosperina! Page turning stuff.
I love the authors writing style. Her passion for telling a good story based upon impeccable skill and research. Nobody writes fairy tale and myth better than the author herself.
What sets this tale of Psykhe apart from the others is the use of holistic medicine, herbs, tinctures. I am going to try some of them myself. I enjoyed the chapters about the birth of Venus being made from seafoam, the chapters with Ambrose in the tower, and Psykhes trip to the underworld to meet with Prosperina! Page turning stuff.
July 16, 2024
First of all, the book cover is STUNNING. It's the first thing that drew me to picking this book up, before I even knew it was an Eros and Psyche retelling.
The descriptions are quite nice but the dialogue is juvenile. I wasn't excited at any point - I wasn't itching to know what happens next. The characters were very one dimensional. The inner monologue of Psykhe bounces in a way that doesn't make sense: her father betrothes her to a man, then a few pages later she laments over how no one will ever marry her, and two pages later complains about the man she is engaged to. She refers back to her siblings with feelings of anger and resentment toward them but the previous scenes with her sisters were positive with no sign of a negative inner dialogue. It felt messy and disjointed like the chapters were re-written part way through. I didn't care at all about any of the characters, least of all Psykhe. I wasn't invested in her journey at all.
Psykhe's adoration for Ambrose came out of nowhere. They knew each other briefly as children and all of a sudden at 18 she is longing for this boy who has ZERO personality. His character is so leaden and his inability to carry a conversation made me roll my eyes more than once. Part of me was hoping she'd realise what a bore he was and wander off to live happily ever after by herself ... and I LOVE the original love story of Eros and Psyche. These two had no chemistry whatsoever.
The editing was rough. Kate favours certain words that are used repetitively - the word rippled is used over and over and over again to describe different things (light, water, hair). The spelling of one of the characters changes from Nocturna to Nokturna and back again throughout the book. It was distracting.
Kate has clearly done her research especially in regard to the medicinal aspects of the ancient world, which I appreciated.
I wanted so badly to love this book and I'm so disappointed it felt so thin.
The descriptions are quite nice but the dialogue is juvenile. I wasn't excited at any point - I wasn't itching to know what happens next. The characters were very one dimensional. The inner monologue of Psykhe bounces in a way that doesn't make sense: her father betrothes her to a man, then a few pages later she laments over how no one will ever marry her, and two pages later complains about the man she is engaged to. She refers back to her siblings with feelings of anger and resentment toward them but the previous scenes with her sisters were positive with no sign of a negative inner dialogue. It felt messy and disjointed like the chapters were re-written part way through. I didn't care at all about any of the characters, least of all Psykhe. I wasn't invested in her journey at all.
Psykhe's adoration for Ambrose came out of nowhere. They knew each other briefly as children and all of a sudden at 18 she is longing for this boy who has ZERO personality. His character is so leaden and his inability to carry a conversation made me roll my eyes more than once. Part of me was hoping she'd realise what a bore he was and wander off to live happily ever after by herself ... and I LOVE the original love story of Eros and Psyche. These two had no chemistry whatsoever.
The editing was rough. Kate favours certain words that are used repetitively - the word rippled is used over and over and over again to describe different things (light, water, hair). The spelling of one of the characters changes from Nocturna to Nokturna and back again throughout the book. It was distracting.
Kate has clearly done her research especially in regard to the medicinal aspects of the ancient world, which I appreciated.
I wanted so badly to love this book and I'm so disappointed it felt so thin.
June 17, 2024
An enchanting retelling of the myth of Psykhe and Eros that speaks to the strength of a woman in love. Psykhe defies all the odds, facing harsh trials throughout her life. While different than my usual reads of this genre, I enjoyed it immensely. It was well written with a plot that flowed organically. I do wish the ending had been a bit longer, especially after such care was taken to describe the childhood years. I definitely felt there was a sense of rush in the end, I wanted more of their love story.
June 30, 2024
For what it is, it's good I was miss lead by the blurb by 'Kate forsyth I fuses it with new vigour as a life affirming celebration of female strength, sexaul desire and empowerment'.
There is not spice, maybe slight tension if any, but it is a book predominantly about psykhe start to finish. It is a story of her life, which I wouldn't mind but I had gone into it thinking it would be a little more like the dark olympus series rather than what it was, which is my bad. But all and all good book a little slow at times
There is not spice, maybe slight tension if any, but it is a book predominantly about psykhe start to finish. It is a story of her life, which I wouldn't mind but I had gone into it thinking it would be a little more like the dark olympus series rather than what it was, which is my bad. But all and all good book a little slow at times
June 10, 2024
The myth of Psykhe retold in the time at the end of the Kings of Rome and the start of the Republic. Other areas of the Italian lands are part of the tale as well.
The prose is amazing and helped me picture the landscape described, engaged my emotions with the treatment of various people and although I read it slowly, that was partly to keep enjoying the story for longer.
This is not a genre I would normally read, but I am very glad I read the book.
I do recommend it.
The prose is amazing and helped me picture the landscape described, engaged my emotions with the treatment of various people and although I read it slowly, that was partly to keep enjoying the story for longer.
This is not a genre I would normally read, but I am very glad I read the book.
I do recommend it.
July 2, 2024
Really disliked this.
It's not that the writing is bad, I just failed to connect or invest in the story or the characters.
Everything felt rushed and stripped back to bare minimum in order to fit the story into a short enough version to be a standalone and the flippant nature the way some themes were touched on when they should have been allotted more time left me dissatisfied and somewhat annoyed.
Not a retelling I enjoyed at all.
It's not that the writing is bad, I just failed to connect or invest in the story or the characters.
Everything felt rushed and stripped back to bare minimum in order to fit the story into a short enough version to be a standalone and the flippant nature the way some themes were touched on when they should have been allotted more time left me dissatisfied and somewhat annoyed.
Not a retelling I enjoyed at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews