Of Gods and Vengeance by Kelley Heckart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Of Gods And Vengeance is the third book in a series of Greek tragedy style stories that feature gods, magic and the fight for power over the mortals.
The tale begins with the Great Goddess Rhea who is worried about Zeus’s power hungry plans. She then discovers that her prisoner, who holds the secret to creating superior metal weapons, has been released. Rhea sends her servant, the Vengeance Goddess Becuille, to the mortal world and the land of the Hatti—near modern southern Turkey— where she suspects new metal is being forged.
In true Greek tragedy style, this story features, loves and losses, old gods and new ones. There is a lot of emphasis on hedonism which might not appeal to some readers. There are also incidents of sacrifice which was very much part of life in these times.
As the story comes full circle it links with the previous books in the series. While this book could be read as a prequel, it is meant to be read as the third part.
The story shows how the names of gods changed, but often the representation of the god or goddess remained the same in different nations; Greeks, Egyptians, Hatti, Celts all worshipped gods but gave them differing names. This is a story for those who like the old stories, with a bit of magic and a modern retelling.
Book Description:
Unravel the threads of fate.
It is written in blood.
One of Her kind will betray Her.
In a world where mortals are at the whims of the capricious gods, a prophecy foretells treachery committed by one of their own, leading to the inevitable downfall of the once-mighty Titans. The Great Goddess Rhea, seeking retribution, dispatches Her vengeance goddess, Becuille, to the land of Hatti. She is charged with the daunting task of uncovering the origins of star metal, a substance fatal to the old gods, and finding the enigmatic Destroyer.
Disguised as a human slave in the royal palace, Becuille finds herself entwined with her master, Prince Callileon, plunging both into a treacherous world of power-hungry gods, formidable magic, and widespread betrayal. As tension mounts and loyalties are tested, Becuille faces an impossible choice between duty to her goddess and the stirrings of forbidden love for Callileon.
Warning: Of Gods and Vengeance is a Greek tragedy featuring star-crossed lovers set in an era where slavery and human and animal sacrifice were commonplace.
Of Gods and Vengeance is part of a series. Since it’s a prequel, it could be read first or as a standalone, but I recommend reading the books in this order:
Of Water and Dragons, Of Ravens and Wolves, Of Gods and Vengeance.
