A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this book so much. I need more stars!! Greek mythology is one of my favorite things to read. Apollo usually isn’t my favorite to read about, but this retelling was spun just differently enough. I really enjoyed this and I can’t wait for book two!!
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I’ve read from the author and i was not disappointed. This book was everything that I could ever imagine. I was not able to put this book away and I literally read it all in one sitting. The prince and apollo were enemies and as the story goes on you see a character development in both. I could feel every emotion the characters were feeling and expression. The author had taken me into her world and i was able to experience everything the characters were experiencing and see everything they could. I was on the edge of my sit the entire time and I cannot wait to read the second book. I’m a big fan of mythology and i love reading anything that involves it. I highly recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Apollo and is also into LGBTQ romance stories.
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Veil of Gods and Kings is the first book in the Apollo Ascending series. It’s a mythology-inspired romance with plenty going on story-wise!
Apollo has been living amongst humans, including his mortal sister Temi. He’s not keen on ascending to his position as sun god, which would mean he could no longer spend as much time with humans. Growing impatient, Zeus sends him to live with Prince Hyacinth, whose obedience to his father makes him a great role model. Unfortunately, Apollo and Hyacinth have an established dislike of each other which makes it very, very difficult for them to work together. Or for Apollo to be even vaguely polite.
I particularly like the friendship between Temi and Epiphany, Hyacinth’s sister. As well as chapters from Apollo and Hyacinth’s POV, we get chapters from Epiphany’s perspective. Like Apollo, she is reluctant to follow the path that is expected of her – in Epiphany’s case, to get married and leave the place she calls home.
The author includes content warnings at the start of the book. I think this would be included in the preview, so I won’t repeat them here as they are a bit spoilery.
This book gets five stars from me! An enjoyable queer romance with a fun Ancient Greek setting.
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book intrigued me from the moment I read the description and I just knew I had to see what it was about. As soon as I started reading the story I was instantly hooked.
The story itself was interesting and imaginative. The Greek gods are a Well known trope and I thought the author tackled them in a different way. But for me this story was all about the characters. They were unique and really well thought out. There was depth to them and they each added to the story in their own way.
This was a great book and I think a strong start to a new series.
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Author, Nicole Bailey, wrote an excellent enemy to lover trope romance. Such a great perspective of the tragic mythologic tale of Apollo & Hyacinth. There is such a range of emotions put into the book, from laughter to absolutely crying; the author gave the readers an emotional but not overwhelming insight into the lives of Hyacinth, Apollo, Epiphany, and Temi. Throughout the book, Apollo, the half-deity and soon to be Sun God, is struggling with ascending into becoming a full High-God. Hyacinth, the prince, is also struggling with what is to come of his future, becoming King. Both of these characters believe the other to be arrogant, conceited, and self-absorbed. The two men are surprised to find out that they aren’t that different at all, and actually both use the personas of being arrogant to hide their true selves.
I found this book to be very captivating and I couldn’t put it down, finished in one day! It is adventurous and easy to read. The story is told through different points of views, being of Apollo, Hyacinth, and Epiphany; I was a little disappointed to not have Temi’s point of view shown like the other characters. All of the characters were easy to fall in love with, and even with obstacles the story was beautifully shaped to give you a magnificent flow. I definitely will be waiting for the second book of this series once it is released!
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Nicole Baily, and I have to say it was not what I was expecting. I am not familiar with the original story of Apollo and Prince Hyacinth, so I believe that it made this reading a little easier for me to enjoy the story. Since reading this book I have had to look up the original story so I can see where the author got her inspiration. The writing and character development was great. I liked the fact that she changed the point of view throughout the story. It gives the reader a chance to learn about the main characters. The cover really jumped out at me, while not giving way any of the story. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series to see what happens next.
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I must say this was a very delightful read! As a big fan of Greek mythology, I am always happy to read a retelling on a classic story. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this read, but I quickly got into it and fell in love with the characters.
Without giving out too many spoilers, the story follows Apollo on his reluctant journey to god hood. In this story the gods have to “ascend” to be full fledged gods with titles, which I thought was particularly clever, however Apollo makes it very clear from the beginning that he isn’t looking forward to becoming the Sun god that we all know, and is doing his very best to delay this, which in turn pisses off Zeus to no end. Standing beside and encouraging Apollo as he deals with his “punishment”, is his sister Temi who loves and adores Apollo and wants him to be the very best that he can be. Temi is very much my favorite, I’m sure you will see why very quickly. Besides the siblings, there are some other very loveable characters that get their own pov, and will have you falling for them.
Nicole Bailey writes the story in a refreshingly modern way, that I really appreciated because it makes the story flow from beginning to end. She has managed to give Apollo a more balanced personality, I say this because she manages to make him ,not just the egotistical and arrogant god that he is mostly know for, but also as a very benevolent and kind hearted individual with a lot more depth than we have ever seen of him.
I would also love to praise the author on her ability to write such a sexually fluid character. If you weren’t aware this book contains lqbtq+ romance, and reading it felt as natural as reading any other romance, and I am here for it!! All in all this was an amazing read for me and I would suggest it to anyone who loves Greek mythology, or if you just love reading a soft romance with a bit of rebellion added to the mix!
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this fantasy story. This is a new author for me which I look forward to seeing what is next. This is a well written story where the author used their writing skills as well as their attention to details to bring the story to life. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning. It has great world building which made the story entertaining to read. The characters are creative, unique and connectable. I also enjoyed how they were supportive of each other. They had great growth throughout which made the story easy to read. A story that has a little bit of everything in it from romance to a prince with secrets. You don’t want to miss what happens with these characters. I really enjoyed this book and the growth of the plot. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nicole Bailey wove together a beautifully crafted new telling of the Greek myth story of Apollo as a demigod who is trying everything he can to avoid ascending into the god he is fated to become, and Prince Hyacinth who is trying to manage a kingdom during his father’s time away.
This book was so much more than just a romance story. There is also emphasis on friendships, trust, compassion and rectitude. All of the main characters, and the world they live in, are crafted together with such detailed descriptions that it allows you to visualize the story clearly in your mind as you read along. My heartstrings were tugged at many times while reading this novel. I loved “watching” all the different friendships grow among the characters. I also enjoyed getting to view things from each of the main characters perspectives, and I found them all to be very likable and interesting. I absolutely loved this book. It exceeded all my expectations. I am impatiently awaiting more!
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Apollo, the half-deity, struggles to let go of his humanity to take the throne among his father, Zeus, and his godly siblings, at Olympus. He has contempt for most of the gods, feeling they misuse their power and lack compassion for the plight of humans. While Zeus loses patience with Apollo, who has dragged his feet on ascending to become the god Zeus expects him to be, he gives him little choice in the matter by threatening those he loves if he doesn’t ascend within the year; in the meantime, he expects him to mentor under Prince Hyacinth, whom Zeus believes to be the best example for Apollo to learn obedience from one’s father.
Apollo sets out with his sister, Artemis, for the kingdom whose prince Apollo finds to be arrogant and conceited. Hyacinth seems to be of the same opinion of Apollo, but is careful in handling the demi-god in an attempt to protect his kingdom from the wrath of the gods. At first, Apollo spends most of his time avoiding the prince and holding to his initial opinions of him, but finally relents after his sister convinces him to make an effort. Both Apollo and Hyacinth are surprised to learn that they aren’t all that different after all, and that they each have more depth than the arrogant outer appearance they both veil themselves with.
I found the book captivating, adventurous, and easy to read. I actually completed the book in one day because I found it so hard to put down. The characters were easy to fall in love with, and even the hardships in the story were delicately navigated and woven into a story that had beautiful flow and sensibility. I’m excited to see how the rest of the story unfolds in the series and what new characters might be introduced.
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh. Mylanta! This is a fabulous read! I have placed it in my top five of the Greek mythology retellings that are so popular nowadays and I am definitely eating them up like golden apples. Speaking of metaphors…. this book was so poetic in its metaphors. So many highlights because the phrase just struck me as beautiful and sincere.
I did struggle a little bit on separating Apollo and Hyacinth’s point of view. There wasn’t enough of a personality change for me to know whose mind I was in. Aside from that though? The slow burn, the hate to love, the unspoken forbidden love and strong female characters makes this book an entire win for me and I cannot wait to see the events of the next possible ascension .
A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so amazed and entranced as I read this wonderful book. I have always been a die hard mythology fan, and the characters of Apollo and Hyacinth were nothing short of amazing. The character development and prosperity between them was beyond what I expected. Made this book all more intriguing!
What I loved about how the author went through with this story, it was more than than just a “re telling’ of characters from mythology. It was something fresh and also new. The characters were written in a way that they brought the story to life and it was as if reading about characters i knew nothing about! I loved how the author was able to bring this to life as well as the characters they created. I loved the moments Apollo and Hyacinth shared together. The more I read, the deeper I indulged, and I was hooked truly, this was a book could not put down! I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
The book was a magical read for me, it was different, in a good way. Captivating characters and moments that could make you swoon. There was more than just romance though, and that made tis book the true gem that it is! I loved it! Highly recommend this must read book. Certainly should not be passed up!
✽ 
ღ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ღ ✽ 
A god fighting his fate. A prince burdened with secrets. And a romance that could end in flames.
Apollo is a deity… almost. Half mortal and refusing to take his position as god of the sun, he spends his nights drowning out haunting memories and his days avoiding responsibilities.
Until his father forces him into an ultimatum:
Ascend immediately.
Or spend the year mentoring under the obnoxious Prince Hyacinth.
Forced together, Apollo and Hyacinth grapple with their mutual disdain for each other.
But what starts as a kindling of irritation begins to burn into something new. A spark that, if it turns to flame, could incinerate everything they’ve always protected.
A reimagining of the Greek myth of Apollo and Prince Hyacinth, this NA, enemies-to-lovers fantasy series is a whirlwind journey full of romance, intrigue, and enthralling characters.
Nicole Bailey is a writer of diverse fantasy series based on worldwide mythology and folklore.
When she’s not writing she’s probably stuck behind a book, on a hiking trail with friends, playing card games with her family, gardening, listening to musical theater, or wishing she was doing one of the above.
✽ ღ PREORDER ღ ✽ A god fighting his fate. A prince burdened with secrets. And a romance that could end in flames.
Apollo is a deity… almost. Half mortal and refusing to take his position as god of the sun, he spends his nights drowning out haunting memories and his days avoiding responsibilities.
Until his father forces him into an ultimatum:
Ascend immediately.
Or spend the year mentoring under the obnoxious Prince Hyacinth.
Forced together, Apollo and Hyacinth grapple with their mutual disdain for each other.
But what starts as a kindling of irritation begins to burn into something new. A spark that, if it turns to flame, could incinerate everything they’ve always protected.
A reimagining of the Greek myth of Apollo and Prince Hyacinth, this NA, enemies-to-lovers fantasy series is a whirlwind journey full of romance, intrigue, and enthralling characters.
✽ ღ COMING SOON ღ ✽ A god fighting his fate. A prince burdened with secrets. And a romance that could end in flames.
Apollo is a deity… almost. Half mortal and refusing to take his position as god of the sun, he spends his nights drowning out haunting memories and his days avoiding responsibilities.
Until his father forces him into an ultimatum:
Ascend immediately.
Or spend the year mentoring under the obnoxious Prince Hyacinth.
Forced together, Apollo and Hyacinth grapple with their mutual disdain for each other.
But what starts as a kindling of irritation begins to burn into something new. A spark that, if it turns to flame, could incinerate everything they’ve always protected.
A reimagining of the Greek myth of Apollo and Prince Hyacinth, this NA, enemies-to-lovers fantasy series is a whirlwind journey full of romance, intrigue, and enthralling characters.