Then… Before they were gods, they were princes of Dasos. For years the kingdom of Dasos was ruled by the merciless King Cronus and the bewitching Queen Rhea. Under their rule, the kingdom prospered until the queen discovered she was pregnant with their third child, Zeus. Hated from birth, Zeus must fight to earn his father’s love and his place alongside his brothers: Hades and Poseidon. If Zeus can find the legendary elixir known as Ambrosia, a substance prophesied to make gods of men, not only will he win his father’s approval, he will secure the future of Dasos.
Now… Centuries later, Dasos is merely a dilapidated village nestled deep within a brutal forest full of roving bands of the vicious Unhallowed, soulless creatures set to destroy anything in their wake. Lilith, a curious woman with a fiery spirit, stumbles into town with no recollection of where she came from. All Lilith knows is that she’s drawn to Dasos the same way she was drawn to Finian, the town blacksmith. A storyteller and weapon forger, Finian is plagued with nightmares of a dark shadowed man. After Lilith’s arrival, the nightmares intensify and soon Finian questions what is real and what resides only in his mind. When the town is attacked, Lilith and Finian find themselves pawns in a centuries old war between feuding brothers. Destruction, death, and the cursed Unhallowed lurk around every corner.
Love and loyalty will be tested. Hearts and bodies will be broken. An unknown enemy will awaken. Welcome to the world of Dasos, where gods and mortals collide.
Tati B. Alvarez lives in Austin, Texas with her family. She spends most days lost in her own head, creating stories. When she is not writing, you can find her vacationing at Disney World.
Rtc. After I pick up all the pieces of myself thanks to my bestie and this beautiful book
Edit: okay I guess I should write a review since Tati is my bestie and deserves one.
ALL THE EFFING STARS
First off- I would like to point out that this does NOT read like a debut novel. It is polished. It is marvelous. And it is captivating.
If you love mythology, you are going to love this book. I absolutely LOVED Tati’s take on this story. I love Zeus. I love Lilith. I love Finn. It is so hard not to love every single character she has written… unless you’re Cronus. No one makes Cronus good because let’s be honest, he’s a bastard.
Zeus on the other hand. I love him so and this light she has shone on his life makes you love him all the more.
I feel so beyond privileged to know this amazing woman. Tati’s book is emotional, suspenseful, magical, swoon worthy, angering, it has it all. And yes, be prepared for a cliffhanger. But one that will leave you NEEDING the sequel NOW.
I cannot wait to see where Tati takes us on this amazing journey with these characters. I can brag and say that I will be lucky enough to get to have an arc and before hand knowledge. But you WILL love this one guys. Bravo Tati. Bravo.
Also- thanks for mentioning me in the acknowledgements and making me cry. You are truly a light in my dark.
I went into THE AMBROSIA THRONE willingly knowing as few things about it as possible. The author, Tati, is a dear friend, and I wanted to be as surprised as I possibly could by her debut book. Mission accomplished! This is a story that keeps on building. I adored the dual timeline—The Before, which follows the upbringing of a very young Zeus into adolescence, and The After, which follows Lilith and Finian many years later—and how every new chapter was like a puzzle piece, surrendering a piece of information that helps create a full picture of the world building and the plot. Even so, there were so many unexpected twists that had me gasping and wanting to chuck the book against the wall and then beg its forgiveness while crying.
My favorite part? The characters, of course! For once, as much as I loved the secondary cast—especially my baby Zarek— the main three stole the show. I loved how distinct their voices were, how I felt like I was getting to know them along the way and didn’t realize how obsessed I was until I suddenly couldn’t put the book down. It was such an all-encompassing feeling, the kind only achieved by a great book and a talented wordsmith. Zeus’s story, in particular, got me in a special way. Greek Mythology is so often reimagined, but this is the first time I’ve come across such a rendition of Zeus, one that is fragile, misunderstood, relatable.
In short, this is the book you need if you love Greek Mythology and want a new, surprising take on it, and if you love a good balance between plot and characters. I promise you, you’ll be obsessed. I’m counting down the days until I have the sequel in my hands because the need is strong!
I honestly am amazed at my talented friend for crafting this incredibly rich and entertaining novel. I remember when this was just a title and one single line written…so to see how much it developed over the course of her writing it is incredible. Oh, and it’s also a novel that will make you text her things like “what the actual fuck” or “bitch I swear to god” after reading yet another twist.
I am not one to read a lot of high fantasy / mythology based books - but this one was not difficult to follow or bogged down by intricate details I couldn’t keep up with. I find myself losing focus with high fantasy, but this book kept my interest from start to finish.
The characters are also really well crafted and have the BEST dialogue - I actually laughed out loud a few times at the wittiness she wove in to an otherwise serious plot.
The Epilogue had me so pumped to read Book 2 and I’m looking forward to continuing to be so proud of Tati for this amazing achievement! 📚💕
Thank you Tati for providing me an eArc of your debut novel!! I’m so proud of Tati, this book was amazing and it did NOT read like a debut novel!
I loved the unique twist on Greek mythology that Tati created. I loved all of the characters except Cronus, no one likes Cronus lol. Lilith, we love a badass woman who knows how to fight! Tati’s portrayal of Zeus is so sad but she will make you love him and root for him. Hades, I need more of him! I don’t want to say anything else because I don’t want to spoil anything!! Read this book! It does not feel like her debut novel, everything was amazing from start to finish!
Buckle up because Tati is going to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions with twists, turns and the “how dare you”, “are you serious” “WTF” moments, Tati knows what I’m taking about because I sent her all my reactions. Anyways, I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2 because I have so many questions that need answers!!!!
First of all, I am extremely thankful to the author for providing me an eArc of this book. I feel truly honored. Where do I start? I am on a rollercoaster of so many emotions. I am sobbing and I'm ready having its hangover. I just so so loved it. This book will forever be my favorite, and will always be close to my heart. Chloe was my most favorite side character. Her bravery, courage, loyalty made me weep with warmth and love for her. How she became the mother, is beyond words. I just loved her so much 😭. The way she defined love was my most favorite thing. Love isn't supposed to force you to give up your duties. Ohh Chloe so wise 😭 Rhea, the queen had her own charm. She was, well the queen as on should be. But I'm doubting the reason of birthing Zeus. I guess she had many secrets that yet have to be unfold. But I loved her nonetheless. Zeus, OMG I can't imagine the injustice and unfair treatment you received. Why on earth no one could see you were as much innocent as the other twins. You needed your mother more than them 😭. My heart bleeds for you. I'm rooting for you. As for Lilith and Finnian 😭 I am dreading what future holds for you. I hope you would not suffer more than you already have. And Hades, Cronus and Poseidon, I hate you three to the infinity. I bet the twins didn't know Lilith will have her own personality and that they wouldn't be able to take control over. Haa you must be shocked now!
I could write more and more, but I fear that would take up all the space here. So, you all are missing a masterpiece if you don't order your book eight now. What are you waiting for? Dive into this heartbreaking book now! I already want to read the next book!!
I’m so proud of Tati for following her dream and becoming a published author! This was a really interesting take on Greek mythology. It was done differently than anything I’ve ever read before and I thought the concept was refreshingly new.
Zeus was easy to rally behind (which I can’t say I’ve ever done with any Zeus character before), Zarek made me laugh with his witty banter, Cronus just made me ridiculously mad any time he appeared, and Finian and Lilith were both fierce and loyal.
I enjoyed the fact that the book had before and after chapters that gave me two different stories which slowly intertwined the further I read. By the end, the connection between the two was clear and I know the next book will answer any unresolved questions I have!
Tati created such a new and interesting take on Greek mythology. I haven’t read a book quite like this one. We have a heart wrenching back story on how they became gods written as a flashback, and a whole new story about one crafted by Hades and Poseidon and her coming of age story. I think my favorite character of all was Zeus. Her portrayal of him was so sad and I absolutely love a tortured soul. The ending left me reeling and wanting the sequel in my hands the moment I finished!
What do you think of the Greek mythology?? Well they are one of my favourite stories to read and I got to read this amazing and different than usual story as an alpha reader. Thanks Tati for the opportunity and I told you that I loved this different take on Greek mythology very much. I know a few things might have changed from that part but still the way the story starts just blows your mind. I kept wondering why this is happening and what will happen next, and when I got into it further, all the mysteries were solved and the answers I got were more interesting than the other.
The history of Dasos is explained explicitly in a wonderfully intricate way. Lilith and Finain are the main characters and their way of living came to a halt when Dasos is attacked by unhallowed. They find themselves as pawn of the centuries old war in-between Gods who were mere humans before. The story is presented by triple POVs of Lilith, Finain, and the man, the myth, the legend - Zeus himself. This is an altogether different retelling of the mythology, added with the twist of the age old war between The Big Three brothers.
What a unique mythology retelling! Think Circe meets Game of Thrones with a healthy dose of romance. I especially enjoyed the vulnerability of Finian's character, and his devotion to Lilith. Such an exciting start from a new author!
Oh, my gosh!! This was my first fantasy/mythology book in a really long time and I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait to see what happens next with these characters. There’s still so much we don’t know and so much I want to see work for my favorites. Tati, you rocked this. Love you and love the depth of your story.
Oh wow! I really enjoyed this story with a great twist on Greek mythology! The story really builds as the reader flips back and forth between two timelines. I love the main characters and felt like I was right there as they experienced love and loss. I seriously need the sequel NOW. A great start from a debut author!
"Rot in hell and when you get there, tell them that Lilith Serah sent you."
I just finished this authors debut novel and how does it read like she's been doing this forever?
Tati does a great job of world building an immersing the reader into the land of Dasos. I especially loved the way she captured young Zeus' voice and the way we got to see him grow and mature over the course of the novel. Typically, I relate to the main female voice in books, so I was pleasantly surprised to be so enthralled by the male voices/POVs . Now that I am typing this...I guess I ended up loving every single character....like every single one. I even loved to hate the baddies.
I am new to greek mythology retellings but the way Tati used familiar names/characters has me hooked. One of the benefits (for me at least) is that you do NOT have to be familiar with greek mythology to enjoy this book. If you are a fan of fantasy, political intrigue, a splash of romance, complicated family dynamics, bad-ass warrior females, or good story telling in general...then this book is for you.
I feel like this would make an EPIC audiobook so count me in to buy the audio as soon as its available.
Looking forward to book 2 and seeing what's next from this author.
This was fun! I thought the world was interesting and I could follow the characters. I think the pacing was a little off and the text felt quite jumpy at times but I would definitely pick up the sequel.
I loved this book! Absolutely loved, I had some issues going on in life car wise and drama wise with family so I forgot to post my review so here it is today.
Tati was amazing and gave me the opportunity to read this. If you love Greek Mythology this book is for you! I loved this books so much, it is well written.
I will definitely be adding this book to my shelves and I can’t wait to read more books my Tati. The book is outstanding!
What can I say about this book? I started it out of curiosity, and I found myself tangled in its fascinating story, set in a fierce world. I loved the charming characters, the twisting plot, the original narrative, and the elegant crafted writing of the author Tati B. Alvarez. As a Greek, I felt curious about the retelling of a well-known myth, but the result is absolutely stunning. I also appreciated the original words the author used at some points. The book ends at a cliff hanging, which leads me to read the next novel . Thankfully, I don't have to wait for it!!
I thought I'd read every variation of Greek mythology fantasy, and then I started this book. I was so wrong! I loved how she managed to write a story different from the others. It was a breath of fresh air. I loved to know the back story of the characters. It made me love them even more. Zeus, can we talk about him? My heart bled for him. I laughed, cried, got angry, and loved every single one of them. That was a rollercoaster of emotions I didn't expect. (You have no idea how many "Seriously?" moments I had during my reading)
This was an interesting take on Greek mythology, and I found myself wanting to know how the author was going to intertwine legend into this unique story.
The story is told through two timelines, "The Before" which follows the tale of the unwanted boy of King Cronus, Zeus, and the events in his life that leads us to "The After", and the story of Lilith and Finian. I did find myself more captivated by "The Before", and I didn't get very attached to the characters in "The After".
I did thoroughly enjoy the story and the author's original tale. I found the storyline intriguing, and the layout of the book was very fun to read. I loved the dual timelines. I also thought, for a debut author, her writing style is superb. I was often captivated by a scene simply by how it was written.
My only criticism is I think another set of professional editing eyes or a few professional/skilled proofreaders needed to take a look at it before hitting the shelves. I am a dual reader, and I tend to read ebooks with audiobooks, and I'm also a slow reader who reads each word to fully grasp the story. With that, I was constantly pulled from the story each time I came across a punctuation error. However, at about 40%, I decided to only listen to the audiobook and in doing so, I instantly became more engulfed in the story. It truly is a very well thought-out story, and I can't wait to see where this goes in future books.
Now, for a review on the audiobook: The narrator did an amazing job with telling this story and bringing to life these characters! I found her performance riveting, fun, and just plain entertaining. You can tell the narrator wasn't just reading any book and doing a "job", she was reading something she actually loved and wanted to be apart of. I will note that I did listen to it at 1.5 and 2.0 because 1.0 was just a bit to slow for me, but still, it was an amazing listen.
I will be (im)patiently waiting to reenter the world of Dasos as the author works on Book 2. If you love Greek mythology, political conquest, dual timelines and POVs, and a bit of romance then this story is for you.
A remixed retelling of Ancient Greek gods that reminded me of the old shows Xenia and Hercules.
This novel is told in two different time lines, The Before and The After. This offers some interesting dynamics to the story telling and a well rounded view of the events. Personally, I really enjoyed the story being told in The Before. When it came to The After however, I found myself not caring about the characters or what they were doing. I can’t put my finger on exactly why, it just didn’t hold my interest.
Unfortunately I did notice some issues in the writing. There were multiple sentences through the novel where the wrong word was used or a word was clearly missing. Such as ‘My grandfather made my promise not to tell.’ It happened enough in the novel to get frustrating.
Another issue I noticed was consistency. In one section of the novel it was mentioned a girl was on the kings arm, the same girl from the night before. I found myself thinking, ‘what girl from the night before?’ In another section the character wakes up and the tent they’re in is described as being empty. In the next sentence it says the character started throwing punches at her assailants, then she’s suddenly standing up and leaving the always empty tent to confront her assailants. Issues like this came up several times in the novel.
This is the authors first novel, and I know how challenging writing your first book is. I see potential in the creative mind of the author and I hope they are able to grow with their following works.
The Ambrosia Throne needs to be on your shelf if you love Greek Mythology! If you like books with Plot twists and tortured souls - all the more. I recall Tati starting her book 2 years ago and it truly is a pleasure to have received a copy of The Ambrosia Throne to read and review!
This story follows three points of view: Zeus, Lilith, and Finian. I would argue that they are all tortured souls in a sense so if you love that trope as much as I do, this book is where it's at. Especially with her portrayal of Zeus. Y'all. I have never read a perspective/story of Zeus where I actually liked him! In nearly every story, Zeus is usually a villain or an unlikable character. This is the first book I've read, that actually made me look at his perspective and it's so refreshing.
I won't say too much about Lilith and Finian because I don't want to ruin anything for anyone, but I can say that they are very charismatic and carry the story's "present-day" point of view very well when the story is not transitioned into a flashback. And the same applies to the side characters as well, especially Chloe who is quite a special character I found endearing.
I truly can't see fans of Greek Mythology not enjoying this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I can not express how unbelievably proud I am that this was written by my friend, Tati. I had read some chapters a year or so ago, so I knew the beginning, but it has grown so much since then. I feel the work that went into this and can’t express how excited I am for her future as an author.
The Ambrosia Throne is an ode to her love of Greek Mythology. It’s written in the before and after, which I loved. I especially loved the before, because we got new back stories for the Gods we know and love.
Zeus was my favorite character. Whom I have never been a fan of before, save for Disney’s Hercules version that I just want to call DADDY when I see photos of his artwork. We got to see him from birth to 17 years old in the before and I loved every second of his story then. I felt for him, wanted to be his savior and friend, and wanted nothing to hurt him, even though I knew with a father like Cronus all he would know is pain.
I have so many unanswered questions that I imagine have been left open ended so that we have an absolute NEED to get our hands on the second book… well now that’s where I am… Impatiently waiting for my answers! Whyyyyyyyyyyyy?!?
I had the amazing opportunity to read this book early as an ARC and I am so excited about this series.
I honestly had no clue what to expect, other than that the Ambrosia Throne was going to be Greek Mythology reimagined. Tati Alvarez does an amazing job creating a unique world with some familiar faces within it. However, she gives it her own great twist.
The book follows two timelines which lay out the story perfectly. I loved the author's version of Zeus, unlike any other story I've read. She also doesn't shy away from being dark, but there is plenty of great humor and romance interwoven in it.
I cannot recommend this book more highly. If you love Greek mythology like I do, definitely move it to the top of your TBR pile.
I had the amazing pleasure of reading an ARC of The Ambrosia Throne by Tati B Alvarez and wow oh wow it was AMAZING.
This fantasy book inspired by Greek Mythology is full of swoon worthy heroes, badass females, and adventures of a lifetime. The world built in these pages is unlike anything I’ve ever read. The way that Alvarez writes is absolutely beautiful.
The book is written in several perspectives, and several time periods (sort of in the style of The Night Circus) to really get into character development. It was amazing how I never lost my place and completely followed the flow of the story.
I would recommend this book to fans of From Blood and Ash, and Circe. This book is full of twists and turns you never see coming and I’m absolutely DESPERATE for Dawn of Dasos #2.
Firstly, thank you for the ARC copy! I read it all in one day!!
The Ambrosia Throne is a great take on Greek mythology and the origins of the gods- specifically Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus. Although many more make appearances.
I love the main characters (especially Finian, he’s hilarious) and Lilith is such a lovable heroine.
I think the story’s great, though I found the pacing a bit odd. I struggled to get attached to some side characters when they were there for such short moments. And I found the ending a bit disappointing for all the buildup, though I know it’s a setup for a great series!
Overall, super fun read, and perfect for anyone who loves stories about mythology and a bit of romance!
Holy words won’t come to my brain right now. I am emotional. Not only because my soul sister and one of my best friends wrote a book, but because this book is phenomenal. Now I have been reading this book as it was written and before it was even renamed to The Ambrosia throne. I didn’t think it could get any better but after sitting and devouring the finished book with changes I am blown away. The story is unique, the writing is beautiful and lyrical, the world building is fantastic. I loved the before and after POVs and LOVED the characters.
Lilith and Finian are two of my favourite MCs and I need all the artwork for them. I also love Métis, Thunder, Chloe and so many more of this great cast of characters.
The book has drama, family kinships, friendships and a war to be battled. You will fly through the pages as I did.
I won’t spoil any of the story as it is a book you need to read.
Tati I am so damn proud of you. You killed it with this story and I can’t wait for book 2.
The Ambrosia Throne takes us back to the time of Greek mythology and paints a fresh, beautiful picture of the life Zeus and his siblings had, while also jumping forward to Tati's original characters.
I really enjoyed the chapters about Zeus. The worldbuilding was lush, the story intriguing, and it was so fun to see these familiar characters painted in this original light. Unfortunately, the present-day chapters didn't connect as well for me. BUT that's completely on personal preference and I do think the Ambrosia Throne would be perfect for anyone who needs a fun romance with a dash of mythology :D
Thank you Tati for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
It is truly a talent to be able to take a popular mythology that has been the inspiration of many many books, and yet give it a thoroughly unique twist. That’s what Tati B Alvarez did here, and can I say, it did not disappoint.
The Ambrosia Throne is the first book in the Dawn of Dasos series. We have three main POVs - Lilith, Finian & Zeus, and the story has two timelines, what’s happening now and the events of the past that led to the now.
Lilith and Finian (or Lil & Fin as they are affectionately called) are our two main protagonists in the present. Lilith is bold, brave and determined to protect the home that adopted her when she stumbled in lost and not knowing where she came from. I was intrigued by her mysterious past and how it will affect her going forward, and I cannot wait to see where Tati takes her.
Fin is a charmer and a storyteller and when I heard he was based on Michael B Jordan, I swooned. He may be a sunshine character, but don’t let that fool you, because there are things going on for him behind the scenes that will surprise you (in a good way ofcourse). The book reveals some secrets and teases others, and I am excited to see what Tati has in store for him!
Zeus, oh Zeus. My heart breaks for him in the book. I have to applaud Tati on her fresh take on what made him the God he is today. This characterization of Zeus is not the same that we are used to in the myth, and while we learn a lot about him, there are still some mysteries to unravel, which of course I am looking forward to very much!
The world building in this novel is incredible, and I cannot say this enough, because it was such an amazing adaptation of the Greek mythos! The story has many callbacks to the names and places we know and yet you will find that despite the familiarity, Tati has incorporated it in a way that is all her own. I cannot wait to learn more about the gods, the places and the history in this world.
If you are a fan of greek mythology, feuding gods and families and a friends x lovers x (spoilers but you’ll know what I mean when you read it haha) romance, definitely give this book a chance!
Thank you so much to the author for sharing a copy of her book with me !!!!
Trigger Warnings: violence, physical punishments
“The naked body atop the ceremonial altar did not stir, much to the god’s dismay”
“I'll wait for you, Enchantress. I'll wait for you for a thousand years.”
“In truth Lilith, I felt drawn to you. Your soul called out for help, and I answered the call.”
A smart, intriguing, addictive recreation of the mythological story of Lilith and the Greek Triad of Poseidon, Hades and Zeus and their history … I absolutely loved it!!! As a student of Greek history and mythology I know what I am talking about !!! A game that is centuries old, played by different players because of a family feud … and a young goddess at the middle of it all, forced away from the people she loves because of her “fathers” … it was otherworldly!!! The twists and turns happening in this book were my undoing and I loved the fact that the author gave us the opportunity to get through all of them in due time, without rushing the action for plot purposes!!! These characters were absolutely amazing, so much like the people they are inspired by but also so different. Some side characters played a vital role in determining their experiences and I find myself completely in love with them (Chloe has my whole heart) And Fin … Oh, Fin !!!! I love this man so much !!! This story has been breaking me and building me up anew every other chapter !!! It’s been a while since a book has hit me this deep !! I dreaded the end of this journey simply because it was so beautiful I wasn’t ready to let go !! That ending was really amazing … I still haven’t recovered from it!!! Now the only question is … are lovers gonna face each other in battle, fighting for opposite sides ?? I can’t wait to find out !!!
“With one last glance at his former home, Zeus walked out of Dasos and would not retire for centuries to come”
“Darling, I'm the King of the underworld. Living hell is sort of my thing.”
“I will make you proud." She murmured under breath. "And one day, when my body fails me and my soul departs, I shall tell you all about the adventures I went on.”
Alright, myth buffs and story spelunkers, are you ready to tumble down a rabbit hole of Olympian proportions? Because this isn't just any ol' tale—it's a kaleidoscope of legendary antics featuring the pre-godly escapades of Poseidon, Hades, and Zeus, back when Dasos was their royal playground, and oh boy, does it pack a cosmic punch!
Picture this: Dasos, once a kingdom of lore, now a rustic nook hidden in a forest crawling with the kind of creepy-crawlies called the Unhallowed. (Yikes!) In swaggers Lilith, with zero clues about her past but a homing beacon for Dasos and—wait for it—the hunky town blacksmith, Finian. Our man Finian's not just a dreamy face; he's got a forge that sparks magic, a knack for spinning yarns, and a noggin full of nightmares starring one heck of a shadowy figure.
But hold onto your Pegasus, 'cause here's where it gets wild: we're talking a celestial family feud so ancient, the mortals are just reruns in an epic divine drama. And Lilith? She's the goddess-next-door caught in the ultimate daddy issues. It's absolutely out of this world!
The author plays the long game, unravelling surprises and "no way!" moments with the patience of a cat watching a mouse—no plot-hasty shenanigans here! And our mythic cast? Stellar. They've got the essence of their ancient prototypes but with a brand-new twist. Not to mention the sidekicks—total scene-stealers who you're gonna adore, big time.
This book is like a piñata of feels—it hits, it spills, it hits again, and just when you think you're ready for the candy, BAM! More feels. It's been eons since a saga gave me this kind of heart-whoosh! The end loomed, and I was like, "Nope, not leaving this magic ride!" And that climax? Mind. Blown. (Still scouting for the pieces, TBH.)
So, what's the hot gossip? Will our lovebirds meet on the battlefield, swords blazin', hearts achin'? Gimme that sequel, stat!
Quick heads-up! Brace for some epic showdowns and tough love—physical style. But hey, that's ancient history for ya! Dive in, folks, 'cause this tale's a sizzler! 🌟