Elizabeth Rose Reviews

Added November 15, 2003

The Oracle of Delphi

Author: Elizabeth Rose
Publisher: New Leaf Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Paranormal/Mythological
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $12.95
ISBN: 1-930076-33-9
Author Email/Website: www.scribesworld.com/elizabethrose
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

King Acrisius of Argos had left his kingdom and traveled with his only child, his daughter Danaë, to Delphi, desperate to know if he would have any more children, more specifically a son. After cautioning him that it is not wise to know the future, the Oracle of Delphi says he will not have any more children. However, his daughter would give birth to a son who would eventually kill him. Upon their return to Argos, fearing the Oracle's prophecy King Acrisius locks Danaë away, believing this will keep her from conceiving. The god Zeus, by a simple shower, impregnates her. After the birth, Danaë and her infant son Perseus are locked in a wooden box and thrown into the sea.

Twenty-five years later...

It had been twenty-five years since Danaë and Perseus were rescued by the fisherman Dictys; and in that time Perseus had grown into a fine warrior. When his mother is taken hostage by King Polydectes, Perseus bargains for her release. For his mother to be released, he must bring Polydectes the head of the creature Medusa. Determined to rescue his mother, he journeys to Delphi to inquire of the Oracle where he might find the Medusa.

In Delphi, he meets the Princess Andromeda who has also come to inquire of the Oracle. A great sea monster is devouring her people and she believes there is another way to defeat the creature rather than sacrificing her own life. Recognizing her name, Perseus forces Andromeda to accompany him on his quest. While unable to escape from Perseus, Andromeda doesn't easily give him the help he needs. Not an uncaring person, her help is contingent on his slaying the sea serpent before rescuing his mother.

Their journey is anything but peaceful. Both are incredibly stubborn and want different things; the only thing binding them together is their intense attraction to each other. Can they put aside their differences and complete their quests? And in doing so, will they find a love written in the stars?

A big fan of Greek mythology, I was delighted when given the chance to review The Oracle of Delphi. With its rich details, dimensional characters and fluid writing, Ms. Rose beautifully captures the magic and mystery of Greek mythology. Andromeda is a marvelous heroine, determined, strong and willing to sacrifice all if necessary. I found Perseus a bit irritating at times, most specifically when he used Andromeda's feelings and innocence to further his own goals. I understood his desire to save his mother, but his attitude made it hard for me to care for him as much as I did for Andromeda. It is his journey into a true hero that makes The Oracle of Delphi a must read.

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Added December 27, 2002

Thief of Olympus

Author: Elizabeth Rose
Publisher: New Leaf Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Romance: Paranormal/Mythological
Format: Trade paperback
Price: $8.50 Publisher Price; $12.95 Cover Price
ISBN: 1-930076-09-6
Author Email/Website: www.scribesworld.com/elizabethrose
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

Set in Ancient Greece, Thief of Olympus is the story of Amazonian princess Lysandra and thief-turned-king Zarek. Lysandra has finally come of age and as part of the ceremony she must mate with a male chosen by her queen. Hopefully, their union will result in her bearing a child, preferably a female, the stronger of the species. The man chosen is attractive, strong, arrogant and proud. Try as she might to follow Amazon code, she cannot hate this man, even after he steals one of her rings.

Zarek, once a thief now rightful king of Thrace, needs an heir. His heir must be strong, cunning and above all, a warrior. To ensure his son has these qualities, he allows himself to be caught by the Amazon nation. Unfortunately for him, he can't get Lysandra out of his thoughts.

Their union successful, Lysandra gives birth to a son nine months later. According to Amazon law, all male babes were to be sacrificed to their goddess Artemis. Deep in her heart, she knows she cannot and will not allow her son to die. If pleading fails, her only option is to leave forever. Thankfully, Zarek returns to claim his son and is forced to take her along.

During an attack on Thrace by the Amazons, Artemis steals their child, claiming it is her right. She offers them a chance to save the boy. They are to compete against each other, stealing three objects from the gods. The winner will be given the chance to ask one wish; the loser will forfeit his life and people. Neither Zarek nor Lysandra is willing to lose; yet neither wishes to win. In this battle for their son's life, they must also battle for each other's heart.

A magnificent tale, Thief of Olympus is brimming with spectacular detail and imagery. The reader is transported to Ancient Greece and into the lives of Zarek and Lysandra. We feel their pain at losing their son, their dismay at Artemis' challenge, and above all, the excitement and confusion of falling in love. Personally, I found Lysandra's struggle more emotional and believable. No matter what she chooses, she will have to go against her upbringing and defy her goddess. Not a small undertaking.

My favorite scenes were those when Lysandra and Zarek are stealing from the gods. Their adventures, disguises, and arguments are hilarious as well as revealing. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Rose's work. Highly recommended.

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