The Immortals by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Rating: 4 / 5 stars
I will never look at Greek myths the same way again, and I’m not sure if I am happy about that or not.
Greek mythology was my childhood introduction to the world of fantasy literature. I read every story I could get my hands on and then their Roman counterparts. It continued to fascinate me even in early adulthood and fueled my interest in fantasy, which remains my genre of choice for both my work and reading selections. After reading The Immortals and the not-so-pretty details behind the myths, I am left feeling somewhat bereft. As a seasoned reader, I am no stranger to the darker aspects of reality portrayed in novels. Fantasy allows for the same tough questions of life to be viewed and digested in a “safer,” more approachable venue. So why has this portrayal of my beloved Greek myths left me a bit unsettled?
For starters, the gods are slowly becoming mortal. It has been millennia since their worshippers’ homage has fueled their immortality and power. Each god/goddess is dealing with impending mortality differently, some not as well as others. However, some very devoted followers have discovered a way to achieve immortality for themselves through an ancient and forbidden ritual, the Eleusinian Mysteries. Forbidden because they call for human sacrifice, which the gods all detest, the ritual is completed in stages over several days. With the first murder, even the gods themselves can no longer ignore the implications after discovering the ritualistic evidence.
Artemis is currently Selene DiSilva, a private investigator of sorts. Her mother, Leto, is not only mortal now, but slowly dying. Selene still has not forgiven her twin, Paul (Apollo), for a terrible past transgression, even as he tries to make amends. Her struggle with her fading immortality shows us what it means to be human and the choices one can make.
Theodore Schultz is a professor of classics and finds himself trying to solve the murder mystery of his ex-girlfriend. He crosses paths with Selene and unknowingly enters into the company of gods.
I would say a large portion of the book reads like a mystery thriller, complete with gruesome details of the crimes. The fantastical elements are sprinkled in throughout the book. If you are looking for a profusion of magic and mythical creatures, this is not that book. If you want a modern day murder mystery, steeped in myth with a dash of magic, this is a must read. For me, it was coming full circle to see my beloved childhood stories through more mature eyes and appreciating the history behind the myth.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
