Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Of the queer retellings that have been released in recent history, “The Palace Of Eros” definitely seems to be the most faithful to its original story, with only a couple changes made for characterization. (For instance, Psyche’s sisters are meant to be more than just spiteful villains in her story, and not only are they a little better than their original counterparts, but there’s more reasoning for their jealousy.) Psyche’s POV chapters are told truly like a storyteller’s, with a bit of fourth wall-breaking and indulgence in her own poetry. I liked how Eros’s complicated gender was handled in the context of the story and her relationship with Psyche, especially within the context of Greek gender roles(and how they’re guarded by egotistical gods!). All of this is told in a very flowery, lyrical writing style.

But, as you might have noticed I was hinting at, the beautiful writing of this novel is sometimes to its own detriment. While sometimes different emotions and messages get across eloquently, frequently, the prose is very purple. This is, in my opinion, worsened by the middle of this novel not having much plot to it. Even Eros and Psyche’s relationship development doesn’t feel swoon-worthy or very believable, as most of it is done through sex. Consequently, the story was a little dull until the trials.

Still though, the resolution was satisfying, and I thought the last third or so was strong. It’s enough to prevent the experience from being a waste of time, but not enough to turn this into an amazing book.