What is your opinion?
Chapter 1 Feedback
"What’s Working The Contrast: I love the juxtaposition of the "historical/fantasy" dream (kilts, corsets, castles) with the sterile, grey reality of a modern marketing firm. It creates an immediate hook, we want to know how these worlds collide. Lindon as an Antagonist: He is excellently punchable. The "cheap cologne," the nasal voice, and his manipulative tactic of using Rachel’s passion (art) against her make him a very effective "grounded" villain. Atmosphere: The description of the club, minimalist, black and red, "uninviting", sets a strong tone. It feels dangerous and distinct from a typical night out. The "Glowing Eyes" Motif: Introducing this first in a professional setting with Gabriel and then again at the club provides a nice thread of unease that builds throughout the chapter. Ineffective Areas The "Purple Eyes" Reveal: When Beth tells Rachel her eyes have turned purple, Rachel’s reaction feels a bit muted. If my best friend told me my irises just changed color after drinking a glowing green liquid, I’d likely be sprinting to a bathroom mirror or calling an ambulance. The "inexplicable urge" to move toward the man is a good internal beat, but the external shock could be dialed up. The "Beth Betrayal": The revelation that Beth told Lindon about the art feels a bit rushed. Rachel reflects on it in a narrative summary ("Rachel was shocked to discover..."). It might be more impactful if we see Rachel realize this during the conversation with Lindon, or if she confronts Beth about it with more heat later. Pacing The Office Sequence: The dialogue with Lindon is strong, but the internal monologue explaining his management style goes on a slightly long time. We already "get" that he’s a jerk from his dialogue; we don’t need as much narration telling us he sidelines people. The Transition to the Club: We jump from Rachel working late to her being in her bedroom with Beth quite quickly. A small "human" moment of her physical exhaustion, maybe her falling asleep at her laptop and being startled awake by Beth’s arrival, would smooth that transition. Character Rachel: She’s very relatable. Her "imposter syndrome" regarding her art and her struggle to keep her head above water at work make her someone the reader wants to root for. Beth: She’s a classic "foil", wild, impulsive, and a bit self-centered. However, be careful she doesn’t become too oblivious. Her dismissal of Rachel’s genuine fear at the club makes her seem a little bit like a "bad friend," which might make it harder for the reader to like her unless that's intentional. Gabriel: His introduction is intriguing. The shifting eye color from green to brown is a subtle, eerie touch that works better than the more overt "glowing" later on. Grammatical Errors Punctuation in Dialogue: There are a few spots where commas are missing before or after vocatives (names). Example: “I know Rachel” should be “I know, Rachel.” Example: “Thanks Lindon” should be “Thanks, Lindon.” Tense Consistency: Most of the story is in past tense, but there are moments of "filter words" (e.g., "Realising that her personal project...") that can make the prose feel a bit distant. Using "She realized" keeps the reader closer to her perspective. Redundancy: "The air echoed with explosions and the clash of swords." Since explosions and clashing swords are sounds, "the air echoed with" is a bit repetitive. You could just say "Explosions and the clash of swords filled the air." Overall Suggestions Show the Art: You mention the painting of the horseback riders. Since art is Rachel's "escape," use that painting to foreshadow the dream more specifically. Does the man in the painting have Gabriel’s eyes? The "Green Drink" Logic: Why does Rachel drink it? She’s suspicious, she’s tired, and she has a bad vibe. Beth drinking it first is a good motivator, but maybe Rachel takes a sip just to "prove" to herself she’s being paranoid, or to get the bartender to leave them alone. Giving her a proactive reason to take that risk makes her feel less like a victim of the plot. Hello! I really have to give this write up its accolade. It really does possess a lot of potentials. Before I continue, I would like to hear what you think about my feedback and also ask a few questions to help enhance my feedbacks too. Use the mail icon on my profile, and we will be able to discuss further."
Great
"I appreciated how easy it was to follow along while still feeling engaged. That’s not always easy to do."
Aphrodite
"The story plot was good. Recommend to anyone who loves fantasy or Greek mythology."
Aphrodite
"I wish I could just give stars and skip this part. "
A unique story
"First of all, I really liked how Aphrodite was made into a creature with that name as a label rather than a single deity as we know it. And the powers that she has are interesting, yet seem to keep evolving as the book goes on. The world the MC is thrown into is dark and intriguing, and the author does a great job writing a naive and stubborn character that can even make a reader frustrated with the MC's decisions. The descriptions, the use of lights to tell the difference between creatures, and even a diversion in the makeup and behavior of vampires was all tackled well and contributed to a great story with depth and good pacing. "
Aphrodite
"THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE FIRST FIVE CHAPTERS: Firstly, the premise is really creative. It's not exactly fitting with myth (which the author doesn't claim to do, so that's not a complaint) but it's an interesting and really creative use of a beloved character. And there are parts that def give a nod to mythology, whether purposeful or not. My one note would be that in the prologue she is in Rome and the Roman name for Aphrodite is Venus, so that is likely what she would be referred to as in that time if she's a sort of everlasting/recurring Goddess. It would also be really interesting to see you use her names in different cultures (Egyptian and Sumerian myth have their own versions of Aphrodite, you could also probably find equivalencies in Norse myth and other cultures too) - that's just my thought tho I think it could add a little fun to the story but def not necessary. Your writing style is great, I was immediately hooked and your characters are very realistic in subtle, not over the top ways. There are characters who fit into boxes, but this is only for the more "side characters" so it works. And it's not over the top sterotypical for the side characters either, which I love to see. There are a couple grammatical/punctuation issues. Nothing that takes away from the story or makes it hard to read, though - that's why I still gave that portion 4 stars. So a round of line editing would be beneficial, but honestly not super necessary at this point - not like a huge issue at all. Overall, excellent job!"
talent at its best
"APHRODITE is simply an amazing book ranging from how the characters go on about there conflict and interact with each other to how the plot itself was cooked up it is just amazing,i take it that writting supernatural fiction is not easy because your basically creating a whole new world and you have to know the the specifics of every dynamic. taking to consideration that i have read 22 chapters i can say that i spent my time wisely the book was amazing. however the author does have to improve in providing the roots of our characters for instance,racheal we see that she is an aphrodite and we as readers want to know how and why she is one,i was interested in the vampires ,its a rare trope to find vampires co existing with greek gods i wouldve been excited to read how and why that is so,in the first chapter (the first chapter was amazing) took me all the way but as the story proceeds we arent seeing anything thing else involving the originality. secondly rachel has a strong trait and her being the aphrodite was the ideal thing. but she mostly potrays herself as ignorant like after knowing that shes an aphrodite she could go into research and discover some minor things about her new found abilities other relying on all the characters to it for her. and now our infamous abbadon oh how i love the thrill of it,i get the backstory of why he haunts down aphrodite but give it a more solid taste to it one that draws in the reader. otherwise this is honestly i goood book and the relationship between vlad and rayray (over the moon swooning for them) ,i see great potential as i read through the pages,each page a journey to how it will all gone down and that was what kept me reading this books the author managed to that part expertly. i would really love it as a fan for your book to see a whole improved version on this book. the few errors in this book its nothing a talented author like you cant fix. finally to all the fantasy lovers out there i think the pages in APHRODITE are your safe heaven. "nicely written Anastasia Thomas!" "
Not one to miss...
"A gripping story from the opening chapter. The writing is fluent, and blends seamlessly into the tone of the story. The characters feel authentic and individual from the very beginning, sweeping you up into their lives. The details are softly described, drawing you into their world with an effortlessness, that almost defies logic. Just as any truly great fantasy story should. An atmospheric read that doesn't fail to leaving a lasting impression. I would absolutely recommend this story to anyone who enjoys, a suspenseful and intriguing fantasy steeped in a romantic bond! "
A beautiful and well-crafted story
""Aphrodite" follows the story of Rachel and Vlad as they fall in love in a chaotic world. The book is magical and dives you into a fantastical world full of depth and twists. The tale is well-crafted and executed. As you learn more about the protagonists and their pasts, you fall in love more with the characters. This is a beautiful story that will grip your heart and leave you wanting more!"
Couldn't stop reading!
"What a compelling story. Being a fan of Fantasy, and the vampire genre, this one ticked a lot of boxes. The main character, Rachel, and her need to find answers about her "essence" is captivating. All the characters are very believable, from the pushy, credit-stealing manager at work, to Beth, the adventurous best friend. We all know people like this in our own lives. Even the two vampires, Vlad and Darius are believable, and written very well. Kudos to the author. I'll have to check out the sequel to this! "
Aphrodite
"Urban fantasy done right! The mixture of mythology with the authors twist is original. Anastasia Thomas displays a clear understanding of the subtle identity of the archetype , bringing out the duality of Aphrodite deftly weaving that into the plot. A distinct pleasure to read. More, I definitely desire more. There is a great deal to discuss, however, I fear I cannot here, without spoilers. "
A Captivating Read
"This story captures your attention right from the start with the author’s vividly delicious descriptions and her magnificent world-building. The heart-gripping start has you hooked and the interactions between the characters keep you entertained and wanting more. It’s definitely worth the read for all fantasy romance lovers!"
No doubt you must read!!
"Aphrodite is a must read. The plot is so amazing I just had to create a review. The imagery is literally everything. The characters building is absolutely sublime and there is just so much to love. The prologue alone will blow your mind and leave you in a hooked state. So addicted I can’t book the book down! "
READ "APHRODITE"
"Actually had to pause my reading to write this review because I was so ASTOUNDED by how addicting Anastasia's writing is. 'Aphrodite' draws you in from the very first chapter and keeps you in a chokehold throughout. The characters are 3-dimensional and incredibly well written, and the plot keeps you on your toes. Personally, I am a MASSIVE fan of modern Greek myth retellings, but 'Aphrodite' really breaks the mould and establishes itself as interestingly novel in the genre. If you are considering reading - DO IT!"
Aphrodite
"Aphrodite takes readers on an unforgettable journey through a meticulously crafted world brimming with magic, intrigue, and adventure. The author brilliantly weaves a tale that is both epic in scope and intimate in detail, creating a fantasy experience that is not to be missed. You can feel the chemistry between Rachel and Vlad, and the more you read the more invested you become in wanting to reach the end and get answers to all the mysteries. "
Aphrodite
"Anastasia Thomas' Aphrodite is the perfect mythological fantasy for readers looking for a blend of romance and fiction. Only a few chapters in and we dive head-first into this amazing plotline that has my eyes practically glued to the screen! What I specifically love about this book is the imagery, and how well written all the scenes are. Anastasia doesn't make it at all difficult to read this and imagine it playing through my head like a movie. The characters are all developed especially well, the female mc to be specific. Rachel's way of using painting as an outlet for her emotions really helps readers relate to her more and see her as truly human (even though she may not be *wink wink*). "
I give this 5 Glitters out of 5
""Aphrodite" by Anastasia Thomas is a true masterpiece that captured my attention from the moment I laid eyes on its exquisite cover. This beautifully crafted artwork invites readers to delve into the profound themes of beauty and perfection. The cracks etched across the skin of the cover art provide a captivating visual metaphor for the complexities of beauty in a world that often conceals its imperfections. This cover is, without a doubt, a work of art in itself, hinting at the depth of the story that lies within the pages. As I delved into the prologue, I was immediately transported to a world where ancient gods once walked the earth, and mortals were but powerless beings who worshipped these divine entities. The narrative takes us on a journey through time, where the boundaries between reality and myth blur. Anastasia Thomas skillfully weaves together the threads of history and mythology to create a vivid and immersive setting. The heart of the story beats through the eyes of Rachel, a young woman who appears to be chosen by fate or perhaps burdened by a curse. The enigma surrounding her purpose in this world sets the stage for a tale of self-discovery and love. I am genuinely looking forward to exploring the depths of Rachel's character and uncovering the secrets that shroud her existence. "Aphrodite" promises to be an enchanting and thought-provoking journey, brimming with the timeless themes of love, beauty, and destiny. Anastasia Thomas' writing, as showcased in the prologue, is enchanting and lyrical, drawing readers into a world where gods and mortals coexist in a delicate balance of power and vulnerability. This book has the potential to be a literary gem, seamlessly blending history, mythology, and human emotion. It is clear that Anastasia Thomas has poured her heart and soul into this work of art, and I, for one, am eager to experience the full extent of the beauty and intrigue that "Aphrodite" promises to offer."
Brilliant
"First off this book is very addictive I couldn’t put it down when I start such amazing writing the plot was phenomenal love love love it "
ADDICTED
"Okay, first off, I don’t even know where to even begin, the characters in the story were written beautifully. I loved the fact that I was learning about the Aphrodite with Rachel. I love a character who is also new to a world supernatural and fantasy. The story was too easy read and follow along even with transition between her Abaddon. Also I already have my favorite character so readers I am team Darius for my own reasons. I am very sad, that the story is still on going and will do my very best to wait patiently for the next chapter. Overall, this story is amazing and keeps you wanting to turn the next page, if anyone stumbles on to the story on their trending, please read it, it is so good! "
A Tale of Love, Power, and Identity
""Aphrodite" is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and drama that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through a world where mythical beings coexist with humans. The story centers around Rachel, who discovers she is the Aphrodite, a powerful creature with abilities that go beyond human comprehension. As she navigates her newfound identity, she forms an accidental but life-binding bond with Vlad, another mythical creature. What starts as a relationship of necessity evolves into a complex love story, making "Aphrodite" a standout in the fantasy genre. "
