Spartan Heart: A Mythos Academy Novel

I purchased my own copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads' BYOB January.The mythological warriors in the Mythos Academy stories offer a welcome reprieve from the myriad of Urban Fantasy vampire and werewolf stories. A spinoff from the original Mythos Academy books, Gwen’s cousin Rory begins this first Colorado book as a grieving social outcast before finding her place and growing into her potential.I have to admit that Rory grew on me. She’s a little bit wet and a little bit maudlin at the start of the book. Self pity doesn’t look good on anyone and Rory is wallowing at the beginning of her story. But as Rory’s confidence grows, she quickly becomes more interesting and more likeable. I like the team around Rory and I look forward to watching the characters and relationships grow as the series progresses.This is good YA urban fantasy writing. The genre tropes are pretty familiar and there isn’t anything particularly remarkable about the story but it is well written. I love Jennifer Estep’s adult writing and while this lacks the complexity of her mind blowing ‘Kill the Queen’, this is still decent quality YA storytelling with a strong female lead.My one issue with this book is with Rory’s Aunt Rachel. At the start of the story, Rachel is 27 and Rory’s new caregiver. She’s described as more of a big sister than a parent. Which makes sense considering the ten year age gap. However, through the rest of the book she comes across as a maternal matron who chaperones school dances and prepares healthy balanced meals. It doesn’t work for me. Aunt Rachel is supposed to be younger than Taylor Swift. She’s the same age as Selina Gomez. The domestic maternal thing really, really doesn’t work.

When Mythos Academy ended I was sad, again another beloved series came to its conclusion, BUT then I heard about this new spin off series and hope was rekindled, Rory Foresti's story is just as fun and engaging, full of action, heartache and new loves.If you get the chance to read this book then do so, I promise you will not be disappointed.

JE is cracking at portraying a kick ass girl/women saving the day instead of being a damsel in distress, brilliant, cool and such an easy read. Could read any and all her book from dusk to dawn to dusk again.

This story was fantastic. I loved the Gwen Frost series of Mythos Academy and it looks like the Rory series is going to be just as good. The young adult series has issues the teens have to deal with as well as betrayal from family and friends. The storyline was fantastic and grabbed my attention and the characters were engaging, you could feel their osin and happiness. I hope the next book won't be too long in coming.

Good companion book