e-ALC, 09:44:49
Narrated by: Giordan Diaz
Release Date: August 4, 2026
Published by: Books on Tape
Read from: August 1-3, 2026
Stand-alone
Source: PRH Audio App (I received this ALC from the publisher and their app. This did nothing to influence my review.)
Content Warning: Grief, Death, Car Accident, Child Death, Suicidal Thoughts, Injury/Injury Detail, Sexual Content, Cancer, Confinement
For Readers of: 2sLGBTQ+, Audio, Enemies to Lovers, Fantasy, Sparkly Covers, Mental Health, Most Anticipated, Mythology, Own Voices, Racial/Ethnic Diversity, YAYou’ve Reached Sam meets Hadestown in this enchanting, intoxicating romance across the mortal world and the underworld.
Eighteen-year-old August is trying to navigate life after the sudden death of his boyfriend left him devastated, aimless, and feeling guilty. Years after the tragic accident, August mistakenly stumbles into a world beyond his own—the Underworld. Unlike his own gray existence, the underworld is a lavish extravagant place, full of mystery and a flurry of charismatic gods, all curious about August’s arrival in their world. Realizing right away the opportunity in front of him, August goes searching for his lost love, guided by Cary, the smoldering, broody ferrier of souls. But the more time August spends down below, the more his intentions begin to blur. Is he visiting this realm to reunite with his soulmate? Or is he desperately, inexplicably, intoxicatingly drawn to Cary? With his own world in pieces and a dangerously seductive realm promising him a new existence at a heavy cost, August must a life with grief or a love that might destroy him.
*MY THOUGHTS*
This was a wild ride. I don’t know what I thought it was about, but it was nothing like this. And omg it was so good. Even the first line hit. I hope y’all pick this up and see what I mean.
Ok so I loved the characters. But I can’t lie I was a little afraid for August. Why did no one tell that boy to go to therapy?! Why do y’all act like it’s a death sentence? His grief was palpable. I legit could feel the sadness and heaviness coming out of that book every time it came up. As for Cary I loved that he was so broody and weird lol It was so obvious that he was trying so hard to not only figure August out, but also to find out what in the world was so special about him. I adored his journey of longing that didn’t seem like longing LOL
I loved learning about Cary’s job too. I just wished we had gotten more information about it besides the bit at the end and the small explanation that he gave August. When he went with him that was cool, but I guess I wanted the explanation on why he chose August out of everyone. Was it love? Was it because he saw him and was interested? Like it was crazy that how this all came together and I still had some questions.
I loved the nods to Greek mythology tho. From the dog, to the Underworld, where the souls go, etc. The way they traveled tho was crazy pants to me tho. I remember having to rewind it back just to make sure I read it right. It did make me wonder why it was only like nods to Greek mythology and not using the actual names. (Copyrights? I know this has nothing to do with anything, but I’m just nosey LOL And I actually really do enjoy mythology) But it was fun to pick out everything that had to do with mythology and think up the real thing.
This was a hella interesting book that I’m really looking forward to other people reading. I need someone to talk about this with. From the mythology, to the swoony romance, to just everything. And with the Odysssey movie being out, this is the perfect time! Now go get it and let me know what you think!
Overall, I give this
