I love reading anything about mythology and the gods of any pantheon. But the Grecian ones would always hold a special place in my interests. Not surprising really since they're the first ones I learned about.

Aphrodite used to be my favorite, back when all I've read when I was still a kid, were the edited versions to spare the delicate sensibilities of young minds. But when I read the uncensored versions and the gods were revealed to me as they were, well, they're all bloody wankers and I don't really blame Strafford (whose full name reminds me of thick law *snorts* books) for hating them. Yes, no favorites now.

It's always nice to read a re-imagination of the myths, particularly when you initially thought that various, seemingly unrelated elements will not work together and finding out later that they do. Moreover, it is good to read that not everything is sunshine, daisies, buttermellow (turn this fat rat yellow) and anything has the potential to go to Hades. Especially when you thought that you were sooo right about your interpretation of a prophecy but surprise! you really screwed up.

This is what the gods are at their best and their worst. Like the ancient Greeks made them out to be.

Original review at Whatever You Can Still Betray. ( )

**I received a digital copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

I haven’t read a mythology-themed story about the Oracle of Delphi before now so this book is a first for me. The usual stuffs were retellings about gods and goddesses or adventures of demigods. I’m glad PROPHECY OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL offers something new. I’ve always thought the Oracle is an important and powerful character in the Geek myth but oftentimes she was downplayed as an ordinary seer, operating in the sidelines and reciting riddles and prophecies for the demigod’s quests. In this book, however, the Oracle is in the middle of the action.

I must say I really enjoyed this book. It was unique and interesting. A real page-turner. I was always curious what will happen next. The characters were amusing although I think Strafford’s too good to be true. It’s like he’s so perfect and awesome. I was not smitten by him, though. It was also a bit annoying whenever the main character, Chloe, recounts just how gorgeous he is. Meh. But basically, Chloe’s okay. I think she’s a strong character, judging on how she managed to handle the sudden change in her life. She was ripped away from her family but she did not wallow in sadness. Instead, she accepted her fate and did her best to uncover the prophecy. Ace and Swindle were really good, too. They were great guardians and friends to Chloe and helped her adapt to her new life. Ace was freaking funny while I admire Swindle’s intelligence. Colorful characters make for a colorful story.

The action was something to look forward, too. They’re exciting and well-written. I liked the build-up of suspense and the pace of the story. I think it’s also a good thing that even though Chloe is the Oracle, she’s not always right. It made her character more real. The mystery behind Strafford’s past piqued my curiosity, too. I wanted to know his secrets badly. Chloe’s little brother was also special. He wasn’t just a secondary character. The author did a good job of adding the right amount of importance and mystery to each character. No one was neglected. Ms. Jones also kept the reader’s interest by not divulging all the secrets at once. They were carefully laid out and will make you excited for the next book.

All in all, Prophecy of the Most Beautiful is a powerful first book in a series. You’ll surely want to read the next books because it’s that interesting. A unique re-telling of the story of the infamous Oracle, this book is a must-read.
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Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-review-prophecy-of-most-beautif...

Prophecy of the Most Beautiful is a story that follows a girl named Chloe. Chloe knows she is not like other teenage girls and her difference gets her in trouble, big time. When pretty much forced to leave school, she experiences something very tragic. That tragedy has led her into a world she never thought existed. She is now living amongst the gods, well Demigods, and Chloe finds out that she is one of them. The hallucinations that have been giving her hell all her life are scenes from the future. This newfound discovery has made her popular, so popular other gods want to kill her. She has to find out who wants kill her and how she can fulfill the destiny that has been thrown at her feet.

I love books on Greek mythology and Jones has done an incredible job mixing Greek mythology with her own ideas. I love the world she created for us. The story was well paced. It does start a bit slow at first, but it picks up when Chloe starts interacting with the other Demigods. The Demigods know Chloe is one of them and they need to uncover what. Assassins have been sent to kill Chloe and they need to find out why. There is something going on that they don't want Chloe to know about. There was so much action thrown in this book. I didn't expect that. It made the book that much more fun.

I liked Chloe in the book. I loved the way she clicked with the characters especially Ace. Ace isn't the love interest, but he was a favorite for me in the book. I loved his personality. He cracked me up and was quite the badass. Our love interest was Stafford. I really liked him. He is Ace's older brother who is an even bigger badass. It took awhile for me to get into the romance between him and Chloe. They were so busy trying to stay ahead of the enemies, we didn't get a whole lot of them together. I hope we get more in the next book. The book did a great job I loved a lot of the side characters in the book. I loved Swindle and his bird, Bill. Swindle was such a smartass, he kept a smile on my face.

Overall, this is a great read. The mythology in the book adds so many layers and is easy to follow. Greek mythology has always been a favorite subject of mine and seeing gods we know of acting like modern, everyday people was a lot of fun. I had a blast with Cupid and Aphrodite and their marriage issues. This was a very fun read, full of action and laughs. I love how it ended. I am definitely hungry for the sequel. This is a wonderful YA read worth checking out. ( )

A fun, original YA read that can appeal to fans of urban fantasy similar to Holly Black’s Modern Faerie Tales series or readers who just love mythology. With myth, romance, action, and fashion, there’s a lot for YA readers to love. Read my complete review at things she read. ( )