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Tenthus, a simple shepherd, is given an
incredible gift when he catches the eye of the muse of
music, Euterpius. In return for the pleasure Tenthus has
given him, Euterpius gives Tenthus the gift of music.
Unfortunately, Tenthus’ gift upsets the gods. Euterpius
tries to get Zeus to spare Tenthus, but all he will agree to
do is allow Tenthus to live every seventeen years like a
cicada, feeding on music and sex. Euterpius also ensures
Tenthus will have a temple dedicated to him, and priests to
train a consort for each of his rebirths.
Tenthus expects his latest incarnation
to be just like all the other, increasingly unhappy
rebirths. He doesn’t expect the sudden connection he feels
toward his consort, Phaedrus, or the offer Euterpius makes
of a way to regain his mortality. Unfortunately, he also
doesn’t know about Phaedrus’ secret agenda. Will Tenthus
and Phaedrus find the love they both crave before Phaedrus’
secret destroys them both?
Consort is a fascinating tale of the perils of
consorting with the gods. Both Tenthus and Phaedrus have
paid high prices due to their past associations with gods.
The mythology of Consort was well-developed
and interesting. I could sympathize with both Tenthus,
whose only mistake was reaching too high, and Phaedrus,
whose unhappy background got him into a terrible situation.
Throughout the conflict and emotion-filled story, I felt for
them both and really rooted for them to get together—even
when they were cruel or angry toward each other. The
secondary characters added intrigue. All the Nica Berry
books I’ve read have featured unusual characters and plots,
and Consort is no exception. Readers who like
mythology and heavy conflict (and don’t mind some pretty
graphic violence) will be sure to like Consort. |
