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Jun 26, 2018forbesrachel rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Long gone are the days when the Greek goddess Artemis, now Selene DiSilva, could hunt with impunity. Most humans no longer believe in her, or the other deities, modern society makes it difficult for her to stay undetected, her powers are greatly weakened, and her identity is in flux. Still, she holds true to her purpose as the Huntress, and protector of innocent women as best she can by punishing abusers. Then something strange happens; a murder occurs, Selene starts getting stronger, and as she tries to avenge the woman killed, she becomes mixed up with Theo, a professor of the Classics, who is just as invested in solving this case. Chapters are usually told from the perspective of these two, and both are fascinating characters. Selene was a once powerful goddess that can now barely beat the men she once did with ease. As we get to know about her, we feel a great deal of empathy and even outrage, not only for her as a character, but for her as a symbol of the power of women, and what it means to have that taken away. Theo is just the right fit for her; conscientious, intelligent, caring, but not smothering. He grows in ways that he didn't expect, just like Selene does, and a lot of that is because of how their relationship develops. Brodsky clears knows her Greek mythology and history, and, she knows how to write it into her story in a natural and easily digestible way. Those who love the Classics will find lots of references to thrill, while those with more of a passing knowledge won't find themselves in the dark. She also throws in some modern history from Manhattan. All of this was researched, and kept as accurate as possible. However the fantastical and historical elements are just two aspects of this book. It also is a mystery, romance, and thriller; deftly paced, and engaging from beginning to end. Even with its trappings of gods and goddesses. The Immortals reads as a very "human" story. At its core it's about becoming a better version of oneself, accepting mortality, and building healthy relationships, rather than being trampled by toxic ones. By the end, Selene becomes an embodiment of the things she preached to all the women she saved, breaking free from a past best left behind, to move towards a future truly divine.