Review - A Crown of Hopes and Sorrows by Nicole Bailey
A Crown of Hopes and Sorrows
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Volume 2 of Apollo Ascending
Posted in Book Reviews on December 22, 2025
With war on the horizon, Apollo and Hyacinth set out to look for allies among other kingdoms and minor gods. Meanwhile, after the revelation that she is really a goddess herself, Apollo’s sister Temi wants answers. She is told she might find them from Sappho on the island of Lesbos. Hyacinth’s sister, Princess Epiphany, wants to accompany Temi. The king agrees only if Valerian accompanies them. Apollo and Temi’s fates are more intertwined than they ever imagined, and it puts the mortals they allow close to them in great danger.
This second book in the Apollo Ascending series weaves together multiple stories following the four main characters introduced in the first book. The series title suggests the focus is on Apollo and his lover Hyacinth. Temi and Epiphany play just as big a role in this book as the two men. Each has their own adventure on their way to discovering at least some of what fate has in store for them. Thus, the point of view switches from one chapter to the next.
The series centers around Apollo, at least in name. The young god-to-be starts out as a feckless young man resisting all responsibility, especially ascending to take his place as god of the sun. He is sent to apprentice to Prince Hyacinth as a form of punishment, but the experience opens Apollo’s eyes to the suffering mortals experience at the hands of the gods. He also falls deeply in love with Hyacinth. The prince has perhaps the most surprising event in store for him near the end. The twist is foretold during the story but it's still a bit of a shock.
It’s the two women, Temi and Princess Epiphany, who also play key roles in this book. Temi is destined to become Artemis, goddess of the hunt. Even before she knows her destiny, Temi is a skilled hunter and a strong woman. By contrast, Epiphany is more of a classic damsel in distress. However, she’s far from helpless. Epiphany rebels against the limits put on her as a woman and a princess.
“A Crown of Hopes and Sorrows” is available from Smashwords.
