Aphrodite by Phoenica Rogerson
goddess, liar, survivor, icon.
Pre-Reading Thoughts
From Herc to here, I’ve been waiting to see what Phoenicia Rogerson would do with a goddess like Aphrodite—misunderstood, mythologised, and more than just a pretty face. This was never going to be a love story. It’s a story about love as power, love as weapon, and the danger of wanting to be adored.
Post-Reading
As I thought...
Aphrodite owns her own narrative here—sarcastic, seductive, but always a few moves ahead. The writing crackles, the gods are dysfunctional and petty, and the politics of Olympus feel sharp enough to draw blood. This isn’t romance—it’s revolution with mascara and myth.
It surprised me by...
…showing us the quiet ache beneath all the beauty. She doesn’t just want to be worshipped. She wants to be safe. The story does slow a little in parts, but the emotional payoff is worth it—especially when Aphrodite finally decides she’s done playing nice.
Music Pairing
🎵 Featured Song: “The Archer” – Taylor Swift
🎶 Vibe Album: Reputation – Taylor Swift
🎧 Artist Rec: BANKS
Vibe Check
🎨 Colour Palette: Gold, oxblood, marble white
🎬 Soundtrack: Orchestral pop with bite
☀️ Season: Scorching summer with stormclouds gathering
🎭 Mood: Elegantly defiant
🌸 Scent: Myrrh, rose petals, and smoke
Tarot Pull – The Empress (Tarot of the 78 Doors)
She’s framed not as a ruler on a throne, but as a woman welcomed by children—open, vulnerable, and full of grace. For all her games and seductions, this Aphrodite longs to be held, not just admired. She wants love to mean home, not war. In this novel, her power isn’t just in beauty—it’s in her desire to belong.
For fans of:
📚 Circe by Madeline Miller
📺 House of the Dragon (but you’re rooting for the queen of hearts this time)