"A Great Greek in Modern Times"

This book is a hoot, especially if you know anything about Greek Mythology. The story itself and the characters are very well drawn, but the best fun is all the asides about myths, ancient and modern history, secondary characters, and a great puppy named Munin.

Darius (AKA Andrew Vari) is punished by the three fates for interfering with Cupid. He is sentenced to bring 100 couples together with their soul mate. He also is allowed his true appearance (tall, blond and athletic) only two weeks a year. In his guise as Darius he saves Ariel Summers from certain death as she plunges over a cliff. But he truly gets to know Ariel as Andrew Vari, a Danny DeVito look-alike. And she comes to love him despite himself.

Just the descriptions of Cupid will change your outlook on Valentine's Day forever. Read and enjoy!

Reviewed for Book Barn, Folsom, Ca.

Reviewed by Merrilee Heffernan
Posted March 17, 2002

Summary

Beauty And The Beast...

Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Andrew Vari, and I'm short (very short), and not exactly handsome. Actually, that's only partly true. My real name is Darius, and if you caught a glimpse of my true form, you might just swoon. It was my arrogance about my looks and magical powers that got me into this fix. I'm living under a curse the Fates placed upon me two millennia ago. My penance is to unite a thousand pairs of soulmates—however long it takes.

Here's where things get complicated: You see, I just met the most amazing woman. Her name is Ariel Summers, and she's smart, beautiful, athletic...and very mortal. I should know—I saved her life. But the whole thing happened when I was looking way easier on the eyes. I thought she'd never track me down once I was back in my Andrew Vari "disguise," but she did, and now—like it or not—she's in my life. The problem is, I do like it—and it looks as if she's falling for me, too...warts and all. I'm so close to completing my mission—but if finding a "true love" for Ariel is my last assignment, this job may never get done...