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Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
In Benjamin Laskin’s Shooting Eros (The Emuna Chronicles Book 1: Hell-bent), Kohai is the only student mentored by two slightly eccentric, living legends of the cupids－Captain Cyrus and Captain Volk. Their old-school teachings make Kohai the outcast in the Cupid Academy Training Center. They have their reasons however, especially now that they’re involved in a war against demons. Humans are on the brink of extinction, and Heaven itself is in turmoil with conspiracy and betrayal. To save both worlds, a renegade team of cupids decides to take action.
This genre-bending tale is highly imaginative from start to finish. The Cupid Academy Training Center is so practical and fact-based that it’s basically an army school, albeit a heavenly one. The plot has a good pace but sometimes there’s a lot of detail to take in regarding the cupids’ world, Eros, the Anteros Brotherhood, and the internal troubles they’re facing. The theological theme－which leans toward Judaism－is deftly incorporated without being too preachy, although some readers might think otherwise. That said, it’s funny and cheeky. I like the satirical tone on today’s technology-reliant culture, the mind-numbing education system, negative personalities and people’s lack of faith. The demons, Yetzers, represent the destructive nature of humanity.
The characterization has solid depth and it’s easy to relate to Kohai, a ‘geek cupid’, and his mentors, Cyrus and Volk. Commander Sett and Swerver Ellen Veetal also made an impression on me, though a bit later in the story. Laskin gives readers a nice cliff-hanger at the end which is a good hook for Book 2. Overall, Shooting Eros is a commendable start for the epic trilogy.
