S.2 Ep. 52: Deadly Trials for the Crown of Olympus: Kate Asher on The Hades Trials
S.2 Ep. 52: Deadly Trials for the Crown of Olympus: Kate Asher on The Hades Trials  
Podcast: The Mythic Mic Podcast
Published On: Wed Apr 29 2026
Description: 🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where gods are not untouchable, love and loss reshape everything, and stories dare to ask what happens when even immortals can fall.This week, Host Bethany Amanda sits down with fantasy author Kate Asher for a wildly fun, fast-paced, and emotionally charged conversation about her Greek mythology–inspired series, Crown of Olympus and Blood of Olympus. If you love deadly trials, complicated gods, and stories that will make you laugh one minute and spiral the next, this episode is for you.Kate shares how her writing journey started with a single, bold New Year’s resolution—write a book—and just four months later, she had a finished manuscript. From there, everything moved fast: self-publishing, building a loyal readership, and creating a world that flips traditional Greek mythology on its head. We dive into the heart of the series, where gods are not distant figures—they are flawed, powerful, and very much involved in the lives of their children. At the center is Nyssa, daughter of Hades and Persephone, who is forced into brutal trials to compete for the crown of Olympus. What begins as survival quickly becomes something deeper: a story about grief, identity, and learning how to live after loss.Kate brings a fresh, modern voice to mythology, blending humor, heartbreak, and high-stakes tension into a story that feels both epic and deeply human. And yes, this is a world where even gods can die, so no one is safe.⚡ What happens when the gods aren’t immortal after all?🩸 How do you keep going after losing someone you love?🔥 And what if the trials meant to crown you are designed to break you instead?This is a must-listen for Greek mythology lovers, romantasy readers, and anyone who craves high-stakes stories with emotional depth and unforgettable characters.🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: ✨ Writing a full fantasy novel in just four months (yes, really). ✨ Choosing self-publishing for creative freedom and control.✨ Reimagining Greek mythology with a modern, irreverent twist. ✨ The inspiration behind deadly trials for the crown of Olympus. ✨ Building Nyssa as a complex, evolving heroine. ✨ Exploring grief, loss, and identity across the series. ✨ Why humor makes the emotional moments hit harder. ✨ Writing dual perspectives and layered character arcs. ✨ Fan-favorite side characters who completely steal the show. ✨ Cliffhangers, emotional damage, and leaving readers wanting more. ✨ Expanding the series into multiple books and spin-offs. ✨ Balancing indie publishing with future traditional opportunities. CONNECT WITH US🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland📚 Kate Asher – @KateAsherAuthor✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.