The Sea of Monsters ReRead by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters (Book 2) by Rick Riordan (Paperback)

Title: The Sea of Monsters ReRead
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Greek mythology, Mythology
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2006

Thoughts

This might not be my favourite Percy Jackson story, but it is an entertaining one in so many moments. Mostly because it involves Annabeth and Percy going to save Grover. Who is in a wedding dress. And if you want to know why and how, you just have to read the book. Honestly, whenever I think about this novel, I think about the very bizarre and entertaining image of a satyr in a wedding dress. That will happily live rent free in my brain.

Like with everything about Riordan’s work, I love how the adventure and insanity of this story unfolds. It is a constant surprise and entertainment, witnessing Annabeth and Percy careen from moment to moment. I also love how Riordan is able to seamlessly integrate Greek mythology into the contemporary world. Plus, the non stop action of the tale makes it kind of impossible to put down.

Although the adventure in The Sea of Monsters isn’t my favourite Percy Jackson adventure, it is still one I enjoy. I also love how it reveals the prophecy that is going to hang over Percy’s head for the rest of the series. Where The Lightning Thief introduces the Camp Half-Blood world, Percy, and all of the fun cast, The Sea of Monsters, starts to introduce the overall story arc which will carry through the next three books.

Part of introducing the larger story arc and politics of this world, means that Tahlia is also introduced. I love how she is a total counterpoint to Percy and brings in an extra layer of chaos and confusion to the story line. Plus, her presence and other moments of reveal throughout this show the depths to which Kronos’ scheming sinks. Something that beautifully reflects the original Greek mythos and the convoluted nature of some of the tales.

<- The Lightning Thief ReReadThe Titan’s Curse ReRead ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Wolf Brother: Book 1 (Chronicles of Ancient Darkness)

Title: Wolf Brother
Author: Michelle Paver
Series: Chronicles of Ancient Darkness #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Historical fantasy, Magic
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2004

Thoughts

I first read Wolf Brother a very long time ago, and I vaguely remembered loving it. And reading the second book, Spirit Walker, before having to wait until the rest of the books got published. And then promptly getting distracted. As with everything I dive back into as an adult, I was intrigued to see how I would enjoy this on a reread. Luckily, this was as brilliant as I remembered, and I absolutely adored the adventure that I was taken on. Paver’s ability to structure the complex world of Torak and Wolf is brilliant, and, alongside the high stakes adventure, made this a book impossible to put down.

When I read this, I was kind of in the mood for a very fast paced book. And, this was a little bit slower than I had anticipated. However, it was still an amazing read. I love the world building and the beginnings of this series. Wolf Brother feels like the perfect set up for the rest of the series. And I can’t wait to meet more of the clans, magic and mayhem that these characters will find themselves in throughout the series.

As a standalone story, Wolf Brother works brilliantly. It is a great coming of age story in which a young boy starts to find out about his past, and fix the mistakes of his father. But, even if the first villain has been defeated, there is a lot of conspiracy and challenges for Torak to overcome. He is the product of a unfavored union, and the consequences of this are just unfolding. I also love that there is just a hint of magic and power throughout the story that I am intrigued by. Paver is phenomenal at creating a sense of suspense that makes me want to dive right into Spirit Walker.

I read a lot of different fantasies, but I rarely get to read one that is based in an ancient civilisation. There was so much nuance and intrigue to the creation of this world. And the genuineness of this historical aspect to the story made it more textured. I loved everything about this novel, and I’m so glad that I chose to dive back into this as an adult. Sometimes revisiting things we loved as children pays off.

<- More Michelle PaverSpirit Walker ->

Image source: Amazon

To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston

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Overview
To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston

Title: To Kill a Badger
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Honey Badger Chronicles #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

I’ve been hanging for this story, and the wait was well worth it! Everything about this had me absolutely inhaling the damn thing. It was ridiculously amazing. I knew it would be, because Laurenston is a seriously wonderful author. But, still, I did not want to put this book down at any point.

Since the very first hint of Nelle and Keane, I’ve been waiting to see how they would end up together, and how their dynamic would work. And honestly, I wasn’t  disappointed. When they were first hinted at, they didn’t, quite seem to fit. But then, throughout To Kill a Badger, it really started to make sense. They were ridiculous, fun and really cute as a couple. I also loved how they just accepted each other as they are, without expecting change or compromise. 

I also really enjoyed getting to know Nelle more. She’s the fourth of the basketball team to fall in love, and although I doubt the fifth one will get her own story (as Streep is already coupled up), she rounded the team,s romances out nicely. I mean, I am absolutely here for it if Streep gets her own story. But still. Nelle’s was pretty great and it was great to know how all of the Malone brothers fit in with the Honey Badger insanity.

As much as I love the honey badgers who feature in this series, there was something great about getting to know the “old crones” who were introduced at the end of Breaking Badger. They are kind of what I imagine the MacKilligans and basketball team will turn into when they reach menopause and decide to not give a damn about the rest of the world. Not that they do much already. There were so many moments where I giggled out loud, and many of them featured this older generation.

<- Born to Be Badger ReReadMore Shelly Laurenston ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

The Undoing by Shelly Laurenston

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Overview
Shelly Laurenston | The Undoing

Title: The Undoing
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Call of Crows #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Norse mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

Jace and her background is kind of heart breaking, but, it just makes you want her to have a happily ever after all that much more. I also love how she just… overcomes and deals with her past. Then, she manages to have compassion and a great sense of self in amongst this. Yes, there is the Crow Rage, but that’s the whole reason I love these books – they’re women who are enraged. And honestly, who isn’t enraged in this day and age?

Jace has very quickly become one of my favoured characters in Laurenston’s work – mostly because she is an introvert. The desire to just be by yourself and exist in your own world is one that I understand intimately. Although, I love how she just refuses to engage in the things and conversations that she doesn’t enjoy. Alright, she’s a little more blunt and aggressive than I would ever be comfortable being. But, that’s the joy of fiction – you can live vicariously through the experiences of others.

Ski works beautifully with Jace (and gives me a lot of hope for us awkward weirdos). He takes the time to stop and figure out just what makes Jace tick. And then chooses to lean into it. He doesn’t judge, and doesn’t try to change her. Rather, he decides on her and chooses to meet her where she is. It was absolutely adorable how he slowly courts her, until she realises that she’s in a relationship and has been decided on. It’s wonderfully sweet and incredibly cute the way they find their way to one another, and figure their nonsense out together.

Although this is a great paranormal romance, I love how there is so much violence throughout this. Jace is great, intellectual and actually really sweet. But, I also love that she has berserker rage that turns her into a completely unhinged menace to everyone. Everything about her and her powers made me smile. The way that Jace’s special brand of violence fits in with the rest of the Crows… absolutely beautiful.

<- The UnleashingThe Unyielding ->

Image source: Shelly Laurenston

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The House in the Cerulean Sea: 1 : Klune, TJ: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The House in the Cerulean Sea
Author: T.J. Klune
Series: Cerulean Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy fantasy, LGBTQI, Magic
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I picked up The House in the Cerulean Sea for a reading challenge. And honestly, it just looked kind of cute. And that was it. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. I kind of like that I went into this with absolutely no expectations, because damn was it amazing! I loved every minute of it and most definitely did NOT want to put it down.

This might have a bit of a romance to the core of it, but for me, this was a story that was all about Found Family. Not just family, but also finding your place in the world. It kind of made the romance take a huge second stage to the idea of the whole crew falling for one another.

I found the very dry and plain way in which the author made everything in the world sound to be very humorous. I love that it starts off very drab, boring and grey (I never knew writing could actually be so GREY). And then, as Linus finds his place in the world and new family… the colours just begin to leap off of the pages. The contrast worked brilliantly and really drove home that feeling of belonging which is so easy to embrace.

There were so many secrets and plots throughout this story. Many, many moments occurred that I just didn’t expect. And yet, even though some of the more questionable aspects of humanity were highlighted, there was so much hope for the future. In every single moment and word. A truly optimistic and cute story. Now I can’t wait to dive into the next one.

<- More T.J. KluneSomewhere Beyond the Sea ->

Image source: Amazon

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton

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Overview
The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holton

Title: The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love
Author: India Holton
Series: Love’s Academic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Historical romance, Magic, Romantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

Beth and Devon are just way too damn cute, I honestly couldn’t stop reading about them and the insanity that leads to their happily ever after. From the very first sentence, they are a somewhat unorthodox couple in a very unorthodox world. Something that I love about Holton’s writing. They are a cute and hilarious couple, one that obviously belongs together. But, the journey to getting there was so entertaining and fun filled, that I couldn’t put it down.

One of the things I love about this story is just how ruthless and utterly insane the Ornithologists are. I mean, kidnapping, guns, just mayhem and total insanity. All in a race for academic recognition (something that I absolutely can believe). I mean, their insanity had me laughing out loud at moments throughout this story. The fact that there is a façade of hilarious politeness to the ruthlessness was just so very British. I also loved how all of these very British moments and corrections were highlighted with a crossed out line through the more honest words. It just added to the humour and entertainment.

A story that starts out with two ornithologists competing against one another, and then unfolds into a huge conspiracy was vastly entertaining. I absolutely love that there is a huge conspiracy in this competition, and how this steadily unfolds. Plus, there is the structure of the magical world and all of the different types of incredibly dangerous birds messing up Beth and Devon’s plans. Then, there’s the involvement of the media in the conspiracy, constantly trigging and altering the direction of the story line. The power of the media was kind of brilliant, and seriously enjoyable.

I absolutely adored this novel. I couldn’t put it down, and I was laughing throughout the whole thing. Yet, Holton was also able to bring a lot of heart and emotion to the story. Amongst the entertainment and chaos, there is a lot of affection and the building of a great relationship. A relationship that I was completely invested in, something that doesn’t always happen.

<- More India HoltonThe Geographer’s Map to Romance ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Hounded ReRead by Kevin Hearne

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Overview
Hounded (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #1) by Kevin Hearne | Goodreads

Title: Hounded ReRead
Author: Kevin Hearne
Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Celtic, Magic, Mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

It’s been a long while since I first read Hounded, and I remember thoroughly enjoying it at the time. But then I had to wait forever to get Hexed, and the series kind of fell into the rest of my TBR. Right now I’m kind of wondering why I did that – this is a great novel and one that I absolutely adored. I mean, I seriously want and need to dive right back into this insanity as soon as humanly possible. There is just something brilliant, fun and wonderfully enjoyable about it. Plus, I want to see where Hearne is going to take the series…

Something about the idea of a 2,000 year old Druid who has managed to somehow piss off a number of Celtic Gods really appealed to me. I also loved how the Celtic Gods seamlessly fit into the world as we know it. The combination was both hilarious and joyful. One that I couldn’t get enough of. Plus, Atticus and all of his experiences, his slight cynicism, but also encompassing joy of the world as we know it. Brilliantly created and had me smiling and laughing throughout.

Atticus and Oberson are most definitely hero and sidekick goals – I love that Atticus is finding himself in situation after situation through Hounded. But, through it all, he has his faithful dog sidekick. The way that Hearne is able to bring Oberon to life was brilliant (as was all of his characterisation throughout this story). I particularly enjoyed how much he emphasised the easily distracted nature of dogs and their unquestioning loyalty to their masters.

The layers of folklore and mythology work brilliantly well together throughout Hounded to create a complex and enjoyable world. I really loved this start to an urban fantasy series, and plan to actually dive into Hexed this time around. There is so much potential drama on the horizon, and I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!

<- The Grimoire of the LambHexed ->

Image source: Goodreads

Trading Names for Polite Sprites by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Trading Names For Polite Sprites : Greenwood, Laura: Amazon.ca: Books

Title: Trading Names for Polite Sprites
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Hints of Essie’s big secret have trickled into the rest of the series. Which made it extra exciting to finally read her and Byron’s romance. I always love teaser couples like this. Romances where the groundwork has been started before you even open the first page. And the fact that this all revolves around Essie, and her secret. It works brilliantly.

One of the things that keeps me coming back to Greenwood’s writing is how low angst it is. Although the stakes are high for Essie and her twin, this works out as a pretty good low stakes switching places story. I also love how it challenges both sisters, but ultimately, the outcome is supremely positive and gives the reader a great happily ever after.

One of the parts of this university romance I really enjoyed was how Essie and Byron reconnected through their group project. Greenwood has obviously experienced the frustrating horrors of doing a group project, and this plays into the story in the most entertaining of ways. I also love how they choose to build back to a friendship before diving into a romance again.

Trading Names for Polite Sprites is a fun, light and easy read. I couldn’t put it down and read it cover to cover. Everything about this had me smiling and reminiscing about my own days of being a young adult and all the discoveries that come with it.

<- Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious WitchesMinor Inconveniences for Annoyed Pixies ->

Image source: Amazon

Swipe Right for Kuk by Lauren Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Swipe Right For Kuk (Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency #2) | Parnassus Books

Title: Swipe Right for Kuk
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

This was a very quick and easy read (one of the many reasons I enjoy Greenwood when I need a quick and enjoyable read). Swipe Right for Kuk was light, pleasant and a whole lot of fun. It was cute and adorable, and I really enjoyed every moment of it. Plus, the shortness gives you a great sense of satisfaction and a happily ever after in a very short amount of time…. Something that I sometimes need between some of the heavier reads on my shelves.

Anise, the witch, and protagonist of this story is all about finding her happily ever after, but too introverted to want to go out and about. I love that, as she goes on this journey, she is able to come out of her shell a little bit. It’s also a reminder of how online dating can be really beneficial for some people, particularly those who aren’t really able to just… go and meet new people. But, because Anise is still brave and wants to find someone, she is able to take the plunge and get to know Kuk without all of the pressure of in-person interactions (something that I also struggle with at times).

Kuk is, admittedly, a god that I know nothing about, and want to know more about. I absolutely adored the Ancient Egyptian Gods when I was growing up, but I really only learnt about the major ones. I don’t really remember Kuk and his twin, which is what makes me want to do more research and find out more about him. After all, this is a mythology that I enjoy, and I love to have the random obscure knowledge that he brings. I really enjoy the research that Greenwood has very obviously put into creating her characters, and how well this is based upon such a well known mythology.

I really loved how Swipe Right For Kuk is mostly about those first blushes of falling in love and getting to know one another. There is so much innocence, joy and hope in this stage of a relationship. Plus, I seriously enjoyed how it ended on a point in which there is so much future potential for both Anise and Kuk… it’s a great image to end on… the two of them starting a long and happy life together.

<- Fake Dating RaSnowed in with Skadi ->

Image source: Parnassus Books

Catering to Aphrodite by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Catering To Aphrodite (Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency Book 2)

Title: Catering to Aphrodite
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Thoughts

Catering to Aphrodite is a quick, easy and fun read. A great diversion for an hour or two with just enough oomph to make it hard to put down. Something I really needed when I picked this up.

There is something really great about the idea of the Goddess of love finding, well love. All of the heavy expectations of holding such a position / mantle also gave a great sense of challenge and uniqueness to the story. After all, how can the Goddess of love not be in love? I really loved how Greenwood approached the idea.

The expectations of others hit heavily on everyone. So having Greenwood explore this through a Goddess (who is still vulnerable to public opinion) was great. I also seriously enjoyed how well Aphrodite was able to manage those expectations of others. Never an easy feat, but one she manages to accomplish with integrity and grace.

Damien is incredibly sweet. I really enjoyed how he falls for Aphrodite because of the woman she is, not her beauty or Goddess aspect. Then, there’s the fact that he has absolutely no expectations on her. Something that, as a stubborn independent woman I can attest is hard to find. Plus, he chooses the cutest and most perfect first date that shows he sees the woman, not the public image.

<- Falling for AineFake Dating Ra ->

Image source: Amazon