Tag Archives: Mythology

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

August 14, 2025Book ReviewDystopia, Mythology, Rebecca Roanhorse, The Sixth World, Urban Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Trail of Lightning
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
Series: The Sixth World #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

I was not expecting just how amazing this story was going to be. I mean, holy moly, was this one of those stories that I just… absolutely adored and opened up a whole new style of writing that I didn’t want to put down. I mean, a dystopian urban fantasy based on Dine mythology. It’s not a cultural and mythological world that I’ve ever had any experience with, and I am absolutely hooked into this idea. Then, there’s the whole dystopian aspect of the storyline, again, dealing with a dystopian world that was wholly unanticipated, and thoroughly enjoyed. I absolutely can’t wait to dive into Storm of Locusts.

Until I had the pleasure of diving into Trail of Lightning, I hadn’t had the pleasure of reading any of Roanhorse’s full-length stories. I’ve only ever enjoyed the short stories, but, they are typically kind of dark and twisty with a surprising ending. Honestly, it meant that I led into this story with a little bit of trepidation, I was constantly expecting Roanhorse to turn around and just absolutely destroy me with her twists and turns. It didn’t quite work at this way, but I was most definitely expecting things to get dark in a hurry.

Roanhorse was able to surprise me in a lot of ways, but I must admit, that I guessed Kai’s power fairly on. Kai’s Clan Power might have been obvious from the breadcrumbs which are expertly woven throughout, and yet, the actual reveal of it was still a moment of shock. Not that his Clan Power was revealed, or even how it manifested, but the different reactions and the path that it led Maggie and the rest of the characters on. Kai’s Clan Power was a very big story point that I feel needs to be unpacked even more in the next book. And I, for one can’t wait.

I’ve read a lot of urban fantasy books with strong female leads who have a harsh self-view and a tragic backstory. But something about Maggie’s self-view and journey was kind of heartbreaking. I mean, I loved it and absolutely adored it. Yet it also hurt my heart. Maggie’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth were phenomenal and I can’t wait to see how she comes out of the other side of this in Storm of Locusts. Now I just have to dive in…

<- More Rebecca Roanhorse

Storm of Locusts ->

Image source: Pile by the Bed

Falling for Aine by Laura Greenwood

April 23, 2025Book ReviewEasy Reading, Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency, Laura Greenwood, Mythology, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Falling for Aine
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Aine was not the goddess that I thought would start this series. Or the goddess who would start up her own paranormal dating agency. Primarily because I knew next to nothing about her and feel like I need to do some major research into this goddess. I’m pretty rusty on the Celtic mythos, and I definitely want more of it in my life (like literally every other mythos I find out about). The fact that she then pulls in other gods and goddesses that I’m more familiar with – absolutely loved this entire story and didn’t want to put it down! Which I didn’t, and lost a decent chunk of sleep.

Min is cute, sweet, and slightly seductive. And yet, the need for consent is constantly emphasised throughout. I love that he is the god of passion, but he spends most of his time just being too cute for words. Plus, he takes the time to let Aine get used to the idea of them as a couple. Both Min and Aine work through their issues with commitment and love together. Bringing up their pasts happens so organically, and I love that they are able to process this together to find their new happily ever afters.

Falling for Aine is all about not only starting a new business, but also starting a new relationship. I was young and dumb when I started my own relationship, so I can’t imagine what it’s like to start not only a new relationship with the hangups that age brings. But also starting a new business, relying on others’ interest to make something of it. Aine manages to handle all of this with the most amazing graze and calm – something that I know I definitely would not be able to do in the same situation.

Falling for Aine is a quick, easy and light read. I absolutely adored it and now I can’t wait to see what other gods are going to feature in this series! now I’m looking forward to a whole lot more happily ever afters and love stories. The kind that leave you smiling and feeling calm and content when you turn that final page.

<- More Laura Greenwood

Catering to Aphrodite ->

Image source: Kobo

Feather of Balance by Laura Greenwood

April 21, 2025Book ReviewEasy Reading, Egyptian mythology, Forgotten Gods, Laura Greenwood, Mythology, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Feather of Balance
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Forgotten Gods #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

The first full-length novel in the Forgotten Gods series, as with most of the Greenwood stories I’ve read was light, fun and a lovely, easy read. I find it particularly fascinating that it was originally written to be the eleventh book in the series. But then slotted in better as the first book. And as a first time reader of this and the series, I found that it bought me into the world perfectly. Now I can’t wait to keep diving into these Egyptian mythology retellings and finding out how Greenwood has structured this world in her own unique ways.

Ma’at and Maahes are a really cute couple, and I love how they get to know one another and just fall into the comfort of their companionship. It’s an easy and comfortable relationship that builds as the story unfolds. Their romance is almost secondary to the primary storyline, and I like that it supports the story, but doesn’t take it all over. Plus, there is nothing better than a couple getting to know one another and falling, rather than the instant lust that some stories feature.

Ma’at is set up beautifully as the opposite of the God of Chaos (Seth) and the one who needs to instigate change / stand against him. This whole story is about her trying to curtail his shenanigans and figuring out how she fits into the modern world. I really enjoyed how Maahes works in a supporting role to her War Council and trying to stop his evil. Plus, it’s a great point that the Goddess of Balance is the one to offset the God of Chaos, even is she isn’t the loudest and most obvious challenger.

I loved how Feather of Balance sets the whole story for a greater battle on the horizon. But, it also hints at future characters who are going to fall in love. I am seriously looking forward to the future couples and relationships that are going to be highlighted in these stories. Now onto the next wonderfully adorable journey.

<- Bringer of the River Waters

Protectors of Poison ->

Image source: Amazon

The Lightning Thief ReRead by Rick Riordan

March 10, 2025Book ReviewGreek Mythology, Mythology, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Rick Riordanskyebjenner

Title: The Lightning Thief ReRead
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Greek mythology, Mythology
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2005

It’s been a while since I last read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, and I love that I’ve just randomly decided to dive into a reread. Some of the series that I read when I was younger haven’t aged as well now that I have children. But, that’s most definitely not the case with this series. In fact, I can’t wait to share these books with my children when they get older. Even though this was a reread, The Lightning Thief was just as brilliant and fun as I remembered.

I love that everything Riordan writes is about those who are neurodivergent or don’t quite fit the “normal mould”. Each and every one of these children have their own talents and powers, it’s a reminder that we all have super powers, we just need to figure out how to use them. Percy’s slow discovery of his own powers and that he’s not actually a troubled kid is a really nice journey. This is only the beginning of him finding out just who he is. But, it is such a reward to read about a kid that finally realises that being different doesn’t mean bad.

Even though I knew who the “bad guy” of this story was going to be, I still really enjoyed reading this story. Plus, it was fun to pick up on those extra hints throughout that I’ve missed before. Plus, it was easier to see just why the betrayal happened. Riordan creates some wonderfully scary villains in the Greek monsters, but also some sadly tragic and relatable ones in the humans and demigods that work with the Big Evil.

I can’t wait to dive in and reread the rest of the Percy Jackson series and beyond. This is such a phenomenal and enjoyable read that I just didn’t want to put down. You know that a book is good when you can’t put it down, even if it is your third read through. I can’t wait to share this story with my children in the future, and read it again and again. Plus, there are now a whole heap more books in the Riordan universe that I need to rearead, and read for the very first time!

<- More Rick Riordan

The Sea of Monsters ->

Image source: Penguin

Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen

January 31, 2025Book ReviewJessica Andersen, Mythology, On the Hunt, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Crystal Skull
Author: Jessica Andersen
In: On the Hunt (Gena Showalter, Shannon K. Butcher, Jessica Andersen & Deidre Knight)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

The Crystal Skull had a bit of an Indiana Jones kind of vibe to it. But with a paranormal spin. It made it very easy to dive into it, and the novella length meant that I really didn’t have to stress too much about the fact that I didn’t want to put this down. The action, the archaeological dig and the finding of things that go bump in the night were wonderfully enjoyable in and of themselves. Then, add in the romantic angle, the forgiveness and the hints of a greater world out there, and you have yourself a story that is incredibly difficult to put down.

JT and Natalie are obviously going to end up together from the very beginning. And overall, they manage to build a fairly good relationship. Although, it was kind of quick. I mean, they started off as a fling, split up, and then all of the paranormal drama of this story brings them back together. And they quickly realise how much they love each other and start their happily ever after. There’s a whole lot of action in between, but I do like that, ultimately they support each other in their somewhat ill-advised compulsive moments (alright, Natalie’s somewhat ill-advised compulsions).

I remember the whole scare of the world ending (using the Mayan Calendars), and I like that this is obviously part of a series that was created in the build up to this. However, even though the premise was enjoyable, I don’t think that it’s one that I’ll continue on with. It was a well-written and good story. But, the idea feels a little bit dated now that we are almost ten years past this point. Maybe I’ll just have to dive into something else written by Jessica Andersen (that I can find in eBook form).

<- The Collector

Red Angel ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

A Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy by Rebecca Roanhorse

January 30, 2025Book ReviewMythology, Rebecca Roanhorse, Retellings, Space, The Mythic Dreamskyebjenner

Title: A Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
In: The Mythic Dream (Dominik Parisien & Navah Wolfe)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Retellings, Space
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2019

I’m beginning to realise that if I pick up a story by Roanhorse, it’s probably going to be dark and twisty stuff. And I’m entirely on board with that. So far, I’ve loved everything that I’ve read by her. And A Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy was no different. A retelling of a myth that I’ve never known (but plan to look up), space and well, I guess a sort of zombie that left me feeling quite uncomfortable. What more could you want?

I really want to read the Deer Hunter and the White Corn Maiden now, as it isn’t one that I actually know. Plus, I want to see what dark elements Roanhorse has added, and what are actually a part of the original. I know that the space elements are definitely unique to this version, I want to know what else is…

At the core of this tale is that we need to sometimes just let people go. It’s all about obsessive love and not being able to say goodbye. And sometimes, if we can’t let them go, we damage ourselves and those around us. I definitely felt like cringing and curling up into the foetal position at the end of this tale, that’s for sure.

<- Fisher-Bird

Bridge of Crows ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Elvenbrood by Tanith Lee

December 10, 2024Book ReviewBook Review, Books, Fae, Family, Fantasy, Mythology, Paranormal Fantasy, Romance, Tanith Lee, The Faery Reelskyebjenner

Title: Elvenbrood
Author: Tanith Lee
In: The Faery Reel (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Family, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2004

Elvenbrood is a short story that is all about the fae and the deals that they make. I mean, in none of the literature have I ever read a story that makes me think, “hmmm, making deals with the fae is a good idea”. Lee is able to expand on this and drive home the many, many ways in which this isn’t the best idea around. And just why it might be a better idea to just… steer clear. Yet, with the deals being made and the horrors of this being unleashed, there are still surprising twists and turns that I just didn’t see coming.

There is a lot of darkness to the fae, and I love that this story carries that tone and feeling throughout. Plus, Jack is a brother who will do anything for his sister, even brave the darker moments of the fae. I love that, while this is a somewhat dark short story, it also has a lot of light and hopefulness to it, primarily in Jack’s love for his sister and his ability to fight for both her and his mother. Plus, the villain isn’t quite who you think it is, and the ending makes you grateful for loyalty and love.

Like all of the other Tanith Lee short stories I’ve read, I absolutely adored this one. I loved the darkness and the twists, brilliantly countered by the light and love Jack shows for his family. This story was seriously enjoyable and I will most definitely read more of her works in the future!

<- Catnyp

Your Garnet Eyes ->

Image source: Amazon

The Last Flight of Daedalus by Anthony Marra

November 4, 2024Book ReviewAnthony Marra, Greek Mythology, Mythology, Retellings, XO Orpheusskyebjenner

Title: The Last Flight of Daedalus
Author: Anthony Marra
In: Xo Orpheus (Kate Bernheimer)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2013

I love that this story is about what happens after Icarus dies. I mean, the grief of a father and the horrors of Daedalus witnessing his own boys’ death is horrible and one thing. But I’ve never really thought about what happens to Daedalus after it all. And Marra was able to answer that question wonderfully. I honestly loved this short story and thought it was incredibly clever.

Like the original myth, Marra’s short story has a fairly poetic ending. But still quite tragic. It was a little bit hard to read about the depths of Daedalus’ grief and the lengths that he will go to to find closure. Something that I think everyone will hunt for at times.

This is honestly a beautiful tale of a father’s love for his son. And the regret for the decisions that led to this moment. It is a wonderful story, and one that definitely hit hard at this point in my life.

<- Labyrinth

Daphne ->

Image source: Goodreads

Fisher-Bird by T. Kingfisher

October 30, 2024Book ReviewGreek Mythology, Mythology, Retellings, T. Kingfisher, The Mythic Dreamskyebjenner

Title: Fisher-Bird
Author: T. Kingfisher
In: The Mythic Dream (Dominik Parisien & Navah Wolfe)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Greek mythology, Mythology, Retellings
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2019

I absolutely freaking loved this Hercules retelling, I mean I’m kind of programmed to like anything with Greek mythology anyway. And, because it’s an area that I absolutely love, I picked that this was a Hercules retelling pretty much from the get go. I love that, rather than retelling the whole myth, it takes one of the tasks and talks about how Hercules was helped.

I love that Fisher-Bird is told in the vein of other traditional myths – why the fisher-bird has a red belly. It’s from that animal perspective mythos, rather than the human. I love that it shifts the focus to why fisher-bird has a red belly, not how Hercules beat the Scythian Birds. Plus, Fisher-Bird as a fun narrator created a beautiful flow to the story that I just didn’t want to end!

After reading this, I really want more T. Kingfisher. Something about the flow and tone of this writing really spoke to me. And I absolutely adored this! Retellings are normally a big hit with me, and this was just even better and more beautiful than anticipated.

<- The Justified

A Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston

October 1, 2024Book ReviewCall of Crows, Mythology, Norse Mythology, Paranormal Romance, Shelly Laurenstonskyebjenner

Title: The Unleashing
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Series: Call of Crows #1
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: 2015

As of late, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying anything by Shelly Laurenston. When I realised that she had a series that is based on Norse mythology, I may have squealed a little. Alright, a lot, on the inside. Because squealing in public earns you weird looks…

As a woman, I love that the crows are driven by their rage. I mean, I get it. Sometimes I’m fairly certain that to be a woman is to be filled with rage some days. And the idea that they are all women who have been killed, given a second life and assigned the task of vengeance? Way too damn good.

If I look at my reading habits lately, I MAY be enjoying romance stories with murder and mayhem a little bit too much lately. But you know, Laurenston fits into the perfectly, and it makes me happy, o we won’t think too closely on that. I love that Laurenston’s women are typically the leaders of this murder and Mayhem, and their poor men just kind of follow along half the time.

The hints to Jace’s story are intriguing, and, having read the next blurb, I love that I get her tale next! I mean, she seems a little unknowable, and just… intriguing. And her love interest (or the one I’ve guessed to be her love interest)? That seems like a total opposites attract. Plus, the hints at other romances throughout The Unleashing just make me deliriously excited for what is going to happen next.

Aside from future mayhem and romance, I can’t wait to find out more about the epic battles that have begun in this novel. I’m do very excited to continue with yet another Laurenston series. One that I’m sure will leave me smiling and giggling throughout.

<- More Shelly Laurenston

The Undoing ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.