Tag Archives: Mythology

The Sea of Monsters ReRead by Rick Riordan

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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

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

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

Swipe Right for Kuk by Lauren Greenwood

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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

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles Book 1) by Rick Riordan

Title: The Red Pyramid
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: The Kane Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Egyptian mythology, Mythology, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2010

Thoughts

I have tried to read The Red Pyramid before, but just found it a little slower to get going than Riordan’s other series. And maybe a little more different than anticipated. And, although I did get to about that same point (a third of the way through) in which I started to feel a little non-plussed, I’m really glad that I pushed through. Not long after that point where I was really beginning to wonder when it would get good, it got good. Carter and Sadie start to ramp up a little bit into their story, and honestly, without all of the world building that came before, it just wouldn’t have been so good? It’s just a bit of a departure from what I have come to expect from Riordan.

 Although it took me a little while to get into, one of the things that I love about The Red Pyramid is that it is a very different flavour to the rest of the Riordan universe. Particularly the Percy Jackson stories. It might still be set in the same universe (I’ve read the crossovers), but, rather than being about a bunch of demigods, it’s about those who choose to harness the magic of Ancient Egypt. Alright, there’s still the whole demigod aspect, but it is very different from the other books that Riordan has lovingly crafted. And I absolutely adored that fact, after a while. I also thoroughly enjoyed how Carter and Sadie are the alternate narrators of the stories. Again, I’ve always enjoyed the first person point of view of Riordan’s work, but the alternating between the voices is a whole lot of fun.

Carter and Sadie as a pair of narrators is great. I love that, being somewhat estranged siblings, they actually get to know one another as the story unfolds. But, there’s also the fairly typical (and believable) sibling rivalry throughout the narration. Both Sadie and Carter have their own challenges to learning how to deal with the world that they’ve been thrust into, and they both have challenges to overcome with their upbringings. The occasional frustration and resentment at one another was great, and made me think a little bit about my own relationship with my sister – constantly competitive, frustrated and niggling. But, also filled with love and protectiveness.

One of the things that I’ve always loved about Riordan’s books is that the main characters are always minorities of some sort. The type of characters that don’t necessarily often show up in the books that I read as a teen and preteen. In the case of The Red Pyramid, one of the aspects that I really loved was how Riordan acknowledged the challenges of racism in America and being black. Plus, how the differences in Sadie and Carter’s skin tone have created totally different responses and challenges for both of them. It’s one of the many reasons why I can’t wait to introduce my own children to Riordan’s works when they get older.

<- More Rick RiordanThe Throne of Fire ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Death and Relaxation ReRead by Devon Monk

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Overview
Death and Relaxation: 1 : Monk, Devon: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Death and Relaxation ReRead
Author: Devon Monk
Series: Ordinary Magic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Gods, Magic, Mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I remember reading Death and Relaxation for the first time a few years ago. And I remember thinking that it was a whole lot of fun and a wonderfully unique take on mythology. Then, as happens, I got distracted by the many, many, many other books on my TBR. So now I’m keen to dive into this series all over again – just I decided to reread where it all started, and I am incredibly glad that I did. Death and Relaxation was a whole lot of fun and really difficult to put down. It made me ridiculously happy to have the pleasure of reading this again, and now I’m excited to dive into Devils and Details.

Delaney and her ability to hold a gods powers is a really unique idea. I love how she has had to take up the mantel of her power, all the while grieving the surprise demise of her father. This one detail sets not only this story up perfectly, but I feel like there are hints of foul-play in his death from the beginning. I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds and drives the rest of the series. I then love, that on top of that, both of Delaney’s sisters also have their own gifts that ensure the safe running of their small town. It all combines to draw you in from the very first sentence, right through until the last.

Alongside all of the challenges that Delaney faces, is the fact that she reconnects with Ryder. I really enjoyed this relationship unfolding, even if it has a bit of a fizzle at the end. Again, there are hints of a greater story line in amongst this, one that I really, really want to unfold. Even more so than the mystery of Delaney’s Dad’s death – after all, Ryder is alive and there is so much sizzle and potential. But, I love a good slow burn in my urban fantasies, so I’m far  more excited for more death, murder and mayhem in the future.

I absolutely loved Death and Relaxation the first time, but I loved it even more the second time around. And now, I get to dive into this series with a more mature viewpoint and outlook on life. There’s a reason why urban fantasy is one of my favourite genres, and this is a gorgeous example of everything that I love in the genre.

<- More Devon MonkDevils and Details ReRead ->

Image source: Amazon

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

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Overview

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

Thoughts

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 RoanhorseStorm of Locusts ->

Image source: Pile by the Bed

Falling for Aine by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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 GreenwoodCatering to Aphrodite ->

Image source: Kobo

Feather of Balance by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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 WatersProtectors of Poison ->

Image source: Amazon