Tag Archives: Mythology

Queen of the Two Lands by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Queen of the Two Lands
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Forgotten Gods #0.3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Growing up, like many of us fellow nerds, I had a total obsession with Egyptian mythology. I can’t quite remember some of the myths, but I do recall the enjoyment of the learning of them. Which, of course meant that I couldn’t wait to dive into this story. Particularly since it was about Isis and Ra.

This was a beautiful romance, but with a fantastic mythology influence. I loved that Greenwood was able to take all of the aspects of the original myth, and just add to them. Sometimes these retellings deviate a lot from the original, but, Greenwood instead focused on the interpersonal relationships in this world and stuck to the versions of the myths that she knew.

I love that this is an origin story, not one that is actually the start of the new series. And, honestly, if this is the origins / background story, I can’t wait to get into Feather of Balance, the first “novel” of the series. I’m hoping for romance, justice, and a whole heap more Egyptian mythology to keep me occupied and content.

<- Collector of Sand and TearsBringer of the River Waters ->

Image source: Jo Linsdell

Steel Skin by Lori M. Lee

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Steel Skin
Author: Lori M. Lee
In: A Thousand Beginnings and Endings (Ellen Oh & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Retellings, Science fiction
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

This was a wonderful story that started off feeling like it was entirely contemporary, but turned into a bit of a SciFi. At the beginning of this short story, the idea of a cyborg infiltrating the girl’s home seemed kind of far fetched. And, honestly, a way for her to deal with the grief of losing her mother. However, as the story unfolded, it seemed closer and closer to the truth. And in uncovering this truth, so many existential questions and thoughts were raised. I’ll probably reread this short story multiple times, coming up with a new meaning behind the fantastic words.

Every new paragraph in this story offered up a new surprise, and, mostly I found them quite enjoyable. Alright, not every one was a positive surprise, but they most definitely were all enjoyable. I kind of loved how each moment unfolded a new twist. And, honestly, even if I reread this, I probably wouldn’t be able to predict what would happen next. The ending of this was, thus, completely unexpected, but fantastic. I just didn’t expect that kind of solidarity and loyalty if I’m being honest. It was such a pleasant surprise.

At the core of this story, there are a lot of questions about how we process emotions and what actually makes a human. I spent this entire story wondering what is normal and what isn’t in the emotional spectrum. And, as with this story, how could you program something to feel in the way that humans do? I mean, were pretty insane and illogical, so it’s definitely a legitimate question. One that will genuinely keep me up at night if I let it.

<- Olivia’s TableStill Star-Crossed ->

Image source: Amazon

The Justified by Ann Leckie

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The Justified
Author: Ann Leckie
In: The Mythic Dream (Dominik Parisien & Navah Wolfe)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Mythology, Retellings
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I absolutely adored this short story, and now I really want to read the original myth that this was based upon. It was kind of dark and twisty, it was fun. And I love that, at the end, it was ultimately about justice and recognising that the powers that be might not actually be as ‘good’ as they think they are.

This short story was all about how the all-powerful and leaders still need to be answerable to justice and others. And that, even if they started off good, sometimes beings can become power hungry and do the unforgivable. Luckily, there is good in this story that doesn’t want power – and decides to question authority to find equality amongst all.

I love that at the end of this, it is the Hand of the leader who is also their downfall. Rather than being the mindless murderer of the past, they are able to take charge of their own life and actions, and find a new way forward. Ultimately, this story ends on hope and optimism for a fairer and brighter future.

<- Phantoms of the MidwayFisher-Bird ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Phantoms of the Midway by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Phantoms of the Midway
Author: Seanan McGuire
In: The Mythic Dream (Dominik Parisien & Navah Wolfe)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Mythology, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I spent this whole story trying to figure out which myth this short story was based on. And then, I realised that it was about Hades and Persephone. Which completely makes sense, but rather than being based on romantic or sexual love, it’s about a mother’s love.

I love that Aracely and Joanna have so much potential at the turning point of seventeen. And even though they’re both dead, that potential is somehow expanded, not diminished. But, they also have a reality and a life to grow into. One that they both grasp with eyes wide open.

There is something eerie and haunting about this story from the very beginning. And, it isn’t until the end that I could quite put my finger on why. On the one hand, it’s sweet and a reminder of the lengths that a mother will go to to protect her child. On the other, it’s a little bit creepy the lengths that a mother will go to to protect her child…

<- The Mythic DreamThe Justified ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Olivia’s Table by Alyssa Wong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Olivia’s Table
Author: Alyssa Wong
In: A Thousand Beginnings and Endings (Ellen Oh & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Chinese mythology, Ghosts, Mythology
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I love that this short story not only encompassed a part of Chinese culture and mythology, but also the immigration experience and some of the difficulties in combining the two realities. As someone who has no experience (and never will) with either reality, I really liked the insight that Wong was able to provide whilst also just writing a phenomenal short story that I didn’t want to end.

The idea of feeding the ghosts to help them move on is absolutely beautiful and I really enjoyed learning about how they are able to progress to the next part of their afterlife. It also made ghosts less scary, and far more sympathetic. I would’ve though a story about exorcising ghosts was going to be scary. But, instead, I found it incredibly peaceful.

Death and afterlife understandings and rituals are always something that have fascinated me. How do people move on and process loss? I like that Olivia’s Table is all about mourning the lost, and letting people move on, both the living and the dead. Wonderfully enjoyable and definitely a short story that I look forward to reading again in the future!

<- Forbidden FruitSteel Skin ->

Image source: Amazon

Forbidden Fruit by Roshani Chokshi

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Forbidden Fruit
Author: Roshani Chokshi
In: A Thousand Beginnings and Endings (Ellen Oh & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Asia, Mythology, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I don’t know the original fairy tale that this is based on, but I definitely loved this retelling. It was everything I love in a good fairy tale – it’s cute and kind of sweet. But with a tragic backstory that made me kind of sad. I definitely plan on adding more of the writing of Chokshi to my TBR now.

This short story had such a sad ending, one that shows just how much miscommunications can hurt. My heart broke a little at the ending. Particularly since it brewed resentment and hurt. But, it had that bittersweet feeling of love and beauty.

I honestly thought that the man would betray the mountain. But, it was actually pride and greed from others that destroyed their happiness. A reminder that sometimes the gods shouldn’t come near humans. And that sometimes fairy tales don’t have a happily ever after.

<- A Thousand Beginnings and EndingsOlivia’s Table ->

Image source: Amazon

Blood Hunt by Lucienne Diver

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Blood Hunt
Author: Lucienne Diver
Series: The Latter-Day Olympians #5
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I wanted to like this book a whole lot more than I did. I got through it, just, but it was so “eh” that I really am struggling to even write a review. I’m not sure if it’s because for me, this series has run out of steam. Or the fact that I just wasn’t necessarily in the right headspace to read this book. But all in all, I was disappointed.

I think part of the reason I was so driven to read this is because it rounds out the series. But admittedly I struggled with getting through Battle for the Blood. Again, I wanted to love this more than I did. Maybe it was just that my expectations were too high. After all, the premise is brilliant.

As with all reviews of books I’m not ridiculously into, I’ll keep this review short. I just struggled to feel attached to the characters and didn’t really care what the outcome of the story line was. But it might be amazing for other readers.

<- Battle for the BloodMore Lucienne Diver ->

Image source: Amazon

The Crown of Ptolemy by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Crown of Ptolemy
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles Crossover #3, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #8
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Greek mythology, Mythology, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2015

Thoughts

This was a nice way to end the Demigods and Magicians trilogy. It was a fun and kind of epic battle. A quick read. Something that I just found all around enjoyable. Plus, a quick read, which sometimes I just need to keep my brain firing happily.

I like that although this was a good, kind of epic battle, it still wasn’t intense and insane. It was just the perfect level of intensity to suit the length and tone of these novellas that I’ve been reading.

I love the voice of Percy Jackson, I always have in Riordan’s writing. The fact that he refers to the villain as a Elvis impersonator was just brilliant. It also somehow helps to diminish the scariness of the villains in Riordan’s writing that could otherwise be really scary.

<- The Staff of SerapisThe Lost Hero ->

amazon.com.au/Crown-Ptolemy-Demigods-Magicians-Book-ebook/dp/B00RUSH6SO

The Staff of Serapis by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Staff of Serapis
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles Crossover #2, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Greek mythology, Mythology, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2014

Thoughts

I thought that Carter and Percy teaming up in The Son of Sobek was a wonderful moment that I thoroughly enjoyed. But I didn’t account for how amazing the teamwork of Annabeth and Sadie would be. Particularly their dialogue and interactions with one another. I mean, both are fiercely intelligent and independent young women, so their sass, wit and awesomeness left me feeling ridiculously happy.

This was a fantastic novella (aren’t they all by Riordan?) that made me want to dive right back into my collection all over again. I have that many other books to read at the moment that I probably shouldn’t… but man it is tempting after reading yet another wonderful story by this master craftsman.

I love that both The Staff of Serapis and The Son of Sobek are about the two counterparts of the duos meeting and fighting together. But it is ultimately about the great battle that we are about to enjoy in The Crown of Ptolemy. This mixing of Egyptian and Greek mythology alone is wonderful, but the fact that it’s about to end in an epic battle? I’m very, very excited.

<- The Son of SobekThe Crown of Ptolemy ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

The Son of Sobek by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Son of Sobek
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Kane Chronicles Crossover #1, Camp Half-Blood Chronicles #6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Greek mythology, Mythology, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

This is a very quick and easy read – maybe 90 pages. Since I haven’t read anything by Rick Riordan in quite a while, it was a wonderful return to his world. One that makes me want to pick up all of his books and do a reread… which I don’t exactly have time for, because there are also thousands of books I’ve never read yet…

I love that this is a story about Percy Jackson, but from Carter’s POV. It’s intriguing to see a Greek demigod through the lens of an Egyptian wizard. Also, the lunacy of just how quickly Percy is able to throw himself into situations is beautifully highlighted. Actually, the lunacy of any of the demigod battles is kind of highlighted. And its pretty damn humorous. Like I said, enough to make me want to jump into this world all over again.

This is literally one little chapter, one battle. But, it’s got hints of more dramas and stories to unfold in the future. Ones that I’m seriously looking forward to reading.

<- The Last OlympianThe Staff of Serapis ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia