Tag Archives: Mythology

The Lightning Thief ReRead by Rick Riordan

Book Review, , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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 RiordanThe Sea of Monsters ->

Image source: Penguin

Crystal Skull by Jessica Andersen

Book Review, , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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 CollectorRed Angel ->

Image source: Penguin Random House

A Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy by Rebecca Roanhorse

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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-BirdBridge of Crows ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Elvenbrood by Tanith Lee

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Overview

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

Thoughts

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!

<- CatnypYour Garnet Eyes ->

Image source: Amazon

The Last Flight of Daedalus by Anthony Marra

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for xo orpheus book cover

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

Thoughts

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.

<- LabyrinthDaphne ->

Image source: Goodreads

Fisher-Bird by T. Kingfisher

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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 JustifiedA Brief Lesson in Native American Astronomy ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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 LaurenstonThe Undoing ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

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