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Zombie (The Cursed Manuscripts)
7.0
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On December 21, 2012, according to the Mayan Calendar, the world was supposed to end. It didn't. But...
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Blackbird Rising (. The Witch Kings Crown book 1) in Books
Feb 16, 2022
29 of 230
Book
Blackbird Rising ( The Witch Kings Crown book )
By Keri Arthur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A modern fantasy novel inspired by the King Arthur legend...
For hundreds of years, the Witch King’s sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it.
Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. But when she returns to King Island to perform the blessing, a mysterious pulse of blue light tells her that someone has attempted to draw the sword. Before she can investigate any further, demons attack. She only survives with the help of a mysterious stranger who disappears as quickly as he appears.
Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside—the traditional home of both demons and dark elves—are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King’s heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo—with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead—scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
If they fail and the wrong hand draws the sword of power, he can unlock the main gateway into Darkside and unleash utter hell onto an unsuspecting and unprepared England....
Another of Keri Arthur’s books I just just loved. King Arthur inspired based in England with some brilliant characters. Finished it quite quickly and can’t wait to start the next! Although it’s been added to a very long tbr pile 😂
Book
Blackbird Rising ( The Witch Kings Crown book )
By Keri Arthur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A modern fantasy novel inspired by the King Arthur legend...
For hundreds of years, the Witch King’s sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it.
Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. But when she returns to King Island to perform the blessing, a mysterious pulse of blue light tells her that someone has attempted to draw the sword. Before she can investigate any further, demons attack. She only survives with the help of a mysterious stranger who disappears as quickly as he appears.
Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside—the traditional home of both demons and dark elves—are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King’s heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo—with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead—scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
If they fail and the wrong hand draws the sword of power, he can unlock the main gateway into Darkside and unleash utter hell onto an unsuspecting and unprepared England....
Another of Keri Arthur’s books I just just loved. King Arthur inspired based in England with some brilliant characters. Finished it quite quickly and can’t wait to start the next! Although it’s been added to a very long tbr pile 😂
Merissa (13878 KP) rated Dream Stalker in Books
Nov 15, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
DREAM STALKER is told from a first-person perspective and we arrive in Salem near Samhain, also known as Halloween. It is a sad time as Lily's friend, Kitty commits suicide in front of her, but not before passing her a box and telling her to find the truth. This leads to a tangled mess of truths and half-truths, with deaths and accusations flying around.
Lily is a Wiccan and her sister was a Catholic nun. There is some sort of family drama with an adopted daughter and a sister. You get the basics but nothing too deep, so there was a feeling of wanting more. You are led from one person to the next, as our heroine is determined to prove her daughter's innocence. The big bad was a bit too obvious for me, but I still enjoyed reading about how it got to the point that Lily knew.
There are many interesting aspects to this story, especially the Wiccan and Herbalist sides of it. I would have preferred more information on the backstories of some of the characters, plus more about why something happened or connections were made or denied.
At the end of the story, it becomes clear there will be a follow-up to this story. I am looking forward to this as I hope it will give me more details about Lily, her family, and her dream walking ability.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 15, 2021
Lily is a Wiccan and her sister was a Catholic nun. There is some sort of family drama with an adopted daughter and a sister. You get the basics but nothing too deep, so there was a feeling of wanting more. You are led from one person to the next, as our heroine is determined to prove her daughter's innocence. The big bad was a bit too obvious for me, but I still enjoyed reading about how it got to the point that Lily knew.
There are many interesting aspects to this story, especially the Wiccan and Herbalist sides of it. I would have preferred more information on the backstories of some of the characters, plus more about why something happened or connections were made or denied.
At the end of the story, it becomes clear there will be a follow-up to this story. I am looking forward to this as I hope it will give me more details about Lily, her family, and her dream walking ability.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 15, 2021
Debbiereadsbook (1699 KP) rated Duron (Assassin's To Order #3) in Books
Jul 25, 2023
Duron instinctively knew that Beaumont needed his strength at that point!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Assassins To Order series, but of the three, I think this can be read as stand alone the most. Sure there is some reference to previous books and what's happened before, but this book goes off on a tangent to that.
Duron is one of the council's assassins. Beaumont is the council's new leader. Duron wants to be free of the council, but meeting Beaumont, his mate, wasn't a factor he planned. Beaumont is looking for answers to his family's deaths. Together, they can get what they both want.
I liked this well enough. It does go off on that tangent, and away from the main plot that is running through these books, but that plot is still there, just more a subplot rather than the main plot.
I loved that Beaumont and Duron are both very powerful shifters, with big animals, Duron more than a few and I loved the way these two soothed each other. Great big men, with that much power under the skin, were never going to be gentle lovers, and breaking a bit of furniture was always going to happen! (Well, all the furniture, but who cares!) Duron instinctively knew that Beaumont needed his strength at that point, rather than his love, you know?
I'm still not entirely sure about The Devil and who that really is, even if the clues are there, I think that they will pop back up again at some point.
I have to say, my least favourite of these collaborations, but still a good read.
3 stars (I'm sorry!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Assassins To Order series, but of the three, I think this can be read as stand alone the most. Sure there is some reference to previous books and what's happened before, but this book goes off on a tangent to that.
Duron is one of the council's assassins. Beaumont is the council's new leader. Duron wants to be free of the council, but meeting Beaumont, his mate, wasn't a factor he planned. Beaumont is looking for answers to his family's deaths. Together, they can get what they both want.
I liked this well enough. It does go off on that tangent, and away from the main plot that is running through these books, but that plot is still there, just more a subplot rather than the main plot.
I loved that Beaumont and Duron are both very powerful shifters, with big animals, Duron more than a few and I loved the way these two soothed each other. Great big men, with that much power under the skin, were never going to be gentle lovers, and breaking a bit of furniture was always going to happen! (Well, all the furniture, but who cares!) Duron instinctively knew that Beaumont needed his strength at that point, rather than his love, you know?
I'm still not entirely sure about The Devil and who that really is, even if the clues are there, I think that they will pop back up again at some point.
I have to say, my least favourite of these collaborations, but still a good read.
3 stars (I'm sorry!)
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Last Cabin Girl in Books
Aug 28, 2023
114 of 235
Kindle
The Last Cabin Girl
By
Tom Swyers
⭐️⭐️
As the pandemic begins, Josie Thompson is a struggling waitress, mom of two great kids. She wants a fresh start far from her abusive husband, the confining small town she calls home, and a long-held secret her family refuses to disclose.
But Josie isn’t going anywhere. After murder victims turn up floating in the river near her isolated cabin, the FBI quickly charges her in one of the killings. Thankfully, she’s freed on bond, but charges for the other deaths loom. The FBI thinks she’s a serial killer.
If convicted, she faces life in prison and a future forever apart from her children. Josie can’t let that happen. She must venture out of her comfort zone to prove her innocence, even if it means confronting her issues, including a growing fear of COVID-19.
Can she trust anyone to help? A friendly detective and former police officer? Her estranged lawyer-brother, David Thompson? Her cryptic parents? A wealthy bachelor who has eyes for her?
In a town where things are not what they seem and not everyone can be trusted, can Josie clear her name, or will her own dark secrets be her undoing?
I honestly don’t know what I just read. I hate giving 2 star reviews but I just don’t know what I feel about this book. It started well but I think there were to many ideas thrown into it I found it became completely bizarre towards the end I mean I can see what the author wanted to to do was twist , turn and shock but all it did for me was twist, turn and confuse. We have the covid 19 virus, conspiracy, incest and espionage that didn’t gel well in my opinion. So sorry 🙈
Kindle
The Last Cabin Girl
By
Tom Swyers
⭐️⭐️
As the pandemic begins, Josie Thompson is a struggling waitress, mom of two great kids. She wants a fresh start far from her abusive husband, the confining small town she calls home, and a long-held secret her family refuses to disclose.
But Josie isn’t going anywhere. After murder victims turn up floating in the river near her isolated cabin, the FBI quickly charges her in one of the killings. Thankfully, she’s freed on bond, but charges for the other deaths loom. The FBI thinks she’s a serial killer.
If convicted, she faces life in prison and a future forever apart from her children. Josie can’t let that happen. She must venture out of her comfort zone to prove her innocence, even if it means confronting her issues, including a growing fear of COVID-19.
Can she trust anyone to help? A friendly detective and former police officer? Her estranged lawyer-brother, David Thompson? Her cryptic parents? A wealthy bachelor who has eyes for her?
In a town where things are not what they seem and not everyone can be trusted, can Josie clear her name, or will her own dark secrets be her undoing?
I honestly don’t know what I just read. I hate giving 2 star reviews but I just don’t know what I feel about this book. It started well but I think there were to many ideas thrown into it I found it became completely bizarre towards the end I mean I can see what the author wanted to to do was twist , turn and shock but all it did for me was twist, turn and confuse. We have the covid 19 virus, conspiracy, incest and espionage that didn’t gel well in my opinion. So sorry 🙈
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City, #1) in Books
Jun 23, 2022
112 of 230
Book
House of Earth and Blood ( Crescent City book 1)
By Sarah J Maas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She'll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.
Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss's enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he's offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.
As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City's underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they'd only let it.
With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom-and the power of love.
I absolutely loved it from start to finish! It was one emotional journey and yes I had a tear escape! For me the book flowed well it kept me interested and I loved the characters. I’m totally in love with Ruhn. I was expecting the slaughter so soon in the book it was definitely a deep breath moment! I do love Sarah J Maas.
Book
House of Earth and Blood ( Crescent City book 1)
By Sarah J Maas
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She'll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths.
Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss's enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he's offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach.
As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City's underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they'd only let it.
With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom-and the power of love.
I absolutely loved it from start to finish! It was one emotional journey and yes I had a tear escape! For me the book flowed well it kept me interested and I loved the characters. I’m totally in love with Ruhn. I was expecting the slaughter so soon in the book it was definitely a deep breath moment! I do love Sarah J Maas.
Shaun Quarterman (24 KP) rated The Transformers - The Movie (1986) in Movies
Mar 9, 2020
Robots in disguise
Contains spoilers, click to show
TRANSFORMERS THE MOVIE
This movie is what I like to call a cult classic the first big screen appearance of the Autobots and Decepticons, its appeared after the first two seasons and it shook everything up Transformers as we knew it was over. It starts with a massacre on an Autobot shuttle and many characters died at the hands of Decepticon leader Megatron it shocked me when I first saw this because we had seen two seasons and it was all a bit tame. But the worst was yet to come so let me explain the whole idea of killing off these characters was to make way for future characters and new toy lines we had grown up and loved Ironhide ,and Ratchet, Prowl it definitely threw me the brutality of it shot point blank in the back of the head.
The war continues on Earth and we meet the future of the franchise Ultra Magnus and Hotrod as well as others all made to look futuristic their vehicle modes were Cybertronian which was new and I loved the more space age look about it we meet Daniel Witwicky the son of Spike but there is no sign of sparkplug or an explanation of his whereabouts Carly is Daniels mother. Now comes the part that shocked the world the death of Optimus Prime now let me explain in all versions of Transformers Optimus Prime always dies and the devastating planet Unicron always appears its Transformers lore but this movie defined it I wanted Optimus to destroy Unicron but it wasn’t to be.
Megatron also makes his last appearance with several other Decepticons which evened out the earlier Autobot deaths except they didn’t die they were reanimated by Unicron a new leader was born Galvatron and Cyclonus and Scourge and his dreaded Sweeps then came the death of Starscream it showed the brutality of the new leader, in the first two seasons Starscream would try to overthrow Megatron but he would always get away with it. Galvatron showed no mercy and blasted him straight away.
We are introduced to several new races of Transformers Junkions, Sharkticons and Quintessons all of which have would future appearances in season three and four, we see the friendship blossom between the young Autobot Hotrod and the old warrior Kup and the Dinobots get there action in as well I have always been a big fan of the Dinobots and they save the day again,
The most brilliant thing I had ever seen at the time was the transformation of Unicron a planet to robot I loved the sheer size of it and this final battle brought forth a new leader of the Autobots Rodimus Prime and a new era in Transformers entertainment despite the violence and death it did all make sense plus there are some cameo voices as well Galvatron was voiced by Doctor Spock himself Leonard Nimoy and rodimus prime voiced by Judd Nelson and Unicron was Voiced by orson Wells war of the worlds.
So I must admit this film is a guilty pleasure of mine and I highly recommend it I would advise to watch seasons one and two first just so you can feel how much the movie changed the franchise and the deaths of the characters actually mean more to you so give it a try and see what you think and there is a massive spoiler alert at the end of the movie which is narrated and got the public excited about the next season so enjoy it savour it and soak up this cult classic
This movie is what I like to call a cult classic the first big screen appearance of the Autobots and Decepticons, its appeared after the first two seasons and it shook everything up Transformers as we knew it was over. It starts with a massacre on an Autobot shuttle and many characters died at the hands of Decepticon leader Megatron it shocked me when I first saw this because we had seen two seasons and it was all a bit tame. But the worst was yet to come so let me explain the whole idea of killing off these characters was to make way for future characters and new toy lines we had grown up and loved Ironhide ,and Ratchet, Prowl it definitely threw me the brutality of it shot point blank in the back of the head.
The war continues on Earth and we meet the future of the franchise Ultra Magnus and Hotrod as well as others all made to look futuristic their vehicle modes were Cybertronian which was new and I loved the more space age look about it we meet Daniel Witwicky the son of Spike but there is no sign of sparkplug or an explanation of his whereabouts Carly is Daniels mother. Now comes the part that shocked the world the death of Optimus Prime now let me explain in all versions of Transformers Optimus Prime always dies and the devastating planet Unicron always appears its Transformers lore but this movie defined it I wanted Optimus to destroy Unicron but it wasn’t to be.
Megatron also makes his last appearance with several other Decepticons which evened out the earlier Autobot deaths except they didn’t die they were reanimated by Unicron a new leader was born Galvatron and Cyclonus and Scourge and his dreaded Sweeps then came the death of Starscream it showed the brutality of the new leader, in the first two seasons Starscream would try to overthrow Megatron but he would always get away with it. Galvatron showed no mercy and blasted him straight away.
We are introduced to several new races of Transformers Junkions, Sharkticons and Quintessons all of which have would future appearances in season three and four, we see the friendship blossom between the young Autobot Hotrod and the old warrior Kup and the Dinobots get there action in as well I have always been a big fan of the Dinobots and they save the day again,
The most brilliant thing I had ever seen at the time was the transformation of Unicron a planet to robot I loved the sheer size of it and this final battle brought forth a new leader of the Autobots Rodimus Prime and a new era in Transformers entertainment despite the violence and death it did all make sense plus there are some cameo voices as well Galvatron was voiced by Doctor Spock himself Leonard Nimoy and rodimus prime voiced by Judd Nelson and Unicron was Voiced by orson Wells war of the worlds.
So I must admit this film is a guilty pleasure of mine and I highly recommend it I would advise to watch seasons one and two first just so you can feel how much the movie changed the franchise and the deaths of the characters actually mean more to you so give it a try and see what you think and there is a massive spoiler alert at the end of the movie which is narrated and got the public excited about the next season so enjoy it savour it and soak up this cult classic
Wow.
Wow. What an ending. I would admit to having my issues with the first 3 books of the series (the cast of characters and locations is just too big from the outset to be able to comfortably remember who/where they all are!), but was generally enjoying it and loved Gwynne's writing style, particularly in action scenes.
There was still a lot of ground to cover in the final book of the series, and it really had to be a pretty epic, pacey tome to address all the plot points and end satisfactorily.
It certainly delivers on the pace. There is barely a chapter where the action isn't thick and fast with plot development and important events or revelations.
And I think Gwynne's storytelling really went up a notch. In numerous places the action was told from different PoV's with punchy short chapters delivering an awesome, rounded description of the action unfolding.
I have some very minor hang-ups about the sheer number of main character deaths in the final quarter of the book but most of these are serving a point and seem necessary.
The battle of good vs evil here has the weight shift a number of times. While in the early stages the clever tactics on the side of good seem to win the day, they are quickly brought back down to earth by the sheer numbers on the side of the bad.
A number of rivalries which have been building over the course of the series come to a climax here, and all are built up with such tension and passion that you are constantly on the edge of your seat longing for the vital sword stroke or arrow, as the action can so often happen suddenly you might not necessarily be expecting it.
Overall, this book has redeemed my minor hang-ups from the earlier books and this may now be amongst my favourite series ever.
There was still a lot of ground to cover in the final book of the series, and it really had to be a pretty epic, pacey tome to address all the plot points and end satisfactorily.
It certainly delivers on the pace. There is barely a chapter where the action isn't thick and fast with plot development and important events or revelations.
And I think Gwynne's storytelling really went up a notch. In numerous places the action was told from different PoV's with punchy short chapters delivering an awesome, rounded description of the action unfolding.
I have some very minor hang-ups about the sheer number of main character deaths in the final quarter of the book but most of these are serving a point and seem necessary.
The battle of good vs evil here has the weight shift a number of times. While in the early stages the clever tactics on the side of good seem to win the day, they are quickly brought back down to earth by the sheer numbers on the side of the bad.
A number of rivalries which have been building over the course of the series come to a climax here, and all are built up with such tension and passion that you are constantly on the edge of your seat longing for the vital sword stroke or arrow, as the action can so often happen suddenly you might not necessarily be expecting it.
Overall, this book has redeemed my minor hang-ups from the earlier books and this may now be amongst my favourite series ever.
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated The Fix (Amos Decker #3) in Books
May 10, 2018
It's a typical day for Amos Decker. He is on his way to the Hoover Building in downtown Washington, DC when a man pulls out a gun and shoots a woman right in front of FBI Headquarters. Then he turns the gun on himself. What the hell just happened and most importantly for Decker to find out, why? This is Decker's second case working for the FBI and they've moved him and Jamison from Quantico up to the Washington Field Office. Why would someone choose to shoot another person in front of the FBI building? Why would a successful businessman with a family do such a thing? What did the woman he kill do? Will Decker and his team be able to answer these questions before it's too late?
Walter Dabney seems like your average businessman. He lives in a nice house, with his wife. His grown children are all out of the house doing their own things making a lives for themselves. There are so many secrets though that this family is hiding and slowly they all begin to unravel. After Dabney shoots Ann Berkshire in broad daylight and then himself, other people start to turn up dead. Are all of these deaths connected and what is the connection? When Harper Brown from the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) turns up claiming there is spy work involved, it makes Decker even more eager to solve this case. But there are secrets behinds every corner and getting different government agencies to cooperate is not the easiest task.
Government secrets, spies from decades ago, messages passed through dolls and Harry Potter books, how will it all end?
I really enjoyed this book. I love the character of Amos Decker. I like how he has no cut cards, and shoots straight from the hip. He may get up and walk out of a room without explanation. He has a unique personality with his ability to never forget and see things in color. I look forward to the next Decker adventure.
Walter Dabney seems like your average businessman. He lives in a nice house, with his wife. His grown children are all out of the house doing their own things making a lives for themselves. There are so many secrets though that this family is hiding and slowly they all begin to unravel. After Dabney shoots Ann Berkshire in broad daylight and then himself, other people start to turn up dead. Are all of these deaths connected and what is the connection? When Harper Brown from the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) turns up claiming there is spy work involved, it makes Decker even more eager to solve this case. But there are secrets behinds every corner and getting different government agencies to cooperate is not the easiest task.
Government secrets, spies from decades ago, messages passed through dolls and Harry Potter books, how will it all end?
I really enjoyed this book. I love the character of Amos Decker. I like how he has no cut cards, and shoots straight from the hip. He may get up and walk out of a room without explanation. He has a unique personality with his ability to never forget and see things in color. I look forward to the next Decker adventure.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated The Penelopiad in Books
Feb 11, 2019
This book was a very easy read and quite interesting, too. I have never read The Odyssey, (though that would be an ideal goal to keep in mind) but I am familiar enough with the plot to keep up with the many subtle references throughout The Penelopiad. This book was told from the point-of-view of Penelope, Odysseus's eternally-loyal wife, with the Chorus of maids chiming in with their opinions every other chapter.
Margaret Atwood does an excellent job of portraying the character of Penelope in a unique way without disrupting what we know of her from the original text. In this book, Penelope tells her story from beyond the grave, interspersed with her interactions with other known characters of that time, such as her self-involved cousin, Helen of Troy. Penelope balances many opposing traits into one body - from the bitter housewife, to the scheming seductress, to the self-sacrificing devotee - and still comes out as an admirable woman and wife that few could emulate so convincingly.
The chorus of maids served as both a comedic interlude in a rather tragic story and as further commentary of Penelope's story and their shared fate. Irony played a large part in the maids' story and final demise. Margaret Atwood's explanation for their cumulative death following the deaths of the numerous suitors made perfect sense according to the arrogance and bravado attributed to Odysseus from Penelope's account.
In many ways, this book bears strong themes of feminism, despite Penelope's loyalty to Odysseus. Though I imagine that The Odyssey portrays Odysseus as a grand hero worthy of respect, Penelope's narrative of him both in life and in death makes him out to be at times a philandering womanizer with immeasurable luck and other times a melodramatic little boy with an overactive imagination and an insatiable appetite for adventure. The ones who seemed to endure the most suffering in this plot were the ones that were shown the least respect and recognition - the women.
Margaret Atwood does an excellent job of portraying the character of Penelope in a unique way without disrupting what we know of her from the original text. In this book, Penelope tells her story from beyond the grave, interspersed with her interactions with other known characters of that time, such as her self-involved cousin, Helen of Troy. Penelope balances many opposing traits into one body - from the bitter housewife, to the scheming seductress, to the self-sacrificing devotee - and still comes out as an admirable woman and wife that few could emulate so convincingly.
The chorus of maids served as both a comedic interlude in a rather tragic story and as further commentary of Penelope's story and their shared fate. Irony played a large part in the maids' story and final demise. Margaret Atwood's explanation for their cumulative death following the deaths of the numerous suitors made perfect sense according to the arrogance and bravado attributed to Odysseus from Penelope's account.
In many ways, this book bears strong themes of feminism, despite Penelope's loyalty to Odysseus. Though I imagine that The Odyssey portrays Odysseus as a grand hero worthy of respect, Penelope's narrative of him both in life and in death makes him out to be at times a philandering womanizer with immeasurable luck and other times a melodramatic little boy with an overactive imagination and an insatiable appetite for adventure. The ones who seemed to endure the most suffering in this plot were the ones that were shown the least respect and recognition - the women.