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Merissa (11805 KP) rated Fallen Autumn in Books
Dec 17, 2018
First of all, I'm not exactly sure what genre to put this book in as it could be so many - young adult, fiction, fantasy, mythology, action, adventure, nature/environment - either way, it was absolutely brilliant. A slow burner, yes, but absolutely brilliant.
There are parts of the story taken from Greek mythology, fairy tales, Noah's ark and somehow they all seem to fit together perfectly.
The book asks you the question of when will we stop treating the earth as something which owes us and when we will start trying to preserve what we have and to bring back what we have lost but it does it in such a way that you don't feel bashed over the head with it.
The journey for Petra as she learns who she is and what she needs to do is amazing. She has the support of her lifelong friend Ty and recent frenemy, Isabel, as well as that of her grandmother, Demi. You learn how Petra's fate and that of the Polar Bear Queen, Nanuk, are intermingled and you will hold your breath as Petra tries to get to help in time. There was one part of the story that I had to re-read, this time with a tissue wiping away my tears before they could block the words out. And it only got worse when I read the epilogue of the book and saw that this part was based on fact - which I can remember watching on the news.
This is a story to be told and I'm really hoping that there will be another installment! Wonderful.
There are parts of the story taken from Greek mythology, fairy tales, Noah's ark and somehow they all seem to fit together perfectly.
The book asks you the question of when will we stop treating the earth as something which owes us and when we will start trying to preserve what we have and to bring back what we have lost but it does it in such a way that you don't feel bashed over the head with it.
The journey for Petra as she learns who she is and what she needs to do is amazing. She has the support of her lifelong friend Ty and recent frenemy, Isabel, as well as that of her grandmother, Demi. You learn how Petra's fate and that of the Polar Bear Queen, Nanuk, are intermingled and you will hold your breath as Petra tries to get to help in time. There was one part of the story that I had to re-read, this time with a tissue wiping away my tears before they could block the words out. And it only got worse when I read the epilogue of the book and saw that this part was based on fact - which I can remember watching on the news.
This is a story to be told and I'm really hoping that there will be another installment! Wonderful.
Roxanne (13 KP) rated Taken by the Minotaur (Taken by the Minotaur #1) in Books
Nov 14, 2018
Not the best erotica I've ever read but not the worst either. I found it to have a bit of a plot which was good and I do like mythology. Some parts I found quite hot but others...not so much. I think it was a bit wasted on me really being from Cornwall...it's a farmer's paradise down here and there are many cows...many, many cows. I must admit I have never found any of them remotely sexy in any way...until they became a steak (medium-rare please) sooo I guess intercourse with a Minotaur just doesn't really do it for me. The only parts I enjoyed was the back story and when I was able to forget that this being was a human/bull creature...with a monster penis.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated A Promise of Fire in Books
Jan 1, 2020
Brilliant!
Contains spoilers, click to show
KINGDOMS WILL RISE AND FALL FOR HER...
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Catalia "Cat" Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content avoiding the danger and destiny the Gods-and her homicidal mother-have saddled her with. That is, until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, fixes her with his steely gaze and upsets her ...
Loved it from start to finish!
Constant action! Cat is fierce,Darcy and kick ass!!
She goes from strength to strength, being kidnapped to falling in love she bitches and gripes like a pro! I loved watching her evolve and find a family she never expected! The Greek gods and mythology are just an extra bonus. Amanda has each character perfect. Looking forward to book 2!
Highly recommended
BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Catalia "Cat" Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content avoiding the danger and destiny the Gods-and her homicidal mother-have saddled her with. That is, until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, fixes her with his steely gaze and upsets her ...
Loved it from start to finish!
Constant action! Cat is fierce,Darcy and kick ass!!
She goes from strength to strength, being kidnapped to falling in love she bitches and gripes like a pro! I loved watching her evolve and find a family she never expected! The Greek gods and mythology are just an extra bonus. Amanda has each character perfect. Looking forward to book 2!
Highly recommended
David McK (3251 KP) rated Heroes: Mortals and Monsters, Quests and Adventures in Books
Jun 24, 2020
Second of the (currently) two of Stephen Fry's straight retelling of Greek mythology, this time focusing on the Greek heroes rather than the Gods and Goddesses of Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold, told more or less chronologically.
I say 'more or less' as the setting of these tales are in constant flux, with characters popping up all over the place long before (or after) they otherwise should! That's not a criticism of the retelling: just a statement of fact.
This volume thus covers the likes of Bellerephon and Pegasus, Oedipus (yes, that Oedipus!), Heracles - who the Romans renamed Hercules - and his Twelve Labours, Jason and the Argonauts, Theseus and the Minotaur and many (many) others!
Worth it for the educational value alone!
Now, hurry up and release part 3 (Troy) ...
I say 'more or less' as the setting of these tales are in constant flux, with characters popping up all over the place long before (or after) they otherwise should! That's not a criticism of the retelling: just a statement of fact.
This volume thus covers the likes of Bellerephon and Pegasus, Oedipus (yes, that Oedipus!), Heracles - who the Romans renamed Hercules - and his Twelve Labours, Jason and the Argonauts, Theseus and the Minotaur and many (many) others!
Worth it for the educational value alone!
Now, hurry up and release part 3 (Troy) ...
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Darkness Becomes Her (Gods & Monsters, #1) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
This had been on my “recommendations” page for a while and when I saw it on Scribd, I thought why not?
I didn’t read the synopsis so I wasn’t entirely sure what it was going to be about. I really need to start.
This wasn’t bad. I liked some aspects and it was different to a lot of other stories out there.
I'm not the biggest fan of mythology. I don't mind books set in that time but this wasn't quite up my street. It was dystopian-y, paranormal-y and slightly romance-y, which sounds like it would be but I found it a little strange.
I have to admit it was easy reading but it wasn't for me. I don't think I'll be continuing the series.
I didn’t read the synopsis so I wasn’t entirely sure what it was going to be about. I really need to start.
This wasn’t bad. I liked some aspects and it was different to a lot of other stories out there.
I'm not the biggest fan of mythology. I don't mind books set in that time but this wasn't quite up my street. It was dystopian-y, paranormal-y and slightly romance-y, which sounds like it would be but I found it a little strange.
I have to admit it was easy reading but it wasn't for me. I don't think I'll be continuing the series.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Prophecy of Shadows (Elementals, #1) in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Netgalley/Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
Well, then. This is going to be one of the harder reviews to write, isn't it. (And it'll probably come out a little choppy, but um... bear with me.)
Okay, so how about I start with this: <i>The Prophecy of Shadows</i> is great, but the only thing working against the book is the instalove between Nicole and Blake. But even the instalove isn't much of a bother Nicole is attracted to Blake from the get go, but she's not as <em>obsessed</em> as Danielle, who would threaten anyone in Blake's proximity. Yet?
Anyways, the first book in the <i>Elementals</i> series brings yet a new idea to the <a title="Mythology" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/search/label/Mythology"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">mythology</a> genre, sort of following in <a title="Raye Wagner" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/search/label/Raye%20Wagner"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raye Wagner's</a> footsteps. When Nicole first moves to a new school, she is quickly thrown into the world of witches, people who are descended from Greek gods but not exactly demigods. Witches in Madow's newest series are those not directly descended from a Greek god (basically, a generation or two later...?) and their powers are mostly based off of color theory (definitely not getting into the specifics of that one). Nicole is weirded out and dismisses the entire idea at first, but quickly has a change of heart.
The book is also a little slow on the pacing side, especially for those who like constant action. Madow spends approximately half the book setting up the plot and introducing the world of witches, and I personally think that in itself is good enough without being overwhelming. Even though the witches in the <i>Elementals</i> series are similar to witches in general, I enjoyed learning how each color corresponds to a particular emotion or talent. Any particular legendary creature fighting comes later on in the book.
It'll be interesting to see how Madow takes the series with the sequels, and I'll be looking forward to the sequels (which, by the way, have extremely interesting and adventurous titles).
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-the-prophecy-of-shadows-by-michelle-madow/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Well, then. This is going to be one of the harder reviews to write, isn't it. (And it'll probably come out a little choppy, but um... bear with me.)
Okay, so how about I start with this: <i>The Prophecy of Shadows</i> is great, but the only thing working against the book is the instalove between Nicole and Blake. But even the instalove isn't much of a bother Nicole is attracted to Blake from the get go, but she's not as <em>obsessed</em> as Danielle, who would threaten anyone in Blake's proximity. Yet?
Anyways, the first book in the <i>Elementals</i> series brings yet a new idea to the <a title="Mythology" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/search/label/Mythology"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">mythology</a> genre, sort of following in <a title="Raye Wagner" href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/search/label/Raye%20Wagner"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raye Wagner's</a> footsteps. When Nicole first moves to a new school, she is quickly thrown into the world of witches, people who are descended from Greek gods but not exactly demigods. Witches in Madow's newest series are those not directly descended from a Greek god (basically, a generation or two later...?) and their powers are mostly based off of color theory (definitely not getting into the specifics of that one). Nicole is weirded out and dismisses the entire idea at first, but quickly has a change of heart.
The book is also a little slow on the pacing side, especially for those who like constant action. Madow spends approximately half the book setting up the plot and introducing the world of witches, and I personally think that in itself is good enough without being overwhelming. Even though the witches in the <i>Elementals</i> series are similar to witches in general, I enjoyed learning how each color corresponds to a particular emotion or talent. Any particular legendary creature fighting comes later on in the book.
It'll be interesting to see how Madow takes the series with the sequels, and I'll be looking forward to the sequels (which, by the way, have extremely interesting and adventurous titles).
<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/arc-review-the-prophecy-of-shadows-by-michelle-madow/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Ship of the Dead (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, #3) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
Magnus Chase: Ship of the Dead is the final book in the series that blends Norse mythology with the modern world. Rick Riordan writes in his typical humourous fashion and makes learning fun (even if its not always entirely accurate.) As this is the third and final book in the series, there isnt too much to say that wouldnt spoil the first two books if you have not read them so I would recommend doing so before reading this review. You can also read my review of the first book as it is spoiler-free.
Our heroes continue their journey to postpone Ragnarok and defeat Loki. Magnus is joined by Samirah the Valkyrie, Hearthstone the Elf, Blitzen the Dwarf and his fellow Einherjar Alex, Mallory, TJ and Halfborn. They must battle giants, outwit guardians, and save the world from utter destruction. Just your average Tuesday.
I really enjoyed how diversity was represented in this series as we have main characters with different sexualities or orientations, religions, ethnicities, and disabilities. Since I am not most of the ones that were represented in the book, I can't speak to how accurate the portrayal was but I am glad that they were included. As a casual reader, the representation felt informative and not condescending or demeaning.
Rick continues his world building by sending our heroes off on adventures in the nine realms while simultaneously teaching us a bit about Norse mythology. His books are a very approachable way to tackle the topic and perhaps foster a sense of curiosity that will lead readers to want to discover more. There isn't much else to say without spoilers, so I would recommend this series to middle grade, young adult or teen readers who enjoy fantasy. It is a fun, easy read that I hope you won't regret picking up.
Our heroes continue their journey to postpone Ragnarok and defeat Loki. Magnus is joined by Samirah the Valkyrie, Hearthstone the Elf, Blitzen the Dwarf and his fellow Einherjar Alex, Mallory, TJ and Halfborn. They must battle giants, outwit guardians, and save the world from utter destruction. Just your average Tuesday.
I really enjoyed how diversity was represented in this series as we have main characters with different sexualities or orientations, religions, ethnicities, and disabilities. Since I am not most of the ones that were represented in the book, I can't speak to how accurate the portrayal was but I am glad that they were included. As a casual reader, the representation felt informative and not condescending or demeaning.
Rick continues his world building by sending our heroes off on adventures in the nine realms while simultaneously teaching us a bit about Norse mythology. His books are a very approachable way to tackle the topic and perhaps foster a sense of curiosity that will lead readers to want to discover more. There isn't much else to say without spoilers, so I would recommend this series to middle grade, young adult or teen readers who enjoy fantasy. It is a fun, easy read that I hope you won't regret picking up.
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated Halloween (2018) in Movies
Nov 2, 2018
.....Fuckin comedians
Michael Myers is back.... And this is supposed to be what actually happened... 40 years later???
I'm sorry if any of you disagree with me... But this movie blew....
Don't get le wrong. I love the fact that Jamie Lee is back and more of a badass than i wpuld have ever expected.
But come on...
Denying the fact that almost 40 years worth of mythology happened... Thats a hard sell. Let's do some math as well.
You expect me to believe that Michael is wandering around at 61 years old, after being locked up for 40 years... And he's picking up 200 pound men one handed and crushing their windpipes???
I love the Halloween series of films. Even the Rov Zombie offerings... I love the fact that Rob gave us a back story. You found out why Michael was the way he was...
But this??? This was nothing more than two morons... And yes, I think Danny McBride is an idiot. And he should stick to Vice Principals and Eastbound and Down. And stay the fuck away from horror films.
He should've taken a hint from his lackluster and shitty preformance in Alien Covenant... And leave horror to the pros.
I'm sorry but the only person who should've carried on this franchise was John Carpenter himself... But even he knows that you shouldn't dip your pen in the company ink too many times.
Ignoring the mythology of the films and expecting die hard fans to believe that characters like Jamie Lloyd and Tommy Doyle didn't exist in the history is ludicrous.
Some people enjoyed the sequels and some people didnt. But expecting us to forget forty years of horror history???
Not on your life, comedian.
I'm sorry if any of you disagree with me... But this movie blew....
Don't get le wrong. I love the fact that Jamie Lee is back and more of a badass than i wpuld have ever expected.
But come on...
Denying the fact that almost 40 years worth of mythology happened... Thats a hard sell. Let's do some math as well.
You expect me to believe that Michael is wandering around at 61 years old, after being locked up for 40 years... And he's picking up 200 pound men one handed and crushing their windpipes???
I love the Halloween series of films. Even the Rov Zombie offerings... I love the fact that Rob gave us a back story. You found out why Michael was the way he was...
But this??? This was nothing more than two morons... And yes, I think Danny McBride is an idiot. And he should stick to Vice Principals and Eastbound and Down. And stay the fuck away from horror films.
He should've taken a hint from his lackluster and shitty preformance in Alien Covenant... And leave horror to the pros.
I'm sorry but the only person who should've carried on this franchise was John Carpenter himself... But even he knows that you shouldn't dip your pen in the company ink too many times.
Ignoring the mythology of the films and expecting die hard fans to believe that characters like Jamie Lloyd and Tommy Doyle didn't exist in the history is ludicrous.
Some people enjoyed the sequels and some people didnt. But expecting us to forget forty years of horror history???
Not on your life, comedian.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Dragon Pearl in Books
Jan 23, 2020
<b><i>I received this book for free from Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</b></i>
<i>Dragon Pearl</i> by Yoon Ha Lee is the latest in Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint under Disney that “highlights cultures and mythologies from around the world,” selected by author Rick Riordan. An #ownvoices novel based on Korean mythology and folklore, Lee’s novel follows a fox spirit named Min who runs off on a space adventure to find her missing brother and instead finds the highly sought-after Dragon Pearl to save the Thousand Worlds.
I found myself struggling with <i>Dragon Pearl</i> at times. There are moments the novel slows from the pace of the action, which could potentially drag the reader’s attention away from Min’s journey. Min’s quest to find her brother is easy, but it is expected as the novel is aimed at a middle-grade audience.
Ignore the slowness and the ease of the journey, however, and the story is a magical ride through the Thousand Worlds. I loved seeing Min encountering obstacles and working her way around them while figuring out her own magic. Most importantly, I enjoyed seeing how valuable her relationships are, both with her brother and with the developing friendships with the other cadets.
Fans of Rick Riordan’s novels who enjoy a journey through space with touches of mythology will love going on an adventure of their own with Min through Yoon Ha Lee’s <i>Dragon Pearl</i>.
<a href="https://60secondsmag.com/dragon-pearl-review/">This review is originally posted on 60 Seconds Online Magazine</a>
<i>Dragon Pearl</i> by Yoon Ha Lee is the latest in Rick Riordan Presents, an imprint under Disney that “highlights cultures and mythologies from around the world,” selected by author Rick Riordan. An #ownvoices novel based on Korean mythology and folklore, Lee’s novel follows a fox spirit named Min who runs off on a space adventure to find her missing brother and instead finds the highly sought-after Dragon Pearl to save the Thousand Worlds.
I found myself struggling with <i>Dragon Pearl</i> at times. There are moments the novel slows from the pace of the action, which could potentially drag the reader’s attention away from Min’s journey. Min’s quest to find her brother is easy, but it is expected as the novel is aimed at a middle-grade audience.
Ignore the slowness and the ease of the journey, however, and the story is a magical ride through the Thousand Worlds. I loved seeing Min encountering obstacles and working her way around them while figuring out her own magic. Most importantly, I enjoyed seeing how valuable her relationships are, both with her brother and with the developing friendships with the other cadets.
Fans of Rick Riordan’s novels who enjoy a journey through space with touches of mythology will love going on an adventure of their own with Min through Yoon Ha Lee’s <i>Dragon Pearl</i>.
<a href="https://60secondsmag.com/dragon-pearl-review/">This review is originally posted on 60 Seconds Online Magazine</a>
ClareR (5603 KP) rated Stone Blind in Books
Jan 24, 2023
Greek Mythology has always been one of my favourite reads, ever since I trawled the shelves in the local library as a child. Natalie Haynes gave me a much needed Greek Mythology hit when I read A Thousand Ships, and she does it again with Stone Blind.
I loved how the stories of Medusa, her sisters and Perseus were woven together so that we get a rounded view of the story. Medusa’s sisters, the Gorgons Sthenno and Euryale are seen as more than just monsters. They are given personalities and feelings - they care for their little sister Medusa, and nurture her from a baby into a young woman.
But Sthenno and Euryale aren’t there when Medusa is raped by Poseidon. And this is where we’re introduced to Medusa as victim. She’s never normally portrayed as a victim, even when Perseus decapitates her, but Haynes has turned this story on its head. And I’m most definitely here for all that!
To match the new Medusa, we have a new Perseus. He’s an accidental hero. He just wants to save his mother the only way he can - but he needs a lot of godly interventions and help. He’s a bit brainless, if I’m honest!
I’ve always thought that the Gods were petty, and their constant bickering with one another in this book just reinforces this - I really liked how they argued, fought and tried to ge tone up on one another.
And the ending was as emotional as only a sentient, decapitated head could be. Poor Medusa. Still used as a tool for men’s pleasure, displeasure and anger.
I’m eagerly awaiting whatever comes next from Natalie Haynes, because this book was outstanding.
I loved how the stories of Medusa, her sisters and Perseus were woven together so that we get a rounded view of the story. Medusa’s sisters, the Gorgons Sthenno and Euryale are seen as more than just monsters. They are given personalities and feelings - they care for their little sister Medusa, and nurture her from a baby into a young woman.
But Sthenno and Euryale aren’t there when Medusa is raped by Poseidon. And this is where we’re introduced to Medusa as victim. She’s never normally portrayed as a victim, even when Perseus decapitates her, but Haynes has turned this story on its head. And I’m most definitely here for all that!
To match the new Medusa, we have a new Perseus. He’s an accidental hero. He just wants to save his mother the only way he can - but he needs a lot of godly interventions and help. He’s a bit brainless, if I’m honest!
I’ve always thought that the Gods were petty, and their constant bickering with one another in this book just reinforces this - I really liked how they argued, fought and tried to ge tone up on one another.
And the ending was as emotional as only a sentient, decapitated head could be. Poor Medusa. Still used as a tool for men’s pleasure, displeasure and anger.
I’m eagerly awaiting whatever comes next from Natalie Haynes, because this book was outstanding.