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ClareR (5726 KP) rated Herc in Books

Jun 26, 2024  
Herc
Herc
Phoenicia Rogerson | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Herc is the story of Hercules told by the people who knew him. I really enjoyed this style of storytelling, it seemed more personal, and unlike the traditional myths, we could see how Hercules actions impacted on those around him, and those he loved.

This isn’t a story for the faint-hearted. It’s graphic both in violence (he was a violent man) and sex (who liked sex). Also, it would probably help if you knew the story of Hercules before starting this. It can dart around a bit from person to person.

Recommended for the Greek mythology fans 🙋🏼‍♀️
  
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Rob P (30 KP) rated Norse Mythology in Books

Apr 22, 2019 (Updated Apr 23, 2019)  
Norse Mythology
Norse Mythology
Neil Gaiman | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.4 (38 Ratings)
Book Rating
very accessible (3 more)
reads like an anthology
simplified for story format
great starting point
no information related to the Norse religion as it was practiced. (1 more)
presumes the knowledge of certain intricacies on behalf of the reader
Norse My"Thor"logy
Contains spoilers, click to show
Ah what an enjoyable read.

I love mythology, and this book is a great starting point if you wish to know about the more "Hollywood" stars of Norse myth (Odin, Thor, Loki, the dwarves and frost giants, Hel (or Hela, as marvel would have it) Frey and Freya and Mimir and Heimdall and a host of others whose names you may have heard).

One of the acclaims on the front of the book sums this up quite well. "Gaiman takes on the role of the fireside Bard" - it's an easy metaphor to use, as this really is a collection of stories simplified to tales of adventure and deceit.

The vikings (or Scandinavians in general) were clearly looking to explain certain phenomena using these characters (much like Greek and Roman mythology) and I love reading about that. Trying to put myself in the position of an awed villager hearing thunder and the seeing the flash of lighting, reasoning that it must be the indomitable Thor, wielding the mighty Mjollnir, ending the life of a wicked Frost Giant with a gigantic blow. Or feeling an earthquake, and believing it must be Loki, trapped in his mountain prison, the burn of the snake's venom corroding his face as his screams of agony set the very mountains to trembling. Waiting for Ragnarok to break his bonds and have his revenge on the gods. Wonderful stuff.

If you have any interest in mythology and (like me) you don't want to dive into more reference or poetry-based offerings right away, this is a great place to start.

I guarantee that once you do, you may very well want to carry on into the more heavy hitting titles out there pertaining to Norse myth.

Definitely recommended.

Rob
  
Beyond a Darkened Shore
Beyond a Darkened Shore
Jessica Leake | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
8.4 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book....this book is just fantastically written. I had no idea what it was about or hadn't heard anything about it before I picked it up because of the cover. Am I so glad that I did.
Enemies to lovers, mythology, and bloody battles are just some of the amazing things you will find in these pages. The best part? It doesn't leave you with a gigantic cliffhanger. Basically if you enjoy anything I listed above. ^^^ you will love this book. The writing and flow mash with a plot that is so wonderfully written you won't feel bored.
One of the best 2018 books I have read. Highly recommend!
  
SC
Six Celestial Swords
T.A. Miles | 2012
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am not quite sure how to go about this review. On one hand, the world was so intricate and detailed that, at time, I felt lost. There is a lot going on, and if you blink, you too will become lost. If you take the time to actually read and take in each word, you are rewarded with a rich world as well as mythology. Sometimes, the detailed flowery prose can be too much, and sometimes it’s just right.

It’s hard explain this novel without giving anything away. If the description sounds like something that would interest you, then I suggest you try it out.
  
T(
Tricked (The Iron Druid Chronicles, #4)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
That was so good. Just so very good. Like the last three - well plotted, with good character development from a fascinating cast of characters. This time most of the mythology is Native American (specifically Navajo) instead of Norse or Celtic, but there's a little spice from other traditions thrown in as well. And as before, there are always consequences getting involved, even in good causes. I think that's one of the biggest ways this series reminds me of the Dresden Files by [a:Jim Butcher|10746|Jim Butcher|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1205261964p2/10746.jpg].

I am absolutely going to be on tenterhooks until <i>Trapped</i> is released!