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A Destiny Reborn (Prevent the Past #2)
A Destiny Reborn (Prevent the Past #2)
Rebecca Hefner | 2020 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A DESTINY REBORN is the second book in the Prevent the Past series. This time, instead of going back to 2035, we go even further and land in 2002. Claire and Cyrus have very little and only each other to count on. So what do they do?

Well, Claire gets kidnapped, for a start. And does she need rescuing? Hell no! This beauty rescues herself with a pair of fingernail clippers (absolutely inspired!!!) She is a total badass in this book and I loved her for it. I also loved how protective over her Cyrus was. Even when he denied her, it was only because he wanted the best for her. I'm just glad Claire wore him down and helped him realise just what he'd be missing.

Once again full of plot twists, there was one that made me sad - the one about Claire's daughter. Claire thought she was doing something amazing for the timeline - and she did for Marie, but when it came out just exactly how her daughter would help in the future, it broke me a little. I'm sincerely hoping Ms Hefner will pull another rabbit out of the hat and give me a different version!

I can't wait to read the final in this trilogy to see it all come together. A brilliant addition to the series.

** 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 27, 2023
  
The Drowning Sea
The Drowning Sea
Sarah Stewart Taylor | 2022 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Maggie’s Still Finding Mysteries
After quitting her job, Maggie D’Arcy is spending her summer in Ireland with her daughter, her boyfriend, Conor, and his son, as they get serious about Maggie and her daughter moving to Ireland. They’ve rented a cottage on a West Cork peninsula, but their vacation hits a snag when the body of a young man who disappeared months ago washes ashore. Even though Maggie isn’t a cop, she can’t help but ask questions. Where has he been for the last few months? Who would want him dead? Can Maggie find the answers even without her badge?

Since I’ve enjoyed the first two books in this series, I was curious to see where the series was going to go in this book. Once again, the writing was atmospheric and made me feel like I was there with Maggie. The characters are well drawn, although I did have a little trouble keeping all the relationships of the villagers straight. Still, I loved getting to spend time with the core cast again. Unfortunately, the pacing of the book was off, lagging at times in the middle and leaving us with a weak climax, although the climax did answer all our questions. The book is written in present tense, and it took my brain a bit to adjust to that. Most of the story is told from Maggie’s first-person point of view, but we do get some chapters from other characters’ points of view to help flesh things out. Fans of the series will be glad they picked up this book.
  
House of Names
House of Names
Colm Toibin | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Lyrically beautiful, humanist version of Greek mythology
For fans of Greek mythology, this is an absolute dream. Focusing on the stories of the wife of Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, and children, Electra and Orestes, Colm Toibin brings to life very human characters in which all are victim and perpetrator.

Hearing perspectives of all three following the sacrifice of daughter Iphigenia, then the murder of Agamemnon as well as the banishment of Orestes, we hear how each feel betrayed and in turn seek vengeance or what they deem is justice.

While most of it is faithful to the original story, a few characters have been added to flesh out the main roles including best friend and lover of Orestes, Leander. A great read for mythology fans.
  
The Bear and the Nightingale
The Bear and the Nightingale
Katherine Arden | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
9.4 (17 Ratings)
Book Rating
A dark epic fairytale
This captivating fantasy is set in the frozen north of Russia in the 13th century, and used Russian myths and fairy tales as inspiration.

At the centre of the novel is the family of a local Lord, in particular the headstrong youngest daughter Vasya who is gifted with 'second sight'. The existence of the community is threatened when a dark power in the forests begins to wake up, just as the villagers start to turn away from the household spirits who've protected them, in favour of a charismatic new priest.

The Russian setting adds interest and mystique and the protagonist Vasya is fantastically outspoken and scrappy. The plot is easy to follow despite the odd Russian word. It truly is a compelling read.