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Odyssey (Stephen Fry's Greek myths #4)
Odyssey (Stephen Fry's Greek myths #4)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The final(?) part in [author:Stephen Fry|10917]'s retelling of the Greek myths, with this one - as in the name! - mainly concerning itself with what happened after the fall of Troy.

Indeed, I was surprised at how late into the tale it was before it stated focusing on Odysseus and his epic (10 years) trip to get home to Ithica and his wife Penelope!

Said legendary journey is what I was expecting the novel (retelling) to be about: I was unaware that it also concerned what happened to Menaleus (amongst other Greek victors) or to his Trojan captive Cassandra - fated to never have her prophesies believed but always to become true - amongst others.

I was also unaware, prior to reading/listening (I did both, switching back and forth), that the Latin name for Odysseus was Ulysses, or that - shall we say - Odysseus could be a randy old so-and-so ...

Looking forward to the forthcoming Christopher Nolan movie, now, to see how much is changed!
  
Dune: The Graphic Novel, part 1
Dune: The Graphic Novel, part 1
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
So, Dune

My only frame of reference is the 2021 movie.

Oh, I knew the basics prior to that: Spice, the giant worms, space politics, but beyond that ... ?

Released in the wake of that movie, this is - apparently (or so the authors say) - a straight visual retelling (as much as is possible) of Frank Herbert 1965 epic, rather than putting their own stamp on it.

Never having read that original, I'm in no position to say whether it is or not.

What I will say, however (if it is) then so is the 2021 movie, although there are distinct visual differences between the two mediums.

This also ends in a different place, slightly earlier than the movie, with Paul and Jessica alone in the desert and before their run-in with the Fremen.

So, yes, engaging if dragging slightly in parts and well set-up for the release of Part 2 in Autumn 2022 ...
  
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ClareR (5879 KP) Apr 13, 2025

Thanks for the links 😊

Silk Road (Epic Adventure #1)
Silk Road (Epic Adventure #1)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was what I would probably term a 'chance read', in that it was by an author I knew nothing about, had never read any of their works, but same it on Amazon prime reading and thought I might as well give it a go as I was between books at the time.

I'm glad I did.

Set (initially) in the Holy Land not long after the Third Crusade, this follows Templar Knight Josseran Sarrazini as he is tasked with accompanying the Domincan Friar William as an envoy to the Mongols, just as their previous Khan dies necessitating a journey along the Silk Road of the title towards the Mongolian capital Xanadu - further than either have ever travelled before, and with new experiences for both - and just as a civil war is about to break out amongst the Mongolian nation itself over who will be next Khan.

I may read some more of Falconers's 'Epic Adventure' series in the future.
  
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BookwormMama14 (18 KP) rated Winter in Books

Jan 2, 2019  
Winter
Winter
Marissa Meyer | 2016 | Children
8
8.9 (26 Ratings)
Book Rating
Full review to come.I have really enjoyed this series. Exploring a future version of Earth where the moon in populated, there are only a handful of actual "countries", cyborgs, androids, and emperors work together to bring peace and safety to both Lunars and Earthens. However, I found Winter to be mercilessly long. That being said, this was an epic finale to The Lunar Chronicles. I am SO glad that I FINALLY read this series.

I have become quite attached to all of the characters in these books. I think Cress and Scarlet are my personal favorites...along with Thorne and Wolf. Of course, the majority of the series revolves around Cinder and she truly turns out to be a remarkable girl. Winter has MANY different perspectives, making it easy to get a little muddled, but doesn't take long to get in the flow. I think by having so many point of views of the surroundings and activities it helps fill a lot of would be gaps. This is also a contributing factor to why the book is so long. Hardcover is 827 pages in length and took me about a week to complete. To keep this review spoiler free for anyone who hasn't read the first three books, I will simply state that Winter wraps the whole story up quite nicely. And despite its length, this is a journey that I am glad I was a part of.

The Lunar Chronicles is not a Christian series and is marketed as "Young Adult". I feel that it is appropriate for this age group (and adults can enjoy it too of course!). The romance is clean and sweet. There is no foul language that I can think of. There is some violence as the wolf hybrid soldiers reign terror on Luna and Earth. Also there is a pretty epic battle to wrap everything up.

If you enjoy sci-fi and young adult fiction, I think you would enjoy this series! Check it out and let me know your thoughts!

I borrowed Winter from my local library. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.