ClareR (6253 KP) rated Daughters of Sparta in Books
May 21, 2023
First of all, these books read as historical fiction, NOT as myths. There are no gods or goddesses intervening in the lives of mortals, messing it all up. The mortals are all perfectly capable of doing that themselves.
Secondly, the women are strong in the context of the time they live in, not by our modern standards. Women were completely reliant on their husbands and families; sold off to the men who would most benefit their fathers. As is the case with Klytemnestra (spelt with a ‘K’ here, but it can be a ‘C’ as well!) and Helen.
To be fair, both women have a lot about them. Klytemnestra commits the ultimate two fingered salute to her husband, and Helen removes herself from the possibility of dying in childbirth. There’s also the fact that Helen seems to be constantly searching for affection and love. Denied both by her mother, she doesn’t get those things from her husband either, probably because they never get to know one another. And Paris certainly doesn’t show her love or affection once they get to Troy. She must feel supremely uncomfortable around the other women in Troy once the Greeks turn up and start killing all of their husbands.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the Greek myths where the gods are involved, but I really like this version too. Really very enjoyable, I raced through this book. I’m hoping that Claire Heywood has another retelling in the pipeline!
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4) in Books
Jul 5, 2018
You're always so cute and funny to read but still not that super awesome of a book. Always disappointed at the end when I finish, but super quick reads so I don't feel bad about it either way.
Grover is always my favourite character to read and now Tyson added to that list as well - again with the secondaries. The story was fun, the historyness of the gods is always fun to read or whatnot but still nothing to write home about.
2.5 lovely stars for you Percy, perhaps you shall surprise me with book 5.....................................................
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Tempests and Slaughter: the Numair Chronicles Book 1 in Books
Nov 30, 2018
I would recommend to pre-teens and older however, suggest that parent's read first because male puberty is discussed. Also discussed is Bullying, slavery, death, learning mage craft, political intrigue, friendship, love, gods, war. and has a few graphic fighting and healing scenes. A fast-paced read that has world building to reacquaint people to known characters. it does have an abrupt ending but I'm also selfish in I didn't want the book to end.
David McK (3835 KP) rated American Gods in Books
Jan 28, 2019
Written by an English-man now living in America, I'm aware that this has won numerous awards and is on the top of many peoples favourite reads, but for me? Not so much.
I found it tedious, dull, and un-involving, with the idea of new and old Gods fighting it out itself done better (and more enjoyably) elsewhere.
I'm sorry, but I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who asked for a Neil Gaiman book, pointing them instead towards the far superior (IMO) [b:Stardust|16793|Stardust|Neil Gaiman|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328433738s/16793.jpg|3166179] or (even better!) [b:Good Omens|12067|Good Omens The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch|Terry Pratchett|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392528568s/12067.jpg|4110990].
Death is but a Dream
8.0
Rate It
Book
Caught between life and death, all Callie wants is to live again. Homicide detective Callie...
Fantasy sci-fi mythology
The Mysterious World of Cats: The Ultimate Gift Book for People Who are Bonkers About Their Cat
Book
'In ancient times cats were worshipped a gods; they have not forgotten this.' Terry Pratchett Herbie...
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aztec & Maya: The History, Legend, Myth and Culture of the Ancient Native Peoples of Mexico and Central America
Book
This book offers an examination of the history, myths and legends of the peoples of Mesoamerica...
Percy Jackson and the Greek Heroes
8.0
Rate It
Book
IF YOU LIKE POISONINGS, BETRAYALS, MUTILATIONS, MURDERS AND FLESH-EATING FARMYARD ANIMALS, KEEP...
Purple Hibiscus: A Novel
Book
The limits of fifteen-year-old Kambili's world are defined by the high walls of her family estate...
A Promise of Fire
9.5
Rate It
Book
Catalia "Cat" Fisa lives disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus. She is perfectly content...