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The Search For Synergy (The Talisman Series #1)
The Search For Synergy (The Talisman Series #1)
Brett Salter | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
9.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A teen fantasy that brings danger, myths and dragons to life.

I'm always excited to start a new series and I wasn't disappointed with this one.

Brett Salter has created two different but connected characters in Rome and Julien. Their personalities spark off of each other well and it's fun to see how they interact with each other.
    The boys both grow in confidence and experience throughout the book, whilst still keeping their individuality and sense of humour.

The Search for Synergy puts a bit of a different light on the myths of dragons and Camelot which makes me happy. It also makes me glad that it's not real, I would be so creeped out!

Not only is this the start of what looks to be a fun and interesting series but it can also be read by a broad audience. As well as being something to read alone, The Search for Synergy, could (and should) be something that is read to a group. I know I said it's a teen fantasy but I also think it would be good for kick-starting the imagination of a slightly younger reader.

 @Merissa
  
40x40

ClareR (5603 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 🙋🏼‍♀️
  
Born of Fire (Myths and Whispers #1)
Born of Fire (Myths and Whispers #1)
R.R. Carter | 2022 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
BORN OF FIRE is the first book in the Myths and Whispers series, and we start way, waaay back, with the beginning of the Myths. Then we fast-forward to the current day and Jax, a twenty-year-old carpenter who lost his parents in a tragic accident. Or was it?

Being as this is the first book, be prepared for a lot of world-building and explanations. They are done in a way so you don't really notice them, which is excellent! Jax is completely unaware of who or what he is, so we learn as he does.

Told completely from his perspective, this story has some interesting aspects. I found the latter part of the book more interesting, but I realise that the first part is absolutely necessary.

The one question I had all the way through is what about Gertie? He played chess with her all those Saturdays but then she's never mentioned again. I wanted to know more!

A great start to a new series and definitely an author to keep a lookout for. Recommended by me.

** 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Autobiography Of Red
Autobiography Of Red
Anne Carson | 1999 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Stunning poetry but unrelated to the Classics
Anne Carson is definitely among the class of rare poets, seen in this work which takes you on a journey through the medium of words. That being said, I was hoping for something a little more in time with the classical world it invokes. Despite the characters being called Geryon and Herakles, they have little in common with their mythical namesake.

Carson leaves most traces of classicism behind. That isn't necessarily bad, but it begs the question of why she uses these myths in the first place. Nevertheless, the poetry is solid and evocative, so read it without the mythologies in mind.
  
Torn ( Selfish Myths book 2)
Torn ( Selfish Myths book 2)
Natalia jaster | 2022 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
164 of 230
Kindle
Torn ( Selfish Myths book 2)
By Natalia Jaster
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

Breaking her heart is the key to my power—or my downfall.

For centuries, I've reigned as the God of Anger. Now I’m an exiled rebel. Banished from my immortal world and jilted by the love I can't forget, I prowl the human realm with a shattered soul.

That’s when I meet her.

For the life of me, I can't understand why I’m so drawn to this starry-eyed misfit called Merry. She's an outcast like me, but she’s different from anyone I’ve ever known.

And she's hiding just as many forbidden secrets as I am.

As a revolution simmers between celestial renegades and ancient rulers, I discover that Merry’s the key to my retribution. According to a dangerous legend, she alone can help me resurrect my power, reclaim my place among the magical elite—and mend my broken heart.

The price: I have to break hers in return.


This is such a unique series. I don’t think ive read anything like it before. This is following Angers story after Love becomes mortal and it’s just written in a way that’s magical reading it. I really love how these myths/gods/goddesses we know as emotions love a life of their own. The only thing that stopped it being 5 stars was in places it was possibly a bit long winded ( but only a bit).
  
Grimm  - Season 1
Grimm - Season 1
2011 | Drama
Sunk it's claws in from the first episode and never let go.
Grimm was such a unique and fun idea that when I first heard about it I just knew that not only was I going to watch but that I was going to love it and oh boy was I right,

Some of my favorite things are fairy tales and cop shows and Grimm finds such a perfect balance between the two that I stood no chance at all but to fall instantly in love.


And the fact that they take not only from fairy tales but from myths from all over the world just help to set the show apart.
  
GO
Goddess of Spring (Goddess Summoning, #2)
P.C. Cast | 2004
10
9.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Everything! (0 more)
Exceptional read
I could not put this book down once I had picked it up and I have re-read it so many times I've had to get a new copy! I loved the fresh take on the Persephone myth, it makes so much more sense in a way then the original story and is so well written that I felt everything that the main character was feeling and couldnt help but tear up at points.

If you love the Greek myths then you will not be able to forget this book! Not really suitable for younger readers but it isn't as graphic or sexual as other books I read when I was younger.
  
Goddess of Legend
Goddess of Legend
P.C. Cast | 2019
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The characters (0 more)
Inspiring
This was the 2nd book that I read in the Goddess series and it was just as good as the first one I read. I love how strong and thought out the female characters are, how they tend to be more mature women that are still finding themselves rather than the clichéd teen dramas, and the attention to detail that Cast puts into the world building.

This is a retelling of a sorts of the Legend of King Arthur and is simply brilliant. If you enjoy retellings of fairytales and myths then you really must read this series, please note that it isn't for younger readers as it has explicit content.
  
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.
  
Daughters of Sparta
Daughters of Sparta
Claire Heywood | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I had read The Shadow of Perseus first, so I knew what to expect from Daughters of Sparta, and I also knew that I was going to love it!

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!