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Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated The Silence of the Girls in Books
Apr 17, 2019
Good Retelling of The Iliad
This is a retelling of The Iliad - no need to read it however a bit of the basics of it would help you understand this book more, just for background information.
It can be a rather difficult read. Not to say it’s hard to understand, but more of the detailed subject matter. It’s shocking to read when these women are going through an era where war is prevalent, and the best outcome for them is to be a trophy, instead of a slave. (Although, those two terms are pretty much the same thing if you think about it) It’s scary, and eye opening at the same time. These women go through a lot of trauma and Briseis has it slightly better than the other women out there (which says a lot). They’re pretty much treated like cattle and nothing could be done with it. Unfortunately this is the norm during war.
The relationship between Briseis and Achilles was interesting. Despite the conqueror and war trophy titles, it develops and evolves as Achilles goes though life changing events through the novel. You do however, have a heart for Patroclus. He seemed more human and his friendship with Briseis is what might have kept her going through all this time in the book. In a sense too, she also benefited from being with Achilles (albeit, not her choice)
This is definitely word a read through if you’re interested in Greek Mythology and retellings this is worth the read, despite the slow but steady pace. The retelling of the Iliad from Briseis’ point of view is a good one.
It can be a rather difficult read. Not to say it’s hard to understand, but more of the detailed subject matter. It’s shocking to read when these women are going through an era where war is prevalent, and the best outcome for them is to be a trophy, instead of a slave. (Although, those two terms are pretty much the same thing if you think about it) It’s scary, and eye opening at the same time. These women go through a lot of trauma and Briseis has it slightly better than the other women out there (which says a lot). They’re pretty much treated like cattle and nothing could be done with it. Unfortunately this is the norm during war.
The relationship between Briseis and Achilles was interesting. Despite the conqueror and war trophy titles, it develops and evolves as Achilles goes though life changing events through the novel. You do however, have a heart for Patroclus. He seemed more human and his friendship with Briseis is what might have kept her going through all this time in the book. In a sense too, she also benefited from being with Achilles (albeit, not her choice)
This is definitely word a read through if you’re interested in Greek Mythology and retellings this is worth the read, despite the slow but steady pace. The retelling of the Iliad from Briseis’ point of view is a good one.
James Koppert (2698 KP) rated The Porpoise in Books
Oct 30, 2019
Could have been so special
The Porpoise is a difficult book to review. It is indeed an accomplished piece of work, well written, engaging and very clever. It's just a little schizophrenic. The Porpoise is the name of a boat. Well not a boat, various boats throughout time. The book begins set in modern times with a plane crash leaving a very rich man with a daughter and no mother where an unhealthy relationship begins. This is a great engrossing story, brave and strong and you become completely invested in the story and characters and just as one of them boards a boat called the porpoise it becomes a retelling of the ancient story of Pericles, a story Shakespeare also retold, and its Shakespeare's retelling that in combined in future and past. Confused? You may be. And again, his retelling of Pericles set in ancient times is expertly done, bold, extravagant and inspired. It is just that, what happened to the girl from the plane crash, and now where has Pericles daughter got to...and...and...?
I have read all three of Haddon's novels, and he is a great storyteller and this novel just feels like an opportunity missed. It's not that it's badly done, and I am sure the critics adored it but in terms of being absorbed and invested in characters that just disappear as we disappear back in time and never really giving you the meat to any of their adventures to digest, it is a little like having a gourmet meal but not filling your tummy up enough to leave your stomach satisfied.
I have read all three of Haddon's novels, and he is a great storyteller and this novel just feels like an opportunity missed. It's not that it's badly done, and I am sure the critics adored it but in terms of being absorbed and invested in characters that just disappear as we disappear back in time and never really giving you the meat to any of their adventures to digest, it is a little like having a gourmet meal but not filling your tummy up enough to leave your stomach satisfied.
Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Forty Thieves: Marjana's Tale in Books
Mar 5, 2020
It is a retelling of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves in Marjana's POV. and stays mostly with the original source material. This is a good kid's book for ages 9 and up. It does talk about slavery as both Marjana and her brother are slaves of Ali Baba's brother, and the Islam religion so it is slightly correct in its set/historic time period. It doesn't get in your face religious just lets you know it's there and helps set the cultural tone.
Deep in the Woods
Book
Deep in the woods was a little wooden house with nine neat windows and a red front door. When a...
ClareR (5784 KP) rated The Beauty of the Wolf in Books
Feb 21, 2019
A refreshingly different retelling
I rather liked this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's set in Elizabethan England, and there are some twists to the original story, which were both surprising and refreshing.
I really liked the language used: it was poetic with a good smattering of the more 'earthy' Elizabethan English (it's what we English are good at I think, isn't it!). I also liked the mix of fairytale, folklore and history. It just felt as though the author had done a bit of historical research with regards to life in London and as part of a theatrical group.
It was a good story that illustrated that what's on the inside is what really counts far more than appearances and that, I suppose, there is someone out there for everyone. Someone who will love you for yourself, regardless of what you look like - in fact, probably precisely because of what you look like.*
*This book actually caused me to check in my cynicism at the first page. And that's no bad thing in literature!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
I really liked the language used: it was poetic with a good smattering of the more 'earthy' Elizabethan English (it's what we English are good at I think, isn't it!). I also liked the mix of fairytale, folklore and history. It just felt as though the author had done a bit of historical research with regards to life in London and as part of a theatrical group.
It was a good story that illustrated that what's on the inside is what really counts far more than appearances and that, I suppose, there is someone out there for everyone. Someone who will love you for yourself, regardless of what you look like - in fact, probably precisely because of what you look like.*
*This book actually caused me to check in my cynicism at the first page. And that's no bad thing in literature!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated Snow's Seduction (A Snow White Werewolf Tale, #1) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This is supposed to be a Snow White retelling but I really couldnt see it. Regardless, its an erotic fairytale retelling which is right up my alley. Its heavy on the erotica while still having enough plot to push the story forward. Normally I would be aggravated that this story is divided into three parts but I knew that going in and already had the rest of the story so I didnt have to wait for the rest.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a menage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
All in all, definitely worth the read.
I love friends to lovers stories, especially childhood friends. I would like to say I enjoyed the premise to this story but honestly I thought it was stupid. I wish I had better word but there it is. Now you may be saying but you knew that going in! Honestly, I was hoping it was going to be a menage. I guess it was just wishful thinking, because what I got instead was the age old hey let me ask my male friend how to seduce this other male but wait my friend wants me trope.
All in all, definitely worth the read.
Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein in Books
Jan 23, 2020
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White is a retelling of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, written to commemorate the novel’s 200th anniversary. The novel follows Elizabeth Lavenza as she is first introduced to Victor Frankenstein and taken in by his family to manage his temper.
Elizabeth is a crafty protagonist who, over the years under the care of the Frankensteins, is constantly plotting and scheming. Regardless of how messed up Victor’s actions may be, White gives glimpses of moments in Elizabeth’s relationship with him where she entertains him and covers up his actions. Her survival depends on Victor, and her plots are twisted and manipulative to make sure she survives.
Kiersten White’s novel is a solid retelling that incorporates elements from Mary Shelley’s story. Although it is not necessary to read the original novel to enjoy White’s take, The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is dark and disturbing and perfect for those who enjoy a horror story with a cunning female lead.
<a href="https://60secondsmag.com/review-the-dark-descent-of-elizabeth-frankenstein/">This review is originally posted on 60 Seconds Online Magazine</a>
Elizabeth is a crafty protagonist who, over the years under the care of the Frankensteins, is constantly plotting and scheming. Regardless of how messed up Victor’s actions may be, White gives glimpses of moments in Elizabeth’s relationship with him where she entertains him and covers up his actions. Her survival depends on Victor, and her plots are twisted and manipulative to make sure she survives.
Kiersten White’s novel is a solid retelling that incorporates elements from Mary Shelley’s story. Although it is not necessary to read the original novel to enjoy White’s take, The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is dark and disturbing and perfect for those who enjoy a horror story with a cunning female lead.
<a href="https://60secondsmag.com/review-the-dark-descent-of-elizabeth-frankenstein/">This review is originally posted on 60 Seconds Online Magazine</a>
Sara Cox (1845 KP) rated The Surface Breaks in Books
May 22, 2020
Anyone that knows me, knows that I love a good retelling. And this is definitely a good retelling. The story is not dissimilar to the original; and I'm talking original Hans Christian Andersen, not Disney. Where this was happening in time was not clear but I read it as quite modern, rather than the age of horse and carriage. I really liked the back story of the little mermaid's mother and the intertwining back story of the "Prince's" father. I say "Prince" but in reality he is a rich young man due to a boating company. Like many retellings of The Little Mermaid the sea witch has a back story which takes away the perception of malice, but of a merperson wrongly outcasted and trying to help while keeping within the rules and bounds of magic. I found the different groups of merpeople really interesting, especially the creatures that now spend their days punishing men due to how they have been treated by men in their former life - a kind of revenge.
For people who like the original story and would like a slightly updated version, this is definitely the read for you!
For people who like the original story and would like a slightly updated version, this is definitely the read for you!
Between the Sea and Stars
5.5
Rate It
Book
A Legend, A Magical Shell A Girl Who Dreamed Of Something More... Lena, a Merrow girl, lives...
mermaids mythology romance retelling fairy tale retelling young adult
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Rumpelstiltskin (Timeless Fairytales 4) in Books
Apr 12, 2024
70 of 220
Kindle
Rumpelstiltskin ( Timeless Fairytales 4)
By K.M. Shea
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Things look grim for Gemma, a seamstress, when she is ordered under the threat of death by the insane King Torgen to spin straw into gold. Unwilling to forfeit her life, Gemma tries to escape her royal prison, earning her the respect of the mysterious mage, Stil. Stil offers to complete the impossible task... for a price.
Greedy and unsatisfied, King Torgen demands more and more straw to be spun into gold, and decrees that he will "reward" Gemma by marrying her. With death or marriage to a crazed king clouding her future, Stil offers Gemma a bargain that seems too good to be true.
Will Gemma's trust in Stil be her downfall, or will he defy the entire country to save her?
This was a really lovely retelling of Rumplestiltskin. It’s not a story I’ve really read much of which is why I really enjoy this series and KM Sheas work she tends to go a little puts the box. It’s a quick fun read especially if you like a retelling!
Kindle
Rumpelstiltskin ( Timeless Fairytales 4)
By K.M. Shea
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Things look grim for Gemma, a seamstress, when she is ordered under the threat of death by the insane King Torgen to spin straw into gold. Unwilling to forfeit her life, Gemma tries to escape her royal prison, earning her the respect of the mysterious mage, Stil. Stil offers to complete the impossible task... for a price.
Greedy and unsatisfied, King Torgen demands more and more straw to be spun into gold, and decrees that he will "reward" Gemma by marrying her. With death or marriage to a crazed king clouding her future, Stil offers Gemma a bargain that seems too good to be true.
Will Gemma's trust in Stil be her downfall, or will he defy the entire country to save her?
This was a really lovely retelling of Rumplestiltskin. It’s not a story I’ve really read much of which is why I really enjoy this series and KM Sheas work she tends to go a little puts the box. It’s a quick fun read especially if you like a retelling!