Gina Lucia

  The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi swept me away with its delightful narration style. It's filled with charm and personality. Perfectly suited for the audiobook format that I enjoyed.
What stood out the most was the brilliant dialogue, which crackled with wit and humor. Amina's character development felt genuine and satisfying, and the comedic moments sprinkled throughout were perfect.
Plus, the world-building was immersive and well-crafted, transporting me effortlessly to the vibrant settings of Amina's adventures.
Overall, this book is a perfect blend of entertainment. I loved every moment of it.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 
 

  Hera dives deep into power, manipulation, and the messy relationships of the Greek gods. It's a fresh take on Hera, and boy, does Jennifer Saint make you feel it.
This book isn't always a breeze. Seeing Hera go from fierce warrior goddess to who she becomes is tough - it's heartbreaking and frustrating, but Jennifer Saint tells it well.
She nails how Zeus pulls Hera's strings with chilling precision. Their dynamic is like watching a train wreck - you can't look away.
The way Saint threads together all these tales into one story is pretty impressive too. She moves smoothly from one myth to the next, keeping you hooked throughout.
However, some parts did drag a bit. The gods, especially Hera, felt a bit distant at times, which made their dealings with mortals feel rushed. I guess that's the trade-off between immortal lives and mortal ones.
While I liked this fresh angle on Hera, I was hoping for more of her legendary wrath and cruelty. Her subdued portrayal left me wanting more fire and brimstone.
Overall, Hera is a popcorn-eating deep dive into divine drama. Jennifer Saint's take on Hera is thought-provoking and adds much-needed layers to her character, even if it left me craving a bit more of that divine fury.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 
 

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is cosy fantasy at its best. 
It's a beautiful, low-stakes story that's completely easy to devour in a day, depending on how quickly you read.
The fantasy elements are perfectly blended with the beautiful developing relationships. I honestly loved pretty much every second.
It was so close to 5 stars but there was one part of the story I found to be a bit unbelievable. 
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt   

  Bad Girls of Ancient Greece is a witty, funny, and thoughtful guide on the women who make Greek Mythology - well, great!
I absolutely loved the vibes of this book. It's completely accessible, so if you want to learn about some of the stories featuring women in Greek Mythology, this is a great place to start.
It's self-aware, brilliant, well-written, and filled with comedy. Lizzy Tiffin has done a great job of telling each story in a way that doesn't drag, or leave you feeling tired. Instead, she makes it easy to fly through each story and absorb them with ease.
Thank you Harper North, for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 
 

  The Song of Achilles was just as impactful the second time around. Miller's retelling is a masterpiece, beautifully crafted and deeply moving.
Miller's writing is simply stunning. She has this incredible ability to capture the raw complexity of her characters with such authenticity, even considering the divine nature of some of them.
I found myself reaching for my notes more times than I can count. Seriously, this book is like the ultimate annotating material. It was a joy to take it slow and absorb every delicious description.
The romance is sweet and tender despite the realities of their situation. I especially appreciated how it focuses on these relationships, as well as others, rather than the ins and outs of war. Instead of a dull and plodding account, it becomes something a lot more deep.
On my second read-through, I noticed so much foreshadowing woven throughout. It added a whole new layer of depth and emotion, making the experience even more moving, knowing what was to come.
I gave this 4 stars in my first readthrough, but after my second, I'm bumping it up to 5.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt   

Soul of the Deep and the Skin of the Sea duology, in general, was a fun, tense, and informative dive into West African mythology and history.
This second book continued with some much-loved characters and took them on a winding and perilous adventure, which was quite the ride. I loved the sheer amount that was fit into this book, the diversity of mythical creatures, deities, and characters was pretty cool. 
However, I do think this is why the second book didn't quite hit the same mark as the first. It felt like we were dragged from one event to the other without too much rest or room for character development.
Having said that, I still had a lot of fun. If you're looking for fantasy that's unlike anything you've encountered so far, give this duology a shot.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel

  My Neighbor Totoro: The Novel is freakin' adorable and very much like the film but with the added bonus of seeing a little more into the minds of the characters.
Loved the film in the first place but now I have a newfound appreciation for the story.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel
 

  Orphia and Eurydicius is a great concept that's pretty well executed. It's just not my cup of tea.
If you're expecting a gritty retelling, this isn't it. Orphia and Eurydicius takes a more light-hearted approach, with some solid representation and a great message woven in.
It leans heavily on feminism and equality in gender (and sexuality). While it does this pretty well, sometimes it's a little too on the nose. Perhaps a little too forced. I'm all for this in a myth retelling (in fact, I look for it), but this just didn't feel real.
Throughout the book, I felt a disconnect between being told Orphia's music and poetry are divine and actually believing it. 
This is always going to be hard to achieve, especially when it comes to the arts. But because we're rarely shown her poetry, it makes it hard to feel anything because of it.
It made huge and impactful scenes, well, lack impact. 
I feel this could have been avoided with a shift in perspective. The entire book is in first person, which makes some of the scenes feel like bragging. We almost need an outside witness to describe them instead.
Overall, Orphia and Eurydicius is a fun ride that's very easy to read. While it may not have worked for me, it may be just the Greek myth retelling you need.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 
 

  Ahhhh, what a perfect end to a delicious duology. Rebecca Ross can do no wrong.
A Fire Endless is the second book in the Elements of Cadence series, and I'm going to say it: it was even better than the first (which I also gave 5 stars!)
Ross's lyrical prose has an amazing way of forcing you to slow down and savour some really sweet and beautiful moments. 
On the other hand, she knows when to speed you up, focusing on dialogue-heavy, character-driven scenes when you need it. It's a delicate balance that's perfectly executed. 
Character growth and relationships are honestly where Ross shines. I fell in love with pretty much every character. You can't help but find yourself rooting for their relationships and invested in their every move.
And speaking of relationships, they're portrayed with such subtlety and realism. They feel like people you might know, and yet, you get to peek into their lives just a little bit more. 
A Fire Endless is a perfect example of why duologies are my series length of choice. It's pure perfection from start to finish. 
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 
 

The Women of Troy had a lot to live up to. The Silence of the Girls is probably my favourite Greek Myth retelling to date, and I've read a lot of them. So, did it hit the mark? Well, almost.
This book continues the brilliant, easy writing style of The Silence of the Girls. It's gritty, hard-hitting, and raw.
The focus of the book? Digging deep into emotions, memories, and each character's internal struggles in the aftermath of the Trojan War. 
For this reason, the book is slow. We witness smaller decisions and politics that, while still life-changing, take a little longer to unveil. I liked that about it. 
The fallout of a war is complicated, and how characters navigate that new world is even more so. Our focus on mostly women in this book makes it all the more interesting.
I have, however, rated this book lower than The Silence of the Girls for two reasons. There's some fatphobia in there that didn't sit right with me, and the use of a certain word felt totally unnecessary. Some editing and minor character changes/dialogue could've easily fixed those issues.
Aside from these, the way Pat Barker shows us these incredibly complicated characters was honestly a joy. I'm ready for the probably gut-wrenching final book.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 
 

Thank you Angry Robot Books, for my advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really, really wanted to love this book, and honestly, I did... at first.
The first few chapters of These Deathless Shores pull you in. They twist and turn the story of Peter Pan, adding just the right level of mystery and darkness with a slow reveal. I was loving it.
This book is essentially a gender-bent Hook origin story with a little darkness. I'm going to be honest though, the darkness mostly comes from the characters themselves and their various addictions. 
I'm not sure this was handled well. It's sensitive, sure, but it's also incredibly repetitive and tiring. This, rather than the plot, was the central point in the story and that honestly, isn't enough for me.
The romantic relationships in the book also left much to be desired. They felt toxic and unhealthy, making it hard to root for anyone involved.
One aspect that particularly frustrated me was the lack of visual descriptions of the characters. It made it difficult to picture them in my mind, especially Peter, leaving me to rely on visuals from other media.
This is also an issue when it comes to atmosphere and world-building. It felt like the author was relying heavily on our preconceived notions of Neverland rather than fully immersing us in the world.
These Deathless Shores is filled with lyrical prose. If you love that as a writing technique, you may well enjoy this book more than I did. For me, lyrical prose is hard to get through when coupled with a slow pace, repetitive themes, and hard-to-love characters.
If you're a Peter Pan fan, it's worth giving this book a go regardless. It may work for you, even if it didn't work for me.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 
 

 I gotta say, this book doesn't hold back - it's brutally honest and dark, making it kinda tough to fully connect with the main character, Rin.
As our main protagonist and antihero (the whole book is pretty much from her perspective), she's hard to love. I know this was intentional. Her purpose isn't to make us love her, it's to teach us something about war.
While it achieves this, it does get stuck in a loop. Rin seems to be going over the same struggles and thoughts without much progress, which can feel a bit repetitive after a while. At times, I felt my brain drifting off as she came to the same conclusion over and over again.
The power dynamics in the story constantly shift, which adds to the complexity - but it can also feel messy and overwhelming at times. 
And when it comes to the big climactic moments? I gotta admit, I felt kinda detached. Like, I was expecting this big emotional punch, but it just didn't hit me the way I thought it would. But maybe that was the point - to show how you can become desensitised to war. In which case, nice work R.F. Kuang.
The Burning God, and The Poppy War series is a challenging read. It's not always easy to digest, but the honesty and depth of the storytelling are absolutely worth it. While this last book didn't quite hit like the first two for me, I'm absolutely happy I took the time to get through it.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 

 Right from the intro, I could tell this book was going to be a fascinating journey through ancient history with a feminist twist - and I was absolutely hooked.
I mean, who could say no to the scandalous story of Messalina, one of the most controversial women to have inhabited the Roman world?
This book reads like an academic version of The Tudors series. Full of drama, court intrigue, and lots of corruption. What more could you want?
The writing style was the perfect balance between being easy to read and informative, with just the right amount of personality to keep things lively.
However, I found myself slightly frustrated at times. While we get a glimpse into Messalina's world, the focus often shifts to the people around her, leaving me wanting more of Messalina herself.
I couldn't help but wish for more insight from the author throughout the book too. Perhaps it was too subtle, but I longed for her perspective to shine through a bit more.
Honestly, while I wanted a bit more oomph, as far as a non-fiction historical fiction book goes, it's one of the best I've ever read.

Thank you so the author herself for sending me a review copy of this book.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 

 Spells for Forgetting is a slow, rambling cozy mystery, sprinkled with just a touch of fantasy. It's the kind of book you can curl up with on a rainy day.
This book is dripping with atmosphere - it's like you're transported to another world with every turn of the page. And despite the rich atmosphere, it's surprisingly easy to read.
The small-town vibes in this book remind me of A River Enchanted, but with a twist of small town politics woven in alongside the fantasy elements. The fantasy aspect is subtle, like an undercurrent waiting to surge to the surface.
Spells for Forgetting is a brilliant winding road of a book that's an absolute joy to read. If you're in the mood for a cozy mystery with a hint of fantasy, this one's for you.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt   

  Lilith offers a unique take on biblical mythology, but it's not without its flaws. While the language and storytelling are fantastic, there are moments of disconnect that detract from the overall experience.
The language in this book flips between biblical and modern. There are moments when it really works, adding depth to the story, but there are also times when it throws you off a bit.
As for the character of Lilith, there was a disconnect between her divine-like nature and my ability to truly experience her story. It often feels like we're being told her story rather than fully immersing ourselves in it.
The latter half of the book does drag a bit, which is understandable given the vast expanse of Lilith's long life. There's a lot to cover, and it can feel a bit overwhelming. 
In general, I loved the feel of this book. It gave me a taste for biblical mythology in the style of Greek retellings, which was fun. But the overall story structure and message didn't quite hit the mark for me.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 

I didn't expect to feel so much in such a short burst of story, but I did.

The artwork is gorgeous, colourful, and expressive. The story itself is mythology woven with modern-day to create something relatable and otherworldly all at the same time.

A delicious combination, and I want more.

For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt

Is it possible to have so many retellings of The Battle of Troy and have them all be different?
Yes, okay? So keep them coming!
I wasn't expecting to enjoy Horses of Fire as much as I did. The battle and build-up to it are so vast and encompass so many characters, you could easily get lost in it.
But with this book, it simply isn't possible because the main focus isn't the battle. It's the characters.
The three women Horses of Fire focuses on are each unique, complex, and distinctive. Not an easy feat when their stories are so interwoven. 
I listened to the audiobook, which likely helped with their individual voices (literally). But regardless, I couldn't help but love each one - even with their flaws.
This book contains one of my favourite forms of writing - character-focused world-building. You get a scope and feel for the location through the characters. They tell us how it feels to be there, they show us what they see and what to make of it - I love that.
This book doesn't let up, you're given very brief rests in between a lot of intensity, so bear that in mind. But honestly, I'm convinced. A.D. Rhine, sign me up for the next one!
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt

I've been craving exactly this type of Norse Mythology retelling for such a long time, and now that I have it, I couldn't be more thrilled.
Instead of seeing the story of Ragnarok from a male god or character's perspective. We get to see it unfold through the eyes of Sigyn. A character that Cat Rector has perfected into one that's relatable, strong, and full of feminine rage. 
If you love feminine rage in Greek Myth retellings and have been seeking that out in your Norse books - this is it guys!
The writing style is effortless, making it easy to get lost in the story. But what really stands out are the characters - they're front and center, driving the story forward, and everything else flows around them seamlessly. I had an absolute blast immersing myself in their world.
The Goddess of Nothing at all is absolutely fantastic. I loved every moment of this long and winding journey, and what's even better, there's queer rep throughout.
If you're a fan of Norse Mythology, but want a different perspective, or you're a fan of myth retellings that focus on women, this book is a must-read.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt

 The stories within Furies are a mixed bag, as they often are with collections. So take my thoughts here with a pinch of salt. Some were really enjoyable, leaving me wanting more, while others fell a bit flat. 
What I did appreciate, though, was the diversity of women and stories within the collection. Each one offers a new experience, which is rewarding in its own right. I enjoyed that
However, this variety in styles, genres, and tone does leave the collection feeling a bit disjointed. I'm not sure if that really matters, but it made the flow from one story to the other a little difficult. 
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 

If you're looking for an introduction to African mythology that's beautifully-written and emotional, this is it.
First off, I have to say that I absolutely love the portrayal of the orisha in this book. They're depicted as divine and otherworldly, yet still maintain a sense of humanity - a perfect balance that keeps you on your toes and adds layers of depth to the story.
I adored the inclusion of additional African mythology throughout the narrative. It's beautifully written and incredibly immersive, adding richness and authenticity to the world the author has created.
The writing itself is intense, emotional, and undeniably beautiful. It draws you in from the very first page and doesn't let go until the very end.
And don't even get me started on the author's note - it's a gem worth reading. Not only does it provide valuable context and insight, but it also showcases the inspiration behind the story and solidifies the mythology within the book.
Can't wait to read the next one.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt

 The Gilded Ones is a fantastic read that excels in both world-building and character development. If you're in the mood for a thrilling fantasy adventure with a strong protagonist and a richly crafted magical world, look no further.
I have to commend the exceptional world-building and magic system in this book. It's truly remarkable how the author gradually builds and reveals the intricacies of the world and its magic alongside the main character - it's perfection.
I thoroughly enjoyed the protagonist's journey and character development. It's a gradual and complex process, which only serves to make her more relatable and engaging. As she navigates through challenges and discoveries, we're right there with her, rooting for her every step of the way.
I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to get stuck into the next book in the series.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt   

 Love in Colour is a delightful collection that offers a diverse range of love stories, each with its own unique charm. If you're in the mood for some heartwarming tales that'll leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, this book is definitely worth picking up.
I absolutely loved each short story in this collection. They feel complete, like little nuggets of emotion packed into a short space of time. It's so easy to get lost in each story, to immerse yourself in the world the author creates.
Maybe I haven't read enough romance, but each one feels refreshingly different. The characters are so distinct from each other that I could easily drop out of one story and flow right into the next without missing a beat.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt   

  The Deep is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of history and humanity in a deeply moving way.
I was immediately drawn in by the story's atmosphere - it's incredibly immersive and gripping right from the start. It eases you into its world before taking you on an emotional rollercoaster.
The Deep is a beautifully haunting tale that forces you to confront the harsh realities of slavery while also offering a glimpse of hope for healing and growth.
Throughout the novella, it delves into themes of generational trauma, memory, and the search for belonging, making it a deeply thought-provoking read.
The writing style is dark and lyrical, which I found intense in the best possible way. Despite its shorter length, the story packs a powerful punch. I won't be forgetting this read.
As a bonus, I highly recommend reading the afterward, as it offers insights into the creation of The Deep.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt 

 Antigone Rising is an inclusive and thought-provoking read that's well worth your time.
This book is a brilliant example of inclusive feminism at its finest. If you're looking for something that hits all the marks and leaves you fired up, this is it.
While most of the book leans towards anecdotal thoughts rather than heavy research, Morales's inclusion of personal stories, including her own and those of her daughter, adds an intimate touch to the book. It makes the whole experience feel both personal and relevant. Which I enjoyed.
Of course let's not forget about the mythology references. I very much enjoyed the comparisons of modern-day justice to ancient myth. It gave each chapter weight and a new perspective that personally worked well for me.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt   

  I'm going to be honest, it took me a while to get into this book. But once I did, I raced through.
We'll get one thing out of the way first. Yes, this book is spicy. If it weren't for the Greek Myth themes, I probably wouldn't have picked it up. I'm not really mad about that though.
So let's get into the plot. The concept of the 13 and their position in the world was pretty confusing to me. It takes a backseat to the spice in the book, which is probably why it doesn't have time to develop. But in general, I'd love some more world-building.
I also got the ick from a few questionable bits of dialogue and actions. Some red flags were raised. Look at the content warnings if you want specifics. 
It's hard to suspend disbelief when the characters in this world aren't actually Greek deities. Instead, they're kind of normal people, just with a lot of power and money.
Aside from that, Neon Gods offers a fun ride. It's fast-paced and entertaining, and you can get lost in it pretty quickly. A good read if you can set aside misgivings and let go.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt