Gina Lucia
Yes to this retelling. Yes, yes, yes.
If you ever read a Hades x Persephone retelling, let it be this one.
This book doesn't just tell the story of these two characters well, it also weaves in themes of consent, parental expectation, power, toxic masculinity, and the reasons why people make the choices they do.
Greek Myth always has lessons woven into the story, and this retelling adds to that and makes it modern. All with a twist of humour.
Honestly, I had chills multiple times reading this one. Seeing retellings from the perspective of the gods is always a joy for me, and Bea did such a fantastic job.
I wish there was more. I've never finished a retelling and felt desperate for a follow-up, but this one did it. Their story will have to continue on in my mind instead.
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Psyche and Eros confused me.
On the one hand, it's beautifully written. Every character has personality, the plot moves swiftly, and the descriptions are flawless. It's great writing that I honestly enjoyed.
On the other hand, and this is explicitly said in the book's marketing, it takes some liberties with myth. Essentially, the author transports Psyche to a different point in time altogether, so she slots into the story before the Trojan War.
Because of this, significant parts of the story have to change to slot Psyche into it. I do understand the choice, though. Without doing it, there's a lot about Psyche's life the author would have to build. After all, this is a retelling, not an inspired-by, so a story needs to be retold, not created.
But there were a few choices that bothered me. There are reasons why some of the characters behave the way they do, but when you remove parts of their backstory to slot another character in, it removes some of the impact.
Eros also had some changes, but he's a God, so I'm less bothered about that.
I did like it though, despite all this. Which is why I'm so torn. I honestly hope the author continues to write Greek Myth because I can see the potential.
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I was excited by the prospect of Daughters of Sparta because it tells the dual stories of both Klytemnestra and Helen (of Troy). But for a few reasons, the execution just didn't work for me.
Note: All the opinions below are coming from my personal experience as a lover of Greek Myth. In particular, I'm a fan of retellings that have a feminist edge.
2.5 stars
Here's what I'm after in a Klytemnestra novel:
A slow build of feminine rage, some empowerment, but ultimately a complicated character who battles with her Spartan upbringing and the life she's forced to endure.
This book didn't really give me any of that. Klytemnestra (and Helen) are modest, subdued, and sad throughout. There are only a few occasions they show any kind of defiance. But by the time this appears, it feels too late. We've already had to endure too many chapters of cringe-worthy subservience. Something I'm not really interested in reading unless it quickly shifts into something more empowering.
Daughters of Sparta goes for a more ‘realistic' take on what it might have been like for women back then. But in doing so, it fails to give the sisters any kind of personality or agency. Which is a shame.
The writing is fluid, quick, and easy to read, especially at the start. But the monotony of the sisters' daily lives makes even this feel a bit of a slog.
If you're not bothered by the lack of empowerment in this novel, then give it a go. But if you're looking for the feminine rage of Klytemnestra, I would look elsewhere.
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Another Clytemnestra novel, and I'm here for it! I thought I'd get tired of this story, but that's the beauty of retellings. Each one is different.
Costanza Casati has done a fantastic job of not only telling Clytemnestra's story from the beginning but Helen's too. In fact, it touches upon a part of Helen's story that I've not come across in a retelling yet - her unfortunate encounter with Theseus.
One of the things I love most about retellings is when they go deep with one or two characters, rather than spread across too many. This one did this very well.
Especially when it comes to the two sisters, their upbringing and lives are filled with trauma, so knowing this allows us to understand them better as readers.
Constanza's writing is easy, fluid, and fast, making Clytemnestra a quick read. If you want an injection of feminine rage, give this one a go.
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Children of Blood and Bone is a deep dive into a world soaked in West African culture and mythology.
Adeyemi knows how to keep you on your toes, switching between characters so smoothly that you barely have time to catch your breath. Sure, there are some familiar tropes, but just when you think you've got it all figured out, she throws in a curveball that stops you in your tracks.
The characters in this book? They're flawed. They mess up, but that's what makes them so relatable. And the action scenes - they're intense.
This isn't a book for the squeamish. There's a lot of blood, a lot of violence, and a lot of heartbreak. But somehow, amidst all the chaos, Adeyemi's writing shines through. It's raw and powerful.
This isn't just another YA fantasy book. It's a hard-hitting commentary on the struggles and oppression people of colour have faced for centuries. It's a book that makes you think, that makes you feel, and that stays with you long after you've finished reading.
Children of Blood and Bone is a testament to Adeyemi's talent as a storyteller. It's like she's inviting you into her world, showing you the good, the bad, and the ugly, and making you feel every single emotion along the way.
It's a book that celebrates culture, that highlights societal struggles and reminds us of the power of hope and resilience. Well worth a read.
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This book might not have been my perfect match, but it could very well be yours!
In the beginning, the book grabbed me. It launched with promise, piquing my interest and setting me up for a thrilling ride. But as I kept reading, it began to feel like a drag - the pace got slower, and the spark started to fade.
A series should keep its reader hooked from cover to cover, not just drop a bombshell of action in the final act to set up the sequel. Don't get me wrong, I'm here for an explosive climax, but the rest of the journey should be just as good.
Our protagonist is a tangled web of mystery. This is a character with a heavy dose of complexity, yet her decisions left me scratching my head. She's painted as a logical thinker, yet her choices often felt out of sync with that. To be frank, the disconnect was a little frustrating.
Even though this book and I didn't quite click, there's no denying the craftsmanship in the writing. I just don't think I'll continue to read the series.
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Let me tell you. Fourth Wing doesn't mess around. It throws you straight into the action, dropping you into a plot so tense and hurried, it's got your heart pounding from the beginning.
We're talking zero faffing around here - no unnecessary in-betweens or tiresome filler. It's all about racing to the next juicy plot twist, keeping you on the edge, turning page after page in a reading binge you won't be able to stop.
Yarros is a crafty genius when it comes to world-building. She feeds us morsels of information in a really clever way. It's sneakily sprinkled, making even the potentially dreariest info dump into an absolute pleasure.
And, yes, I confess - I'm on the hype train. The last time I felt such exhilaration from a book, I was probably sneaking a torch under my blanket on a school night. I was so heart-beatingly absorbed in Fourth Wing. It was like a time warp to my younger years.
Incredibly well done, Rebecca Yarros. You've crafted a thrilling ride that kept me on my toes, and I've already pre-ordered the next one!
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Clytemnestra's Bind by Susan C. Wilson is a heavy hitter. This isn't your light-hearted frolic through mythology - it's raw, it's real, and it pulls no punches.
Imagine a mythological story that trades the usual sugarcoating for a gritty, unfiltered dive into reality. If that's your kind of read, you're in for a treat.
Instead of juggling perspectives from a horde of characters, Wilson opts for a cleaner approach because we hear from Clytemnestra alone. From the get-go to the endgame, it's her story only.
Clytemnestra as a character is far from perfect, but that's precisely what makes her so compelling. The story teases the reasons behind her decisions, her internal battles, and the struggles that mark her journey.
There's a feminist undertone running through the narrative, but it never overshadows the harsh realities of Clytemnestra's life.
Clytemnestra's Bind is a heavy-duty read that cuts through the fluff. It's a ride through the murkier depths of mythology.
So, if you're ready to ditch the comfort of the familiar for a more gritty rendition of ancient times, this is your cue.
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Suppose you've ever gotten lost in the endearing, whimsical fantasy of a video game world, where every turn unveils something adorable yet vibrant. In that case, you'll find yourself right at home within the pages of this book.
Imagine a fantasy that's sprinkled with delightful cheesiness, one that doesn't shy away from being blatantly obvious – and somehow, it really works!
The plot? Well, it's crystal clear from the get-go (really on the nose). But trust me when I say it's not an issue. Instead, it adds an element of pure sweetness that's kind of irresistible.
The entire book triggers a wave of nostalgia for me. It reminds me of those childhood days spent exchanging letters with pen pals. I'm going to say it again. It's sweet.
Despite the seemingly straightforward story, the fantasy world the author has created is anything but simple. I kinda want to know and read more. For a book that has romance as the clear focus, the fantasy element is done really well.
It's a beautifully balanced tale with a soft spot for romance at its core. And guess what? I'm wholeheartedly recommending it.
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Ava's world was shattered when a vampire took her mum's life. Now, she's a foster kid with a mission - revenge. But with no vampires in sight for a decade, she's losing hope.
Until one day, she stumbles onto a secret magic show run by an ancient magical society that offers her a chance to learn. But there's a catch - she must prove herself in a dangerous competition where reality is as elusive as the vampires she hunts.
This book starts off pretty intense, more than I thought it would. It talks about vampires and hunters in a way that's a bit hard to believe. The idea of living forever because of a wristband seems weird and makes the magic system in this book seem like it could be full of holes.
This is a young adult book with a lot of romance, so there's a love triangle that you can see coming from a mile away. It's not a bad thing, though. If you like that kind of thing, then you'll really enjoy this book.
The only thing is the romance seems to take away some of the main character's personality. She starts off sassy and full of depth, but she loses some of that as the book goes on.
I did like that the book made you think about some moral questions throughout. I honestly wasn't expecting that. It's not as simple or surface-level as it seems.
All in all, it's a fun read and a good pick if you're looking for something light and entertaining to take your mind off things.
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Kiva Meridan, a 17-year-old prison healer, is stuck in the terrifying Zalindov prison. Her mission? Keep the dying Rebel Queen alive.
Kiva takes on the perilous elemental Trial by Ordeal herself, hoping to free them both. But with a deadly plague, a mysterious inmate, and a prison uprising, it looks like Kiva's challenges are far from over!
The Prison Healer is one of those YA fantasy books that delivers both by keeping you on the edge of your seat and being predictable enough to make it weirdly engaging.
Honestly, I hate to compare books, but I got the same vibe I did while reading The Hunger Games. It has that perfect blend of grim and dark, mixed with action, twists, and turns. It was a seriously fun read.
I particularly liked the closed-in nature of the book. Due to the single perspective and nature of the location, it gives us plenty of time to get to know the small cast of characters.
As for the male character, you can tell he's written by a woman, but it works in this case. While the plot might be somewhat predictable, the writing is really well done, and I'm already onto the next!
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Nestled within a whimsical treehouse, an eclectic family of three robots and their human buddy, Victor, thrive in secrecy. Things take a dramatic turn when Victor breathes life into Hap, a peculiar android with a chilling history.
One day, their cover is blown, leading to the capture of their beloved robotic patriarch, Gio. Braving a treacherous world, the family embarks on a daring rescue mission like no other.
Oh, how Klune's latest gem had me hooked from the start! The opening was like snuggling into a warm blanket of coziness, just what I needed.
Klune's knack for weaving relationships into the fabric of his stories stole my heart. That slow-burning build-up? Totally worth it.
It let me savor the characters' growth and soak in the story. Before I knew it, I found myself falling head over heels for the quirky companions and their oh-so-relevant humor.
The dialogue? Brilliant! Klune truly is a master of conversation. Vic's thoughts, tinged with android-like nuances, were perfect. It's a two-way street, as Vic's humanity influences his robotic family too.
This book is an absolute delight. While it's different from his previous work (being sci-fi and all), it didn't disappoint.
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Rin, an underestimated war orphan, stuns everyone by acing the Keju and entering the prestigious Sinegard. Facing discrimination, she unexpectedly discovers her hidden abilities. As tensions rise, Rin's powers take center stage, leaving her to grapple with the consequences.
Kuang's exceptional novel absolutely blew me away! She has a gift for creating incredibly real and relatable characters that reside in a fully realised and fleshed-out world.
As someone who usually prefers shorter books, I was surprised at how captivated I was by the novel's length, detail, and world-building. Honestly, it could have been even longer and I wouldn't have minded.
Be prepared, though. The story is traumatic and doesn't hold back. It's not for the faint of heart, but this raw intensity only gripped me further. Trust me. It's worth it. I was completely engrossed in the final 100 pages, unable to put it down.
This book is nothing short of explosive, impactful, emotional, gripping, and brilliant. If you're looking for a read that will make you feel every emotion, this is it. Kuang's storytelling is outstanding, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
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This is one of those books that if you need the advice within the book, it's fantastic. If you don't, don't bother.
I found it incredibly helpful and encouraging at a time in my life where I'm struggling with balance, growth, and in a reflective state of mind.
Having said this, like a lot of personal development books, it touches on a lot of different key concepts without going into too many details. I almost wish the book focused on 2 of these and gave us more. Knowing why something works is great, but learning how to implement it is just as important.
Either way, I've already passed it onto the next person who I know needs to read it too.
Lindridge Hall is hiding a sinister secret, one that comes to light when no-nonsense Jane Shoringfield ties the knot with the mysterious Dr. Augustine.
Caught in the manor on their wedding night, Jane stumbles upon her husband's paranoid side and can't shake the feeling that something is seriously off with both Augustine and their home.
Picture dark academia crashing into a witchy gothic fantasy-ish, and bam, you've got The Death of Jane Lawrence.
This book keeps you guessing - is all this craziness just in the character's head or is it for real? The story gets more and more intense as it unfolds, with haunting and gruesome twists that'll have you questioning every moment.
Okay, so it does slow down a bit at times, making you kinda wait for the end. But hang in there, because it picks up again and takes you to some wild, unexpected places.
With creepy rituals, horror, and some seriously morbid stuff, this book has a way of keeping you glued, even if it gets a bit uncomfortable.
After finishing the book, I'm still scratching my head about what I just read, and I bet that's exactly what the author intended.
So, if you're in the mood to shake up your usual fantasy binge, give The Death of Jane Lawrence a whirl and brace yourself for a ride.
Thank you to Titan Books for my copy of The Death of Jane Lawrence in exchange for this impartial review.
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A mark on Lan's arm conceals a secret that could change everything, leading her to Zen, a magician from the mysterious Last Kingdom.
Together, they navigate a world of hidden magic and ancient mythology, seeking answers in the pine forests and misty mountains, where an order of practitioning masters conspires against the oppressive Elantian regime.
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night is an enchanting read that had me hooked from the get-go. The writing is spot on, and the portrayal of trauma in the opening chapters is so raw and real that it hits you right in the face.
The story has that classic hero's journey vibe but with a little twist, making it a bit predictable but still entertaining. The world-building? Absolutely fascinating! The different regions, the magic system, and the magical school are all so well-crafted that I was completely immersed.
The two perspectives in the book are like two sides of the same coin – morally similar yet with different experiences, and they just mesh so well together. The writing is gorgeously descriptive and atmospheric, but it doesn't drag – it's just my cup of tea.
The only hiccup? It feels like the author packed an entire trilogy into one book. With so much happening and so many relationships to explore, I wish it had been stretched out over at least two books, giving us more time to enjoy the characters and their world.
All in all, Song of Silver, Flame Like Night is a delightful, captivating read that'll leave you craving more.
Rating: 3.75/5
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I needed a pep talk and was hoping this book was it. But it's just filled with surface-level advice about crap that most people know doesn't matter anyway.
It doesn't go deep enough, it barely scratches the surface.
Plus, it focuses way too much on social situations, obligations, and commitments. Rather than anything that's really going on in your mind.
You may rethink your cousin's wedding after reading this, but your in-built people-pleasing ways won't change at all because it doesn't address that at all.
No science, no psychology, just a rambling blog-post style book you can read in a day.
Under the Whispering Door kicks off like a modern retelling of Scrooge, with a somewhat cliché start. This seems like a common thread while I've been reading TJ Klune's work. One that's completely smashed to pieces the more I read.
This book, just like Klune's other work, is slow, tender, and thought-provoking. It's essentially a book of conversations wrapped in an emotional and engrossing narrative. It's as if you're learning and growing alongside the characters.
Finishing the book left me feeling exhausted and kind of empty, but not because it was bad - quite the opposite. It made me think and feel deeply about death, a subject I usually dread. It's like the book held my hand and guided me through my emotions, leaving me to my thoughts once it was over.
If you're craving a story that will stir something inside you, this is the book you need to read next. While it may not have an epic plot or jaw-dropping twists, it offers something just as valuable, if not better.
You'll find gentle growth, challenging conversations, intricate relationships, and eye-opening revelations, all wrapped up in a way that makes you feel seen and comforted.
Under the Whispering Door won't hurt you; it will only make you think. I feel like I need to say thank you for that.
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I was genuinely enjoying To Kill a Kingdom until I realized it was a Little Mermaid retelling, which I feel I should've known. That realization took away some excitement because I already knew the basic outcome of the story.
Elian, as a character, didn't sit well with me. He gave me lots of red flags. I understand the enemies-to-lovers trope, but this felt more like a man mistreating a woman and it being excused because we see inside his mind that he feels bad (without actually changing his behavior). Feeling bad just isn't enough, ya know?
Surprisingly, I kept mistaking Elian's chapters for Lira's. His perspective is quite feminine in general, which doesn't reflect his actions. The two characters' voices, or rather thoughts, aren't distinctive enough, causing confusion between their perspectives in chapters.
On a positive note, the book has moments of truly beautiful writing. Some lines are absolutely stunning. However, they contrast so much with the rest of the book that it feels jarring, which I doubt was the intended effect.
The majority of the writing is well done, easy to read, and descriptive without lingering too long. So, when these almost lyrical moments appear, it feels quite odd.
Overall, the predictable plot, and indistinct characters just didn't do it for me.
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Eight years post Battle of the Serpent, young Queen Suren, now living feral in the human realm, can't quite shake the torment of her past.
When Bogdana, the storm hag, hunts her down, Suren is saved by none other than her ex-fiancé, the dashing yet devious Prince Oak.
As the pair embarks on a perilous mission, Suren must guard her heart against the charming prince while facing the chilling nightmares she thought she'd escaped.
Alright, let's get real here - this latest dive into Holly Black's faerie world just didn't quite hit the mark for me. The enchanting realm she's crafted starts to lose its magical allure when it becomes normal. Which is what this is.
Instead of seeing the faerie realm from a human perspective, we see it from a faerie one. So it's not scary anymore, not magical. It's just kind of... meh.
Enter Suren, our main character, who feels strikingly similar to Jude from the previous books. She's the classic rebellious female lead, complete with anger issues and a moral compass - but haven't we seen this before?
In all honesty, this book felt more like fan service than a fresh, captivating tale. The plot meandered without a clear direction, seemingly engineered to keep us hooked just because we've already invested in the world.
Don't get me wrong, Holly Black's writing style remains a joy to read - smooth and engaging as ever. But the story just fell flat this time around.
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Mererid is the last surviving water diviner who has spent years evading the prince who enslaved her powers.
But when her former handler presents her with an opportunity to take down the prince and gain her freedom, Mer gathers a group of unlikely allies, including a cursed young man, a skilled thief, and a mysterious corgi.
Together, they set out to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince's lands safe and spark a revolution.
One thing that really impressed me with The Drowned Woods was the magic system. Lloyd-Jones' does an amazing job of really making you feel the magic and what it would be like, so you can really immerse yourself in the story.
The character descriptions in The Drowned Woods are also top-notch. The author really delves into their mannerisms, choices, and personalities, making them feel like real people you could bump into on the street. It's so refreshing to read a book where the characters are more than just pretty faces.
And let's not forget the incorporation of the Welsh myth of Cantre'r Gwaelod. It's seamlessly woven into the story, adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the world-building. Lloyd-Jones clearly has a deep appreciation for Welsh culture and mythology, and it shines through in her writing.
The Drowned Woods is a captivating and immersive book that seamlessly blends magic, mystery, and mythology. Well worth a read.
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Kiki's Delivery Service is a charming coming-of-age novel by Eiko Kadono that follows a young witch named Kiki as she sets out to find her own way in the world.
With her trusty broomstick and her sassy black cat Jiji, Kiki starts a delivery service in a seaside town and discovers the joys and challenges of living on her own.
The plot of Kiki's Delivery Service is a tried and tested one - a small business initially struggles to succeed until the protagonist overcomes various obstacles to make it work.
However, it's the characters and the relationships they form that really give this story its depth and charm. Whether it's Kiki herself, her customers, or the people in the town, each character is unique and kind of charming in their own way.
One of the most endearing aspects of the story is that each delivery Kiki makes comes with a lesson. Younger readers will easily absorb these lessons, while older readers like myself will appreciate them.
It's definitely a children's book (not that this is a bad thing). The latter half of the book is broken up into mini-stories that could essentially be read alone, making it a bit like a children's show with enclosed episodes.
However, I did feel there wasn't a lot of additional character development or plot beyond the initial premise of Kiki setting up her delivery service. Honestly, there's room for additional books containing Kiki's adventures there.
This doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the story, which is endearing and heartwarming.
Kiki's Delivery Service is a charming and sweet story with some wonderful characters. While I think it's worth a read, there's not a lot within the book that you wouldn't get from watching the film.
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Tobias is linked to the forest. The forest is linked to him. With a few dryads and a cat for company, his simple and focused life soon takes a turn when the new owner of Greenhollow Hall arrives.
Not only is Henry Silver handsome, but he's also incredibly curious, and with this curiosity, Tobias' past, soon comes back to haunt him.
Silver in the Wood is a novella, so it didn't take long to read. But don't let the shortness of this story fool you. It still packs a punch.
As soon as I read the word ‘dryad', I was all in. The descriptions of the wood Tobias lives in, the dryads themselves, and all the magical characters in the book are fantastic. They're vivid and descriptive but don't linger too long. Giving you just enough so you can move forward with the story.
Considering how short it is, it does a fantastic job of world-building and character development. This is partly due to the small cast of characters and the enclosed setting.
At the end of the read, I didn't feel like I needed more. The story, while left a little open, felt satisfying. It gave me plenty and allowed me to move on.
A great little read if you're looking for a quick hit of fantasy.
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