Miracle

Blood of Hercules is, without a doubt, the worst book I’ve read this year. I only managed to finish it because I was determined to hit my reading goals for the year, but it was a slog from start to finish.

The prose is clunky and awkward, often trying too hard to sound modern but failing miserably. Instead of creating an immersive world rooted in Roman mythology, the author peppers the dialogue and narration with TikTok jargon that feels jarringly out of place. It’s hard to take the stakes seriously in a futuristic Roman-inspired world when characters are saying things like, “Slay, queen, slay” in life-or-death situations.

The world-building is another letdown. The concept of a patriarchal dystopia could have been compelling, but instead, it comes across as lazy and frustrating. The main character is a meek, helpless female who can’t seem to function without alpha males bullying her into submission. I found myself cringing every time she was “rescued” or “protected” because it often felt more like she was being controlled.

To be fair, I’m aware I might not be the target audience for this book.

Rather than dissect this book further, I’ll let its own words speak for it. Here are a few quotes I highlighted that should give you an idea of whether this is your cup of tea:

• “Since the Spartans were also known for having sex with anyone and everyone—they had no biases about genders and usually dated (were slutty) with multiple people at once—it was a fad for humans to emulate their sexually free lifestyle.”

• “Suddenly the old beliefs that women had “hysteria” problems didn’t seem so far-fetched.

I could see it.

Case in point, I was a woman, and I was hysterical.”

• “You are a woman in a man’s world. It’s a dishonor on all of us for allowing this to continue. Make smarter choices, or . . . there will be consequences, Alexis.” My name fell from his lips, like it was the wickedest of sins. “You’re not proving what you think you are for women—you’re just screwing yourself.”

I don’t think I’m proving anything. I’m just trying to survive.

“If you can’t take care of yourself,” he said softly, “someone else might step in to do it for you. You’ve been warned.”

• “Perfect,” Helen squealed. “I’m a genius. Everyone’s gonna lose it when they see you.” She clapped. “Cunt—absolute cunt, served.”

Excuse me? What did she just call me?

Youth culture was upsetting.”

If those quotes make you curious, maybe this book is for you. If not, you’re better off skipping this one. For me, Blood of Hercules is a hard pass.

The Haunting of Hill House is a classic horror novel, but it hasn't aged well. While it set the standard for haunted house stories, the book's pacing feels slow, and its focus is more on psychological tension than ghostly scares. Modern adaptations, like the movies and show, have tried to expand on its themes but often miss the mark, failing to capture the eerie atmosphere of the house itself. The ghost aspect is underexplored, making the story more of a psychological slog than a spine-chilling horror.

The book stands out as a remarkable gem, particularly for its intricate and well-crafted political intrigue. This novel is not just a fantasy tale; it's a masterful exploration of the complexities of power, betrayal, and strategy set in a richly imagined faerie world.

Black excels in weaving a narrative that is as cunning as it is enchanting. The protagonist, Jude, finds herself thrust into the treacherous politics of the Faerie Court. Here, the sharpness of a mind can be as deadly as the sharpest blade. Black's portrayal of Faerie politics is nuanced and layered, showcasing a world where alliances are fragile, and trust is a rare commodity.

The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to maintain suspense through its political intricacies. As Jude navigates this perilous landscape, the reader is treated to a complex web of schemes and power plays. Each character is a player in this game of thrones, and Black skillfully keeps their true intentions veiled, adding depth and unpredictability to the plot.

Moreover, the book offers more than just political drama. Its character development is profound, particularly that of Jude, whose evolution from a powerless mortal to a cunning player in faerie politics is both believable and compelling. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, each adding a layer to the story's rich tapestry.

In conclusion, this is a standout in the fantasy genre, offering a thrilling blend of political intrigue and magical wonder. Holly Black's skillful storytelling ensures that the book is not only a page-turner but also a thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics in a beautifully brutal world. For those seeking a fantasy novel with a brain as well as a heart, The Cruel Prince is a must-read.

This is a captivating fantasy novel that truly shines in its magical elements and world-building. SJM creates a rich, immersive universe filled with intrigue and wonder. The magical system is intricately designed, offering a unique take that keeps readers engaged and curious. The detailed settings, from opulent palaces to mystical landscapes, are vividly described, transporting readers directly into the story's heart. While the character development and pacing might not appeal to everyone, the strength of the magical elements and the complexity of the world more than make up for it. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy who appreciate a well-crafted magical universe.

A lot of people may not like her writing style after reading her later works but it was nice to get through especially considering SJM was 16 when this was written.