Tag: mythology

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Posted in Reviews

2 Second Review: Lady and the Vamp by C.C. Wood

Posted on by Jennifer

Lady and the Vamp by C.C. Wood

Astra may be a Valkyrie, but on the battlefield of love, she can’t win.
Every man she dates is boring, intimidated by her, or treats her like one of the guys. She has nothing against beer and wings at a sports bar, but to be wined and dined once in a while isn’t too much to ask, right?
Between her mother’s “suitable” Vikings and the supernatural dating service, Mystical Matchmakers, neither seem to be able to get it right.

Rune is a good-looking, successful vampire. The only people he kills are in the books he writes, yet every relationship he has seems to fizzle before he takes it to the next level.
Desperate for something deeper, he joins Mystical Matchmakers, and is immediately smitten by the tall, beautiful Valkyrie. Their first date is fantastic and Rune just knows that she’s perfect for him.

Until he hits an unexpected obstacle—her family.

Can their relationship survive a fight with the people Astra loves the most?

Thoughts

This was easy to read in one sitting. The focus is entirely on the romance as this is a shorter length, so the conflict and resolution is all fairly simple so it can be resolved in the space allotted. There’s probably at least ten pages of detailed sex scenes, too, so if that’s what you’re looking for then this has it!

The characters are so easy to root for even when they make emotional (bad) decisions. It made the romance enjoyable because it was like watching a friend fall in love and I just felt happy for them. The trials are of course entertaining, but the majority of the book is spent with them learning each other and themselves.

I liked this one and will definitely be looking up others in this fun series!

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Posted in Reviews

Review: Star Stories: Constellation Tales From Around the World by Anita Ganeri & Andy Wilx

Posted on by Jennifer

Star Stories: Constellations Tales From Around the World by Anita Ganeri

Recommended: sure
for children as an entry to global myths and legend and culture in general, for adults who want a gentle into to the same, for lovely art and a physically delightful book to hold

Summary

For thousands of years people have looked up to the night sky and told stories about the stars. These epic tales tell of vengeful gods and goddesses, of monsters and heroes. Others try to make sense of the natural world, or unravel the mysterious forces of the universe. This stunning book brings together a selection of these legends from all over the world – from Ancient Greece to North America, Egypt, China, India and the South Pacific. Written by award-winning author Anita Ganeri and with beautifully detailed artwork by illustrator Andy Wilx, this is a magical book to be treasured for generations to come.

Thoughts

This would be a lovely book for kids probably around 10 or so, as it has exciting and varied stories from around the world, plus wonderful and engaging art. Honestly anyone would probably enjoy this, but it’s definitely a good option for children.

This collection has fairly short and simple versions of each story around a constellation, with stories chosen from around the world. The fact that they are somewhat condensed means that some of the nuance can be missing from them. In exchange, it’s easier to get through several without it dragging or getting bogged down in details. For children, I think that’ll be great, particularly as a nighttime story. It would be easy to re-read favorites.

Continue reading “Review: Star Stories: Constellation Tales From Around the World by Anita Ganeri & Andy Wilx” →
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Review: Zeus is a Dick by Susie Donkin

Posted on by Jennifer

Zeus Is A Dick by Susie Donkin

Recommended: sure
For people who love and recognize the absurdity of Greek myths, for those who want to learn about the absurdity of the Greek myths, for people who enjoy a bit of crass humor, for people who enjoy sassy banter and dick jokes

Summary

In the beginning, everything was fine.* And then along came Zeus.
*more or less

Ahh Greek myths. Those glorious tales of heroism, honour and… petty squabbles, soap-opera drama and more weird sex than Fifty Shades of Grey could shake a stick at!
It’s about time we stopped respecting myths and started laughing at them – because they’re really very weird. Did you know Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, was born of some discarded genitals? Or that Hera threw her own son off a mountain because he was ugly? Or that Apollo once kidnapped a boat full of people while pretending to be a dolphin?
And let’s not even get started on Zeus – king of the gods, ruler of the skies and a man who’s never heard of self-control. In fact, if there’s one thing most Greek myths have in common, it’s that all the drama could have been avoided if SOMEONE could keep it in their toga…
Horrible Histories writer Susie Donkin takes us on a hilarious romp through mythology and the many times the gods (literally) screwed everything up! Stephen Fry’s Mythos by way of Drunk History, Zeus is a Dick is perfect for those who like their myths with a heavy dollop of satire.

“It’s about time someone called him out on all this.” – Hera, Goddess of Marriage, wife of Zeus
“Worst. Father. Ever.” – Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, daughter of Zeus
“Oh yeah, focus on him. I never did anything wrong. Nothing to see here.” – Poseidon, God of the Seas, brother of Zeus
“Just a real dick, honestly.” – Many, many people

Thoughts

I got a pretty good sense of the writing style and humor early on with this, and it’s quite consistent throughout. I was able to enjoy it, though I was just shy of it being A Bit Much for me. I think some people would be turned off by it, and maybe not right away, but after multiple chapters it could get tiring. There was so much else I enjoyed that it wasn’t an issue for me, thankfully. To be aware, though, it’s very much catchy slang phrases you might hear from ages 12-32 year olds (at time of writing, anyway). So there’s a lot of cussing and “AF” and pop culture references and the like. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, this miiiight not work for you. I encourage you to give it a try though!

Continue reading “Review: Zeus is a Dick by Susie Donkin” →
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Review: A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

Posted on by Jennifer

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

Recommended: eh
For Hades and Persephone sex scenes, for another angle of these characters, for some great creative imaginings of other gods and their world. Not for terribly interesting characters or plot conflicts

Summary

Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.

Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.

After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.

The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—and it’s forbidden.

Thoughts

I finally read this after borrowing it from Hoopla like eight times! It was decent. Thankfully it was more tame than the other Scarlett St. Clair book I read without realizing their, uh, style of writing. xD It can get distracting.

Anyway, my favorite thing about the story was probably the connections to other stories I’ve read fictionalizing Persephone and Hades. It’s fun to tease out the common thread of the original story by seeing what themes come up repeatedly. Minthe, Tartarus, pomegranates, and even pink dresses. Somehow it’s all connected! Delightful.

Continue reading “Review: A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair” →
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Posted in Fast-Forward Friday

Fast Forward Friday: An Arrow to the Moon, 4/12/22

Posted on by Jennifer

Hey y’all! In contrast to Throwback Thursday, I like to use Fridays to look forward to an upcoming release that I’m excited about! Today’s is An Arrow to the Moon by Emily XR Pan!
Expected Release: April 12, 2022

Why wait on this one?

Cover: 10/10
  • This sounds like a mix of a story of regular life with magical tones. There are normal things like dealing with parental expectations, graduation, and family. But then there are things like a giant frickin crack through the town. I desperately want to know more!
  • Oooooh secrets collide when the two destined for each other finally find each other. 😍 I don’t actually know if that’s the storyline, but that’s the vibe I get. Any boy am I up for a dose of destiny and fated lovers.
  • I think the writing of this story will be absolutely gorgeous. Ethereal, vivid, with a sort of moonlit-mist quality that takes me into a dream state. If the blurb is anything to go by with it’s word choices of “bewitching,” “unearthly,” and “ominous,” then I’ll be happy for sure.

Summary

Hunter Yee has perfect aim with a bow and arrow, but all else in his life veers wrong. He’s sick of being haunted by his family’s past mistakes. The only things keeping him from running away are his little brother, a supernatural wind, and the bewitching girl at his new high school.

Luna Chang dreads the future. Graduation looms ahead, and her parents’ expectations are stifling. When she begins to break the rules, she finds her life upended by the strange new boy in her class, the arrival of unearthly fireflies, and an ominous crack spreading across the town of Fairbridge.

As Hunter and Luna navigate their families’ enmity and secrets, everything around them begins to fall apart. All they can depend on is their love…but time is running out, and fate will have its way.

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Posted in Fast-Forward Friday

Fast Forward Friday: The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, 2/22/22!

Posted on by Jennifer

Hey y’all! In contrast to Throwback Thursday, I like to use Fridays to look forward to an upcoming release that I’m excited about! Today’s is The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh!
Expected Release: February 22, 2022 (THE ULTIMATE TUESDAY 2/22/22!!!)

Why wait on this one?

  • Mythical retellings and mythology stories in general are so compelling to me. The idea of a Sea God that needs saving and a human girl motivated by love to try to save them all really tugs at my heart for its purity and beauty.
  • I think this story will lend itself well to atmospheric and lyrical writing. The kind that transports me on waves of air and water into something a bit ethereal. I love that feeling, and it’s pretty tough to get it because it can be hard to get just right. But I think this might be the one to do it. ^.^
  • Although I haven’t actually read any other books by Axie Oh, there are several that I’m *interested* in reading (in addition to this one). I think that’s a good sign, because if I like one then I can get a sense of the plot, writing style, character development, etc. that the author tends to use.

Summary

Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.

Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.

Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.

But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…

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Posted in Fast-Forward Friday

Fast Forward Friday: This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi, 2/1/22

Posted on by Jennifer

Hey y’all! In contrast to Throwback Thursday, I like to use Fridays to look forward to an upcoming release that I’m excited about! Today’s is This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi! Now, admittedly, this release isn’t one I have to look forward to for much longer because it’s actually out today!!! 🥰 Here’s why I’ve been counting down the days.
Expected Release: February 1, 2022 (er…today!!!)

Why wait on this one?

  • This one might sound odd, but: the blurb is so short. That always feels like a bit of a risk to me, but at the same time, when a blurb about a book is short, it often means that there is just SO MUCH TO DISCOVER by reading it that there isn’t much to say without taking away some of that fun!
  • 2And what we do get from the blurb is my catnip: prophecy; fate; royalty; kingdoms; hierarchy; secrets; and JINN?! FRICKIN GENIES AND MAGIC?? ABSOLUTELY YES I WILL READ THIS!!
  • “Inspired by Persian mythology.” A thing I know little about and desperately want to know more about. Sounds like a perfect fit!!!

Summary

To all the world, Alizeh is a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom forced to hide in plain sight.

The crown prince, Kamran, has heard the prophecies foretelling the death of his king. But he could never have imagined that the servant girl with the strange eyes, the girl he can’t put out of his mind, would one day soon uproot his kingdom—and the world.

Clashing empires, forbidden romance, and a long-forgotten queen destined to save her people—bestselling author Tahereh Mafi’s first in an epic, romantic trilogy inspired by Persian mythology.

Posted in Reviews

ARC Review: Punderworld, Volume 1 by Linda Šejić (Aug 31)

Posted on by Jennifer

Punderworld, Volume 1 by Linda Šejić

Recommended: YES!!!
For absolutely stunning art, for clever details that bring so much extra life to the characters, for characters you fall in love with and cheer for and laugh at, for a really wonderful take on a classic story
Expected Release: August 31, 2021

Summary

The classic tale of Greek mythology, but 100% more awkwardly relatable. Hades is the officious, antisocial ruler of the Underworld; Persephone, daughter of Demeter, is an earth goddess of growth and renewal – they’ve been crushing on each other for the past two centuries. But when a festival (and a little liquid courage) present an opportunity to put an end to their Olympian will-they-won’t-they, a meddlesome pantheon and several titanic mis-assumptions threaten to give every god in the sky the wrong impression… and leave their romance dead before it can bloom.

Thoughts:

I started reading Punderworld through it’s publication as a comic series on WebToon, and I am so excited to have a print copy of it! Because you’d better believe that I already have my pre-order in to have a copy of my own.

I’ll be honest: I know just the bare basics of the classic story of Persephone and Hades that this is based on. And frankly, I don’t care, because the way Linda Sejic tells the story is the story I want to read, regardless of authenticity or accuracy to the original. She’s made it a funny, fledgling love story.

Continue reading “ARC Review: Punderworld, Volume 1 by Linda Šejić (Aug 31)” →
Posted in Release Day!

Just Published: The Fox & The Little Tanuki Vol. 1 by Mi Tagawa!

Posted on by Jennifer

Reminder that The Fox & the Little Tanuki, Vol. 1 by Mi Tagawa (⭐⭐⭐⭐) released today! Check out the review here or grab a copy of your own at Barnes & Noble (they deliver so no trip needed 👍🏽).

Recommended: yes ♥
For a sweet light story, for drama mixed with humour, for characters you’ll love

You already know you’ll love it

Summary:
Long ago, the gods granted a few special animals great powers… but not all those animals used their magical abilities for good! Senzou the Fox Spirit in particular grew too brash and arrogant, abusing his strength until the gods imprisoned him for his bad behavior. Three hundred years later, he’s finally been released, but only on one condition– he can’t have his any of his abilities back until he successfully helps a tanuki cub named Manpachi become an assistant to the gods. Unfortunately for Senzou, there’s no cheating when it comes to completing his task! The magic beads around his neck make sure he can’t wander too far from his charge or shirk his duties, and so… Senzou the once-great Fox Spirit must now figure out how to be an actually-great babysitter to a mischievous little tanuki or risk being stuck without his powers forever!

See the full review

Just Published: Mythos by Stephen Fry!

Reminder that the illustrated edition of Mythos by Stephen Fry released today! Check out the review here & check it out on Amazon if you’re interested!

Summary
This book is a challenge to define by genre. What do I call it? Fiction? Non-fiction? Religion? History?? Regardless, you’re led through the creation of everything straight up to actual recorded history, where myth blends with fact, by our lovely guide Stephen Fry. His humor and passion for the topic work perfectly together to make these legends feel so relatable and engaging, while also teaching a hell of a lot. The Titans who are the basis of life, the New Gods led by rebellious and lecherous Zeus, and the endless demi-god offspring they produce all get their own stories here. This new edition features photographs and images from sculptures, paintings, and other art based around the stories told within. It’s a lovely touch to see such lavish recreations from the time these stories are based on.