This novel is beautiful, yet sad, retelling of Greek mythology and the fall of Troy.
There are numerous characters from all walks of life in differentThis novel is beautiful, yet sad, retelling of Greek mythology and the fall of Troy.
There are numerous characters from all walks of life in different cities. Each character was given such depth and well defined features that they were amazing to read. Since there are so many characters and numerous chapters may go by before the character is mentioned again I got some characters a little confused initially. This confusion only last for the first sentence or two though.
The plot was very vivid with lots of mythology added. I thought the gods and goddesses played too big of a role in the novel. When I started I thought it'd be a historical fiction with some fantasy elements, so I was a little shocked by the rampant magic by the deities. It was good but not my usual preferred genre.
The writing was good but sad as a lot of the women felt like nothing more than pawns. I liked how Rhiannon didn't have the women mope about their situations, instead they took destiny unto themselves and tried to shape a better future for themselves and their children through whatever means. This was especially prevalent in the way they controlled the men through sex.
Overall this was a good magical realism, historical fiction novel set right before the Trojan War.
This novel follows Lauriele, an art major, who struggles to cope after being sexually assaulted at a party in University. She transfers schools and moThis novel follows Lauriele, an art major, who struggles to cope after being sexually assaulted at a party in University. She transfers schools and moves to Vermont where she starts to heal. She meets a young man, a hiker, and a bobcat who help with her healing. Lauriele’s artwork also helps her express herself without words.
The writing style was unique with tons of description and very little dialogue. As such I found the novel had to get into and it took me a while to get used to the style. Once I did I became engrossed in the novel. The writing is beautifully poetic with great symmetry and emotions.
The characters were amazingly well written with each character slowly reveling themselves. The budding romance between the hiker and Lauriele was written well except near the end when the hikers secret is revealed. I didn’t agree that such a small thing should lead to such a big disaster. There was a ton of research that went into the novel; from famous artists and their style to viruses. At times this dragged the novel down a bit as I have no interested in art but it did help define the characters more.
In summary this was a good literature piece with strong characters, an good plot and an unique writing style. Do not read this tired or in the mood for a easy read because if your mind wanders you will miss important details.
Thank you Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this ARC....more
Taya’s life is forever shattered after a blue wave kills all her girlfriends while on a camping trip. She has no idea why they died or who might be leTaya’s life is forever shattered after a blue wave kills all her girlfriends while on a camping trip. She has no idea why they died or who might be left alive as technology no longer works. She makes her way back to town and finds herself faced with more death, destruction and hostiles. These hostiles are an invading force that want to enslave humanity. While Taya is fighting against them, she gets captured and forced to work for Lord Thane as a bodyguard. Together Taya learns more about the invading force and together with Thane she learns how to stop them and free Earth.
This novel took off from page one with a great starting chapter of death, loss, and despair. The pacing kept on going as there was plenty of action and suspense throughout the novel. There was never a dull or slow moment. I loved Arkavia as it had the perfect medieval feel to it which fit perfectly with the Arkavian society.
The characters were well written with great depth and emotions. I loved seeing Taya slowly change from an angry woman who wants revenge on every Arkavian to a forgiving woman who is willing to analyze the situation and not hate someone based on their origin of birth.
Initially I thought the romance between Taya and Thane was going to be badly done. I figured it would be a forced Stockholm’s Syndrome romance. Instead it was realistic as Taya slowly grows to appreciate and care for Thane after he was kind and consider to her. They don’t just instantly fall in love. Taya feels bad for caring for Thane as he is the enemy who caused so many Earthen deaths and therefore she should hate him.
The conclusion, while slightly rushed, was perfect. It was a great happy ending for the majority of people. I wish Taya and Thane would have reflected on all the Earthens stuck on Akavia and how sometimes a price must be paid for the greater good.
Overall this was a great fantasy novel that I would strongly suggest to all fans of sword and sorcery fantasy. It has a great plot, amazing characters and lots of action....more
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