*This is a Boo Review
Short Story (0.5): The Select
5 stars
Book 1: The Colossus Rises
5 stars
Book 2: Lost in Babylon
5 stars
Short Story (2.5): The Orphan
5 stars
Book 3: Tomb of Shadows
5 stars
[Copies of Tomb of Shadows and the 2 short stories received for review, others were checked out from the library.]
Jack, Ally, and Cass have to find the loculi- so that they can be cured. The loculi are hidden in the seven wonders of the world-- either now or in the past. The kids all have powers or talents: Ally can hack anything, Cass has a photographic memory... Jack's power hasn't quite been figured out yet.
Recommended
{Note from Mommy: Boo is on a "I hate reviews" kick, so it was seriously like pulling teeth just to get that much out of her. She DEVOURED all of the books, though, and took it as a personal affront that the rest of the planned books aren't out yet.}
Showing posts with label Mythology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mythology. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Treasury of Greek Mythology by Donna Jo Napoli
3 stars
I love Greek mythology, but this volume just didn't do it for me.
For one, there was something about the language... a little too modern maybe? Whatever it was, it didn't work for me.
I tend to kind of feel that way about Napoli's stuff in general, though. It's just me.
My bigger issue was that, while I understand that there are many many many versions of these stories, I read so many of them as a child and am so familiar with them that the differences in this volume felt jarring.
The stories felt "wrong" and my OCD need for accuracy, which already struggles with mythology, was severely tested.
I'm sure all of that is just me. I really am.
Overall, it's not a bad volume. Just not my favorite.
I love Greek mythology, but this volume just didn't do it for me.
For one, there was something about the language... a little too modern maybe? Whatever it was, it didn't work for me.
I tend to kind of feel that way about Napoli's stuff in general, though. It's just me.
My bigger issue was that, while I understand that there are many many many versions of these stories, I read so many of them as a child and am so familiar with them that the differences in this volume felt jarring.
The stories felt "wrong" and my OCD need for accuracy, which already struggles with mythology, was severely tested.
I'm sure all of that is just me. I really am.
Overall, it's not a bad volume. Just not my favorite.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Lights on the Nile by Donna Jo Napoli
3.5 stars
JF
Not at all what I was expecting.
And I think the cover art is really kind of misleading.
Okay, drop the "kind of".
This one is rich in Egyptian mythology and it's interesting, but I didn't quite love it.
Recommended if you are into mythology and go into it knowing that's what you're getting. :)
JF
Not at all what I was expecting.
And I think the cover art is really kind of misleading.
Okay, drop the "kind of".
This one is rich in Egyptian mythology and it's interesting, but I didn't quite love it.
Recommended if you are into mythology and go into it knowing that's what you're getting. :)
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
5 stars
R-1
YA
Confession-- this highly prized ARE has been sitting neglected in my house for months. MONTHS.
Here's the problem, I know Brodi. Okay, not like call-her-up-on-the-phone and go-for-ice-cream "know her" but I've met her, we've "talked" through blog comments a bit and I'm basically a stalker/fan.
And since I wasn't positive Everneath was my style, I've been honestly terrified that I wouldn't love it.
Which was just silly of me. Clearly. Because I devoured it in an evening and loved it.
Here's the thing: I'm a total sucker for mythology. Like a total, major complete sucker for all things mythological. Have been since I was like 10. (N E R D, I know.)
And the blending of coming-of-age modern teen and ancient myth? Freaking awesome.
Now I've got to start scheming to figure out how to get an early ARC of the sequel..... hmmmmm.
Utterly recommended.
(And Brodi's a local author!! Hooray for local authors!!)
R-1
YA
Confession-- this highly prized ARE has been sitting neglected in my house for months. MONTHS.
Here's the problem, I know Brodi. Okay, not like call-her-up-on-the-phone and go-for-ice-cream "know her" but I've met her, we've "talked" through blog comments a bit and I'm basically a stalker/fan.
And since I wasn't positive Everneath was my style, I've been honestly terrified that I wouldn't love it.
Which was just silly of me. Clearly. Because I devoured it in an evening and loved it.
Here's the thing: I'm a total sucker for mythology. Like a total, major complete sucker for all things mythological. Have been since I was like 10. (N E R D, I know.)
And the blending of coming-of-age modern teen and ancient myth? Freaking awesome.
Now I've got to start scheming to figure out how to get an early ARC of the sequel..... hmmmmm.
Utterly recommended.
(And Brodi's a local author!! Hooray for local authors!!)
Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber
5 stars
R- 2.5
Totally not what I expected.
Okay, technically I'm not sure what I expected.... but a Victorian paranormal so dark it was nearly Gothic with strong Greek mythology themes wasn't it.
Little heavy on the romance, but I'm such a sucker for mythology that I'm letting that slide. ;)
Looking forward to reading the sequel!
Overall, recommended.
R- 2.5
Totally not what I expected.
Okay, technically I'm not sure what I expected.... but a Victorian paranormal so dark it was nearly Gothic with strong Greek mythology themes wasn't it.
Little heavy on the romance, but I'm such a sucker for mythology that I'm letting that slide. ;)
Looking forward to reading the sequel!
Overall, recommended.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Clash of the Gods-- a TV Review
Oh my word.
Sorry, no picture or anything because the History Channel website doesn't have anything but a couple of episode descriptions, but I just had to share!
Being the total Mythology nerd that I am, I just HAD to watch Clash of the Gods! Even if it is on at 11 pm on Monday nights. (Check your listings, though, because our Food Network on Comcast is 3 hours behind my mom's on Direct TV... and she lives 15 minutes away. Go figure. So, yeah, check your tv schedule.)
Anyway, 11 pm, which means I stayed up too late again. (When do I not? If it's not a good show, it's a good book!)
It was so worth it! This show takes the Greek myths and compares them to actual historical events and such. It was awesome! They even discussed aspects of the myths I wasn't familiar with... and with how much I've read, that's impressive.
Zeus was the first episode and the History Channel schedule does say that they'll be playing it again a few times in the next week or two. Next week's episode is Hades and it looks like after that it's Hercules!
Sorry, no picture or anything because the History Channel website doesn't have anything but a couple of episode descriptions, but I just had to share!
Being the total Mythology nerd that I am, I just HAD to watch Clash of the Gods! Even if it is on at 11 pm on Monday nights. (Check your listings, though, because our Food Network on Comcast is 3 hours behind my mom's on Direct TV... and she lives 15 minutes away. Go figure. So, yeah, check your tv schedule.)
Anyway, 11 pm, which means I stayed up too late again. (When do I not? If it's not a good show, it's a good book!)
It was so worth it! This show takes the Greek myths and compares them to actual historical events and such. It was awesome! They even discussed aspects of the myths I wasn't familiar with... and with how much I've read, that's impressive.
Zeus was the first episode and the History Channel schedule does say that they'll be playing it again a few times in the next week or two. Next week's episode is Hades and it looks like after that it's Hercules!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon
5 Stars
R- 1-2
There had dang well better be a sequel. Honestly. It borders on criminal to leave readers hanging like that.
Ai Ling is horrified when her parents start trying to make her a wife and, though she's embarrassed to be rejected by potential suitors, she's also secretly relieved.
But then her father leaves to visit the palace-- and is gone for months. When her mother is confronted with a choice-- either pay a sum of money they don't have or give the merchant Ai Ling-- Ai Ling leaves home to find her father.
The journey that follows is beautiful and terrible-- a lyrical piece that was wonderful to read.
It reminded me of Little Sister and The Heavenward Path by Kara Dalkey (which I loved) but Silver Phoenix is for an older audience. (The library sticker says YF, but I think I'd call it YA.)
Anyway, I really loved it. (And you have to love that cover!!) According to Cindy Pon's author page on GoodReads it looks like there is a sequel planned! I can't wait!!
You can learn more at Cindy Pon's website!
R- 1-2
There had dang well better be a sequel. Honestly. It borders on criminal to leave readers hanging like that.
Ai Ling is horrified when her parents start trying to make her a wife and, though she's embarrassed to be rejected by potential suitors, she's also secretly relieved.
But then her father leaves to visit the palace-- and is gone for months. When her mother is confronted with a choice-- either pay a sum of money they don't have or give the merchant Ai Ling-- Ai Ling leaves home to find her father.
The journey that follows is beautiful and terrible-- a lyrical piece that was wonderful to read.
It reminded me of Little Sister and The Heavenward Path by Kara Dalkey (which I loved) but Silver Phoenix is for an older audience. (The library sticker says YF, but I think I'd call it YA.)
Anyway, I really loved it. (And you have to love that cover!!) According to Cindy Pon's author page on GoodReads it looks like there is a sequel planned! I can't wait!!
You can learn more at Cindy Pon's website!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
"A fantastical blend of myth and modern"
That's what Eoin Colfer had to say about it. I like it.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
5 Stars
R-0
I heard about this book on Maw Books and was intrigued. I mean, hey, a modern take on Greek Mythology, what's not to love, right? (Yes, I am aware I am a nerd.)
The Lightning Thief is book one of Percy Jackson- The Olympians and it is a fabulous start. Though really, and book that begins with the chapter "I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-algebra Teacher" is bound to be great.
This was fun, entertaining, and well done. I liked the character development. And I LOVED how humble Percy is towards the end. He's basically saved the world, his father (a Greek god) is proud of him, and as he is leaving Olympus --
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
5 Stars
R-0
I heard about this book on Maw Books and was intrigued. I mean, hey, a modern take on Greek Mythology, what's not to love, right? (Yes, I am aware I am a nerd.)
The Lightning Thief is book one of Percy Jackson- The Olympians and it is a fabulous start. Though really, and book that begins with the chapter "I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre-algebra Teacher" is bound to be great.
This was fun, entertaining, and well done. I liked the character development. And I LOVED how humble Percy is towards the end. He's basically saved the world, his father (a Greek god) is proud of him, and as he is leaving Olympus --
"As I walked back through the city of the gods, conversations stopped. The muses paused their concert. People and satyrs and naiads all turned toward me, their faces filled with respect and gratitude, and as I passed, they knelt, as if I were some kind of hero."How can you NOT love a kid like that?
(And why can I not turn off the stupid blockquote thing? Blast it all.)
Anyway, I am very much looking forward to reading the next one.... and the next.... :D
This would be an excellent choice for a middle schooler, and I think it would appeal to a lot of kids. The library copy I ended up with is not in great shape, so it must be popular, right?
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