I read a large variety of fiction, ranging from speculative fiction to romance. I'm particularly drawn to books with Greek mythology roots, or deal with magic in any way.
Jennifer Saint's ability to weave a tapestry of originality from stories so old is simply astounding. Elektra is an awe-inspiring read that gives voices to characters who previously had none, despite being some of the most famous women in ancient Greek literature.
This is the book about a dark school of magic that I didn't know I needed. Naomi Novik's protagonist, named after a Lord of the Rings character, is rude and angry but you can't help but root for her. Novik has taken the trope of lovable hero and flipped the script in an incredibly intriguing manner. I simply couldn't put this book down.
This first book of five is fast-paced, action-packed, and full of enticing characters with intricate relationships to one another. Maas's world building abilities are astounding and she is able to so easily bring out a plethora of emotions in the reader in just 400 pages. For those who typically love fantasy and those who don't, Maas creates a world which is easy to get lost in.
Intellectually stimulating, visually appealing and a thriller for the ages, The Secret History is incomparable. Based in an imaginary town in Vermont, this book follows the story of college kids from out of state as they explore the classics, pagan practices, and even death. This book is incredibly difficult to put down and as a bonus, it has all kinds of references to "Vermonters" and the state we love so dearly.
A stunning and enthralling little novel, Checkout 19 is unlike any book I've ever read. The narrative style reads more like a stream of consciousness than anything else, with the narrator taking detours from the stories she is telling into anecdotes loosely related to the 'point.' That being said, every word is deliberate and Bennett manages to tie it all together to create a unique work of beauty.
I absolutely adored this book. Penner's writing style is utterly captivating and this story about women supporting women throughout the centuries is frankly inspiring. This book ties together themes of infidelity, murder, and magic. Suspenseful and fun, The Lost Apothecary is a perfect read for those who need more books about women by women in their life.
The short summary of this book is that it's about prostitutes in Pompeii. However, Elodie Harper turns it into so much more than that. In the first of a series, this imagining of ancient civilization ruminates on a woman's relationship to men, other women, herself, and her body. This book is unforgettable and you'll be holding your breath waiting for the next in the series.
Amanda Gorman could easily be considered one of the most influential voices of our generation. In her first book of poetry, she does a beautiful job of blending prose and rhythm to give the reader a book that will make them laugh, cry, and contemplate the world - and the country - that we live in. This is a beautiful book and I truly believe anybody and everybody has something to gain from reading it.
I think this may have been the fastest I've read a book in years. Matt Haig's writing flows so freely and this story is so incredibly captivating, you won't want to put it down. The Midnight Library is a beautiful story that everyone should read. I can confidently say that if you read this book you will gain a much greater appreciation for the life you have.
Experience the decade long battle of Troy from fresh perspectives in this beautiful and well-crafted novel by Natalie Haynes. Told in vignettes, Greek and Trojan women share their experiences of classic mythology. Haynes provides insight into characters who previously had no mention in epic poetry, and plays on themes of loss, warfare, and what being a hero can truly mean.
In her seminal work, bell hooks discusses what it means to truly love and critiques society's views on love. Her analysis of love can help folks love each other more wholly - whether it be a romantic partner, family member, friend, or community member. Her ideas ring true even twenty years later, and I truly believe that if everybody read this book, the world we live in would be a better one.
Rachel Smythe does a fantastic job of blending the modern world with ancient Greek mythos. In this interpretation of the story of Hades and Persephone, Smythe expertly weaves together plenty of different myths and provides an interesting look at the Greek gods. Her artwork is beautiful and is only enhanced by her storytelling abilities. Content warning: Lore Olympus regularly deals with themes such as trauma, abuse, and sexual assault.
In this captivating tale about a woman who sells her soul for eternal life, V.E. Schwab does an excellent job of transporting the reader from NYC in 2014 to France in the 1700s. This book is hauntingly beautiful, with lyrical writing and a fascinating story, you won't want to put it down.
In Nagamatsu's debut novel, the narrative follows many different characters over generations as humanity struggles with a plague unearthed due to climate change. Although this book carries with it an innate sense of darkness and morbidity, there is also a beautiful message of hope within these pages. This is an incredibly well-done and poignant novel for these tumultuous times.
There's historical fiction and then there's fictionalized history and the latter is how I would describe Alvarez's astounding work about the Mirabal sisters. Spanning decades and including the voices of all four sisters, this book captures your attention and makes you feel as though you're right there with the Mirabals. Including everything from love and romance to betrayal and revolution, this essential work is sure to make an impact on you and the way you view the world.
The Iliad meets Call Me By Your Name in this touching tale by Madeline Miller about the best of the Greeks - Achilles Pelides - and his beloved companion, Patroclus. Miller's eloquent writing will have you re-reading the same phrase or sentence just to appreciate the beauty of her words. Whether or not you're familiar with Greek mythology, this book will leave you breathless.
This fantastical tale of adventure and romance is one of the most fun books I've read in a while. Two pirates go back and forth between attraction and murderous intent in a re-imagined Victorian England. Holton's prose is lyrical at some points and hilarious at others. Including pirates, rapscallions, thievery, banter, and duels; this book is a joyride that's easy to get lost in.
Hilarity and chaos ensues in this collaborative novel from two of the best science fiction writers in recent history. Following a variety of story lines about angels, demons, horsemen, and humans alike; Good Omens encapsulates the events of the apocalypse as Gaiman and Pratchett imagine it. This book is a must read for fans of British comedy and science fiction.
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