Welcome to the first half of my August reads!
I decided to split my reads into two groups; Greek mythology and regular fiction at the beginning of August. I read seven books for the first half of this month and enjoyed every second! Changing it up a little helps to keep things exciting in the literary world.
As for my life, I have one week left of summer 'vacation' before my senior year of college begins! I will be taking six courses this semester and am pumped for them. Let us get on with the reviews, shall we?
Lavinia by Ursula K. Le Guin
Le Guin takes a minor (but very important) character from Vergil's poem "Aeneid." Writing from the wife of a Trojan war hero, Lavinia is given a much larger role through Le Guin's beautiful prose style of writing. Lavinia is a free spirit until suitors begin to show their interest. As the daughter of the local king in the area of Rome that would one day become Rome. Lavinia's early life is described throughout the novel, and readers are given a sense of her personality. Marrying Aeneas, the second half of the novel is told of Lavinia's life.
Le Guin is the author of more than 20 novels and has left behind amazing science fiction and fantasy legacy. Lavinia is an epic read for anyone with a passion for Greek and Roman myths. 3/5 stars.
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
Ariadne, Princess of Crete, takes on her own journey after helping Theseus kill the Minotaur beneath her palace. While her sister marries a god, she marries a hero. Their lives intertwine throughout womanhood as their husbands deceive them. Ariadne's life is explored in this Greek retelling in its entirety, from the moment she steps out into the world and out of King Minos' shadow.
Jennifer Saint's debut novel is written beautifully, following similarities in Greek myth oral storytelling. I cannot wait to see what Saint comes up with next! 3.5/5 stars.
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
In reference to the thousand ships that Greece sent to Troy during the Trojan War, women are at the forefront of this story. Calliope provides a compilation to the poet of the many women who were affected by the war. Goddesses, Greeks, and Trojans alike are given a voice in this novel.
Haynes creates a refreshing perspective of the Trojan War as she does with her other novels. The Children of Jocasta and Pandora's Jar: Women in the Greek Myths are excellent examples of Haynes' writing talent. 5/5 stars.
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Every seven years, the Agon begins and nine Gods are forced to walk the Earth as mortals. They are hunted by the ancient descendants of an ancient bloodline seeking to achieve their divine power. When the Agon is set to begin again in New York City, Lore Perseus is sought out by a childhood friend a wounded Athena. Athena is one of the last of the original gods and is Lore's only hope to taking down the man who killed her family.
One of the most anticipated novels in my TBR, I waited several (long, excruciating) months to read this with my other Greek novels! Bracken has written a different type of Greek story with exciting characters and a god's violent tendencies. I truly enjoyed this YA novel and Lore's perspective is quite interesting. 3/5 stars
A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
Persephone, Goddess of Spring, takes on a new identity as a mortal journalist in New Athens. Hades, God of the Dead, runs a gambling empire in the mortal world and is willing to take on any bets. When a chance encounter leaves Persephone in a contract with Hades, it tests her newfound freedom. The bet? To create life in the Underworld. As her love for the God of the Dead grows, she knows it's forbidden.
This is set in a modern time and is filled to the brim with guilty pleasures. This is the perfect read for anyone who wants to escape 'reality.' I am in love with this series as I am with any retelling of HadesxPersephone. 5/5 stars
A Touch of Ruin by Scarlett St. Clair
As Persephone and Hades' relationship goes public, the media disrupts their normal life and threatens to expose her true identity. Those who are eager to expose Hades' dark past may drive away from the woman he truly loves. When tragedy strikes Persephone, she is met with a side of Hades that she has never known. Left to question if she can truly be his Queen of the Underworld, her heart is left in ruin.
The second novel in Clair's series is another wonderful escape into fantasy. The relationship between Hades and Persephone is still my favorite. 4/5 stars
Greek Myths: A Wonder Book for Girls and Boys by Nathaniel Hawthorne
When I ordered this book I did not pay close enough attention. After realizing it was a book for children, I was not deterred and read through it anyways. Hawthorne's take on Greek myths is interesting and educational for children. I cannot wait to donate it for others to enjoy. 4/5 stars
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As we near the end of August, I have several more books to read, review, and post! I am in the midst of getting ready for my second to last college semester but cannot wait to continue reading. 75/120 books have been read.
Thank you for reading!
Until next time,
Riss Reviews
*ALL photos found on Google and belong to respected owners.*