★★★☆☆ In Madeline Miller’s retelling of the Iliad, we see the story of the great Greek warrior, Achilles through the eyes of his friend Patroclus. After being exiled from his homeland, a young Patroclus meets Achilles. We follow Patroclus and Achilles as they grow up, train together, and ultimately, join the quest to capture Troy in honor of the kidnapped Helen of Sparta.
Category: Fantasy
Music in the Mirrors by Greg Kuznetsov
★★★☆☆ Music in the Mirrors takes place in a colorful fantasy kingdom of snow globes and mirrors - one that features a blowfish, 5,857 worlds, and intoxicating purple lemonade. The language is heavily metaphorical. There were times I read and enjoyed the observational, almost lyrical flow of this collection of connecting acts and short stories.
Emma’s Fury by Linda Rainier
★★★☆☆ Based on ancient Greek mythology, this book centers on Emma, who is reincarnated as a Fury after her savage death. Protected by a Gyges, a Fury exists to serve justice and preserve harmony between humans and the supernatural world. Through a story revolving around mythological beings that shouldn’t experience human feelings, Emma’s Fury presents an interesting perspective on ethics, human nature, and the impact an individual’s actions have on others.
Rise of the Phoenix by Anne Winchell
★★★★☆ The Rise of the Phoenix is the first book in The Imperial Saga, a fantasy series by Anne Winchell. Tahirah, and her brother, Khalid, are the only remaining royals after Tamarud is invaded. Tahirah must learn to harness her magical powers, lean on her allies, and claim her destiny.
Leo by L. Krauch
★★★★★ This weekend marks the one-year anniversary of launching this blog. I’m celebrating with a review of the latest book by one of my favorite indie authors, L. Krauch. Krauch is the author of The 13th Zodiac, an anime-inspired high fantasy series with a touch of romance. Her newly released book, Leo, is a prequel to the 13th Zodiac and Dreamtaker.
Awakening (Commune’s Curse Book 1) by Lucy McLaren
4 stars This well-written fantasy novel by Lucy McLaren centers on the story of Evelyn, a teen-aged orphan, and Raif and Rose, two young siblings who end up in her care. One of the things that made this multi-point-of-view book so interesting is the central role that two children play in the story. It’s unusual … Continue reading Awakening (Commune’s Curse Book 1) by Lucy McLaren
Dreamtaker by L. Krauch
★★★★★ Darker than its predecessor, Dreamtaker features many of the same characters as the original 13th Zodiac story. However, the sequel adds a few new players, most notably the evil Damien who takes the story in a new, more sinister direction. Dreamtaker is a riveting read that boomerangs you through a wide range of terrifying … Continue reading Dreamtaker by L. Krauch
The Guidal: Discovering Puracordis by Roxy Eloise
4 stars In this YA fantasy book, 16-year-old Aurora lives in the Boulderfell Institute where she and the other adoptees must adhere to a strict set of rules. The story starts with Aurora moving up from the Mustards, the children’s section, to the adult quarters (Navies). Her move makes her eligible for the Unity ceremony, … Continue reading The Guidal: Discovering Puracordis by Roxy Eloise
Between the Birches: Awakening
Between the Birches: Awakening Between the Birches: Awakening opens with Beth, her husband Tom, and their best friend, Grady heading on a camping trip in the Appalachian mountains to celebrate Beth’s 25th birthday. Shortly after they arrive, the trio unexpectedly encounters two of Tom and Grady’s old friends, and the trip quickly turns into a … Continue reading Between the Birches: Awakening
StarFire Dragons by Dawn Ross
4 stars StarFire Dragons, book one of the sci-fi/fantasy Dragon Spawn Chronicles by Dawn Ross, follows what happens when the crew of the Odyssey starship finds two child-warriors on a Cooperative planet and must decide what to do. New in his role, Vice-Executive Commander J.D. Hapker makes a choice that sets the rest of the … Continue reading StarFire Dragons by Dawn Ross