This was an emotional and well-written novel that has a lot packed into it. It was a slow starter for me but once it got going it was impossible to puThis was an emotional and well-written novel that has a lot packed into it. It was a slow starter for me but once it got going it was impossible to put down. I absolutely loved Nicole Bailey's 'Apollo Ascending' series and it had me on tenterhooks for the entire series, whilst I didn't love this as much as I did the first in that series it was still addicting and I really enjoyed it.
It felt like there was a lot of research done for this and it was woven in incredibly well. The world-building is extensive and very thorough, I felt it paired great with the story and pace. The characters were also very well written and had a lot of personality. I loved how Shamat was portrayed and how she was presented as an ally and loved one of Gilgamesh rather than an obstacle which she could have been. The story is very close to the actual text of the 'Epic of Gilgamesh' but with some changes that let it stand on it's own beautifully and those changes seem very tastefully done.
I'm a little pissed off at the ending, mostly because I have to wait until August to read the sequel. So, that's not a complaint at all really.
Overall I really enjoyed this and can't wait for the sequel. ...more
This book is going to be with me a long time. It's a retelling of the old ballad 'The Twa Sisters' with the added addition of a sibling and it is stunThis book is going to be with me a long time. It's a retelling of the old ballad 'The Twa Sisters' with the added addition of a sibling and it is stunning. It is beautifully written and immersive and I essentially read it in one sitting.
It is told from the perspectives of all three siblings and as is often the case I found myself favouring one narrative far beyond the other's but still was invested in the other two. I did however end the book with complicated and somewhat bitter feelings towards one of the sisters. Ironically the sister I disliked, in the beginning, grew on me significantly as the book progressed. The side characters were all fleshed out and engaging and didn't feel as though they were just there for the sake of the plot. The main plot was well-paced and appealing, my only issue is that it left a few minor loose ends unresolved.
Keyne is quite possibly one of my all-time favorite characters, definitely my favorite of the year so far, his particular story was done so well and woven beautifully.
I expected to enjoy this novel but even so it completely blew me away. ...more
3.5. I was leery coming into this book because I didn't love the last Kate Daniels book and had several large issues with it and I've found myself com3.5. I was leery coming into this book because I didn't love the last Kate Daniels book and had several large issues with it and I've found myself completely incapable of finishing Iron and Magic (although I may have to revisit it now). I also wasn't completely sold on the concept of the book. However, when I started reading Blood Heir I was transported back to the early Kate Daniels books, it has the same vibe and nuance and reminded me why I loved them so much. In many ways, Julie/Aurelia is an echo of Kate only with a better grasp of her magic and a stronger sense of self. I did have some issues particularly concerning a certain wolf shifter and I'm wondering what on earth is going on in Clan Bouda, Ascanio also feels way off to me and I'm so so disappointed with how he came across in this because he was one of my favourites. It also felt a little TOO similar to the Kate Daniels narrative in places but Blood Heir has definitely roped me back into that universe....more
I'm very conflicted about this book. I went into it with extremely high expectations and I adore the story of Achilles and Patrocles, but for most of I'm very conflicted about this book. I went into it with extremely high expectations and I adore the story of Achilles and Patrocles, but for most of the story, I was very disappointed. I didn't connect with either Achilles or Patrocles all that well, both felt very one dimensional to me, particularly Patrocles who for two-thirds of the book did absolutely nothing except wax about how wonderful Achilles is. Achilles himself didn't seem to have any well-defined characteristics or motivations other than being incredibly good at fighting and always getting everything he wanted.
However, the final third of the book I began to become more emotionally invested, Patrocles finally began to actually show a little bit of agency and things were actually happening. I still didn't love this version of the story, I'm still bitterly disappointed but it did eventually redeem itself somewhat.
I also had a lot of other issues with the storytelling in this novel but I'm not going into them now. 2.5 stars probably but rounded up for Briseis.
I'm still craving an epic queer ancient greek romance story because sadly this wasn't it for me. ...more
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