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When I saw reviews stating this book had a "Howl's Moving Castle" vibe, I excitedly awaited the book's release. I have always been a fan of the whimsical and magical world created by Diana Wynne Jones in "Howl's Moving Castle," and I was eager to see how this new book would capture that enchanting feeling.

Liske hails from a small farming village named Stodola. On the day of the festival of Kupala Night, she leaves her village behind determined to find a flower said to grant a wish. You see, Liske carries within her magic. Magic is forbidden and Liske knows that the Church frowns upon such things. Plus Liske has come to see her magic as a burden and thus needs to be rid of it. Unfortunately, Liske meets the Leszy, who offers to help her with the condition she stays with him for a year.

But while there seemed to be inspiration from "Howl's Moving Castle", it also had the originality that set it far apart from the magical world of Howl, Sophie, and their whimsical journey. This book held its uniqueness with its characters and the storyline, steeping it from Slavic mythology. The characters and storyline draw you into the pages of the book, hold you captivated, and keep you hooked until the end.

This book was not a disappointment. Rather, it was the complete opposite. Even now, I still find myself going back to parts of the novel that I rather enjoyed. With a mixture of "Howl's Moving Castle", Beauty and the Beast, and Hades and Persephone, this book can stand on its whimsical charm and magical storyline. I would highly recommend this fantasy romance to anyone who is looking for a way to begin their journey into the fantasy romance genre. Its Slavic mythology will entice you to divulge within its pages and keep you glued to beautiful characters, a whimsical world, and a fantasy storyline you will enjoy.

I had been promising myself that I would read this series but I always kept putting it off. Mostly, this was due to the fact I had read A Throne of Glass a long time ago and found the female lead not readily to my liking. I had always promised myself that I would eventually give it another try but first, I wanted to read A Court of Thorn and Roses. I had been hearing a lot of mixed reviews but my friends have mostly been the ones telling me that the series was much better once you started reading it.

I won't lie when I have been told that the series is a mixture of Hades and Persephone with Beauty and the Beast. I have always been a sucker for these and I had placed this series on my TBR. Now that I had time, I decided this would be the series for December. The final books that would end my 2023 reading year.

But now having read the series, I am a bit torn about where to rank it. While the story felt slow - too slow for that matter, it did have its moments. But again, the female lead is what drove me insane. I don't what it is about Maas's female leads but they end up being extremely annoying. I don't feel she improves much. I don't want to give too much away, but I found her decisions and actions frustrating at times. However, there were also moments where she showed strength and resilience, which I appreciated.

On the other hand, the world-building in this series was phenomenal. Maas has created a rich and vivid world, filled with different courts and creatures. I was completely immersed in this fantastical world and loved learning about the various realms and their politics.

The romance in this series felt slow. For one thing, I am glad that this was not some insta-love with both declaring how much they were made for each other, blah blah blah but it was taken slowly allowing the characters to see each other's flaws and strengths but at the same time I also felt that it was at a crawl. It could be frustrating at times and at other times it felt right.

Final Thought:

Despite its flaws, I did enjoy reading the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. The rich world-building and captivating romance kept me engaged despite some of the frustrations with the main character. I would still recommend giving it a try, especially if you enjoy fantasy and romantic elements.

4.35/5

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters follows the adventures of Percy Jackson and his two friends, Annabeth and Grover, after the events of Book One. Percy has returned to his mother's home has started a brand new school and has met a new friend named Tyson, but Percy has been dreaming of Grover being chased down a set of stores by a much larger creature and Camp Half-Blood is suffering from numerous attacks by some mysterious enemy bent on poisoning the tree that protect the outer edges of the camp.

Percy must save the tree and sets out on a quest to find the legendary Golden Fleece, a mythological artifact with healing properties that could save Thalia, Zeus' daughter, and save Grover from the dreaded Cyclops Polyphemus. Navigating the Bermuda Triangle and trying to keep themselves alive won't be easy but Percy knows the fate of the camp rests upon their shoulders.

Throughout the journey, Percy's loyalty and friendship are tested, and he also learns more about his abilities and destiny as a demigod. He must make difficult choices and face dangerous adversaries to complete the quest and save the camp.

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters explores themes of bravery, heroism, friendship, and the power of destiny. It is a thrilling adventure filled with humor, action, and references to Greek mythology. The book has gained popularity for its engaging storytelling and relatable characters, particularly for its target audience of young adult readers.

In The Titan's Curse, the third installment of the Percy Jackson series, the presence of an oracle dramatically sets the tone for a darker and more intense storyline. As the characters delve deeper into the world of ancient Greek mythology, they find themselves facing formidable challenges and dangerous adversaries.

The oracle, a mummy-like figure known for dressing in hippie clothes and hanging out in the attic, is the source of the camp's prophecy. Normally, she rarely has been seen outside of the attic, that is until the very moment she comes to the campsite to speak of what is to come to the campers setting out on the high-stakes rescue mission to save Artemis, the Goddess of the Hunt, and find Annabeth.

The tone of the novel takes a darker turn as the oracle delivers a chilling prophecy, hinting at a traumatic event that will shake the foundations of the protagonist's world. This prophecy sets the stage for the overarching conflict of the story and creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and impending doom.

With the Oracle's warning hanging over their heads, Percy and the others set out to find Artemis and Annabeth by navigating treacherous paths, making sacrifices to fulfill their destinies, and facing the powerful and vengeful Titans who are determined to rain down destruction and chaos upon the world.

The presence of the oracle also introduces an element of mystery and intrigue. As the characters unravel the layers of the prophecy and seek to understand its true meaning, they are forced to confront their limitations and make difficult choices. This adds a psychological depth to the story, as the characters grapple with their fears and navigate the blurred lines between right and wrong.

The oracle's importance in The Titan's Curse sets a dark and foreboding tone, infusing the story with tension, uncertainty, and a sense of impending danger that waits in the shadows. Through her prophecies, Percy and his friends are confronted with the harsh realities of what the future might hold if the Titans get their way.

Percy Jackson and his friends have returned and this time they will need to prevent war from breaking out between the Gods and the Kronos, who is using a massive maze designed by an ancient Greek inventor. The massive maze has entrances all over the world and rumor has it that Kronos, the great Titan lord, has plans to use it to invade Olympus.

Percy, along with Annabeth Chase, Grover Underwood, and new ally Rachel Elizabeth Dare, must navigate through the twisty Labyrinth, facing numerous challenges and dangerous creatures, to find Kronos's plan and prevent the imminent war. Along the way, they encounter various Greek mythological beings, including the Sphinx, Hercules, and the Titan, Atlas.

As the group goes deeper into the Labyrinth, they face several personal challenges, including love triangles, parental issues, and internal conflicts. The book also expands on the conflicts between the gods and their children, as the campers at Camp Half-Blood discover they have been unfairly treated by the gods.

In the end, Percy and his friends can prevent Kronos from using the Labyrinth to invade Mount Olympus. Still, they also discover a devastating secret about someone close to them that will have major repercussions in the series.

Riordan continues to blend humor, adventure, and mythology to bring a tale that will keep a reader engaged and eager to read the further adventures of Percy Jackson and his friends.

Wow! What a rollercoaster of a ride this series has been. I have loved the Percy Jackson series since the moment my Mom asked for help in preparing a book report for my niece. The finale book is always the most bittersweet. While book two will be my main favorite, this last book in the Percy Jackson series has become my second favorite. The characters have grown since the beginning. We have watched Percy Jackson and his friends struggle through countless battles and challenges, and it has been an incredible journey.

The development of the characters throughout the series is one of the things I have loved the most. Percy himself has transformed from an unsure and inexperienced demigod to a true hero who is willing to sacrifice everything for his friends and the greater good. Annabeth has become a strong and independent young woman, and the friendship between Percy and Annabeth has grown into something truly special.

The final battle in this book is epic and intense. Rick Riordan has a way of writing action scenes that keep you on the edge of your seat, and this book is no exception. I was completely invested in the outcome and the fate of the characters I had come to love so much.

But with every high, there must also be a low. And that is why the ending of this series is bittersweet. While I am thrilled with the way everything wraps up and the resolution of the main plot, saying goodbye to these characters is hard. They have become like friends to me, and it's sad to know that their story has come to an end.

The Percy Jackson series has been a thrilling and unforgettable adventure. It has captured my imagination and taken me on a journey I will always cherish. I am grateful to Rick Riordan for creating such a rich and immersive world, and I know that I will revisit these books again and again.

The Demigod Files is a collection of three short stories that are part of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. The book focuses on various adventures and events related to the demigod characters from the series.

The first story in the collection is titled "Percy Jackson and the Stolen Chariot" and follows Percy Jackson and Clarisse as the two of them must find Ares' chariot that Phobos and Deimos have hidden away.

The second story in the collection is titled "Percy Jackson and the Bronze Dragon" and introduces the demigod character of Charles Beckendorf. It follows Beckendorf and Percy as they team up on a quest to find a stolen weapon called the Bronze Dragon.

The third story in the collection is titled "Percy Jackson and the Sword of Hades" and makes Percy an unwilling character in the creation of Hades' sword by Persephone.

In addition to the three stories, The Demigod Files also includes various bonus materials, such as character profiles, interviews with the author, and activity pages. This book serves as a companion to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, providing fans with additional content and backstory.

Being the son of Poseidon is never easy and Percy Jackson will attest to that fact. He has taken down the Titans and restored the Olympians to their place, but one would think that they would be a bit less harsh on him. Yeah, not going to happen especially when on his college form for New Rome University, he has to have three God recommendations. This is not going to be an easy task...that is until the moment Ganymede calls upon Percy for help - the Chalice of the Gods is missing and he needs it before Zeus learns it's gone.

It has been what? A little over ten years since we last had a Percy Jackson adventure? Nevertheless, we do and this time we have new characters - new lesser gods and a quest that requires Percy to seek out recommendations to attend New Rome University.

It is always great to see Percy return. You would think the Gods would give him a break but you know how that has always turned out and this book is no different. The only difference is that someone has taken Ganymede's chalice and now it is up to Percy, Annabeth, and Grover to retrieve it while also trying to get recommendations. This book was a fun adventure for those familiar with Percy Jackson. His sarcastic self alongside the chapter titles are always a welcoming addition.

The Chalice of the Gods returns us to the world of Percy Jackson and back to the unique blending of ancient mythology with modern-day settings and relatable teenage protagonists has been highly praised by readers and critics alike. For any fan of Rick Riordan, this book is something you should add to your collection.

I have always had a love for Greek and Roman Mythology. I had my first taste of it in my senior year of high school and have loved it since. Now I have not exactly explored all the tales within the mythology realm, focusing on more of Hades and Persephone. Still, I will admit that Rick Riordan's take on the mythological realm reignited that love.

Some believe that monsters are born monsters.

That some creatures arrive on this earth with a darkness so all-consuming in their heart that no mere mortal's love could ever hope to tame it. These souls, they believe, cannot achieve redemption and do not deserve it. They are beasts, intent on causing chaos for all who cross their paths. They are vengeful and hate-filled, deserving of nothing except our contempt.

Medusa was never the monster in the beginning. Instead, she was a beautiful young woman whom her father wished to protect from males that offered her hand. He thought having her become one of the priestesses of Athena would be the best course for her. In the beginning, it probably was. She abhorred the rules Athena had put in place for all her priestesses. She offered blessings and tried on numerous occasions to protect the abused wife that would seek shelter. Unfortunately, this will be one of her biggest downfalls as it would cause Poisedon's attention. Medusa tried to dissuade his attentions but it would be for naught - he would rape her within the temple of Athena. This would cause Athena's wrath to fall upon Medusa and completely change her from the beautiful young woman she had been to the monster in Greek Mythology we would come to know. Even her own sisters, who were angered at Athena, would not escape her wrath. All of them becoming the Gorgons.

In the second act, we meet Perseus. Another Greek hero would come to play within the Gods' hands and change the course of his history. Born out of wedlock to Zeus and a mortal woman, Perseus, and his mother were cast from her homeland by his grandfather, Acrisius, the king. Long ago, Acrisius had been told of a prophecy that scared him and he sought to make sure it never happened, but he underestimated the will of the Gods. Enraged by his daughter's pregnancy, he locked both she and Perseus away in a trunk, throwing them into the sea with hopes that the two would drown. Unfortunately, for Acrisius, they did not drown and were found by Dictys. Perseus would grow up healthy and strong, finding security on Seriphos with his mother and Dictys. One day, Perseus learns that her mother has become the attention of a tyrant king named Polydectes. Polydectes wanted his mother and he knew that Perseus stood in the way and he needed to get rid of him quickly. So, he offered him a quest - bring back the head of Medusa. After all, no one returned from Medusa's island alive.

The lives of Perseus and Medusa become entangled and like most mythology - the hero always wins in the end. Medusa's life is taken and her head is used to save the lovely Princess Andromeda.

This book is the first in a series of The Grecian Women Trilogy. The mythology of Medusa and Perseus has been told. This has been really the first mythology-based book with Medusa being the main character. Oh, Rick Riordan does have her appear in Percy Jackson, but that is pretty much it for her.

I loved that Medusa was front and center. Her character and story pull you in and keep you until the very end of the story. You feel the pain Medusa goes through and you sympathize with her character. The fear, terror, and horror she had gone through from her rape within the temple to the very end of her life. Her sisters, unfortunately, end up sharing the same fate, but not for the reasons set upon Medusa. Their words turn them, sadly.

I don't believe she deserved her fate and I think Athena should have listened to her. It was her temple. I would have thought she was paying close attention and would have set revenge upon Poseidon for harming one of her own. Yet, she sees it as HER fault and turns her into a gorgon. This story makes me believe - in some form - that she cared little for priestesses. They were expendable.

I plan on reading the rest of this trilogy soon. This was a great read and I recommend this especially if you are a huge fan of mythology.

Overshadowed by her sister, Helen of Troy, and the Trojan War, Clytemnestra's story was tragic, filled with betrayal, revenge, and bloodshed - the daughter of King Tyndareus of Sparta and Leda, and the sister of the beautiful Helen. While her first marriage ended in the murder of her husband and son, her second marriage to Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, was tumultuous.

When Agamemnon sacrifices their eldest daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the Goddess Artemis for a slight he has done, Clytemnestra takes her daughter's body back, vows revenge against her husband, and returns home refusing to allow her children from her sight.

Clytemnestra's resentment towards Agamemnon only grows when he returns from the Trojan War with his concubine, Cassandra, by his side. Consumed by rage and a thirst for vengeance, she plots with her lover, Aegisthus, to kill Agamemnon upon his return. Together, they murder the king in his bath, fulfilling the prophecy that Clytemnestra's son, Orestes, would avenge his father's death.

Orestes, guided by the god Apollo, ultimately does carry out his revenge, killing both his mother and Aegisthus to avenge his father's death. However, the act leaves Orestes tormented by guilt and pursued by the Furies, driving him to madness until he is finally absolved of his crimes in the court of Athena in Athens.

Clytemnestra's story is a cautionary tale of the consequences of betrayal, revenge, and violence, showing the destructive power of unchecked emotions and the cyclical nature of bloodshed within Greek tragedies.

Hannah Lynn has weaved a captivating tale of a woman often overshadowed by her sister in mythology - a tale of betrayal, revenge, and actions leading to her demise. Ms Lynn's unique ability to draw in her readers with her vivid descriptions and complex characters makes this retelling of Clytemnestra's myth a must-read for fans of Greek mythology.

I have been sitting on this review for almost a week trying to decide where to rate this last book in the trilogy. I loved the first two books in the series with the first being my favorite, but the third book - not so much.

I was never a fan of Theseus in Greek Mythology. I always found him to be arrogant and self-centered. He always seemed to think he was better than everyone else and boasted about his heroic deeds. Despite his bravery and skills as a warrior, I couldn't get past his egotistical nature.

I also found his treatment of women to be reprehensible. He abandoned Ariadne and Phaedra, two women who loved and supported him, without a second thought. His abduction of Hippolyte and his treatment of her as a trophy rather than an equal also left a sour taste in my mouth.

This was the daughter of Ares, God of War, owner of the zoster, whom she willingly gave to Heracles because he needed it for his twelve labours. She was the Queen of the Amazons, a woman who went to battle even against men.

She turned him down time after time and it seemed that Theseus does not like to talk NO for an answer. Any other good hero would have bowed his head in knowing defeat and moved on. Nope, he drugs her, abducts her from her world and when her sisters come to save her, she tells them she doesn't want to leave...that she knows he loves her in his way.

If this isn't a case of Stockholm Syndrome, I don't know what is.

While I love that Ms. Lynn is expanding on other myths outside the heavily saturated world of Hades and Persephone, this book was not my favorite. It may be due to that I found Theseus's character unbearable, arrogant, and selfish. I never liked him at all, which may be why I found this tale not to my taste.

I hope Ms. Lynn continues to dive further into the Greek and Roman world of myths and bring us tales that need retelling.

This novella was supposed to be my introduction to Ali Hazelwood. Many reviews from friends and other readers had been positive and glowing so my expectations were high, but this book let me down. Our female and male leads don't interact much even after their political marriage. If they do, it is brief with our male lead trying to haul his butt out of the room quicker than a snake coiled ready to strike.

And when our female lead was attacked, it didn't seem our male lead was remotely concerned about it. It seemed he wanted to feed into the Were's hatred for the Vampyre's. Maybe all of this could have just been me but I could not feel the connection our leads were supposed to have. It was not there and I think the author tried to push it toward the late stages of the book.

Honestly, I would have loved to say this was my favorite novel of the year but I would be lying. The book lacked character development and the ingredients needed to make a strong character bond between the two main leads. It was there not enough to make it worth the continual read.