What do you think?
Rate this book
Partholon #1
Divine By Mistake
The most excitement teacher Shannon Parker expected on her summer vacation was a little shopping. But then her latest purchase--a vase with the Celtic goddess Epona on it--somehow switches her into the world of Partholon, where she's treated like a goddess. A very temperamental goddess... It seems that Shannon has stepped into another's role as the Goddess Incarnate of Epona. And while it has some very appealing moments--what woman doesn't like a little pampering now and then?--it also comes with a ritual marriage to a centaur and the threat of war against the evil Fomorians. Oh, and everyone disliking her because they think she's her double.
Somehow Shannon needs to figure out how to get back to Oklahoma without being killed, married to a horse or losing her mind... .
Somehow Shannon needs to figure out how to get back to Oklahoma without being killed, married to a horse or losing her mind... .
701 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 28, 2001
About the author
P.C. Cast
169 books27.7k followersPC was born in the Midwest, and grew up being shuttled back-and-forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology (at about the same time). After high school, she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. After her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write full time. PC is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today Best-Selling author and a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath. PC is an experienced teacher and talented speaker. Ms. Cast lives in Oregon near her fabulous daughter, her adorable pack of dogs, her crazy Maine Coon, and a bunch of horses. House of Night Other World, book 4, FOUND, releases July 7th, 2020. More info to come soon about the HoN TV series!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 864 reviews
May 24, 2018
This book was frustrating. The premise and story was good. But the writing was... Well awful. Whilst it could be witty at times, most of the time it was childishly written and grammatically poor. Honestly I don't know how it got published. With P. C Cast co-writing House of Night, I can see why that series is just as appalling. Honestly she wasn't very imaginative in creating differences in the two series.
Anyway back to this monstrosity. Like I said, the story was interesting and was the main reason I kept reading it. The characters were ok and despite some of the childish monologue, I found Rhea quite funny at times and not such a terrible main character.
If you want an easy read and don't mind some awful writing, then this is the book for you.
Anyway back to this monstrosity. Like I said, the story was interesting and was the main reason I kept reading it. The characters were ok and despite some of the childish monologue, I found Rhea quite funny at times and not such a terrible main character.
If you want an easy read and don't mind some awful writing, then this is the book for you.
April 26, 2013
I picked this up for a bit of a light 'fluff' read. I was right on the 'fluff'. It was amusing for the first 100 pages (though the author could not seem to stop conversing with her audience rather than telling an actual story), then it became increasingly irritating for it's lack of substance. It served its purpose, I suppose.
nb. The author's note at the beginning was purile and somewhat... embarrassing in it's self serving attitude. I neither connected with the 'realness' of her herione nor did I feel the hero struggled in any form to keep himself from 'falling in love' as the Author said he did. In fact, he was pretty much a chump lured by sex. Which wouldn't be so bad if she hadn't built him up as some incredibly intelligent and enlightened masculine.. equine (long story).
nb. The author's note at the beginning was purile and somewhat... embarrassing in it's self serving attitude. I neither connected with the 'realness' of her herione nor did I feel the hero struggled in any form to keep himself from 'falling in love' as the Author said he did. In fact, he was pretty much a chump lured by sex. Which wouldn't be so bad if she hadn't built him up as some incredibly intelligent and enlightened masculine.. equine (long story).
August 26, 2016
Shannon Parker is a high school teacher who in her excitement for her summer vacation has decided to treat herself and try to pick up something nice at the local auction house. Immediately Shannon is drawn to a vase with the Celtic goddess Epona on it and decides to make a bid. When Shannon finds herself the new owner of the vase though things go a bit weird from there.
Waking up in the world of Partholon Shannon finds that she has switched places with the Goddess Incarnate of Epona who was not a very nice person or leader. Not only does everyone seem to dislike her because of her predecessor, Shannon also finds herself promised in marriage to a Centaur and in the middle of the threat of war against the evil Fomorians.
Divine By Mistake was originally published under the title Goddess by Mistake under a smaller label but has been updated a bit and republished under the new name. I picked this one up on a recommendation from a fellow blogger and boy was I glad I did.
Anyone who follows my reviews may have noticed when books get a bit lengthy I get a bit impatient if they aren't packed full of action. In this case I did find myself once or twice thinking it dragged a slight bit so I decided on 4.5 stars but overall I was entertained by Shannon throughout the read even during the slower moments because she is absolutely hilarious.
Bringing this modern woman into a more ancient time and mixing with mythological creatures was and intriguing enough story but toss in the quick wit and sometimes sarcastic commentary from the main character and I loved this one. It was a great fantasy read with an interesting mix with a strong female lead. Definitely one I'd recommend checking out for the fantasy lovers out there.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Waking up in the world of Partholon Shannon finds that she has switched places with the Goddess Incarnate of Epona who was not a very nice person or leader. Not only does everyone seem to dislike her because of her predecessor, Shannon also finds herself promised in marriage to a Centaur and in the middle of the threat of war against the evil Fomorians.
Divine By Mistake was originally published under the title Goddess by Mistake under a smaller label but has been updated a bit and republished under the new name. I picked this one up on a recommendation from a fellow blogger and boy was I glad I did.
Anyone who follows my reviews may have noticed when books get a bit lengthy I get a bit impatient if they aren't packed full of action. In this case I did find myself once or twice thinking it dragged a slight bit so I decided on 4.5 stars but overall I was entertained by Shannon throughout the read even during the slower moments because she is absolutely hilarious.
Bringing this modern woman into a more ancient time and mixing with mythological creatures was and intriguing enough story but toss in the quick wit and sometimes sarcastic commentary from the main character and I loved this one. It was a great fantasy read with an interesting mix with a strong female lead. Definitely one I'd recommend checking out for the fantasy lovers out there.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
January 6, 2008
Looking at the cover, I anticipated the "usual" fantasy, lots of antiquated (but charming) language, the epic battle of good and evil, goddesses and demons, and things of that nature. This would have been a good thing... but it actually turned out to be better and more unique.
Shannon is a 35 year old high school English teacher in Oklahoma. At an estate sale, she buys an ancient Celtic pot because she's drawn to the image on it... a goddess who looks like her. On the way home, she's in a car accident and wakes in a strange land, to find that she's the Beloved of the Goddess Epona... meaning she's the goddess's living earthly manifestation. Oh, and she's due to be handfast to a Centaur (man from the waist up, then the body of a horse). It also turns out that the "real" Rhiannon, who she's supposed to now be, was a nasty, controlling woman, and she'd found a way to switch places with her image in our world out of a desire for all the "wonders" here. She discovers that ClanFintan, her centaur husband, is pretty wonderful, but their world is about to be invaded by an ancient evil, and together they must save the people who are depending on them.
The narrative of this book is what made it different, very enjoyable, and a fun read. Cast's voice is more like Mary Janice Davidson, which I may have anticipated if I'd noticed Christopher Moore's blurb on the back cover: "Fantasy lovers who have always wanted to make snide remarks as they galloped about the magic rings and evil princes are going to have a great time with this book." Shannon has a quirky sense of humor, and is outspoken about just about everything, and keeps things entertaining, even at the most dire of times.
Shannon is a 35 year old high school English teacher in Oklahoma. At an estate sale, she buys an ancient Celtic pot because she's drawn to the image on it... a goddess who looks like her. On the way home, she's in a car accident and wakes in a strange land, to find that she's the Beloved of the Goddess Epona... meaning she's the goddess's living earthly manifestation. Oh, and she's due to be handfast to a Centaur (man from the waist up, then the body of a horse). It also turns out that the "real" Rhiannon, who she's supposed to now be, was a nasty, controlling woman, and she'd found a way to switch places with her image in our world out of a desire for all the "wonders" here. She discovers that ClanFintan, her centaur husband, is pretty wonderful, but their world is about to be invaded by an ancient evil, and together they must save the people who are depending on them.
The narrative of this book is what made it different, very enjoyable, and a fun read. Cast's voice is more like Mary Janice Davidson, which I may have anticipated if I'd noticed Christopher Moore's blurb on the back cover: "Fantasy lovers who have always wanted to make snide remarks as they galloped about the magic rings and evil princes are going to have a great time with this book." Shannon has a quirky sense of humor, and is outspoken about just about everything, and keeps things entertaining, even at the most dire of times.
August 16, 2010
I thought the idea of this book sounded quite good – I’m all for medieval type worlds and centaurs and enemies and castles and so I was pretty sold on the blurb on the back of the book. But I found the main character fairly annoying, and given she was the one telling the story, it was quite a drawback.
She was supposed to be 35, but rarely ever seemed it throughout the book. The narrative was definitely more teenage-esque. She was also incredibly laid back about being switched into another world and there was almost no panic on her part, or disbelief, or anything that would’ve made it remotely credible. She even handled the ‘handfasting’ (wedding) to a centaur - centaur! - with barely an eyelash flicker whereas most women would’ve totally freaked.the.heck.out. But then again we’re led to believe that Shannon (the protagonist) is truly the beloved and chosen of Epona (medieval-type world’s goddess) and therefore, able to adjust and adapt on a whim. Which seems a -lame- way to avoid having to deal with a realistic reaction to being transported into another world.
The author tries hard to establish Shannon as being different to Rhiannon (who orchestrated the switch and now resides in ‘our’ world in Shannon’s place) and that Rhiannon was pretty much, a world class bi*ch and Shannon is much fairer, more sympathetic, a better choice to be the chosen vessel of Epona. While Shannon certainly lacked Rhiannon's inherently nasty and selfish streak, she didn't really strike me as a believable choice for pretty much what equated to a high priestess of a goddess. The book does have its good points – ClanFintan, the centaur handfasted to the Chosen of Epona (Rhiannon originally, now Shannon) was quite endearing. The vampire-like enemy threatening them were believably eerie. But overall, I was pretty disappointed. From all I’ve read, praise wise, about this author, I expected better writing. Instead a lot of the time it felt like I was reading the English Creative Writing assignment of a horse mad 15yr old with a fascination with the Narnia novels.
She was supposed to be 35, but rarely ever seemed it throughout the book. The narrative was definitely more teenage-esque. She was also incredibly laid back about being switched into another world and there was almost no panic on her part, or disbelief, or anything that would’ve made it remotely credible. She even handled the ‘handfasting’ (wedding) to a centaur - centaur! - with barely an eyelash flicker whereas most women would’ve totally freaked.the.heck.out. But then again we’re led to believe that Shannon (the protagonist) is truly the beloved and chosen of Epona (medieval-type world’s goddess) and therefore, able to adjust and adapt on a whim. Which seems a -lame- way to avoid having to deal with a realistic reaction to being transported into another world.
The author tries hard to establish Shannon as being different to Rhiannon (who orchestrated the switch and now resides in ‘our’ world in Shannon’s place) and that Rhiannon was pretty much, a world class bi*ch and Shannon is much fairer, more sympathetic, a better choice to be the chosen vessel of Epona. While Shannon certainly lacked Rhiannon's inherently nasty and selfish streak, she didn't really strike me as a believable choice for pretty much what equated to a high priestess of a goddess. The book does have its good points – ClanFintan, the centaur handfasted to the Chosen of Epona (Rhiannon originally, now Shannon) was quite endearing. The vampire-like enemy threatening them were believably eerie. But overall, I was pretty disappointed. From all I’ve read, praise wise, about this author, I expected better writing. Instead a lot of the time it felt like I was reading the English Creative Writing assignment of a horse mad 15yr old with a fascination with the Narnia novels.
January 7, 2013
I could not put this book down! Be warned that the second you pick it up you will be committed to a marathon read. The writing is witty, funny, and exiting with an awesome dash of geeky thrown in. The characters are likeable and relatable, and the author does an excellent job of giving even the smallest side character a chance to shine.
The story sounds pretty straightforward: Shannon, an Oklahoma teacher, gets sent to an alternate world where she takes the place of Rihannon, the goddess Epona's Chosen. Told that she must tell no one what's happened, she ends up marrying a centaur and discovering that she must lead her people in a battle against a great evil. The amazing part here is that the way the story develops is anything but straightforward.
Yes it’s a gushy fantasy romance that drips with self-insertion/wishful thinking, but I don’t read this kind of story for anything other than pure entertainment. I wanted to be entertained and pulled into the story and I was. What more could a reader ask for?
The story sounds pretty straightforward: Shannon, an Oklahoma teacher, gets sent to an alternate world where she takes the place of Rihannon, the goddess Epona's Chosen. Told that she must tell no one what's happened, she ends up marrying a centaur and discovering that she must lead her people in a battle against a great evil. The amazing part here is that the way the story develops is anything but straightforward.
Yes it’s a gushy fantasy romance that drips with self-insertion/wishful thinking, but I don’t read this kind of story for anything other than pure entertainment. I wanted to be entertained and pulled into the story and I was. What more could a reader ask for?
Want to read
January 1, 2021Wat een heerlijk verhaal. Spanning, liefde,een Godin, muzen, centauren, I love it!
April 7, 2010
Having been a fan of P.C. and Kristen Cast’s House of Night series, I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive about trying out any of P.C. Cast’s other books. For the most part, I love the House of Night series – would I feel the same way about her other books? While I do try to read many of my books in an objective format that allows me to see the good parts in each individual piece, I was afraid that if I became disenchanted with Cast’s adult books, it might ruin her young adult ones for me as well.
I am pleased to announce that I should have just thrown my worry to the ground and squished it under my shoe. While definitely having a different feel to them than the House of Night books do, the Goddess of Partholon books are turning out to be pretty spectacular. The first in the series, DIVINE BY MISTAKE follows Shannon Parker, a school teacher loving the freedom of summer break, as she discovers an ancient vase that will turn her world upside down - literally. Where there were once cars, there are now horses. Jeans and a cashmere sweater? Nope, let’s try a lovely wrapped piece of silk and some strappy sandals.
What’s a girl to do with no mall, no teenagers to teach, and a world where the impossible walks before her very eyes? Barely awake for more than a few hours, Shannon – or Rhiannon, as she’s known in Partholon – finds herself a key player in a handfast ceremony. Before she can say “Whoa there,” Shannon is married to a horse (centaur) and thrown into a wild adventure.
I’ll admit that the beginning of the book was a little hard to get into. I almost put it down to take a break, but decided to keep on going. You’ll remember that I said the same thing about Stephenie Meyer’s The Host. The beginning was slow but the rest of the book was phenomenal. In this case, it seemed like the beginning of DIVINE BY MISTAKE almost went by a little too quickly. Some things didn’t seem fully explained and other didn’t make sense. I had to ignore my mind as it tried to figure out the spatial aspect of the story as it didn’t always seem like the shapes and sizes of things in the story were described the same as the way they were used. Once I was able to get past this, however, I realized what a great book this really is.
If there is anything new I have discovered about P.C. Cast’s writing it’s that this author is incredibly funny. The House of Night series can be humorous, but in general Zoey and her posse follow a fairly dark path. While there were certainly very dark and very graphic scenes in DIVINE BY MISTAKE, Ms. Cast was able to throw quite a bit of humor in their to lighten up the mood of the book. I can honestly say that Shannon is one of my favorite characters in the stories I have read thus far this year. The author has imbued her with a sense of humor, a modern personality that clashes beautifully with the old-fashioned world she has been transported to, and a set of quirks that just make her adorable.
While we’re discussing wonderful characters, let’s visit ClanFintan, shall we. I can honestly say that I had never read a story that included any form of romance between a centaur and a human. I didn’t know how it would work and it if would be weird, but the way Ms. Cast created her world and the way she developed her characters made this aspect of the story one of the best. ClanFintan is like any tall, dark, and handsome man we dream of. Only difference is that he has the hindquarters of a horse. What could be better for those of us that never grew out of our princess and horse-lover phase? The author’s descriptions of ClanFintan, his mannerisms, and the personality she gives him really helped to make this one heck of a book.
Fair warning: There are adult scenes and adult themes.
I would recommend this to any lovers of Fantasy, Romance, or any combination of the two. I would recommend this to adult readers as there are some scenes that may be disturbing to younger readers.
I am pleased to announce that I should have just thrown my worry to the ground and squished it under my shoe. While definitely having a different feel to them than the House of Night books do, the Goddess of Partholon books are turning out to be pretty spectacular. The first in the series, DIVINE BY MISTAKE follows Shannon Parker, a school teacher loving the freedom of summer break, as she discovers an ancient vase that will turn her world upside down - literally. Where there were once cars, there are now horses. Jeans and a cashmere sweater? Nope, let’s try a lovely wrapped piece of silk and some strappy sandals.
What’s a girl to do with no mall, no teenagers to teach, and a world where the impossible walks before her very eyes? Barely awake for more than a few hours, Shannon – or Rhiannon, as she’s known in Partholon – finds herself a key player in a handfast ceremony. Before she can say “Whoa there,” Shannon is married to a horse (centaur) and thrown into a wild adventure.
I’ll admit that the beginning of the book was a little hard to get into. I almost put it down to take a break, but decided to keep on going. You’ll remember that I said the same thing about Stephenie Meyer’s The Host. The beginning was slow but the rest of the book was phenomenal. In this case, it seemed like the beginning of DIVINE BY MISTAKE almost went by a little too quickly. Some things didn’t seem fully explained and other didn’t make sense. I had to ignore my mind as it tried to figure out the spatial aspect of the story as it didn’t always seem like the shapes and sizes of things in the story were described the same as the way they were used. Once I was able to get past this, however, I realized what a great book this really is.
If there is anything new I have discovered about P.C. Cast’s writing it’s that this author is incredibly funny. The House of Night series can be humorous, but in general Zoey and her posse follow a fairly dark path. While there were certainly very dark and very graphic scenes in DIVINE BY MISTAKE, Ms. Cast was able to throw quite a bit of humor in their to lighten up the mood of the book. I can honestly say that Shannon is one of my favorite characters in the stories I have read thus far this year. The author has imbued her with a sense of humor, a modern personality that clashes beautifully with the old-fashioned world she has been transported to, and a set of quirks that just make her adorable.
While we’re discussing wonderful characters, let’s visit ClanFintan, shall we. I can honestly say that I had never read a story that included any form of romance between a centaur and a human. I didn’t know how it would work and it if would be weird, but the way Ms. Cast created her world and the way she developed her characters made this aspect of the story one of the best. ClanFintan is like any tall, dark, and handsome man we dream of. Only difference is that he has the hindquarters of a horse. What could be better for those of us that never grew out of our princess and horse-lover phase? The author’s descriptions of ClanFintan, his mannerisms, and the personality she gives him really helped to make this one heck of a book.
Fair warning: There are adult scenes and adult themes.
I would recommend this to any lovers of Fantasy, Romance, or any combination of the two. I would recommend this to adult readers as there are some scenes that may be disturbing to younger readers.
August 21, 2013
What gets me about this book is the idea of it has the potential to be a really good story. The whole concept of it, what with the switching between modern day woman and Celtic goddess, is pretty good.
However, I found this book incredibly boring. The writing style was alright, don't get me wrong, I thought the main protagonists voice was very witty and pacy although P.C Cast's stereotyping annoyed me somewhat like it had in her House of Night novels- not all Brits have bad teeth, okay? Also, the assumption that all skinny girls throw up and starve themselves to get their figure. Ugh.
The switch was interesting but it all dwindled after Shannon experiences her first 'Magic Sleep' and sees soldiers, including her father, being destroyed by hideous creatures. The plot dragged, there seemed to be no actual aim and oh yeah she's married to a centaur, a half human half horse guy.
Shannon becomes annoying, whiny and all she seems to think about is sex. Literally, every two pages she is orgasming from pressing herself against her muscly horse guy's chest.
*sigh* COULD have been a great book, like I said, quite an original idea on paper but when you come down to it, it is as dull as ditchwater. Had to give up.
However, I found this book incredibly boring. The writing style was alright, don't get me wrong, I thought the main protagonists voice was very witty and pacy although P.C Cast's stereotyping annoyed me somewhat like it had in her House of Night novels- not all Brits have bad teeth, okay? Also, the assumption that all skinny girls throw up and starve themselves to get their figure. Ugh.
The switch was interesting but it all dwindled after Shannon experiences her first 'Magic Sleep' and sees soldiers, including her father, being destroyed by hideous creatures. The plot dragged, there seemed to be no actual aim and oh yeah she's married to a centaur, a half human half horse guy.
Shannon becomes annoying, whiny and all she seems to think about is sex. Literally, every two pages she is orgasming from pressing herself against her muscly horse guy's chest.
*sigh* COULD have been a great book, like I said, quite an original idea on paper but when you come down to it, it is as dull as ditchwater. Had to give up.
November 23, 2009
I rarely start a book that I cannot finish, but this one gets two stars for that reason. Maybe my expectations were off: I was expecting a humorous fantasy in the Terry Pratchett vein. What I got was a limp fantasy romance that I imagine the author giggled over while writing it. I rolled my eyes a lot, and got my smiles from imagining drop-kicking the heroine over the nearest cliff.
I don't mind when a fictional character behaves stupidly -- to behave stupidly is human after all. But when the author builds up a big emotional reason to send the character out on a suicidally stupid mission I expect the character to be focused on the the deed to be done, and not to be spending the next 20 pages bonding with a horse she just met.
In any case, the big emotional reason had nothing to do with the story. The real reason the heroine goes haring off into danger is apparently so the hunky hero can rescue her. Does the average romance/fantasy reader really lap this sort of thing up? I'm out of the loop.
I don't mind when a fictional character behaves stupidly -- to behave stupidly is human after all. But when the author builds up a big emotional reason to send the character out on a suicidally stupid mission I expect the character to be focused on the the deed to be done, and not to be spending the next 20 pages bonding with a horse she just met.
In any case, the big emotional reason had nothing to do with the story. The real reason the heroine goes haring off into danger is apparently so the hunky hero can rescue her. Does the average romance/fantasy reader really lap this sort of thing up? I'm out of the loop.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2016
My boyfriend at the time had picked this up for me because (again, at the time) I loved the House of Night series (thankfully that was five years ago and I've realized the egregious error of my ways since). Anyway, I was glad to pick this up because OMG PC CAST IS AMAZING RIGHT? Even after devouring five of the HoN books, I couldn't get into this one to save my life and gave up on it probably 1/3 of the way in. I remember liking the idea of this Partholon place, but other than that it was boring as hell. Shannon wasn't a likeable character, as much as I wanted her to be, and obviously the plot wasn't all that interesting, otherwise I would've stuck with it. Pretty sure this is what started the breakdown of OMG PC CAST IS AMAZING in my mind.
November 4, 2021
Divine by Mistake is one of those books that sounded perfect for me. Sadly, I’ve found P.C. Cast is a hit-or-miss author for me, and this one was a miss. There were plenty of interesting ideas in this one, but I could not connect with the story at all.
I think the main reason for my inability to connect with the story was that I could not get into the style of storytelling, mostly because I found the main character to be rather juvenile. There is nothing wrong with this, but it stopped me from connecting with the other elements of the story. In fact, it made most things feel obvious and cliched, with desperate humour thrown in. Maybe it just wasn’t my humour, but I prefer a bit more substance – especially when a book is of the length that this one was.
I think this is just one of those cases where I wasn’t the right reader, as many have clearly enjoyed this.
I think the main reason for my inability to connect with the story was that I could not get into the style of storytelling, mostly because I found the main character to be rather juvenile. There is nothing wrong with this, but it stopped me from connecting with the other elements of the story. In fact, it made most things feel obvious and cliched, with desperate humour thrown in. Maybe it just wasn’t my humour, but I prefer a bit more substance – especially when a book is of the length that this one was.
I think this is just one of those cases where I wasn’t the right reader, as many have clearly enjoyed this.
August 24, 2016
Deze recensie is als eerste geplaatst op Carpe Libra
Hoe denk jij over Godin bij Vergissing?
Een paar jaar geleden heb ik de gehele Partholon serie in het Engels gelezen en ik was er dol op. P.C. Cast had een hilarisch personage, een spannend verhaal en een op zijn zachtst gezegd interessante wereld gecreëerd, waar centaurs ook tot de bevolking hoorden. Toen ik dit boek enige tijd geleden op de boekenbeurs in Antwerpen tegen kwam, in het Nederlands, had ik dan ook meteen zin om alle boeken opnieuw te lezen.
Ergens was ik ook nieuwsgierig of het nu echt zoveel uitmaakt of je de Nederlandse of de Engelse versie leest. Of een vertaling nu echt zoveel invloed heeft op een verhaal, aangezien ik vanaf het begin een beetje worstelde met de boeken van Jennifer Probst en met het gebruik van de Nederlandse taal daarin. Die nieuwsgierigheid is wat me uiteindelijk heeft overgehaald om de Nederlandse versie in huis te halen. Nu kon ik eens een keer optimaal vergelijken.
Wat ben ik blij dat ik dit heb gedaan. Godin bij Vergissing in het Nederlands lezen was even heerlijk als haar Engelse zuster. Aangezien het een tijdje geleden was dat ik het boek had gelezen, was het wel weer even wennen aan Shannon en haar ratelen, want wat heeft ze toch altijd veel te vertellen! Deze eigenschap van haar was me duidelijk even ontschoten, anders had ik me wel voorbereid. Nu had ik het gevoel dat mijn oren op een gegeven moment klapperden (figuurlijk natuurlijk ;) ). Wat een waterval aan woorden en nog in een hoog tempo ook!
Gelukkig was ik hier wederom binnen mum van tijd aan gewend en kon ik me focussen op alle hilarische gedachten en gebeurtenissen die Shannon heeft, meemaakt en veroorzaakt. Ik heb dan ook zo vaak hardop zitten lachen tijdens dit verhaal. Ze is ook zo heerlijk sarcastisch en gevat! Truly one of a kind. Alleen al voor de prachtige quotes en oneliners is het meer dan de moeite waard om Godin bij Vergissing op te pakken. Geloof me, tijdens het lezen zal er continue een grote, brede grijns op je gezicht geplakt zijn! Een voorbeeld:
Ik knikte en gaf Carolan een 'het is echt waar' blik. Zijn ogen waren groot (en zijn mond hing een beetje open -maar het leek me onbeleefd daar iets over te zeggen) en hij keek Alanna aan alsof hij bang was dat ze in iets verschrikkelijks ging veranderen (in deze wereld weet je het maar nooit).
Het verhaal en de wereld waren even boeiend als ik me kon herinneren. Ik bedoel, hoe vaak lees je nu een boek waar centauren een rol in spelen? Bijna nooit toch? Afgezien van Percy Jackson, HP, Narnia en enkele mythes en sages kan ik me namelijk geen enkel verhaal voor de geest halen. Bovendien zijn het dan meestal minder belangrijke personages en leer je ze meestal niet echt kennen. ClanFinton (wel niet echt fan van zijn naam) is daarom een welkome verademing en dan bedoel ik niet alleen vanwege zijn looks ;)
Het verhaal zelf is ook lekker pakkend. Kwaadaardige wezens die de wereld veroveren. Hoe zal Shannon dit voorkomen? Hmm.. nu ik het zo lees, klinkt het een beetje cliché, maar ik verzeker je: dit boek is alles behalve dat! Want zal het Shannon wel lukken? Dat is iets waar ik gedurende het hele boek nooit zeker van was. De eerste keer dat ik het boek las natuurlijk, maar ook deze keer werd ik gewoon weer meegesleept! Oh, sommige momenten waren, om verschillende redenen, zo moeilijk om te lezen. Zorgden ervoor dat ik op het puntje van mijn stoel zat, bijna te bang was om de volgende bladzijde om te slaan. Zou alles nog wel goed komen? Zorg dan ook dat je genoeg tijd hebt om te lezen, want het is nogal moeilijk om weg te leggen ;)
Godin bij Vergissing is een heerlijk “experiment” geworden. Want Nederlands of Engels, het blijft een uniek, spannend en op de lachspieren werkend boek waar ik wederom van heb gegiecheld, gelachen en gesmuld. P.C. Cast heeft echt een wonderbaarlijke wereld gecreëerd met al die centauren en een heerlijk personage genaamd Shannon! Ik kan dit boek dan ook volmondig aanraden. Plezier gegarandeerd!
Hoe denk jij over Godin bij Vergissing?
January 18, 2015
Ooooohemgee, wat ben ik lang bezig geweest aan Godin bij Vergissing! Ik ben erin begonnen op 21 december en gisteren pas was 'ie dan ein-de-lijk uit. Het boek telt ook wel 600 pagina's en met opnieuw elke dag te gaan werken, was er voor lezen opeens veel minder tijd in mijn dagelijkse routine. En tussendoor heb ik ook wel enkele andere boek(jes) gelezen ... Dusja. Hoe dan ook, ondanks al die excuses ben ik heel erg blij dat ik er nu officieel van af ben en dat ik zodadelijk in iets nieuws kan beginnen! Godin zij geprezen!
Wat ik ervan vond ... Aanvankelijk moest ik erg wennen aan de stijl. Om niet te zeggen: ik had een BLOEDHEKEL aan de schrijfstijl en moest me in het begin dan ook behoorlijk hard door de eerste hoofdstukken worstelen. Hoewel de stijl vlot is en daarin zeker vergelijkbaar met die van de House of Night-boeken die P.C. Cast samen met haar dochter schrijft, was het hier allemaal toch nog een tikkeltje irritanter. In House of Night ergerde ik me dus aan de overdreven tienerigheid, in Godin bij Vergissing ergerde ik me aan de constante nood die P.C. Cast voelt om grappig uit de hoek te komen. Erg vermoeiend, vond ik dat.
Ook met frequente pop culture references doe je mij in een boek echt geen plezier, zeker niet wanneer die al zo hopeloos passé zijn dat relatief jonge mensen zoals mezelf ze niet meer snappen. De meest voorkomende verwijzing in dit boek is die naar John Wayne, die blijkbaar ook soms The Duke genoemd wordt (?). Ja hallo, ik ben 25, ik heb geen idee hoe John Wayne eruit ziet en ik weet al helemaal niets van al die subtiele verwijzingen naar zijn filmoevre hoor :') Volgens mij speelde hij veel in cowboyfilms, but that's the extent of my knowledge. Vandaar dat ik doorgaans pop culture references probeer te vermijden in mijn eigen boeken: ze verliezen hun potentiële tijdloosheid hierdoor.
Nog een heikel puntje voor me was de manier waarop de naam van haar centaur husband geschreven is: ClanFintan. AAAAAARGH! Hoewel ik hem een tof personage vond (bij wijlen herinnerde hij me op zeer aangename wijze aan Matthew Clairmont uit de Allerzielen-trilogie) haatte ik zijn naam met een uitzonderlijke passie. DIE HOOFDLETTER IN HET MIDDEN DOET MIJN OGEN PIJN! Echt waar, iedere keer zijn naam vermeld wordt moest ik weer een klein beetje tandenknarsen. Hadden ze hem dan geen koosnaampje kunnen geven, of zo? Fin, misschien?
Toch geef ik Godin bij Vergissing drie sterretjes, want het is niet zo dat ik totaal niet van het verhaal genoten heb. Er zijn misschien wat irritatiepuntjes en er gebeurt uiteindelijk niet zo veel in het boek (er is echt maar één verhaallijn, that's it folks, voor 600 pagina's) maar toch heb ik geen spijt dat ik dit boek voor 2 euro in de Kringloopwinkel geadopteerd heb. Het is een entertainend fantasyverhaal, geschreven in de stijl van een chicklit. Als je toevallig een 35-jarige leerkracht Engels bent die van John Wayne houdt, moet je 'm zeker lezen. Indien je nu net toevallig géén 35-jarige leerkracht Engels bent is dit iets voor jou als je zin hebt in een luchtig en volwassen fantasyverhaal met de typische droomvisioenen en Godinverering die je misschien wel kent uit House of Night. Er is romantiek, er is een klein beetje actie en er is humor (te veel naar mijn smaak, maar soit). Ik ga de volgende boeken zeker lezen, maar dan wel in het Engels. Volgens mij gaan de grapjes dan al veel beter overkomen.
Drie sterren dus, thanks for reading this review!
Wat ik ervan vond ... Aanvankelijk moest ik erg wennen aan de stijl. Om niet te zeggen: ik had een BLOEDHEKEL aan de schrijfstijl en moest me in het begin dan ook behoorlijk hard door de eerste hoofdstukken worstelen. Hoewel de stijl vlot is en daarin zeker vergelijkbaar met die van de House of Night-boeken die P.C. Cast samen met haar dochter schrijft, was het hier allemaal toch nog een tikkeltje irritanter. In House of Night ergerde ik me dus aan de overdreven tienerigheid, in Godin bij Vergissing ergerde ik me aan de constante nood die P.C. Cast voelt om grappig uit de hoek te komen. Erg vermoeiend, vond ik dat.
Ook met frequente pop culture references doe je mij in een boek echt geen plezier, zeker niet wanneer die al zo hopeloos passé zijn dat relatief jonge mensen zoals mezelf ze niet meer snappen. De meest voorkomende verwijzing in dit boek is die naar John Wayne, die blijkbaar ook soms The Duke genoemd wordt (?). Ja hallo, ik ben 25, ik heb geen idee hoe John Wayne eruit ziet en ik weet al helemaal niets van al die subtiele verwijzingen naar zijn filmoevre hoor :') Volgens mij speelde hij veel in cowboyfilms, but that's the extent of my knowledge. Vandaar dat ik doorgaans pop culture references probeer te vermijden in mijn eigen boeken: ze verliezen hun potentiële tijdloosheid hierdoor.
Nog een heikel puntje voor me was de manier waarop de naam van haar centaur husband geschreven is: ClanFintan. AAAAAARGH! Hoewel ik hem een tof personage vond (bij wijlen herinnerde hij me op zeer aangename wijze aan Matthew Clairmont uit de Allerzielen-trilogie) haatte ik zijn naam met een uitzonderlijke passie. DIE HOOFDLETTER IN HET MIDDEN DOET MIJN OGEN PIJN! Echt waar, iedere keer zijn naam vermeld wordt moest ik weer een klein beetje tandenknarsen. Hadden ze hem dan geen koosnaampje kunnen geven, of zo? Fin, misschien?
Toch geef ik Godin bij Vergissing drie sterretjes, want het is niet zo dat ik totaal niet van het verhaal genoten heb. Er zijn misschien wat irritatiepuntjes en er gebeurt uiteindelijk niet zo veel in het boek (er is echt maar één verhaallijn, that's it folks, voor 600 pagina's) maar toch heb ik geen spijt dat ik dit boek voor 2 euro in de Kringloopwinkel geadopteerd heb. Het is een entertainend fantasyverhaal, geschreven in de stijl van een chicklit. Als je toevallig een 35-jarige leerkracht Engels bent die van John Wayne houdt, moet je 'm zeker lezen. Indien je nu net toevallig géén 35-jarige leerkracht Engels bent is dit iets voor jou als je zin hebt in een luchtig en volwassen fantasyverhaal met de typische droomvisioenen en Godinverering die je misschien wel kent uit House of Night. Er is romantiek, er is een klein beetje actie en er is humor (te veel naar mijn smaak, maar soit). Ik ga de volgende boeken zeker lezen, maar dan wel in het Engels. Volgens mij gaan de grapjes dan al veel beter overkomen.
Drie sterren dus, thanks for reading this review!
September 3, 2010
I was utterly disappointed with this series of books. The synopsis on the back of the book, with its promise of high fantasy and centaurs and Epona, a world with a somewhat medieval feel – why, that’s right up my alley and really had me hooked. The book’s protagonist, Shannon, is meant to be a thirty-five year old woman. However, the majority of the time she acts like a spoiled, whiny teenager. Now imagine having to sit and listen to said spoiled, whiny teenager through 500+ pages. Yes, folks, Shannon is the narrator.
What really got me, however, was the writing. I tried very hard to get passed the obnoxious and immature sounding voice of the narrator, but the short, choppy sentences and simplistic vocabulary really just made it impossible for me to fall in love with the story. What made that even more unbearable to me is that Shannon is supposedly a High School English teacher!
Kudos, though, to anyone who can churn out that many words, get it published, and make money off of it. In that regard, it’s a win.
I read all three of the series (Divine by Mistake, Divine by Choice, Divine by Blood) in a weekend…and I will never read them again.
What really got me, however, was the writing. I tried very hard to get passed the obnoxious and immature sounding voice of the narrator, but the short, choppy sentences and simplistic vocabulary really just made it impossible for me to fall in love with the story. What made that even more unbearable to me is that Shannon is supposedly a High School English teacher!
Kudos, though, to anyone who can churn out that many words, get it published, and make money off of it. In that regard, it’s a win.
I read all three of the series (Divine by Mistake, Divine by Choice, Divine by Blood) in a weekend…and I will never read them again.
June 5, 2011
I usually love Cast, but i couldn't even finish this one. As soon as i got my hands on it, i knew i had to take it home with me. A great synopsis makes wonders, and i was itching for a good book to get me through the weekend. Also, i'd read the other series by Cast and thought this one would be no different: imaginative, magical, with somewhat of a medieval feeling...
Instead, i found myself annoyed by the whinning protagonist, who was supposedly a grown woman! I swear i did not see that coming, but the whole book is simply too monotonous and predictable. It makes you think why you bought it in the first place, and then you facepalm or headdesk (or whatever is closer and more painful) because you decided to buy it whitout reading a bit of it first.
And I am very sorry, but the whole centaur thing was just too ridiculous.
The motto is: i will totally read a bit of my books by Cast in the bookshop before i buy them. Don't give up on her, though! The goddess summoning series, also hers, is quite charming =)
Instead, i found myself annoyed by the whinning protagonist, who was supposedly a grown woman! I swear i did not see that coming, but the whole book is simply too monotonous and predictable. It makes you think why you bought it in the first place, and then you facepalm or headdesk (or whatever is closer and more painful) because you decided to buy it whitout reading a bit of it first.
And I am very sorry, but the whole centaur thing was just too ridiculous.
The motto is: i will totally read a bit of my books by Cast in the bookshop before i buy them. Don't give up on her, though! The goddess summoning series, also hers, is quite charming =)
April 3, 2017
Star rating- 4.8
After reading 'The House of Night' series, I was already a big fan of PC Cast.
I was intrigued to see how PC Cast's novels would appear without her daughter writing alongside her and after reading the synopsis of this noel I was very interested in what was going to take place in this book.
This novel, is about a thirty five year old English teacher that has been taken out of Tulsa and replaced with the identical queen of a fantasy universe.
Though the plot may sound childish that is not the case, this book has a very wicked twist of the beats that they face rape and murder their victims and now as Sharron, the protagonist, is the queen, she and her newly king centaur the king must defeat them.
I am a huge fan of this novel and currently own the next two books in the series along with the next two novels that are in a sort of spin off series.
I recommend that young adults read this book as there are some scenes of inappropriate nature featured however in saying that a very sweet romance seems to occur in my characters lives as the book progresses.
After reading 'The House of Night' series, I was already a big fan of PC Cast.
I was intrigued to see how PC Cast's novels would appear without her daughter writing alongside her and after reading the synopsis of this noel I was very interested in what was going to take place in this book.
This novel, is about a thirty five year old English teacher that has been taken out of Tulsa and replaced with the identical queen of a fantasy universe.
Though the plot may sound childish that is not the case, this book has a very wicked twist of the beats that they face rape and murder their victims and now as Sharron, the protagonist, is the queen, she and her newly king centaur the king must defeat them.
I am a huge fan of this novel and currently own the next two books in the series along with the next two novels that are in a sort of spin off series.
I recommend that young adults read this book as there are some scenes of inappropriate nature featured however in saying that a very sweet romance seems to occur in my characters lives as the book progresses.
August 2, 2012
I liked Divine by Mistake for the most part, but any time Shannon/Rhea spoke and started dreaming I got a little cranky. Shannon/Rhea has word vomit and never makes an effort, even before her identity is revealed to fit it. For a 35 year old woman, she speaks a lot like a 17 year old did in the late nineties. Kudos to ClanFintan for putting up with her incessant chatter.
I will say that the actual story arc is good and really kept me invested. I loved Alanna and ClanFintan, Dougal and Victoria and all the other characters that helped to populate Partholon and lead Shannon/Rhea through the culture. Definitely a vivid world that pulls from different mythological traditions, and does it well, to create something new.
Shannon/Rhea, despite my frustrations with her, is a strong woman who wants to improve her people's opinion of Rhiannon, and she rises to the occasion when faced with disease and war. Her reactions to the epidemic are realistic, but as with the Fomorians, she reacts like any average person and then takes stock of the situation and takes charge.
I will say that the actual story arc is good and really kept me invested. I loved Alanna and ClanFintan, Dougal and Victoria and all the other characters that helped to populate Partholon and lead Shannon/Rhea through the culture. Definitely a vivid world that pulls from different mythological traditions, and does it well, to create something new.
Shannon/Rhea, despite my frustrations with her, is a strong woman who wants to improve her people's opinion of Rhiannon, and she rises to the occasion when faced with disease and war. Her reactions to the epidemic are realistic, but as with the Fomorians, she reacts like any average person and then takes stock of the situation and takes charge.
April 14, 2013
WELL! Oh my gosh. Just came back from a bit of a book break and i've had this volume on my shelf for a while. Just finished and im pleased to say just 'wow'! I havent read a book such as this before and this has just gotten me hooked!
Shannon ... aka 'Rhea', was such a wonderful character. She was exciting and fresh, bubbling over with personality. She was so well written i could have known her in real life.
The story was brought alive by the wonderful descriptions of Partholon and you truely follow the characters through turmoil and love. I might even have a soft spot for centaurs now!
Looking forward to moving onto book 2 now, woo hoo!
You can also find my reviews here:
http://lilythenovelnerd.wordpress.com/ (tho they are alot more colourful)
Shannon ... aka 'Rhea', was such a wonderful character. She was exciting and fresh, bubbling over with personality. She was so well written i could have known her in real life.
The story was brought alive by the wonderful descriptions of Partholon and you truely follow the characters through turmoil and love. I might even have a soft spot for centaurs now!
Looking forward to moving onto book 2 now, woo hoo!
You can also find my reviews here:
http://lilythenovelnerd.wordpress.com/ (tho they are alot more colourful)
October 18, 2014
First of all, this is NOT YA book. Just in case like the library I checked it out from you were under that mistaken impression. Secondly, how many baths does a character have to take in a single book?! It was ridiculous the amount of times the main character was bathing. That's all this book amounted to for me, one ultra long bathing session.
May 14, 2022
Definitely a different kind of romance with a centor and all. I had expected it to be weird but she wrote it well.
March 2, 2013
I am *so* not sure what to rate this book. While the world wasn't amazing, I absolutely loved the main character. I wanted to spend every waking minute with Shannon/Rhea. She is snarky. She is realistic. She is passionate. She is lovable. She has a heart of gold. Make no mistake: this is a chick book. Males should probably pass on by.
As the synopsis clearly states, Shannon finds herself transferred to another world where she is the "chosen" of the warrior goddess. She also finds that her counterpart was a bit of a . . . Shrew. So, Rhea spends a great deal of time making up for that.
There are a great many pop culture references. She either dreams about, or hopes to dream about, people like Tom Selleck, Pierce Brosnan and Sean Connery. A girl after my own heart. She was a high school English teacher, and uses these skills frequently as she continues to 'impersonate' Rhiannon. There are also frequent Star Trek and Star Wars references. These were so much fun because I felt like I was in on an inside joke. These were always clicheish, yet appropriate, and mostly hysterical.
She enters this world as, unbeknownst to the people, a race that is considered 'pure evil' is about to attack. She, and her band of fearless followers, must quickly build a defense to defeat the monsters. While this plot is not the strongest plot ever devised, it works as a vehicle to spend time with our intrepid heroine. Which is where the strength of the story lies. Most other characters are not nearly as well flesh out, but it *is* told in first person, so this is not really a weakness, just a fact. I knew Shannon was the perfect heroine when to please her enthralled audience.
Rather than a romance, I think I would classify this story as a love affair. There is no love triangle. There is no romantic suspense. It is just there and wraps you in its arms. This is definitely, then, a love affair with a bit of fantasy thrown in. A little more lovey dovey than I typically enjoy, but Rhea is just so much darn fun it does not matter.
Oh, yes, did I mention centaurs? No vampires. (Even though the evil beings are characterized as being "vampire-like".) No werewolves. But CENTAURS! This, alone, makes this book worth reading.
As the synopsis clearly states, Shannon finds herself transferred to another world where she is the "chosen" of the warrior goddess. She also finds that her counterpart was a bit of a . . . Shrew. So, Rhea spends a great deal of time making up for that.
There are a great many pop culture references. She either dreams about, or hopes to dream about, people like Tom Selleck, Pierce Brosnan and Sean Connery. A girl after my own heart. She was a high school English teacher, and uses these skills frequently as she continues to 'impersonate' Rhiannon. There are also frequent Star Trek and Star Wars references. These were so much fun because I felt like I was in on an inside joke. These were always clicheish, yet appropriate, and mostly hysterical.
She enters this world as, unbeknownst to the people, a race that is considered 'pure evil' is about to attack. She, and her band of fearless followers, must quickly build a defense to defeat the monsters. While this plot is not the strongest plot ever devised, it works as a vehicle to spend time with our intrepid heroine. Which is where the strength of the story lies. Most other characters are not nearly as well flesh out, but it *is* told in first person, so this is not really a weakness, just a fact. I knew Shannon was the perfect heroine when to please her enthralled audience.
Rather than a romance, I think I would classify this story as a love affair. There is no love triangle. There is no romantic suspense. It is just there and wraps you in its arms. This is definitely, then, a love affair with a bit of fantasy thrown in. A little more lovey dovey than I typically enjoy, but Rhea is just so much darn fun it does not matter.
Oh, yes, did I mention centaurs? No vampires. (Even though the evil beings are characterized as being "vampire-like".) No werewolves. But CENTAURS! This, alone, makes this book worth reading.
Shelved as 'dnf'
September 15, 2024Read 63% and just gave up. I've read this book before and enjoyed it, but this time around I really couldn't deal with the mc. The writing is not really good, too. I wish I liked it more - the plot itself is very interesting, but I feel like I have to read a lot of annoying stuff before getting to the really interesting parts.
February 16, 2012
I absolutely LOVED this book! At first I was a bit hesistant because I don't frequently read books where the main character is over 25, but in this case I was glad I did. I had this book sitting on my shelf for almost 2 years without reading it. I'm glad that I picked it up, the blurb at the back caught my attention and my spark to read it was once again ignighted.
I really loved Shannon/Rhea's character in the book. Her humour and love for whine was brilliant, and in general her kindness was astounding. She was a strong and well built character who deserves recognition. I also loved the fact that she had to explain everything when Alana or ClanFintan didn't know what she was talking about. I also really liked Alana's character - and the way she was so devoted to Rhea. ClanFintan on the other hand - just hot. Even for a centaur, the way he was described made you want to fall in love with him yourself. Big, strong and caring man full of love and protection - and hot! What girl wouldn't want Mr. Dreamy Centaur?
Although it took me more than a few days to read this book, I felt like I could hardly put it down when I had the chance to read. PC Cast never fails to write an excellent book, which draws you in ever so quickly and keeps you in that same seat the entire way through the book. I am definitely hanging for more and cannot wait to read 'Divine by Choice' (which I am about to start). I give the book 5 stars, and recommend it to any young adults, or adults who love a good read.
I really loved Shannon/Rhea's character in the book. Her humour and love for whine was brilliant, and in general her kindness was astounding. She was a strong and well built character who deserves recognition. I also loved the fact that she had to explain everything when Alana or ClanFintan didn't know what she was talking about. I also really liked Alana's character - and the way she was so devoted to Rhea. ClanFintan on the other hand - just hot. Even for a centaur, the way he was described made you want to fall in love with him yourself. Big, strong and caring man full of love and protection - and hot! What girl wouldn't want Mr. Dreamy Centaur?
Although it took me more than a few days to read this book, I felt like I could hardly put it down when I had the chance to read. PC Cast never fails to write an excellent book, which draws you in ever so quickly and keeps you in that same seat the entire way through the book. I am definitely hanging for more and cannot wait to read 'Divine by Choice' (which I am about to start). I give the book 5 stars, and recommend it to any young adults, or adults who love a good read.
Read
June 7, 2011This book would've been good if I WAS LIKE 38 years old...like they could've told me or something, the worst part was that they put this book in the teen-fiction category(totally mislabeled) I never actually finished this book but I got as far as I needed to.I stopped at the lake part;for all of you that have read the book you know what I'm talking about! this book is strictly mushy gushy love each page! I found it kinda strange that the author would even come up with how the centar can morph into human form to be able to do the deed with I can't even remember her name? but if you like love and the horse and human girl having their talks about how somehow he got her preggers and their having a baby(HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE I THOUGHT HE WAS A HORSE?)then you'll like it- well with this book everything is not as it seems it'll be one thing at first then you'll blink an eye and guess what the goddess is expecting a baby!(shocker with all the romance that goes on in this book) okay I think I finally got it all out- to any p.c cast fans I'm sorry for horribly dissing her book, but it needed to be said! the book itself had a meh kinda plot to it but as you can tell from my extremely long review on this book that this series wasn't for me- some of you may say that i'm immature and can't handle the book, but no one told me that she was freakin' 30 years old! well I guess i'm done now!
September 12, 2016
Despite of how thick this book is (571 pages), it is a really fast-paced story.
I really enjoyed and like this book a lot!
Things that are really standing out for me are the story line. I think it has a very great story plot, world-building, and setting. And the writing is flowing easily and successfully made me not wanting to put it down. And I don't know how much reliable the myth about Celtic God(or Goddess), but I found it is really a great story to take on. Makes me want to know a bit more about the myth.
Characters, this book evolves around human and centaurs (so far..) and evil-looking-mythical-vampiric-creature called Fomorian (very sick and bad bad bad creatures), which I think a really nice touch. I like the female main character, Shannon Parker, I think she is hilarious, loyal, funny, witty, and sarcastic, then there is ClanFintan, a leader-high-shaman centaur clan (I can not help myself but imagine him to look like Khal Drogo centaur version).. and surprisingly I really love almost all other characters in this book with an exception of The Queen Bitch Rhiannon (which I believe I will see more of her in the second book and Nuada, the leader of The sick Fomorians).
Okay, that'd be all I think, I just can say that I really like and enjoy this book. If you are looking for a fast-paced story in adult fantasy with awesome story line and great world building, I think this book is your answer ;)
I really enjoyed and like this book a lot!
Things that are really standing out for me are the story line. I think it has a very great story plot, world-building, and setting. And the writing is flowing easily and successfully made me not wanting to put it down. And I don't know how much reliable the myth about Celtic God(or Goddess), but I found it is really a great story to take on. Makes me want to know a bit more about the myth.
Characters, this book evolves around human and centaurs (so far..) and evil-looking-mythical-vampiric-creature called Fomorian (very sick and bad bad bad creatures), which I think a really nice touch. I like the female main character, Shannon Parker, I think she is hilarious, loyal, funny, witty, and sarcastic, then there is ClanFintan, a leader-high-shaman centaur clan (I can not help myself but imagine him to look like Khal Drogo centaur version).. and surprisingly I really love almost all other characters in this book with an exception of The Queen Bitch Rhiannon (which I believe I will see more of her in the second book and Nuada, the leader of The sick Fomorians).
Okay, that'd be all I think, I just can say that I really like and enjoy this book. If you are looking for a fast-paced story in adult fantasy with awesome story line and great world building, I think this book is your answer ;)
September 5, 2013
Looking for something different than my usual romantic reads, I picked this one out in the local bookstore's science-fiction/paranormal fiction area. I've had experience reading the "Goddess" series written by P.C. Cast, but it had been awhile. Remembering how greatly I enjoyed that series, I was sure that I would not be disappointed in this one. I was a little apprehensive only about whether this tale would be more adult and less teeny-bopper. Divine by Mistake solidly landed my vote in the "Adult" category. Not only was this story most enjoyable for its parallel themes taken from Greek mythology, but the added twist of the heroine being of contemporary times and thrust back into a world of the ancients had my imagination doing flips! It made for an entirely exciting ride! The hero was as much of a surprise as anything else this story had to throw out. I was expecting your typical Greek God type, but oh no. That would have been too mundane. He was definitely as sexy as any God could be, but with just a little bit of "beast" thrown in for kicks. I will leave you guessing as to his true character and form. :-D P.C. Cast has made it so easy to make my favorites shelf again. Besides, I will be counting down the days until I can read the second installment in this "Partholon" series. Keep these 5-star adventures coming, Ms.Cast!
April 16, 2012
Oh. My. God(dess). WOW!
This was a fun adventure. It isn't a YA rather the adventure is for a thirty something adult. It is reality meets mythology/fantasy. It is Now crashing into Celtic times. I mention vampires in my tags/shelves but they are really Formorians. They are bat-like humanoids that are just evil. And our heroine fights them to the death in her Goddess-incarnate form. But that is what I would expect from a former English teacher!
Got your attention? This is a great book and I can hardly wait to get back into the series.
I loved the characters and, yes, the romantic twists that occur.
Shannon Parker is a sassy, fun person to be around, even if she is only the character on the pages in a book. She knows her stuff and has a few flaws, might I say she could use a 12-step program for that wine problem? But when she becomes all she can be (what, did she join the army?) she is more than a force of nature!
There are times when a wife might say her husband is a horse's ass, but maybe one should watch what they say. Shannon's husband is all man when he isn't a centaur.
Ok, I need to stop. You must read the book. I don't want to spoil it any further. It is fun!
If you can't afford it, insist that the library carry it. It isn't loanable in Kindle form. Sorry.
This was a fun adventure. It isn't a YA rather the adventure is for a thirty something adult. It is reality meets mythology/fantasy. It is Now crashing into Celtic times. I mention vampires in my tags/shelves but they are really Formorians. They are bat-like humanoids that are just evil. And our heroine fights them to the death in her Goddess-incarnate form. But that is what I would expect from a former English teacher!
Got your attention? This is a great book and I can hardly wait to get back into the series.
I loved the characters and, yes, the romantic twists that occur.
Shannon Parker is a sassy, fun person to be around, even if she is only the character on the pages in a book. She knows her stuff and has a few flaws, might I say she could use a 12-step program for that wine problem? But when she becomes all she can be (what, did she join the army?) she is more than a force of nature!
There are times when a wife might say her husband is a horse's ass, but maybe one should watch what they say. Shannon's husband is all man when he isn't a centaur.
Ok, I need to stop. You must read the book. I don't want to spoil it any further. It is fun!
If you can't afford it, insist that the library carry it. It isn't loanable in Kindle form. Sorry.
July 27, 2011
I didn't mind Cast's House Of Night series, thought it was a decent if very hot-headed take on the whole 'vampire finishing school' genre. (My suspicion is that they were originally 'just' witches, and the vampire element was added af ter the phenomenal success of..well, you-know-what. They were fun, silly and dragged you along in the best soap opera style. The 'Divine' books are another kettle of copycat fish altogether... I found myself dreading the beginning of each new chapter and the fantasy/romance cliches piling up like so much centaur manure. I barely finished this...would say it's literary and entertainment value is close to zero, and while I do plan to continue to follow the Wiccan shenanigans at the House of Night, I'm actually embarassed to have this book in my collection. Aside from the lack of any conspicuous vampiric activity, there was nothing in the book that wasn't a walking/ trotting cliche. And PC, if you're going to to blatantly emulate another writer's style- choose someone with a bit more talent than Charlaine Harris. Now get off my shelf!
June 21, 2011
So the book is about this 35 year old English teacher, Shannon Parker from Oklahoma who ends up in another time and place. Imagine a Wizard of Oz torando scene and poff she is now living in another time and place. She has traded places with a goddess who was a right bitch. That not very many people liked. So she adapts to her new role and then she meets her betrothed who is a centaur. As the story progresses they end up falling in love and fighting bad guys and saving their world.
Ok so it wasnt all bad. The writing was good. The author is good at one liners. What bugged me was her continual reference about the centaur. Man/horse/whatever. That just bugged me. Call him what he is ...a centaur.
So there is romance, humor, a few sex scenes, some more laughs, some fighting with these vampire bird like creatures. Dont think I will rush downstairs to my library to start reading the second one.
Ok so it wasnt all bad. The writing was good. The author is good at one liners. What bugged me was her continual reference about the centaur. Man/horse/whatever. That just bugged me. Call him what he is ...a centaur.
So there is romance, humor, a few sex scenes, some more laughs, some fighting with these vampire bird like creatures. Dont think I will rush downstairs to my library to start reading the second one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 864 reviews