I have throughly enjoyed Stephen Fry's Greek Retellings, especially Mythos and Heroes. Whilst Troy was still enjoyable, it was of course the story I aI have throughly enjoyed Stephen Fry's Greek Retellings, especially Mythos and Heroes. Whilst Troy was still enjoyable, it was of course the story I am most familiar with of the lot. Odyssey continues in completely the same vein. The intent is to educate people on the story of the Odyssey through the brilliant, sharp, witty mind of Stephen Fry, not to provide a subversive Greek Retelling.
In light of that, I highly recommend Odyssey, as well as the previous three instalments, to anyone that is not incredibly familiar with these mythological tales. If you do not know the intricate details before diving into this, I believe almost everyone will have a great time as they are carried through the pages by the genius that is Stephen Fry. An addition to the list of the books I would recommend listening to more than physically reading, as Fry narrates the story himself, adding comedic timing to his magnetic writing.
North and South is the latest Victorian work that I have read as it is on my reading list for university. So far, it has been my favourite on the moduNorth and South is the latest Victorian work that I have read as it is on my reading list for university. So far, it has been my favourite on the module! I was not a fan of Adam Bede, I enjoyed parts of David Copperfield, and North and South stands head and shoulders above them both (SORRY!) in regards to my own personal enjoyment.
Whilst it contains the Victorian melodramatic charm, it feels a bit more realistic and gritty than many others, such as David Copperfield and Emma. Margaret is a great character who I felt really attached to. She adheres to social norms in many ways, but also has far more agency than female characters usually do in literature during this period.
The themes explored were fascinating to me, with the divide between the 'North' and 'South' of England as a clear focus through Margaret, who romanticises the south when she is forced to move north, and then gradually comes to respect the more direct and honest 'Northern Ways'. But, whilst this was very enjoyable, North and South was great because of the intimate heart that was so compelling. There is the conflict of following Mr Thornton, a mill owner, and then seeing the circumstance of his workers. Gaskell did a brilliant job investing you in both sides, in a very human way that I find is not entirely present in many of the Victorian works I have read so far. It was very refreshing.
A university read I am happy with! Also, as a side-note, I watched the 2004 mini-series and it was a wonderful adaptation! Richard Armitage (Thorin!!!) was a stand-out.
I read The Unbroken in preparatBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
I read The Unbroken in preparation for a chat I was moderating between Papa John Gwynne and C.L. Clark in Waterstones, and I am so glad this event prompted me to pick up Magic of the Lost.
We are thrust into an immersive world that is gritty, dark and visceral. A group of children taken by the Empire as children, now forged into a cohort of soldiers forced to serve, are being back to where they were born, but this time they will be tools to enforce the law through force. Through the perspectives of Touraine, a solider in this cohort, and Luca, a princess sent to prove herself, Clark gives us such an entertaining story that also makes you think. The character conflict both internal and external is wonderfully crafted, as is the history of our world and the evolution of the plot and tension.
Clark shows herself to be a writer of great talent. I cannot wait to carry on with the series!
Absolutely loved book one, Gods of Wyrdwood, so I had to dive straight into book two. Warlords of Wyrdwood throws us right into the thick of it, back Absolutely loved book one, Gods of Wyrdwood, so I had to dive straight into book two. Warlords of Wyrdwood throws us right into the thick of it, back with the cast of characters (those who survived) who are now facing the dire consequences of the finale of the previous instalment....
In classic Barker fashion, nothing can be taken for granted in this story. Heroes become villains, villains become heroes, the story goes in completely different directions than expected yet the journey is still incredibly satisfying. It is truly an original fantasy series and it feels so fresh and organic in how it does not play into any of the fantasy conventions.
I cannot say anything else at risk of spoiling book one, but Warlords of Wyrdwood is as gripping as book one. It is crazy, with the forest particularly feeling like its own character. R. J. Barker shows just how creative he is, and ties this crazy story in with a lot of heart as well....more
Read this in one sitting whilst on a drive into London. Currently at University I am enrolled in a module focusing on Robin Hood, from the original meRead this in one sitting whilst on a drive into London. Currently at University I am enrolled in a module focusing on Robin Hood, from the original medieval ballads, to what we can ascertain about the historical origins to how it has been mythologised over time. So, to undertake some extra reading (crazy!) I decided to quickly pick up this text on King John. He is known as one of the worst kings, and that would probably be an accurate assumption, but probably for the wrong reasons...
I learnt so much in this accessible, educational and engaging account of John's reign, which serves mainly to provide an opening guide, providing other materials to dive into for a more in-depth analysis.
I have the honour of interviewing Papa John Gwynne and R.J. Barker at Leeds Waterstones, so I picked up Gods of the Wyrdwood. I thoroughly enjoyed TheI have the honour of interviewing Papa John Gwynne and R.J. Barker at Leeds Waterstones, so I picked up Gods of the Wyrdwood. I thoroughly enjoyed The Tide Child trilogy, so it was great to be back in Barker's immersive style that thrusts us into a very different world from the one we know. The secrets of the setting are slowly revealed, and I absolutely love that feeling of learning as you continue, crafting a sense of mysticism to the fantastical that not many can do better than Barker.
Gods of the Wyrdwood is an excellent first instalment to a fantasy series. It is dark, it is brutal and it is original. The setting feels alive. The characters conflicted, with our central character, Cahan, the obvious standout. His hidden past threatens to reveal itself, and he may have to draw on the part of him he promised to leave behind... just to survive.
So far in the first few weeks of my 2nd Academic Year at University, my favourite module has been Old English. I am not the most linguistically proficSo far in the first few weeks of my 2nd Academic Year at University, my favourite module has been Old English. I am not the most linguistically proficient, but it has been awesome learning about the very simple sections of Old English, as well as the historical context around its formation that we know of, or can assume....more
To begin my history module of 'Robin Hood' this year I have been tasked to read the early ballads. It is fascinating locating the key similarities andTo begin my history module of 'Robin Hood' this year I have been tasked to read the early ballads. It is fascinating locating the key similarities and differences to the legend and folk tales we know today. Growing up as a huge fan of both the Costner Prince of Thieves version and Ridley Scott's version, as well as the Disney retelling, I cannot wait to find out the routes of this legend....more
The University reading list is beginning... and the history side is kicking off with The Ballads of Robin Hood. First up, possibly the most important The University reading list is beginning... and the history side is kicking off with The Ballads of Robin Hood. First up, possibly the most important in this story, The Gest of Robyn Hood......
To my knowledge the longest of the early Robin Hood ballads, it is fascinating to see what is clearly the tale we know, with many of the same characters, similar themes and same swashbuckling core. Equally, what is missing is as intriguing. Robin is a yeomen, and not the noble Robin of Locksley, there is no Maid Marian and, whilst Robin does have a moral code, he robs from the rich but does not give so much to the poor.... but he is still generous! Whilst much of the Middle English this is written in looks alien to the eye, I read this out loud and you can see the pronunciations of the majority of there ballad is the same as if it was written now.
Thoroughly enjoyable. Looking forward to reading the other ballads!...more
This series continues to live uBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
This series continues to live up to its hype. It is truly addictive. I really thought the novelty of this LitRPG would start to wear off, but it really hasn't! Matt Dinniman displays such creativity to keep it fresh and opens up new angles of the story to maintain its incredible entertainment factor. We now have clubs, markets, quests and more, alongside the growing character relationships and higher stakes.
Carl's Doomsday Scenario took the story in a very different direction from what I was expecting. After the initial rush, it did for the first time feel like it lost a bit of drive, but that was quickly regained and we set off onto a whole different kind of rollercoaster, with quests, more characters and even more craziness that strikes a brilliant balance of being manic, but not too over-the-top that is lost the tension.
Cannot wait for book 3. I have a feeling that is where this is really going to kick off, despite thoroughly enjoying these first two instalments!
Starting the University ReadingBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Starting the University Reading List. So it begins...
I will soon be drowning under the pile of compulsory reading, but I enjoyed this! I really did not enjoy Bleak House, as it felt like a battle to get through. So, I'm relieved this has not felt like a war of attrition...
This is a chunky, chunky book, as it tells of almost the entire life of David Copperfield, from when he was born to his life at home, his education, first jobs, first loves and so much more to far nearer the end of his life. Whilst it is intimate and small in scale, it feels like an epic. Of course, the length contributes to this, but Dickens makes the evocative scenes jump in your mind. You feel the fear, the shock or the joy of the characters when certain events unfold. In that sense, it was brilliant.
At times, the over-the top, hyper nature of some of the characters got on my nerves. They felt too extreme to be real, and really slowed the story down when they were on the page. Luckily, a character who was not like this, in my opinion, was David Copperfield himself. He is a character you are rooting for, and hoping for fate to go in his favour. You feel his countless tragedies, and love it when he gets a time of respite.
Cujo is, of course, one of his most famous books, but it seems to overall be one of those that most people enjoyed, but verMy 10th Stephen King work!
Cujo is, of course, one of his most famous books, but it seems to overall be one of those that most people enjoyed, but very few say is their favourite King novel. I would have to say that I fall into that same category.
I really enjoyed the first third of Cujo. We have King's classic incorporation of a wide range of random characters who we know will somehow come together, usually in ways they would rather not... I felt the tension as the threads were sown and the stakes made clear. These characters felt real and vivid, from the twisted and cruel characters to the children to the dog himself, Cujo.
An advantage to having a dog so central is that King doesn't have to do much character work to get you attached. It almost feels like cheating how easy it is to make me feel for Cujo! As soon as he starts to turn... I felt so sad. Especially as we get an insight into how he is feeling. Sadly though, that was the emotional peak of the story for me. Once the actual danger became present and our main characters embroiled in the terror, it felt dragged out and a bit stale to me. I was still interested in how it panned out, and enjoyed the journey, but it felt way too long so that is lost a lot of the suspense.
This is what modern epic fantasy should be! One of the best books I have ever read. The Daughters' War perfectly balances an intimate heart with an epic backdrop. From the standout characters to the warfare to the world we are thrown into, it is truly unique. In every way, this is a masterpiece.
In The Daughter's War we follow Galva as she, and her three brothers, are part of a new army that has been formed from a variety of countries and regions. This force must under all circumstances halt the seemingly unstoppable advance of the goblin armies. This seems even more unlikely the more you learn, as we see that the majority of this army are the dregs of society. They have been forced to pull on the old and young, as most of those in their prime are now dead. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and Galva falls into one of these gambles. She is part of a group of 'war corvids' which are basically a mix of ostriches and ravens that have been bred specifically for war. These huge, powerful, clever creatures may represent a new hope in the war, but that hope is small, and can only be achieved as their guardians, including Galva, keep them alive and under control.
This is going to be a review of superlatives. Galva is one of the best leading characters I've ever had the pleasure of following. The war corvids are some of the best animal companions I've come across. The goblins are beyond terrifying. The world feels gritty and real and immersive. The surrounding cast leap off of the page. And the prose is just lyrical. It sucks you in and makes you really feel what it going on, whether that be the purity of a character exchange, the chaos of battle, the terror of death, the pain of grief and beyond.
After hearing Papa John Gwynne and my brother, Ed, rave about The Daughter's War, I knew I had to pick it up ASAP! And boy am I so glad I did. They were both right. This is truly epic fantasy, with huge armies, creatures bred for war, goblins, magic and more. But, it is also gritty and dark and grounded to a whole new level from most books I have read. It really is the perfect blend of fantasy and realism.
I have to dedicate a few words to the goblins. Do not let your previous conceptions of goblins cloud your judgement. These are not your usual goblins. These are nasty, built for war, brutal, terrifying goblins that are intelligent and horrifying. You feel scared when they are on the page, and for good reason. I cannot think of another creature in a fantasy tale that makes as much of an impression.
At the risk of repeating myself, The Daughter's War is, in my mind, as close to perfect as you can get. We have characters we love, and we have villains we hate, but all the characters feel so natural and organic. The tension is palpable, the twists make you gasp, the losses bring a tear to your eye, the action makes your heart thump, and when you close that final page, you are embraced by the bitter-sweet book hangover. It is a rare experience, and one I have treasured.
I've heard a lot about Dungeon BookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
I've heard a lot about Dungeon Crawler Carl, and it lived up to the hype! It is a ball of mindless fun that is entertaining throughout with some of the most random ideas and events you will find in speculative fiction. But, also amongst the anarchy, there are moments of heart that keep you hooked and engaged on a layer beyond just wanting to see more crazy creatures and hear more of Princess Donut (the cat) talking...
This is a whirlwind of a ride. I thought it would lose its novelty of the video game, reality show set-up about halfway-through, but it kept its edge, with Matt Dinniman gradually adding breadcrumbs of information throughout to keep you enthralled.
Also, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook. There are so many sound effects and extra details, to the level that transforms this into a real listening experience.
Received an advance copy of The Land of the Living and the Dead from the publisher in return for an honest review
I am NOT OKAY after that ending...
WelReceived an advance copy of The Land of the Living and the Dead from the publisher in return for an honest review
I am NOT OKAY after that ending...
Well, the first two instalments are brilliant, but The Land of the Living and the Dead still stands head-and-shoulders over them. This is a masterful conclusion to a truly unique historical fantasy series that gives us an epic lens into Irish mythology and Irish history whilst expertly giving us an intimate story as well that we can invest and find ourselves to be truly moved in.
With The Land of the Living and the Dead we jump back into early 11th century Ireland, as its stability hangs on a thread. A level of peace has been achieved, but how long will this last? There are always those seeking power, especially when the Fomorians are closer than ever to finding the hidden strongholds of the Descendants….
The Land of the Living and the Dead takes the stakes to a whole new level. You feel the dire consequences of actions and events as they unfold, and these pages carry such a punch with them. Lawless provides a story that is moving and heartwarming, but also shocking and heartbreaking. It is such a rollercoaster of emotions, from heartfelt reunions and moments of truth to betrayals and deceit, this is a book that will MOVE you.
Whilst still prioritising political machinations and character interactions, there is far more action in this third instalment, and wow is it done well. From ambushes to skirmishes to duels to large battles, all are executed so well, but also in a way where you really feel the weight of each conflict. Also, the off-screen battles carry more weight than I can think of in any other series. You really feel the fate of our characters could change at any second.
Something particularly unique to the Gael Song series is the equal light shone on the villains as well as the heroes. You understand the reasons and motivations for each perspective you follow, so there are not villains for villains sake. Each is a fully-fleshed out character with their own dreams and ambitions.
This is a truly masterful conclusion to the Gael Song trilogy, and I cannot wait to find out what happens in the next era of the conflict between the Fomorians and the Descendants. I am not okay after the end of this book, and need time to recover….
Historical fiction focusing on the childhood of Alexander the Great. This zooms in on the animosity between his mother and My first Mary Renault read!
Historical fiction focusing on the childhood of Alexander the Great. This zooms in on the animosity between his mother and father, and how he is dragged into their conflict time and time again. He is shaped by this enmity, and it will make him into the man who defied every expectation and cemented his name in history.
Mary Renault has a wonderful writing style. She really has such a skill, and that is on full display in Fire from Heaven. Her prose is smooth and powerful, but not over-the top. She uses this really well to craft unique characters with their own ambitions and hidden desires, with believable prose that works fantastically on a surface level but also exploring the subtext, which was perfect for the political machinations and interactions.
However, whilst many of the case were complex and well-developed, Alexander the Great as a child is shown as basically being... perfect. Which, for me at least, does not fit with the mass-murderer we know of history. We may want to read about him, but that is not because of his morality. However, in Fire From Heaven, he is just wonderful with everything he does. Sadly, that detracted from the story for me, especially in the latter half, where it became apparent this trend was not going to change.
Aside from that though, it was an engaging and intriguing read with a close analysis of character and political machinations that hooked me. I will definitely be reading more my Mary Renault!...more
Finished my second Natalie Haynes book! I had a few issues with A Thousand Ships, but I really enjoyed Natalie Haynes' writinMy 50th read of 2024!
Finished my second Natalie Haynes book! I had a few issues with A Thousand Ships, but I really enjoyed Natalie Haynes' writing style, so I had high hopes for her other projects. I thought A Thousand Ships was a bit stretched with the sheer amount of PoV's, so I thought a more limited scope will give me a great read, hence why I chose to dive into Stone Blind.
I had no idea what Stone Blind followed, other than that it was a Greek Mythological retelling. If I had thought more about the title, I would soon have guessed what it is about. Stone in greek myth, surely it is Medusa? It is! As soon as I found that out, I was even more fascinated. Medusa is one of the most famous mythological figures, yet I cannot think of any representation that characterises her beyond the fight with Perseus.
Stone Blind does a great job of following immortals such as the Gods, and mortals such as Pursues. We have a great representation of characters, with a brilliant range of tone and emotion as well. The relationships and interactions between the Olympians can be hilarious, but somehow simultaneously horrifying, as their childish behaviour has severe ramifications for humanity, yet seems like nothing to them. In this way, Natalie Haynes expertly contends her deeper messages without forcing them down the throat of the reader.
Haynes is a great writer, with smooth, often lyrical, prose that is easy to binge. I felt immersed in the world of Ancient Greece, and also in the settings from Olympus, to the deep seas of Poseidon and more, and this was largely down to Haynes' style, which just clicks to me.
Stone Blind was a really solid read that hooked me. Everything was well executed. Whilst I still did not feel that extra level of attachment so a specific character, I was still invested in this unique and fresh Greek Retelling.
Just finished this most recent BookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Just finished this most recent Pat Barker release. I adored The Silence of the Girls and The Women of Troy, and I have told many people that the first of this series is one of the greatest books to have ever been written, in my opinion.
So, it would be fair to say I went into this third instalment of the series with high expectations....
The Voyage Home almost feels like a standalone. We have some characters from the previous instalments, but I would say you can read this without having dived into The Silence of the Girls (although I highly recommend it, as it is one of the BEST BOOKS EVER). For me, I was quite relieved, as The Women of Troy provided such a fitting ending for so many characters, but on the flip side it meant The Voyage Home had a lot of work to invest me in a new set of characters.
Whilst I was invested and enjoyed this read, especially with Pat Barker's wonderful prose once again being present, I feel it was a victim of my extremely high expectations. There weren't any of those moments I remember from the previous two instalments, which are still vivid in my mind despite my reading them years ago now. But, it is unfair to compare to brilliant, exceptional books, so I do know I was unfair to The Voyage Home, but I could not avoid it.
Still a good read, with the final third being crafted and put together magnificently, but I would push the previous two instalments far, far more.
Shauna Lawless once again showsBookTube channel with my awesome brother, Ed - The Brothers Gwynne My personal BookTube channel - William Gwynne
Shauna Lawless once again shows herself to be an author who can do it all. We are immersed into a truly unique setting that brilliantly blends the gritty history and fascinating mythology of 11th century Ireland, with a generous dose of political intrigue along the way.
Finally dived into this second instalment of the Gael Song trilogy, just before the final book is released next month! Loved book 1 and also the two prequel novellas. Now The Words of Kings and Prophets joins that group.
Once again Shauna Lawless expertly crafts character and tension. As she weaves the different arcs and plot lines together, you feel so tense, as characters cross paths, secrets are revealed and some remain hidden. This is a truly living and breathing world, with mystery lurking around every corner. Many questions are answered, but so many more are asked, so I really cannot wait to turn to book 3, The Land of the Living and the Dead, in September! So glad now that I waited until now to read book 2, as I won't have to wait long to finish this journey!
Gael Song is just a fantastically written series, within which Shauna Lawless consistently shows herself to be a writer of great talent. I will read whatever she puts out into the world.
Loading...
