Mini-Reviews: Trilogies that are finished at last!

I have been following several trilogies that ended this spring. While some of the finales were satisfying and some were not, I love being able to cross them off my list!

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter (The Goddess Test series)

I lost steam with this series. Initially, I was very excited about this retelling of the Persephone myth, but the plot of each story seemed to become more and more muddled. I found Kate's attraction to Henry to be far-fetched, and the world building also felt somewhat scattered and disorganized. While I enjoyed seeing a new imagining of a myth, ultimately this series did not deliver for me. I think the main highlight for me was Kate's love for her son, something that doesn't often come up in young adult fiction.

2.5 stars

Warnings: Violence, mild innuendo, possibly some mild language

Sever by Lauren DeStefano (The Chemical Garden series)

I think The Chemical Garden trilogy has long stood out for its lovely covers. I also found the subject matter intriguing on multiple levels -- the human race is dying out early due to a failed attempt to genetically engineer a disease-free world. Rhine has been kidnapped and married to a wealthy young man, along with two other "brides," to continue the human race. However, her husband Linden's father, Vaughan, has some sinister intentions.

I think this series is well-done. Lauren Destefano writes vividly. The plot is interesting and fast-paced. The book causes discomfort and introspection with the odd situation of three young women sharing a husband. I definitely enjoyed Sever the most of all the books -- it is lighter, and I feel that we finally have the chance to really understand some of the main characters (especially Cecily). However, for some reason the plot points of these books do not last long in my mind. I definitely enjoy them while I am reading, but they aren't especially memorable for me after the fact.

3.5 stars

Warnings: Mild innuendo, some language, disturbing themes

Reached by Ally Condie (Matched series)

Reached was a final book that I wasn't sure would be satisfying. While I'd enjoyed Matched, Crossed had left me very dissatisfied, and I wasn't sure where Condie was going with the series. I think Reached was better than Crossed. It evaluated some important themes, such as how your heart can exist in two places at once, and whether a revolution will actually bring peace. I also enjoyed the medical aspect of this novel -- it was interesting to read about the research, the mutations of the disease that dominates most of the plot, and the way Cassia's ability to sort plays into everything. I definitely liked it. Again, like Sever, it hasn't really lasted with me, but it was an enjoyable read, and I think the ending was satisfying.

3.5 stars

Warnings: Mildly disturbing themes and violence

Requiem by Lauren Oliver (Delirium series)

The ending to the Delirium trilogy, Requiem, has been heartily disliked by most of the reviewers I know. I approached reading the last book with trepidation. Delirium and Pandemonium had both been powerful and completely devastating, and I wanted some kind of satisfaction at the end of Requiem. I will say that in some ways that resolution is frustrating, but I do think that the ending is right for the trilogy. I won't say more -- I don't want to spoil it -- but I think the end illustrates the entire message of the trilogy.  

Ending aside, Requiem was probably my least favorite of the trilogy. Much of the book was spent on the run and strategizing, which generally doesn't hold my interest well. However, I enjoyed the different tensions between all of the characters -- romantic, familial, political, friendships -- they are what truly made this book. I also really loved having Hana's perspective. I loved her character in Delirium and was gratified at her return in Requiem. I certainly loved the trilogy and will probably reread it at some point. (Anyone know if the TV show is going to take off?)

4 stars

Warnings: Violence, language, innuendo

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (Infernal Devices series)

You guys. I can't be rational about this trilogy. I can't even attempt it. It began with Clockwork Angel, which I thought sounded extremely weird but which enough people encouraged me to read that I gave it a chance. I was shocked at how much I loved it. It continued with Clockwork Prince, where my heartstrings were tugged to the breaking point. I have been so antsy for Clockwork Princess, and I have to say it surpassed all my expectations. It was incredible. The way everything worked out was so satisfying, and yet there were no cop-outs. The characters had to make sacrifices and suffer intense, emotional and physical pain, but the way things worked out ultimately had me regaling my husband with the entire plot (he is a very patient man). I also love the way Cassandra Clare worked in so much literature. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were perfect, and I also love the way literature defines Will and Tessa's relationship. In some ways, this book is a guilty pleasure, with all of its love triangle drama and gratuitous demon destruction (um, Mr. Lightwood, anyone?), but there is definitely intelligence behind the thrills. And honestly, any book that makes one so full of squee is worth reading, in my opinion. I purposely have held off on The Mortal Instruments until I finished this series, and now I must say that I am dying to dive in (although I will definitely miss the steampunk element of The Infernal Devices). 

5 stars

Warnings: Gratuitous demon destruction, some of it gory; a non-explicit bedroom scene, mild language

Once Upon a Time VII

I've become much choosier with my challenges this year, but I honestly just can't get enough of the seasonal challenges hosted by Stainless Steel Droppings. I'm looking forward to participating in the Once Upon a Time Challenge, which runs from March 21st to June 21st. 

I will be reading one book in each of the four categories: fantasy, folklore, mythology, and fairy tale.

Potential choices are:
Fantasy - The Heir of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier
Mythology - The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter
Fairy Tale - Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
Folklore - Italian Folk Tales by Italo Calvino

I'm also looking forward to participating in this "quest" by reading A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare to begin my "Shakespeare Project" (more about this in the future).

I love this challenge and am excited to get started!

YA Friday: Vodnik by Bryce Moore

Title: Vodnik
Author: Bryce Moore
Genre: YA, paranormal, fantasy, mythology
Publisher: Tu Books, 2012
Source: NetGalley (at the recommendation of the author)
Read for: Review

After a traumatizing house fire where they lost everything they owned, Tomas and his parents decide to move back to Slovakia -- a country they left when Tomas almost drowned and simultaneously got a devastating burn at the age of five. Sound weird? That's because it is -- and weird things start happening to Tomas again almost as soon as he is back in the country. He begins seeing people no one else can see, and soon he finds himself trapped in a deal with Death while two warring creatures from mythology are simultaneously trying to get his help. As if being a teenager wasn't hard enough.

I had mixed feelings before I started Vodnik. The author wrote me an email pitching the book, and while the general plot seemed to not be my cup of tea, Bryce Moore highlighted several aspects of the plot that did appeal to me -- mythology, Eastern Europe, and teenagers dealing with cancer. I decided I might as well give it a try, but to be honest I was still not especially looking forward to the book -- it felt more like an obligation. In that, my friends, I was wrong -- Vodnik was a very enjoyable book that kept my interest through every page.

The plot is pretty difficult to describe accurately, so let me just tell you that there is a lot going on, and it is pretty exciting. Tomas is being bombarded by contradictory messages from different mythological creatures, and because the whole situation is freaking him out, he first of all doesn't even want to acknowledge that it is happening, and second of all doesn't know who to believe. One of my few complaints with the book is that I think the confusion going on is a little too pervasive -- I understand that there were different forces pushing and pulling Tomas, but when everything was a muddle the book was less enjoyable. The only other plot element that I didn't enjoy as much was the fact that most of the mythological creatures, while dangerous, were also kind of silly and comical. At times this seemed to conflict with the otherwise dark atmosphere of the book.

However, the book was written very well and excellently paced. While Tomas is dealing with the different challenges of the mythological creatures, he is also dealing with being a teenager -- awkwardness around girls, being stared at due to his huge burn scar, being bullied, worrying about his best friend. The book was told in the first person, and his voice felt very authentic and was enjoyable to read. The writing also conveyed interesting details, such as the castle where Tomas and his uncle worked and the way post-Communist Slovakia was still severely wanting in creature comforts. I'm not sure what Bryce Moore's backstory is, but it is clear that he has spent time in Slovakia and is well-acquainted with life there, because every detail was legitimate and interesting.

Vodnik ended up being a great gem among my virtual stack of NetGalley TBRs, and I am grateful that the author took the time to pitch his book to me. Readers looking for a unique twist on paranormal, or who have interest in Eastern Europe or mythology, will definitely be satisfied with Vodnik. While the protagonist is a bit older, I think it will also appeal to readers of middle grade fiction, especially boys looking for a male protagonist. I think this is definitely one I will be recommending to my nephews.

3.75 stars

Warnings: Brief, mild language, some violence

YA Friday: The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Legacy
Author: Aimee Carter
Series: Goddess Test 2.5
Genre: Mythology, fantasy, YA
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 2012
Source: NetGalley
Read for: Review

The Goddess Legacy gives a more in-depth acquaintance with five of the gods and goddesses we met in The Goddess Test and Goddess, Interrupted. Before Kate arrived on the scene, Hera, Aphrodite, Persephone, Hermes, and Henry had millennia of history and experiences, many of which explain some of their behavior in the Goddess Test books.

I had a mixed experience with The Goddess Legacy. On one hand, I really enjoyed the background of the characters that are only touched upon as an ensemble cast in the main books of the series. However, some of the motivations and actions of the characters seemed really immature and one-dimensional, which decreased the enjoyment I derived from reading about their experiences.

Hera's story focused on how she became married to Zeus, her relationship with Henry, and how she subsequently became bitter and crazy. It was probably my favorite of the collection despite the fact that I really don't like her as a character. I think it was more enjoyable to me because she was a complex character and her situation was terrible. It explained quite a bit about how she became the person she was and her motivations.

Aphrodite's story was about her complex love affairs with Ares and Hephaestus. I enjoyed the aspect of Aphrodite's relationship with Hephaestus, because their mythological marriage was always confusing to me. However, I was bothered by her selfish attitude toward relationships and her claim that she has to be constantly seducing different men and being in new relationships because it is her "nature." I know that is part of mythology and that the Greek gods and goddesses are not exactly moral pillars; however, I think that is an awful message to portray to the teenagers reading this book. I can just see someone saying, "Oh, I had to cheat on my boyfriend because that is just the way I am; I can't be happy with just one guy." I also was extremely bothered by Aphrodite's voice. I know why Aimee Carter chooses to portray her as a flippant and silly girl, but she still irked me.

Persephone's story was another so-so experience for me. It described her marriage to Henry and her subsequent affair with Adonis. I enjoyed her voice -- possibly in part because it was a change from Aphrodite's annoying tone. She is a character that is much-discussed in the other books in the series, but we don't get a great deal of face time with her, so it was interesting to be inside her head. However, I felt that many of her motivations were shallow and her actions unreasonable. Everything seemed very abrupt with Persephone -- something would happen and she would have no patience for it, immediately drawing conclusions that were drastic and affected those around her. The plot movements seemed a bit forced to me for that reason. There was something slightly plastic about her tale -- it just didn't quite seem believable. And of course it is fantasy -- I'm talking about the believability of an individual reacting to situations the way Persephone reacted.

Hermes' story was probably my favorite. It had a sort of Robin Hood feel to it -- in trouble with Zeus for his part in Persephone's problems with Henry, Hermes goes off to find the reason why the minor god and goddess Selene and Helios have disappeared to. He feels drawn to a young English girl who leads a band of boys in the woods hoping for survival. As Hermes becomes close to Tuck and her friends, he gains a sense of family that has been missing from his life on Olympus for a long time. In addition, he gains the insight needed to protect the gods on Mount Olympus from fading into oblivion. I enjoyed Hermes' voice -- it seemed realistic for a male voice, not fixating on the same problems and annoyances that a female narrator would probably notice. I also loved the change in setting and Tuck's character. I thought this story was a unique and refreshing addition to The Goddess Legacy.

Henry's story was so-so for me. There was nothing in particular that bothered me about it, but I wasn't particularly interested in it, either. He discusses his emotions about his failed marriage with Persephone, as well as how he feels about the girls who do not pass "The Goddess Test," but most of this is summarized in the previous books in the series, and as Henry's story is the only one not told in the first person, it doesn't seem particularly informational. One aspect of the story that was a bit more interesting was when Henry's feelings toward Kate before meeting her are discussed, giving us a better idea of where he stands despite the fact that he can be cold toward her.

Overall, while there were certainly stories I enjoyed more than others, I think The Goddess Legacy contributes to this series by giving more background into pivotal characters and their motivations. I think any fan of the series will find this book important to read in addition to the main trilogy. However, certain of the characters irritated me, leaving me not 100% satisfied with the book.

3 stars

Warnings: Descriptions of affairs, a few un-detailed scenes of sensuality, moderate violence

Super Series Saturday: The Goddess Test and Goddess, Interrupted by Aimee Carter

                                                                          Titles: The Goddess Test and Goddess Interrupted
Author: Aimee Carter
Series: Goddess Test #1 and #2
Genre: YA, fantasy, mythology
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 2011 & 2012
Source: Library and NetGalley
Read for: Review, Once Upon a Time VI

The Goddess Test
Kate's mother is dying of cancer, and she wants to spend her last days in the town she grew up in, Eden. Kate's life has revolved around her mother's disease for the last four years, so she doesn't feel as if she is leaving much behind when she leaves her hometown of New York. However, when she gets to Eden, strange things begin happening, starting when the most popular girl in school takes her to the mysterious mansion at the edge of town. Kate finds herself offered the safety of those closest to her if she agrees to risk her life to become the wife of the ruler of the Underworld, Henry. However, in order to become queen (and to get her reward), she must pass a series of tests that no one else has survived.

For me, this first book was interesting, but not stellar. It took some time for the mythology to appear other than veiled references to Persephone and the obvious fact that Henry was the King of the Underworld. I was disappointed that Kate's tests were not blatant -- she didn't even realize she was taking them at the time, instead simply blundering through the Underworld and trying to avoid whoever was responsible for all the girls before her failing the Tests -- and ending up in the Underworld permanently. I expected quite a bit of drama and suspense surrounding these tests and instead ended up with Kate being confused and trying to figure out why she was there.

With that said, the writing was good and the characters were likable. I would have liked more plot and more sense of organization of the story, but I liked it enough to move on to book 2.

3 stars

Warnings: One "scene," some language

Goddess, Interrupted
Kate is returning back to the Underworld after her six months of summer, and she can't wait to see Henry, despite the fact that she heard nothing from him the entire time she was gone. Unlike her sister, Persephone, who dreaded the six months spent in the Underworld, Kate is excited to see Henry and glad the summer is over. However, when she gets to the Underworld, everything is in chaos. Calliope, jealous and bitter that Kate managed to pass her tests, is working to release Cronus, a Titan that nearly destroyed the gods of Olympus before they managed to imprison him -- and that time, Calliope was on their side, helping them. To add to the trouble, Kate can tell that Henry is still fixated on his first wife, Persephone.

This second installment in the Goddess Test series was more enjoyable for me. First of all, there is much more mythology in Goddess, Interrupted. We get to meet Persephone and Adonis, and we learn more about the relationships between the fourteen main Olympians. The book also is significantly more action-packed. I remember looking down at my Kindle and being surprised that I was only 50% through the book, because the scene seemed so climactic, only to get to new and more exciting scenes later on in the story.

I also like the way Henry, Persephone, and Kate's relationship was presented. So often in YA literature, love is presented as a one-time, utterly exclusive thing. I'm not saying that it shouldn't be that way -- certainly now that I am married I am focused on my husband only, not diverted by anyone else past or present. However, before people settle into their commitments, I think there are often those conflicting, overlapping emotions that take a while to fade away. Henry still had feelings for his first wife, and it was difficult for Kate to deal with them, but those feelings didn't negate the way he felt about Kate. Hopefully as they get to know each other better and become more and more committed (after all, they did have an arranged marriage) he will eventually be completely immune to those former feelings for Persephone. I'm getting off on a tangent, but I guess what I am trying to say is that I thought the way the love situation was dealt with was very realistic, which I appreciated.

One complaint I have with this book was the CLIFFHANGER! I know it is a second book, and that trilogies make money on that kind of thing, but most books have some form of closure. This one was ruthless.

3.5 stars

Warnings: Language, violence, some references to bedroom activity

Overall, while this series is not absolutely electrifying me, I am enjoying it. The books are fun and the added taste of mythology is something I always enjoy. I will be reading the third book in the series.

Ragnarok by A.S. Byatt

Title: Ragnarok: The End of the Gods
Author: A.S. Byatt
Genre: Mythology, literary fiction
Publisher: Canongate Books, 2011
Source: NetGalley
Read for: Review

Told through the eyes of a thin child ravaged by asthma, World War II, and her father's absence to fight, A.S. Byatt gives an adaptation of the Norse myths. From the beginning to the earth in Yggdrasil to the end of all things, Ragnarok, Byatt draws lines between our modern paradigms and the violent extermination of the Norse gods.

I have been interested in Norse mythology for a long time. My senior year of high school, the first time I read Edith Hamilton's Mythology, there was a very short section (probably less than ten pages) at the end of the book about Norse mythology, and I was captivated. Later, as I studied C.S. Lewis in college (best class of my undergraduate experience, hands down), I became intrigued again as he described his fascination with "northerness" and his love for the Norse myths. However, I've never really pursued the myths before now. The Prose and Poetic Eddas intimidate me, as I struggle with very old texts (yes, I am one of the heathen that can't stand The Odyssey and The Iliad, although the stories themselves are interesting). When I saw Ragnarok on NetGalley, I had to snatch it up. While I haven't read A.S. Byatt before, I am aware of her reputation, and it didn't steer me astray.

The writing is impeccable. Byatt's words are stark and sparse, not overabundant in imagery, but they evoke powerful imagery. The first half of the book, when the world is just beginning, is full of descriptions -- a tree in the sea with a myriad of creatures living from it, the wolves chasing the sun and moon across the sky, Loki's horrific brood of monstrous children. These first few pages are somewhat slow, but the images were vivid in my mind. Later, when the action picks up -- when Fenrir is bound, when Baldur is slain with the golden mistletoe -- the descriptions are not sacrificed, although they take a backseat to the action. The A.S. Byatt novel waiting for me on my TBR pile is being pushed up in the lists -- I am excited to experience her writing again.

The frame story of the thin child in wartime also provides an interesting perspective on the Norse myths. The lines between her life and the gods are subtle, but powerful once they are unearthed. Byatt describes the child's disillusionment with church and the depictions of Christ, "the kind god," a deity that she is unable to relate to in the violence and uncertainty of war. She finds truth in her book of Norse myths -- while she does not "believe" in the Norse gods, she believes in the world they represent. She believes in the violence and senselessness of it, in the fallibility of the gods, and in the blankness that shrouds all existence after the gods are fallen. Even when the war ends and many of her doubts and fears are shown to be unfounded, the thin child still believes in the world of the Norsemen, not the world of the kind Christ. This parallel to our modern day was interesting and gave the myths more meaning for me, although I do find it interesting that C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, who were adamantly Christian (as I am myself) found meaning in the myths as well.

Having recently read The Silmarillion, it was also exciting to see the parallels to Tolkien's work. I had not specifically read that Tolkien shared Lewis' enthusiasm for "northerness" (although their friendship makes it likely, in retrospect), but in Ragnarok I saw variations on many of Tolkien's characters, and it was easy to see that the Norse myths were a mine of inspiration for him.

I am torn between feeling slightly dissatisfied with the frame story and being astonished with its brilliance. It is clear to me why Byatt kept the frame story as thin as the child it was about; the story was just a way to tie the myths to the modern experience, a way to set them off, as a well-chosen frame sets off beautiful art. However, possibly because I am a person who is always craving more of a story, I wouldn't have minded more information about the thin child. I liked her; I wanted to know her better. While the story was certainly well-proportioned, I was left slightly unsatisfied.

However, this book was a stellar introduction to the Norse myths, and has whetted my appetite for more information. This is a must-read for those with an interest in mythology.

3.5 stars

Warnings: Violence

Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison

Title: Tris and Izzie
Author: Mette Ivie Harrison
Genre: YA, paranormal, mythology
Publisher: EgmontUSA, 2011
Source: NetGalley
Read for: Review, Read a myth Challenge

In this YA, paranormal retelling of the Tristan and Isolde legend, Izzie is a popular girl dating the "king" of the school, Mark King. However, she worries about her best friend, Branna, and decides to concoct a love potion to lure Branna to into a romance with the new kid in school, Tristan. However, things do not go according to plan, and Izzie finds herself frustratingly attracted to the strange and formal Tristan. This is further complicated by the fact that mythical beasts are coming after Izzie and attacking the school. Problems.

Okay, first of all, take a good look at that cover. Half-naked boy aside, isn't that gorgeous? I love the leaves in the air and floating on the water. I love how autumn-y it looks. It looks like a heart-rending, deep story.

Feast your eyes on the cover, but keep them there - because it is the best part of the book.

I was actually quite excited about this book (again, look at the cover! It is so pretty!). Whenever I hear "re-telling" or "myth" or "fairy tale," I get kind of excited. I've always loved old, well-loved stories.

Except, actually, the story of Tristan and Isolde. Granted, my only other exposure to it was the movie that came out when I was in high school (so like, seven years ago? I'm starting to feel old). But I actually really disliked the movie. It was so violent (severed hands). And the romance was not romantic at all, but torturous and deceitful and painful. I like sad stories, but I don't like unending, irrevocable pain. There has to be a little sweetness among the bitter to make the story worthwhile for me.

After turning the beautiful cover (or pretending to turn it, since I read this book on my computer) and realizing it was a retelling of a myth that I don't like, the book went a bit downhill for me. While it wasn't hideously depressing like the other version of Tristan and Isolde I've experienced, it had some significant flaws.

First of all - the dialogue. I realize that this is a YA book, and that YA books are sometimes written to an easier level than adult-level books. However, I have read many, many YA books that are beautifully written, even those with simpler language. The dialogue was somewhat stilted in Tris and Izzie. For example,

"What makes you think that you can do anything for me, Izzie? What are you, the queen of the world?

"Maybe," I said, looking up at her. "I'm the queen of the high school, at least, since I'm dating Mark, and he's the king."

Slight wince.

I also struggled with the characters, especially Tristan. He didnt' strike me as heroic, the type of guy that would sweep a popular girl off her feet and lead her away from her sweet, perfect (except for the fact that he ignores Izzie when he watches football - and what guy doesn't?) boyfriend. He was awkward, stubborn, and a bit of a caveman. He seems more like an accessory for Izzie to hang onto than a developed character.

Some positives: I think the paranormal spin was a clever addition to the story. I also think the (slight spoiler, but not really, because this is a familiar legend) breakup between Mark and Izzie was handled very well, albeit a bit quickly. I felt some real emotion during that part, especially when Izzie realizes she really does love both men, but she feels more passion for Tristan.

Overall, however, this book was lacking in writing and character development. It was an interesting spin on the Tristan and Isolde legend, but was ultimately unsatisfying for me.

1.5 stars

Warnings: Parnormal violence, very slight innuendo

Mythology by Edith Hamilton

Title: Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
Author: Edith Hamilton
Genre: Mythology
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, 1942
Source: Personal copy
Read for: Mythology Challenge

When I was younger, I was absolutely thrilled by Greek and Roman mythology. I remember sitting in my sixth grade classroom, and whenever there was a break or I finished my schoolwork early, I would find a big illustrated volume of the myths and look up the "Big Twelve" on Olympus. Years later, during my senior year of high school, we had a mythology unit and I essentially had to memorize this book. I loved every minute. In fact, I remember being at Disneyland during spring break and waiting in long lines, and telling my younger brother and sister all the myths that I could remember. On my trip to Paris, I realized that I was slowly forgetting the myths and vowed that I would reread this book soon. Four years later, I finally got around to it.


I read this book much more critically than I did when I was seventeen, and it was not quite the same experience. I remember a long time ago in a class on C.S. Lewis, we discussed what a myth was. I wish I had sources, and I just attempted to google them, but to no avail, so I will have to summarize from memory to the best of my ability. If you are aware of any of this, jump in at the comments section. The essence of what I learned was that myths are familiar. It doesn't matter if you know the ending. They are still good when they are told again and again. There is something essential about a myth that touches the human experience. "The Value of myth is that it takes all the things you know and restores to them the rich significance which has been hidden by the veil of familiarity," says Lewis (the one quote I was able to find). So regardless of the form in which it is presented, the myths should still be powerful, moving, intimately familiar. 


And in some ways, they are. There are many myths that I absolutely love (namely: Orpheus, Vertumnus and Pomona, Cupid and Psyche, to just name a few). I still enjoy reading about the gods of Olympus. I still enjoy revisiting those myths. And for the purpose of becoming acquainted with the myths and learning brief summaries of a high volume of myths, this book is the best guidebook you could find. Hamilton takes her information from a wide variety of ancient writers, always refers to whom she is using, and specifies when the story has changed from author to author. And there are literally hundreds of mythical events and figures described. She even dedicates a few pages to Norse mythology (a subject I would really like to delve into further). 


However, as a reread from cover to cover, this book lacked the magic that it had the first time. While I didn't have all the myths memorized any more (far from it!), I was familiar enough with them that I didn't want to read them all. I think now that I have had a decent introduction to the myths, I crave a presentation in a unique style. Which may go against Lewis' hypothesis. Or maybe not - new presentations of myths reveal a classic story in new clothing, allowing us to enjoy it again and again. 


At any rate, this book is a fantastic introduction to the myths, and a great reference if you don't want to read all of the myths from cover to cover. 

YA Friday: Abandon by Meg Cabot

Title: Abandon

Author: Meg Cabot

Genre: YA, Paranormal

Publisher: Point, 2011

Source: Library (Audio book)

Pierce Oliveira's life is a little dysfunctional right now. She was legally dead for a few minutes after drowning. During those few minutes, she met a dark and mysterious stranger that now won't leave her alone and has gotten her into serious trouble. Pierce and her mother have moved to her mother's childhood hometown, Isla Huesos, in an attempt to make "a new start" (a phrase you will see about 389 times in the book), but what they don't realize is that they've walked right into a new danger.

Let me preface this by saying that I love Meg Cabot. Princess Diaries? Yes, please. I am working my way through the last half of the series after discovering that there are ten books (plus several novellas). I devoured her historical fiction romance, Victoria and the Rogue. One of my roommates gave me a much loved copy of Avalon High for Christmas. I was gushing over Teen Idol for weeks. So it's not as if I don't like her style.

But.

It didn't work for me in Abandon. I'm not sure why. My favorite Meg Cabot heroine, Princess Mia, is whiny, neurotic, and overly-obsessed with caring for animals just like Pierce. With Mia, it is endearing. With Pierce, it wasn't. I think this may partly be a result of the overall tone of the story. All the other Meg Cabot books I've read have been light-hearted, humorous, and fluffily romantic. This is a loose retelling of the Persephone myth, so it's going to be dark. But Pierce continually referred to her self-imposed social isolation as a coffin and referenced death images. I know, I know, she is dating Hades (okay, not exactly - if you read the book you will understand what I mean), but must she reference the blackness and evil and death she sees so very often?

I also wasn't exceptionally impressed with the supporting characters. Pierce's grandmother is creepy and her actions are too out there to be considered realistic, even when you take into account some of the little secrets that come out at the end of the book. Pierce's new friend Kayla calls her "Chickie" instead of by her name (need I say more?). The cemetery sexton goes back and forth between being a benevolent gentleman with some strange hobbies to a nasty control freak. John, the love interest, is controlling and self-absorbed.

With that said, I was interested in the story, enough that I might read the rest of the books just to find out what happens next. The mythology component was interesting and kept the book from falling too flat on its face - instead it just tripped and dropped its books in the hall, bruising its knees but not inflicting any lasting damage. The book was still entertaining and interested me enough to keep me invested, but my expectations for the remaining books aren't too high.

2 stars

Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

Title: Haroun and the Sea of Stories

Author: Salman Rushdie

Genre: Contemporary literature, fantasy, children's

Publisher: Granta, 1990

Source: Library

Haroun and the Sea of Stories is the fantastical tale of Haroun, son of the greatest storyteller that ever lived (called the Ocean of Notions by his admirers and the Shah of Blah by his enemies). Haroun and his parents live in a city so sad it has forgotten its name, but the Ocean of Notions manages to bring smiles and entertainment to its residents until the sadness of the city creeps into their own family and he loses the Gift of Gab. Haroun is determined to help his father and ends up on an exciting journey on the Sea of Stories, meeting the Chups and Gups and finding the source of all stories.

I read this book as an(other) introduction to Rushdie's work - I heard that this story, written for his son Zafar, gave a good glimpse into the world of magical realism without stretching too long or confusing.

And I have to say it - I. Love. Magical realism! I've heard so many negative reactions to this sub-genre, and I expected to have a similar reaction. I hate not understanding a book or feeling like I have to read a research paper or nonfiction explanation in order to understand a story. I enjoy getting at the deeper layers of meaning, but I don't like being completely incapable of grasping a story on any level without having done research beforehand. I thought this would be the case with magical realism, but I was mistaken, at least in this case. It was fun!

This book really reminded me of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, a book that I really thought I'd enjoy after seeing the various movie incarnations, but that didn't end up working for me at all (I think I was just too old when I finally read it). I know there are all kinds of hidden agendas in Alice, but I wasn't familiar with them or desirous to ferret them out.Haroun also had these hidden agendas and clever wink-wink moments, but they delighted me instead of eluding me completely. (A little glossary at the back of the book helped immensely - many of the names in the book have double meanings). There were several allusions to other works, including "I Am the Walrus" by the Beatles, which I wrote about a few weeks ago. Two of Haroun's companions are named Iff and Butt. These little elements could have been distracting, but they added up to a tight and cohesive story - everything had some importance, some meaning. Loose ends were not left untied.

The story itself was beautiful and charming - an intriguing fairytale of how stories come into existence. The stories themselves are described as beautiful colored threads in the waters of the ocean, and the pains the Gups take to save those stories are both fascinating and heroic. While this story was written for children, it definitely appeals to the adult as connections are made and Haroun is taken on an epic journey to save stories. Rushdie examines why we should care about stories instead of allowing them to be extinguished by Khattum-Shud (the evil prince of the Chups and the word for "The End"). He incorporates romance, adventure, and fantasy into a story with a simplicity that allows the beauty to be more clearly manifested, rather than dumbed down. Children will probably enjoy this odd adventure, but I think adults will also find meaning and enjoyment in Haroun's adventures.

4 stars

Warnings for the sensitive reader: very vague allusions to infidelity in marriage

Advent Tour: It Must Have Been the Mistletoe, or the best first kiss ever

The Virtual Advent Tour is an event hosted by Kailana from The Written World and Marg from Adventures of an Intrepid Reader. Each day in December until Christmas, a handful of bloggers will share something they love about Christmas. To keep track of the different bloggers each day, head to the Advent Tour Blog.

Before I launch into my personal Christmas memories, I am going to give you a crash course in mistletoe. The reason we kiss under mistletoe is explained by Norse mythology (I love mythology, and want to learn more about the Norse myths, so this was an exciting find for me!). Once upon a time, the god Baldr was shot with an arrow made of mistletoe by his blind brother Hoor (and how a blind man managed to kill someone with an arrow of mistletoe is beyond me, even if he is a god). Baldr's mother, Frigg, manages to save her son. After he is safe, she declares that henceforth mistletoe would do no harm and when people met under the mistletoe, they would kiss to show their goodwill.

I've always thought of mistletoe as a cute tradition. However, it became a very personal tradition when I began dating my husband. We had been friends for several months, slowly becoming interested in each other. One night when we were "studying," I ended up showing him my bucket list, a little notebook I kept in my backpack with different goals, both long and short term, that I want to accomplish in my life. Because the Christmas season was approaching, I had written, "Be kissed under mistletoe." When he read the list, I saw him smirk a little, but I didn't realize at that point that he was formulating a plan.

We had begun spending time one on one, going to dinner and performances and studying with each other late into the night (finals were approaching). He had taken my hand a few times, but had yet to kiss me. After a wonderful date one fine December 12 evening, I was sure that it was the night - but no kiss. He dropped me off with a hug and I changed into pajamas and washed off my makeup.

I have to interrupt this story to mention that The Husband's roommate had earlier been flaunting a package of live mistletoe he had found in the grocery store. Said roommate was very girl crazy and had his eye on his next target.

A few minutes after I got ready for bed, The Husband (then The Boyfriend) texted me, saying he had forgotten to give me something. I started to hope, but couldn't be sure. He knocked on the door. I looked up and saw the mistletoe taped to the doorjamb. "I wanted to help you out with your bucket list," he said, and kissed me. Then he tripped. It was cute.

So, now that The Boyfriend is The Husband and we are celebrating our first married Christmas together, we are making it a tradition in our home to hang mistletoe each year on December 12. I have always loved Christmas, but I love it even more now as it reminds me of falling in love with my best friend. It is a great reminder to be thankful for all the love I am blessed with, from family and friends to the blessing of the birth of Christ. I want to wish you a merry Christmas filled with love as well!

Also, check out the other stops on the advent tour for December 12 - Jane @Life @ Number 8,
Becky @ One Literature Nut, Michelle @ Galleysmith, and Miss Moppet @ The Misadventures of Moppet.