Review: Awaken by Meg Cabot

Awaken
Abandon Trilogy #3

Author: Meg Cabot

Publication Date: July 2, 2013

Publisher: Point

Genre: Mythology

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Synopsis:

Death has her in his clutches. She doesn’t want him to let go.

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew by accepting the love of John Hayden, she’d be forced to live forever in the one place she’s always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, though, because it meant she could be with the boy she loves.

But now her happiness — and safety — are threatened, all because the Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules: He revived a human soul.

If the balance between life and death isn’t fixed, both the Underworld and Pierce’s home back on earth will be wiped away. But there’s only one way to restore order. Someone has to die

My Thoughts: I have been following this series and eagerly anticipating this final novel for awhile. If you follow my reviews you will know that I am ga-ga for mythology and I love Persephone and Hades based books.  Most of my favourites right now are at least somewhat based on the star-crossed couple from Hell (or Hades, rather).

This novel is the last of the Abandon Trilogy from Meg Cabot.  In it, Pierce Oliviera finally accepts her role in John's life and in the underworld.  However, the Furies have something else entirely in mind.  The Fates have mysteriously disappeared and the Furies are running wild causing havoc in both the Underworld and on the surfaces on Isla Huesos. Together, John and Pierce have to figure out how they are going to save both of their worlds.

In truth, I liked the previous two books in this series a lot more in comparison to this one.  At times, this one seemed to come to a dead creep and then pick up and go a mile a minute.  The pacing was strange at times and infuriating at others.  There were a lot of moments were I just kind of stared at the novel incredulously and wondered: "Did that just happen?", and not in a good way.  There were a couple of aspects thrown in (like Thanatos) that I just thought was a little bit of an overkill and pointless to the plot other than maybe to save a character I had no interest in in the first place and to use up a chapter or two.

Other than that, I did enjoy it though.  I felt like it tied up the loose ends of the series well and I still read it in one sitting. It makes me sad that the story of John and Pierce has come to an end and that I won't have anymore books about them in the future, but it seemed like that was a good place to end the series.  If you haven't yet checked out the Abandon Trilogy, I certainly suggest that you do.  It is definitely worth your time.

Review: The Iron Queen by Kaitlin Bevis

The Iron Queen
Daughters of Zeus #3

Author: Kaitlin Bevis

Publication Date: May 17, 2013

Publisher: Musa Publishing

Genre: Mythology

Thank You Kaitlin Bevis for the review copy!

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Synopsis:

Life is hell for Persephone. Zeus will stop at nothing to gain access to the living realm and the Underworld, and as the only living god with a right to both, Persephone’s in trouble. Captured and tortured beyond the limits of her resolve, Persephone must find the power to stand against Zeus. But will she be strong enough?

Meanwhile, Hades contemplates desperate measures to rescue his queen. Persephone never thought of herself as dangerous, but there’s a reason gods never marry for love. A being with the power to destroy all of creation shouldn’t place more value in one individual than the rest of the planet. But Hades...Hades would break the world for her.

To save the world and stop both Hades and Zeus, Persephone must make a difficult choice. One that may cost her everything.

My Thoughts:  This is one of my favourite book series.  Hades and Persephone have recently become one of my favourite mythological couples to read about and this series really hits it home.  The last novel (Daughter of Earth and Sky) left off on a MAJOR cliffhanger, so I was really anxious to get my hands on this one and as soon as I did, I didn't put it back down.

Persephone has been through a lot in the past couple of books, but this one definitely pushes her to limits that  she is not entirely sure that she can endure.  After being captured by Zeus, she is tortured endlessly as he tries to gain access to not only her mother's realm, but the Underworld as well.  Meanwhile, Hades is hell-bent (get it? pun intended) on rescuing his wife from Zeus' clutches and is willing to do whatever it takes.

I love Persephone.  In the first book (aptly entitled Persephone) she was brave, but really naive.  Not that her naivety was entirely her fault since she had been kept in the dark her whole life about her birthright and the fact that she was, in fact, a goddess.  Her naivety also got her into dangerous and harmful situations that has carried on up until The Iron Queen.  She is slowly learning from her mistakes and in this novel we certainly get a major look at how powerful a goddess Persephone will turn out to be when as she grows.  She is definitely a force to be reckoned with by the end of the novel and I was thoroughly impressed with her transformation (as is everyone else involved).

I wish I had seen more of Hades.  He was in the novel plenty, don't get me wrong, but I just love him so much I wanted more of him.  It actually makes me want to go back and reread the entire series just to get my Hades fix (in fact, I think I will do that).  He is just so... Hades.  He didn't hesitate to put everything on hold and do everything within his power to track down and save Persephone pretty much the moment she was taken.

I sorely missed the Underworld as Hades was, for the most part, on Earth for this novel.  I missed all of the Underworld characters that I loved (Cassandra in particular, although she did make an appearance) and the realm itself.

All in all, I read this novel pretty much in one sitting like the previous two.  I do not have enough praise for this series, it is fantabulous.  If you love mythology and you haven't yet picked this one up I suggest you do, you won't be disappointed.

Review: My Ex From Hell by Tellulah Darling

My Ex From Hell
(The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1)

Author: Tellulah Darling

Publication Date: April 1st 2013

Publisher: Te Da Media

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

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Synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following: a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.) b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …

… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Thoughts: Alright, October needs to be here today. I need the next book. Tellulah, how could you leave us with an ending like that? I need to know what happens next!

Once again, Tellulah Darling writes an awesome and hilarious story. I absolutely loved Sophie/Persephone and her completely mouthy attitude. She wasn't at all afraid to say what she wanted. Honestly, why should she be? She's a goddess! But, she was like that before she found out who she really was. She was funny and pretty okay with finding out, even if she's still missing a lot of her memories and hasn't figured out the extent of her powers again.

So Sophie is a pretty good character, I love a snarky one. Then there is Kai, whom she can't stand but was her lover when she was Persephone. So she's definitely attracted to him, but he's a total player and drives her insane. They had a plan to end the war (which is hilarious when he tells her), but who knows if it will still happen since she is stuck in a human body and hates him half the time. He doesn't help matters by hitting on anyone with a pretty face.

Sophie has two awesome friends, Hannah and Theo. Both who keep her in line, most of the time. She has an enemy, Bethany, who she is plotting against when the book begins. All of the characters are awesome. Tellulah has a great way with character building.

Sophie has to step up and save humanity, even those she'd rather just kill. *I'm talking about you Bethany* BUT she is supposed to protect humans, so that will have to wait.

Overall, My Ex From Hell is an excellent read. It's hilarious, has action, drama, kissing and gods. Who doesn't like a book with mythological roots that is well written? I know I do. I really can't wait for the next book in the series and will be anticipating it's release. Tellulah Darling is one author that you must check out if you haven't already, she is not on my must read list! So if you're looking for something fun to read, check this one out!

Waiting on Wednesday (53)

Waiting on Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we are eagerly awaiting.

The Iron Queen
(Daughters of Zeus #3)

Author: Kaitlin Bevis

Expected Publication Date: Spring 2013

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Synopsis:

None Available

My Thoughts: Not much out about it yet, but nevertheless I am super excited for it.  I love this series!!

Review: Daughter of Earth and Sky by Kaitlin Bevis

Daughter of Earth and Sky
(Persephone #2)

Author: Kaitlin Bevis

Publication Date: December 21, 2012

Publisher: Musa Publishing
Thank you Musa Publishing for the review copy

Genre: Mythology

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Synopsis:

Some vows can never be broken.
Persephone thought she could go back to her normal life after returning from the Underworld. She was wrong. The goddess Aphrodite is born among the waves with more charm than she can control. Zeus is stalking Persephone and her loved ones, and Thanatos is no longer content with Persephone’s silence.

He wants her soul.

Persephone can’t tell anyone about Thanatos’ betrayal, and it drives a wedge between her and Hades. Her mother is still keeping secrets, and Melissa’s jealousy of Aphrodite threatens to tear their friendship apart.

Alone, Persephone turns to a human boy for comfort. But will their relationship put him in danger? Sacrifices must be made, and Persephone must choose between her human life and her responsibilities as a goddess. If she doesn’t, she could lose them both.

But will either life be worth choosing once Zeus is through with her?

My Thoughts: I love the first book in this series and I was ecstatic when I received Daughter of Earth and Sky to review.  If you follow my reviews at all, you know that I am a big fan of mythology and a huge fan of Hades.  So, safe to say that this book is right up my alley.

A lot of things that were started in the first book (Persephone) came to a head in Daughter of Earth and Sky, things that I was really excited to see the resolution to and Bevis didn't disappoint.  This novel is full of emotional highs and lows .  It was a roller-coaster of emotion that I just didn't want to get off of... and I didn't until it was finished. In fact, once I opened the book I very rarely strayed away from it.

I enjoyed the character development in this book. We get to see more sides of Hades than we did in the first book and Persephone seems to grow into herself and her new roles.  Hades is more willing to drop his guard around his wife (most of the time) and he is put through situations that really show his character.  Persephone seems to have come to terms with being a Goddess and Queen of the Underworld... well, a lot more than she had before.  By the end of the novel, she really has a better understanding of who she is, what she wants, what she doesn't and some of her (im)mortal flaws.

I think that the villains in this novel were spectacularly done.  I mean, I hated them.  Some of the things that they put Persephone and Hades through were enough to make me scream.  Just typing about them now is enough to make me super mad when I think about them!

All in all, I think I may have liked this book more than the first one - which is saying something.  This is an excellent series and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for their next read.

Owl Recommend (2)

Owl Recommend is a feature at Owl Read It where we try and help you find your next great read. 

I LOVE Greek Mythology, which basically means I love books about Greek Mythology.  Hades has always fascinated me.  I mean, he is basically only the God of the Underworld because he drew the short straw when they were dishing out territories (so to speak).  He never involved himself in Olympus politics either.  I mean, just because he had domain over the Underworld didn't make him evil, per say.

So, if you liked one of these books you are bound to like the other.  I love both and I highly recommend them.

Books mentioned:

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis

*Reviews for both are available under "Reviews by Kristal"

Review: Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis

Persephone

Author: Kaitlin Bevis

Publication Date: July 6, 2012

Publisher: Musa Publishing

Genre: Fantasy/Mythology

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Synopsis:

There are worse things than death, worse people too.

The “talk” was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they’re a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.

My Thoughts:  I just adore books that pertain to mythology and Persephone and Hades are one of my favourite couples to read about.  I believe that this book did the coupling justice and enjoyed the read the whole way through.  I actually stopped for a twenty minute break mid-way through the book (couldn't put it down!) to tell my husband that I had to stop reading because I didn't want it to end.

Review: The Goddess Legacy by Aimee Carter

The Goddess Legacy 
Goddess Test #2.5

Author: Aimee Carter

Publication Date: July 31, 2012

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Genre: Mythology/Fantasy

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Synopsis:

For millennia we've caught only glimpses of the lives and loves of the gods and goddesses on Olympus. Now Aimée Carter pulls back the curtain on how they became the powerful, petty, loving and dangerous immortals that Kate Winters knows.Calliope/Hera represented constancy and yet had a husband who never matched her faithfulness.
Ava/Aphrodite was the goddess of love and yet commitment was a totally different deal.
Persephone was urged to marry one man, yet longed for another.
James/Hermes loved to make trouble for others but never knew true loss before.
Henry/Hades's solitary existence had grown too wearisome to continue. But meeting Kate Winters gave him a new hope…

My Thoughts: Let me just start by saying that The Goddess Test series is worth the read! The novellas are also incredible - The Goddess Legacy being no exception.  This book rocked how I viewed all of the characters in the series, giving them more depth and dimensions than I ever thought possible.  Just thinking about it makes me want to re-read the series with this deeper understanding.  I believe it would change the way I look at everything.

The Goddess Legacy starts at the beginning.  I mean the very beginning - immediately after the Gods won the battle with the Titans and were deciding what they were going to do next.  Who had jurisdiction in which area?  And how would they be ruled and rule the mortals.

Hera (aka Calliope) is the first character we learn about.  Reading Hera's story made it hard for me to remember just how bad she was.  I feel as though I completely understand where she was coming from, and it freaks me out a little because she becomes pretty psychotic later.  Poor Hera, Zeus treated her so poorly no wonder she went so sour and twisted.  In Hera's mind, almost everything she did was to help.  As soon as I had finished her section of the novel, I knew that I was going to re-read the series before the next book is released.  It was very moving.

We also learn about Aphrodite (aka Ava), Persephone, Hermes (aka James) and Hades (aka Henry).  All pivotal characters in The Goddess Test series and whose pasts had been hinted at, alluded to and slightly explained upon occasion, but never had the opportunity to explore and expand upon.  I loved all of the stories and just knowing what happened before Kate came around makes me love the series more (even when I didn't think it was possible).

By far, my favourite story was Hera's.  Followed very closely by Persephone.  We got an intimate look into the relationship and marriage of Hades and Persephone, which had always been a slight mystery to me.  Both Hades and Persephone explained it to Kate as best they could, but actually reading it through Persephone's point of view really gave us an in-depth look about what happened and what went wrong.

Overall, all of the stories were remarkable and touching in their own way.  I feel more attached to all of the characters now than I ever have before.  This book is an amazing read and I highly recommend it if you are a fan of The Goddess Test series.  If you haven't read the series yet, I suggest you do! It is brilliant.