I picked up The Wolf Den on a whim, vaguely interested in the premise and setting. I never thought I'd end up loving this series as much as I do.
The sI picked up The Wolf Den on a whim, vaguely interested in the premise and setting. I never thought I'd end up loving this series as much as I do.
The summary (and history) already warns us of what is to come, but it was devastating AND fascinating to read. I had grown so attached to Harper's Pompeii, masterfully brought to life, the various colorful characters we got to meet while following Amara's journey. The loss of a particular figure made me espacially sad, and knowing Amara will always honor him felt very comforting.
Tying the loose ends with (view spoiler)[Kallias (hide spoiler)] was something I've been curious about since the first book, so I'm glad it got resolved.
Though Philos remains my favorite in the series (little Rufina is up there too,) my favorite dynamic is that of Amara and Felix. (view spoiler)[ And although he's out of her life, getting exactly what he deserved, he's made an indelible mark on her, and that final line from Amara's pov was so satisfying to read. The author created a truly compelling relationship, and perhaps part of me wishes there was something...more to his ending. (hide spoiler)]
I will definitely be re-reading the trilogy, and you can bet I'll be getting my hands on Boudicca's Daughter....more
Oof, this would've been a 5/5 if not for the ending. I understand the author wanted to stay true to the myth, and therefore Cory must return, but I waOof, this would've been a 5/5 if not for the ending. I understand the author wanted to stay true to the myth, and therefore Cory must return, but I was not convinced. (view spoiler)[Not after she was essentially assaulted ("unthinkable violation," in her own words,) and just hours later she thinks she "adores him" and "she might love him." (hide spoiler)] Plus, not once was I given the impression she's attracted to Rolo at all; whenever she believed she did, she was stoned and/or low mentally, and was seeking validation. He's constantly and consistently described as repulsive and revolting, and her opinion never seems to change. The ending felt rushed and forced.
My other issue was that certain themes (racism, capitalism) were shoehorned in for the sake of it, perhaps to make this very old myth more relevant to modern audiences, and weren't really explored at all.
Those gripes aside, I loved it. The writing was beautiful and evocative. I feel the author's talent especially shone during Cory's tripping sessions. The contrast between her and Emer's more fast-paced chapters was wonderful. Mother and daughter complemented each other nicely; one of my favorite parts was Emer's thoughts while sending Cory the video from China, and how Cory perceived her intentions.
My absolute favorite thing about this book, however, was the incorporation of mythology in a modern, American setting where none of those characters are gods. It just worked. Granadone, Rolo's dogs, Sherry, every little reference brought a grin to my face. I was thrilled with the inclusion of Leuce, as well as the nod to the less known story of Hercyna's goose.
Overall, I had a very good time with The Fruit of the Dead and I wish the ending hadn't soured my experience....more
The way I was hooked from page one! I devoured this, and didn't expect to, given I picked it up on a whim.
The atmosphere and the descriptions was whatThe way I was hooked from page one! I devoured this, and didn't expect to, given I picked it up on a whim.
The atmosphere and the descriptions was what won me over; it was so easy to get lost in Harper's Pompeii. Took me a while to warm up to the characters, but that didn't bother me much as the mood alone had already gripped me. I appreciated how Amara always prioritized her survival and quest for freedom. Even her less savory actions/reactions made her more compelling and realistic, and still easy to root for. Got misty-eyed on several parts too, which is always a sign of a good story to me.
Can't believe I haven't reviewed this although it messed me up so bad.
I was wary picking it up at first, but also deeply curious about the idea behindCan't believe I haven't reviewed this although it messed me up so bad.
I was wary picking it up at first, but also deeply curious about the idea behind it, as well as the main romantic relationship. How do you make this work, and also why?
The first part was very relaxing to read; slow-paced, perhaps, but, in my opinion, necessary in order to immerse the reader in the life of Grecian royalty. Kudos for developing Alcestis' siblings too, figures we know little to nothing about.
Going to the heart of the matter, I find myself disagreeing with most other reviews. The relationship between Alcestis and Persephone is not romanticized in any way, and it's made clear early on through the romance of Admetus and Apollo that there's always a power imbalance when a mortal is involved with a god. It's also pretty explicit that deities' ways of navigating the world are very much divorced from those of humans. Their behavior is beyond mortal comprehension. I don't understand why anyone would expect Alcestis' affair with Persephone to be softer and sanitized simply because they're both women. I liked what I read, even though it was uncomfortable. I loved how complex the dynamics between Persephone, Alcestis, and Hades were. They were fascinating. I only wish the author had delved a bit more in their relationship, especially since she originally intended ntended for the Underworld section to be longer but had to remove a couple of scenes. That's why I'm giving it four stars instead of five.
The ending left me aching! I don't know what I expected, I don't know what I'd consider a good ending, but I just felt empty (positive.) I read this in October, but it's still on my mind, and that's definitely a win. It's a good, short read, even if it might be hard for some to go through....more
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