As an Indonesian, I'm almost dread the time when I start reading Magic Dreams, a novella about Dali and Jim. Dali is an Indonesian and while 4 stars
As an Indonesian, I'm almost dread the time when I start reading Magic Dreams, a novella about Dali and Jim. Dali is an Indonesian and while I'm surprised and appreciated IA to include Indonesian characters in their Kate Daniels world, I'm also skeptical as well to see how my nationality and also myth get interpreted by American author. I have a "WHY, ILONA ANDREWS, WHY??" moment when knowing Dali's full name is Dali Harimau. Harimau itself is a name of animal. It's Indonesian equivalent of "tiger". Naming your character as Dali "Tiger", I find it as weird. I can pass of Dali name, it's unique. The "harimau" part is what grate my nerves, lel.
Anyhow, I still rate this novella 4* because I really like Dali and Jim's relationship. While also ass-kicking in her own way, I appreciate that Dali is DIFFERENT compared to Kate and Andrea. She have self doubt and get easily jealous because apparently she feel that she's not that strong like Kate. I like that Dali fight the enemy that threat Jim's life with her own way and using her knowledge and brain rather than brawn. I like that IA insert some of "Asian Value" in Magic Dreams with making Dali's mother (she has no name, yet) act like how Asian Tiger Mom behave. Seeing Dali's mother neighbor house have some fengshui, I guess Dali is part of Balinese and Chinese-Indonesian. Maybe Dali's mother is the Chinese-Indonesian ones. If there's one name that IA make it right, it's Dali's uncle name whose name is Aditya. At least that Indonesian name that I know and familiar, lel.
There's some of misspelling like the son of nine dragon supposed to be Suanni not Suanmi and the Balinese tree "Bunut Bolog" is "Bunut Bolong". I'm amused when reading Dali and her mother converse in Indonesian (that translate in English and in italic) and Jim chimed in "Mengapa". I think maybe IA want to translate the word "why", but "why" can be translate to "kenapa atau mengapa" depend of the meaning. Still I find it entertaining to read how Jim admit that he smitten by Dali and he learn Indonesian in order to get to know her. Now, that what I called "aww moment". Jim that I know is a snarky man that take Pack's security above all others. To know he have his soft and romantic side make me see him in the new light.
The case has some Japanese myth and beside that Dali might be an otaku herself, there's no explanation why she practice shodo magic at the first place. Why choose Japanese, since she admit that she's Hindu and why not using an Indonesian magic. But, since Indonesia is a religious country with majority of its citizen is Muslim and I'm also Muslim as well, the magic using is unheard of. This is me speaking as Indonesian, mind you. So I guess why IA make Dali using Japanese's curse magic is because its easier to write/research or what. Although they use "Keong Emas" myth that I'm embarrassed to admit this myself, I don't really familiar with it, lel.
With the complaining and the appraising (why can't I do both?), I still enjoy Dali and Jim's little story and I hope there's more about them in the future....more
"Aku memang marah, tapi bukan kepadamu. Aku marah pada takdir yang diberikan kepadaku. Ketika aku sadar, agar kau bisa mendapatkan apa y
4 bintang
"Aku memang marah, tapi bukan kepadamu. Aku marah pada takdir yang diberikan kepadaku. Ketika aku sadar, agar kau bisa mendapatkan apa yang kau inginkan, aku harus kehilangan satu - satunya yang pernah kuinginkan."
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea sempat bikin heboh di tahun 2022 karena selain covernya yang menarik, ceritanya dibilang mirip animasi Ghibli, yaitu Spirited Away. Gue sih belum nonton ya, jadi ga banyak ekspektasi juga pas mulai baca. Pun, ternyata terjemahannya juga memakai cover yang sama dengan versi aslinya. Apa mungkin karena itu, untuk buku tipis ga sampe 300 halaman dengan font kecil sangat membuat mata gue berteriak "alamak!!", harganya pun hampir 100k? Hehe.
Girl Who Fell (kepanjangan, gue singkat aja) adalah adaptasi bebas dari kisah rakyat Korea, The Tale of Sim Cheong. Namanya juga adaptasi bebas (banget), jadi Axie Oh bebas mengkreasikan kisah Sim Cheong versinya sendiri. Sim Cheong memang tetap dijadikan pengantin Dewa Laut, tapi tokoh utama buku ini justru Mina, adik dari Joon, dimana Joon yang tidak rela Cheong dikorbankan berusaha menyelamatkan kekasihnya tapi Mina juga ga rela Joon dihukum mati karenanya. Dari situlah cerita bergulir, membawa pembaca pada dunia Dewa Laut yang menurut gue cukup nano - nano mitologinya. Membaca kisah Mina di dunia Dewa Laut justru mengingatkan gue sama novel The Ghost Bride, karena tokoh utamanya sama - sama berkelana di dunia para arwah. Bedanya, gue masih bisa lebih menoleransi Mina ketimbang Li Lan di The Ghost Bride.
Saat gue bilang adaptasi bebas, Axie Oh emang banyak memasukkan unsur mitologi di buku ini. Istana Dewa Laut mau ga mau mengingatkan gue sama legenda Urashima Taro dari Jepang dan gue bertanya - tanya ini dunia dewa laut ternyata tetanggaan juga sama dunia arwah dan dewa - dewi lainnya? Karena selain Dewa Laut, ada juga dewa - dewi lain, seperti Dewa Kematian yang berasa terinspirasi dari Hades dan lalu ada Dewi Bulan dan Kenangan yang gue ga tahu kenapa kok saingan sama Dewa Laut. Ga dijelasin juga sih, hahaha. Staple mitologi korea seperti gumiho atau rubah berekor sembilan pun juga ada dan Axie Oh memasukkan makhluk mitologi bernama Imugi (atau Imoogi). Imugi ini seperti naga, cuma mereka perlu 1000 tahun untuk menjadi naga beneran dan dasarnya mereka jahat. Tapi Namgi, salah satu karakter di buku ini yang nantinya jadi teman Mina, adalah imugi yang baik. Selain Namgi, ada juga Kirin, yang kalau tahu makluk2 legenda Asia, pasti dah bisa nebak Kirin ini apa lah ya.
Selain makluk mitologi, Girl Who Fell sarat dengan dongeng, karena dongeng adalah senjata Mina untuk bertahan hidup di dunia bawah laut ini selain dengan pisau yang Mina warisi dari neneknya. Dongeng - dongeng memang sangat berperan penting di buku ini, karena ada beberapa aspek dalam dongeng nantinya akan membantu Mina. Salah satu dongeng yang menurut gue unik adalah dongeng tentang tukang kayu dan bidadari, karena kesamaan dongeng ini dengan beberapa dongeng di dunia lain bahkan termasuk di Indo sendiri yaitu legenda Joko Tarub. Terus terang gue suka dengan cara Axie Oh ngecampur mitologi dan juga dongeng di buku ini, walau memang ada beberapa hal yang butuh penjelasan. Aura magis dan mengagumkan dunia Dewa Laut ini ditulis dengan cukup baik. Hal lain yang gue cermati dari buku ini adalah beberapa bagian terasa sangat melankolis dan lembut. Bagian favorit gue adalah saat Dai melindungi Miki dari serangan Imugi. Membaca bagian Dai yang bener - bener menyayangi Miki itu bikin gue sangat terharu :'). Tema keluarga memang kental banget di buku ini selain juga misteri di balik kenapa Dewa Laut dikutuk.
Gue baca beberapa review yang bilang kalau romansa antara Mina dan Shin itu agak hambar. Menurut gue, sebenarnya ga juga ya hahaha. Ini masih mendingan dan gue juga ngerasain kok perasaan Shin yang mendamba ke Mina. Mungkin karena romansanya bukan tipe slow burn ya, kan waktu Mina juga sangat terbatas di dunia Arwah jadinya kayak berasa cepet aja ini jatuh cintanya. Tapi gue tetap ngerasain kok dan romansanya pun bukan tipe yang cukup lebay. Karena buku ini pakai PoV pertama Mina seperti laiknya buku2 YA fantasy, jadi pembaca ga tahu apa yang sebenarnya Shin pikirkan tentang Mina dan kapan tepatnya pemuda ini mulai jatuh hati ke Mina karena kita hanya tahu semuanya dari sudut pandang Mina. Pun, menurut gue, kisah (hampir) cinta segitiga antara Mina, Shin dan Dewa Laut itu agak maksa dan konklusinya pun termasuk yang terburu - buru. Tanpa kisah cinta segitiga sebenarnya bisa lebih bagus sih, cuma mungkin buat bumbu - bumbu biar bikin gregetan kali ya.
Untuk stand alone YA fantasy romance, menurut gue The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea sudah cukup bagus. Ada bagian yang kurang, seperti romansa antara Mina dan Shin yang lebih bisa digali lagi dan kisah cinta segitiga yang menurut gue ga perlu - perlu banget. Banyak juga bagian yang bagus seperti penggambaran dunia Arwah, sentimen terkait dewa - dewi, tema kekeluargaan yang kental, hubungan pertemanan antara Mina dengan Namgi, maupun Mina dengan Kedok, Dai serta Miki; dan penggunaan dongeng yang membuat cerita jadi kaya. Mina sendiri emang beberapa kali bertindak gegabah tapi gue cukup suka sama gadis ini karena dia berani menentukan takdirnya sendiri. Untuk terjemahannya sendiri cukup rapi dan enak dibaca serta minim typo. Cuma ya, CUMA, fontnya sangat diirit - irit, bikin versi terjemahan ini bahkan lebih tipis dari versi aslinya yang 300 halaman lebih!
Recommended untuk yang cari YA fantasy romance yang diadaptasi dari kisah rakyat dan juga stand alone. ...more
Jadi Bausastra Lelembut ini ya..kamus tentang lelembut atau dedemit atau makhluk gaib. Lentera Nusantara sendiri membuat 4 bintang
bausastra : kamus
Jadi Bausastra Lelembut ini ya..kamus tentang lelembut atau dedemit atau makhluk gaib. Lentera Nusantara sendiri membuat kamus lelembut ini dari game mereka yaitu Ghost Parade. Gamenya sendiri sudah ada di PS5, Switch dan Steam lho (lho, kok malah promosi), walau ya gue belum sempat ngecek karena ga punya PS5 dan Switch walau punya akun Steam. Terus nanti kalau main game, gimana kabar timbunan gue, hellooow??
Walau dibilang lelembut, tenang aja, buku ini cukup kids-friendly. Tidak semua lelembut dibahas di buku ini, jadi makhluk2 seperti wewe gombel atau grandong (kalau kalian dari Jatim, pasti tahu lah hahaha) tentunya tidak ada. Lelembutnya sendiri cukup bervariasi dari Sabang sampe Merauke berjajar pulau - pulau, walau mayoritas lelembutnya dari pulau Jawa dan Bali, serta beberapa dari Sumatra, Sulawesi dan hanya 1-2 wakil dari Maluku dan Papua. Menariknya, untuk yang dari Bali, dengan mengecualikan Leak dan Barong, sebenarnya ga tepat juga dibilang dedemit (karena dedemit itu kan kesannya makhluk menakutkan yah) dan lebih ke makluk hampir seperti dewa-dewi yang sangat jelas merupakan asimilasi dari agama Hindu. Banyak juga jenis dedemit yang gue ga tahu, jadi baca kamus ini cukup membuka wawasan pun bisa dibaca dalam sekali duduk, karena isinya yang dominan ilustrasi. Tentunya ilustrasinya juga imut - imut, jauh dari kesan seram. Mungkin karena itu ga ada grandong yha
Jadi kamus ini cocok kalau kamu penasaran sama apa aja dedemit yang ada di Nusantara ini, tanpa harus merinding disko kalau misalnya kamu penakut. Bisa juga jadi ide untuk cerita lho, siapa tahu mau bikin Pokemon tapi isinya dedemit atau penangkap hantu versi lokal.
P.S: Ada yang lucu waktu gue baca buku ini, karena pas baca pas di dekat suami. Suami yang buka halaman berisi dedemit bernama Enak Encho, terus ketawa keras saat membaca deskripsi si dedemit yang kalau disentuh orang akan spontan berkata "ena, ena, ena, ena.". And just like his species, ofc there were dad jokes. Dimana suami gue pas buka halaman tentang "Jurig", dia bilang "wah ini kan yang ada di film, itu lho yang judulnya Conjurig". Sometimes I wonder why I married him in the first place because of his "dad jokes". Still love him, though....more
After reading The Unleashing (you can read my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ), since I change my reading habit, I now prefer to binge read a finished series on the weekend. Lucky for me that Call of Crows just have 3 books, but unfortunately I have a job work related that I must finish before Monday, so I can manage to read just 2 books. But, in my opinion, it's better to read 2 rather than not read at all :/.
For me, The Undoing is MUCH better than The Unleashing. In the Unleashing, I feel that Laurenston is busy to explain about Call of Crows's world building and how the main character, Kera try to adjust in her new life after being murdered. In The Undoing, Jacinda "Jace" Berisha had already introduced in the first book, so it help me to familiarize myself with her. Beside, I got a very bad mood when reading The Unleashing and the way Laurenston write Kera like an outsider from her Crows sister strike some nerves in me. However, that book also lighten my mood so that's why I can enjoy the Undoing!
Don't fret, the female rage is still there and better than ever since Jace is literally a berserker Crow. Meaning, when she died, she hold so much rage in hers. That's why when Skuld give her a second chance to life, the rage remind. It's so rare and unusual to read about berserker female after all. Funny thing is, even though Jace having so much rage and can easily go berserk, deep inside she's an introvert to the core. Jace really hate small talk and prefer to reading in peace rather than gossiping and frolicking with her sister. She's also not a very chatty person, BUT, when she opened up to some of her sisters (in this case, Kera and Erin) and to the man she loves, she become a chatterbox.
I sometimes want to cry and hug Laurenston, because she keep writing heroines that I feel can connected to (even Kera, although her personalities can be difficult to connect at first). Jace is very much like me. I do hate small talk and sometimes it's can be awkward for me to open a discussion or chit chat with someone that I don't know. And like Jace, I become a chatterbox to people that I know and my husband. It doesn't mean we all shy, we just kinda choose people that we want to close to. But, contrary to Jace, I don't like reading books that will make me feel depressed. Yet, Jace prefer the "gloom and doom" kind of book. Like War and Peace. Heck, she even named her puppy after Dostoyevsky! Also, Jace is a polygot! She know and fluent in many languages, like Russian (maybe because of her Albanian roots), Latin, French, Greek, Old Norse and many more. I know that Laurenston loved to write about prodigy characters and I like the fact that Jace is a polygot, even though the reason why she knows many languages is kinda sad.
As per Laurenston's trademark, no jerk of hero or "I'm Tarzan hear me roarrrr!" kind of hero. Honestly, I liked Ski better than Vig. Heck, I even like the Protector more compared to the Raven. The Raven kinda like comic relief and frat boy and even though I like Ludvig from the first book, the rest is pretty much a comic relief (I might be wrong about Stieg, since his and Erin's story will be told in book 3). The Protector might be common enemy for the Crows and The Raven, yet deep inside they all are dork. And nerd. And readers to the core. Although Ski is not much reader himself, he's also a dork. He even use glasses!! Gawd, please write more heroes with glasses! You don't know how hot men with glasses are. Also, not like the Raven that have bulky appearance, Ski is more like long lean type. And nooo, he's not jerk. At all. Ski might be try to be chatty to Jace at first, but when he realized Jace hate small talk, he give her personal space. Ski also a mother hen type. He like to take care of people, like to his Protector brethren and Jace (constantly remind her to eat, to sleep, give her personal space when needed). Vig might be a Viking panda bear with his shy and introverted attitude, but man like Ski, whom is intellect, use glasses, easy to smile, a mother hen, is totally my type.
I'm.In. Love.
And yes, I do prefer Jace and Ski relationship! Laurenston now how to write a slow burn romance despite both Jace and Ski just get close to each other in days, yet I like that their relationship didn't feel rushed at all. Also the steamy factor...gawd the steaminess. Also, the way Laurenston handle the sex is very positive. I remember the banter between Ski and Jace about why the purpose of sex. While Jace said to make a child, Ski answer that beside of the progeny duty, sex is all about fun that's why they use condom. I just lol'ing so hard, but also give my thumb up. No, the talk about protection is never ever not sexy. It's sexy, it's consensual to both parties. Both Ski and Jace is so adorkable, they easily become my favorite couples.
Writing a review about the Call of Crows, ofc I must write about the sisterhood. The sisterhood (or sismance) still going strong and I liked that now Kera finally accepted into the Crows. Yet, the Crows also care for Jace too, despite her hate of small talk. Of course they don't know a concept of "personal space", yet they all loved Jace in their own way. And Jace too, loved them back. There's so many interesting character in Crows sisterhood, so I'm sad to know that the series only have 3 books because I can feel its potential. The world building is good like usual, not much machination or politic like G.A. Aiken books. Quite simple to be exact. Laurenston also write that the supernatural forces is not just from Norse deity, but Christian as well. Its cracked me up to read about how very usual of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse to hanging out in a church or Jace exchange pleasantries with the archangels. It kinda make sense that in the real world, the concept of apocalypse is not just Ragnarok, but plenty. And I like how Laurenston didn't dismiss another myth concept, and yet she try to not make her world building convoluted. She try to focus to the Norse and their deities alone.
I like the "second chance" theme that Laurenston insert to her books. All the Crows is not Viking, totally different compared to other Nine Clans that only have pure Viking descendants as their member and their family lines can be traced back to the old times. The Crows have diverse characters with diverse personalities, races and pasts. Not all of their pasts are good like Kera's Marine life. Some have questionable pasts and in case of Jace, become a part of cult make her life already like hell. Yet, Skuld somehow see that they are worthy and give them second chance to life in exchange of their loyalty to her. It's like, everyone deserved a second chance and the Crows try their damned to be what they want to be. It's kinda like a redemption for some and also feel liberating. And the way how the sisterhood support each other speak volumes. I can always count to Laurenston to write a good female empowerment book. Even though most of her characters are crazy in their own way.
I know that the POV switches can be too crowded to read, but since I'd read all Aiken books, that's didn't bother me at all. Anyhow some things are driving me bonkers. First, the cover. For the love of me, I know publisher like to use stock photos, but at least if you want to feature a mantitty on the cover, use men with glasses, would you? Ski is so hot with his glasses, and it's sadden me to see the man in the cover didn't do Ski justice (beside, Ski is a viking. A VIKING! Can you at least use...model that looked like Travis Fimmel or one of those Skarsgard boys?). Two, the typos. I think because I buy the mass market version, the publisher and editor will catch the mistakes. I can tolerate 1-2 typos, yet the typos kinda plenty *sigh.
Still, I will recommend the Call of Crows series, whether you are Laurenston's fans or new to her. Especially if you like a book that feature female rage. Because admit it, hell hath no fury like women scorned. Or in this case, a female berserker that going on a loose yet in her spare time she prefer to read in peace. Add it with a mother-hen-type of hero that wear glasses, what's not to love?...more
The conclusion for Ava and Malachi story and the end of the first arc of Irin Chronicles (I hope so). The Secret answer some questions from Th4 stars
The conclusion for Ava and Malachi story and the end of the first arc of Irin Chronicles (I hope so). The Secret answer some questions from The Scribe and The Singer, like who is Ava exactly. The revelation kinda shocking, but I praised Hunter again for her unique take from overused theme, like nephilim, band of warriors, angel theme, etc etc. In this book, the characters not pure black and white, there's always shade of grey. The bad honchos of course is bad, but not all Irin enemies, The Grigori, are bad. Hunter show that even the enemy have their own reason to attack the Irin and how the Irin and Irina were wrong about the Grigori.
The Secret is more complex and compelling compared to the previous. The Scribe introduce reader to the Irin society and introduction to Ava and Malachi relationship. The Singer reveal the Irina society, and how Ava and Malachi try to rekindle their broken connection. The Secret come to full circle, with Ava and Malachi strengthen their bond and the Irin and Irina become one once more. Also, reader will finally understand why one of the antagonist, the fallen angel Jaron always protect Ava, despite that he is a fallen. It's quite sad, tbh. The truth behind Ava's past is also sad, which include her father and grandmother. But glad that in the end, some peace come to them.
I like how Hunter handle the ending. Not too rushed, not too sweet either. For some, the final battle between Irin-Irina and The Grigori might not epic, but in the otherside its result are devastating. Hunter did a good job to explain the result, how its impact Malachi and Ava in some ways. Anyway that's not mean that the story end. Some loose tie is still...loose.
I will always recommend Elizabeth Hunter work. I love her Elemental Mysteries series, and in The Irin Chronicles she once again prove that she is one of premium PNR/UF author out there. I wonder if she got picked by traditional publisher, her name will hear often. But, even just indie, she already being fabulous as she is. I can't wait to read what next in Irin world....more
Ini buku tebel pertama -engga tahu deh, kok di Goodreads jumlah halamannya cuma 320, asa dulu tebel nian nih buku dan tGw kasih lima bintang karena...
Ini buku tebel pertama -engga tahu deh, kok di Goodreads jumlah halamannya cuma 320, asa dulu tebel nian nih buku dan tulisannya super imut - yang dipinjam di perpustakaan SMA (sekitar 12-13 tahun yang lalu * buka umur*) dan selesai dibaca. Endingnya? Ini salah satu buku perpus yang ga pernah gw balikin ke perpus X))) *sungkem sama bu guru penjaganya*
Pertama kalinya baca tentang ibu hanoman yang hamil hanya karena makan daun yang udah tertesi sperma Batara Siwa (atau Wisnu? Lupa deh). Dipikir - pikir lagi, itu adegan yang emang watdepak sih :)). Tapi masih ingat betapa epiknya peperangan Mahabarata dijabarkan di buku ini. Cuma, kisah pendahuluannya banyak, dan suka bercabang nyeritain tokoh - tokoh penting lain.
Kalau ada yang bisa bantuin nyari buku ini, boleh lho :">. Buku "rampasan" yang dari perpus, kayaknya udah rusak dan ga tau dimana :P...more
Di situlah letak kebahagiaan menguasai mitos. Kegembiraan untuk bisa menceritakannya kembali- sesuatu yang sangat kuanjurkan pada A
4 bintang
Di situlah letak kebahagiaan menguasai mitos. Kegembiraan untuk bisa menceritakannya kembali- sesuatu yang sangat kuanjurkan pada Anda, pembaca buku ini. Bacalah cerita - cerita ini, jadikanlah milikmu pribadi, dan pada suatu malam musim dingin membeku, atau malam musim panas saat matahari tak mau terbenam, ceritakan pada teman - temanmu apa yang terjadi...
Hanya selang tiga bulan setelah gue baca buku Mitologi Norse karya Donna Jo Napoli (review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), kali ini gue mencoba penceritaan kembali dari salah satu novelis fantasy yang minimal pembaca fantasy pasti tahu yaitu Neil Gaiman. Walau di belakang buku ini disebut novel fantasy, bagi gue Mitologi Nordik lebih ke setengah fiksi dan non fiksi karena isinya sebenarnya lebih ke penceritaan kembali dari Gaiman, berdasarkan risetnya pada Mitologi Norse, terutama dari Puisi Edda yang ditulis kembali oleh sejarawan Islandia, Snorri Sturlusson. Baik Napoli maupun Gaiman sama - sama mereferensi Puisi Edda ini, karena memang semacam "kitab suci"nya mitologi para dewa dewi Norse. Gue ga heran kenapa Gaiman menulis buku ini karena American Gods sendiri sangat terpengaruh oleh mitologi Norse dan karakter - karakter utamanya sendiri juga dari mitologi itu. Membaca kata pengantar dari Gaiman sangat mengasyikkan dan memberi gambaran apa yang akan kita dapat dari buku ini.
Gaiman sendiri mengingatkan kalau akan ada beberapa inkonsistensi dan hal itu emang terjadi. Seperti kisah cerita ketel raksasa Hmyr. Pada kisah pertama, ketel Hmyr diambil berkat kedekatan Tyr dengan ibunya yang adalah istri Hmyr dan kecenderungan Thor untuk menyelesaikan masalah dengan kekerasan. Tapi di kisah selanjutnya, yang mengambil ketel Hymr adalah Loki. Awalnya gue ngira apakah Gaiman ini typo dan lalu teringat oleh kata pengantarnya bahwa kisah - kisah mitos jaman dulu emang banyak versi. Ada juga versi nama yang berbeda untuk si ular raksasa Midgard, dimana yang gue tahu namanya Jormungand tapi di buku ini Jormungurd. Selain itu di buku ini juga antara dark elf atau svartalfar dengan dwarf atau kurcaci itu ternyata sama. Gue kirain beda karena kurcaci tinggalnya di Nidavellir, sementara dark elf itu penampilannya persis light elf (ljosalfar). Mayan lah dapat ilmu baru lagi nih.
Mitologi Norse (atau Nordik) memang ceritanya muter - muter antara tiga tokoh besar yaitu Odin, si Allfather (atau Maha-bapa) yang berpengetahuan luas, Thor yang mudah lapar, bodoh dan berprinsip kalau kekerasan menyelesaikan semua masalah. Tak lupa, Loki yang licik, penipu handal, suka merepotkan para dewa tapi juga di suatu waktu menyelamatkan mereka (meski masalahnya juga semuanya karena Loki). Buang jauh - jauh image Odin, Loki, apalagi Thor yang kamu tahu dari Marvel. Ini adalah para dewa yang sesungguhnya. Odin meski bijaksana, tak lupa kalau di awal cerita dia membunuh raksasa Ymir untuk membuat Asgard, mengawetkan kepala Mimir untuk menjaga sumur pengetahuan, menyamar menjadi raksasa bernama Bolverkr untuk merayu Gunnlod demi mendapatkan mead yang terbuat dari darah Kvasir, si dewa kecerdasan. Thor sangat gegabah, glutton thy name ist Thor, dan kalau tidak bisa memecahkan masalah, pokoknya ayunkan saja palu Mjolnir dan semuanya beres. Hanya Loki yang setidaknya masih sesuai karakter, jahat, licik, bedanya Loki versi mitologi tentu saja tidak semanusiawi versi Marvelnya.
Namun Gaiman juga tahu, kalau dewa - dewi Nordik tidak hanya tiga dewa itu, walau memang ketiganya nyaris ada di semua kisah. Ada kisah tentang Freya, Frey, Tyr, Heimdall, Idunn, dan terutama kematian Balder yang nantinya akan berujung pada diikatnya Loki di bebatuan yang lalu berlanjut ke Ragnarok. Walaupun buku ini tipis, tapi Gaiman cukup runtut menceritakan kembali. Dimulai dari penciptaan yang hampir sama di semua mitologi, dimana semuanya bermula dari kehampaan dan lalu menjadi ada. Dilanjutkan kisah para dewa dewi dan diakhiri dengan Ragnarok. Ragnarok sendiri memang cukup unik karena tidak jelas kapan waktunya, meski arti Ragnarok sendiri adalah "the twilight of the gods", akhir para dewa - dewi.
Gue merasa beberapa kisah di mitologi Nordik ini emang semacam alegori. Mulai dari sapi Audhumla yang susunya menghidupi Ymir, ini seakan menggambarkan dua hal. Yang pertama adalah galaksi bima sakti atau milky way, dan yang kedua adalah susu sebagai salah satu sumber makanan. Menurut gue, mungkin di skandinavia banyak sapinya jadi sapi pun masuk jadi salah satu aspek di cerita. Kemudian ada pohon Aesc atau Ash, yang menjadi dasar dari penciptaan Ygddrasil. Bahkan ada penceritaan tentang Banjir Besar, dimana nyaris di semua mitologi memang ada Banjir Besar. Ragnarok sendiri bisa jadi menggambarkan peralihan dari agama pagan ke agama Kristen, mengingat Puisi Edda digubah oleh Snorri pada abad 9-an. Walau pas baca deskripsi Ragnarok gue ngebatin ini kayak semacam bencana besar akibat gunung meletus karena hempasan api dari pedang Surtr yang membuat bumi jadi berabu emang mirip - mirip kondisi abis letusah gunung berapi. Gaiman mengatakan bahwa kisah di Mitologi Nordik terasa keras, gelap dan dingin, mungkin ini juga karena daerah Eropa Utara itu dominan malam dan juga udaranya dingin maka tak heran kalau ceritanya lebih banyak kekerasan ketimbang katakanlah, horny setiap saat seperti di mitologi Yunani. Bukan berarti tidak ada konten seksual di buku ini. Ada sih, tapi dikit dan tidak implisit. Pun jarang ada adegan merebut istri/suami orang.
Buku ini hanya ada 16 kisah pendek. Beberapa hanya narasi tapi ada juga yang dilengkapi dengan dialog - dialog, mengingatkan gue sama bukunya Napoli. Baik penceritaan kembali ala Napoli ataupun Gaiman, semuanya sama - sama menarik untuk dibaca. Ada cerita di buku Napoli yang tidak ada di bukunya Gaiman dan juga sebaliknya jadi bisa saling melengkapi. Terjemahannya Djokolelono sangat enak dibaca. Membaca buku ini seakan membaca sebuah kisah dongeng yang bisa banget dibacakan ke orang lain. Seperti kata Neil Gaiman di kata pengantar, kuasailah mitologi biar kamu bisa menceritakannya kembali. Karena mitologi memang awalnya berawal dari tradisi cerita pada malam panjang di depan api unggun, diceritakan oleh pujangga yang mungkin karena mabuk (atau entah nyimeng apa), jadi ceritanya emang beberapa cukup outlandish.
Plus, dari semua karya Gaiman yang pernah gue baca (Stardust, Good Omen, American God), buku ini malah lebih bisa gue nikmati, hahaha. Mungkin karena ceritanya dari mitologi yang gue juga suka bacanya. Sangat gue rekomendasikan kalau kamu mau tahu tentang cerita mitologi Nordik tapi ga mau baca yang panjang-panjang atau ribet.
Begitulah bagaimana dunia - dunia akan berakhir. Dalam abu dan banjir. Dalam kegelapan dan kebekuan es. Itulah takdir akhir para dewa.
Fury Rising is not the first Galenorn's book I'd read. I read her Witchling and Night Mist, and quite enjoyed it. I know that Galenorn practice3 stars
Fury Rising is not the first Galenorn's book I'd read. I read her Witchling and Night Mist, and quite enjoyed it. I know that Galenorn practice Craft (is it the same with Wiccan or New Age? :/) and remember my old favorite tv series, Charmed, any books with witch and myth are always welcome. Fury Rising is, I believe the first book by Galenorn when she decide to going indie. Sometimes when author go indie, especially when she usually published her books traditionally, its bring pang to my heart. Sometimes the world is just unfair :(.
Enough with chit chat, I don't think that Fury Rising is bad. The story is just okay. The big problem is the world building. Too much going on, too much supernatural creature, too much plot and I feel that Galenorn try to cramped it all into one book. I know that this book also suffer from"first book syndrome", and usually, almost all urban fantasy I read have this syndrome. The author busy to explain their world building and forget that not all readers appreciate that. My mind keep jumbling to read description about Theosian, Devani, shifter, Fae, Crossroads, weather magic, mages, etc. Sometimes it can be overwhelming of sort. Also, I don't like how Galenorn explain Fury's past. The way she write about it, the interchange is not smooth. Can't explain it how with my limited English, I just feel that Galenorn can write Fury's past in one chapter, not try to mix it with present.
I did like Fury, and I think she kickass. My favorite maybe Hecate. She's a goddess, she's fierce, mean, but not that bitchy meanie like some goddesses I know (*cough Artemis, cough*). I can see that Hecate care for Fury, not just because Fury is her protege, but as a goddess, she act fair toward her. Not much in romance department, but I anticipating the blossoming romance between Fury and her Bonny Fae friend, Tam. On the other side, I want to know how Galenorn fix relationship between Fury and Jason, the hawk shifter that Fury have crush with. Sadly, the antagonist Lyon, just have a small part. Maybe because like what I said before, too much is going on.
I like the idea about weather wars and how Galenorn bring issue about global warming. Fury Rising is okay for the first installment of a new series, and definitely make me want to read the next....more
Last month I read Discount Armageddon, and I already gushed about how much I liked it (you can read my review here , which explained why I 4 stars
Last month I read Discount Armageddon, and I already gushed about how much I liked it (you can read my review here , which explained why I love Discount Armageddon so much!). Midnight Blue-Light Special continued what Discount left, approximately 6 months after our heroine Verity Price defeat the cult that threatened to wake up a dragon (not bad), successfully bring her maybe-he-is- boyfriend, Dominic DeLuca to switch side from the baddies honchos Covenant of St George to her side. And protecting the cryptid community in New York, all at one time.
Our girl have been pretty busy lately, but compared to what will wait her in this book, it was nothing. So, the Covenant is hot in Verity's tail and send their agents to start cryptid purging in Manhattan. Verity may or may not believe that Dominic will betray her since Dominic is part of Covenant after all. Preparation done, drama follow, Verity must gather all resources that she can manage to again, defend the cryptid population from being butchered.
I still like Verity's voice and this book is very emotional compared to the first. The conflicts are apparent and the danger that Verity faced feel more real, since her enemies are clear from the start. What make I like this book, we will not just get Verity's POV, but also Sarah's! FYI, Sarah is a Johrlac, or cuckoo, a cryptid that can manipulate people mind and also telepath. Cuckoos are categorized into dangerous cryptid, but Sarah really love her cousin, Verity. When Verity is in danger, Sarah woman up in this book. Discount Armageddon portrayed Sarah as a character who laid back and seems like she doesn't care with her surrounding. Midnight told her character development, how she develop from laid back girl to one of important character that can stand for her own.
Alas, a little scene with Dominic and almost no new cryptid, since they already introduced in the first book. Reader will get to know more about Verity's cryptid friends, such as Istas the Waheela, Ryan the Tanuki, Kitty the bogeyman and, never, ever forget, the mice! Yep, Aeslin mice, the talking and fanatical religious mice who constantly celebrate everything and hailing Verity in daily basis. They provide comic relief and it's so hard to not laugh when reading about them, make me want to really have my own mice.
McGuire deliver two important things in this book. First is Verity's choice between her dancing career and her cyrptozoology study. When Verity get her epiphany, its almost bittersweet. The scene also show how people always make a choice, because sometimes you can't have everything you want in the same time. Sometimes you must choose, and sometimes it's so hard to do. Verity choose what is right for her, and she never regret it. The second is how McGuire write the conclusion to the main problem. She manage to not fall into deus ex machina plot, which usually happen in UF/PNR/Fantasy genre. There was consequences, there was a price. The last part of the book show what consequences that Verity face in order to get rid of her enemy and it's not pretty.
Sadly, the next book, Half-Off Ragnarok is about Alex, Verity's brother. He appear once in Discount but just mentioned in Midnight. Idk if I can enjoy his voice like Verity's, and also don't know if he has his own Aeslin mice. But, the cryptid world that McGuire create is fascinating, and I'm willing to visit it once again....more
Syukurlah novel bagus ini ada yang menerjemahkan di Indonesia, dengan kualitas terjemahan yang oke (walau typo mah juga masih ada aja. Lumayan banyak pula :P). Kalau lihat dari diskusi2 anak PNFI, sepertinya masuk underrated. Apalagi teman - teman Goodreads yang baca juga sedikit :)). Padahal, ceritanya termasuk bagus karena trope classic yang ada di dongeng diobrak - abrik sama pengarangnya dan banyak twist disana - sini. Bikin ceritanya makin seru.
Mengingatkan pada Harry Potter? Oh ya, untuk bagian sekolahnya, ilmu - ilmunya, jampi - jampi dan para gurunya. Tapi yang jadi fokus utama tentu dua tokoh utamanya, Sophie dan Agatha. Sophie yang bikin gw pingin gampar soalnya, duh ni anak childishnya minta ampun, egoisnya luar biasa, tapi perkembangan karakternya juga sangat bagus. Agatha yang ingin rasanya punya teman seperti dia. Di balik penampilan yang menyeramkan, tersembunyi hati yang bagaikan emas. Sungguh Sophie beruntung karena punya teman seperti Agatha.
Nah, ini ada ebooknya di I-Jak, jadi bagi yang mau coba - coba baca, bisa pinjem disana. Bagus kok ceritanya, dan ini keluar dari mulut gw yang kalau baca novel middle grade suka merasa ngga cocok. Apa karena udah ketuaan, hahahaha XD...more
First book I manage to finish for 2016. Yay, me! :D
Also first review for 2016 :P
Rising Fire is the first book from Stone Circles series and als3 stars
First book I manage to finish for 2016. Yay, me! :D
Also first review for 2016 :P
Rising Fire is the first book from Stone Circles series and also my first try into Terri Brisbin's works. I try to read this one because Celtic mythology and deities is one of my favorites. Also the premise kinda remind me of Circle Trilogy by Nora Roberts that I loved (wait, just realize both have same series name!!). What I liked again is, the deities is Irish deities, not Gaelic one, also this one set in historical era, when Christianity already spread in British Isle and druidic practice considered as heretic.
For a first book, Rising Fire did a good job. Not stellar, but definitely make a strong foundation for a series. The h/H are just okay, I mean nothing special to make me remember them for a long time. No TSTL heroine and no I'm alpha-hear-me-roar hero, so maybe it's look like them a little blah and bland. But it's okay, I still enjoy the story. What bugged me is the romance. The relationship between Brienne and William feel too rushed for me,also kinda lack of chemistry. As individual, they are not bad, but as a couple I feel something are off.
The villain is unusual and despite his I-want-to-rule-the-world attitude, Brisbin write him as not one dimensional characters. There is hope that the villain will be redeemed himself in the end. Because this book is part of trilogy, there are some thread to the next book and I'm glad that the villain remained the same. What I liked again, compared to Circle series by Nora Roberts, the characters don't know each other, but introduced one by one. The main characters for the next book doesn't appear in this one, but I'm sure that Brienne and William will have some role in the future.
I agree with one review that said the writing in this book seems choppy. It's easy for me to lost track and go "huh?", because some scenes transition is not smooth. I also lost track who is who, especially the nobles one. The fact about William's heritage also a little fuzzy at first and took me some chapters to know who he really is.
I think I will read the second book, Raging Sea. From the premise, it sounds more promising because both MCs already know each other but there are some heartbreak behind it. Second chance is one of my favorite trope and I want to know if the Goddess of Fire, Chaela will never ever released in this world. Because when that happen, boom!! Destruction everywhere ;)....more
Take a little detour from Kate's upcoming war with her father, I decide to read Magic Stars, a novella about our favorite boy wonder, Derek G 4 stars
Take a little detour from Kate's upcoming war with her father, I decide to read Magic Stars, a novella about our favorite boy wonder, Derek Gaunt. I read this before I continue to read Magic Binds because I try to read the series chronologically in order and well, the story indeed happen after Magic Shifts and will explain some things.
The story is pretty short but still have some IA trademark, like mythology and violence galore. While Magic Stars is about Derek, Julie also accompany him in order to searching the magical rock and also bring justice to the family that had murdered because of said rock. We will learn that Julie had (view spoiler)[ been in connection with Roland for some times. This is already hinted in Magic Shifts when Roland ask Julie about her school essay. So, Julie decide to become Kate's Herald like Hugh is Roland's Warlord. Julie also know that she bound to Kate and must follow Kate's order while Kate think she still keep that order thingie as secret. Oh, boy, Kate will have apoplexy when knowing that, especially because Julie know from Roland (hide spoiler)]. Also we get to know the Sick Fuck..ehm, I mean, Hugh's fate after his failure in Magic Breaks that apparently will lead to his own book. As for our boy wonder, we get to know that he really become a loner now. I always wondering why Derek didn't want to be a beta because his skill allow him to be Desandra's beta in Clan Wolf, but this novella explained the reason behind it.
I do like the interaction between Derek and Julie, but if you think they will be romantically involved, maybe it's too early for that. I feel like Derek still think Julie as his little sister, while it's apparent that Julie has crush to Derek. It already hinted when in Magic Strikes, Julie crying over Derek's body when the boy got crushed by the rakshasas, so I'm really not surprised, lel. But, like I said, while there's a hint of upcoming romance, both Julie and Derek is still young. While Derek maybe don't have any romantic feeling toward Julie, I wonder (view spoiler)[ if deep inside his feeling toward Julie maybe more than a brotherly feeling. When the letavitsa seduce Derek and well, he kinda accept it but maybe the side that accept is the wolf, the letavitsa in the end said that Derek belong to someone. Well, well, who that person could be? The villain explain that men who can resist letavitsa's seduction is men who already love someone. Soooo, is it what I think is it? Hehehe, only time will tell (hide spoiler)]. I do support Julie and Derek, but if there's other romantic interest for Julie, I don't mind either. Julie and Ascanio will be a crack to read, while maybe if Julie indeed will be with Derek, Derek will go "woe is me" at first. Heh.
Why I discuss the romance, huh? Why? Because speculating about the shipping is always fun.
A pretty good novella that perfect if you like the boy wonder and want to know more about what he think....more
Meljean Brook is once a hit and miss author for me. I struggled when reading her Guardian series and The Iron Duke is the first steampunk novel4 stars
Meljean Brook is once a hit and miss author for me. I struggled when reading her Guardian series and The Iron Duke is the first steampunk novel I read that sadly failed to make me interested. I then think that maybe Brook's books is not for me. But, I still follow her blog and FB page, because I love her humor. When there was review request for her short story, Frozen, I decide to sign up. I never hear anything back, until late August ago she emailed me the e-ARC version.
Been busy, I just have a chance to read Frozen today. And no..this is not a R-Rated version of the Disney's Frozen, and the heroine, Olivia not singing "Let It Go". Even the "Let It Go" part can be applied to the hero, Erik. Frozen is about misunderstanding between h/H with "I think he do not desire me"-and-"I'm afraid that I will hurt her"-tug and pull war between our MCs. Sprinkle with a curse that will make Erik, a frost giant, do something, something horrible to Olivia. Will not say what because it will become spoiler. But Brook have some nice warning on her site that those aspect will be a trigger for some readers. As for me? I find it okay, tho. The reason behind Erik's demeanor to Olivia is understable and like I said, misunderstanding. With big M.
Talk about frost giant, we have Norse myth here. Don't worry, the world building is pretty simple. The story told from 1st POV, that's the first from Brook's work and I find myself enjoy Olivia's voice. Just wish that I can get through what inside Erik's mind and feeling since he seems so tortured. There's some plotholes, but it's not make this one less enjoyable. For a novella, the story wrapped up nicely and I hope that someday she can make Frozen as full length novel.
And...pheeeeeewww...this is the wow-hot-hot-hooooot book by Brook I'd read. Very..titillating, and make my nose almost bleed. Just metaphor, tho, hehe :p. I also close my room door so I can read the sex scene without disruption, lol. This book is not erotica, mind you. But the sex scene between Olivia and Eric is the most erotic sex scene I'd read this year in which I will re-read it again and again. *rubbing hand gleefully*
I think, maybe I'll try to resume my Brook's reading. Read this short story restore my faith to her, and if I have time, I'll continue reading her Guardian and Iron Seas series again.
e-ARC provided by author in exchange for honest review...more
Curse of the Phoenix is anthology from Rachel Firasek, contain 3 novella about women who cursed as a phoenix by Egyptian Underworld God, Osiris and muCurse of the Phoenix is anthology from Rachel Firasek, contain 3 novella about women who cursed as a phoenix by Egyptian Underworld God, Osiris and must die to save a soul then born again just to die. Like a time loop, but imagine if one of them have 2000 years of time loop, die and birth and die again. Not pretty.
The first novella is The Last Rising. Told the story of Phoenix Ice or some people will recognize her real name, Isis. So Ice lost her son once time ago and her ex-husband Osiris punished her by being a phoenix then disappear and nowhere to seen. One time Ice know that she will die but she meet a hot Texan named Turner Alcott and turn that Turner's soul is the soul that she must save. Turner survive from the plane-wreck but the image of Ice still haunt him. And to Ice's horror, her next assigment met her with Turner again and his son, Brodie. Turner want Ice for himself, somehow know her but his mind is vague. Yet, Ice still not forgive herself and can't explain her condition as phoenix constantly ignore Turner even she slowly fall for Brodie. Yet, when her next soul-to-be-saved called her, Ice know that she's not ready to leave the child and the man she already loved with.
I have a mix feeling about The Last Rising, and mine will be an unpopular opinion. Ice and Turner kinda girrated my nerves and their banter make may headache worse. Their tug war make me bored with Ice constantly "I want you but I don't want too". The story also feel flat and nothing big happen, especially if you prefer some action. If I can sum this novella, it just Ice being sorry for herself, Ice blaming herself, Ice try to ignore her feeling to Turner even she desire him and Ice babysitting Brodie. For the first novella, The Last Rising is not a good start for a new series to start. Ms Firasek writing feel juvenile and I think this novella is her debut. Even the premise of the Phoenix and Egypt deities is interesting.
I give The Last Rising 2 stars
The second novella is the Last Awakening is about Arabella or Ari, the phoenix that once was voodoo priestess. Osiris release her phoenix soul and promise her magic but Arabella must save Greyson, a vet that haunted by his past in the war. Together they try to heal each other wound, since Arabella too haunted by her horrible past, she once killed her loved ones and people in the village by her own magic. She also do not have idea what to do with her magic because it been dormant for a long time. While a sinister presence will threat anything that Ari hold dear.
I love The Last Awakening and imho, the best novella in this bundle. Ms Firasek writing improve a lot, a huge difference with its previous. I can feel Ari and Grey's pain, how they succumb to the grief and sorrow because what they did in the past and how they found each other in love. This novella also have more action and more plot. Ari's past also explained well compare to another two novella and I love Ari and Grey's relationship. Since there's no "I'm not worthy for you" ala Ice, I can said that Ari and Grey is the best couple from all the phoenixes
I give The Last Awakening : 4 stars
The Last Beginning is the last novella and also wrapped up the story about the phoenixes. Now it's Sadie's turn and readers will know what reason behind her turning. Not like Ice that grief over her child death and torture her people, not like Ari that haunted by her magic that go wrong and kill her entire village, Sadie's turn of reason is Osiris doing. More like Osiris selfish desire that want Sadie to be with him for eternity. Now Sadie is being danger because her body constantly release fire and she become weak. Osiris will do anything to ensure Sadie's safety and condition because the Egyptian God of the Underworld finally realize that his feeling to Sadie is.. love.
I'm so disappointed with this Novella, because Osiris is a big asshole. I can't accept his decision to change Sadie, since Sadie was innocent and not like both Ice and Ari. While I admire Sadie's strength, I'm seriously pissed off with Osiris. Glad that Ice (aka Isis) left him, because Osiris do not deserve either Ice or Sadie to loved him. The conclusion is a little bit "deus ex machina" and I think Sadie forgive Osiris too easily. I want Osiris to grovel, for many many centuries. Heck, he's not even hero material. Sadie deserve a better man :(
I give The Last Beginning : 2.5 stars
To sum it up, I give this bundle 3 stars. There a novella that I love, that I didn't like and just okay for me. But at last, Ms Firasek did well for her story about phoenixes, Egypt myth, redemption, forgiveness and love.
Thanks for Entangled for provide the copy for honest review...more
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