Review: Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Introducing an instant classic—master storyteller Neil Gaiman presents a dazzling version of the great Norse myths.

Neil Gaiman has long been inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction. Now he turns his attention back to the source, presenting a bravura rendition of the great northern tales. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman fashions primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds; delves into the exploits of the deities, dwarves, and giants; and culminates in Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods and the rebirth of a new time and people. Gaiman stays true to the myths while vividly reincarnating Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki, the son of giants, a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator. From Gaiman’s deft and witty prose emerges the gods with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to dupe others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

My thoughts:

This book is a great compilation of Norse myths.

I had never read anything about Norse mythology before. To me this book had the basics down and gave me the myths in chronological order. It was able to introduce me to all the important gods and their myths and really made a clear overview.

Loved Neil Gaimans writing as well. For this book the writing was easy-going and quick to read.

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Review: Nightblood by Elly Blake - Frostblood Saga #3

Nightblood by Elly Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

The explosive finale of the New York Times bestselling Frostblood Saga, perfect for fans of the Red Queen and A Court of Thorns and Roses series. 

Ruby's world has changed more than she ever could have imagined. She's in love with a powerful Frost King. She's the heir to the Fire Throne. And she may be a Nightblood--the spawn of a vengeful deity hellbent on releasing his wraithlike Minax from their prison. Once freed, these beasts will roam the earth, devouring every last person until he or she is nothing but an empty husk. But Ruby is able to control the Minax to a degree, and now she, her beloved Arcus, and her friend Kai must find a way to bring Frostbloods and Firebloods--sworn enemies--together to make a stand against a foe more deadly than any they've faced.

In this heart-pounding finale of Elly Blake's gorgeously written and action-packed Frostblood Saga, the fate of Frostbloods, Firebloods, and all of humanity is at stake.

My thoughts:

Ready for the big finale!

I really loved the ending to this series. The writing was a little bit too slow for me in the beginning, but the last past I just blazed right through it.

I liked how you see Ruby really changing in this book, together with the people around her. Not everything is easy or perfect and it shouldn't be.

Everything changes, there's some nice plot twists in the story, but in the end it wraps up just the way I wanted it to, no lose ends.

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Review: Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han - To All the Boys I've Loved Before #3

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Synopsis:
She is head over heels in love, her dad's finally getting remarried and her sister Margot is coming home for the summer.

But change is looming. And Lara Jean can't just ignore the big life decisions she has to make - where she goes to college for one. Because that would mean leaving her family - and possibly the boy she loves - behind.

When your heart and your head are saying two different things, which one should you listen to?

Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas - A Court of Thorns and Roses #3

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. I was the nightmare.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

The Reading Quest TBR

Time to try something new. I'll be joining the reading quest this month, starting July 13th and ending September 10th.

You can find everything about this quest here: https://readatmidnight.com/2017/07/29/thereadingquest-sign-up/

I chose to start the Mage path. The books I'll try to read are these:

• A book with a one word title: Vuur by Karel Verleyen
• A book that contains magic: Air Awakens by Elise Kova
• A book based on mythology: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
• A book set in a different world: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The first book of a series: The Isle of the Lost by Melissa De La Cruz

If I have time to continue with the knight path I'll read these books:

• A book with a verb in its title: Wandering by C.E. Dimond
• A book with a weapon on its cover: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
• A book with a red cover: Return to the Isle of the Lost by Melissa De La Cruz
• A book that has a tv/movie adaptation: Niets was alles wat hij zei by Nic Balthazar

I don't think I'll get further than this, but just in case I found a fitting book for some of the side quests as well:

• A book concocted by 2+ authors: Because You Love to Hate Me by ... (A LOT of authors)
• Buddy read a book: The Soddit by Adam Roberts (This will the the chosen book I'll read together with a group of friends in September)
• Read whatever you want: I'll see what has my interests at that point.
• Read a companion novel or short story: Non-Heir by Rachel E. Carter

If you're joining as well, let me know ;)

Much love,

Ellen

June wrap-up

Last Stand by Rachel E. Carter

Rating: 4/5

By Your Side by Kasie West

Rating: 5/5

Vals Nest Beatrijs Peeters

Rating: 4/5

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 5/5

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Rating: 5/5

Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas - A Court of Thorns and Roses #2

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world torn apart.