Remixed myths and legends: Mythology and fairy tales for today
These are the book for those of you who love Greek mythology or modern twists on favorite fairy tales.
2019 Reviews
Stepsister by Jennifer Donnelly
My FAVORITE book of summer filled with so many fantastic books!
In stories, girls are often stuck in two roles. The perfect princess is the girl who is beautiful, humble, kind, obedient, and who always ends up marrying a prince. The evil stepsister is a physically ugly girl who is mean, spiteful, and jealous, and she always ends up alone and hated. Donnelly's powerful novel Stepsister, explores what happens to a girl who doesn't want either role. For years, Isabelle has been told she is not as pretty or as sweet as her stepsister Cinderella. After her cutting off her own toes in one last desperate act to be what everyone else wants, Isabelle still fails to win the prinace, and instead, her family's cruel treatment of the prince's bride makes them hated. Now struggling to keep her family fed, Isabelle has accepted that she will never be a pretty princess, but she wants to be more than evil stepsister. With an enormous amount of bravery, Isabelle vows to change the ending to their stories and forge a new path where a girl's worth is not based on her features but her bravery. This novel powerfully explores what it means to be a woman, a sister, and a dreamer. You will forever be changed by this new take on Cinderella and her ugly stepsisters. HIghly, highly recommended!
My FAVORITE book of summer filled with so many fantastic books!
In stories, girls are often stuck in two roles. The perfect princess is the girl who is beautiful, humble, kind, obedient, and who always ends up marrying a prince. The evil stepsister is a physically ugly girl who is mean, spiteful, and jealous, and she always ends up alone and hated. Donnelly's powerful novel Stepsister, explores what happens to a girl who doesn't want either role. For years, Isabelle has been told she is not as pretty or as sweet as her stepsister Cinderella. After her cutting off her own toes in one last desperate act to be what everyone else wants, Isabelle still fails to win the prinace, and instead, her family's cruel treatment of the prince's bride makes them hated. Now struggling to keep her family fed, Isabelle has accepted that she will never be a pretty princess, but she wants to be more than evil stepsister. With an enormous amount of bravery, Isabelle vows to change the ending to their stories and forge a new path where a girl's worth is not based on her features but her bravery. This novel powerfully explores what it means to be a woman, a sister, and a dreamer. You will forever be changed by this new take on Cinderella and her ugly stepsisters. HIghly, highly recommended!
Pre 2019 Reviews
Cinder by Marissa Meyer - Lunar Chronicles series
Previously, I have only discussed new books in my blog, but after I reread Cinder for my WHS Book Club, I finally decided to read the rest of the series. I don't know if read is strong enough of a word. I consumed the series, and now I, like many of my students, am in the pangs of withdrawal as I await Winter, the final book in the series, to be published this November. I had not read Scarlet and Cress because I was stuck on the idea that the story should just be about Cinder. However, the interweaving of the Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White fairy tales only serve to make Meyer's story more complex, imaginative and rich. I was holding my breath waiting for the moment when all of their paths would cross and all of their secrets be revealed, and I was not disappointed. These wonderful re-imaginings of traditional fairy tales bring the stories to a futuristic world with ease. Moreover, I enjoyed how the stories are told from multiple perspectives, so guys and gals can enjoy it, if the guys are brave enough to choose the book despite the feminine covers. I highly recommend this series to fans of fantasy, sci-fi, fairy tales, romance or action. There is something for everyone to love in this amazing series.
Previously, I have only discussed new books in my blog, but after I reread Cinder for my WHS Book Club, I finally decided to read the rest of the series. I don't know if read is strong enough of a word. I consumed the series, and now I, like many of my students, am in the pangs of withdrawal as I await Winter, the final book in the series, to be published this November. I had not read Scarlet and Cress because I was stuck on the idea that the story should just be about Cinder. However, the interweaving of the Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White fairy tales only serve to make Meyer's story more complex, imaginative and rich. I was holding my breath waiting for the moment when all of their paths would cross and all of their secrets be revealed, and I was not disappointed. These wonderful re-imaginings of traditional fairy tales bring the stories to a futuristic world with ease. Moreover, I enjoyed how the stories are told from multiple perspectives, so guys and gals can enjoy it, if the guys are brave enough to choose the book despite the feminine covers. I highly recommend this series to fans of fantasy, sci-fi, fairy tales, romance or action. There is something for everyone to love in this amazing series.
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Nyx and her twin sister Astraia were born due to a desperate bargain between their father and the Demon Lord Ignifiex. For 900 years he has kept Arcadia hidden away from the world with the power of demons that destroy the people living there. Their father promised that one of the girls had to marry Ignifex when she turned seventeen. While Astraia has been raised with pampering and love, Nyx has been trained to be a cold, heartless weapon, and she despises them for it. However, she loves Arcadia and vows to do her duty to destroy the demon lord. Upon entering Ignifex's castle, she discovers that Ignifex and his castle are not what she expected. As she tirelessly searches the ever-changing castle to locate the spell that ensnares Arcadia, Nyx becomes ensnared by the charms of its master. To live by duty or love, that is the question Nyx must answer. This darkly romantic retelling of Beauty and the Beast will delight fantasy and romance fans. Nyx is a wildcat who lashes out with words and knives when she first meets her husband, and it is magical watching her bitter hatred melt away to leave a deeply passionate and self-sacrificing love. Moreover, as she fights to uncover the castles secrets, you too will become engrossed with solving the mystery of Ignifex's true identity and how Arcadia can be freed. I loved this book! I have always been a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings; it is my favorite fairy tale. This book brings new life to a timeless tale of a girl who fell in love with a monster.
Nyx and her twin sister Astraia were born due to a desperate bargain between their father and the Demon Lord Ignifiex. For 900 years he has kept Arcadia hidden away from the world with the power of demons that destroy the people living there. Their father promised that one of the girls had to marry Ignifex when she turned seventeen. While Astraia has been raised with pampering and love, Nyx has been trained to be a cold, heartless weapon, and she despises them for it. However, she loves Arcadia and vows to do her duty to destroy the demon lord. Upon entering Ignifex's castle, she discovers that Ignifex and his castle are not what she expected. As she tirelessly searches the ever-changing castle to locate the spell that ensnares Arcadia, Nyx becomes ensnared by the charms of its master. To live by duty or love, that is the question Nyx must answer. This darkly romantic retelling of Beauty and the Beast will delight fantasy and romance fans. Nyx is a wildcat who lashes out with words and knives when she first meets her husband, and it is magical watching her bitter hatred melt away to leave a deeply passionate and self-sacrificing love. Moreover, as she fights to uncover the castles secrets, you too will become engrossed with solving the mystery of Ignifex's true identity and how Arcadia can be freed. I loved this book! I have always been a sucker for Beauty and the Beast retellings; it is my favorite fairy tale. This book brings new life to a timeless tale of a girl who fell in love with a monster.
East by Edith Pattou
A gorgeous retelling of the fairy tale, East of the Sun, West of the Moon in lush prose, East spins the tale of a girl name Rose who is born in auspicious circumstances. When a great white bear comes to her home who asks her to trade her freedom for her family's health and prosperity, Rose readily agrees. When she gets to his castle, she meets a mysterious stranger, and her love of him forces Rose to be strong, brave, and determined. Beautifully written, this story will unlock your imagination and warm your heart.
A gorgeous retelling of the fairy tale, East of the Sun, West of the Moon in lush prose, East spins the tale of a girl name Rose who is born in auspicious circumstances. When a great white bear comes to her home who asks her to trade her freedom for her family's health and prosperity, Rose readily agrees. When she gets to his castle, she meets a mysterious stranger, and her love of him forces Rose to be strong, brave, and determined. Beautifully written, this story will unlock your imagination and warm your heart.
Enchanted by Alethea Kontis
Sunday is the youngest daughter of seven sisters. Always overlooked, Sunday's greatest joy is in writing stories. The only problem is that Sunday's stories have the tendency of coming true, so she must be very careful of what she writes. One day in the forest, she meets an enchanted frog, and they become close confidants. When Sunday kisses her frog goodbye, she does not realize that she has transformed him back to his real self, the crown prince Rumbold, a man her family hates. How does a man woo a woman who liked him better as a frog? Hijinks ensue in this fractured fairy tale.
Sunday is the youngest daughter of seven sisters. Always overlooked, Sunday's greatest joy is in writing stories. The only problem is that Sunday's stories have the tendency of coming true, so she must be very careful of what she writes. One day in the forest, she meets an enchanted frog, and they become close confidants. When Sunday kisses her frog goodbye, she does not realize that she has transformed him back to his real self, the crown prince Rumbold, a man her family hates. How does a man woo a woman who liked him better as a frog? Hijinks ensue in this fractured fairy tale.
Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Kate and her mother are moving back to her mother's home town. Kate's mother is dying of cancer, and Kate is terrified of being alone in a town where she has no connections. Then she meets Henry, a troubled, mysterious boy who claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld. He claims that Kate is meant to be his bride, and if she passes a set of tests, then he promises that not only will she be a goddess and his wife, but also he can save her mother from death. The only problem is that no girl who has taken the tests has survived. However, Kate will risk anything to save her mother. I love reinterpretations of the Hades and Persephone love story, and this one is fantastic. Highly recommended!
Kate and her mother are moving back to her mother's home town. Kate's mother is dying of cancer, and Kate is terrified of being alone in a town where she has no connections. Then she meets Henry, a troubled, mysterious boy who claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld. He claims that Kate is meant to be his bride, and if she passes a set of tests, then he promises that not only will she be a goddess and his wife, but also he can save her mother from death. The only problem is that no girl who has taken the tests has survived. However, Kate will risk anything to save her mother. I love reinterpretations of the Hades and Persephone love story, and this one is fantastic. Highly recommended!
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
Rick Riordan's first book, The Lightning Thief, introduces readers to Percy Jackson, the dyslexic, trouble-magnet who discovers his father is a powerful Greek god. When he discovers this, he is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a camp to train and protect young demigods. When Zeus' Lightning Bolt is stolen, Percy is suspected. He and his new friends, Grover and Annabeth, must travel cross country on a quest to retrieve the weapon. Filled with sarcastic humor and characters you will love, Riordan made Greek mythology accessible for 21st century readers while retaining the true characteristics of the original tales. The stories are just as addictive as the original tales, as evidence of their huge popularity. I have read every one of mythology stories. Highly, highly recommended!
Rick Riordan's first book, The Lightning Thief, introduces readers to Percy Jackson, the dyslexic, trouble-magnet who discovers his father is a powerful Greek god. When he discovers this, he is sent to Camp Half-Blood, a camp to train and protect young demigods. When Zeus' Lightning Bolt is stolen, Percy is suspected. He and his new friends, Grover and Annabeth, must travel cross country on a quest to retrieve the weapon. Filled with sarcastic humor and characters you will love, Riordan made Greek mythology accessible for 21st century readers while retaining the true characteristics of the original tales. The stories are just as addictive as the original tales, as evidence of their huge popularity. I have read every one of mythology stories. Highly, highly recommended!
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
In the Heroes of Olympus series, which follows the end of the Percy Jackson series, fans get to revisit Percy's world, and get introduced to an entire new one. At the start of the first book of the series, Percy has disappeared, and three new campers have arrived at Camp Half-Blood under mysterious circumstances: Jason, Piper, and Leo. Annabeth is sure they hold the key to Percy's disappearance, and once again, she is right. The three will embark on a quest that will change Camp Half Blood forever. This five book series is even better than the original with more lovable characters, epic adventures, and terrible destinies. Highly, highly recommended.
In the Heroes of Olympus series, which follows the end of the Percy Jackson series, fans get to revisit Percy's world, and get introduced to an entire new one. At the start of the first book of the series, Percy has disappeared, and three new campers have arrived at Camp Half-Blood under mysterious circumstances: Jason, Piper, and Leo. Annabeth is sure they hold the key to Percy's disappearance, and once again, she is right. The three will embark on a quest that will change Camp Half Blood forever. This five book series is even better than the original with more lovable characters, epic adventures, and terrible destinies. Highly, highly recommended.
Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
In Greek mythology, the myth of the marriage of Hades and Persephone is one of trickery and deceit by the "evil" lord of the underworld to Persephone, the sweet daughter of Demeter. However, what if this interpretation is wrong. What if Persephone was a sweet girl desperate to get free from her loving but controlling mother? What if the man she meets is a handsome stranger who offers her a chance of freedom? What if her choice and her love could destroy the earth? Usually, the Hades and Persephone myth tells of the actions of Hades and Demeter, and Peresphone's wants are forgotten. For the first time, Persephone's thoughts and dreams are explored and respected. Persephone will have to be strong and brave to fight for her love and the life she desires. This is my favorite Peresphone/Hades retelling as it gives Persephone a voice. Highly, highly recommended!
In Greek mythology, the myth of the marriage of Hades and Persephone is one of trickery and deceit by the "evil" lord of the underworld to Persephone, the sweet daughter of Demeter. However, what if this interpretation is wrong. What if Persephone was a sweet girl desperate to get free from her loving but controlling mother? What if the man she meets is a handsome stranger who offers her a chance of freedom? What if her choice and her love could destroy the earth? Usually, the Hades and Persephone myth tells of the actions of Hades and Demeter, and Peresphone's wants are forgotten. For the first time, Persephone's thoughts and dreams are explored and respected. Persephone will have to be strong and brave to fight for her love and the life she desires. This is my favorite Peresphone/Hades retelling as it gives Persephone a voice. Highly, highly recommended!
The Shadow Prince by Bree Despain
If you are looking for an action-packed Hades/Peresphone myth, The Shadow Prince is a great choice. In this retelling, Peresephone is embodied by a music-loving girl named Daphne, whose rock star dad has just sent to the exclusive "Olympus Hills" High School. She just wants to pursue love of music, and she doesn't realize that she is being pursued as well. Haden Lord is a low-ranking prince of the Underworld tasked with convincing a gifted human girl to live in the Underworld, which will destroy her but restore immortality to the lords of the dead. Haden didn't anticipate is that Daphne would be hard to deceive and easy to love. As the two begin to trust each other, Daphne and Haden will have to fight destiny if they are going to find their happy ending.
If you are looking for an action-packed Hades/Peresphone myth, The Shadow Prince is a great choice. In this retelling, Peresephone is embodied by a music-loving girl named Daphne, whose rock star dad has just sent to the exclusive "Olympus Hills" High School. She just wants to pursue love of music, and she doesn't realize that she is being pursued as well. Haden Lord is a low-ranking prince of the Underworld tasked with convincing a gifted human girl to live in the Underworld, which will destroy her but restore immortality to the lords of the dead. Haden didn't anticipate is that Daphne would be hard to deceive and easy to love. As the two begin to trust each other, Daphne and Haden will have to fight destiny if they are going to find their happy ending.
Splintered by A. G. Howard
Alyssa is the great-great-great granddaughter of the Alice who inspired Lewis Carol's famous book, Alice in Wonderland. However, this fact has not helped her family. Instead, every woman in her family since that time as went crazy. Alyssa's own mother is in a mental health facility for trying to hurt her own daughter, and Alyssa is already hearing voices and seeing things that can't be real. Unless, they are . . . . When it becomes irrefutable that Alyssa's visions are real, she discovers that the women in her family have been cursed. To save them, she will have to go down the original rabbit hole and undo the curse.
Alyssa is the great-great-great granddaughter of the Alice who inspired Lewis Carol's famous book, Alice in Wonderland. However, this fact has not helped her family. Instead, every woman in her family since that time as went crazy. Alyssa's own mother is in a mental health facility for trying to hurt her own daughter, and Alyssa is already hearing voices and seeing things that can't be real. Unless, they are . . . . When it becomes irrefutable that Alyssa's visions are real, she discovers that the women in her family have been cursed. To save them, she will have to go down the original rabbit hole and undo the curse.
Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Helen has has spent her life trying to act normal . . . and failing miserably. With each day, it is getting worse. Lately, she is stuck in nightmares that leave her parched and dusty in the morning. When a new family moves to her island home, Helen finally learns why she is different. She is the reincarnation of Helen of Troy, and the boy that just moved in, Lucas Delos, is Paris. The fates are determined to relive the tragedy of the Trojan War over and over again. Helen hates the idea of being a pawn of the fates, and she is going to fight with every ounce her strength to make sure that her story ends differently than the first. This trilogy is one my favorites!
Helen has has spent her life trying to act normal . . . and failing miserably. With each day, it is getting worse. Lately, she is stuck in nightmares that leave her parched and dusty in the morning. When a new family moves to her island home, Helen finally learns why she is different. She is the reincarnation of Helen of Troy, and the boy that just moved in, Lucas Delos, is Paris. The fates are determined to relive the tragedy of the Trojan War over and over again. Helen hates the idea of being a pawn of the fates, and she is going to fight with every ounce her strength to make sure that her story ends differently than the first. This trilogy is one my favorites!
The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
Magnus Chase, cousin to Annabeth Chase, has been surviving on the streets of Boston for years when his uncle finds him and tells him that Magnus is the son of a Norse god. Magnus is pretty sure his uncle is crazy, especially since his mother told Magnus not to trust him. However, when Magnus loses his life protecting some innocent citizens from a terrible monster, he learns his uncle was correct. Magnus is taken to Valhalla to become an Einherjar, a warrior who has died with great valor and now lives and serves to fight to prevent Ragnarok, the war that will destroy the worlds. Just Magnus' luck, Ragnarok seems to be fast approaching, and Magnus wants to prevent it, he will have to take control of his father's famous sword, The Sword of Summer, and work with his new friends to survive in this crazy new life. I love Riordan's introduction to Norse mythology with its diverse new characters and its tie to our favorite Greek demigods. Highly recommended!
Magnus Chase, cousin to Annabeth Chase, has been surviving on the streets of Boston for years when his uncle finds him and tells him that Magnus is the son of a Norse god. Magnus is pretty sure his uncle is crazy, especially since his mother told Magnus not to trust him. However, when Magnus loses his life protecting some innocent citizens from a terrible monster, he learns his uncle was correct. Magnus is taken to Valhalla to become an Einherjar, a warrior who has died with great valor and now lives and serves to fight to prevent Ragnarok, the war that will destroy the worlds. Just Magnus' luck, Ragnarok seems to be fast approaching, and Magnus wants to prevent it, he will have to take control of his father's famous sword, The Sword of Summer, and work with his new friends to survive in this crazy new life. I love Riordan's introduction to Norse mythology with its diverse new characters and its tie to our favorite Greek demigods. Highly recommended!