A Song to Drown Rivers - Ann Liang (#Review)

Date of Reading: 6/10/2024

Author: Ann Liang

Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Publication Date: October 3, 2024

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 2.5/5

About the book:

Her beauty hides a deadly purpose.

Xishi’s beauty is seen as a blessing to the villagers of Yue—convinced that the best fate for a girl is to marry well and support her family. When Xishi draws the attention of the famous young military advisor, Fanli, he presents her with a rare opportunity: to use her beauty as a weapon. One that could topple the rival neighboring kingdom of Wu, improve the lives of her people, and avenge her sister’s murder. All she has to do is infiltrate the enemy palace as a spy, seduce their immoral king, and weaken them from within.

Trained by Fanli in everything from classical instruments to concealing emotion, Xishi hones her beauty into the perfect blade. But she knows Fanli can see through every deception she masters, the attraction between them burning away any falsehoods.

Once inside the enemy palace, Xishi finds herself under the hungry gaze of the king’s advisors while the king himself shows her great affection. Despite his gentleness, a brutality lurks and Xishi knows she can never let her guard down. But the higher Xishi climbs in the Wu court, the farther she and Fanli have to fall—and if she is unmasked as a traitor, she will bring both kingdoms down.

Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China, A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love against all odds.

Review:

        Guess I am going to be the minority here, but I just couldn't bring myself to give this book a higher rating. My disappointment can be attributed in part to the high expectations I held when I requested an eARC from NetGalley. And what did I get? An embellished replica of the Wikipedia page.

        Since the novel is based on the legend of Xishi, one of the four renowned beauties of ancient China, I did some background research to get a better idea. As someone who brought down the kingdom of Wu through her sexpionage operation, her story intrigued me. So could you fault me for expecting a story full of court politics, palace intrigue and unexpected twists? Unfortunately, this novel delivered none. 

         The characters, particularly Xishi and Fanli, are bland and failed to capture my interest. Unsurprisingly their doomed fate didn't create any ripples in my heart. The character that stood out the most and displayed some semblance of growth was the villain, Fuchai. Even Xishi herself comes to realize that not all individuals from Wu are inherently evil. Beyond this, I struggle to find any noteworthy aspects to comment on. The overall reading experience felt like flipping through a history book with some random dialogues thrown in, featuring characters that just didn't resonate with me.

Meet the author:

Ann Liang is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of the critically acclaimed YA novels This Time It’s Real, If You Could See the Sun, and I Hope This Doesn't Find You. Her books have sold into over twenty foreign territories. Born in Beijing, she grew up travelling back and forth between China and Australia but somehow ended up with an American accent. She now lives in Melbourne, where she can be found making overambitious to-do lists and having profound conversations with her pet labradoodle about who’s a good dog.

Shout Out to My Ex - Sandy Barker (Blog Tour & Review)

Date of Reading: 18/02/2024

Author: Sandy Barker

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: February 14, 2024

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 3/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rache's Random Resources)

About the book:

Fashion designer, Elle Bliss, is unlucky in love.

She's still hung up on her first love, Leo, who ended things abruptly, then mysteriously disappeared – and a decade on, no one else can measure up.

But Elle's all-time dream of showing in Paris Fashion Week is about to become a reality, and she has no time to dwell on her dismal love life. That is until Leo – now going by Lorenzo – comes back into her life.

A celebrated up-and-coming shoe designer, ‘Lorenzo’ is nothing like the man she fell in love with. Rude, brash and with an ego the size of Paris, he’s too caught up in his own celebrity.

But as they constantly cross paths in the city of love, Elle begins to question how much of 'Lorenzo' is an act – a persona for the cameras. Because deep down, she can see glimpses of the man he was, and feelings from all those years ago become impossible to ignore…

Join Elle in the most romantic city in the world in this laugh-out-loud enemies-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Emily Henry.

Review:

        'Shout Out to My Ex' is the second book in the 'Ever After Agency' series. It can be read as a standalone, still, I highly recommend reading them in order; one of the POVs follows Poppy, the protagonist of the first book, and even though we are been provided with all the necessary information, I struggled to connect with this character. This was like reading two love stories, one about the lovey-dovey scenes after the happily ever after and the other all about a broken love. As you can see, it is a bit hard to find the balance in the beginning.

        The story perks up halfway through as more revelations come pouring in finally convincing me of the utility of a match-making agency. Does that mean I was sceptical of the idea before? Oh, yes. I wanted Elle to move on from her first love who disappeared without trace. A reunion, if such a thing is possible, should have been orchestrated by Leo (who is responsible for all this mess) or by fate, if I indulge the romantic inside me.

        What changed my mind then? Well, not everything in our lives can be untangled by our own. That is what I learned from Leo. Sometimes no harm in asking some outside help. That is also part of being an adult, right? So by the end of the book, I became a full-fledged supporter of Ever After Agency. You go girls! Can't wait for the next instalment in this series.

Meet the author:

I’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic with a lengthy bucket list, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels. I’m also an avid reader, a film buff, a wine lover and a coffee snob. I live in Melbourne Australia with my partner, Ben, whom I met while travelling in Greece.

Her Radiant Curse - Elizabeth Lim (Review)

Date of Reading: 30/08/2023

Author: Elizabeth Lim

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Date of Publication: August 29, 2023

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 3.5/5

About the book:

One sister must fall for the other to rise.

Channi was not born a monster. But when her own father offered her in sacrifice to the tiger witch, she was forever changed. Cursed with a serpent's face, Channi is the exact opposite of her beautiful sister Vanna—the only person in the village who looks at Channi and doesn’t see a monster. The only person she trusts.

Now seventeen, Vanna is to be auctioned off in a vulgar betrothal contest that will enrich the coffers of the village leaders. Only Channi, who’s had to rely on her strength and cunning all these years, can defend her sister against the cruellest of the suitors. But in doing so, she becomes the target of his wrath—launching a series of vicious gladiatorial fights, a quest over land and sea, romance between sworn enemies, and a choice that will strain Channi's heart to its breaking point.

Weaving together elements of The Selection and Ember in the Ashes with classic tales like Beauty and the Beast and Helen of Troy, Elizabeth Lim is at the absolute top of her game in this thrilling yet heart-wrenching fantasy that explores the dark side of beauty and the deepest bonds of sisterhood.

Review:

        It took me nearly halfway through the book to realise that this is a prequel to 'Six Crimson Cranes', a work that I truly adored. Who wouldn't wonder about Shiori's stepmother after reading it? So it is with evident glee I delved into the rest of the narrative eager to uncover the fate that awaits the two sisters.

        Channi is nothing like the future queen who commands everyone's attention with her regal presence. Instead, we find an impulsive girl who doesn't always make the right decisions. It is hard to like her but we also get to see the gruelling experiences that made her future self. The bond that she shares with her sister Vanna is even more admirable. Still, I can't forgive her for the way she treated Hokzuh. Looks like the time has come for me to finally dust off 'The Dragon's Promise' from the TBR pile.

Meet the author:

Elizabeth Lim grew up on a hearty staple of fairy tales, myths, and songs. Her passion for storytelling began around age ten when she started writing fanfics for Sailor Moon, Sweet Valley, and Star Wars and posted them online to discover, "Wow, people actually read my stuff. And that's kinda cool!" But after one of her teachers told her she had "too much voice" in her essays, Elizabeth took a break from creative writing to focus on not flunking English.

Over the years, Elizabeth became a film and video game composer and even went so far as to get a doctorate in music composition. But she always missed writing and turned to penning stories when she needed a breather from grad school. One day, she decided to write and finish a novel -- for kicks, at first, then things became serious -- and she hasn't looked back since.

Elizabeth loves classic film scores, books with a good romance, food (she currently has a soft spot for arepas and Ethiopian food), the colour turquoise, overcast skies, English muffins, cycling, and baking. She lives in New York City with her husband.

Heir to Thorn and Flame - Ben Alderson (Blog Tour & Review)

Date of Reading: 3/7/2023

Author: Ben Alderson

Publisher: Second Sky

Publication Date: July 31, 2023

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 3/5

About the book:

Married to a ruthless prince…

For years, Max had to serve and obey the vicious magical nobles. Now he is one of them.

When the heir to the throne attacks him, Max accidentally responds with a lethal burst of magic. Max is certain he will be executed. But his power is too rare and precious for that…

Instead, the king forces him to become the boy he killed, taking on the identity and duties of the heir. That includes an arranged marriage—to the dangerously attractive Prince Camron.

Living a lie, Max knows he can trust no one. Not Camron. And definitely not Simion, a handsome, dragon-riding spy sent to test his loyalty.

As a deadly struggle for power begins and desire sparks, Max must protect his secret and his heart at all costs.

Heir to Thorn and Flame is a passionate and page-turning fantasy romance that will have you reading late into the night. Featuring slow-burn, dark secrets, arranged marriage and found family, it is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Elise Kova and C.S. Pacat.

Review:

        'Heir to Thorn and Flame' is the first book in the War of the Wood series. I am no stranger to Ben Alderson's style and even though this story may not quite reach the heights of  'Lord of Eternal Night', it undeniably serves as a fantastic kick-off to the series. Mages, dragons, familial bonds and treacherous betrayals . . . what is not to like?

        Accidentally killing the heir to the throne, Max is forced to wear his mantle and marry Prince Camron. Plagued by uncertainty and torn between loyalties, he finds himself in a precarious position as his parents remain captive in the clutches of his enemies. Whom should he trust? Dangerously attractive Camron or Simion the dragon riding spy or his loyal but secretive friend, Beatrice? Delving further into the plot will only spoil your reading experience, and thus, I better refrain from divulging any more details. 

       I should warn you though . .. there is sort of a love triangle in the beginning which is almost resolved towards the end. Aaah!! I do hope that the author will pick that plot point again . . . at present my sympathies lay with the (presumed) villain. Sigh! Can't wait to read the next one.

Meet the author:

Ben Alderson is a #1 Amazon bestselling author. His stories are set in fantasy worlds filled with magic, adventure and MM romance. Ben lives in Oxfordshire and, when not writing, can be found reading, taking Winston - his Labrador - out for long walks, or obsessing over Marvel’s The Scarlet Witch.

Psyche and Eros - Luna McNamara (Blog Tour & Review)

Date of Reading: 11/05/2023

Author: Luna McNamara

Publisher: Orion Fiction

Publication Date: May 25, 2023

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)

About the book:

In this utterly transporting reimagining of Greek mythology, the god of desire is cursed to fall for a spirited young mortal woman, but if she looks upon his face they will be parted forever—an epic adventure and love story for the ages, sure to satisfy fans of Madeline Miller and V.E. Schwab

Who said true love is a myth?

A prophecy claims that Psyche, princess of Mycenae, will defeat a monster feared even by the gods. Rebelling against her society’s expectations for women, Psyche spends her youth mastering blade and bow, preparing to meet her destiny.

When Psyche angers the love goddess, Aphrodite, she sends Eros, the god of desire, to deliver a cruel curse. After eons watching humanity twist his gifts, the last thing Eros wants is to become involved in the chaos of the mortal world. But when he pricks himself with the arrow intended for Psyche, Eros finds himself doomed to yearn for a woman who will be torn from him the moment their eyes meet.

Thrown together by fate, headstrong Psyche and world-weary Eros will face challenges greater than they could have imagined. And as the Trojan War begins and divine powers try to keep them apart, the pair must determine if the curse could become something more . . . before it’s too late.

A joyous and subversive tale of gods, monsters, and the human heart and soul, Psyche and Eros dazzles the senses while exploring notions of trust, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a hero. With unforgettably vivid characters, spellbinding prose, and delicious tension, Luna McNamara has crafted a shimmering and propulsive debut novel about a love so strong it defies the will of Olympus.

Review:

    Each passing day brings forth the realisation that when it comes to Greek mythology I have only scratched the surface. New characters (particularly women) that are often overlooked in the past come up as central characters making their voices heard. This time it is Psyche's turn.

"No temples were ever built in my honour, and no colleges of priestesses ever sung hymns in my names"

        She is the Goddess of soul and the beloved of Eros, the God of love. If you want to find a romantic comedy in Greek mythology, then that is theirs. At least that is what McNamara has created through her stunning work. While some may criticise McNamara's handling of the original myth, I beg to defer. Should we really be faithful to the original when it comes to retelling? Wouldn't that fail its purpose? I, for one, loved how the author made Psyche into an archer. Sure, feminist retellings don't have to make the woman a warrior. Still, I can't help but notice that this puts Psyche on equal footing with her archer husband. 

        The depiction of Eros as a primordial god ushered in a new perspective on the so-called main storyline. Zeus, as usual, doesn't gain any favourable points but Prometheus, on the other hand, shines through his lighthearted humour. Seeing him was like revisiting many of my childhood memories. Psyche's POV introduces a horde of other characters: Iphigenia, Clytmenestra, Atlanta . . . the list goes on. Women whose blood drenched the legends.

        Psyche and Eros' love story may not be as famous as Helen's and that could be a good thing. It does have a happy ending. As Psyche says, "Truly great lovers rarely make their way into the public eye. They are too busy with one another". Thank you McNamara for bringing them to the public eye and for creating an unforgettable tale.

Meet the author:

Luna McNamara holds a master's degree from Harvard University in the study of women and gender in world religions. A lifelong lover of Greek myths, she has studied ancient Greek language and philosophy. She is currently a social worker living in Boston. Psyche and Eros is her debut novel.

Best Men - Sidney Karger (Blog Tour & Review)

Date of Reading: 21/5/2023

Author: Sidney Karger

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: May 25, 2023

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)

About the book:

When two best men in a wedding party fall for each other, they realize love isn't a piece of cake in this hilarious and heartfelt romantic comedy debut by screenwriter Sidney Karger.

Max Moody thought he had everything figured out. He's trying to live his best life in New York City and has the best friend a gay guy could ask for: Paige. She and Max grew up next door to each other in the suburbs of Chicago. She can light up any party. She finishes his sentences. She's always a reliable splunch (they don't like to use the word brunch) partner. But then Max's whole world is turned upside down when Paige suddenly announces some huge news: she's engaged and wants Max to be her man of honour. Max was always the romantic one who imagined he would get married before the unpredictable Paige and is shocked to hear she's ready to settle down. But it turns out there's not just one new man in Paige's life--there are two.

There's the groom, Austin, who's a perfectly nice guy. Then there's his charming, fun and ridiculously handsome gay younger brother, Chasten, who is Austin's best man. As Paige's wedding draws closer, Max, the introverted Midwesterner, and Chasten, the social butterfly East Coaster, realize they're like oil and water. Yet they still have to figure out how to coexist in Paige's life while not making her wedding festivities all about them. But can the tiny romantic spark between these two very different guys transform their best man supporting roles into the leading best men in each other's lives?

Review:

      I would rather this book be called 'Best Friends'. For one, romance is just a side plot while the evolving relationship of Max and Paige  takes centre stage. It is also Max Moody's story where Chasten, for sure, has a part to play, but all the same, it is also about Max finding his life's calling. He is such an endearing character it is hard not to like him. Funny, loyal and down to earth -- Max Moody is this and many more. Finding humour in the most awkward situations (the first encounter with Chasten, for instance) he pulls you along in this laugh-out-loud ride.

        Max is one of the many things I loved about this book. A character-driven story like this cannot be enjoyed without someone like him. His friendship with Paige is really one of a kind and no wonder he felt threatened by Chasten's arrival in the scene. Chasten is the ideal gay guy, outgoing and smart to boot in contrast to Max who doesn't enjoy crowded events. While their chemistry is undeniable, I am a bit sceptic about Max-Chasten relationship. The whole thing works on the opposites attract concept, but will it make them stick together for an eternity?

        So I demand a sequel. I am curious how it turned out for both of them. The road ahead is bound to be bumpy, but that's just another story I can't wait to sink my teeth into. 

Meet the author:

Sidney Karger is an award-winning screenwriter for film and television. He is a former writer/director with Comedy Central, MTV and AMC, among other networks, and contributing writer for Saturday Night Live, Billy On The Street and McSweeney's. He currently lives in New York City with his partner and their Australian Labradoodle, Zelda. Best Men is his debut novel.

Song of Silver, Flame Like Night - Amélie Wen Zhao (Review)

Date of Reading: 1/2/2023

Author: Amélie Wen Zhao

Publisher: Harper Collins UK

Publication Date: February 2, 2023

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

In a fallen kingdom, one girl carries the key to discovering the secrets of her nation’s past—and unleashing the demons that sleep at its heart. An epic fantasy series inspired by the mythology and folklore of ancient China.

Once, Lan had a different name. Now she goes by the one the Elantian colonizers gave her when they invaded her kingdom, killed her mother, and outlawed her people’s magic. She spends her nights as a songgirl in Haak’gong, a city transformed by the conquerors, and her days scavenging for what she can find of the past. Anything to understand the strange mark burned into her arm by her mother in her last act before she died.

The mark is mysterious—an untranslatable Hin character—and no one but Lan can see it. Until the night a boy appears at her teahouse and saves her life.

Zen is a practitioner—one of the fabled magicians of the Last Kingdom. Their magic was rumoured to have been drawn from the demons they communed with. Magic believed to be long lost. Now it must be hidden from the Elantians at all costs.

When Zen comes across Lan, he recognizes what she is: a practitioner with a powerful ability hidden in the mark on her arm. He’s never seen anything like it—but he knows that if there are answers, they lie deep in the pine forests and misty mountains of the Last Kingdom, with an order of practitioning masters planning to overthrow the Elantian regime.

Both Lan and Zen have secrets buried deep within—secrets they must hide from others, and secrets that they themselves have yet to discover. Fate has connected them, but their destiny remains unwritten. Both hold the power to liberate their land. And both hold the power to destroy the world.

Review:

        As a hardcore wuxia/xianxia fan, it was no surprise I was drawn to this story. Demons, qi-based magic and colonialism -- it has everything to keep you enthralled from the very beginning. The presence of Elantian colonisers will definitely give you some "Poppy War" vibes, but the similarity ends there. The grim dark milieu slowly changes as the plot moves onto the territories still untouched by Elantians and the mystery of an ancient force beckons us.

        Lan's life itself is the greatest mystery. A song girl with a seal on her arm that is only visible to her. The first book in this series is all about her quest to know her past, understand who she is and find her destiny. In Zen she finds an ally, a friend and a lover who can guide her to the world of practitioners.  With secrets unfolding one after another, we cannot find a dull moment in the story. 

        If I have to point out some drawbacks, then the first one will be the romance between Lan and Zen. That sizzling chemistry we imagine . . . that is not really there. Hopefully, the sequel will remedy that to some extent. The Demon Gods were another dilemma. I know the plotline supports Len's point of view, but it is hard to resist Zen's reasoning. Shouldn't the Demons be used against the Elantians? Why should their people suffer under foreign rule when they can be liberated by a power that may or may not cause disaster? Well, I guess the second instalment of the series has a lot to answer for. Can't wait to read it.

Meet the author:

Amélie Wen Zhao（赵雯）was born in Paris and grew up in Beijing, where she spent her days reenacting tales of legendary heroes, ancient kingdoms and lost magic at her grandmother’s courtyard house. She attended college in the United States and now resides in New York City, working as a finance professional by day and a fantasy author by night. In her spare time, she loves to travel with her family in China, where she’s determined to walk the rivers and lakes of old just like the practitioners in her novels do.

Heart of the Sun Warrior - Sue Lynn Tan (Review)

Date of Reading: 6/11/2022

Author: Sue Lynn Tan

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Publication Date: November 10, 2022

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

After her perilous quest to free her mother, Xingyin thrives once more in the tranquility of her home. But her fragile peace is threatened by the discovery of a strange magic on the moon and the unsettling changes in the Celestial Kingdom as the emperor tightens his grip on power. While Xingyin is determined to keep clear of the rising danger, the discovery of a shocking truth spurs her into a treacherous confrontation.

Forced to flee her home once more, Xingyin and her companions venture to unexplored lands of the Immortal Realm, encountering legendary creatures and shrewd monarchs, beloved friends and bitter adversaries. With alliances shifting quicker than the tides, Xingyin has to overcome past grudges and enmities to forge a new path forward, seeking aid where she never imagined she would. As an unspeakable terror sweeps across the realm, Xingyin must uncover the truth of her heart and claw her way through devastation--to rise against this evil before it destroys everything she holds dear, and the worlds she has grown to love... even if doing so demands the greatest price of all.

The stunning sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess delves deeper into beloved Chinese mythology, concluding the epic story of Xingyin--the daughter of Chang'e and the mortal archer, Houyi--as she battles a grave new threat to the realm, in this powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and hope.

Review:

        I would be lying if I don't admit this to be one of the most anticipated reads this year. The culmination of a wait that started last December when I finished reading the 'Daughter of the Moon Goddess'. There were no cliffhangers, for which I was grateful (isn't that one of the cruellest things that an author can do to the readers?), but the threat from the celestial emperor still looms.

        The success of the first novel is often hard to replicate, but Sue Lynn Tan has surpassed expectations here. The love triangle has matured, something that didn't really leave much of an impression on me in the last book. Wenzhi made a grand comeback, stabilising his position gradually with readers, taking us unawares. 

        I am not really fond of this usual trope found in c dramas, especially if the second suitor presents a much more sympathetic side, endearing to the viewers. Don't we have our examples in 'Ashes of Love' and 'Boys over Flowers'? Predictably Wenzhi aroused some painful memories and soon my pity turned to anger. Why is he so foolish? Can't he see that this is a losing battle? Why should fate/author toy with him so? By the time the story neared its climax, I was on the verge of losing it. It all seemed so convenient, like Bertha Mason in 'Jane Eyre'. How foolish it all was! Or so I thought.

        A wonderful ending to a captivating duology, we can rightfully say. Fickle as I am, I never expected the author to make such a bold choice, hiding a surprise towards the end. What more can I say? It was worth the wait.

Meet the author:

Sue Lynn Tan is the author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, a romantic fantasy inspired by the beloved legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess. Born in Malaysia, Sue Lynn studied in London and France, before moving to Hong Kong with her family.

Her love for stories began with a gift from her father, her first compilation of fairytales from around the world. After devouring every fable she could find in the library, she discovered fantasy books – spending much of her childhood lost in magical worlds.

Sue Lynn can be reached on Instagram or Twitter @SuelynnTan, or on her website www.suelynntan.com.

Take a Chance on Greece - Emily Kerr (Review)

Date of Reading: 18/7/2022

Author: Emily Kerr

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: July 22, 2022

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 3/4

About the book:

When Lydia wakes up after a wild night out in Kefalonia with a tattoo saying ‘Awesome Andreas’, she’s mortified. She doesn’t remember meeting anyone called Andreas. And after all, she’s an accountant with a five-year plan. She’s definitely not a party girl.

The sensible thing to do would be to research how to get the tattoo removed and move on with her safe and steady life. But she’s had enough of being predictable.

Instead, Lydia decides to track down the mysterious Andreas, but the path to true love is never simple. As she goes from one disastrous date to another, she starts to lose hope in ever finding him. Perhaps Lydia is looking in the wrong places, and the right man for her is just next door, if only she’d take a chance on him . . .

Review:

        Emily Kerr is talented in turning even mundane stories into something remarkable and swoon-worthy. This is not one of her best, but still, a light-hearted and pleasurable read. The entire story revolves around her search for Awesome Andreas, the guy she has decided on as the love of her life. It is easy to guess who that is from the beginning and even the twist towards the end came out only as a mild surprise. So if you are attracted to this story because of the mystery element, I would say forget it. But if it is the word 'Greece' that drew you in, then you made the right pick.

        Lydia is no party girl and on the off chance she gets drunk, she looks absolutely sober to others. That resulted in her waking up after a drunken night in Kefalonia with a tattoo on her back. It is a name but not that of her boyfriend's. The tattoo triggers her brain into action opening her eyes to what has gone unnoticed previously. Her boyfriend is a control freak; as her boss, he exploits her abilities but he is tight-fisted when it comes to payment. She breaks off her relationship and travels back to Kefalonia in search of her Andreas.

        Joining a hotel as a maid, she starts her search for Andreas resulting in many hilarious dates. Each of these locations gives us a peak into this beautiful Greek island which will not fail to awaken your travel-crazed mind. Lydia's search may not have produced the desired result, but each of her failed dates bring her closer to understanding who she is.

Meet the author:

Emily Kerr is the author of feel-good romantic comedies.

She has been scribbling stories on bits of paper ever since she could write. She studied Classics at the University of Oxford, then did an MA in Broadcast Journalism. She works as a television journalist based in Yorkshire and loves the interesting variety of people she meets on a daily basis.

In her spare time, she can generally be found with her nose in a book or typing away at her laptop, though she also ventures into the great outdoors to take part in various running-based activities. She loves travelling, and Greece, in particular, has a special place in her heart.

Emily is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Her debut romantic comedy Who Does He Think He Is? was named runner-up in the Festival of Romance New Talent Award and the Joan Hessayon award.

Out of the Lion's Maw - Witold Makowiecki and Tom Pinch (Review)

Date of Reading: 25/5/2022

Author: Witold Makowiecki

Translator: Tom Pinch

Publisher: Mondrala Press

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

A European bestseller, un-put-down-able since 1946, now for the first time in English.

An elderly Zoroastrian priest and his teenage apprentice, a dark plot to foment a civil war. Can the two thwart it?

570 BC. The Old Mountain Lion, the predatory king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, has destroyed empires, razed cities, and driven whole nations into slavery. Now, he sews discord in the Mediterranean to soften up another victim for a surprise attack. It is up to the two unlikely heroes to try to foil the plot, and persuade kings, priests, bureaucrats, and generals to change their course. They race against the clock across the Mediterranean, pursued by spies, assassins, and eventually the whole state apparatus of eternal Egypt.

A classic tale of high adventure, full of white-knuckle twists and turns, cliffhangers and last-minute escapes, engaging characters, and sparkling humour. Continuously in print across Eastern Europe since 1946, it has been compared to The Treasure Island and The Three Musketeers.

Review:

       This was a moment of self realisation. For one, I never thought my knowledge of ancient civilisations was. . . ah . . . poor. I waded through different Mediterranean nations along with our protagonists with no idea of their present identities. When it comes to the Gods, the footnotes helped a lot. And here I am, awfully glad that I chanced upon this wonderful Polish work because of a random search in NetGalley recommendations.

        Since the blurb above doesn't give much on the story, let me enlighten you. Nehurabhed is a Medean high priest and envoy of the King and he is being held captive in Carthage. He escapes with the help of a Greek sailor, Kalias. Before fleeing Carthage they both save a boy who was sold to slavery. Melicles was captured by the pirates and had tried to escape from his plight many times. Finally Gods had answered his prayers. Nehurabhed finds in him an ally and helper and so the adventures of the duo begin.

        The combination of a wise, old man and a young, naive boy makes this story really a marvel. Nehurabhed's strange ways of finding solutions to each crisis make for many humorous and surprising twists while sixteen-year-old Melicles has a penchant for helping others. The journey opens new worlds to him and we, the readers, share his wonder and joy.

        There is no doubt that this is a timeless classic for both young and the old. Thanks to Tom Pinch we finally have an English translation. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

Witold Makowiecki (born 1903 in Warsaw, Poland, died 1946 in Radomsk, Łódź province, south-central Poland) is a Polish agricultural engineer and writer, author of popular books for children and young adults, some of which are on the required reading list for Polish elementary schools today. Agricultural engineer by training, he had to abandon his profession for health reasons. Under German occupation during world war II, he took up writing for the young. He is the author of two popular adventure novels set in ancient Mediterranean world, written with his children in mind: Przygody Meliklesa Greka (The Adventures of Melicles the Greek) and Diossos. His books, written in the swashbuckling style, have helped to propagate familiarity with classical Greek civilization. Each book is a stand-alone volume, but the two are bound together by the appearance of the characters of Melicles the Milesian and Kalias the Syracusan. Due to their superior literary quality, both books have remained in print since their original publication in 1946.

Elizabeth of York: The Last White Rose - Alison Weir (Blog Tour & Review)

Date of Reading: 21/05/2022

Author: Alison Weir

Publisher: Headline Review

Publication Date: May 12, 2022

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)

About the book:

AN ENGLISH PRINCESS, BORN INTO A WAR BETWEEN TWO FAMILIES.

The eldest daughter of the royal House of York, Elizabeth dreams of a crown to call her own. But when her beloved father, King Edward, dies suddenly, her destiny is rewritten.

Her family's enemies close in. Two young princes are murdered in the Tower. Then her uncle seizes power - and vows to make Elizabeth his queen.

But another claimant seeks the throne, the upstart son of the rival royal House of Lancaster. Marriage to this Henry Tudor would unite the white rose of York and the red of Lancaster - and change everything.

A great new age awaits. Now Elizabeth must choose her allies - and husband - wisely, and fight for her right to rule.

Review

        Before reading this book, I had never given much thought to this Yorkist Queen who united the houses of York and Lancaster. Considering her husband's temperament and her meek nature, I can see why historians didn't spare much time with her. The drama unfolded by her dear son is enough to fill the pages on Tudors, so a pious and charitable queen who always sees the good in others has been put backstage. 

        If the white rose of York represents purity, then Elizabeth embodies it. Not one to question the authority or the established traditions, she was taught to accept her destiny from childhood itself. Not much of a heroine figure, if you ask me. Her subservient nature and abhorrence of confrontations cost her the opportunity to share the power with her husband, Henry VII. On the other hand, her taking a step back in everything resulted in a peaceful marriage. 

        As you can see she is not a model woman for the present age. When you think back to the influential role her contemporary Queen Isabella played in Spain, she surely is a pitiable character. She never had much voice, not even when it comes to the lives of her own mother and sisters. Weir has captured quite vividly how the shifting power balance affects the lives of women. They are mere pawns in political transactions, denied even the freedom of a common woman to marry for love or continue in a marriage that they have come to love.

        Elizabeth's life may not be legendary, but she survived one of the most turbulent times England had undergone. What this novel offers is a captivating and unique picture of the Tudor era that is laying its foundations.

Meet the author:

Alison Weir is the bestselling female historian in the United Kingdom and has sold over 3 million books worldwide She has published twenty history books. Alison is also the author of twelve historical novels, including the highly acclaimed Six Tudor Queens series all of which were Sunday Times bestsellers. The complete short story collection, In the Shadow of Queens, accompanies this series. Alison is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an honorary life patron of Historic Royal Palaces.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess - Sue Lynn Tan

Date of Reading: 13/11/2021

Author: Sue Lynn Tan

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Publication Date: January 11, 2022

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5/5

About the book:

A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang'e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology that weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honour, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.

Review:

        I spent half of this book mentally composing a letter to the author. How can she do this? Splitting such a beautiful story into two! That is not something I could accept. ABSOLUTELY NOT! Leaving Xingyin's fate hanging at the end . . . I can never be ready for this. Well, like-minded readers can rest assured; there is no cliffhanger as such. Certainly there are loose ends to be tied, more secrets to unravel but the present plot wraps up perfectly.

        Obsessed as I am with all the C dramas, the Mid-autumn festival is not an unfamiliar one. But I was a stranger to the story of the moon goddess in whose honour it is celebrated. This came as an eye opener adding another version to the stories which either condemn or empathise with her. And what a story it is! From the very beginning till the last page there is not even a single dull moment. A warrior woman, a celestial prince, dragons and magic . . . that is an ideal recipe to a cosy evening if there is one.

        Sue Lynn Tan's polished and beautiful writing immerses you completely and the world-building will definitely strike a chord with any ardent C drama fan. Action scenes are so vivid and even the love triangle is handled quite smoothly (got conflicted on that one). All in all, a spectacular debut without a doubt! Waiting eagerly for the sequel.

Meet the author:

Sue Lynn Tan writes fantasy inspired by the myths and legends she fell in love with as a child. Born in Malaysia, she studied in London and France, before settling in Hong Kong with her family.

Her love for stories began with a gift from her father, her first compilation of fairytales from around the world. After devouring every fable she could find in the library, she discovered fantasy books – spending much of her childhood lost in magical worlds. When not writing or reading, she enjoys exploring the hills and reservoirs of Hong Kong, the temples, beaches and narrow winding streets here.

Sue Lynn can be reached on Instagram @SuelynnTan, or on her website www.suelynntan.com.

She Who Became the Sun - Shelley Parker-Chan (Review)

Date of Reading: 26/6/2021

Author: Shelley Parker-Chan

Publisher: Pan Macmillan, Mantle

Publication Date: July 22, 2021

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in Shelley Parker-Chan's She Who Became the Sun, a bold, queer, and lyrical reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty from an amazing new voice in literary fantasy.

To possess the Mandate of Heaven, the female monk Zhu will do anything

“I refuse to be nothing…”

In a famine-stricken village on a dusty yellow plain, two children are given two fates. A boy, greatness. A girl, nothingness…

In 1345, China lies under harsh Mongol rule. For the starving peasants of the Central Plains, greatness is something found only in stories. When the Zhu family’s eighth-born son, Zhu Chongba, is given a fate of greatness, everyone is mystified as to how it will come to pass. The fate of nothingness received by the family’s clever and capable second daughter, on the other hand, is only as expected.

When a bandit attack orphans the two children, though, it is Zhu Chongba who succumbs to despair and dies. Desperate to escape her own fated death, the girl uses her brother's identity to enter a monastery as a young male novice. There, propelled by her burning desire to survive, Zhu learns she is capable of doing whatever it takes, no matter how callous, to stay hidden from her fate.

After her sanctuary is destroyed for supporting the rebellion against Mongol rule, Zhu takes the chance to claim another future altogether: her brother's abandoned greatness.

Review:

        Transporting 14th century China to a magical realist setting, combining elements of 'Mulan' and 'The Song of Achilles' is no doubt an ambitious project. Well, Shelley Parker-Chan has done it splendidly. It is not flawless and I would have preferred a much more conclusive ending, but that doesn't affect the immersive pleasure we are promised.

        What I loved the most about the book is the narration. The first part is told entirely from the point of view of the girl who later poses as her brother Zhu Chongba. Her name is never revealed and remains a part of the desolated life she switched with her brother: unknown and unrecognised. Her perseverance and keen intelligence which even forces destiny to give her a helping hand glows brightly throughout finally taking into a physical form.

        Once the other characters, especially Ouyang, start taking important roles, the narrative switches to multiple POVs. I thought this could be confusing in the beginning, but it did present the political situation rather well. Ouyang's side of the story was something to look forward to all the time.

        Basic knowledge of Chinese history might give you a better understanding of the story (after all this is a reimagining of the life of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty with genderqueer characters), though it is not necessary. My grasp of ancient Chinese history is akin to zero and so some random search on Red Turbans helped a great deal. But as I have said, this is not needed if you don't want to bother too much about the history behind it. As always, this is a universal story. If you are a believer of predestined fates, Zhu Chongba's story may convince you otherwise.

Meet the author:

Shelley Parker-Chan (she/they) is an Asian-Australian former diplomat and international development adviser who spent nearly a decade working on human rights, gender equality and LGBT rights in Southeast Asia. Named after the Romantic poet, she was raised on a steady diet of Greek myths, Arthurian legend and Chinese tales of suffering and tragic romance. Her writing owes more than a little to all three. In 2017 she was awarded an Otherwise (Tiptree) Fellowship for a work of speculative narrative that expands our understanding of gender.