Fantasy/Paranormal · Fiction/Science Fiction · Shortstory

Norse mythology – Neil Gaiman

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37903770._SX318_| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki—son of a giant—blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.

Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

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My thoughts:

Norse Mythology is something I know quite a lot about. In Sweden we study the mythology and vikings from an early age. We even have a “Viking camp” we do in school, where we learn how the Vikings lived, hunted, cooked food and so on. I can’t say I learned anything new by reading (audiobook) this book per say, but I have to say I really like the way Gaiman has put the tales to life. It is truly descriptive and beautiful in a way, I believe, everyone can enjoy. Neil Gaiman is also an fantastic narrator and perfect for reading his own books. I really enjoyed listening on him. It is also perfect for those who doesn’t want anything heavy to read right now. It is a bunch of short stories, gathered together in one book. Light and easy. Perfect for those “in between” books.

I have to be hones and say that I first wasn’t supposed to read it. Since I know so much about the topic, It wasn’t anything that interested me to read more about. But a prompt in this years Pop Sugar Challenge was actually the reason to why I read it. The prompt was to read “A book inspired by mythology, legend or folklore” and when googling what book fits that prompt, Norse Mythology kept poping up. Now I’m happy that I read it. It is fun, light and familiar. Almost a little nostalgic and it woke something in me which have been buried since childhood and school was finished with teaching us kids about our heritage.

Classic/Historical · Fiction/Science Fiction · Thriller/Horror

Frankenstein – Mary Shelley

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12974171._SY475_| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: The scientist Victor Frankenstein, obsessed with possessing the secrets of life, creates a new being from the bodies of the dead. But his creature is a twisted, gruesome parody of a man who, rejected for his monstrous appearance, sets out to destroy his maker.

Mary Shelley’s chilling Gothic tale, conceived after a nightmare in 1816 when she was only eighteen, became a modern myth. It is a disturbing and dramatic exploration of birth and death, creation and destruction, and one of the most iconic horror stories of all time.

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My thoughts:

It’s strange to review a book which was written over 200 years ago. The times changes, the language develops, words gets new meanings and limits are pushed. It feels almost a little wrong to review such a widely read and known story. Myself have never read the original before now, but I’m very well known in the story about Frankenstein. Not only through movies and series, but also through different retelling from different authors. For an example Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein series, which meets the old time Frankenstein in a modern world where science is a lot more developed.

Anyway, I can see why this has become so famous through out the years. Not only is it written by a female (lo and behold) which was not gently looked upon at the time, but it is also a horror story with an underlying message, which you can interpret in several different ways and discus to the end of days. My thoughts about it is that science can go too far and it is up to us too think before we do and stop before we go over that line. But where is that line? I also think it is about the humanity, that we are the biggest threat against our self and that the “monster” is us all. No one is better than the other, no matter what you may think. I can discuss this forever but in a nutshell, this is some quick thoughts of mine.

I would probably have liked it more if it was written in a more modern way, or in Swedish. At least I would have found it simpler. I can only blame myself really. I wanted to read it in the utmost original way I could. But I’m happy I finally read it. Frankenstein is one of my favorite classical stories and now I can say I have read the original. 😀

 

 

Classic/Historical · Fiction/Science Fiction

The pillars of the earth – Ken Follett

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40195487| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: Everything readers expect from Follett is here: intrigue, fast-paced action, and passionate romance. But what makes The Pillars of the Earth extraordinary is the time the twelfth century; the place feudal England; and the subject the building of a glorious cathedral. Follett has re-created the crude, flamboyant England of the Middle Ages in every detail. The vast forests, the walled towns, the castles, and the monasteries become a familiar landscape. Against this richly imagined and intricately interwoven backdrop, filled with the ravages of war and the rhythms of daily life, the master storyteller draws the reader irresistibly into the intertwined lives of his characters into their dreams, their labors, and their loves: Tom, the master builder; Aliena, the ravishingly beautiful noblewoman; Philip, the prior of Kingsbridge; Jack, the artist in stone; and Ellen, the woman of the forest who casts a terrifying curse. From humble stonemason to imperious monarch, each character is brought vividly to life.

The building of the cathedral, with the almost eerie artistry of the unschooled stonemasons, is the center of the drama. Around the site of the construction, Follett weaves a story of betrayal, revenge, and love, which begins with the public hanging of an innocent man and ends with the humiliation of a king.

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My thoughts:

WOW!

Okay, breathe! It’s difficult for me to describe why I love this book as much as I do. It’s a 1104 pages long story about the building of a cathedral in the 12-century and you would think I’m on drugs, but it was so damn fascinating. The characters are memorable in both good and bad ways, the story was interesting and the plot was captivating. It has been a while since I was so emotionally invested in a book. The pillars of the earth is pure and simple one of the best books I have read in 2019.

First off, a warning. If you are a sensitive soul or in any other way have problems with rape and injustice, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK! Bear in mind that this book takes place in Medieval England where the church has a strong hold on the people, the rich rule the poor and there is violence, misogyny, accusations of witchcraft, revenges back and forth and rape. Yes, rape! And one scene is especially disturbing and graphic. It was hard to read and I was totally unprepared for it.

Other than that, it is a wonderfully written book with characters you love, hate and love to hate. It is a page turner and it was like I could not get enough. I still can’t get enough and I want more. The main plot is about the building of a cathedral but it is the characters around it who really drove the story forward. There was some love stories in there, friend and family relations took a huge part and there was a few, strong female characters who I wish to praise Follett for doing such a good job with.

As strange as it sounds, I loved to read this book. Even with all the injustice, despair and misery, there was always hope. And all the weaving of destiny was really what made it all come together in the end in a satisfying way.

TBR

To Be Read – August

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I had huge problems with choosing my TBR list this month. In one hand, I want to have a list ready so that I don’t have to think about what book to read next, but at the other hand I do not wish to “constrict” myself in what books to read. Not now when my desire to read is somewhat fragile.

But in the end I chose five books and they are as following.

augusti.JPG Book one is written by a Norwegian journalist and to this date is not yet translated to English. It probably will in the future and I can imagine the title will be directly translated too something like this. “Swim with the drowned.”

Book two is the second book in Throne of Glass series. I did not find the first book that fantastic but people keep saying it is worth continuing so I will try one more book. Keeping an open mind.

Book two is the second book in the legend of the ice people series. I have read it before but now when I have the whole series I’m reading it from scratch.

Wicked by Jana Deleon is the fourth book about Shaye Archer. The third one was an hell of a ride and it has taking me until now to feel myself mentally ready for the next one.

The last book is one by Kristen Ashley I have had in my kindle for years. It is some time since I read anything by KA now and instead of buying a new book, I thought I should read the one I already have.

And as usual there will be one more book but which one I do not yet know due to that my book club not yet have had our monthly meeting. 🙂

What are you planning to read in august?

Monthly summary

July Summary

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monthlysummery2

Wow. Four books read this month. That is so bad. There is several years since I read so little in one month. But I have just not had the time. With the house and everything, reading has not been a priority. Now that we are starting to get settles, I due hope that I will find time for more reading in August. 😀

Favorite book this month: Rhythm, chord & Malykhin – Mariana Zapata
Least favorite book this month: Whiskey and gunpowder – Liliana Hart

Number of physical books: 1
Number of e-books: 1
Number of audiobooks: 2
Total pages: 1343
Female authors: 3
Male authors: 1

17465450The husband’s secret – Liane Moriarty
Pages: 402 Published: 2013
Genres: Fiction, mystery, chick lit, romance, adult.
My rating: 4/5
Links: Review
26148083._SY475_Rhythm, chord & Malykhin – Mariana Zapata
Pages: 398 Published: 2015
Genres: Contemporary, romance, New Adult.
My rating: 4/5
Links: Review
37655464Whiskey and gunpowder – Liliana Hart
Pages: 217 Published: 2018
Genres: Chick lit, romance, contemporary, crime.
My rating: 1/5
Links: Review
Book 6 in The Addison Holmes Mysteries series.
35343341Save me from dangerous men – S.A. Lelchuk
Pages: 326 Published: 2019
Genres: Mystery, thriller, fiction, suspense
My rating: 3/5
Links: Review
Book 1 in The Nikki Griffin series. (Maybe)
Fiction/Science Fiction · Mystery/Crime · Suspense · Thriller/Horror

Save me from dangerous men – S.A. Lelchuk

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35343341| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: Nikki Griffin isn’t your typical private investigator. In her office above her bookstore’s shelves and stacks, where she luxuriates in books and the comfort they provide, she also tracks certain men. Dangerous men. Men who have hurt the women they claim to love. And Nikki likes to teach those men a lesson, to teach them what it feels like to be hurt and helpless, so she can be sure that their victims are safe from them forever.

When a regular PI job tailing Karen, a tech company’s disgruntled employee who might be selling secrets, turns ugly and Karen’s life is threatened, Nikki has to break cover and intervene. Karen tells Nikki that there are people after her. Dangerous men. She says she’ll tell Nikki what’s really going on. But then something goes wrong, and suddenly Nikki is no longer just solving a case—she’s trying hard to stay alive.

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My thoughts:

If Jessica Jones and Jack Reacher had a baby, you get Nikki Griffin. A kickass, female PI character who stand up for the weak, and helps out in a way that everyone can understand. And to top it off, she is a book lover with her own bookstore. How cool is that? Just that description was enough for me to decide that this is the book of 2019 releases I just have to read.

Now when done I’m quite conflicted. On one hand I absolutely love Nikki and feel that this is a character I want to read more about. I also want to meet those side characters that we encounter now and then throughout the book. On the other hand I felt myself somewhat detached to the story itself. It is hard to explain but I was there but never quite there if you understand. It’s not a bad story because of it, it just didn’t capture or connect with me on a level that makes me invested. Maybe because I felt the plot line was somewhat destructed and not completed in a degree I feel it could have been. And the ending was a little too farfetched when you take some of the characters and their actions in account to the end result.

I do however LOVE the “romantic” aspect of the book. There is almost no romance per say, but there is a character Nikki meets and the chemistry and several situations and monologues that is happenings which was just wonderful.

It looks like there is coming more books about Nikki and if so, I’m certainly is going to read them.

Chick Lit · Contemporary · Mystery/Crime · Romance

Whiskey and gunpowder – Liliana Hart

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37655464| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: Something old,
Something new,
Something borrowed,
Something…bedazzled?

In twenty-four hours, Addison Holmes will be a married woman. Maybe.

A week to plan a wedding in the south is not for the fainthearted, but Addison (along with the help of her neurotic mother, unreliable sister, and unpredictable Aunt Scarlet) are determined to pull it off.
There’s just one problem. Okay…two problems.

Problem #1: The preacher is missing.
This seems like a bad omen to Addison, and all the best investigators she knows are taking part in the pre-wedding festivities (that’s code for drunk).

That leaves one man for the task: FBI Special Agent Matt Savage. But Addison isn’t sure he’s the man for the job. She and Savage have a complicated history, and Savage could make the preacher disappear forever if it served his own agenda.

Problem #2: Rosemarie Valentine is in charge of booking the bridal party for a spa day. Enough said.

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My thoughts:

The sixth book in the series about Addison Holmes starts of as usual, with her complaining about something and in a situation beyond her control but still, somehow her fault. The sixth and hopefully last book was unfulfilling, repetitive and shallow. I’m so tired of her constant bitching and talk about how fat she gets from just looking at a cinnamon bun. You could feel that even the author was tired of writing the series and just no longer cared. And that is pissing me of. I overall really liked the series and if this indeed is the last book, it was not up to it full potential and I feel as readers deserved more.

Contemporary · Romance · Young, New adult/College

Rhythm, chord & Malykhin – Mariana Zapata

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26148083._SY475_| GOODREADS | MY RATING: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥|

Goodreads synopsis: Twenty-six-year-old Gaby Barreto might be a lot of things (loyal, sarcastic, one of the guys and a pain in the butt depending on which family member you ask), but dumb isn’t one of them. When her twin brother invites her to go on tour as his band’s merch girl, she isn’t exactly screaming at the top of her lungs with joy.

With no job opportunities pounding on her door, an ex-boyfriend she would still like to castrate, and no end in sight to moving out of her parents’ house in Dallas… it would be dumb to say no to the chance of a lifetime. Two bands, three continents, one tour. Spending the next ninety-plus days with three beloved idiots and eight complete strangers shouldn’t be a big deal, right?

If only the singer of the headlining band didn’t have tattoos… a great personality… a fantastic body… and if he wasn’t so funny….

Let’s be real: Gaby never had a chance against Sacha Malykhin.

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My thoughts:

I have to say that I really enjoyed this one, but I usually do when written by Zapata so why I expected anything less, I can’t say. It was funny, light and sweet. Just what I needed to take the edge of the stress I experienced in the beginning of July.

I love Zapata’s way of writing, which always seems to capture me right from the first word. She is the queen when it comes to slow burns and characters with many layers and this is certainly the one to top the list. It was almost a little to slow for my taste. It made it feel like it went by in a flash at the end when “finally” things started to happen.

Overall happy but I just didn’t quite love it.

Everyday things

Mid Year Book Freak OUT! tag 2019

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I’m not a Booktuber but I do watch a lot of them. So I thought, for the first time, I would do one of those tags. And here you have it. My mid year book freak out.

1. Best book you’ve read so far in 2019.
The Kind worth Killing is probably the best one I have read so far this year. I loved the way it is written, the plot, story and everything about it.

2. Best sequel you’ve read so far in 2019.
Oh how to choose? Well it have to be Us against you by Fredrik Backman. I loved that one.

3. New release you haven’t read yet, but want to.
Sorcery of thorns by Margaret Rogerson. With its release now in June and the unknown to me author, is certainly one I have high on my want to read list.

4. Most anticipated release for the second half of the year.
The institute by Stephen King has it’s release in September this year and those lucky few who got there hands on an ARC says it is one great book. I can’t hardly wait.

5. Biggest disappointment.
I have to books I could use to answer this question but finally went with Throne of glass by Sarah J Maas. I loved, loved, loved her Court of thorns series and was certainly expecting more. I was so disappointed that I didn’t like the first book in the Throne of glass series. I’m not even certain I will continue it.

6. Biggest surprise.
Through the fire by Katie Ruggle. The fourth and last book in the Rocky Mountain K9 Unit series. The three first books didnt land well with me but this one took me by total surprise and knocked me flat on my ass.

7. Favorite new author. (Debut or new to you)
I haven’t read enough by new authors to call a favorite, but if I should choose one of them It has to bee Taylor Jenkins Read. Only read one book by her, but really liked it and her writing. Can absolutely see her become one of my favorites.

8. Newest fictional crush.
Wes from the Rocky Mountain series written Katie Ruggle. Hands down! I have such a huge crush on that character that I almost feel little guilty against my hubby who I have been with for the last 11 years. haha

9. Newest favorite character.
Mia Corvere from the Nevernight series. Only read one book so far but I find her really cool and would love to read more.

10. Book that made you cry.
Us against you by Fredrik Backman. I really tried to choose one book per question but had to use this book twice. It is that great and yes, it certainly made me cry to.

11. Book that made you happy.
Sizzle by Julie Garwood both made me laugh and happy because it gave me just what I needed and expected. It was also a little new comparing to what I read from her before so it was fresh and left you with a feel good emotion.

12. Most beautiful book you’ve bought so far this year (or received).
The priory of the orange tree. It fit the book so completely and was even more beautiful when connecting it to the plot. Unfortunately the blue foil letters disappeared by use of hands, but still beautiful.

13. What books do you need to read by the end of the year?
Oh that is so many but my top five is