My Favourite Fantasy #2

I’m so excited for this post, cos it’s been *ages* since I talked about my top ten favourite fantasy, and I’ve been wanting to do a follow up for years! Now I’m finally doing it and *bonus* I’ve added in some sci fi this time round (yes, I could have done a separate post, but I don’t have such a long list for it). I feel like this will be a bit like my favourite classics and romance lists- I’ll just keep adding to it more and more 😊 Without further ado, let’s talk about some of my *new and shiny and glorious* faves:

Bear and the Nightingale– I mean, you all knew I was going to include this, didn’t you? This sumptuous Russian fairy tale retelling stole my heart from the second I stepped into Arden’s world. Atmospheric and so-darn-beautiful, I will never cease to be amazed by how magnificent this book is.

Strange the Dreamer– well, duh, Laini Taylor had to be on this list! Her writing is exquisite, her worlds sensationally unique and her romances to die for!

Circe– this is by far and away one of the most exquisite books I’ve ever read. And on top of that, it’s a perfect retelling of the Odyssey. I. am. in. awe.

Hazel Wood– another book I have endless admiration for. For me, what makes this so special is how it balances the gothic and fairy tale elements just so. As a lover of both genres, this book bowled me over, transporting me far away into the Hinterland.

Neverwhere– bringing me closer to home, Neverwhere tells the story of a hidden London, steeping the streets in mythological imaginings. A truly magnificent work.

Charmed Life– I know there are probably a lot of other Diana Wynne Jones’ books with more renown, however, this one for me brings me such joy. Perhaps I’m being a little sentimental, it’s just this one hits all the right emotional notes.

Poison– I had to triple and quadruple check that this wasn’t on my last list- because I ADORE THIS WONDERFULLY WEIRD BOOK. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it may make you feel like you’ve hopped down the rabbithole in terms of plot, yet it’s undeniably a unique read.

Heir Series– I read this fairly recently and it still manages to make me oddly nostalgic- because the characters and relationships and stories have a way of clinging to your soul. Yes, Chima Williams is another author making a repeat appearance on this list- that’s just because she’s another author who never fails to knock it out of the park.

The Book of the Ancestor Series– I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is the kind of series that reminds me why I got into fantasy in the first place. There’s so much to love about this- from the world to the sense of sisterhood to the romance. I just adore this series and can’t wait to read more from the author!

Red Rising– well, when I mentioned sci fi faves, I bet you all guessed this would be on here. Many of you will already know my love for this *prime* series, so I’ll be quick in saying for the millionth time: this is gorydamn good! I mean, it’s Romans in space- need I say more?!

Shade’s Children– I’m never quite sure what genre this is- but it doesn’t matter, cos I will always love this twisty standalone.

The Martian– who’d have thought that a book about a guy stranded on Mars would be so much fun? That’s because Mark Watney rocks. Funniest protagonist I’ve ever read- and he makes this race-against-time sci fi so spectacular.

And that’s all for now! I have a few more I’d like to add, but I like to give it some space after I read books before declaring them *favourites*. Are any of these your favourites? Do you have any favourite fantasy books you’d like to recommend? Let me know in the comments!

Fantastic Folklore-Inspired Stories from Around the World

Hello all! Since I’ve been speaking a lot about fairy tales and folklore in the last week, I thought it would be fun to just to a little list for this Sunday’s post. I decided (cos I’m a fussy reader that’s picky about retellings) to go with books that I think are great, which aren’t necessarily retellings, but rather are simply awesome stories, inspired by mythic tales. And these they are:

Shadow of the Fox– it’s not just that I really enjoyed this book- I also thought Kaguwa’s light touch was perfect when it came to representing the wonderfully complex creature that is the kitsune.

Forbidden Wish– I don’t think I talk about this book enough on this blog, even though I really enjoyed this unique Aladdin retelling.

Bear and the nightingale– I think it’s fairly obvious how much I love this book. Bound up in Russian folklore, it’s become an instant favourite for me and is perfect reading for this time of the year.

Anansi Boys– this was the first Gaiman I really fell in love with- and for good reason. Not only does it absorb fascinating mythic elements, but Gaiman also puts his own unique humour and twist on the story, elevating it to the levels of genius.

Circe– ah Greek mythology is so close to my heart- so I’m delighted to have read what I believe to be the *definitive* retelling of the Odyssey. It’s simply sublime.

The Hobbit– I went back and forth about putting this on this list, because it doesn’t necessarily correlate with any one story. Instead it’s an amalgamation of so many stories and goes far beyond a traditional retelling in that it becomes the backbone for future British mythology- which meant I’d be remiss to leave it off. Besides, it’s one of my all-time favourite books and I’m biased 😉

Through the Woods– this graphic novel is not only visually stunning, but an excellent example of unique retellings. It not only incorporated elements from the original Grimm’s tales, it also embodied something of the spirit from Angela Carter’s work. For that alone, it’s a worthy read.

 

What do you think of any of these? And do have any favourite retellings or novels inspired by folklore? Let me know in the comments!

Circe Utterly Bewitched Me

So I just finished this book and… wow. As many of you know, I don’t normally review straight away, but it’s the end of the year, I’m compiling lists for wrap ups and, well, I want to discuss this book before that point for *reasons* you can probably guess 😉 Because wow.

Now my love story with this book began a little before I actually cracked it open, because I went to a book event where I got to meet the author! I can safely say she’s one of the loveliest authors I’ve ever met in person. Plus, she really kindly signed and personalised both my books!

Okay, moving on from the virtual book porn- that was only the initial charm after all 😉 Once I started reading, I was captivated by the distinctive, almost breathy voice. I felt like I could hear the hypnotic tones of this goddess with a human voice. So much of the character was bound up in this stylistic, rhythmic cadence. I was lulled, wide awake, into this intricately woven world.

“He could draw you in as if he were winding up a thread”

Indeed, the fact that Circe is a weaver is a central theme, threaded through the narrative. Greek myths are picked and pinned with care into the tremendous tapestry of the tale. Themes that crossed the breadth of time were stitched into a carefully constructed legend. What I loved was how this managed to both evoke well-known stories and also build on them in the true oral tradition.

“Beneath the smooth, familiar face of things is another that waits to tear the world in two”

I will say that, in terms of plot, it’s far from typical of the modern novel. Don’t expect a simple a to b structure- because that’s not what you’re going to get. There are lots of stories bound up in this seemingly simple book. There’s romance, parenthood, adventure and more. All in all, it is a reflection of the circle of life, with all its messy particulars. It’s the heroic journey- and yet it also feels reminiscent of a normal auto-biographical memoir. From beginning to end, it is a love letter to mortality told from the perspective of a god.

“Gods love novelty. They are curious as cats.”

Circe is by far one of the best retellings I have ever read. And for this to be on a topic that I care so much about is just a godsend. Miller did a beautiful job of conjuring the Greek world. This book was steeped in knowledge. There were carefully selected details- my favourite being the fact that Greeks considered bowmen to be cowardly- that brought history and stories to life. I was transported to a time when an epic might be recited from memory and the words they were singing felt like reality. It was like there really was a goddess guiding me through these vivid visions.

“You cannot know how frightened gods are of pain. There is nothing more foreign to them, and so nothing they ache more deeply to see.”

I also appreciated how cleverly the magic system was employed. I have to say this has one of the best descriptions of witchcraft I’ve come across in books. The idea of portraying it as a mixture of will and work (and to an extent artistry) was genius. It very much added to the world building and stood as a testament to the fantasy genre. What I especially liked, though, was how this reflected the idea of her bending fate, in a way that challenged even her divine father, who could merely bear witness to it.

“Then I learned that I could bend the world to my will, as a bow is bent for an arrow.”

Consequently, Circe also explored interesting issues- like the role of women in Greek literature. I really respected the way this showed the strength of women, whilst not attempting to erase or rewrite history. This largely showed women working at the loom, discarded women and women under attack. Yes, there is and always will be room for the Athena-type, but this to me reflected the way a majority of women were treated.

“He showed me his scars, and in return he let me pretend that I had none.” 

I will admit that because there was a focus on women, I feared that much-loved male characters would be maligned. This didn’t happen. I particularly thought the view presented of Odysseus was fair and nuanced. I liked how there was a range of characterisations from the immortal Helios to the more grounded Telemachus. I could, frankly, go on forever about how brilliant the characterisation was.

“His limbs turned great and nerveless, and all his strength was transmuted into smoke. I had no right to claim him, I knew it. But in a solitary life, there are rare moments when another soul dips near yours, as stars once a year brush the earth. Such a constellation was he to me.” 

I can safely say I have a feeling I’m going to like this more and more with time. It was endlessly quotable and perfectly compelling. I for one want to just keep rereading those last two paragraphs- they were nothing short of legendary! In short:

If you like retellings, then this is not to be missed.

If you like fantasy, you’re in for a real treat.

If you like stories, well, you get the idea. Read it!

Rating: 5/5 bananas

So have you read this? Do you plan to? Let me know in the comments!