What a great way to start a series! I did not realise this was a spin off from another series, however, I was still able to enjoy this book as a first in its own. I still recommend reading the prior series first though (I’ll be reading them now!) The author does some spectacular world building, and I found the main character Chloe super relatable and easy to like. The plot had plenty of drama, action and intrigue to keep you hooked on each page.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ediehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEdie2022-05-24 08:17:512022-05-24 08:17:51Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Edie Kelleher
I am always a sucker for a good sports romance novel as that is the types of romance novels that I am always reading and finding myself enjoying, so when I heard about this book, I knew that I had to read it!! This book was a great one that I read in two days and could not stop thinking about it. The story revolves around Kendall who has been in love with her brother’s best friend, Pete, for as long as she can remember. She has to come to town to do some business for her job and convinces him to let her stay with him and have a no strings attached week together. Reading this book, I was on the edge of my seat as I had no idea which way this would end as Kendall and Pete are both strong willed individuals that don’t particularly like change. I fell in love with this book, and I cannot wait to reread it over and over again as well as read more books by this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-05-24 08:12:542022-05-24 08:12:54Everything to Me (Playing for Keeps Book 2) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
Coyote is a nature spirit who lived in the desert all his life. After climate change ruined what he remembers as home, Coyote decides to find his new home elsewhere. He jumps in his truck and just drives with a few different people to keep him company along the way. Coyote tries relentlessly to find where he belongs while fighting the urge to return back to what he is used to.
I really enjoyed the writing of this author. They have a way with words. The world building was portrayed amazingly. The way the author described all the different sceneries made me feel like I was actually looking at the same thing Coyote was.
This book is a dystopia set in the near future with hints of magic along the way. It was a calm short read and I would recommend settling in and reading this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2022-05-24 08:02:442022-05-24 08:02:44Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber – Review by Santana Hicks
I did not expect to be enthralled by this book but as I was reading, it was like nothing else around me mattered. This paranormal story is about Coyote, a shape shifter that is trying to find his way to where he belongs. In a heat of the moment decision, he leaves behind everything to take a trip and do some “soul searching”.
Coyote is a complex character. He keeps you guessing as to what he will do next. There is plenty of background story for him and his people, which opens the door to understanding his personality. Throughout his journey, Coyote learns a lot about himself and realizes there is more to him than he ever imagined. This short story of a post dystopian world is so detailed that you get something from every single page, giving it the quality of a longer story in a smaller package. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Nakyshia Legerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNakyshia Leger2022-05-24 08:02:222022-05-24 08:02:22Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber – Review by Nakyshia Leger
I truly enjoyed this story and the message that it represented. It was a story many can connect with finding the great in all things, and the journey to find ones true self. Coyote Jim was a unique character and the author brought him to life beautifully. This author truly told this tale vividly and left a powerful long lasting message.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2022-05-24 08:02:042022-05-24 08:02:04Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber – Review by Lauren West
Dystopian novels will always be my ride or die, for as much as I enjoy contemporary/historical romance and mystery, this will always have a spot in my heart, mind, and soul. This novella is right up there too, from the very start we are curious as to how the Guardian Spirit of a desert valley is going to find his new residence, what with combating the climate change and the changes that he just can’t handle anymore. Coyote has been through so much through his lifetime, and it’s scary to know that the one thing that we as a people can almost control, will cause an irreversible impact on not only us, but the wildlife and nature that prospered long before our time.
This author really allowed for the reader to connect with the changes that are brought up through Coyote’s point of view, and I absolutely adored the way we got to watch him develop and ultimately better himself along the way. His connections with the characters he runs into ultimately changes throughout the pages as well, and in a short period of time, we want to meet, explore, and know more of these people. There is good and bad in this world, and it’s truly about how you decide to approach these things that make all the difference. I do believe that there is a home for all of us. I will be reading the authors work to my daughter as well, the perspective is so refreshing, and alive. Well done!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2022-05-24 08:01:492022-05-24 08:01:49Coyote’s Road Trip by Laura Koerber – Review by Amy Brennan
Trey La Rosa leads a double life, on one hand he is a surgeon at the local hospital and on the other he is the one who stitches up and treats all those within the Five Families Mafia in Chicago, but leading this double life is exhausting for him and one day, he hopes that he can manage his time better. Hailey Carmichael is the daughter to rich parents who have her life planned out for her as a socialite running in the same circles they do, but she wants more, however, she isn’t sure how to get it, not in the least the man she has had a crush on since the first time she saw him.
It is a day full of tension for Hailey as she has to confront someone important to her about something she is dreading talking about, but she takes a couple of deep breaths and decides to go for it before she buckles and backs off before she gets what she wants, that is until she is kidnapped and thrown into the back of a van right in front of the person she was about to talk to. For Trey, it is just another day on call at the hospital where he does his usual rounds and interacts with his patients so that he can make the best decisions he can for them, however, when he is called in to the office of one of his superiors and finds out that a woman he has tried to forget has been kidnapped, memories surface of the first and last time he saw or spoke to her and how grief for his first love got in the way, he decides then and there that he is going to rescue her, whatever it takes.
As Trey uses his resources to rescue her, the scene he finds is not the one he expected, but for Hailey, he is the last person she expected to come to her rescue, however, as he keeps her out of harms way and finds out more information behind the motive for the kidnapping, they reach an agreement to work together to follow the funds together and uncover the full reasons. As they spend more time together in his home, the attraction they felt the first time they met resurfaces and they both struggle to maintain the distance between them and the one thing they crave the most, each other, however, will they be able to uncover the secrets and reveal the truth before their new found relationship is severed, again? This is a compelling romantic suspense which will hook you in and take you for a ride which is full of secrets, lies, threats and revelations with plenty of action thrown in for good measure, as this second chance romance plays out amid danger approaching from every direction.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2022-05-24 08:01:222022-05-24 08:01:22Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Welcome back to the Mafia Elite life. This story is about Hailey and the good doctor, Trey. Even though these two have met before and the timing was off, the spark was ignited within them both. And Fate began to work her magic.
I love how “innocent” Trey seems, like he doesn’t notice all of the nurses trying to be next to him or catch his eye. How sweet he is. He wants to save everyone. He understands he can’t but he sure tries to. Even Hailey needs to be saved.
Hailey will do anything to prove to her family she isn’t a waste, to prove she is worthy. She has a crappy family, a mother who doesn’t know she’s there and a step father who is sneaky and slimy. Hailey didn’t know she needed saving until her plan backfires. It seems the good doctor is ready to save the day.
This story should be read in order as it is book 6 and while it can be read as a standalone, reading the other books will give you a better feel for the closeness of the family. I love this series and look forward to the next one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannon Fowlerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannon Fowler2022-05-24 08:00:582022-05-24 08:00:58Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Shannon Fowler
Trey, the family doctor and local hospital doctor is front and center in this story. He’s exhausted overworked and has known heartbreak and has no time for love.
That is until he meets Hailey, from an affluent family who doesn’t really fit into the rich prestigious world she tries hard to keep her appearance in until a family secret rocks her to the core.
these two come together so naturally and mesh so well you can’t help but instantly fall in love with their story and you had heard of trey in the other stories but learning about how he ticks is a story you don’t want to miss.
another fantastic stand alone, but all of these books intertwine and you can learn more about all the characters in each story… I’m sure there will be more as there is definitely more for us to learn!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2022-05-24 08:00:422022-05-24 08:00:42Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Melissa Saxton
Another hit by one of my favorite authors! I love how in this series she has focused not only on the main members of the mafia but also some of the siblings, which is exactly what she has done in writing about Trey in this book. We met Trey in previous books, but I really enjoyed learning more about him and watching him find love in this book. As always, she has written the story of this couple beautifully, making it easy to see the connection between the two of them from the moment they meet. From what I can see, there isn’t a next book in the series, which makes me sad, so I really hope the series continues!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Kearney2022-05-24 08:00:242022-05-24 08:00:24Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Kayla Kearney
This is the sixth book of the Mafia Elite series. It Follows Trey and Haileys story and an interesting one at that. With him living two lives one as an amazing sweet doctor and the other as a member of the Mafia which he is not all too fond of since it cost him his first love. Now he has to use those connections to save Hailey from her kidnappers but being who he is, he knows there’s more going on than meets the eye. Will he fight the chemistry between them or give in. You have to read to find out and I highly recommend you do.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Hannah porterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHannah porter2022-05-24 08:00:042022-05-24 08:00:04Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Hannah Porter
This was an OK book for me. Was it my favorite in the series? No. But I still like it. This was a second chance mafia romance that was sweet as well. You can read this book as a stand-alone, or as part of the series. You should give this book a try and see how you like it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimenezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimenez2022-05-24 07:59:472022-05-24 07:59:47Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Crystal Jimenez
Broken hearted Trey La Rosa, surgeon for the mafia, is afraid to give his heart away since the death of his girlfriend . That is until his path crosses with sexy socialite, Hailey Charmichael. Sparks immediately fly and there is no denying the instant attraction that rocked both of their worlds. Months after their brief encounter, the spark is still alive. Trey learns of Hailey’s kidnapping and assists in helping to locate her. When Trey finds Hailey they determine the motive for the kidnapping is much more elaborate than either one had thought. Vowing to keep her safe, he takes her home (where things REALLY heat up) to keep a close eye on her as they work together to figure out the circumstances surrounding her abduction. As they continue to dig, sparks between them continue to fly! Fell in love with the characters in this page turning thriller. Couldn’t wait to reach the end to find out if they obtained their “happily ever after”! Another well written plot, spinning a web of lies and secrets that blow the reader away!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christina Granhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristina Gran2022-05-24 07:52:082022-05-24 07:52:29Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite book 6) by Amy McKinley by Christina Gran
Paranormal, hybrids, passion and fated mates This was a smorgasbord of steamy delight for fantasy romance fans. This had a little bit of everything all rolled into one. The first part of the book took a little bit to get into, especially the chapters from the brother’s point of view. Then I felt a shift and I was fully vested in the characters and their story, especially Angelina. This is my first book from author and it was written very well. Looking forward to continuing this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2022-05-24 07:50:222022-05-24 07:50:22Captivated (Hybrid Lovers Series Book 1) by Toya Richardson – Review by Rayne East
This book was good. My first book from this author, not disappointed… different from what I’d normally read, but again, not disappointed. Grace is a great character and I appreciate the time put into her growth. Would follow along if it became a series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ember Daleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmber Daley2022-05-24 07:48:132022-05-24 07:48:13Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Ember Daley
5 Stars Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane
Caging Grace is the first book in the Grace series and is a wonderfully written story about determination and struggle. This is a heart-warming story that will take you on quite the emotional rollercoaster ride. I had moments where I had tears in my eyes and my heart hurt for Grace. She’s tougher than even she realizes. This is a fairly new author to me and I definitely plan to check out what other books they have written. I will say this book is nothing what I expected but was so much more. This is exactly what I needed and didn’t realize. Get ready to be taken on quite the ride as Grace fights her way to the top. Grace hasn’t had it easy she’s a fighter in everything she does and stands for. She’s strong yet very vulnerable and complete badass at the same time. I don’t want to give to much away . I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. Will Grace make it to the top? I look forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2022-05-24 07:47:592022-05-24 07:47:59Caging Grace (Grace Series Book 1) by Carsen Lane – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Born in Darkness is the third installment of the Mafia Elite Books. This one’s my favorite one yet😍. The story follows Emiliana and Stefano from their stolen kisses to their HEA. Also I thought Emiliana was strong before but after what happened to her she became more fierce and I love how Stefano is with Emiliana. Where can i find one 🤣I cannot stand Stefano father at all😡. This series has me so enthralled that I can’t put them down. I’m going to read the next one right now. I would highly suggest you read these books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Hannah porterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHannah porter2022-05-24 07:47:372022-05-24 07:47:37Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Series Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Hannah Porter
Stefano’s story was oh so good. This was a quick read for me, and I wish there was more, but it was still a good book. This series just seems to always have me wanting more with each book I read. I was lost in this story, and didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait til the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimenezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimenez2022-05-24 07:47:232022-05-24 07:47:23Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Crystal Jimenez
Book #3 Born in Darkness Just when you think author Amy McKinley could not be any more fabulous with her writing, here comes another installment of her mafia elite series. A gazillion stars!!! Can not recommend enough. Gripping thriller full of action & sizzling romance that leaves you wanting more!
In the third installment of this series, mafia underboss, Stefano Rossi has always been in love with Emiliana Vitale, however he knows at this stage on his life being with her would only put her in harms way. Emailiana feels the same and while they share some steamy, secretive moments together, both long got the day that they can openly be together. As their secret rendezvous continue, they discover a traitor among them. Viciously attacked, Emailiana emerges from he the attack with a dark passion that is equally matched by that of Stefano—where they calculate a plan to out the rat and crush all the obstacles that are standing in the way of them from openly being together. Stefano will protect Emailiana with everything he has…hopefully it will be enough. Each book is better than the last! Can not wait to delve into the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christina Granhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristina Gran2022-05-24 07:47:072022-05-24 07:47:07Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite #3) Amy McKinley Reviewed by Christina Gran
Loved Enzo and Sofia’s story! This was a really good book the author did an amazing writing job on this one. This was an action-packed story that I didn’t want to end. Their connection from childhood until adults is hard to come by, but they were meant to be, and stood the test of time.
Yes!! Another alpha couple and I love it. The Blood oath is the second book in the Mafia Elite series. It was just as good as the first one. I enjoyed reading it. It follows Sofia and Enzo (love that name ever since vampire diaries🤣) on their emotional ride love story. I for one couldn’t put it down, finishing in one day. On to the next book. I now have to read all of them to see what happens with the other characters. P.S I loveeeee Katya she’s kick ass!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Hannah porterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHannah porter2022-05-24 07:46:292022-05-24 07:46:29Blood Oath (Mafia Elite Series Book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Hannah Porter
Book #2 Blood Oath Amy McKinley did it again with book 2 of this intriguing series! Full of page turning drama & suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat, anxious to see what happens next!
Enzo Vitale and Sofia La Rosa, while touched upon in Book 1, Ms. McKinley made this breathtaking couple the primary focus of book 2 in the series. Enzo & Sofia, grew up in the complex mafia world as best friends all through childhood. It was only natural that the pair would develop a great degree of love for each other as they grew older. Unfortunately, circumstances and an unspoken rule had always kept them apart as lovers. With past secrets brimming at the surface, Sofia finds herself thrown into Enzo’s welcoming arms. Enzo has always considered himself Sofia’s protector and will stop at nothing to keep her safe—even if by being with him, a huge target is painted on her back. Will their love that began in childhood be strong enough to whether the storm, when family secrets resurface and threaten to tear them a part? Fast paced, action packed, steamy thriller engages all the senses. While Book 1 of this series left me on the edge of my seat, I was shocked that book 2 could compare to or even surpass the romantic suspense and energy found within the first one!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christina Granhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristina Gran2022-05-24 07:46:112022-05-24 07:46:11Blood Oath (Mafia Elite Book #2) Amy McKinley Reviewed By Christina Gran
I absolutely loved this book. Cat finding out that when her family bakes the unimaginable happens… Magic happens. Her life changes when she finds out that by baking she can make things happen. This series is such an awesome read I can’t wait for book 3.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristine2022-05-24 07:42:482022-05-24 07:42:48Bake Believe (Bake Believe Series Book 1) by Cori Cooper – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky
Sweet, clean romance story This is a story about soul searching for ‘the one’. I enjoyed the writing and the storyline. Bree is an overly conscientious character, that comes across a bit obsessive and selfish at times. This did make her a bit more real. Poor Nate had his work cut out for him. I enjoyed this book and following Bree as she navigates love.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2022-05-24 07:40:402022-05-24 07:40:40As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Rayne East
This is the first book I have read by this author and I am very happy to say it definitely won’t be my last. It is so very well written, with wonderful characters and a story line that totally draws you in. Bree has been so hurt before, that she has built up some very tough, high walls out of the pure need she feels to protect herself. Through this story you will experience all her highs and lows right along with her. It is the depth of feelings that this wonderful author makes you the reader feel right along with her characters that makes her such an amazing author. Do yourself a huge favour and read Bree and Nates story now!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2022-05-24 07:40:262022-05-24 07:40:26As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jules Herbert
This was a very enjoyable novel of a woman’s want to meet the man that ticks all her boxes, meets her criteria, and doubts that letting any go will do her any good. Unfortunately, Bree has had her heart broken a few times, and due to such, really has built her walls up and doesn’t want to let just anyone start to break them down. This seems to cause her a great deal of anxiety and self-doubt when it comes to the choices she makes. I can completely relate to her character, having been a single mom for a good time, and trying to figure out the ropes to ensure that I found the man of our dreams. (I did.)
The writing of this author, which allows for the reader to see the doubts as they cross Bree’s mind, is well thought out, and I found it exceptionally difficult to set the book down. I for one, was rooting for Nate from the beginning, though there are doubts cast from all those involved in Bree’s life. I won’t ruin it for anyone, but it does sound like this woman has quite the group to pick from. Very well written, and I very much look forward to reading the remainder of this series to learn more about Chloe, Bree’s best friend, soon.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2022-05-24 07:40:112022-05-24 07:40:11As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Amy Brennan
Ancient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy Written By: Tamara Agha-Jaffar Review By: Susan Ratchford 5 Stars
A wonderfully written trilogy where the voices of Ancient Greeks’ most powerful women take center stage. A fresh new perspective on the mythical tales that have entertained us for centuries! Amazing! I highly recommend this trilogy! As a lover of Greek Mythology I thought the change of perspective from male oriented to female oriented was genius and eye opening! The stories became different, even more engaging and emotionally convincing. It really made me realize how the voices of even the strongest and most known women have been diminished or even silenced over time. Tamara Agha-Jaffar also creates a really nice flow that is fast paced and makes the pages fly by without ever getting dull or drawn out. These beautiful stories have characters that are so easy to connect with who face struggles that are still so relevant today!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Susan Ratchfordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSusan Ratchford2022-05-24 07:39:472022-05-24 07:39:47Ancient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy by Tamara Agha-Jaffar – Review by Susan Ratchford
Ancient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy is a collection of three retellings of classic mythological stories. A Pomegranate and the Maiden tells the story of Demeter and Persephone, Unsung Odysseys retells the story of Odysseus’ return from Troy, and Gilgamesh of Uruk tells the story of Gilgamesh. It is always hit and miss when authors retell the stories of old. However, the author does an excellent job of keeping the story’s integrity and changing the POV of the female characters. I enjoyed the stories and am now curious to read more from this author. I look forward to reading more soon.
In the first story in this trilogy, which is based on the Hymn of Demeter, A Pomegranate and the Maiden, the lives and actions of Demeter and her daughter are explored through their eyes, through their experiences and their love.
In the second story, which is based on the Odyssey, Unsung Odysseys, told through the eyes of the women who loved him, this new perspective of his travels shows what happened between the trials he faced throughout his life.
In the third and final story based on the Epic of Gilgamesh, Gilgamesh of Uruk explores pride, greed, grief and loss, as stories are recounted and lessons are shared to teach lessons everyone should know.
In this retelling of three stories from Ancient Times, stories of love, grief, challenges and the overcoming of barriers, this book shows new, feminist perspectives and how relevant the stories remain today, while showing what we can learn from the past. Will you dive into these Ancient Reflections and see what you will learn from them?
Greek mythology is not typically a genre I enjoy reading, however I loved the way the author put a new take on these three stories. It was not exactly a quick read however it did keep me drawn in and engaged the entire time. I enjoyed the amount of detail put into the beginning of each section so you could truly understand who is character was if you were not familiar with the original Greek mythology. Not necessarily a book I would put on my reread list but very enjoyable.
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Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
