Book Review: The Gathering - CJ Tudor

 

“The Gathering” is a mystery/supernatural/light horror book by CJ Tudor. Who I really liked was Barbara “Fang Doc” Atkins. From her asides to her “it’s the law” attitude, she was a great main character. At times I did get some of the characters confused (especially the males) especially toward the beginning. This book kept me engaged as I tried to puzzle out who was really guilty and who was possibly setting up things for the vampires to get destroyed (though I’ve seen too many “Supernatural” episodes; it’s really difficult to kill vampires!). I think the book ends with a potential sequel … and I did think things wrapped up a bit too neatly (and quickly), but it was a well written book that held my attention. Four stars.

Book Review: A Spartan's Sorrow - Hannah Lynn

  “A Spartan’s Sorrow,” by Hannah Lynn, is the second book in the Grecian Women Trilogy. This book can be read as a stand-alone. This book follows the Greek myth of Clytemnestra (most of the book) and her son, Orestes (last part). As Ms. Lynn notes in the preface, there are so many versions of these Greek myths that they become tangled - and this book took a few side trips into different stories of Clytemnestra, Electra, and Orestes. I think that if you ignore the last bit (a trial) the book is well done from a myth retelling. If you’re a person who knows your myths (or historical facts of the time), you may be a bit disappointed But, overall, I found this to be an engaging read and I like that Clytemnestra had a voice (finally) during the Trojan War time period. Four solid stars.

Book Review: All We Were Promised - Ashton Lattimore

 

 “All We Were Promised” is a debut historical fiction novel by Ashton Lattimore. I will say that the historical research of this book was fantastic. From reading other books, I’ve learned it’s difficult to keep track of the pre-Civil War state rules regarding slavery issues, so that (from what I could gather online) Ms. Lattimore seems to have gotten them correct, I tip my hat. This book combined the heartening and disheartening regarding those times. This book’s beginning seemed to be more character study and setting things up, with the last quarter of the book picking up with action and the worlds of the three main characters merging together. I didn’t find this book a quick read, but for a debut novel it was a good read. Four stars.