Book Tags, Shout Out

The Greek Gods: Book Tag

Hi to all you lovely book bloggers out there. I’ve just discovered this Book Tag which has featured on https://twirlingbookprincess.com/2024/03/the-greek-gods-book-tag/ https://dinipandareads.com/2024/02/22/the-greek-gods-book-tag/ https://kerrimcbooknerd.home.blog/2021/11/11/the-greek-gods-book-tag/ https://andonshereads.wordpress.com/2021/07/22/the-greek-gods-book-tag/

You should check out all of their blogs for more bookish fun.

These graphics originated by Zuky can be found at Tales from My Reading Nook https://kerrimcbooknerd.home.blog/2021/11/11/the-greek-gods-book-tag/

I’ve added some extra Gods to be creative with the tag.

Zeus King of the GodsYour Favourite BookLittle Bang by Kelly McCaughrain

Far too difficult a question for an avid reader. A recent favourite is the incredibly empathetic and nuanced YA Little Bang about two Northern Irish teens with a difficult decision to make. My five star review for Reading Zone can be read at this link- [Tanja]-https://www.readingzone.com/books/little-bang/

Hera: Queen of the Gods: A Badass Female Character

I can think of four candidates off the top of my head although fiction is filled with strong female protagonists.

  1. Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- Incredibly strong, vulnerable and flawed.
  2. Nemesis in The Diabolic by S.J Kincaid- A powerful female with difficult choices to make is caught up in a Sci Fi drama with the intrigue of I Claudius.
  3. Vlad Dracul’s daughter in And I Darken [Conqueror’s Trilogy] by Kiersten White- Meet the ruthless and conflicted Lada.
  4. Don’t mess with me magical Mage Valkyrie Cain

And the winner? Alice in The Stars at Oktober Bend by Glenda Millard. The four above are all powerful and sassy but the winner has a quiet, beautiful strength that lifts her above trauma.

Janus, God of Beginnings-Favourite DebutMexikid by Pedro Martin

Without a doubt, this honour belongs to the incredible graphic novel memoir debut by Pedro Martin, Mexikid. Easily 5 stars. I’ve reviewed it here- Books For Keeps- Issue 263BfK 263 November 2023https://booksforkeeps.co.uk/review/mexikid-a-graphic-novel-memoir/

WINNER OF THE PURA BELPRÉ AUTHOR AWARD AND ILLUSTRATOR AWARD, NEWBERY HONOR AWARD, ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, NPR, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, ALSC 2024 Notable Children’s Books, Amazon Best Book of the Year

Aphrodite, Goddess of LoveA Book you Adore & Recommend Everyone Read- Careless People: Murder, Mayhem & the Invention of The Great Gatsby by Sarah Churchwell

An unputdownable, effervescent, insightful look at the story behind F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. An entertaining literary examination of the social history that inspired its conception. You can read my review here- http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/Careless_People_Murder_Mayhem_and_the_Invention_of_the_Great_Gatsby_by_Sarah_Churchwell

Apollo: God of the Arts: A Beautiful Book CoverThe Last Hours trilogy by Cassandra Clare.

Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters saga showcases some stunning book covers bringing her action packed, fantastical, supernatural, historical romantic fantasies to life. They are like beautiful portraits.

Ares, God of War Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan

Exhilarating action, deadly, danger and humour as demi gods battle monsters in the modern world.

Artemis, Hunter Goddess, Protector of WomenThe Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Photo by Mustafa Kalkan on Pexels.com

Has to be The Hunger Games trilogy featuring Katniss Everdeen, who shoots with accuracy and protects with her heart.

Athena, Goddess of Wisdom- Favourite Non Fiction BookUnlocking the Universe by Stephen & Lucy Hawking

I thought this would be out of my comfort zone as it explores the worlds of Physics, Space and Time, which I didn’t know much about at the time of reading, but I found it immersive and fascinating.

Demeter, Goddess of the HarvestEco FictionGreen Rising by Lauren James

Photo by sohail nachiti on Pexels.com

A gripping and inventive sci fi fantasy thriller with an important environmental message, excitingly diverse characters, adept commentary on the nature of social media and a warning about climate change.

Hades, God of the Underworld- A Book that Looks at the Nature of Evil Max by Sarah Cohen Scali [Translation/Winner of English PEN Award]

Image from https://bookyboop.wordpress.com/2015/03/13/max-sarah-cohen-scali/

Disturbing, horrifying, intriguing and strange- a narrative voice that is like nothing I’ve ever encountered before. A forensic examination of the birth of a Nazi translated from the French.

Hephaestus: God of the Forge- A Book with High Octane, Fiery ActionAlex Rider: Never Say Die by Anthony Horowitz

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

Action packed thrill ride as Alex goes on the mission of his life with higher stakes than ever. Following the catastrophic cliff hanger ending of Scorpia Rising.

Hermes: Messenger of the Gods: A Book you Sped ThroughThe Outlaws Scarlett & Browne by Jonathan Stroud

An exhilarating thrill ride that plays with multiple genres and has exciting, complex characters from start to finish. Think dystopian wild west in a reimagined British landscape. Totally unputdownable. What an opening line!

Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth- Little Women by L.M Alcott

A fireside classic about the ambitions, romances, trials and tribulations of four young women growing up in 19th Century Massachusetts. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy are still popular with readers today and have inspired many movie adaptations.

Hypnos, God of Sleep- A Book so Boring you Almost Fell AsleepThe Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith

This is a tricky one because for every book you don’t like someone else will enjoy it and understand its appeal. The author has worked hard and got it published and it’s out in the world which is a big achievement. That said, I found Oliver Goldsmith’s satirical novel ‘The Vicar of Wakefield’ too verbose, slow moving and way too predictable, although there were humorous moments.

Poseidon: God of the Sea & Earthquakes- A Beautiful & Ground-Breaking Book- When Shadows Fall by Sita Brahmachari

No contest. This is a beautifully observed, empathetic and lyrical portrait of a family in crisis told through prose, verse and art. Interwoven with the powerful symbolism of Ravens, this book offers the reader hope that adversity can be overcome, lifting them above the shadows to inspire and empower them through unforgettable voices and evocative imagery.

Shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing, 2023

AUTHORS, Memes, Previews

WWW Wednesday Triple Meme Fest

WWW Wednesday is a weekly event created by Sam Anne Elizabeth where bloggers share their reading choices. There is such a wonderful cornucopia of great books out there especially with the release of the Carnegie Medals nominations that

I’m tripling up for this post this week on-

What I’m currently reading

Runner Hawk by Michael Egan @northernashes

Dark revelations and compelling writing. Such an intriguing opening line. I’m looking forward to getting lost in this novel.

The Boy Lost in the Maze by Joseph Coelho @JosephACoelho

Intricate Verse Novel

Joseph Coelho has created a labyrinthine exploration of verse and intersecting stories with a father/son relationship and the Theseus & the Minotaur myth at its core. I’m enjoying listening to this.

The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley @lucindariley

Six adopted sisters who lived a dream life in Geneva. Will they discover each of their destinies while unravelling their pasts from a series of clues?

This series was recommended to me by a good friend. I’m enjoying listening to each story. I loved the Brazilian setting of the first book and the romantic mystery at its heart.

What I’ve recently finished reading

Wise Creatures by Deirdre Sullivan @ProperMiss

A chilling psychological study from a skilled writer. What are the ghosts that haunt those who were traumatised when they were young?

A story of two troubled girls, a haunted house, dark secrets and inner conflicts. Clever use of the unreliable narrator and fragmented thoughts.

Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin

A wonderfully riotous, hilarious and poignant Road Trip celebrating Mexican heritage.

Pedro Martin’s Middle Grade graphic novel debut is a joy full of surprises, laughs, tears & a fantastic family dynamic complemented by illustrations full of character and fun.

The Fire Cats of London by Anna Fargher @AnnaFargher

Astounding Middle Grade animal adventure full of action, excitement and danger.

I recently finished this amazing book set during the Great Fire of London. It took me back to my childhood when I devoured Colin Dann books about animals in peril. I loved Fargher’s Umbrella Mouse but this was even better. Fantastic adventure with vivid characters, high stakes and fascinating historical detail. Wonderful. Thoroughly recommend. Such skilful writing.

Five Chocolate Libraries Rating

What I think I’d like to read next

Inspired by the recent #DiscoverIrishKidsBooks Campaign @IrishKidsBooks #LeabhairEireannachDoPhaistiAbu & the Carnegie Medal for Writing nominations list @CarnegieMedals #YotoCarnegies24

The First Move by Jenny Ireland @IdreamofNarnia

Chess, Relationships & Secrets. Is love just a game?

An exciting nomination from a Northern Irish writer. This has been recommended to me by so many people.

The Harp of Power by Alex Dunne @alexdunnewrites

The Harp of Power is a Carnegie nomination but I want to read the first book too. Everything I love- Magical harp, mysterious island and high stakes.

Catfish Rolling by Clara Kumagi @ClaraKiyoko

A YA that combines Japanese mythology with Sci Fi and magical realism to create an unusual reading experience.

I’ve got to go now all you lovely bookish folks. I’ve lots of reading to do.

Watch this space for more recommendations next week.