Which Book Should I Read Next?

Top 3 Greek Myth Retellings

     Hello friends! It has been such a looong time since I posted and I am so excited to be back! It's been a long year for us, with a lot going on, but I am finally back and hope to be posting with regularity once again! To get us started off I decided to write about something I have been obsessed with lately: Greek Myths. More specifically, Greek Myth retellings. The great thing about this genre is that there is a lot of content out there. (My TBR list is getting a little crazy. Okay, okay, a little crazier...) So to get started, I thought I would give you my top three. It's a good number, not enough to overwhelm you, but enough for you to get a taste and decide if this is content you would enjoy pursuing. If you like it, let me know! I have plenty more where these came from. Here we go! 

1. Ariadne by Jennifer Saint

   As a princess of Crete and daughter of King Minos, Ariadne has a better knowledge than most of the truth behind the fearsome Minotaur. He is her brother. While she loves him as most sisters love their brothers, her conscience cannot allow his intense desire for blood to continue. When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives as a sacrifice for the beast, Ariadne finally sees a light at the end of this terror. Theseus could kill the Minotaur, but he needs her help. Is she willing to betray her family and country to help the handsome prince escape? If she does, will she really be better off? Or will she forever play the part of the pawn in this chess game between men and Gods. 

    I am obsessed with this book. The story is intense, the writing is immaculate, and it's just really incredible, okay? Do I geek out about this book a little? Yeah. I do. A lot actually. It's one of those books where you finish it and you just have to set it down and feel everything. If you're not sure if you're going to like Greek Myth retellings, start with this one. If you enjoy it, you will be pleased to know that Saint is releasing her next book at the end of April. Do I already have it pre-ordered and in my calendar? Yes. Yes, I do. 

2. Circe by Madeline Miller 

    

     Daughter of sun-god Helios and the stunning sea nymph Perse, Circe turns out a strange child. Not truly a goddess, nor a nymph or even a mortal. Circe is something new altogether. A witch. When Zeus learns of Circe's strange and sometimes dangerous powers he demands that she be banished to a lonely island for the rest of her days. On this island Circe hones her powers and makes a life for herself. Unfortunately, beautiful women living alone on plentiful islands can attract unwanted house-guests. When Circe must stand alone against the wrath of both men and gods, can she make it through unscathed? Or will she lose those dearest to her, and possibly more. 

    Once again, obsessed with this book. It is beautifully written and the story is expansive. This book may be a little more difficult for beginners, as there are quite a few players to keep straight. Through the course of this book Circe interacts with a fair amount of well-known Greek characters who each have their own stories as well. I think you may enjoy the book more if you have some knowledge of those characters and their stories, just because it's interesting to insert Circe and her involvement into the stories you already know. That being said, you do not need an immense amount of knowledge. If you have a base idea of the stories (example: Icarus is the one with homemade wings who flies into the sun) then you have enough to enjoy this book for all that it is. It is truly an incredible read. 

3. Daughters of Sparta by Claire Heywood

    For generations men have told the story of the Trojan War, and the woman whose beauty launched a thousand ships; but what about her side of the story? Helen and Clytemnestra are born into lives of beauty and luxury as princesses of Sparta; but as women they relinquish control of their lives and fates into the hands of men. First their father, then their husbands. When they tire of being nameless and faceless pieces in a game played by men, they set off a ripple of events that will make waves for centuries to come. 

    This book is near to my heart because it gives a voice to those who aren't usually integral figures of mythology: the women. Of course there are women in mythology, but they often play the part of "plot point" in stories about men. This book gives the women a voice and tells their stories in ways that truly gives depth and realism to their characters. They have PERSONALITIES. They have likes and dislikes; fears and strengths; talents and weaknesses. Women are no longer a vague totem in wars between men! They are not simply "beautiful" or "that famous king's wife". WOMEN!! Alright, I think I got my point across. This book is gorgeously written and immersive. It also made me cry a few times, so be prepared for that going in to it. 

    If you read through this entire post you may have noticed a theme here... If you didn't I will point it out to you: I love books about strong women. If that is something you enjoy in a book, you will find it is plentiful in all three of these recommendations. If it is not something you enjoy in a book... why? Why not? It should be. You should seek out books about incredible women who fight for what is right and what they desire. Start with these three right here! 

        I hope you enjoyed this blog post, I know that I enjoyed writing it! I have missed this so much and I am so excited to be back! If you read this books, let me know what you thought! If you are looking for recommendations in a different genre, shoot me a comment or message! See you all reals soon, bye friends!!