BIBLIOTHERAPY || #NowWeRise

I am thrilled to be a part of the #NowWeRise blog tour, to celebrate the release of CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE by Tomi Adayemi!

For this video, I drew inspiration from the maji Healers of the Iwosan clan, to bring you some books that heal/cure your (not-so-bookish) ailments

Welcome to today's Bibliotherapy session...

January Wrap Up | 2016

Reviews
- Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson (video review)
- Soundless by Richelle Mead (video review)




Books Acquired:
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
- Stanley the Amazing Knitting Cat by Emily Mackenzie
- Macbeth #killingit by William Shakespeare & Courtney Carbone
- A Midsummer Night #nofilter by William Shakespeare & Brett Wright
- Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
- Raelia by Lynette Noni
- Yellow by Megan Jacobson
- Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit
- The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
- Running Like China by Sophie Hardcastle
- Lone Star by Paullina Simons




Books Read:
- Soundless by Richelle Mead
- The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
- Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
- Winter by Marissa Meyer

/In Progress/
- The One by Kiera Cass
- Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
- Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray
- The Marvels by Brian Selznick
- American Gods by Neil Gaiman




February TBR:
- The Slow Regard for Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss
- The Titans Curse by Rick Riordan
- The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter
- Clockwork Angel: Graphic Novel by Cassandra Clare
- Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo
- In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce

The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan

I received this book for free from Bookworld in exchange for an honest review.


The Narrow Road by Richard Flanagan
Series: n/a
Released: September 3rd 2013
Pages: 467
Source: Bookworld
Buy it: The Book Depository | Bookworld
     - Both have free shipping worldwide

Richard Flanagan's story — of Dorrigo Evans, an Australian doctor haunted by a love affair with his uncle's wife — journeys from the caves of Tasmanian trappers in the early twentieth century to a crumbling pre-war beachside hotel, from a Thai jungle prison to a Japanese snow festival, from the Changi gallows to a chance meeting of lovers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Taking its title from 17th-century haiku poet Basho's travel journal, The Narrow Road To The Deep North is about the impossibility of love. At its heart is one day in a Japanese slave labour camp in August 1943. As the day builds to its horrific climax, Dorrigo Evans battles and fails in his quest to save the lives of his fellow POWs, a man is killed for no reason, and a love story unfolds.

Image & Synopsis

The Short
This book... Where do I even start?

The Narrow Road to the Deep North had such a profound impact on me. I often had to stop mid-sentence and contemplate everything; this book, people, life. I didn't even realise at first that it had drawn me in so deeply, but when I finished I was catatonic.

Richard Flanagan is extremely talented. He has such a way with words - his style is so unassuming, but then I find myself needing to take a step back from the book and just breathe for a moment. Every single character is illustrated so vividly, and in such a short amount of time, that I found myself empathising with people that seem to have no sense of humanity.

Stunning. Absolutely stunning. One of the best books I have read.


The Long

June Wrap Up | 2014

Unfortunately, a relatively slow month in comparison to how I have been doing so far this year. I am still on track for all my reading goals, however, so I'm not disappointed :)


*****

Reviews
- Rain by Amanda Sun

Additions to Reading Challenges
NONE :(





Books Acquired:
- These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
- The Year of the Rat by Clare Furniss
- Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier



Books Read:
- These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
- Rain by Amanda Sun
- The Year of the Rat by Clare Furniss

/In Progress/
- Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm
- Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke
- Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
- The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

June TBR:
- The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Myers
- Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Released: September 30th 2008
Pages: 312
Buy it: The Book Depository (Free Shipping) | Amazon

After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy. But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family . . .

Image & Synopsis

The Short
The Graveyard is a beautifully written story about a boy living in a rather peculiar place... a graveyard. Being raised by ghosts means that Bod has had a very different upbringing compared to your typical child. He finds himself in many interesting places, some tricky situations, and meeting an array fascinating characters. Absolutely fantastic.



The Long

Blood Phantom by Rhiannon Hart

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.


Blood Phantom by Rhiannon Hart
Released: December 9th 2013
Series: Llarmell [Book 0.5]
Pages: 15
Source: Author
Buy it: Amazon

Life in tatters and far from home, Rodden Lothskorn struggles to cope with the harming menace and his own harming nature. When an offer of marriage reaches his friend, Prince Amis, Rodden discovers that the bride’s inhospitable homeland might contain one part of the harming poison he would dearly like to get his hands on. But if summoned northwards, will Princess Lilith bring something – or someone – he dreads most with her? Locked in a years-long struggle with the Lharmellins, Rodden senses the battle is only now about to begin.

Image & Synopsis

The Short
Blood Phantom is a great addition to the Llarmell series. This novella is from Rodden's point of view, and it was great being able to get inside his head and understand such a mysterious character a little more. In addition to this, the overlapping events with the beginning of Blood Song provided a lot of insight


The Long

Harken Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Welcome to another stop of the Harken Blog Tour! I have for you an interview with Kaleb Nation himself, author of Harken, as well as some awesome giveaways! You know you love free stuff.

Anyway, below is a bit of information about Harken, then continue on to take a look at the interview where Kaleb talks about non-spoilery Harken stuff like the lizard people and inspiration.

If you have not read it but would like to, go here to read the first three chapters: HARKEN PREVIEW.

Harken by Kaleb Nation
Released: January 9th, 2013
Series: Harken [Book One]
Buy it: Amazon & Nook or Don't own a Kindle/Nook?

Michael Asher is almost an ordinary California teenager, except for his unexplainable ability to see a glimpse of a person’s thoughts through their eyes. After surviving an assassination attempt, he discovers that he is at the center of a worldwide conspiracy higher than any earthly power. A clandestine organization with authority over world leaders, celebrities, and the wealthy desperately wants him dead. Tumbling into a web of international secrets, Michael is forced to search for the identity of the puppet master and dig up the truth that humanity is not being told.

Check out my fellow bloggers participating in this tour: Harken Tour
Watch the Book Trailer: TRAILER TIME
Author Links: Twitter | YouTube

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed the interview! Now it is time for a giveaway or two? These are INTERNATIONAL so don't forget to enter using the Rafflecopter forms below.


The Daily Prize Pack:
- Signed Giant Poster
- Signed Postcard
- Glow-in-the-dark Wristband
- Glow-in-the-dark Silver Ring

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grand Prize:
- A Harken-Themed Kindle Paperwhite

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Today I am here with a video review of Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry.


Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Released: July 31st, 2012
Series: Pushing the Limits [Book One]
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 392
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

Image & Synopsis

The Short
Pushing the Limits was fantastic. I loved it. The characters had a lot of drama in their life which added dynamic to their relationship. It kept me wanting to read and completely drew me in to the characters.


The Long


The Good
Great, layered chracters, romance, made me feel all of the feels.

The Bad
IT MADE ME CRY SO MUCH!

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Today I am here with a video review of Graceling by Kristin Cashore.


Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Released: October 1st, 2008
Series: Graceling Realm [Book One]
Publisher: Harcourt
Pages: 471
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon

In a world where people born with an extreme skill - called a Grace - are feared and exploited, Katsa carries the burden of the skill even she despises: the Grace of killing. She lives under the command of her uncle Randa, King of the Middluns, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.

When she first meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change.

She never expects to become Po's friend.

She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace - or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away...a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

Image & Synopsis

The Short
Graceling had a bit of a slow start and it took me a little while to get into the story, but when it did I was completely hooked! I loved the development of the story, the characters, the Graces. I loved the setting and learning about the Kingdoms. I loved Katsa's strength, and I adored Po.


The Long


The Good
Intriguing concept, great characters, development of story.

The Bad
Slow start, Katsa's rants were slightly annoying.

December Wrap Up | 2012

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas (if you don't celebrate it then HAPPY HOLIDAYS!) and a fantastic New Year :) Sorry things have been quiet on here, but going away on a couple of little holidays makes it tricky to post.




Books Acquired:

- Gravity by Melissa West
- Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
- The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
- Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
- The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
- Miss Fortune Cookie by Lauren Bjorkman
- Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
- Enclave by Ann Agguire
- The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
- Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck
- Unwind by Neil Schusterman
- The Monstromologist by Rick Yancey
- Damned by Chuck Palahnuik
- some vegetarian cookbook
- Harry Potter: Page to Screen
- A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
- Need by Carrie Jones
- The Vanishing Game by Kate Kae Meyers
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory
- Slurp
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson


I also forgot to include:
- Grave Minder by Melissa Marr


people mentioned
Brandon from MrGarssonBugaloo
Dana from TheBookHoarder
Misty from BookRatMisty




Books Read:
- The Lover's Dictionary by David Levithan
- Throne of Glass by Sara J. Maas
- What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

/In Progress/
- Graceline by Kristin Kashore
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Night is for Hunting by John Marsden


November TBR:
- Easy by Tammara Webber
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- THE VIEWER'S CHOICE RESULTS!

*****

Reviews
-none :(-



Additions to Reading Challenges
Throne of Glass by Sara J. Maas - Debut Author Challenge
What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang - Debut Author Challenge

October Wrap Up | 2012

I went SO crazy with the book buying this month! 21!? Plus more coming in November.. Oh deary me.




Books Acquired:
- Velveteen by Daniel Marks
- Snow White by The Brothers Grimm, illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia
- Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, illustrated by Camille Rose Garcia
- Mr Penumbra's 24-hour Book Store by Robin Sloan
- Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
- The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
- Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
- The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
- The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost
- House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
- The Lovers Dictionary by David Levithan
- Beautiful Disaster by Jamie Macguire
- Eve & Adam by Michael Grant & Katherin Applegate
- Graceling by Kristin Kashore
- Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox
- Dreamquake by Elizabeth Knox
- Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
- Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
- Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
- The Industry by Rose Foster
- Every Day by David Levithan




Books Read:
- The Burning Star by Jessie Lane- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa- Snow White by The Brothers Grimm- Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood

/In Progress/
- Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce
- Velveteen by Daniel Marks
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Night is for Hunting by John Marsden


November TBR:
- Everneath by Brodi Ashton
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

*****

Reviews
Birthright by Willow Cross
Snow White by The Brothers Grimm




Additions to Reading Challenges
The Burning Star by Jessie Lane - Debut Author Challenge
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood - Debut Author Challenge
Velveteen by Daniel Marks - Debut Author Challenge

Top Ten Tuesday (13)

I am participating in Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! Each week, there is a specific topic for a top ten list.

This weeks topic is:

Top Ten Bookish People You Want To Meet

For this I have a long list of vloggers/bloggers I would LOVE to meet! Unfortunately I can't fit them all in, especially since I wanted to include some authors :)

1. CassJayTuck [Cassidy]

2. TheBookTuber [Tiernan]

3. TheBookTubenator [Joseph]

4. padfootandprongs07 [Raeleen]

5. Jessethereader [Jesse]

6. BooksUnbound [Ariel]

7. Stephanie Perkins

8. Veronica Roth

9. John Green

10. J.K. Rowling

Banned Books Week 2012

30 Sep - 6 Oct 2012

This week was Banned Books Week. To help promote BBW and celebrate the freedom to read, I participated in a Virtual Read-Out of a book which was frequently challenged in 2011. Last year I participating in BBW as well, doing a Virtual Read-Out alongside a video which talks about Banned Books Week and my opinion of banning books.

Here is a playlist of all three videos:

September Wrap Up | 2012

Buying books is such a wonderful feeling. Again, I am happy that I have stopped my book buying ban!




Books Acquired:
- Rapture by Lauren Kate
- The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
- What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang
- Meridian by Amber Kizer
- The Named by Marianne Curley
- The Eleventh Orphan by Joan Lingard
- Captivate by Carrie Jones
- Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris
- Slated by Teri Terry
- Blood Storm by Rhiannon Hart



Books Read:
- Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
- A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
- Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane
- Birthright by Willow Cross
- Intangible by J. Meyers


/In Progress/
- The Burning Star by Jessie Lane
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Night is for Hunting by John Marsden


October TBR:
- Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children by Random Riggs
- Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
- The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff
- Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

*****

Reviews
Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies
Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane


Memes
Top Ten Tuesday; Series I Haven't Finished


Additions to Reading Challenges
Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane - Debut Author Challenge
The Burning Star by Jessie Lane - Debut Author Challenge

August Wrap Up | 2012

This month has been so crazy. I had exams, a short story to write, and a complete body of work for art to finish. So not much time has been available for reading and blogging, I'm afraid. However, I do have some good news... I AM OFF MY BOOK BUYING BAN! So I accomplished one thing this month: buying a bunch of books!




Books Acquired:
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky
- A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
- Switched by Amanda Hocking
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Insignia by S.J. Kincaid
- Soulbound by Heather Brewer
- Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan
- Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
- Eon by Alison Goodman
- A Million Suns by Beth Revis



Books Read:
- Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies
- Fracture by Megan Miranda


/In Progress/
- Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- The Night is for Hunting by John Marsden


September TBR:
- Masks of the Lost Kings by Tom Bane
- Intangible by J. Meyers
- The Burning Star by Jessie Lane
- Paraglide by Peter Kelley
- Untraceable by S.R. Johannes

*****

Reviews
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Cloudworld by David Cunningham
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Memes
Top Ten Tuesday; Fave Books During Life of my Blog


Additions to Reading Challenges
Fracture by Megan Miranda - Debut Author Challenge

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Video review of Insurgent by Veronica Roth


Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Released: May 1, 2012
Series: Divergent Trilogy [Book Two]
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 525
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Book Depository (free shipping) | Amazon

ATTENTION: As this is part of a series, please be aware that this review will contain spoilers for the preceding book/s, but not for the book itself. If you have not read the books prior to this one, please keep this in mind.

One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

Image & Synopsis

The Short
Insurgent was AMAZING. I thought it was incredible, but it certainly differed to Divergent in a few areas. There was a darker undertone to Insurgent, as Tris struggled to come to terms with her previous losses and actions. Understandably, some people may not be as interested in this, however I loved the realism of it and furthermore, Tris' character development.

And of course, Tris and Four's relationship. It was a little rocky, but their bond continues to grow deeper and stronger.
*sidenote* Four is as sexy as ever.



The Long


The Good
Action-packed, more exploration of the city and factions, great character development, realistic romance progression, FOUR <3.


The Bad
... haha



What are your opinions on Insurgent?

June Wrap Up | 2012

I don't have a Book Haul for June, which is very depressing.
 


June Wrap Up:

- Insurgent by Veronica Roth
- Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare
- In the Shadow of Vesuvius by Liz Carmicahel


July TBR:

- Dirty Magic by Carol Hughes
- The Luxe by Anna Godberson
- Cloud World by David Cunningham
- Maximum Ride Angel Experiment by James Patterson

May Wrap Up | 2012

May was very a very slow month... I am sorry for the absence!
 


May Wrap Up:

- A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

June TBR:

- Gone at Zero Hundred by C.R. Hiatt
- In the Shadow of Vesuvius by Liz Carmichael
- Intangible by J. Meyer
- Any Love But Mine by Debbie Davies

 


 Books Purchases:

- Insurgent by Veronica Roth
- Partials by Dan Wells

Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

I received this book for free from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Video review of Goddess Interrupted. Further book details and a quick review overview is located below the video, if you just want an idea of what I thought about the book.





Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter
Released: March 27, 2012
Series: Goddess Test Series #2
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 296
Format: Paperback
Source: Netgalley
Buy it: Book Depository (free shipping)

ATTENTION: As this is part of a series, please be aware that this review will contain spoilers for the preceding book/s, but not for the book itself. If you have not read the books prior to this one, please keep this in mind.

KATE WINTERS HAS WON IMMORTALITY.

BUT IF SHE WANTS A LIFE WITH HENRY IN THE UNDERWORLD, SHE'LL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Image & Synopsis 

Review Overview:
Goddess Interrupted was a fast paced, adventurous installment to the series. The stakes were so much higher, giving way to drama and action. We delved deeper into the Greek mythology, taking a look at the Gods, the Titans and exploring the Underworld.

Calliope's character development was a strong point in the story; she has become a great villain. Her hatred for Kate is understandable, yet she goes to the extremes in her revenge. It is interesting to see how things pan out.

Kate, Henry and their romance weren't as strong as in The Goddess Test. Kate constantly questioned Henry's love for her, yet everyone reassured her time and time again. Although she thought too much about this, which could get a little frustrating at times, she was still as strong a character.
Henry is a little distant again. I am still a little unsure on how I feel about him.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Goddess Interrupted. The plot has picked up, and although some of the character traits and the romance were sometimes not as great, I had fun learning more about them. If you didn't like The Goddess Test so much, I would recommend you try the sequel!

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Video review of The Goddess Test. Further book details and a quick review overview is located below the video, if you just want an idea of what I thought about the book.






The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Released: April 19, 2011
Series: Goddess Test Series #1
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 293
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Book Depository (free shipping)

EVERY GIRL WHO HAS TAKEN THE TEST HAS DIED.

NOW IT'S KATE'S TURN.

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she suceeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.

IF SHE FAILS...

Image & Synopsis 

Review Overview:
The Goddess Test is a unique take on the Persephone and Hades myth. The plot was very intriguing, keeping you in the dark about several mysteries throughout the entire story.
The writing style was quite nice, simple. However there are a couple of questions that still have me a little confused.

I loved Kate. She was a very strong main character with a moral and compassionate attitude. She was selfless, putting her life and future on the line for others.

Not so sure what to make of Henry. He was very disconnected and distant from Kate, even in the intimate moments. This left the romance feeling a little lacking in depth and character.
The side characters were great. I loved James, he was very funny and cute. Would have liked to have seen a little more of him, but his disappearance was understandable due to later twists.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love the Greek mythology, and would highly recommend this book to everyone.