bookswithlydscl's Reviews (639)

4.25* it's a crime classic. Probably would have been higher had we listened to a better narrated version.

Much better than the last few, liked the smaller character focus (no Lila or Denny) 

Boring and objectively bad

4.25*-4.5* - really enjoyed this and for a debut is truly an astounding novel. Loved the humour, tension, and world that is built through Mark's narrative. Read Project Hail Mary before this and I think overall I preferred the story and characters in that novel which is why this didn't hit 4.5 or 5* as I didn't quite connect with Mark as much. Overall though, really enjoyed it and thought the audiobook experience really did make it even better.

 Post COVID this book hit hard about the what could have been had things continued. Despite the presence of a world ending pandemic this book is definitively character driven. It's about the resilience of people, found family, hope, and living whilst surviving.

I really appreciated the multi-POV perspective, getting to know a wide range of people to truly come to understand the world they inhabit. There are connections made throughout and Emily St. John Mandel expertly guides us to them through an intricately created tapestry of words that builds a bleak world but one that has hope for the future.

I felt emotional throughout especially as we built to the end which is so quiet and introspective.

Don't expect an action packed post-apocalyptic novel, this is a beautifully created, character driven narrative that is so full of humanity despite the world having basically ended.

It's taken me a while to read this but I'm so glad I've got there finally and loved it as much as I hoped I would. 

I really appreciate the trend for giving us the more unlikeable character perspective within Greek Mythology retellings. Medea, Circe and Medusa have all been given centre stage and now it's the turn of Hera - immortal goddess, daughter of the ancient Titan Cronos and sister/wife of Zeus. Born to rule she's waiting for her turn and has to manage the whims of Zeus and his cruelty and violence. A multi-faceted character she is vengeful when she needs to be but also compassionate and mostly importantly, an all-powerful queen to the gods.

I really enjoyed Atalanta last year so knew I wanted to read more of Jennifer Saint's body of work, and having recently read Medea by Rosie Hunt, Hera was the perfect next read for me and I wasn't disappointed. This an engaging novel, full of drama, cruelty, violence, secrets and lies - dealing with Zeus I don't think there could be anything less.

Hera touches so many elements of Greek Mythology that she is a familiar, albeit faintly drawn character for me so I really enjoyed the opportunity have her story told and get to learn her perspective. She is not redeemed by this story but gives the reader a better understanding of why she acted in the ways she did and it makes her story more recognisable from a human emotion perspective.

I'm very much a dabbler in Greek Mythology so don't know a lot of in depth details or if modern retellings are accurate in relation to the classical myths, but what I do know is that I really enjoy them. I honestly can't get enough of all the drama, backstabbing and vengeance that every story seems to have elements of and Hera doesn't disappoint.

The audiobook narrator was overall really engaging and well paced but did have some odd pronunciations of God's names (Ares and Athena come to mind) which did take me out of things when they popped up as it felt quite glaringly out of place. It also meant, especially for Ares, that it took me a moment at the start to figure out which god was being talked about, again a distraction from the story. Despite this it was a quibble for me rather than being a major problem as the story is really strong, but it was a distraction nonetheless.

4.5* for the story, 4* for the narration and overall a highly recommended read especially for fans of the genre.

Thank you to Netgalley and Headline Audio | Wildfire for an audio review copy of "Hera" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.  

I found Violet particularly rude and insufferable this time. Liked that it wasn't a murder but overall was a little weak.

murder rinse repeat. I really enjoy this series, you know what you're getting, some are really strong, others like this one are fine, enjoyable reads though Ham/Rita got annoying.

A wide ranging and really interesting read. From ancient myth to Amelia Earhart there's likely a topic or two contained within that will pique your interest.