The Wolf and the Water by Josie Jaffrey – Book Review

Book: 
The Wolf and the Water

(Book 1 of the Deluge series)

Author: Josie Jaffrey

Publication date: 8 October 2020

ASIN: B08DXXPNS1

Synopsis:

Some secrets are worth killing for…

The ancient city of Kepos sits in an isolated valley, cut off from the outside world by a towering wall. Behind it, the souls of the dead clamour for release. Or so the priesthood says.

Kala has never had any reason to doubt their word – until her father dies in suspicious circumstances that implicate the city's high priest. She's determined to investigate, but she has a more immediate problem: the laws of the city require her mother to remarry straight away.

Kala's new stepfather is a monster, but his son Leon is something altogether more dangerous: kind.

With her family fractured and the investigation putting her life in danger, the last thing Kala needs is romance. She would rather ignore Leon entirely, however difficult he makes it. But when she learns the truth of what really clamours behind the wall at the end of the valley, she faces a choice: share what she knows and jeopardise her escape, or abandon him to his fate along with the rest of the city.

If she doesn't move fast, then no one will make it out of the valley alive.

 

Book Review by Nadaness In Motion

The Wolf and the Water by Josie Jaffrey is the first book in the Deluge series and my first read for Jaffrey.

I originally signed up to review this book as part of a blog tour with TheWriteReads, however, I opted out of the tour because the book left me with a lot of mixed feelings.

One of the things that make The Wolf and the Water interesting is the mythology behind the setting, supposedly Greek mythology. However, it's this mythology and rules governing the characters that create lots of confusion in the novel.

I struggled at the beginning, middle, and ending. There were parts that I liked but the hierarchy of the 10 tribes and how they mingled with the 'religious' sector of their society was confusing.

The chapters in The Wolf and the Water are divided based on the names of the 10 tribes of Kepos, which makes them super long chapters to read.

I liked the main character Kala. I also loved how Jaffrey made her a character with a disability, something I've rarely seen in literature, old or contemporary.

Kala's disability followed a plague that killed many people but spared her. However, the disability makes people shun her and mistreat her. Few are kind to her about it. The society looks at her as a 'cripple' and deems it necessary that she be killed because of her disability.

The Wolf and the Water is full of political intrigue not to mention lots of injustice towards women. We even see this injustice from other women. It's probably this that negatively affects Kala's confidence, while also making her a strong character.

"They were now nothing more than commodities in a household that would only survive by the grace of her mother's remarriage."

I also liked Leon, who is Kala's stepfather's son. He is kind, funny, and not in the least deterred by Kala's disability. Kala, on the other hand, sort of mistreats him at first because she doesn't know or understand his intentions. His grandfather practically insulted her right after her father died.

The Wolf and the Water is narrated in the third person, mainly from Kala's view point; although we occasionally get others' views like Leon.

'"Is he that bad?"

Kala's impressions of Nikos had not been favourable, but she was surprised that his son would share her dislike.'

Only when I finished The Wolf and the Water did I realize that Kala's mother, though an absent character was a strong one. She made many sacrifices but wasn't really 'there' for Kala or the reader.

Kala is also a feminist and I loved her character, her thoughts, sarcasm, and in some cases, her retorts, like when she was talking to her mother about her new brute of a husband, Nikos:

"Enough? You're handing him the title of Glauks and you think you should be grateful to him?"

One of the things I struggled with in The Wolf and the Water were some of the descriptions, especially the part about the other side of the wall. I just couldn't imagine it.

Also the parts about the other world and how some people from Kepos were in cahoots about what surrounds Kepos were very confusing for me.

Overall, I found that The Wolf and the Water partially intriguing; I moved well in the first four chapters although I was at a complete loss for what was going on. But the confusion, unclear settings, and the feel of the novel just weren't enough.

I finished this book because of Kala and my curiosity. Kala didn't fail but my curiosity wasn't satiated at the end.

Overall rating for The Wolf and the Water by Josie Jaffrey: 2.5 stars.

Note: I got a free Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of The Wolf and the Water by Josie Jaffrey in exchange for an honest review. This did not in any way impact my review.

 

Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate by Bharat Krishnan– Book Review

Book: Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate

Author: Bharat Krishnan

Genre: Mythology, middle grade, children's

Number of pages: 72 pages

Publication date: 8 October 2019

Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate by Bharat Krishnan is a collection of 25 short stories on Hindu mythology, covering topics like karma, dharma, kama, and more. The book also includes several artworks that give some visual to the tales.

Growing up, Krishnan fell in love with Hindu mythology, but when he went to research, he discovered that there were no texts on the rich Hindu mythology, at least none that were "targeted towards kids my age then." Hence, Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate became a project that was born on 8 October 2019.

In the intro, Krishnan explains the reason he wrote Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate, saying: "I wrote this book because I wanted my loved ones to hear about Rama and Krishna and Saraswati as they also learned of Thor and Hercules, of Horus and Ra, of Noah and Moses."

After every tale, Krishnan highlights why he added that particular story. In some pieces, Krishnan makes comparisons with other mythology, Greek, Egyptian, along with Christian references.

An important point to remember about Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate is that "In Hindu mythology, time and again, we find that good and evil are meaningless words. It is the actions that go behind those words that matter."  I struggled with this a bit as I read, feeling that good should conquer evil but as you read, you will notice that some characters can be good or evil, depending on the story and situation.

The book opens with "The Egg Came First," the story of how the Hindu gods were created. As you move along the book, you'll notice more bits on creation. The Brahman, the supreme being of infinity, had 10 children, including Vishnu, the Preserver, who appears in many of the stories in various forms. From the Brahman's thighs, demons were created and later we see a witch as well.

Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate on my Kindle.

In Hindu mythology, and as Krishnan puts it, "balance is key…and what seems right in one instance may not be so in other cases."

I loved the story of "The Elephant God" as I have often been curious about Ganesha. I liked how several of the story titles had literary references, like "The Lady of the Lake," which is reminiscent of King Arthur's Camelot and "The Lion King."

The story titled "Ganesha's Hubris" is a five-star piece. I felt like it was a kind of fable and therefore highly recommend it.

"A princess once prayed to the sun that she would have a boy, but she did not consider the truism that sometimes not getting what you want is a marvelous stroke of luck…" This is how one story opens. It's a powerful tale that had me wondering who's side I was on and why I couldn't sympathize with the mother in this story, Kundi.

The longest story carries the name of the collection "Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate" and is a remarkable piece. however, it's considerably bloody and violent compared to the rest of the stories.

I liked "Fish Justice" which is reminiscent of Noah's Ark and introduces the concept of Dharma in the Hindu way of life. "Dharma serves as the basis for law, the notion that people have a duty towards one another to fill societal roles that transcend self-interest," Krishnan explains. I wish this would be something cultures can recognize because it would make life more peaceful.

In the story "The Lion King" one particular speech reminded me of Macbeth and the punned words of the three witches.

I would have liked an explanation of the "boons" that people in the stories ask the gods for because there were several instances where people requested them and the gods gave them readily. It seems to be a concept in Hindu mythology.

One of the things I liked about Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate was the use of Indian and Hindu words. They are often followed by the English meaning between brackets, but it gave an exciting feel to the stories.

Remember, it's better to read the stories in Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate in the order in which they were included in the book. You might be able to change the order after the first 5 or 6 stories, but as a reader, I recommend you maintain the order.

Unlike previous short story collections, I don't feel like I can rate each of these separately. That said, I found Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate by Bharat Krishnan to be an interesting introduction to and telling of Hindu mythology. Some stories were more exciting than others, some ideas were a bit confusing. But overall, I enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.

Overall rating: 4 stars

Add Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate on Goodreads.

Connect with Bharat Krishnan via Twitter and Facebook.

Buy Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate by Bharat Krishnan via Amazon.

Note: I received a free digital Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of Love, Pride, Virtue, Fate from its author Bharat Krishnan in exchange for an honest review. This did not in any way affect my review.

Note 2: This book review comes a little later than I had intended.

Odinsmal, the Rise of Jotunheim by Sammy Zakaria – Book Review

Book: Odinsmal
Author: Sammy Zakaria
Publication date: 31 March 2017

Synopsis:

Forced to flee from his home on the island of Algir Oya, young Odin finds that the evil he'd barely escaped is already causing death and destruction on mainland Midgard. In a bid for survival, the humans of Midgard have united and taken up arms in a battle which Odin unwillingly must join against the forces of Jotunheim whose ruthless ruler, Loki, is enslaving humans to mine for the precious metal, Blóstein.

Befallen by a lack of strength and resources necessary to stand against Loki's army of savage footmen and bloodthirsty wolflike berserkers, Odin must venture with his friends Thedrick, Vili, and Ve beyond the boundaries of Midgard in search of an ally to stand with them against the Jotun invasion.

Book review by Nadaness In Motion

Odinsmal, the Rise of Jotunheim by Sammy Zakaria is a tale of Norse mythology unlike the popular Marvel comics and movies we have been watching for years.

The story follows Odin, a young warrior from the distant realm of Algir Oya. It opens with Odin’s father preparing to attack Jotun soldiers, but his plan fails because of wolf-like beasts called berserkers that were created and brought by the Jotun. After that Odin and two of his friends are forced to flee after their land is attacked and brought to ruins by these soldiers.

After that Odin, an Oyan or half-breed from the marriage between a Jotun and a human, begins a journey in which he thinks he is simply running away from the invaders only to have to befriend one of them.

The first in a series,Odinsmal, the Rise of Jotunheim is a story of discovery, curiosity, and prophecies. There are many mysteries surrounding several of the characters, particularly the young Odin.

“The berserkers continued to enter the Muspel capital. They channelled through the small roads and paths of Ginnungagap like a dark substance poured into a clear stream.”

One of the things I liked about Odinsmal was Zakaria’s cinematic technique in narration. It gave great visual and I could picture the story unfold as if it were a movie.

The downside to this technique, however, was that it made the novel longer and often made the language distant from the reader. Some parts, mostly in the passive voice, felt like they were stage directions in a play rather than storytelling.

I think the novel would be an easier read with a map at the beginning detailing the places the characters live in and visit. There were several parts where I was not sure which way the characters were moving. It would also help to know which domains are occupied by the Jotun and which are not, especially since the novel does not take up after any of the Marvel movies.

As the novel progressed, I had contrasting feelings about the book: There were too many characters that at some point I got lost as to who sided with whom and how some characters related to the novel. I realise that much of this will be revealed in part two but having a map – as I mentioned earlier – may help with that as well, since it would show which characters are located where and why would they be important to the story.

Although the novel is mainly about Odin, we do not see him in every scene. There are many intertwined events taking place at the same time. Some intersect, while others keep moving parallel to each other.

The Odinsmal series has great potential, especially with the revelations that come at the end. But it definitely needs editing – and I’m not talking about grammar, that was well done. No, I’m talking in terms of showing rather than telling, avoiding certain repeated words that jar the flow of the novel, and in some cases removing unnecessary dialogue.

Would I recommend this series? Yes.

One of the characters I absolutely loved was Gialp, a friend in the form of a foe. I will not divulge much about Gialp because that would entail spoilers. But he was kind, wise, and fierce all at the same time.

There were not many notable lines or images in Odinsmal but I enjoyed the action nonetheless. Odin’s character development was minimal, although there was some progress at the end. This is understandable particularly that there are more books in the series; although a little more development especially Odin would have given more depth to the novel.

For those who like mythology, particularly the Norse tales, Odinsmal would appear to them greatly. It’s a clean read (at least this book) with several fight scenes.

Odinsmal by Sammy Zakaria would make its own great action movie.

Overall rating for Odinsmal: 3 stars

Add the book on Goodreads

Note: I received a free copy of Odinsmal from its author Sammy Zakaria in exchange for an honest review.

About the author:

Sammy Zakaria, author of Odinsmal

Sammy grew up in Denmark, but today resides in the land of meatballs and IKEA, Sweden. By day he works as an IT professional; by night a progressively balding couch potato. Aside from channel browsing and being fascinated with Norse mythology, he enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with his family.

Follow author Sammy Zakaria on Goodreads and Facebook.

Purchase Odinsmal via Amazon

Excerpt from Ruin of the Gods by Erin Hayes

Ruin of the Gods

by Erin Hayes

(The Elysium Legacies, #3)

Publication date: 8 October 2017

Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Mythology

Synopsis:

Hell hath no Fury.

Because she’s taking a vacation.

Officer Tessa Forney is a brilliant cop with a fiery temper and a predilection for toeing the line of the law. She’s good at her job too, much to the chagrin of her by-the-book partner Raph. She just always seems to be at the right place at the right time.

What Raph doesn’t know is that Tessa is actually Tisiphone, one of the Furies of ancient Greek mythology. After breaking up with her boyfriend of five-thousand-years because he cheated on her—bastard—Tisiphone is determined to take her anger out on the bad guys during her extended mortal vacation.

But when too many gods and goddesses suddenly decide to take time off, the balance of nature is thrown into disarray. And the consequences are far bigger than Tisiphone could have ever anticipated.

These gods aren’t going on vacation—they’re being kidnapped. And she will have to find them before it’s too late.

Excerpt from Ruin of the Gods by Erin Hayes

“Where do I even start?” Argus murmurs softly.

“From the top, perhaps?” I offer with mock sympathy. “Like where Dionysus may be. If you know anything about Gelos’s disappearance. And who the hell is invested enough in all of that to put a glamour on Dionysus’s house to make everything seem peachy keen.”

Even though I’m getting Argus to speak, he still shifts his gaze around, as if anyone else would be caring. Finally, he says, “It started long before that.”

“Tell me.” He hesitates and my patience snaps. “Look, you obviously want me to help you, otherwise you wouldn’t have shown up this morning. So… tell me, or you’re really going to make me mad.”

Argus blanches. “It’s Typhon,” he blurts.

All at once, the blood in my veins freezes, and an involuntary shiver runs down my spine. My teeth threaten to chatter. There are very few names that can frighten me. And that’s one.

Typhon.

Add the book on Goodreads. 

About the Author:

Sci-fi junkie, video game nerd, and wannabe manga artist Erin Hayes writes a lot of things. Sometimes she writes books.

She works as an advertising copywriter by day, and she's an award-winning New York Times Bestselling Author by night. She has lived in New Zealand, Hawaii, Texas, Alabama, and now San Francisco with her husband, cat, and a growing collection of geek paraphernalia.

Connect with the Erin Hayes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, her Newsletter (includes a free book!), Website, and/or join her Street Team

Takhayyal #writingprompt no. 62: The offering

Welcome back Ladies and Gentlemen, Artists, Poets, Writers, Authors, Dreamers, Friends and Family; Welcome EVERYONE to Nadaness In Motion's bi-weekly picture-prompt writing challenge Takhayyal.

Photo credit: Artist unknown. Image found via Pinterest

Arabic for Imagine, Takhayyal is a challenge for writers of all ages and genres; a place to spark creativity and explore new genres.

Your post can be in English or Arabic, prose, poetry, short story, flash fiction; you name it and write it.

General rules:

·        No nudity, violence, and/or abuse.

·   Leave the link to your post in comments below OR post your piece as REPLY to this post

·        Your piece MUST be inspired in some way or other by the above picture

·        Multiple entries allowed

·    It is not required but it is a nice and encouraging gesture to comment on others' pieces.

·        Feel free to add your Twitter handle (@....) so I can tag you in my tweets!

Let's IMAGINE!

The Tale of the Sand Unicorn - Poem

A traveller by night
In an arid silent desert
With nothing
But the sound of the howling wind

The sky is dark, almost starless
his thread of hope is fading,

Faltering,

Like his will.

He bows his head in hopelessness,

Only to raise his eyes…

The desert sand gathers,
Whirls and twirls in mid-air
A form appears,

A unicorn

A unicorn made of sand.
It neighs and in a flash
The sand falls to the ground
The creature materializes,

Becoming bright white

‘A Star’ is all the traveller can think of
“Never lose hope!
I will guide you!” it says.

It turns, galloping on the sand,
Leading the way
In the dark night

bewildered, the hope-awakened traveller follows
Reaching an oasis

The white mythical creature neighs,

Gallops towards the sky,
Spreads its huge wings
It stands in mid-air
Shining as the biggest in the night.

And so lives the Tale of the Sand Unicorn

This poem is a very old piece that I was able to dig up. It was originally written sometime in June 2009, but was re-edited 22 April 2017.

Wish you all a week filled with Hope and Fantasy (and Unicorns)

Connecting with the Old World by Nada Adel Sobhi - Poem

The ancient water flows freely beneath me

An old vibrating vein in an ancient land.

Before me sits a once-green civilisation

Rows upon rows of palm trees,

Of all shapes, sizes and ages

Orchards beyond the eye can see.

The sun falls on my face

As a cold breeze ruffles my hair.

The greenery awakens my sight,

Breathing life and colour into my soul,

Shades aplenty;

Life.

My eyes fall on grass-crested islands

With black buffalos and goats grazing silently

Aswan scenery. 27 January 2016.
Picture taken by Nada Adel Sobhi

The wind is cold but alive.

I'm in love.

The flowing River Nile,

Sparkling underneath the sun;

The world of a once Amun-Ra,

A history engraved in stone

With colours vibrant,

Like they were painted just yesterday

I inhale the pure air; 

No pollution here,

The sun warms my face,

Like a loving hand holding my cheeks.

I wish I could linger here,

Connect with the old world,

With nature and simplicity,

And more importantly with me.

I inhale again,

Eyes closed,

Blocking the sounds around me,

Except the lulling water;

The green islands in the back of my mind,

Filling my vision,

The statues fronting the temples,

The history…

All behind closed eyelids.

  

Edfu Temple, Edfu, Egypt (between Luxor and Aswan)
Picture taken by Nada Adel Sobhi

Written 27/1/2016 on a cruise in Aswan, Egypt. 

Raging Waters by Nada Adel Sobhi - Poem

The sea is high,

Fury runs in its veins.

The colour

Deadly beautiful,

Calling swimmers to their doom.

Anxious,

Angry

Are the waves.

"Rage forth unto these mortals!

Rise! Rise!

And show no mercy!

Let them know fear."

I can hear Poseidon howl

From the unseen depths

"Let them see and feel

Our mighty fury!"

The colour seduces me.

But I know better.

Even a mermaid

Would lay low

From the mighty king's wrath.

And yet,

I cannot keep my eyes off it;

Never seen this hue of deadly turquoise.

Schools of fish

Rooted in their place,

The current too strong

Despite their number.

The colour calls to me,

But the waves warn me.

'Not today, little one.

We have no control!'

The wind blows strong,

From all directions.

A sail boat would flip over,

None to survive.

No breeze,

Nor water spray,

But bellowing wind,

A scorching sun,

And a deadly wave

Drenches me from head to toe.

I will heed your words.

"Come mortals!

Face me!

Face your demons,

In my once clean waters!"   

Photo credit: Nada Adel Sobhi. Location: North Coast km 87, Egypt

Written Sunday, 14 August, 2016 at 2 pm