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isabezza's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
3.5
I would have loved to rate this higher, because I this book opened my eyes to many interesting myths from around the world - I went down a few research rabbit holes online after reading this book. Also, there were certain stories within the collection which I would rate 5 stars - Attem, Nefertiti, Zhinu - but sadly not all of them. Some of the myths were so modernised they felt like cliche romances set in schools and offices, rather than maintaining some of their magic. A really difficult book to review, when some aspects were so excellent and others disappointed.
caitlinpalm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
mxcoyote's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
jcthewriter's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
gauriraut's review against another edition
2.0
2.5/5
Points to note:
1) I was unfamiliar with all the stories, except one (coincidentally the one I gave the highest score to);
2) Was also, under the impression that the stories were going to be a contemporary retelling (my mistake).
Only a few stories were set in modern times and those were the ones I enjoyed the most. As those read the most distinct.
My problem with the other stories and characters was in the fact that they seemed to be stuck in the blurry limbo between mythological and historical.
The writing was nice (for the most part) and florid, but often felt superfluous. The telling exceeded the showing way too many times, making the characters feel like caricatures or figurines from history, unattainable and distant, which was a disappointed for me.
Most of the stories weren't fleshed out enough so when we reached the 'happy ending' it was jarring and abrupt. Also because of the lack of solid characterisation, repetitive use of certain adjectives, and a similar idea about love that most of the women featured had, the stories blurred into one another making the book a bit of a chore to finish.
Also, perhaps it's just me, but did all the female protagonists seem quick to judge other women in their stories? Like I thought this book was *not* about that?
However, it has made me curious to read (in the distant future) other works by the author.
Points to note:
1) I was unfamiliar with all the stories, except one (coincidentally the one I gave the highest score to);
2) Was also, under the impression that the stories were going to be a contemporary retelling (my mistake).
Only a few stories were set in modern times and those were the ones I enjoyed the most. As those read the most distinct.
My problem with the other stories and characters was in the fact that they seemed to be stuck in the blurry limbo between mythological and historical.
The writing was nice (for the most part) and florid, but often felt superfluous. The telling exceeded the showing way too many times, making the characters feel like caricatures or figurines from history, unattainable and distant, which was a disappointed for me.
Most of the stories weren't fleshed out enough so when we reached the 'happy ending' it was jarring and abrupt. Also because of the lack of solid characterisation, repetitive use of certain adjectives, and a similar idea about love that most of the women featured had, the stories blurred into one another making the book a bit of a chore to finish.
Also, perhaps it's just me, but did all the female protagonists seem quick to judge other women in their stories? Like I thought this book was *not* about that?
However, it has made me curious to read (in the distant future) other works by the author.