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3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
Quick, enjoyable read. I greatly appreciate the way the author focused on the main storyline without wandering off track and kept the gods in character; not romanticize them. It was bit 'in your face' but a refreshing, humorous novel with a satisfactory conclusion.
This was a fantastically fun fluffy book. It's pretty light reading but the story was enough that it kept me flying through the pages.
I picked this up based on an internet quiz I took. I had hoped for something similar to American Gods. This isn't it but it's a fun read just the same. The Olympian pantheon of gods are stuck, mostly powerless, in modern day London in a crumbling house. The story centers around Artemis trying to hold their dysfunctional family together while familiar petty squabbles cause havoc. One squabble leaks into the lives of mortals and Artemis must save the day. The end is a little hokey and obvious but it's well told & the joke about Athena's wisdom at the end was genuinely funny.
Spoiler
their powers come from belief
A very novel novel, but not a memorable one. For me, a one idea novel has to also have great writing and a reason for its idea, that is thoroughly explored and purposeful. The writing here is good, and the theme is sustained and amusing. That's it really.
It has made me want to return to ancient texts though so that's a good thing.
It has made me want to return to ancient texts though so that's a good thing.
Interesting concept, fairly boring execution. Seemed to drag out and never felt very strong emotions toward any of the characters.
Decent premise but bad execution. I'm about halfway in and so far this book is TERRIBLE. But since the end is in sight, I'm going to try to suck it up and finish it. Pray for me...
UPDATE: So I finished it. Thankfully it was short. It improved considerably after the first half. In the second half, there was more action and it resolved itself surprising quickly after the seemingly long build up.
The beginning was excessive and not well done but I understand that it was a necessary part of the set-up. Phillips was trying to explain about the current state of the gods but it just didn't come off as interesting. Where she could have summed things up, she spent too much time explaining and when she should have explained more, then she summarized. It was difficult to care too much about her hero/heroine who were likable but strange (Neil was more likable towards the end) and the gods were pretty deplorable. Even Artemis, who you are supposed to like or at least sympathize with, is annoying at the start.
Anyway, it ended better than it began which I guess is saying something. Can't really say I'd recommend to anyone though.
UPDATE: So I finished it. Thankfully it was short. It improved considerably after the first half. In the second half, there was more action and it resolved itself surprising quickly after the seemingly long build up.
The beginning was excessive and not well done but I understand that it was a necessary part of the set-up. Phillips was trying to explain about the current state of the gods but it just didn't come off as interesting. Where she could have summed things up, she spent too much time explaining and when she should have explained more, then she summarized. It was difficult to care too much about her hero/heroine who were likable but strange (Neil was more likable towards the end) and the gods were pretty deplorable. Even Artemis, who you are supposed to like or at least sympathize with, is annoying at the start.
Anyway, it ended better than it began which I guess is saying something. Can't really say I'd recommend to anyone though.
I was looking for a light, enjoyable read, and this was just right. The Greek gods behaving like...well, the Greek gods. A bit of romance, a touch of heroics, and you have a nice bit of escapism.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated