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A review by curlykira
Dreamless. Nell'aldilà ogni notte è per sempre by Josephine Angelini
5.0
I LOVED this book! As far as sequels go, this was not a usual disappointment that I feel with other series. The first book in a series is always exciting and new but the second can sometimes be a bit lacklustre as it continues the same, now tired themes and ideas of the first book. However, Angelini has managed to keep her protagonist interesting with a change in focus with new problems for her to face and the progression of all her characters. She skillfully adds in a new potential love interest without being too predictable with her choice in character and as it stands I have no idea which one Helen will choose (if either!). Helen's sufferings are believable and although we hear much about similar incidents, Angelini's writing keeps us interested so we never think "oh here we go again". However, hearing about them frequently really reinforces how much Helen is going through. I also love how detailed she is with all aspects of the world she has created. Her characters are so whole and realistic and the description of the Underworld can be easily pictured in one's mind. I managed to finish this book within two days because the plot was never obvious to me and the characters and storyline sucked me in completely.
The only complaint I have about this book (and it's a very minute, fussy one) is how far Josphine Angelini strays from real Greek Mythology. Okay, so nobody else really cares what the Greeks believed but for me, as a Classicist (someone who studys Ancient Greece and Rome), it is pretty damn important! I mean I can tolerate some minor alterations, even the Ancients themselves did it from time to time, but there are some instances which are definitely clear cut. For instance, Electra is NOT the daughter of Oedipus who was made mad due to the incest which brought about her birth (she was Agamemnon's daughter, who helped to kill her mother to avenge his death). As I said, it's a small thing that would not even occur to many people who liked this book and to be honest it didn't lessen my own enjoyment of this book much at all so it still gets 5 stars.
The only complaint I have about this book (and it's a very minute, fussy one) is how far Josphine Angelini strays from real Greek Mythology. Okay, so nobody else really cares what the Greeks believed but for me, as a Classicist (someone who studys Ancient Greece and Rome), it is pretty damn important! I mean I can tolerate some minor alterations, even the Ancients themselves did it from time to time, but there are some instances which are definitely clear cut. For instance, Electra is NOT the daughter of Oedipus who was made mad due to the incest which brought about her birth (she was Agamemnon's daughter, who helped to kill her mother to avenge his death). As I said, it's a small thing that would not even occur to many people who liked this book and to be honest it didn't lessen my own enjoyment of this book much at all so it still gets 5 stars.