‘Norse Mythology’ Book Review

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Mount Readmore Book Review, 2018 104/200

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Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Audiobook Edition

Finished on 6/24/2018

Goodreads

Description:

Neil Gaiman, long inspired by ancient mythology in creating the fantastical realms of his fiction, presents a bravura rendition of the Norse gods and their world from their origin though their upheaval in Ragnarok. In Norse Mythology, Gaiman stays true to the myths in envisioning the major Norse pantheon: Odin, the highest of the high, wise, daring, and cunning; Thor, Odin’s son, incredibly strong yet not the wisest of gods; and Loki?son of a giant?blood brother to Odin and a trickster and unsurpassable manipulator.

Gaiman fashions these primeval stories into a novelistic arc that begins with the genesis of the legendary nine worlds and delves into the exploits of deities, dwarfs, and giants. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, these gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions, making these long-ago myths breathe pungent life again.

Genres: Fantasy, Mythology Continue reading →

‘Alif the Unseen’ Book Review

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Mount Readmore Book Review, 2018 103/200

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Alif the Unseen by G. Willow Wilson

Audiobook Edition

Finished on 6/23/2018

Goodreads

Description:

In an unnamed Middle Eastern security state, a young Arab-Indian hacker shields his clients—dissidents, outlaws, Islamists, and other watched groups—from surveillance and tries to stay out of trouble. He goes by Alif—the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, and a convenient handle to hide behind. The aristocratic woman Alif loves has jilted him for a prince chosen by her parents, and his computer has just been breached by the state’s electronic security force, putting his clients and his own neck on the line. Then it turns out his lover’s new fiancé is the “Hand of God,” as they call the head of state security, and his henchmen come after Alif, driving him underground.

When Alif discovers The Thousand and One Days, the secret book of the jinn, which both he and the Hand suspect may unleash a new level of information technology, the stakes are raised and Alif must struggle for life or death, aided by forces seen and unseen.

Genres: Cyberpunk, Urban Fantasy, Science Fiction, Arabic Fantasy, Fantasy, World Fantasy Award Winner Continue reading →

‘The Celts’ Book Review

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Mount Readmore Book Review, 2018 102/200

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The Celts by Barry Cunliffe

Paperback Edition

Finished on 6/21/2018

Goodreads

Description:

Savage and bloodthirsty, or civilized and peaceable? The Celts have long been a subject of enormous fascination, speculation, and misunderstanding. From the ancient Romans to the present day, their real nature has been obscured by a tangled web of preconceived ideas and stereotypes.
Barry Cunliffe seeks to reveal this fascinating people for the first time, using an impressive range of evidence, and exploring subjects such as trade, migration, and the evolution of Celtic traditions. Along the way, he exposes the way in which society’s needs have shaped our visions of the Celts, and examines such colorful characters as St. Patrick, Cu Chulainn, and Boudica.

Genres: History, Archaeology, Nonfiction, Celts, Ancient History Continue reading →

‘Throne of Jade’ Book Review

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Mount Readmore Book Review, 2018 101/200

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Throne of Jade by Naomi Novik

Audiobook Edition

Finished on 6/21/2018

Goodreads

Description:

When Britain intercepted a French ship and its precious cargo–an unhatched dragon’s egg–Capt. Will Laurence of HMS Reliant unexpectedly became master and commander of the noble dragon he named Temeraire. As new recruits in Britain’s Aerial Corps, man and dragon soon proved their mettle in daring combat against Bonaparte’s invading forces.

Now China has discovered that its rare gift, intended for Napoleon, has fallen into British hands–and an angry Chinese delegation vows to reclaim the remarkable beast. But Laurence refuses to cooperate. Facing the gallows for his defiance, Laurence has no choice but to accompany Temeraire back to the Far East–a long voyage fraught with peril, intrigue, and the untold terrors of the deep. Yet once the pair reaches the court of the Chinese emperor, even more shocking discoveries and darker dangers await.

Genres: Fantasy, Flintlock Fantasy, Temeraire, Historical Fiction, Dragons, Alternate History, High Fantasy Continue reading →

‘The Penitent Damned’ Book Review

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Mount Readmore Book Review, 2018 97/200

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Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs by Barbara Mertz, Elizabeth Peters

eBook Edition

Finished on 6/17/2018

Goodreads

Description:

Alex is a master thief, with dark magic to give her an edge. When she goes up against Duke Orlanko’s Concordat secret police, though, she may have taken on more than she bargained for…

This is a prequel short story to The Thousand Names. It was released for free on io9 — http://io9.com/the-coolest-fantasy-st… — and is also available on the Kindle Store.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Story, Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy, Adventure, Crime

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‘Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs’ Book Review

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Mount Readmore Book Review, 2018 96/200

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Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs by Barbara Mertz, Elizabeth Peters

Hardback Edition

Finished on 6/17/2018

Goodreads

Description:

An eye-opening, edifying, and endlessly entertaining tour through an astonishing bygone world—the acclaimed classic history of ancient Egypt, now newly revised and updated

Writing as Elizabeth Peters, world-renowned Egyptologist Barbara Mertz is the author of the phenomenally popular New York Times bestselling mystery series featuring archaeologist Amelia Peabody. In Temples, Tombs, and Hieroglyphs, Dr. Mertz explores the breathtaking reality behind her fiction by casting a dazzling light on a remarkable civilization that, even after thousands of years, still stirs the human imagination and inspires awe with its marvelous mysteries and amazing accomplishments.

A fascinating chronicle of an extraordinary epoch—from the first Stone Age settlements through the reign of Cleopatra and the Roman invasions—Temples, Tombs, and Hieroglyphs brings ancient Egypt to life as never before. Lavishly illustrated with pictures, maps, photographs, and charts, it offers tantalizing glimpses into Egyptian society and everyday life; amazing stories of the pharaohs and the rise and fall of great dynasties; religion and culture; folklore and fairy tales; stories of the explorers, scientists, and unmitigated scoundrels who sought to unravel or exploit the ageless mysteries; and breathtaking insights into the magnificent architectural wonders that rose up from the desert sands.

Revised and updated to include the results of the most recent historical research and archaeological finds, Dr. Mertz’s book is unhampered by stuffy prose and dry academic formality. Instead, it is a vibrant, colorful, and fun excursion for anyone who’s ever fantasized about exploring the Valley of the Kings, viewing up close the treasures of the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, or sailing down the Nile on Cleopatra’s royal barge.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, History book, Egypt, Africa, Archaeology, Ancient History, Elizabeth Peters, Amelia Peabody

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