Books matching: realism in mythology
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- #1
Save:A Sea of Sorrow: A Novel of Odysseus is a collection of short stories retelling the epic tale of The Odyssey through the eyes of various characters such as Penelope, Telemachus, Circe, and Calypso. The book offers a unique and clever concept, providing a realistic twist to the mythology and supernatural elements, making the stories more stunning and engaging. The narratives explore the dangers of life on Ithaca, the struggles of waiting for Odysseus to return, and the interactions with gods and mythical creatures in a fresh and captivating way.
The writing style in A Sea of Sorrow is praised for its original spins on venerable myths, captivating storytelling, and engaging characters. The book successfully brings to life the shattered victims of The Odyssey, allowing readers to experience the well-known story from a different perspective. The authors skillfully blend historical fiction with fantastical elements, creating a seamless reimagining of Odysseus's journey home after the fall of Troy.
It was one of her father-in-law’s men, a wizened warrior with white-streaked hair and scowl lines scored deeply into his weathered forehead. He held two squirming, cursing boys by the neck, presenting... - #2
Save:'Flames' by Robbie Arnott is a mesmerizing tale set in contemporary Tasmania, Australia, revolving around the McAllister family's peculiar experiences with death and reincarnation. The story follows Levi, who builds a coffin for his grief-stricken sister Charlotte to prevent her from following their mother's bizarre fate of returning after cremation. As Charlotte flees, Levi embarks on a frantic search with the help of a private detective, revealing a narrative filled with magical realism, mythology, and a deep connection to nature. The novel intricately weaves together multiple perspectives, unique characters, and interlinking narratives, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.
Arnott's writing style in 'Flames' is praised for its exquisite descriptive prose that vividly captures the beauty and mystique of Tasmania. The book's narrative structure, which alternates between different narrators and perspectives, adds layers of complexity and depth to the story, culminating in a seamless blend of reality and fantasy. Readers are drawn into a world where elements of nature come to life, emotions run high, and the power of familial relationships and the natural world are explored in a poignant and captivating manner.
The sand was hard and sharp and blowing up into Karl’s shins, whipped cruel by the dead northerly coming in over the white-chopped sea. He increased his pace, trotting across the beach, juggling his b... - #3
Save:The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern is a book that weaves together stories within stories, following the journey of Zachary Ezra Rawlins as he discovers a mysterious old book in his university library. The book is filled with a strange collection of disconnected stories, one of which is about Zachary himself. Seeking answers leads him to a secret underground library, the Harbor on the Starless Sea, where he uncovers hidden truths and connections among the stories. The writing style is described as poetic, entrancing, and transporting readers to a fairy tale-like world of mysterious books and secret libraries.
The book is a celebration of stories and storytelling in all its forms, exploring the importance of friendship, bravery, love, and the power of narratives to take readers on a journey through enchanting and magical realms. It delves into the concept of a parallel universe of stories existing underground, accessed through secret doorways, while also touching on themes of self-discovery, interconnectedness, and the beauty of words and ideas.
(Close enough to see from behind the bars. Freedom kept in sight but out of reach, left as a reminder to the prisoner. No one remembers that now on the key side of the bars. The careful psychological ... - #4
Save:In "Gods of Jade and Shadow" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the story follows Casiopea Tun, a young girl in 1920s rural Mexico, as she accidentally releases a Mayan god from his imprisonment. She embarks on a quest with the god, Hun Kam, to locate his missing body parts and restore his power, all while facing obstacles and adversaries along the way. The book seamlessly blends Mayan mythology with a Jazz Age setting, creating a fantastical tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the complexities of human and god relationships. The writing style is described as lush and evocative, with a mix of historical fiction and fantasy elements that keep readers engaged and immersed in the world of gods and mortals.
Some people are born under a lucky star, while others have their misfortune telegraphed by the position of the planets. Casiopea Tun, named after a constellation, was born under the most rotten star i... - #5
Save:Dreams Underfoot by Charles de Lint is an anthology of urban fairy tales set in the imaginary city of Newford. The stories blur the threshold between reality and faerie, introducing readers to mythical creatures and magical elements hidden in the shadows of everyday life. The collection features interconnected short stories with recurring characters, offering a blend of myth, folklore, and fairytales set against the backdrop of 90s street culture and art. De Lint's writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and haunting, with a focus on character development and creating a sense of magic within a realistic urban setting.
She would see them in the twilight when the wind was right, roly-poly shapes propelled by ocean breezes, turning end-over-end along the beach or down the alley behind her house, like errant beach ball...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Newford ) - #6
Save:The Book of Dragons by Jonathan Strahan is an anthology that showcases a diverse range of short stories and poems centered around dragons. Readers are treated to imaginative and unique interpretations of dragons, with stories exploring different cultures, themes, and genres. From mechanical dragons to mythical creatures, the book offers a fresh perspective on these legendary beings. The writing style varies from serious and introspective to lighthearted and explosive, providing a well-balanced collection that aims to entertain and engage readers.
Elle Katharine White(www.ellekatharinewhite.com) was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where she learned valuable life skills like how to clear a snowy driveway in under twenty minutes (a lot easi... - #7
Save:The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid is a dark and immersive fantasy novel that intertwines Slavic and Jewish mythology. The story follows Evike, a pagan woman who forms an unlikely alliance with her enemy, Gaspar, as they navigate through danger, intrigue, and self-discovery. Set in a world filled with folklore, magic, and monstrous creatures, the book explores themes of abuse, sacrifice, and the clash between faith and history.
The writing style in The Wolf and the Woodsman is described as lyrical and captivating, painting a vivid picture of a world infused with rich details and deep cultural influences. The story delves into dark and unflinching themes, incorporating elements of Hungarian history and mythology to create a heart-wrenching narrative that explores the complexities of identity and the consequences of cultural persecution.
The girls who are skilled forgers fashion little iron stakes to drive through the roots of the trees and into the earth, anchoring them in place. With no gift for forging between the two of us, Boróka... - #8
Save:'The Hum and the Shiver' by Alex Bledsoe revolves around Private Bronwyn Hyatt, a war hero returning to her hometown in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, inhabited by the secretive and enigmatic Tufa people. Bronwyn must navigate her obligations to her people, her family, and her own identity while facing mysterious omens, family tragedies, and the pull of her heritage's music. Set in a contemporary Appalachian setting, the novel delves into themes of war, power, family obligations, and the struggle to find one's place in a unique and magical community, all with a touch of magical realism.
A screech owl stood on the porch rail, its tiny talons scratching against the wood. The dawn light made the tufts of its wind-ruffled feathers look jagged and bloody. The bird had a voice far out of p... - #9
Save:Selene DiSilva, also known as Artemis, is a modern-day vigilante who stumbles upon a murder victim with signs of an ancient Greek ritual, sparking an investigation that leads her to team up with a Greek mythology professor, Theo. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a plot involving the Greek gods trying to gain immortality through sacrificial killings, putting innocent lives at risk. The book seamlessly blends elements of urban fantasy, Greek mythology, mystery, and romance, creating a captivating and suspenseful story set in New York City.
The Immortals in the Olympus Bound series by Jordanna Max Brodsky is praised for its well-researched world-building, engaging plot twists, and the humanization of Greek gods living among mortals. The book features a strong and complex protagonist in Selene, who is portrayed as a no-nonsense, badass character with a cautious and emotionally fragile side. The writing style is described as smooth, well-plotted, and immersive, making it easy for readers to lose themselves in the magical and modern-day setting of the story.
Selene DiSilva crouched in a narrow alley between two run-down apartment buildings, watching the street. When she’d begun her vigil hours before, the smells of roasting chicken and frying plantains ha... - #10
Save:Anansi Boys is a humorous and entertaining novel that delves into the folklore of the spider god, Anansi, and his two sons, Fat Charlie Nancy and Spider. The story follows the brothers as they meet for the first time after their father's death, leading to a series of events that turn their lives upside down in a funny and dangerous manner. The book combines mythology, magic, and life lessons, weaving a tale that is both modern and rooted in African Anansi myths.
The narrative style of Anansi Boys is a mix of contemporary storytelling and mythical elements, creating a quirky and playful atmosphere. Through the characters of Fat Charlie and Spider, the book explores themes of family, friendship, love, and the power of gods, all set against a backdrop of humor and whimsy. Neil Gaiman's writing skillfully intertwines folklore and modern life, presenting a story that is both inventive and engaging.
In the beginning, after all, were the words, and they came with a tune. That was how the world was made, how the void was divided, how the lands and the stars and the dreams and the little gods and th...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series American Gods )
