Instead of “The Davinci Code” I would recommend “Seven Ancient Wonders” or “Foucault’s Pendulum” (one a high octane action thriller, the other…well, must be read to be defined).
stella3books on
“I would like a queer, touching novel that gives a voice to a relatively minor figure in classical mythology, and translates them through a modern lens to make them relatable instead of alien.”
“Read “Alcestis” by Katharine Beautner, not “Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller.”
My total subjective opinion is that Beautner brings a lot more oomph to her writing, and takes more creative risks. But “Song of Achilles” has a specific soulmates-in-love tenderness that isn’t apparent here, so people who appreciated that element won’t like the book as much.
~~~~~~~
“I would like a complicated, ensemble-cast epic fantasy set in a world with rich, intricate world-building and a sophisticated understanding of medieval politics.”
“Read “Crown of Stars” by Kate Elliott, not “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin”
Though Martin is willing to mine comedic patter a bit more than Elliott, she’s more into flexing her research-muscles, so people who liked ASoIaF for the bits like Tyrion and Bronn’s banter, or Arya and the Hound’s bitching, will be disappointed.
AbbyBabble on
Instead of A Court of Thorns and Roses… try the Wheel of Time?
3 Comments
Instead of “The Davinci Code” I would recommend “Seven Ancient Wonders” or “Foucault’s Pendulum” (one a high octane action thriller, the other…well, must be read to be defined).
“I would like a queer, touching novel that gives a voice to a relatively minor figure in classical mythology, and translates them through a modern lens to make them relatable instead of alien.”
“Read “Alcestis” by Katharine Beautner, not “Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller.”
My total subjective opinion is that Beautner brings a lot more oomph to her writing, and takes more creative risks. But “Song of Achilles” has a specific soulmates-in-love tenderness that isn’t apparent here, so people who appreciated that element won’t like the book as much.
~~~~~~~
“I would like a complicated, ensemble-cast epic fantasy set in a world with rich, intricate world-building and a sophisticated understanding of medieval politics.”
“Read “Crown of Stars” by Kate Elliott, not “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R. R. Martin”
Though Martin is willing to mine comedic patter a bit more than Elliott, she’s more into flexing her research-muscles, so people who liked ASoIaF for the bits like Tyrion and Bronn’s banter, or Arya and the Hound’s bitching, will be disappointed.
Instead of A Court of Thorns and Roses… try the Wheel of Time?