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Book Review: The Chestnut Soldier

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The Chestnut Soldier
The Chestnut Soldier by Jenny Nimmo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was completely entranced by every word in this book, and read it all in one sitting!
This last book in the trilogy is told from the perspectives of both Gwyn and Nia, the story weaving around them like a mystical dance. Nia’s long-lost uncle, Evan, is a soldier recovering from being wounded, and he comes to visit her family. But it soon becomes evident that Evan is being used as a pawn in magical warfare, and Gwyn must find a way to convince Nia that something is wrong with her uncle, and get her help in saving Evan from the evil within.

This story is deliciously haunting, unearthly and weird in the magic of myth and legend that comes to life. Every scene is dripping with suspense and hidden meanings, but there’s also humor and brightness that stands out against the dark themes. The writing is absolutely genius! Continue reading →

Book Review: The Goddess Test

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The Goddess Test
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I fell in love with this retelling of the Persephone story set in the modern day!
Kate’s mother is dying of cancer, so Kate makes a deal with Henry (Hades) that she will undergo seven tests and stay with him in the Underworld for 6 months out of the year as Persephone did, and in return he will keep her mother alive. But some of the gods don’t want her to succeed, and every second she spends in the Underworld, her life is in danger.

I liked Kate’s character immediately. She is a caring and generous person, but she also has a no-nonsense attitude that makes her gutsy and edgy! Her interactions with people were full of humor and just… a realness. She is surrounded by the supernatural, and she has this beautiful raw humanity. She is frail. She is confused. She is awkward at times. Discovering the world of the Greek gods through her eyes, and seeing her develop slowly into a more confident and connected person was simply fascinating. Continue reading →