I don’t know about you, but I hate reality. I’d often crave losing myself to the world of fiction and here are some books that helped me escape into another universe.
1. The Song Of Achilles – Madeline Miller
A retelling of Greek Mythology of the life of Patroclus and Achilles. The story is told in Patroclus’s eyes, something that had both shocked and confused the hell out of me for I had thought the story was written in a 3rd person’s point of view (POV). But it was interesting to read how Patroclus views his world and Achilles.
However, that being said, since the story is told in Patroclus’s eyes, the story is narrated through rose-tinted glass. Achilles is being described as a much better person than he probably is thus making this a book worth checking out in my opinion.
The story begins with Patroclus’s birth, his exile and his meeting with Achilles. It narrates of their journey together as they grow and eventually face their troubles at War. Everything was written so beautifully and their dialogues always hit so close to home. The style of writing used is not too complicated to understand, but do expect something not too modern as it is Greek Mythology.
Also, I’m almost pretty sure everyone knows how this story unfolds, but if you don’t then I guess you should prepare your heart for pain. It is safe to say I wept the most because of this book compared to my other reads. I’m not sure if it was because I was reading those last few pages at 4am, but the thought of many implications in the book had me crying buckets. I have so much more to say, but I shall not lengthen this further and will move on to the next book.
2. Circe – Madeline Miller
As the title probably suggests, it is yet another Greek Mythology retelling of the Goddess, Circe, written by the same amazing author as “The Song Of Achilles”. (I swear her writing is phenomenal) Once again, the book narrates Circe’s life since she was a young child. Her growth, exile, pain, love, power.
I wouldn’t say I was completely hooked throughout the book, but I would say it still got me staying up till odd hours just to complete the book. Miller had written her in such a way that really brings light on her resilience. The story narrates her struggles at every stage of her life, such that at the end where she can finally be happy, it felt like such a relief to me as a reader. This book is written in the POV of Circe, so readers have access to each and every of her thoughts.
I’ll admit, I had shed a tear or two reading this book at the mere thought of it ending.
3. A Court Of Thorns And Roses – Sarah J. Maas
This book is a series consisting of 5 parts at the moment. The story describes of a huntress, Feyre, who was taken into the Faerie world (Which she has only heard about from legends) by an enraged faerie for killing a wolf, his comrade. There, she started developing feelings for that particular Faerie, eventually having to face a tough decision between her life and his. The first 4 books tells the story of the main couple, while the fifth book narrates the love between Feyre’s sister: Nesta, and Cassian.
The first book was inspired by the famed Disney story: Beauty and The Beast. The series is a slow burn (If you didn’t already realise) and probably wouldn’t fare well in your hands if you don’t have enough time. The writing is rather simplistic and is not difficult to read. Despite the story being one of slow burn, it had still kept me at the edge of my seat ad was anything but boring. When I had flipped the last page, I remembered having to sit down and really process what I had read (In a good way). This story got me wishing I could transport myself into its world, and thus I can say that world building in this series is perfectly executed.
I have seen many disapprovals voiced towards this book, but for me the first book was okay. However, I do agree that the true adventure begins from the second book. So if you are already in the midst of reading this book and are wishing to give up soon, I urge you to hang on and make it to the second book before deciding whether or not this series is worth your time.
(SPOILER ALERT!) Another detail I love about this book is the fact that the first male introduced in the series is not the male interest at the end.
These books are truly worth the read so give these titles the chance they deserve!
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