Hi. It’s been a while.

One of the most interesting parts of this year, in terms of school, is how we no longer have PLP all year. Due to the quarter system, we only have PLP at the beginning of the year, and at the end. For that reason, this here blog has been rather quiet.

The thing is, what I’ve been learning about in school recently isn’t exactly blog worthy. I mean, I could tell you about how the force you feel when going around a corner is actually pulling you inwards, or about how your lungs actually only push air out, nor draw it in, but I think that would be boring to read. I think it’s interesting, but as it has been pointed out to me, I am a nerd.

Instead, I thought I’d talk about. slightly less nerdy topic, which is books. I have been reading a lot over quarantine, so I think I have some good recommendations for those of you who are thinking about picking up a book. I would like to put it out there that I read a very specific genre that is not to everyones taste, but I think it’s fantastic. Anyways, here are a few books I have recently enjoyed.

First on the list is Lore by Alexandra Bracken. If you’re at all interested in Greek Mythology, then I think you would enjoy this book. Basically, every seven years a few of the greek gods come to earth as mortals because of a punishment from Zeus. Descendants from famous greek heroes hunt the gods, and if you kill a god, you inherit their powers. The story follows Lore, who tried to escape from that world, but is pulled back in by a long lost friend and an injured goddess. the pacing in this book was amazing, the references to old myths fantastic, and world-building was top notch. This was a definite 5 star read.

Whereas Lore is a standalone, Caraval by Stephanie Garber is a trilogy that follows two sisters in
the Meridian Empire. In this world, a magician called Legend holds a yearly performance called Caraval, where people from all over the empire come to play a game. The sisters are wanted that none of what happens is real, and that it is all part of the game, but as the series progresses, more and more is at stake for Scarlett and Donatella.

I wasn’t a super fan of either of the sisters at first. But by the end, the massive character arc definitely did it for me. Finale and Caraval, the third and first, were a wee bit better than Legendary, but everything worked together very well. 10/10.

Sherwood is an interesting take on the story of Robin Hood. In this version by Meagan Spooner, it is Marian, not Robin, who takes the mantle of Robin Hood. I’m not sure how else to explain it without giving more away, but it is a definite must-read. I really enjoyed how feminism was worked into the book, and how societal expectations were so engrained into it. Though I take issue with the ending, it is a great book.

If you ever need a book series that will break you, I present you with the Something Dark and Holy series by Emily A. Duncan. The first two books are out now, the final to be released next month. I think I might die.

This series follows a girl who can talk to the gods, a prince who is in constant danger, and a boy with a secret. Navigating a civil war, these three weave a tangled path of blood, death, and eldritch gods as they try to fix their dying society.

…

There you have it, folks. A few books to tide you over as we continue to thrive in these interesting times. If you read any of these, want more recommendations, or have a book recommendation, leave a comment. Otherwise, go for a walk. It’s probably nice outside.