Tag: myth

Eridanus (Enigma: Book Two) by Kim Idynne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The search for a young girl in another realm brings in new allies and new challenges in author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus”, the second book in the Enigma series.

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The Synopsis

In this sequel to Enigma, Dominic and Surina travel to a mountainous region of Peru in an attempt to enter the celestial realm. Their plans seem to go awry when Surina becomes trapped in the stars alone. Surina and Hannah team up to solve the puzzle of Orion, but in order to get there, they will have to travel the Eridanus: the longest and most enigma-ridden river of the underworld.

The Review

This was a grand entry in the Enigma series. The introduction of new characters and expansion upon the mythos the author built up in the first book of the series was great to see come to fruition in this narrative. The fast pace of the plot and the mysterious atmosphere the author layers throughout the story help create the necessary tension and action that drives both Surina and Hannah forward in their journey.

What stood out, though, was the character development that this narrative took forward. Surina was a great new protagonist to take the reins from Dominic for most of the plot, and the ways that the stars and this new reality begin to change Hannah slowly, and her perspective as she becomes lost in this reality, were heart-pounding and tense. The development of Wibben as a character was equally thrilling to see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus” is an excellent entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven book. The twists and turns continue in this mystery-driven narrative, and the puzzles and enigmas themselves were thought-provoking and compelling as the story ends on another big cliffhanger that will drive readers to read book three easily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com

Dark Tales of Whimsy Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Four authors bring a unique collection of folklore with a modern twist in the book “Dark Tales of Whimsy”.

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The Synopsis

Dark Tales of Whimsy 

Dark Tales of Whimsy is a collection of four short stories which weave elements of folklore with modern influences, engaging readers with tales of danger, curses, and more than a little mischief. This collection also includes illustrations  by Oz Osborn.

Tooth, written by Simone Le Roux

In her short, Tooth, Simone LeRoux introduces us to Peg, who is feeling the pressure of surviving tooth to tooth. Join Peg and her ambitious cousin, Orla, as they aim to evade the woeful fate of Tooth Fairies who break the rules. 

Anti-Cupid, written by Carlotta Cosmai

In Carlotta Cosmai’s story of love, we follow dead-beat husband and father, Cupid. In time, his arrows have been replaced by an enchanted smart phone, and his desires have become sleazy and self-serving. Follow his daughter, Pleasure, as she tries to bring true love back to Rome.

Little Miss Muffet Meets Anansi The Spider, written by Remy Fernandes

It’s been a while since ‘The Spider Incident,’ when Missy lost her foot from the bite. Now, she has grown to adulthood and landed a job at the Ice Cream Hut at the zoo. When her lunch break is interrupted by a talkative spider, Missy finds herself in a deal with a hungry, eight-legged intruder, whose antics could cost Muffet more than her job.

Three’s Last Stand, written by Alyssa Blackmon

In Alyssa Blackmon’s re-telling, we meet Three, the brick house-maker, who now has spent years being hunted by the big bad werewolf and his turned brothers. The day has come that Three can finally find closure with his brothers, and gain vengeance on the wolf.  

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The Review

One of the most challenging genres to break into is the retelling genre, which involves taking classic tales and giving them a fresh spin. Yet, in this collection, the authors have done just that, taking some of the world’s most iconic myths and legends and providing a unique, adult, and engaging spin. The amount of world-building that each tale can incorporate in such a short time is fantastic, and the haunting atmosphere that each story provides brings about that dark fairytale feeling that the collection aims to provide.

This was a short story collection driven by character dynamics. The heart of this collection was the way each story provided a unique, vulnerable, yet impressive protagonist to stand behind and a worthy problem to overcome. The chilling take on the black market and illegal thefts of children’s teeth regarding the lore of the tooth fairy was such an inspiring twist in the first tale and brought a standard of dark whimsy that each story thereafter lived up to. 

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The Verdict

“Dark Tales of Whimsy” is a must-read short story collection that is captivating, enthralling, and memorable. The chilling adult storylines and unique twists on iconic fairytales made this compelling collection richly developed and mesmerizing to behold. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Dark Tales of Whimsy (Digital Download)

Interview with Author Kinga Szumska 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I work and live in London, working in financial services, having a regular job but also breathing with a creative spirit and pursuing my different hobbies such as writing and painting on the side. I’ve always enjoyed keeping a journal but this was on and off. When I was at school – writing was coming my way quite easily but I had a horrible teacher of Polish literature and that definitely discouraged me to pursue my ideas. That brings me to a point of saying that English is my second language as I was born and educated in Poland. Then, moved to London at the age of 21 and my English language is still very far from perfect. But since I read a lot in English I thought let me write in English and get a pro editor to just correct my grammar. This is a great way of improving vocabulary and grammar in your second language. I have been always of creative spirit, painting, and writing stories came to me quite naturally. So let’s see how my creativity unfolds further and in what directions. 

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What inspired you to write your book?

The Sacred Mountains was my second book in fact. It follows the theme of a parable – similar to my first book about living and working with purpose – “Dreamford”. I trust stories and parables have special powers to heal us and inspire us in an unusual way. I wanted to bring a few things here together: 

  1. a story of a girl from a small village
  2. an outsider story because there is so many beautiful colorful birds who feel out of place and I want them to know that there is a world they belong to
  3. love for mountains 
  4. the metaphor of mountain climbing as a life story 

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I trust there are different things for different people to relate to in the book, but the one closest to my heart is: You have your powers. Find them. Go where your home is, where your heart and soul belong to. 

What drew you into this particular genre?

I trust storytelling has the power to change us and enrich our emotional intelligence.

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If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I did not expand much on the mother character- I wonder why did she stay in the village, and who she really was. 

What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Your own blog is always a good source and I am a big fan of Instagram.

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

I’d say – just open a word document and start plotting things together, then change them a few times, leave it for some time to forget the story, go back to it, improve and just keep opening your word document and don’t wait for a full story to unfold in your mind, it comes to you more as you start typing!

What does the future hold in store for you? Are any new books/projects on the horizon?

I will definitely write another part of the Sacred Mountains and bring the themes together again, just like I brought Dreamford’s story in The Sacred Mountains together. 

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About the Author

Kinga was born in Poland and now lives in London. She writes inspirational stories on personal and professional development, work, and travel on her blog: http://www.kinga.blog. Kinga is certified by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and is a Qualified Performance Coach and talent hunter. Besides writing and creative living, Kinga is a keen traveller, speaker, painter, foodie, and social media junkie.

https://www.kinga.blog/

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