naiapard's review against another edition
2.0
I received this book from NetGalley. In turn, I did my best to convey an honest review.
This is Enola Holmes meets The Hindu “Parthenon”. It is the story of a Hindu goddess who is posing for a human in modern-day Britain. She works as a detective, of course she does, who else would this book derive some conflict if not by having characters investigate random murders (well, not so random, because there has to be a higher reason out there, always).
I trudged my way in this book. I had to drag each one of my feet through these lines that were wrapping round an unbelievable predictable plot.
There is an impressive eagerness to showcase the powers of the heroine, that makes the plot forget its main purpose-what's the big fight? why present all these gods scattered around like wild flowers in a meadow,
instead of focusing on one or two and make them look like the fucking Orchid in the most glamorous flower gallery, that has ever been shown to the human eye?!
Where is the gripping conflict?
Where is the contrast that would result in "higher stakes" for the character?
Where are her weaknesses? As a goddess (she keep reminding the reader) she is so certain that a mere human could not hurt her, that any emotional investment in her well being seems pointless. Even Thor had to be brought down a few pegs, for him to become a relatable character.
And all the jokes about age, that were meant to be funny, because you know, she is an immortal goddess that will never know death:
"You look good for your age." "I do, don't I?"
"Of course, as a goddess of order, I know that means bad things are due."
Overall, not the best read of my month. Neither the worst.
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This is Enola Holmes meets The Hindu “Parthenon”. It is the story of a Hindu goddess who is posing for a human in modern-day Britain. She works as a detective, of course she does, who else would this book derive some conflict if not by having characters investigate random murders (well, not so random, because there has to be a higher reason out there, always).
I trudged my way in this book. I had to drag each one of my feet through these lines that were wrapping round an unbelievable predictable plot.
There is an impressive eagerness to showcase the powers of the heroine, that makes the plot forget its main purpose-what's the big fight? why present all these gods scattered around like wild flowers in a meadow,
instead of focusing on one or two and make them look like the fucking Orchid in the most glamorous flower gallery, that has ever been shown to the human eye?!
Where is the gripping conflict?
Where is the contrast that would result in "higher stakes" for the character?
Where are her weaknesses? As a goddess (she keep reminding the reader) she is so certain that a mere human could not hurt her, that any emotional investment in her well being seems pointless. Even Thor had to be brought down a few pegs, for him to become a relatable character.
And all the jokes about age, that were meant to be funny, because you know, she is an immortal goddess that will never know death:
"Of course, as a goddess of order, I know that means bad things are due."
Overall, not the best read of my month. Neither the worst.
Instagram\\my Blog\\
lillist's review against another edition
5.0
I have received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!
4.5 stars - Can I have some more, please?
If you are a fan of crime investigation with a touch of the supernatural, this one is for you!
Sara Nayar investigates crimes with the Sheffield police, but she also is an ancient Indian goddess of order. Just one that is almost forgotten and therefore not very powerful. All she can do is manipulate time the tiniest bit.
We follow her as she investigate murders in which clearly some other gods were involved and tries to find out just what exactly is going on in Sheffield. Why are all sorts of Gods showing up and apparently preparing for war or the apocalypse? And how is she going to solve this while pretending to solve a perfectly normal case? And then there is her mother, a powerful trickster goddess, who keeps meddling and bringing up an incident in the distant past that led Sara to choosing a life among the mortals.
Now, crime is not usually my genre so I don't really know the usual suspects here. I have read a couple of the Rivers of London novels though and would put this one into the same genre. But, like, without the machismo, misogyny and cultural appropriation. In short, this one is SO MUCH BETTER!
Sara is Indian which (from what I gather) is also part of Georgina Kamsikas cultural heritage. Everything she mentions about India, the weather, the food, the atmosphere, feels authentic. Same with the descriptions of Sheffield and Great Britain. I had the distinct feeling that the author is equally at home in both cultures and also loves them equally deeply - which helps me as the reader to truly connect with the story.
I also cannot say enough good things about the fact that the love interest is a good guy. He has a beautiful soul and this is what makes him attractive to Sara - thank you for refusing the sexy bad guy trope! Also, thanks for including a trans character and not making a big deal of it. See, representation can be so easy!
This story is just a lot of fun with plenty of on-screen-time for gods from all sorts of mythologies and the shenanigans they come up with. We have the Norse with Loki, his daughter Hel, Odin, Thor and some Valkyries thrown in for good measure. We have the Greek, with the Titan Mnemosyne being Sara's best friend, but also plenty of other gods make their appearance. In some cases it is even the original ancient Greek aspects versus their modern Hollywood equivalents. Because movies create belief - and this book is full of reflections on the power of believing. It is also full of references to pop culture and how belief in supernatural beings has changed in modern times. (There's even a cameo of a human turned god just by power of believers in his character in a universally known Sci-Fi franchise.)
I enjoyed this read immensely and would love to read more. Can this become a series, please?
(There was just one caveat for me: very early on in the book Sara missed something that was so obviously relevant for her case. She just dismissed that bit of information, which felt like it should not have happened to someone with her experience.)
4.5 stars - Can I have some more, please?
If you are a fan of crime investigation with a touch of the supernatural, this one is for you!
Sara Nayar investigates crimes with the Sheffield police, but she also is an ancient Indian goddess of order. Just one that is almost forgotten and therefore not very powerful. All she can do is manipulate time the tiniest bit.
We follow her as she investigate murders in which clearly some other gods were involved and tries to find out just what exactly is going on in Sheffield. Why are all sorts of Gods showing up and apparently preparing for war or the apocalypse? And how is she going to solve this while pretending to solve a perfectly normal case? And then there is her mother, a powerful trickster goddess, who keeps meddling and bringing up an incident in the distant past that led Sara to choosing a life among the mortals.
Now, crime is not usually my genre so I don't really know the usual suspects here. I have read a couple of the Rivers of London novels though and would put this one into the same genre. But, like, without the machismo, misogyny and cultural appropriation. In short, this one is SO MUCH BETTER!
Sara is Indian which (from what I gather) is also part of Georgina Kamsikas cultural heritage. Everything she mentions about India, the weather, the food, the atmosphere, feels authentic. Same with the descriptions of Sheffield and Great Britain. I had the distinct feeling that the author is equally at home in both cultures and also loves them equally deeply - which helps me as the reader to truly connect with the story.
I also cannot say enough good things about the fact that the love interest is a good guy. He has a beautiful soul and this is what makes him attractive to Sara - thank you for refusing the sexy bad guy trope! Also, thanks for including a trans character and not making a big deal of it. See, representation can be so easy!
This story is just a lot of fun with plenty of on-screen-time for gods from all sorts of mythologies and the shenanigans they come up with. We have the Norse with Loki, his daughter Hel, Odin, Thor and some Valkyries thrown in for good measure. We have the Greek, with the Titan Mnemosyne being Sara's best friend, but also plenty of other gods make their appearance. In some cases it is even the original ancient Greek aspects versus their modern Hollywood equivalents. Because movies create belief - and this book is full of reflections on the power of believing. It is also full of references to pop culture and how belief in supernatural beings has changed in modern times. (There's even a cameo of a human turned god just by power of believers in his character in a universally known Sci-Fi franchise.)
I enjoyed this read immensely and would love to read more. Can this become a series, please?
(There was just one caveat for me: very early on in the book Sara missed something that was so obviously relevant for her case. She just dismissed that bit of information, which felt like it should not have happened to someone with her experience.)
bookshelves4paperelves's review against another edition
2.0
So, unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I got to 23% and it just didn’t grip me at all. For me there was too much description, and not enough going on with the story for me to enjoy.
However, I am 2 starring this because of two thing I did enjoy.
1. I really like the inclusion of multiple cultures and gods, this isn’t seen all that much in books and I really liked that this book included all of these.
2. The concept of the aether travel intrigued me a lot. It was very well thought out.
However, I am 2 starring this because of two thing I did enjoy.
1. I really like the inclusion of multiple cultures and gods, this isn’t seen all that much in books and I really liked that this book included all of these.
2. The concept of the aether travel intrigued me a lot. It was very well thought out.
cjdawn236's review against another edition
3.0
I'm honestly not sure how I feel about this one. It was ok, and it kept my attention, but I never really felt fully invested in the story or the characters. I wanted to love it, because it started out sounding fun and witty but by the end I don't even feel strongly enough about it to write a decent review.
sklepia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
parishmita's review against another edition
3.75
I didn't like the ending. It was exciting at first but then naah
annarella's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this mix of fantasy and mystery. It was an engrossing and entertaining read that kept me hooked.
The world building is interestesting, the characters fleshed out and the mystery is solid.
I hope to read other books featuring these characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The world building is interestesting, the characters fleshed out and the mystery is solid.
I hope to read other books featuring these characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
mygeekblasphemy's review against another edition
5.0
Disclaimer: author is a friend. Please don't let that dissuade you, though, because holy hell, this is such a fun urban fantasy. We've got a really solid, intricate mystery, a great protagonist, a cute romance, a fresh setting (AKA, not London), an exploration of so many different pantheons, etc. I especially love the complicated relationship between Sara and her trickster mother. Also, positive lady friendships! Just please, GET THIS BOOK IN YOUR LIVES.
rigel's review against another edition
2.0
Had to DNF this one at 66%. Nothing was really happening and there was only a vague semblance of a plot. Also the author seems to have a general lack of understanding/distain towards European paganism and gods?
Anyway, just not for me.
Anyway, just not for me.
jeannedes's review against another edition
4.0
A fun read morphs into metaphor for our many gods.
I was caught by the intriguing storyline and colorful characterizations. Excellent pacing.
By the end I realized the metaphors for our god systems are rich and complex. I am re-reading for more insights into our many belief systems, the power they have in our lives, and the usual casualness we have about our beliefs.
Oh, man, there is so much here, and the story carries it so very well. Maybe a masterpiece, though with human flaws.
I was caught by the intriguing storyline and colorful characterizations. Excellent pacing.
By the end I realized the metaphors for our god systems are rich and complex. I am re-reading for more insights into our many belief systems, the power they have in our lives, and the usual casualness we have about our beliefs.
Oh, man, there is so much here, and the story carries it so very well. Maybe a masterpiece, though with human flaws.