thechaoshour's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not sure what I just read. I liked it though. I think.
The characters in this story are destined to follow certain myths and they do, which I thought was really cool. It was fun to learn these myths and see the characters end up in the same place. I liked all the characters too. Some were horribly mean and some were really nice. I loved them all because they were so different and very entertaining to read.
What I didn't like was how lost I got while reading this book. You better read it in one sitting or else it will get even more complicated. I found I couldn't understand what was being said sometimes and I couldn't follow the characters as much as I wanted. This wasn't really an issue in the middle, more so at the start and end. The beginning didn't give me enough information and the ending gave me too much. I think I got a little overwhelmed sometimes and couldn't process what was happening any more. I did understand the main plot and it was entertaining so it gets 3 stars.
The characters in this story are destined to follow certain myths and they do, which I thought was really cool. It was fun to learn these myths and see the characters end up in the same place. I liked all the characters too. Some were horribly mean and some were really nice. I loved them all because they were so different and very entertaining to read.
What I didn't like was how lost I got while reading this book. You better read it in one sitting or else it will get even more complicated. I found I couldn't understand what was being said sometimes and I couldn't follow the characters as much as I wanted. This wasn't really an issue in the middle, more so at the start and end. The beginning didn't give me enough information and the ending gave me too much. I think I got a little overwhelmed sometimes and couldn't process what was happening any more. I did understand the main plot and it was entertaining so it gets 3 stars.
rissreviews_xx's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this was an interesting take on Greek mythology, and I absolutely loved it! The full review will be on my blog!
sawcat's review against another edition
4.0
As I was thinking about what I wanted to write for this review, my brain keeps calling up that oft quoted line from Romeo and Juliet, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet." But what if the name really did matter? In Artemis Rising, those who adopt these new names also adopt the fates of their namesakes. When Eva fully accepts her mother's belief system, and adopts the name Arethusa, she very quickly finds her life paralleling that of her namesake nymph. I love a good myth, but this was the first time I've come across that of Alpheus and Arethusa. Upon looking up the myth after finishing the book, I was impressed on how well the myth was translated to fit the life of a teen in the turn of the century Azores yet keep the parallels. The Tristan and Isolde legend I was more familiar with, and I found that inclusion was a bit more subtly done. The result is a love triangle and triangle of ideology.
I always enjoy a lead female character who can take care of herself, even if she needs help from the guys sometimes. Eva/Arethusa certainly fills this role. All the characters are strong characters and well written. This is a great addition to the increasingly popular mythology adaptation genre. This is Lasota's first novel, and I look forward to more from her.
I received a copy of this from the author for review.
I always enjoy a lead female character who can take care of herself, even if she needs help from the guys sometimes. Eva/Arethusa certainly fills this role. All the characters are strong characters and well written. This is a great addition to the increasingly popular mythology adaptation genre. This is Lasota's first novel, and I look forward to more from her.
I received a copy of this from the author for review.
allorah's review against another edition
5.0
In her first published novel Cheri Lasota proves she is here to stay. Cheri writes an epic adventure comparitive to that of Homers' Odyssey, the structure of a movie written by Quintin Terrintino, and a writing style silmilar to Charles Dickens. The plot of Artemis Rising is artistically woven with themes of love, life, religion and self-preservation. The story will keep you guessing until the very last page. The characters of Artemis Rising are well developed and intimate in their vivid and detailed personality descriptions.
I have read many historical fantasies before and I was pleasently surprised that this was not just another in the list of many. The epic adventure takes us through America, the myths of Alpheus and Arethusa and Tristan and Isolde, and the Azores Islands. Artemis Rising is a book everyone between the ages of twenty-five and thirty should read. Although it is a fiction work, the themes and symbolism can be easily identified with by the majority of the population. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end by the story, theology, and being led by the themes to internally reflect on my personal philosophies.
I previously stated that Cheri has a writing style of similar to that of Charles Dickens. The language that is used is carefully selected tantalizing all of your senses. The vocabulary is not for the faint of heart and requires your unmitigated attention. The story does not really pick up speed until chapter ten, give or take a chapter or two in either direction. I did not look at this as a preclusion to reading the book. Some of Charles Dickens' greatest works (Great Expectations for ex.) did not lead the reader into the meat of the story until chapter ten or even chapter twenty but as you read further on you understood why he took so much time setting up the story. Cheri's writing style is of the same caliber. The content of the book is PG but, because of the way it is written, I believe you have to be an adult to appreciate it.
If you are looking for a light book or quick read, this is not it. This book demands your attention with it's many plots, lest you get lost or become confused. If you are looking to be challenged intellectually, Artemis Rising is your pick. The book also comes with a foreign words glossary as it is peppered with words and sayings in Portuguese. Artemis Rising is a must read and has the potential to be one of the great classics for this generation and the next.
I have read many historical fantasies before and I was pleasently surprised that this was not just another in the list of many. The epic adventure takes us through America, the myths of Alpheus and Arethusa and Tristan and Isolde, and the Azores Islands. Artemis Rising is a book everyone between the ages of twenty-five and thirty should read. Although it is a fiction work, the themes and symbolism can be easily identified with by the majority of the population. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end by the story, theology, and being led by the themes to internally reflect on my personal philosophies.
I previously stated that Cheri has a writing style of similar to that of Charles Dickens. The language that is used is carefully selected tantalizing all of your senses. The vocabulary is not for the faint of heart and requires your unmitigated attention. The story does not really pick up speed until chapter ten, give or take a chapter or two in either direction. I did not look at this as a preclusion to reading the book. Some of Charles Dickens' greatest works (Great Expectations for ex.) did not lead the reader into the meat of the story until chapter ten or even chapter twenty but as you read further on you understood why he took so much time setting up the story. Cheri's writing style is of the same caliber. The content of the book is PG but, because of the way it is written, I believe you have to be an adult to appreciate it.
If you are looking for a light book or quick read, this is not it. This book demands your attention with it's many plots, lest you get lost or become confused. If you are looking to be challenged intellectually, Artemis Rising is your pick. The book also comes with a foreign words glossary as it is peppered with words and sayings in Portuguese. Artemis Rising is a must read and has the potential to be one of the great classics for this generation and the next.
inlibrisveritas's review
5.0
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received this book through the Early Reviewers Program at LibraryThing.com. The publisher sent me this as an ARC so I will treat it as such, however it seems that this has already been release.
When I first saw this book as a giveaway I was immediately intrigued by it. The cover art was beautiful, the name and summary promised something new and exciting, and it seemed to be well written. It seems this is one of those rare occasions where 'first impressions' ring completely true.
This book is filled with a complex yet fluid retelling of two separate myths that have been intricately weaved together in a way that it pulls you head-first into the story. Throughout it all I found myself completely entranced by this, and I had a hard time putting down my Kindle once I got started. Only for the need of sleep did it take me two days to finish. The plot itself is one that is beautifully written and well thought out, though I will admit if you are reading this halfheartedly you may become confused at times. I adore mythology and I really like when authors come up with a creative way to integrate them into their own stories, and I can honestly say that I found this to be completely original and fresh. I was familiar with the story of Tristan and Isolde but not that of Alpheus and Arethusa, and even now that I've become familiar with both I can see that they have no true connections. However Lasota managed to pull these two stories together and combine them in such a way that I'll probably never looked at them the same again. After all the emotions that pulled me back and forth and though I was sad to see it over, the ending was perfect to me as it felt complete.
I really liked the main character Eva. She was strong willed and determined despite her troubled life, and even in the toughest of times she attempted to keep her chin up and keep moving forward. She made mistakes of course but she learned from them. The growth of her character is wonderful and believable. She goes from being a girl who is scared and alone, to a woman who knows exactly who she is and will not allow anyone else to tell her otherwise. Tristain is just as lovely, and he grew just as much as Eva throughout the story. The relationship between them is sweet and yet so frustrating, which is exactly what the characters feel. Diogo was very easy to hate and very easy to be deceived by in the beginning. Overall Lasota did a wonderful job of creating characters that were truly human in their decisions and desires, and the way she wrote the story really gave you a sense of every emotion that coursed through these people.
Now on to the warnings and notices for others. This book contains Spainish phrases throughout. However if you are not familiar with the language there is a glossary and phrase guide in the back that tells you the meanings. I personally had no trouble figuring out what the meanings of things were, or at least coming close to the meanings, thanks to Lasota's descriptions and explanations. Also there is a some violence that plays a part in the story as well. It is nothing terribly gory but it is present.
I would recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone though of course those who enjoy romance, re-tellings, and mythology will probably enjoy this more.
When I first saw this book as a giveaway I was immediately intrigued by it. The cover art was beautiful, the name and summary promised something new and exciting, and it seemed to be well written. It seems this is one of those rare occasions where 'first impressions' ring completely true.
This book is filled with a complex yet fluid retelling of two separate myths that have been intricately weaved together in a way that it pulls you head-first into the story. Throughout it all I found myself completely entranced by this, and I had a hard time putting down my Kindle once I got started. Only for the need of sleep did it take me two days to finish. The plot itself is one that is beautifully written and well thought out, though I will admit if you are reading this halfheartedly you may become confused at times. I adore mythology and I really like when authors come up with a creative way to integrate them into their own stories, and I can honestly say that I found this to be completely original and fresh. I was familiar with the story of Tristan and Isolde but not that of Alpheus and Arethusa, and even now that I've become familiar with both I can see that they have no true connections. However Lasota managed to pull these two stories together and combine them in such a way that I'll probably never looked at them the same again. After all the emotions that pulled me back and forth and though I was sad to see it over, the ending was perfect to me as it felt complete.
I really liked the main character Eva. She was strong willed and determined despite her troubled life, and even in the toughest of times she attempted to keep her chin up and keep moving forward. She made mistakes of course but she learned from them. The growth of her character is wonderful and believable. She goes from being a girl who is scared and alone, to a woman who knows exactly who she is and will not allow anyone else to tell her otherwise. Tristain is just as lovely, and he grew just as much as Eva throughout the story. The relationship between them is sweet and yet so frustrating, which is exactly what the characters feel. Diogo was very easy to hate and very easy to be deceived by in the beginning. Overall Lasota did a wonderful job of creating characters that were truly human in their decisions and desires, and the way she wrote the story really gave you a sense of every emotion that coursed through these people.
Now on to the warnings and notices for others. This book contains Spainish phrases throughout. However if you are not familiar with the language there is a glossary and phrase guide in the back that tells you the meanings. I personally had no trouble figuring out what the meanings of things were, or at least coming close to the meanings, thanks to Lasota's descriptions and explanations. Also there is a some violence that plays a part in the story as well. It is nothing terribly gory but it is present.
I would recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone though of course those who enjoy romance, re-tellings, and mythology will probably enjoy this more.
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