Goodreads Reviews: Mermaids: The Myths, Legends & Lore

Mermaids: The Myths, Legends, and Lore by Skye Alexander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading Fairies I was interested in the other mythological study books by Skye Alexander. Her Mermaids book was just as fascinating and as beautiful as the previous read and I learned so much more about the mermaid mythology, it's beginnings and its history in other cultures.

The book is set up in the similar structure:

Part One - The Siren's Secrets - The general information on mermaids, their varying appearances and their behavior that has been noted down through history.

Part Two - Mermaids from Around the World - All the of the stories and legends of mermaids and marine/human hybrids that range from Ancient times to North America itself.

As with Fairies I never knew that mermaids were so world spread and that every culture has their own legendary take on the beloved sea siren. In the early Church, they were seen as seductresses' and while viewing a naked women was shocking to the uptight Victorians, mermaid portraits were considered acceptable even if they tended to cross the line at times. In most legends, mermaids are seen as vain and insipid. In other legends, mermaids are guides for sea farers and mariners. While mermaids are usually portrayed as beautiful young women, mermen are ugly and old.

The supposed first mermaid legend, the Assyrian goddess/mermaid Atargatis and nymphs, sirens and selkies of Greek mythology.

The mermaids of Zennor, the blue men of the muir and the water fairies of the British Isles.

The French Sirene Melusina and the Italian Sirena.

The Russian and Ukranian Rusalkys.

The African Mami Wata and Yemaya.

The Japanese Kapa and Nuwa, the Chinese Snake Goddess and even Moana herself. And what I listed hardly scratches the surface of the endless information of mermaid myth and lore.

The visual stunning aquamarine aesthetic that's accompanied by beautiful, classic drawings and paintings gives this book a charming and fantastical appeal. All of these little books are so pretty that it's hard not to pick them up and start reading!

West Side Story (2021)

I saw the original West Side Story from 1961 back in 2015 for my college music class and found it to be full of youth, energy and vibrancy, but also tangled with war, sadness and suffering. As you would  expect from a story that's inspired from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. However most of Shakespeare's plays are completely universal and stand the test of time. You can take any of his works and set them in any time period and in any culture and his moral thought still rings true. I had some high hopes for this new remake and as usual Spielberg did not disappoint.

Getting on Board with Il Volo

Has anyone ever heard of these guys?? Il Volo (Italian for 'the flight'), an Italian trio of young operatic voices that were brought together in 2009. I remember watching them on PBS specials all the time and always thought they were super cute boys.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

The 3rd movie in a trilogy usually wraps up our protagonist's story. However, in the case of Peter Parker, the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Avenger and former protégé of Tony Stark, the trials and triumphs of his life are never really over. The sad thing about Peter is because he's so young and so hopeful and just given his genuine personality, he has never really been tempted to engage with the darker and evil aspects of human nature. Peter doesn't have a malicious bone in his body. His heart and mind are completely giving toward others. And that is where Peter's demise comes in. He never sets out on the path of evil, but his frequent desire to do the good thing regardless of the cost will always be Peter's primary flaw. 

Currently: Fall 2021

With winter just around the corner and Christmas less than a week away, I figured I should do a recap of Fall. I've actually been purposely putting off doing this post because these last several months have been the darkest and most stressful months I've had in a long while. Emotionally, mentally, physically. At both work and at home. I've sunk into depressions so deep that I was unable to do my job. I ruined my own birthday. I've made enemies at work. I have never felt more alone, afraid and cut off from the world. I've cried more in the last 90 days than I have in my whole life. 

Goodreads Reviews: The Eleventh Horn: The First Book in the Maccabee Series

 

The Eleventh Horn: The First Book in The Maccabee Series by J. D. Sonne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is a space of time in the history of the Jews known as 'the time of silence.' This is the unwritten history that separates Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament and Matthew, the first book of the New Testament. However, this time period was hardly quiet. After the release from the captivity of the Babylonians and the journey back to the Promise Land, the Israelites eventually found themselves under the control of another powerful heathen force. The Greeks. Cunning, brutal, hedonistic and unmerciful. As with all other enemy forces that have held the Israelites, the Greeks show no regard or respect toward the Jews and their God. Their higher powers seek to dominate and destroy all that the Israelites hold dear, even if it means the blood shed of thousands.

During these dark years of suffering and sorrow, a faithful father and noble priest stood against the might of the Greek Empire, even if it may have meant his death. This one act of rebellion done for the love of his God, would stir the hearts and souls of his people and his own sons. Most notably his second oldest, Judah, whose skill with weapons, knowledge of warfare and superior battle skills earns him the nickname, 'Maccabee' or 'the Hammer.'

All his life Judah knew he wanted to fight. Yet, as the son of the High Priest, Judah is expected to follow in his father's footsteps and study as a scholar. However, Judah frequently bears witness to the subjugation from the Greek conquers and their infiltration into the lives of the Jews. His cousin renounces his life as a Jew when he believed the Greeks to be more culturally advanced and open minded. The senseless murders of entire towns and frequent rapes of young Jewish virgins that result into forced marriages to their Greek oppressors.'

From the battle encampments to the glittering throne rooms of Greek power, soldiers and politicians alike all want to take Judea of only to crush the stubborn, proud Israelites. With his father's blessing, Judah begins to study and train in the art of proper warfare from his Roman best friend. As the Greeks plan and plot to annihilate the Jews, young Judah forges himself from a young boy into a battle ready warrior. Judah, the son of the High Priest becomes Judah Maccabee, the Hammer rallying the support of his people to wage war against their enemy.

The only thing I knew about Judah Maccabee was that he was the reason that Hanukah is celebrated, but I didn't know the actual history itself. It's a shame that his story never made it into the Bible seeing as there is so much of it that has been preserved and studied. The Eleventh Horn didn't just tell Judah's story, but the stories of all those both Jew and non-Jew who are affected by this time.

Dark, gritty and real, the author did not shy away or coat over the the violence of the Greek persecution and the rape of innocent women. The material is just graphic enough to give you the general idea, but not to the point where you're sick to your stomach either. While it's technically historical fiction, it also gives great historical accuracy to the time as well. So, I also felt like I was learning while I was enjoying the story.

Goodreads Reviews: Wars of the Realm, #3 - Light of the Last

Light of the Last by Chuck Black

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The finale novel in the Wars of the Realm and the culmination of everything that the angel Validus and the Heavenly Host have prepared for since Christ left Earth. Drew Carter's whole life has been one of unfortunate circumstances. However, his strength of character and desire for justice in a cruel filled world compels him to do good even when the odds are against him. The extraordinary lab explosion that left him temporarily blind, but eventually gifted with hypersensitive senses and reflexes have served him well.

However, he is still the only person who can witness the ongoing war between the alien dark and light warriors that come from another realm. One that he cannot explain, but somehow in the midst of the madness and turmoil, Drew Carter will find the path to understanding who these people are and the reason they seem to be in a constant battle for his life.

Picking up where the Cloak of the Light left off, Drew is apprehended by the FBI, but instead of jail he is sent to a highly secured training facility where he is molded into an 'invisible agent.' Drew is then assigned off the radar missions that the FBI wouldn't dare touch. Throughout all this, Validus is faithful in his promise to protect Drew while bringing together a small contingency of warrior angels who assist him in his task.

The dark invaders are still ruthless in their constant pursuit for Drew Carter. When Drew comes across sensitive information that could be detrimental to not only the United States, but the rest of the world, he must use every resource necessary from science to faith to protect his country. Validus and his small angelic force will raid every corner of the Earth to fulfill a long secreted prophecy and bring to light all that Drew Carter was born to be and the man he is meant to become.

While it has a slow start Light of the Last really wrapped up Drew's exciting story while leaving some unanswered questions that could have been perfect for a companion series. I enjoyed the Wars of the Realm primarily for the characterization of the angels and possibilities of what Heaven might be like. Validus' story alone was so entertaining in his journey from a lowly angel to a well respected commander in the Heavenly Host. And then of course, Drew Carter, our noble hero, who turned the adversity in his life into preparation for both physical and spiritual warfare and the continuation of Biblical prophecy.