Dark Waters (Monica Kennedy #2) by G.R. Halliday #DarkWatersBook @HarvillSecker @GR_Halliday

12 Comments July 7, 2020 Books Teacup and Reviews

Dark Waters (Monica Kennedy #2) by G.R. Halliday
Publication Date : July 16th 2020
Publisher : Harvill Secker
Genre : Scottish Noir / crime fiction
Pages : 384

The haunting new novel from G. R. Halliday, author of FROM THE SHADOWS, shortlisted for THE MCILVANNEY DEBUT PRIZE

THREE MISTAKES. TWO MURDERS. ONE MORE VICTIM TO GO . . .

Annabelle loves to drive. It helps her escape her world, her past. Speeding on a mountain road in the Scottish Highlands, she sees a little girl step out in front of her. She swerves to avoid her. The next thing Annabelle remembers is waking up in a dark, damp room. A voice from the corner of the room says ‘The Doctor will see you now’.

Scott is camping in the woodlands in the Scottish Highlands – but in the middle of the night, he hears something outside his tent. When he goes out to have a look, a little girl is standing among the trees, staring right at him. Scott is never seen again.

When a dismembered body is discovered, DI Monica Kennedy gets called to the scene immediately. After six months away from the Serious Crimes team, they need her back on board.

As Monica searches for the murderer, another body is found. Monica knows the signs . . . She’s on the hunt for a serial killer.

Perfect for fans of James Oswald, Ann Cleeves and Val McDermid.

*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Mia @vintagebooks for tour invite and providing review copy. ***

Dark Waters was dark and disturbing crime thriller, second novel in Monica Kennedy series that revolved around another serial killer case. It was about juggling work and family life, haunting and unsettled past and history, unsolved and mysterious murders, and real demons of the world-humans.

This first line was chilling and it should have prepared for what’s going to come in the book- “When she still had all arms and legs, Anabelle liked to drive.”

Writing like previous book was engaging and vivid that took me to dark mountains and of Highlands that were both beautiful and menacing. I’m really glad to read in author’s note Glen Turrit and Little Arklow doesn’t exist outside this book but place were based on Glen Strathfarrar and it doesn’t look as dreadful from pictures as it sound in book. This book was even darker than first one. This is not for squeamish readers or those who feel claustrophobic by reading tunnels and caves under mountains. Let me give a little warning, there’s cannibalism. Plot was brilliant. It was told in third person narrative from Annabelle and Monica’s perspective and occasionally we also see other victim’s perspective.

Annabelle travelled from London to Highlands for thrill ride on single track road- beautiful but secluded- from one gate of Glen Turrit across the hydro dam to another gate near Strathcarron. But on this route, where she wasn’t expecting anyone, she saw a girl that made her swerved the car that collided to a tree. When she opened her eyes, she found herself in damp and dark room, injured and kidnapped! Just within few chapters Scott, Canadian traveler was abducted after seeing a girl. Simultaneously, we see what was going on in Monica’s life after previous case that ended horribly, working in traffic department, and giving Lucy lot of time. But then she got call from her boss Hately who needed her in new case. They found dismembered body near dam, at bank of river Beauly. Within 2 days another body, same condition, close to another hydro power station. I was curious to find out who was the killer, whose bodies they found, was it Scott or someone else, who was that girl and why she was working with a killer, if Monica could find killer before he kills Scott or Anabelle, or if Anabelle can find a way to escape.

Monica was once again was great. I liked the way mother’s concerns and guilt were portrayed through her and Lucy’s relationship. Monica’s strength and vulnerability, how stress of new changes in Lucy and her nightmares were affecting her and the case, was realistic to read. Her intuitions related to case was brilliant. What I liked most was a glimpse in her past that showed her relationship with her father. I feel there is more about her to be revealed in next books. I had complain about her too frequent height reference in previous book but in this one it was better, not too often and didn’t appear unexpectedly.

I like Crawford in this book. We don’t know his full story yet but that was balanced by Fisher’s story. We know a bit about Fisher and his real life. It was surprising to know how that connected him to this murder case. Annabelle was caring and clever. She had parents issue and it was sad to see how her parents behaved and treated her and how deeply it affected her. Even after what she was enduring in killer’s den, she felt empathy towards Marcus and even in worst condition she was selfless. She didn’t deserve what happened to her. Villain was worst nightmare imaginable. The story he shared and what was revealed everything related to him was terrifying.

I enjoyed description of all Highland locations, a bit about hydro dam, its history and stories related to it, intermittent chapters’ from victims that cleared the mystery behind what exactly happened to them and why, and lastly that maze of underground tunnels and those chapters about it and Annabelle’s experience in there. Author did amazing job with tension, suspense, and twist and turns. Suspects were few but yet I couldn’t guess who the killer was until around 40% of the book and yet I couldn’t connect the dots and figure out why these particular victims until Monica’s last interview with suspect.

Climax was tense, blood chilling and adrenaline inducing. I was literally yelling at characters at this point thinking why it was taking so much time. I almost lost hope for Anabelle and it was not clear if she will live or not till the end. It felt so unfair what happened at the end but at the same time it felt realistic.

Why 4.5-

There are still more to characters and not all their stories were told in this book but I hope to read that in next books in series.

Overall,

Dark Waters was clever, horrifying, fast paced and well written sequel with vivid and gruesome description and beautiful yet dangerous setting.
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Has anyone seen my sex life? Cover click

#BookReview : Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life? by Kristen Bailey

3 Comments February 18, 2020 Books Teacup and Reviews

Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life? by Kristen Bailey
Publication Date: February 14th 2020
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Pages:363
Stars: ★★★★★ [4.5]

It’s normal for your washing machine to get more action than you, right?

I wake up, bleary-eyed.

It’s been two years, six months and three hours since I last shaved my legs, and the llama-patterned knickers I’m wearing have seen better days.

We have seven minutes before the kids wake up, and my husband shuffles closer. ‘Ouch,’ he says, a piece of Lego sticking into his back.

Then, a light comes on in the landing. Small footsteps creep down the stairs. A little voice screams, ‘IS SOMEONE COMING TO MAKE BREAKFAST?!’

All hopes of having some ‘alone time’ is replaced with wondering if we’ve run out of Cheerios, thinking about the overflowing laundry, and remembering that I forgot to take out the recycling. Again.

Just a typical Monday morning for the Morton family…

Except today, when I go downstairs in my dressing gown, I find something. Something belonging to my husband. Something that definitely wasn’t mentioned in the wedding vows. And it’s either going to make us… or break us.

An utterly hilarious and unmissable novel for anyone who has ever felt like they spend more time washing the dishes than getting lucky. Fans of Why Mummy Drinks and The Unmumsy Mum, and rom-coms by Sophie Ranald and Sophie Kinsella, will ugly laugh at this gloriously funny and relatable read.

*** Note: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher. ***

Has Anyone Seen My Sex Life was quirky Women’s fiction that revolved around Meg and Danny’s married sex life and lot of sex related things but definitely not erotica or a pure romance. It was about uncertainty and questions related to sex life after marriage and kids, rekindling sex life, professional unhappiness, and honest portrayal of sex and how it’s different for everybody.

Now I’m really scratching my head how I should say and how much I should say. There was lot of things in this book. At first I thought it might be a chick-lit or about betrayal or rekindling love but it was much more than that.

It started with Meg receiving a shock in the morning when something arrived in the post that belonged to her husband that changed her life and views. What was it and if her doubt was right or not, was revealed pretty quickly, within first 30% of the book. I’m pretty sure you cannot figure out what was in the box and what was the truth behind it or what Meg will do about it and what happens in the end.There was hilarity in every single chapter. This book defines what laugh-out-loud is, from the very beginning.

Writing was fabulous, gripping and so lovely with varied characters, couples and gossips. Setting of Kendal, Lake District in northern part of the UK made it more entertaining with its close-knit community where everybody knows everybody’s business. I loved characters, family dynamics and even school moms. I rooted for Meg and Danny pretty quickly. I loved Meg more and her voice had a charm that made me to stick with her story and thoughts throughout the book.

Meg was amazing partner and mom. Her sacrifices and love for her family were great to read. When she did her research and found about many other things that might question if she even know her husband, I really felt sad for her. No wife deserves that but oh my, that scene later in bedroom and hospital made me forget all that. Her reaction to the truth was so natural and real. I could feel her insecurity, self-doubt and vacillation. It was not easy for her to clear her mind and see it from Danny’s perspective and when she heard opinions of her sister, best friend and cleared the fog with Danny, she was back to herself. She found a new knowledge and new spark.

Danny was such a nice and well written character. I had my doubts like Meg, but he turned out really amazing. He was a great father, son, brother and husband, I get what he did and why and still I feel he shouldn’t keep it secret and for that I was holding back my likeness. I like how he explained things, his hobby and all the things he did. He didn’t voice it earlier out loud but one can see and feel unhappiness in his professional life. His worry, anxiousness, and love was realistic. I had trouble understanding at first but I loved what he decided at the end and I agreed with Meg.

Stu, Danny’s brother was not easy to like but he surprised me at the end. And I have to say he took the entertainment to upper level. School moms and their gossips was hilarious. Some were friends while some were always at each other’s neck, bitching about other moms and that cat fight in the end was so funny. It all says a lot about how people let out their suppressed feelings and unhappiness on other, finding fault in other person and their life.

I loved Danny and Meg’s girls. They were charming. I can see my girl turn out like Eve! 😅 Emotions and feelings of the characters were well written. Even serious and sad moments were given the touch of humor.

There was lot of sex talk so if you are prim and prudish, just be prepared. You will see lot of sex trinkets, different sex life of different couple, threesome, toesome, wild and adventurous, hook ups… and many sex terminology and synonyms of body parts. To be honest it was all so informative.

I loved the message in the book. It say a lot about people’s mentality towards erotica and art related to it, how people jump to assumptions and think the worst about the person behind any sex related act. It told what love is, what sex is and how it can be different for everybody. It showed a difference between sexual exploration and perverseness.

Climax was uncertain. I was not sure what they will do about this Danny’s secret. I guessed it a little and I was only 20% right about it but anyway it was good to see how they all solved their problems and doubts.

Why 4.5-

I have to say I had little difficulty in understanding some terms and British phrases that slowed the pace, as I was doing lot of googling. Of course it wasn’t difficult to get the idea.

Overall, it was hilarious, entertaining, and enjoyable women’s fiction with a unique and quirky topic. I recommend to all readers of this genre.

Book Links: Goodreads
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#BookReview : Hands Up by Stephen Clark

9 Comments December 24, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

Hands Up by Stephen Clark
Publication Date: September 28th 2019
Publisher: WiDo Publishing
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 272
Stars: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

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Officer Ryan Quinn, a rookie raised in a family of cops, is on the fast track to detective until he shoots an unarmed black male. Now, with his career, reputation and freedom on the line, he embarks on a quest for redemption that forces him to confront his fears and biases and choose between conscience or silence.

Jade Wakefield is an emotionally damaged college student living in one of Philadelphia’s worst neighborhoods. She knows the chances of getting an indictment against the cop who killed her brother are slim. When she learns there’s more to the story than the official police account, Jade is determined, even desperate, to find out what really happened. She plans to get revenge by any means necessary.

Kelly Randolph, who returns to Philadelphia broke and broken after abandoning his family ten years earlier, seeks forgiveness while mourning the death of his son. But after he’s thrust into the spotlight as the face of the protest movement, his disavowed criminal past resurfaces and threatens to derail the family’s pursuit of justice.

Ryan, Jade, and Kelly–three people from different worlds—are on a collision course after the shooting, as their lives interconnect and then spiral into chaos.

*** Note: I received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to author. ***

Hands Up was thought provoking adult fiction that revolved around three characters tied by tragedy. It was about Police brutality, injustice, racism, loss and grief, depression, betrayal and guilt.

Writing was smooth, gripping and realistic. The setting of Philadelphia and characters were well described. Story was first person narrative from Jade, Ryan and Kelly’s POV. It showed their life and view point perfectly, how death of teenage black boy, Tyrell, affected them and changed their life. We see the story from perpetrator, estranged father who saw it chance to return back with his family, and family’s emotions and hardship. I don’t have anything different from synopsis to say. That synopsis perfectly described how the book started. How three different characters were tied by the death of Tyrell.

From the very beginning it was clear Ryan shot Tyrell; Tyrell looked innocent; Ryan’s partner, Greg, fiftyish senior patrol officer and father figure to him was racist, dishonest man and was more to blame; and what they said to authorities was a manipulated lie. The question was what exactly happened that night and why they shot Tyrell and if Tyrell’s family will get justice?

This was character driven story packed with emotions and many serious, thought-provoking, and controversial topics- Corruption, police brutality that destroyed life and victim’s family; horrors of street- drug addicts, drug dealers, gang feud that robbed people of family and freedom; how loss and grief affects everyone differently; protest and violence, prejudice and racial belief and how some blame whole community for act of one person, suicidal attempts and self-injury, sexual and racial harassment.

Ryan is dealing with unresolved anger and mindset against black people after his father’s death. He felt guilty and ashamed for killing Tyrell. He couldn’t feel good even when he found he and Greg could get away with what they did. The more time passed, he felt dirtier and guiltier. He was having panic attacks and nightmares. Seeking redemption, fighting his fear and biases was only way he could see to have peace. He was not perfect cop with morally right person but his conscience was right. He knew he did wrong but it took time to realize he was keeping bad company. I didn’t like how his mother and girlfriend were being racially biased and didn’t care for the Wakefield family. I loved his development and all he did for redemption and the way he faced his fear was admirable.

Jade was damaged person. Decade ago when her father left them, it changed their life, affected her emotionally and mentally. It caused her depression and she gotinto habit of self-injury. When her brother died, her depression and self-injury got worse, her only hope and salvation was to get justice for her brother. But on return of her father, Kelly, it heightened. She too was racially biased towards white and white cops. She was desperate to get justice and revenge which was realistic but what happened after she got the name of Tyrell’s killer, was bit implausible. I couldn’t understand her anger against Kelly at first. She was not just disappointed and angry for him being unfaithful to her mother or being gangster or missed father as a child, but it looked more than that. She literally hated him. When the truth behind it was revealed I was shocked. Shocked she had to live with it, shocked even after all that happened her mother, Regina, was letting Kelly even near her family. Anyway, I liked her but I didn’t appreciate what she did in the end.

Kelly was boke and broken ex-gangster who abandoned Regina and their children a decade ago for another woman. When he got news of Tyrell’s death, he returned for his funeral, get justice, support Regina, get back in their life as family and to look after his remaining children. Sure Regina didn’t succumb to his nice talk and guilty and sad expression but he surely acted a changed man. Even at some point I thought he made terrible mistake and paid by losing son and their family could forgive him eventually. But as story unfolded, I could see real picture. Now was he really changed or circumstances drove him to other direction can be a good discussion here. But let’s just say he was not easy to figure out. While I liked how he felt sorry for his mistakes and tried to go on better path, at the same time I didn’t like few things. I mean how he could expect everybody would forgive him so easily and then once he gained trust, he started bossing around in Regina’s house. I really don’t like cocky man who have ego screaming ‘I’m man of the house and everybody should do as I say and follow my rules’. At the end I don’t like him, he was no better than Ryan.

There was so much to these characters and I loved to hear their story and form my own opinion towards them. They all were flawed, realistic and were fighting their own demons. Some could concur it while some failed terribly.

There were many turns in the story that kept it interesting, thinking what happens next, and figuring out all the possibilities. Romance was biggest turn in the book. It was totally unexpected but gave the story a dramatic touch.

At climax I thought they could escape but nothing could prepare me for that twist. It was clever and at the same time shocking. While the end seem fair, at the same time I didn’t want it to end like this. It was heartbreaking and so sad because there could be other way like they kept saying in book.

Why 4.5 stars-

I kept thinking, ‘didn’t characters forgive so easily after the biggest betrayal’! I surely wouldn’t have forgiven any of them. And romance, I was like ‘whoa, who does that’! It was good and important turning point, but again, ‘who does that’! Honestly, it was implausible.

Overall, it was powerful, compelling and gripping fiction that dealt with controversial topics commendably. I definitely recommend this book for those who love to read thought provoking book.

Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon
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#Review : Fallen Princeborn: Stolen by Jean Lee @jeanleesworld

12 Comments June 2, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

Fallen Princeborn: Stolen by Jean Lee
Publication Date : October 16th 2018
Publisher : Aionios Books, LLC
Read Date : May 31st 2019
Genre : Dark Fantasy
Pages : 450
Stars : ★★★★_1/2 /5

OVER THE WALL THEY CAME TO HUNT HUMANS. BUT NOW, A HUMAN’S GOING TO HUNT THEM. THIS GIRL’S NO ONE’S PREY.

In rural Wisconsin, an old stone wall is all that separates the world of magic from the world of man—a wall that keeps the shifters inside. When something gets out, people disappear. Completely.

Escaping from an abusive uncle, eighteen-year-old Charlotte is running away with her younger sister Anna. Together they board a bus. Little do they know that they’re bound for River Vine—a shrouded hinterland where dark magic devours and ancient shapeshifters feed, and where the seed of love sets root among the ashes of the dying.

Fallen Princeborn: Stolen is the first in a series of young-adult dark-fantasy novels by Jean Lee. Watch for book 2 in March 2019. Read Tales of the River Vine, a collection of free short stories based on the characters in the Fallen Princeborn omnibus.

Fallen Princeborn: Stolen revolved around main character Charlotte, her fierce love and need to save her sister and Liam- the Princeborn and his awakening after a century of sleep, fighting the darkness and saving the innocent humans from it. It was about good vs bad, survival, trust issue, troubling past and childhood, overcoming the grief, fighting darkness, inner and external monsters, and love for family.

Charlotte was wonderful character. She was feisty, fierce, selfless, passionate pianist, full of strength, snarky comments and tremendous love for her sister who craved for love, belongingness and family, a place she could call home that she didn’t get after her father’s death. But she was reckless that got her into lot of trouble. I loved her determination, pure heart, and honesty, for being different and fighting the monsters all her life. She had dark past. What she suffered at her uncle’s home was horrible. Her emotions were raw and my heart went out to her. It was so unfair she had to be parent even though her mother was alive who should take responsibility of her both daughter. I wish she had fought earlier and has moved out earlier. Her development was great.

Liam was flawed character who also had dark past, did terrible mistakes and learned things hard way. This bloody Prince surprised every character in the book on after arrival of Charlotte. He might be centuries older but acted like a teen who was used to getting his ways with people. But I loved his development- he cared for his people, worked on the issue of survival and fought amazingly in battle, he finally understood Charlotte and importance of family in her life, changed for her and loved her in right way.

Arlen was my favorite in the book. He was caring, compassionate, and wise old man who made Charlotte feel welcome and warm. He was a father figure to her. Oh and he was awesome with his wooden spoon in battle.

Anna– She was present in just few chapters but she was important for Charlotte and story. Most of the time she was in Charlotte’s thought and a precursor to all action and hell broke out throughout the story. But honestly I didn’t like her. She was selfish teen who was spiteful to Charlotte all through life. She didn’t appreciate what she did for her and was blind to Charlotte’s suffering, pain, and wounds. How could she not suspect her uncle and instead of supporting Charlotte, she rebelled and walk in footstep of her uncle pickpocketing and getting into trouble all the time. She didn’t deserve Charlotte’s love and at some point I agreed with Liam’s thought about her.

Villain- Lady Orna and her minions were just great. They were hateful, so dark, unpredictable, and full of tricks. They are going to get Best Villain Of The Year award from me.

Story was third person narrative mostly from Charlotte’s perspective. Writing was good, descriptions were vivid and as I read more writing got better and the book turned out much better than I expected and it set higher expectations for next book in series.

Plot was best. It started with Charlotte taking her sister, Anna away from her tyrant uncle, pill-addicted mother and hate-filled grandmother to safety of her aunt’s house, towards her dream of becoming famous Pianist, attending college and creating a better life. But ~~fates~~ shape-shifting fairies (called Velidevour) had ~~better~~ worst plan for her and her sister. Their bus broke down in middle of nowhere and series of weird things happened that lead Charlotte and Anna to the farm that had wishing well and the border wall separating the human world and magical world of Shapeshifters called River Vine. Things got even worse when Anna was kidnapped by Velidevours and Charlotte set out across the wall with a Wolf to find Anna.

I had so many questions throughout the book. Why Charlotte was different than others on the bus, how her hearing and olfactory senses could be as intense and accurate as other magical beings, what was the voice inside her that helped her guiding in right direction, why Velidevours kidnapped her sister and other travelers, can she find and save Anna in time or will lose her in this weird magical world. And when this Bloody Prince and magical dagger came in picture it raised more questions more mysteries. It got better and better as I read more. Things were revealed step-by-step, no info dumping, nothing revealed at once which kept the story interesting.

World build was awesome. As we read more, the more we know about the world that included -Prince, dagger, River Vine, Velidevour, the pit, the Lady Orna, border wall and why they kidnapped humans. The creature, their shapeshifting ability, magic, magical trees, and weapons, the history of the land was narrated remarkably. I specially loved the magical Rose House that shifted rooms and doors on wish of residents. It responded more to Charlotte which was another mystery. I liked cultural differences and characters’ banter around it.

What surprised me more was, all things was wrapped up within 30% of the book- half of the world building, saving Anna, adventure, tense moments. If it was novella book might have ended here. But the actual game just begun at this point. The mid part of the book was knowing Liam better, his past, his strength and abilities; Charlotte’s grief and her issue of trust, bonding between Arlen, Charlotte and Liam; fun and tense moments; and dark tricks that made me sit on the edge till the end of the book. This part was bit slow and was full of emotions which was touching, relatable and believable.

Another best thing in the book was action and battle scenes. After long time I read a fantasy with best action sequence. There were two major battles and both were thrilling and exciting. All twist and turns were mind-blowing. I couldn’t guess what was happening to Charlotte and why she was hearing voices. I even believed her once and went along with her thoughts until climax. I loved the way battle, Charlotte’s delusion and the story ended. End was good with more questions and some mysteries that remain to be solved for the next book, Fallen Princeborn: Chosen, in series. I read snippet of second book and I must say it sounds more interesting than this one. I can’t wait to read it.

How a prince, who was sleeping for a century, could use modern technology- a mobile phone? That was really unbelievable. Why it was so difficult for Charlotte to listen to her inner voice who proved to be right on several occasions? I literally wanted to smack her on the head with that wooden spoon of Arlen.

Overall, it was thrilling, engaging magical mysterious world of shape-shifting fairies and a page turner with great characters and world building. I definitely recommend this book to fantasy lovers.

Book Links: Gooadreads | Amazon – Paperback / e-book

About the Author: Jean Lee

Jean Lee is a Wisconsin born and bred writer excited to share her young-adult fiction with those who love to find other worlds hidden in the humdrum of everyday life. Her first novel, Fallen Princeborn: Stolen, debuted in November 2018, from Aionios Books. She also blogs regularly about the fiction, music, and landscapes that inspire her as a writer (jeanleesworld.com).

You can find Jean on her site, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram under the handle @jeanleesworld. #RiverVine #Princeborn

Watch for book 2 in March 2019. Read Tales of the River Vine, a collection of free short stories based on the characters in the Fallen Princeborn omnibus.

*** Note: Many thanks to author for providing e-copy, in exchange for an honest review. ***

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Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

14 Comments January 7, 2019 Books Teacup and Reviews

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

Published January 7th 2010 (first published June 28th 2005)
Publisher: Puffin
Read Date: January 6th 2019
Genre: YA / Urban Fantasy / Greek Mythology
Pages: 375
Stars: 4.5/5

“I never asked to be the son of a Greek god.”

Percy Jackson was just a normal kid, going to school, playing basketball, skateboarding, the usual. Until he accidentally vaporized his maths teacher. That’s when things really started going wrong. Now he spends his time fighting with swords, battling monsters, and generally trying to stay alive.

First in the award-winning series by Rick Riordan.

This first book in Percy Jackson and the Olympian series revolved around 12-year-old Percy Jackson, his quest of finding the lightening bolt, and save the world from wrath of gods. It was about friendship, adventure and belonging-ness.

This book has most incredible characters, campers, gods and specially protagonist, Percy.

I always loved tone of Percy, even after rereading the book. Being Dyslexic and having ADHD was not easy for Percy. In the beginning it made him frustrated but these flaws were the best characteristics as a half-blood. I like how author turned the learning disability of an ordinary character into extraordinary battle trait of a hero. He was reckless, smart-mouth, witty boy and I admired his courage. His emotions, anger, frustration, and his reactions in particular situation came out naturally. Taking his revenge from God and sending Medusa’s head to Olympus as gift surely requires guts and Percy had lots of it. He was quite developed for 12 year old and that made this book enjoyable even for an adult. He was addictive character that will grow on you pretty fast.

Annabeth was my second best character in whole Percy Jackson series. She was true daughter of Athena. Clever, wise, fierce, and always had plan. I liked to read her part of story on how she reached to camp half-blood, how her relation was with her father.

Grover and food goes together. His appetite was humongous. This satyr was fun to read. First he looked timid, late bloomer satyr but friendship with Percy developed him and his courageous in the end. He was definitely best searcher among him kin.

I didn’t remember many things and I mixed the book with movie which had some scenes different than the book. Rereading this book was definitely nostalgic. Rereading Percy Jackson reminded me why I so loved this series and Rick Riordan. Book was first person narrative from Percy’s view point and his witty and sassy nature and unique voice made the book humorous and entertaining.

I loved the plot of the book when I read it first time 3 years back. Even after rereading I found it interesting and adventurous. Percy, an ordinary kid just got to know his dad is one the powerful Greek God and then was accused of stealing lightening bolt of Zeus, the mightiest god of Olympus. To prove his innocence and to stop the petty quarrel of God that may cause WWIII, he was assigned a quest to return the bolt back to Olympus.

His quest turned out most adventurous and was full of twist and turns. Fighting Minotaur, the furies, Echidna and chimera, and in fact a God,,, Medusa’s garden, tunnel of love, enchanting hotel and body stretching waterbed shop, darkness of underworld, and spellbinding Olympus on the top of the Empire State Building! It was amazing, adventurous ride packed with humor.

World created was unique. The camp half-blood at Long Island was most eye catching place. Its description was so lifelike that I felt like roaming through its cabins, arena, mess hall and headquarter. Greek mythology was heart of the book. What I loved most was description of Gods as per the western civilization. It was amusing to know them from Percy’s perspective. It was like learning Greek mythology in fun way.

Amazing lightening pace– I admit, first few chapters were little slow, can be clueless for first time readers as lot of things were happening all of sudden in Percy’s life. But as soon as Percy arrives at half-blood camp, book picked up the speed at top gear. I finished this book in two days. If I don’t have to feed my girl and change her nappies I would have finished it in one sitting.

Ships– Friendship between Percy, Grover and Annabeth was heartwarming. Annabeth and Percy didn’t go along at first because of their parent’s famous dispute but as they went further with quest their friendship grew warmer. This trio was one of the best in YA fantasy books and I could see why it was compared to Harry Porter’s ship. Their know each other scenes were written with realistic touch.

Rick Riordan is God of twist and turns and cliffhanger – Every chapter ended with creative twist and a suspense that keep you turning pages. There was so many surprising elements in the book. Climax was brilliant and last chapter was just mind-blowing.

Just minor issue because I felt it when I read the book first time and on rereading as well. Too much was happening in first few chapters (till Percy reached Camp half-blood and was determined) that made me go slow in book.

Overall I enjoyed book once again. It was entertaining, exciting, adventurous, action packed book full of mythology. Those who enjoys MG, YA books will definitely love to read this.