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Marry My Husband Korean vs Japanese Episode 2

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This will be a series of articles comparing and analyzing the drama My Marry Husband Korean and Japanese version. As this will be a one to one comparison, each article will contain spoilers, especially when we get to the later episodes. Let’s begin with an introduction to each series. Click here for episode one.

Synopsis (from MyDramaList): Kang Ji Won’s marriage to Park Min Hwan is strained due to his selfishness, unemployment, and a domineering mother. Ji Won is the family’s sole breadwinner and does all the household chores. When she is diagnosed with terminal cancer, her world shatters further as she discovers her husband’s affair with her close friend, Jung Soo Min. A confrontation leads to her tragic death at Min Hwan’s hands. However, Ji Won wakes up 10 years in the past, before she married Min Hwan. Determined to change her fate, she plots to make Soo Min marry him instead. Meanwhile, Yoo Ji Hyeok, her colleague, secretly harbors feelings for Ji Won and conceals a hidden truth.

Characters:

Kang Ji Won – Main Protaganist

Park Min Hwan – Ji Won’s Husband/Boyfriend

Jung Soo Min – Ji Won’s Best Friend

Yoo Ji Hyuk – Ji Won’s Boss

Yoo Hui Yeon – Ji Won’s coworker and friend

Number of episodes: 16

Synopsis (from MyDramaList): The protagonist Kanbe Misa, who has always lived a life of a “supporting character” because she is too kind and always puts others first, believes in her best friend and husband and continues to do her best, but she loses her life due to their betrayal. However, she suddenly realizes that she has traveled back in time to 10 years ago. Misa plans revenge to ruin her former best friend and husband, but her encounter with Suzuki Wataru, a department manager with whom she had no connection in her first life, brings about a new change in Misa’s heart as she seeks revenge…

Characters:

Kanbe Misa – Main Protagonist

Hirano Tomoya – Misa’s Husband/Boyfriend

Esaka Reina – Misa’s Best Friend

Suzuki Wataru – Misa’s Boss

Sizuki Miku – Misa’s coworker and friend

Number of Episodes: 10

Marry My Husband Korean Episode 2

Episode 2 begins with Ji Won arriving at work and seeing Soo Min flirting with their supervisor in the elevator lobby. Ji Hyuk, looking flustered, stops the elevator doors from shutting and gets in. After Soo Min comments on the coffee Ji Won has, the supervisor, Kim Geyong Uk, begins berating her about not working hard enough. Ji Hyuk puts a stop to it by slamming his fist into the elevator wall. He then asks Ji Won to stay back and they go to the rooftop. Ji Won tells him that she won’t quit her job and shows him the money with the heart on it. Soo Min interrupts and brings Ji Won back inside. A bit later, Ji Won brings Ji Hyuk some painkillers. He returns half of them to her and tells her to take care of herself. Having seen her talking to Ji Kyuk, Min Huan gets jealous and pulls Ji Won into the supply room. There he tries to kiss her, but a coworker opens the door before he can.

At lunch time, the trio head to the cafeteria to eat. A flashback shows Soo Min purposefully spilling food all over Ji Won. This time around, Ji Won avoids Soo Min’s “accidental bump” and Min Huan takes the fall instead, getting stir fried pork all over his white dress shirt. Ji Won runs off to get napkins and in the women’s washroom encounters someone in need of help. This is where we first meet Yoo Hui Hyeon, a junior coworker at the office. Extremely grateful for the help, Hui Hyeon promises to pay Ji Won back. They join the other two for lunch.

Ji Hyuk, having heard about the upcoming class reunion, looks up someone from Ji Won’s past and goes to see him as his restaurant.

Back at the office, Soo Min and Min Huan end up getting squished together in the elevator in what couple be seen as an inappropriate position. A work meeting takes place after work where Hui Hyeon is berated by Mister Kim for stapling the meeting materials the wrong way. Soo Min shows a proposal to the supervisor and the meeting is ended prematurely.

Ji Won goes to a coworker, Ms. Yang, about her idea for a single household meal kit, convincing her that Mr. Kim doesn’t actually read the proposals he’s given. To prove it, she hands him an exact copy of a proposal he rejected before. He exclaims that this is worse than her last one. She apologizes, saying she accidentally printed the same one, then prints a “new” one that just has different colours. Soo Min takes the “old” proposal when Ji Won isn’t at her desk. Going out to dinner with the boss, she convinces him to reconsider the idea but with her instead of Ji Won.

A flashback to the class reunion from the first time around shows Ji Won, hiding in the bathroom while former classmates badmouth her. A further flashback shows those same classmates bullying her in high school, throwing milk cartons at her.

When Ji Won leaves work that evening, she runs into Ji Hyuk again, who tells her the gift Soo Min gave her is a knock off brand and that anyone who knows would be able to tell. He told her this the first time as well, but not yet knowing what would happen at the reunion, she thought he was being rude. This time, she thanks him. He offers her a ride home, but she declines.

After going bowling with a friend, Min Huan shows up at Ji Won’s apartment “ready for action.”

Marry My Husband Japan Episode 2

Episode 2 of the Japanese version starts further in the past from Suzuki Wataru’s perspective. While studying in university, he sees Misa and watches her from afar as she talks to a turtle that lives in a pond on the campus grounds. Wataru has a voice over contemplating how he would be an extra in her life, a background character that never comes into focus. He saw her the day she received the news her father passed away and took care of the turtle when the pond dried up. We see the elevator scene from the first episode replayed from his perspective and how he foolishly said something rude to her.

Back in the present, Misa has lunch with Tomoya. He talks about her meeting his mother and crypto currency. Reina joins them. Misa recalls how the first time, Reina “accidentally” bumped into a coworker and spilled food all over her. Since that coworker scolded Reina earlier that day, Misa realizes that the “accident” was on purpose and intervenes. Instead of the coworker being covered in food, Tomoya is instead.

In the washroom, someone calls out for help and Misa obliges. We then meet Suzuki Miku for the first time. Miku promises to pay Misa back for her kindness.

Later, Misa runs into Wataru again at a restaurant she frequents. They sit together and have a fairly awkward conversation until they get on the topic of desserts. They are passionate about this and their conversation becomes more natural.

Flashback to Misa in High School, where she is talking to a boy who invites her to join the drama club. Reina tells her the drama club doesn’t suit her and not long after, everyone in her class starts ignoring and bullying her.

At home, Misa goes on a rampage, getting rid of all the stuff that Reina told her to buy, realizing she doesn’t like any of it. She then remembers about a new dessert cafe opening and decides to go. There, she sees Wataru again and invites him to join her. They share desserts and chat. She remarks how he’s like a protagonist from a manga, showing up whenever the heroine needs him. Her thoughts then go crazy thinking he must be some kind of stalker because until now she’s only ever attracted terrible people to her. The two of them end up going shopping together, as Wataru wants to buy her a new scarf for insulting her old one. They also have coffee together and he buys her a cactus.

Miku then arrives to meet with Misa and those two go shopping. Miku tells Misa that she was reluctant to get to know her because she’s friends with Reina. The two bond and Misa gets a new look.

Later, Misa arrives at the reunion having had a make over. She confronts her old classmates, wanting to know why they bullied her. They tell her Reina told them that Reina had liked a certain boy (the same one who invited Misa to join the drama club) and that Misa had ruined that relationship. The boy in question shows up and confirms that he never had any feelings for Reina. Misa leaves the reunion shortly after. Wataru arrives again with an umbrella as she’s walking in the rain.

Back at Wataru’s apartment, Miku is waiting for him and he offers her tea.

Reina sets up an “accident” to fall into Wataru’s arms.

Episode Comparison

The Japanese version of episode 2 focuses more on the development of the relationship between Misa and Wataru. This was more established in episode 1 of the Korean version. Both episodes have a similar lunch scene, though in the Japanese version, we see Reina being more vindictive by trying to get back at a coworker who scolded her. Both times, the accident switches to Tomoya/Min Huan.

The timeline here is moving a bit faster in the Japanese version. This makes sense since there are only 10 episodes as opposed to the 16 Korean. In the Japanese episode, Reina hasn’t given Misa any kind of gift, so she isn’t humiliated in that way. Misa also hasn’t done anything to change her career path at this point, whereas Ji Won has already tried to change how her work proposal was handled by teaming up with another coworker. There is no immediate supervisor that Reina is trying to seduce in order to get a full time position. When she starts to get jealous, she goes immediately for the big boss, Wataru. Nor does she seem to be trying to steal Misa’s work.

We have yet to see anything from Ji Hyuk’s perspective, though this episode focused a fair amount on Wataru’s. In the first episode, Wataru seemed very cold and somewhat rude. In this episode, we start to see a softer side of him and understand him a bit better.

Stay tuned for episode 3!

Daughter of the Lion – Chronicles of the Cheysuli #6 by Jennifer Roberson

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Daughter of the Lion, Chronicles of the Cheysuli #6 by Jennifer Roberson

Title: Daughter of the Lion

Author: Jennifer Roberson

Series: Chronicles of the Cheysuli

Sexual Content: minimal

Objectional Content: Violence, torture

Synopsis (from Goodreads): She is Keely, twin sister to Corin, and daughter to Niall, the ruler of Homana, and she alone has the power to shapechange into any form—a power akin to that of the Firstborn. Like her brothers, Keely has been chosen to play a crucial part in the Firstborn’s prophecy. Yet Keely is no weak pawn to be used in men’s games of power and diplomacy. Trained alongside her brothers in the art of war, gifted with more of the old magic than most of her close kin, she will not easily give way even to Niall’s commands, nor be forced against her will into an arranged marriage.

But others besides Keely’s father have plans for her future. Strahan, the most powerful Ihlini sorcerer, is preparing a trap from which even one as magically-gifted as Keely may find no escape. And in the deepwood, another waits to challenge Keely—an outlaw fully as dangerous to her future freedom as Strahan is to her life…

My Review

Daughter of the Lion follows Keely, Niall’s youngest daughter, in the first person POV. I found a lot in Keely that I can relate to. Unlike every other female character in this series, Keely absolutely hates the idea of getting married and having babies. Everyone around her assumes that she wants to be a man because she wants to learn how to use weapons and doesn’t like wearing dresses. Keely doesn’t want to be a man, she just wants the freedom to be herself.

I can relate to this as a woman who does not want to ever get married or have children, and I am so grateful that I live in a world where I can make this choice. Keely, on the other hand, is under immense pressure to marry the Prince of Erinn in order to secure the proper bloodlines for the prophecy. Brennan, the eldest son, is married to the Princess of Erinn, but their son is sick, may not live and she cannot have more children. If the child dies, then it is all up to Keely to provide the right children for the prophecy.

There are a few times where I think Keely should keep her thoughts to herself, especially when it comes to telling other women to “rid themselves” of their pregnancy. Her feelings regarding pregnancy and childbirth are valid, however, there are some things better kept internal.

Daughter of the Lion touches on some pretty heavy topics including rape, abortion and a woman’s right to choose. People in this series staunchly believe that there is absolutely no reason to ever terminate a pregnancy and that women exist to have babies. It is a disgusting attitude.

There is a scene in this book that really irritated me. Despite protesting that she does not want to hold a baby, her sister in law forces her to do so and then leaves her alone with said baby. I am not a person who is crazy about babies. I have no interest in holding them. If someone did this to me, I would be furious! And of course, in the book, it’s not a big deal and forcing Keely to hold a baby would surely make her maternal instincts kick in. That is so unfair.

Overall, I did really enjoy Daughter of the Lion. Keely’s perspective is so different from everyone’s that has come before. I loved seeing everything from her point of view and how people treat her because of her beliefs. I’m interesting to see how this all turns out with the prophecy and the opposing side trying to stop it. Only two more books to go.

My rating for Daughter of the Lion is 4 out of 5 stars.

Urban Fantasy With (Almost) No Sex

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If you are anything like, then you don’t read books because they are “steamy” or “spicy.” In fact, if you are here, you probably don’t like sex scenes in your books much at all. With the line between Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance being blurred, I present to you a list of Urban Fantasy books with (Almost) no sex.

GreyWalker Series by Kat Richardson

This series has literally no sex scenes. It’s mentioned and there are sort of “fade to black” type scenes where you know what is going to happen, but it isn’t described at all. The series itself also has an interesting premise and the main character has a ferret, which is adorable.

Walker Papers by C.E. Murphy

This series is relatively sex-free. It’s not as “clean” as the Greywalker series, but there are no long descriptive sex scenes. This one also has a great premise, with the main character being a (very reluctant) Shaman.

Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

This one falls more into the “almost” category, where there are a few descriptive sex scenes but overall not a lot. Especially considering the number of books in the series, the “steam” is pretty low comparatively.

Cal Leandros by Rob Thurman

Similar to the Dresden Files, there’s more mention of sex in these books than the Greywalker or Walker Papers series. With this one though, I have to put a disclaimer that if you decide to read this series stop at book 9, Downfall. The last book in the series, Everwar was never published and book 10, Nevermore, ends on a huge cliffhanger.

Kitty Norville by Carrie Vaughn

This series does have a bit of sex in it but nothing crazy. What scenes there are, are fairly brief.

Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs

Here is where we start getting into more iffy territory. The series starts out relatively sex free. It isn’t until later books, when the main character is in a relationship, that the sex scenes start to happen. Still, if memory serves correctly, the scenes weren’t long or overly explicit.

Kate Daniels by Illona Andrews

This one I’m going to call more of an “honorable mention” because, like the Mercy Thompson series, it starts out relatively sex-free. However, in the later books, when the main character is in a relationship, the sex scenes can be quite descriptive and a bit long. I still think the series is worth reading, the books are fantastic just know that it does get to a point where it crosses more into Paranormal Romance territory than Urban Fantasy.

And that is my list! Please know that this list is pulling only from what I have read so far. I hope to update this list as I continue to read more books. So, if there is a book or series that you think belongs on this list, please recommend it to me as I’m always on the hunt for more books to read. (even if I don’t need more.)

If you’re interested, please also check out my list of Fantasy Novels with (Almost) No Sex in Them.

Thanks for reading!

Shaman Rises – Walker Papers #9 – By C.E. Walker

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Shaman Rises by C.E. Murphy

Title: Shaman Rises

Author: C.E. Murphy

Series: The Walker Papers

Sexual Content: suggested

Objectional Content: Violence, Language

Synopsis (from Goodreads):Joanne Walker has two choices:

Defeat the enemy…or lose her soul trying

For over a year, Joanne has been fighting the Master—the world’s most abiding evil entity. She’s sacrificed family, friendships, even watched potential futures fade away…and now the Master is bringing the final battle to Joanne’s beloved Seattle.

Lives will be lost as the repercussions of all Joanne’s final transformation into her full Shamanic abilities come to her doorstep. Before the end, she’ll mourn, rejoice—and surrender everything for the hope of the world’s survival. She’ll be a warrior and a healer. Because she is finally a Shaman Rising.

My Review

Going into Shaman Rises, I really didn’t know what to expect. There were a lot of elements that I felt needed to be tidied up. I wasn’t sure how it was all going to come together and I was apprehensive about how it would end.

Once I started Shaman Rises, I did not want to put this book down. There are so many twists and turns, I just had to keep reading. This book was so emotional. I admit I cried quite a bit. There were several times where I knew if I were Joanne, I would have just sat down and given up.

I’m a bit sad to see this series end as I’m sure there is more the author could do with it if she wanted. At the same time, I’m very satisfied with the ending and wouldn’t want to see it drag on and lose out on quality.

I honestly can’t recommend this series enough! If you are a fan of Urban Fantasy, I strongly suggest giving this series a read. My rating for Shaman Rises is 5 out of 5 stars, and my rating for the Walker Papers overall is 5 out of 5 stars. I think fans of Mercy Thompson would really like this series as there are similarities between the main characters.

Have you read the Walker Papers? Please let me know what you think!

And as always, thanks for reading!

The Perfect Project

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From Reedsy.com prompt Write a story that includes someone saying, “You’ve got this.”

See my Reedsy profile here.

“No, no, no! That’s all wrong!”

I look up from my work at my mentor who is shaking his head, long scraggly white beard swaying with the motion. His bushy white eyebrows are drawn into a frown, nearly covering his eyes. I use my forearm to wipe the sweat from my forehead, trying not to smear anything from my gloves onto my skin.

“My boy,” my mentor continues, “you are a bright and promising student. You have done this before, and done it well. What is the problem today?”

I drop my head in shame. “I’m sorry, master. This project has taken much longer than any other. I am very tired.”

My mentor nods knowingly. “I understand, my boy. This is delicate work and you have done very well thus far. Only now do I see you begin to falter. Steady yourself. You know you cannot stop now. If you do, the project will be ruined.”

I squeeze my eyes shut, nodding at my master’s words. Yes, I think. I must focus. I cannot stop now. I’ve got this. I can do this.

I take a deep breath through my nose and exhale slowly through my mouth, centering myself, gathering my confidence. I can do this.

Opening my eyes, I examine the diagram I am following again. For a second, my vision swims under the bright lights of the workroom and I fear I may faint. I lock my knees to keep from collapsing. No, I tell myself, I will not faint. I will not shame myself or my master. This piece will be completed and proudly displayed with the others. The project would not be complete without this last piece.

Breathing deep a few more times, I resume my work, carefully, delicately, my hands steady. From the corner of my eye I see my master’s beard bob up and down as he nods in approval. The sounds coming from my work table threaten to distract me, but I hold firm. I will not be distracted. This piece will be finished and it will be my finest work to date.

My stomach roils. How long since I last ate? How many hours has it been? No, concentrate!

The table rattles a little as my work in progress writhes. I absently tighten the restraints and pick up the next tool I need. The project is coming along nicely now and I am pleased with my work. A quick glance shows my mentor is smiling and I know he is pleased as well.

“Well done,” he compliments and I allow myself a small smile. “This line here is particularly fine.” He runs a finger along the line in question and the subject writhes again. The restraints hold much better this time and the table barely even shivers.

I place a small magnifying tool over my right eye, select the finest needle in the collection, thread it and begin on the truly delicate work. My subject attempts to scream around the gag, but the sound comes out dull and low. No doubt the throat is raw from many previous attempts.

My mentor shivers will delicate and removes the gag. This has always been his favorite part. When the final touches are being added, the subject is weak and nearly expired. Standing at the head of the table, my mentor gently places his hands on either side of the face and leans over, his lips nearly touching that of the subject.

I finish the last of my work and straighten up, my spine popping. The subject exhales for the last time and my mentor breathes it in with a shudder of satisfaction.

“My boy,” he says, ecstasy evident in his voice. “You have outdone yourself. I always knew you would be my greatest apprentice and you continue to prove me right. I know you will continue to exceed my expectations.”

Exhausted, but thrilled, I allow myself a prideful smile and survey my work. It is indeed the best I have ever done. I pull the bloody gloves from my hands and wipe sweat from my forehead again.

“Shall we set it up, master?” I ask, a little breathlessly. He nods and together we hoist my finished project up off the table, and carry it to the far side of the room.

We set it up at the end of the existing line, positioning it just so. A few adjustments are made as each of us steps back a moment for a wider view. When we are both satisfied, we back up several paces. I stop as the work table makes contact with my lower back.

Crossing my arms and blinking my tired – no doubt, red – eyes, I survey the completed project with pride. Before me, my work is displayed. A line of what used to human females, seven of them, in a row. Each one has been dismembered, their parts exchanged between the bodies and reattached according to our designs.

The right arm of the first corpse was now on the left hip of the third corpse. The left leg of the second now attached where the right arm of the fifth used to be. So on and so forth, as had been decided long in advance. The drawing of the plans had been only step one, taking days to meticulously draw and tweak.

Step two had been obtaining the subjects. An endeavor that also took days. The third step was the work itself, the cutting and sawing, the dismembering and sewing. Nearly forty eight hours of unstoppable work and now it was finally complete. Now that it was done, I suddenly realized how hungry and thirsty I was, but I didn’t want to move just yet.

Anticipating my need, my mentor handed me a glass of cold water. I took it gratefully, swallowing several large gulps. He clapped me on the shoulder, “truly fine work, my boy. Truly fine work.” A large grin splits my face.

I knew I could do it.

Ok, well, I surprised even myself with this one. It’s pretty sick and disturbing. I think I need to have my head examined! hahaha

Scarlet and The Wolf – Chapter 1

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Scarlet and the wolf

The moon is full. 

Her light shines on the freshly fallen snow, illuminating the slowly falling flakes. The night is still, calm. 

Slowly, I rise to all four paws, stretching first my front legs, then the back. I shake off the dusting of snow from my midnight black fur. I raise my snout to the sky, inhaling. The time has come. I let out a howl. 

Within seconds my cry is being answered. The silence has been broken. It is the Blood Moon. It is time to hunt. 

I trot out from where I was hiding, sniffing the air, testing it for signs of prey. A slight breeze stirs and I smell it. I smell her! 

Confused, I turn to follow where the scent leads me. The howls of my brothers grow louder. Have they smelled it too? 

The wolf is near the surface, it is difficult to keep my wits, to not simply fade into the background and let the wolf do what the wolf does. My heart pounds louder as I leap into a full run. The scent is stronger and my brothers are near. I must get there first. They must not get to her. 

The wolf is as frantic as I as I run. What is she doing out here? She should be protected from being named Sacrifice. Why is she out here on this night of all nights? 

The scent is stronger now and with it comes the unmistakable tang of blood. She’s bleeding! Am I too late? Have my brothers found her already. 

A flash of red threw the trees catches my eye. I halt and slowly move toward a clearing. It is her hair that I saw. It is loose and wild, streaming around her in loose curls, the colour of fresh blood. She is dressed all in white with something embroidered in silver along the hems. From this distance I cannot see what the embroidery is but from past experience I know that it depicts running wolves. All the Sacrifices wear this. So, it is not a mistake. 

Her breath steams before her face, surprisingly even, as she scans the trees. She is no stranger to the forest. Often she ventures out where she should not be. She is tense. She knows what awaits her. She is ready to run but I know all too well how the heavy white robes will hamper her, especially in the new snow. 

I study her closely as I creep forward. I see no sign of injury. The others have not arrived. So where does she bleed from? Did someone hurt her before leaving her out here? 

I shake myself again. The wolf is growing frantic inside me, demanding to know what injury she has suffered. I steel myself, push the wolf down as much as possible and walk slowly into the clearing. 

She sees me almost immediately and startles. She relaxes a fraction when I do not attack. I try to keep my demeanor as nonaggressive as possible. I want to reach out to her, to whisper soothing words, but the wolf has no voice she would understand. Instead, I wag my busy tail in a friendly manner. 

She blinks, confused. She has the most extraordinary eyes. A kind of golden green with flecks of pure gold. I could stare into her eyes forever. 

No! Focus! The wolf has moved forward while I daydreamed. Sniffing, circling, searching for the injury. She follows as I circle, keeping her eyes on me. 

Suddenly, the source of the blood becomes obvious. The wolf lunges forward without my permission and all but buries my nose between her legs. 

“Hey!” She cried out in shock, tripping over the long robes as she stumbles back and lands unceremoniously on her butt in the snow. 

Oh. I understand but the wolf does not. I wrestle my body back until control, trying to soothe the wolf and keep him from embarrassing me further. 

Barks and snarls break into my mind. My brothers have arrived as I was distracted. They fan out in a circle, surrounding the maiden, preparing to attack. 

Her breath comes faster now, her heart pounds loudly to my sensitive ears. Her scream as one of my brothers lunges at her nearly drives the wolf insane. All rational thought flees my mind and my instincts take over. I must not allow them to touch her. 

My lips pull back from my impressive teeth as I snarl at the one who lunged. I give one warning bark and then I am on him. My jaws close on his neck before he even knows what is happening. He yelps in surprise and pain as I shake my head, lifting him from his feet and tossing him to the ground. 

The others are confused. They whine at me questioningly. Why are you doing this? They say. She is the Sacrifice, ours to hunt. 

I am the eldest, the largest, though not by much. I make myself as large as possible and stared them down, growling, snarling. Do not touch her! 

They take the hint and slowly back away. All but the one I threw to the ground. As I focused on the others, he had gained his feet. The maiden’s yelp of surprise was the only warning I had before he was on her. I turn to aid her as quickly as I can. She is on her back in the snow, my brother on top of her, his powerful jaws clamped around one forearm. His back paw digs into her stomach, tearing the fabric of the robe. The renewed smell of blood fills the air. 

The wolf goes ballistic. I am on my brother before I am even aware I am moving. I tackle him, my jaws once again around his throat. This time, I will not let him get up so easily. It is over quickly. My brother lays bloody in the snow, still breathing but too weak to try for the maiden again. I look to my other brothers. They fall to the ground, roll over and expose their bellies to me, acknowledging my dominance. 

I bark once in their direction. They rise to their feet and vanish into the forest. They can find something else to hunt this night. 

When I am sure they are gone, I turn to face the maiden. She is sitting in the snow, her injured arm cradled to her chest. She stares at me with a wild look in her golden green eyes. I take a step closer and she flinches. 

I sigh. This isn’t going to work. I cannot talk to her as a wolf. I look to the sky, the full moon still shines brightly.  

This is going to hurt. 

I muster all my will power. When the moon is full I must run as a wolf, though I can change at any other time I please. Changing back while the moon is still out has never been attempted before to my knowledge. 

I reason internally with the wolf. I can’t help the girl unless I am human. The wolf concedes the point and he fades to the background. Gritting my teeth, I command my body to change. 

I hear her gasp of surprise and the rustle of cloth. No doubt she is trying to get further away from me. Watching a wolf change shape into a human is a shocking thing even if you are expecting it, even if you have seen it before. She has never witnessed it before. I hear a moan and a whimper as my bones crack and pop. The dark fur recedes into my body, leaving behind my own brown skin. 

It is over within a minute or two. I stand on the bloodied snow a short distance from the girl I nearly killed my own brother to protect. She stares are me wide eyed and slack jawed in all my naked human glory. Then those beautiful eyes roll up in her head and she collapses into the snow. 

Monthly Wrap Up – August 2023

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Is August really over already? Wasn’t it just Easter? Seriously, where has this year gone?

Well then, what did August bring my way? Well, unfortunately I got a stomach infection that I am just about recovered from. Sadly, though I was home for a few days, I couldn’t focus to read. I was too light headed and nauseous. I don’t recommend it.

I did manage to read 2 books this month though.

I finished The Oasis and The Horus Road, which completed the Lord of the Two Lands trilogy by Pauline Gedge. Both were enjoyable though a bit slow in places.

Currently, I’m reading Sorcery Rising by Jude Fisher, the first book in the Fool’s Gold trilogy. I’m around half way through and I’m not quite sure how I feel about it yet.

After that, I plan to read the two sequels to complete the trilogy, Wild Magic and The Rose of the World.

Depending on how my health cooperates, that may be all for September, but if I do get through these more quickly, I’ll decide then, what to read.

What was August like for reading for you? How many books did you read?

The Oasis by Pauline Gedge – Book Review

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The Oasis, book 2 of the Lords of the Two Lands trilogy by Pauline Gedge

Title: The Oasis

Author: Pauline Gedge

Series: The Lord of the Two Lands

Sexual Content: None

Objectional Content: Incest

Target Audience: Adults

Synopsis: Using subtle means of political power and economic control, a foreign power known as the “Rulers of the Upland” has taken over Egypt to plunder its riches and eradicate its religion and culture. In “The Hippopotamus Marsh”, the stunning first volume of Pauline Gedge’s Lords of the Two Lands trilogy, the family of the last true King of Egypt chose to end 200 years of submission to King Apepa, and attempted to resurrect a dynasty, Seqenenra Tao began a courageous and tragic revolt that almost led to the destruction of his family. In this thrilling second volume, Seqenenra’s surviving son Kamose refuses an inheritance of failure, and chooses instead to continue his father’s fight for the freedom of Egypt and his family. He begins his desperate sweep north, collecting fighting men from the loyal towns and villages he passes. Will his savage brilliance bring him victory or defeat? And will his acts redeem him or drive him to the brink of madness?

My Review

The Oasis picks up where The Hippopotamus Marsh left off. Kamose begins his campaign to retake Egypt from the Setiu.

For a novel all about a war, The Oasis isn’t really that exciting. The focus is less on the war that is happening and more the mental and emotional impact it has on Kamose. This novel feels much like a character study and an in depth look at the toll being the leader of an army can have. The guilt of the things he has done weighs heavily on him. While at the same time he knows it is the only way to recapture Egypt and restore his family to their rightful place on the throne.

I never knew what to expect from this book. If I had any expectations, I don’t know what they were. I find that something amazing about Pauline Gedge’s books. I truly don’t know what to expect and I can’t predict how anything will go. Her writing is amazing. I love how well she describes the world without having to go into great detail. You can practically feel the hot Egyptian sun beating down on you.

The Oasis is a bit slow at points but in the last 100 pages it really picks up and I’m pumped for the next book!

My rating for The Oasis is 4 out of 5 stars and I would recommend it to anyone who likes Egyptian fiction. Just read the Hippopotamus Marsh first.

Fantasy Book Review – Flame of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

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Synopsis: Maeve, daughter of Lord Sean of Sevenwaters, was badly burned as a child and carries the legacy of that fire in her crippled hands. After ten years she’s returning home, a courageous, forthright woman. But while her body’s scars have healed, her spirit remains fragile, fearing the shadows of her past.
 
Sevenwaters is in turmoil. The fey prince Mac Dara is desperate to see his only son, married to Maeve’s sister, return to the Otherworld. To force Lord Sean’s hand, Mac Dara has caused a party of innocent travelers on the Sevenwaters border to vanish—only to allow their murdered bodies to be found one by one.
 
When Maeve finds a body in a remote part of the woods, she and her brother, Finbar, embark on a journey that could bring about the end of Mac Dara’s reign—or lead to a hideous death. If she is successful, Maeve may open the door to a future she has not dared to believe possible….

I had certain predictions going into this book, that I thought would happen. I’m happy to say that those predictions didn’t exactly come true. I don’t want to say what those were because I don’t want to spoil anything.

It’s unusual to see a disabled protagonist in fantasy novels, at least in my experience, especially one who can’t use her hands. Maeve was burned in a fire as a child and as a result her hands are basically useless. She’s aware of her limitations and has accepted there are things in life she will never have. But Maeve has a gift that most others don’t: an affinity with animals.

I really liked Maeve. She is brave and practical, but she still has the longings of woman her age. As the reader, it’s hard not to feel for her, to want her to have the things she knows she can’t.

Honestly, I can’t think of a lot to say about this book. It’s a very good book and a satisfying end to the Sevenwaters series (at least as far as I know). I enjoyed the entire series overall and would recommend it to any and all lovers of fantasy, especially Celtic fantasy.

My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

5 Fantasy Series I Will Never Stop Recommending

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We’ve all seen those threads in one place or another on the internet when the poster is looking for recommendations. We all have those books that we always recommend and here are my top 5!

Kushiel’s Legacy by Jacqueline Carey is an amazing series. It is made up of 3 trilogies and if you only read one I’d highly suggest Phaedre’s trilogy. It is by far the best.

There is some graphic sexual and violent content that some readers may not like.

The Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop is another series that I adore. The magic system is unique and the characters can be quite intense. Anne Bishop is an author that I will auto buy her books without knowing anything about them.

The Witches of Eileanan series by Kate Forsyth is one that I read near the end of high school and it has stuck with me to this day (over 20 years later lol). I may not remember all the details but I remember how much I enjoyed it at the time.

The Sirkara trilogy by Laura Resnick is one that I really resonated with me when I read it. In this world, people with red hair and/or green eyes are persecuted as they are believed to be evil. I have red hair so I felt this.

Also, Tansen is amazing.

I bought the Night Angel trilogy by Brent Weeks for a friend of mine and she passed it around her friend group. As far as I know most of them didn’t read fantasy novels, but they all loved it.

It’s been quite awhile since I’ve read it so I can’t think of much to say, so just read it. It’s amazing, I swear!

The order I put these books in does not a ranking of any sort. I love and recommend all these books for lovers of fantasy.

Have you read an of this? Which are your favorites? What are books you always recommend?