Review of The Erinyes
Posted: 13 Mar 2022, 15:42
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Erinyes" by C.S. Powles.]
The Erinyes is a fantasy novel written by C.S. Powles. This imaginative book is a creative and innovative retelling of King Arthur’s epic saga, told from several perspectives, with a refreshingly feminine undertone.
As the story begins, readers follow Queen Ygraine instruct her three daughters, Morgana, Elaine, and Morgause, whom she calls her "Furies." Ygraine wants them to plot revenge for what she had to endure in life. Morgana, Elaine, and Morgause are to invoke and become Maeguira, Alecto, and Tisiphone to seek Ygraine’s revenge. Ygraine’s first husband (the princesses’ father) was killed by Uther, who raped Ygraine. Arthur, their son, instructed by the power-hungry Merlin, became king, usurping Morgana’s rightful throne. Now the princesses are out to avenge their mother.
There are several positives to this entertaining book. I’ll start with what I liked the most – the multiple points of view and voices in the development of the story. The author skillfully shifts the narration to reflect different points of focus, and I appreciated how she managed to achieve this. Powles pieces the numerous elements together very well. Above all, the female characters color the story and seem to burst off the pages. The author does a great job of portraying the female psyche. For instance, I enjoyed Ygraine's no-nonsense interpretation of what truly happened to her and how it differs from the traditional male perspective we’re used to.
Additionally, I enjoyed the overall tone of the book, full of vivacity, humor, and romance. The book has an impressively light-hearted and magical atmosphere. Morgana, for instance, lives in an enchanted realm, in a castle of clouds on the other side of an enchanted forest, and she runs the School of Enchantment for Young Ladies. The enchanted realm includes dragons, fairies, unicorns, and wolves, as well as shapeshifting. I particularly enjoyed Llareggub, aka Lesley, a fairy beast with dragon blood. Lesley is an important element in the plot, for he keeps Morgana company. Lesley brings a lot of fun and humor to the plot, as well as surprises. But I cannot give away any spoilers.
In closing, I’m glad to give the book the highest rating; I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I have no negatives to mention. It seemed professionally edited, for I only found a few minor editing mishaps in it. Prospective readers should be aware that it is not a quick read, though. Nonetheless, if you enjoy folk tales, especially ones that involve magical elements, you should consider reading The Erinyes. If you dislike non-traditional renderings of well-known stories and myths, you might not like it as much.
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The Erinyes
View: on Bookshelves
The Erinyes is a fantasy novel written by C.S. Powles. This imaginative book is a creative and innovative retelling of King Arthur’s epic saga, told from several perspectives, with a refreshingly feminine undertone.
As the story begins, readers follow Queen Ygraine instruct her three daughters, Morgana, Elaine, and Morgause, whom she calls her "Furies." Ygraine wants them to plot revenge for what she had to endure in life. Morgana, Elaine, and Morgause are to invoke and become Maeguira, Alecto, and Tisiphone to seek Ygraine’s revenge. Ygraine’s first husband (the princesses’ father) was killed by Uther, who raped Ygraine. Arthur, their son, instructed by the power-hungry Merlin, became king, usurping Morgana’s rightful throne. Now the princesses are out to avenge their mother.
There are several positives to this entertaining book. I’ll start with what I liked the most – the multiple points of view and voices in the development of the story. The author skillfully shifts the narration to reflect different points of focus, and I appreciated how she managed to achieve this. Powles pieces the numerous elements together very well. Above all, the female characters color the story and seem to burst off the pages. The author does a great job of portraying the female psyche. For instance, I enjoyed Ygraine's no-nonsense interpretation of what truly happened to her and how it differs from the traditional male perspective we’re used to.
Additionally, I enjoyed the overall tone of the book, full of vivacity, humor, and romance. The book has an impressively light-hearted and magical atmosphere. Morgana, for instance, lives in an enchanted realm, in a castle of clouds on the other side of an enchanted forest, and she runs the School of Enchantment for Young Ladies. The enchanted realm includes dragons, fairies, unicorns, and wolves, as well as shapeshifting. I particularly enjoyed Llareggub, aka Lesley, a fairy beast with dragon blood. Lesley is an important element in the plot, for he keeps Morgana company. Lesley brings a lot of fun and humor to the plot, as well as surprises. But I cannot give away any spoilers.
In closing, I’m glad to give the book the highest rating; I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I have no negatives to mention. It seemed professionally edited, for I only found a few minor editing mishaps in it. Prospective readers should be aware that it is not a quick read, though. Nonetheless, if you enjoy folk tales, especially ones that involve magical elements, you should consider reading The Erinyes. If you dislike non-traditional renderings of well-known stories and myths, you might not like it as much.
******
The Erinyes
View: on Bookshelves