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Book Review: Rick Riordan’s “Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard” Series

September 7, 2024JournalE.S.O. Martin

From Boston to Asgard: Where Norse Mythology Meets Modern Heroism

Rick Riordan’s “Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard” series is a thrilling expedition into Norse mythology, seen through the eyes of a modern teenager. This series blends adventure, humor, and diverse characters into a narrative that both entertains and enlightens, presenting a fresh take on ancient myths.

Series Overview:

The series follows Magnus Chase, a homeless Boston teen who dies and discovers he is the son of a Norse god. The books combine the classic elements of Norse mythology with Riordan’s signature style of witty narrative and fast-paced action, making it a hit among young readers. Each book in the series introduces new challenges and mystical elements as Magnus and his friends—each with their unique background and abilities—navigate the Nine Worlds.

Book 1: The Sword of Summer

Magnus Chase’s life changes forever when he learns that he is the son of the Norse god Frey, god of kinship, peace, and the harvest. The first book kicks off with Magnus’s death and subsequent journey to Asgard, where he must search for a lost weapon that was once his father’s. Alongside his diverse group of friends, including Samirah “Sam” al-Abbas, a Muslim Valkyrie, Magnus embarks on an epic quest filled with gods, giants, and dwarves.

In this series, Samirah al-Abbas stands out as a beacon of inclusivity and representation. Her character as a devout Muslim and a strong, independent Valkyrie challenges stereotypes and beautifully blends her faith with her heroic duties.

Book 2: The Hammer of Thor

The adventure continues with Magnus and his friends scrambling to recover Thor’s lost hammer. The stakes are higher as the hammer ends up in enemy hands, threatening a potential supernatural war. The introduction of Alex Fierro, a gender-fluid child of Loki, adds new dynamics to the team. The book further explores the complexities of identity and acceptance within the magical and mythological challenges they face.

Alex Fierro brings visibility to gender-fluid individuals, enriching the series with vibrant personality and depth. Alex’s character not only adds to the series’ diversity but also provides a narrative on identity and acceptance, resonating with many readers.

Book 3: The Ship of the Dead

In the final installment, Magnus and his crew sail across the oceans in a race to stop Ragnarok. They must challenge the god Loki in a battle of wits to prevent the end of the world. The series culminates in a showdown that tests their bravery, loyalty, and strength, emphasizing the power of friendship and diversity in overcoming adversity.

Updating Mythology to Reflect Current Values

“Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard” is more than just a fantasy series; it is a celebration of diversity and a testament to the enduring relevance of mythology in understanding human values and struggles. Riordan’s work continues to inspire and entertain, proving that stories from the past can speak powerfully to the present.

Beyond the series, Rick Riordan has been instrumental in promoting diversity in young adult literature through the “Rick Riordan Presents” imprint. This initiative allows authors from various cultures to tell their stories, enriching the literary landscape with diverse voices and experiences.

If you’re intrigued by a blend of thrilling adventures and meaningful cultural dialogues, consider signing up for my Reader’s Club to get more book reviews like this one. Reader’s Club subscribers will also get links to blog posts, updates on my Slavic Spirits series, and updates on my works in progress.

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UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.

Łada: The Slavic Goddess of Love and Harmony

August 31, 2024Slavic Spirits (series), JournalE.S.O. Martin

Łada, Goddess of Love, Marriage, Beauty, and Joy

Revered as the goddess of love, marriage, beauty, and joy, Łada’s influence extends beyond the heavens, touching the earth with her gentle presence during the vibrant months of spring and summer.

Origins and Divine Family

Łada and her husband Swaróg, god of fire and blacksmithing

Legend holds that Łada was among the earliest deities to emerge from the Cosmic Egg, a symbol of creation and origin in Slavic mythology. Her emergence marked the beginning of beauty and harmony in the universe. Łada’s consort is Swarog, the formidable god of fire and blacksmithing, whose fiery nature contrasts with her serene demeanor. Together, they form a divine partnership of warmth, beauty, and creation that balances the elemental forces of fire with the soothing balm of love.

From their celestial union came Perun, Veles, and a new generation of gods, each playing pivotal roles in the Slavic pantheon. Łada’s role as a mother extends to her twins, Lel and Polel, who are believed to embody the Gemini constellation, further emphasizing her influence in the cosmos.

The Goddess of Balance and Harmony

Łada is not only the epitome of affection and beauty but also the goddess of balance and harmony. Unlike her more interventionist offspring, Perun and Veles, who actively engage in the affairs of gods and mortals, Łada and Swarog maintain a more detached presence. They embody the equilibrium between the celestial and the earthly, ensuring that their divine essence subtly influences the world rather than overtaking it.

Łada’s presence is most profoundly felt during the warmer seasons. It is in spring and summer that her virtues of light, warmth, and beauty are fully realized. Flowers bloom, couples pledge their vows, and the earth awakens under her nurturing gaze, celebrating the joy and beauty of life that she fosters.

Celebrating Łada in Slavic Culture

In Slavic communities, Łada is celebrated as the harbinger of good fortune and happy marriages. Couples might seek her blessings for a harmonious marriage, while artists invoke her name for inspiration in creating beauty and joy through their work. Celebration of Łada’s many gifts can be felt in the elevation in spirit we get from dance, laughter, appreciating and beatifying our environments, and in our love for each other. These celebrations not only honor her as a deity but also seek her blessings for love, familial harmony, and the beauty of the natural world.

Legacy of Łada

Today, Łada’s legacy continues to inspire those who study Slavic mythology and those who seek to embody the principles of love and harmony in their daily lives. Her story reminds us of the power of love to bring balance and beauty into the world, encouraging a harmonious existence with nature and with each other.

In a world often divided by discord, Łada serves as a divine reminder of the potential for unity and the enduring beauty that can arise from a balanced and loving perspective on life. Her gentle influence encourages us to appreciate the beauty around us and to strive for harmony in our relationships and our environment, making her a timeless symbol of love and joy in Slavic folklore.

If you felt inspired by learning about the Slavic goddess Łada, I entreat you to channel her energy by doing something loving and positive. Tell someone you love them, go for a walk to appreciate the beauty of nature, or simply have a calming cup of tea as you appreciate your quiet space.

If you would like to learn about more Slavic deities, consider signing up for my Reader’s Club. You will get a monthly email with updates on my works in progress, book reviews, and notifications whenever there is a new entry in my “Slavic Spirits” series.

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The Black Volga: Fear on Four Wheels

August 24, 2024Journal, Polish, Slavic Spirits (series)E.S.O. Martin

Black Volga, prowling the streets of Warsaw

During the height of Soviet control, whispers of a sinister government car, a black GAZ Volga, spread across Poland and beyond, igniting fears of disappearances and foul play. This vehicle, associated with the dark times of communism and alleged state oppression, became a potent symbol of the era’s anxieties and the chilling possibility of being snatched from the streets.

Origins of the Legend

The legend of the Black Volga appears to have roots in real incidents—disturbing reports of kidnappings that were allegedly carried out by individuals using a black Volga, a car often used by communist government officials. The most infamous stories involve chilling accounts of people being abducted for horrifying purposes, such as blood and organ harvesting. One tale tells of a man who was reportedly drugged and found himself in a hotel bathtub full of ice, missing a kidney. Another recounts a young girl’s narrow escape from an attempted abduction by a couple in a Black Volga.

A Vehicle of Terror

The Black Volga soon transcended its origins as a mere government car to become a boogeyman of the communist era. It was said to roam the streets at night, an ominous presence that could appear anywhere, at any time. The legend evolved, with some versions suggesting that the car was driven by the devil himself, or by ghosts, or that it was a sentient being preying on the unsuspecting. These supernatural elements intensified the fear surrounding the Black Volga, making it not just a symbol of state terror but a creature of nightmarish proportions.

Symbolism and Socio-Political Context

The fear of the Black Volga was not just about the threat of abduction. It represented deeper societal fears—of state surveillance, of political persecution, and of the vulnerability of ordinary citizens under oppressive regimes. During a time when trust in the state was at an all-time low and paranoia was high, the Black Volga embodied the ultimate betrayal: the state as predator rather than protector.

Legacy of the Black Volga

Today, the tale of the Black Volga serves as a chilling reminder of the power of urban legends in expressing and amplifying societal anxieties. It also highlights how such stories can evolve, gaining layers of myth that reflect the collective fears and uncertainties of a community or a nation.

While the Black Volga may no longer be a present fear on the streets, its story lingers in the cultural memory of those who lived through those times and continues to fascinate those who hear the legend. Whether as a cautionary tale or a macabre piece of folklore, the Black Volga remains a powerful symbol of the dark side of authority and the enduring impact of urban legends in shaping our understanding of history and human fears.

If you would like to learn more about slavic folklore, mythology, and urban legends, check out the rest of my “Slavic Spirits” blog series. You might also consider signing up for my free Reader’s Club. Club members receive monthly emails with updates on my works in progress, book reviews, and notifications about new entries in my “Slavic Spirits” series.

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Book Review: Victoria Aveyard’s “Red Queen” Series

August 17, 2024Journal, ReviewsE.S.O. Martin

Power, Blood, and Class: Teens Rebel for a More Equitable World

Victoria Aveyard’s “Red Queen” series captures the imagination with its vivid portrayal of a dystopian world divided by blood—those with common Red blood serve under the elite Silvers who possess god-like superpowers. This series blends the grim realities of class warfare with the allure of fantasy, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with fans of YA dystopian fiction.

For anyone who had fantasized about the Marvel X-Men universe where people develop super powers, Victoria Aveyard’s series imagines what would happen if such a society were fast-forwarded into the future where there was a hardened class divide between those with Powers and those Without.

Series Overview:

The series begins with “Red Queen,” where Mare Barrow, a Red-blooded commoner, discovers she possesses powers of her own—a rare and dangerous anomaly in a world where power is dictated by blood. This revelation thrusts her into the heart of the Silver elite, where she must navigate betrayal, intrigue, and rebellion.

1. Red Queen: Mare Barrow’s world is divided between the powerful Silvers and the oppressed Reds. Her life changes when she displays Silver-like powers, leading to her posing as a lost Silver princess engaged to a Silver prince. This first book plays on the love triangle romance trope as Mare is courted by both royal princes Cal and Maven. However, their love story is a tangled web of betrayal, manipulation, and obsession.

2. Glass Sword: Following the events of the first book, Mare, Cal, and the Scarlet Guard seek other Red-and-Silver hybrids to combat the Silver oppression. The quest forces Mare to confront the darker side of her own powers and the potential for tyranny within herself.

3. King’s Cage: Captured by King Maven, Mare becomes a pawn in his continued war against the Scarlet Guard. The book deepens the exploration of political power dynamics and personal betrayals.

4. War Storm: As alliances form and shatter, Mare’s journey culminates in an epic showdown that decides the fate of her world. The final installment wrestles with the costs of revolution and the complexities of peace.

5. Broken Throne: A collection of novellas that expand the universe and provide closure, exploring the new world order after the main series’ tumultuous events.

Personal Reflection:

What drew me into the “Red Queen” series was not just the inventive superpowers and the vivid battle scenes, but the intricate, multi-perspective storytelling that Aveyard masters.

One of my favorite characters was Evangeline Samos. Initially portrayed as Mare’s rival, Evangeline’s character unfolds with complexity over the series. Her forced engagement, meant to secure political power, clashes with her desire to be with the woman she loves, highlighting the personal sacrifices demanded by the rigid class system. This evolution from a mean girl to a nuanced character shows Aveyard’s strength in character development, adding depth to the narrative and enriching the reader’s experience.

This series does an excellent job of portraying how even those who seem to benefit from a system of oppression can also desire its downfall, and how alliances can form across enemy lines when higher stakes are revealed.

The series’ blend of action, moral dilemmas, and a realistic portrayal of revolution—complete with its victories and heartbreaks—makes it a standout addition to the YA fantasy genre.

For lovers of dystopian tales and intricate fantasy worlds, Victoria Aveyard’s “Red Queen” series offers a rich journey into a land where the fight for equality is entangled with personal growth and sacrifice.

If you’re captivated by stories of rebellion, power, and heartache, consider subscribing to my newsletter for more reviews, deep dives into your favorite books, and updates on the latest in fantasy and romance literature.

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The Wodnik: Guardian and Menace of Slavic Waters

August 10, 2024JournalE.S.O. Martin

Few creatures blend the line between the benevolent and the malevolent as distinctly as the Wodnik. This water demon is both revered and feared, embodying the age-old respect and caution that Slavs held towards the mysteries of water.

Nature of the Wodnik

The Wodnik typically appears as an old man with a long beard and frog-like or fish-like features, suggesting his close association with aquatic life. Despite this often less-than-charming visage, the Wodnik possesses the ability to shape-shift, appearing as a more human-like figure when it suits his purposes. This capability is particularly evident when he ventures away from his aquatic home, whether to interact with humans or to manage his own mysterious errands.

Wodnik and Human Interactions

The relationship between Wodniks and humans is complex. Traditionally, these beings are seen as the custodians of their water realms—guarding ponds, lakes, and rivers against pollution, overfishing, or other human encroachments that might disrupt the natural order. A Wodnik’s wrath is swift and severe, manifesting in drownings or sudden floods, especially if they perceive any insult or threat to their domain.

However, humans have found ways to coexist with these capricious spirits. Travelers crossing waters might perform spells, sing songs, or offer small gifts to appease the Wodnik, ensuring their passage is unharmed. Millers, in particular, share a unique bond with the Wodnik, providing annual offerings to guarantee a peaceful cohabitation and the safe operation of their watermills.

Wodnik or bałamutnik, shifting into humanoid form

In some tales, the Wodnik, under the guise of a handsome man known as a bałamutnik, seeks human companions. These relationships are marked by the human spouse gaining abilities like breathing underwater or enduring the cold depths, revealing a complex, albeit eerie, form of symbiosis.

The Underwater Realm

Wodnik, with his collection of teapots containing the souls of the drowned

Legends speak of the odnik’s residence as an underwater palace crafted from ice, clear as glass, and as majestic as any human castle. Inside, amidst this frozen splendor, lies a peculiar room filled with teapots. These are not ordinary vessels; they are said to contain the souls of those who had drowned in the wodnik’s waters. According to myth, if a teapot’s lid were to open, the soul would escape as a bubble, rising to the surface. Once free from the watery depths and touching the open air, the soul transforms into a white dove, soaring upwards to find peace in the afterlife.

The Wodnik’s Dual Nature

The Wodnik exemplifies the dual nature of many mythological beings—both protector and destroyer, depending on human actions. This duality serves as a reminder of the consequences of human interaction with the natural world. As stewards of their watery domains, Wodniks demand respect and responsible behavior from those who live nearby or seek to traverse their waters.

Through the stories of the Wodnik, Slavic folklore teaches respect for nature, caution about the unseen forces that dwell within it, and the importance of living in harmony with the environment. In an era where ecological balance is more crucial than ever, the tales of the Wodnik resonate as a poignant metaphor for the guardianship of our natural resources.

If you were intrigued by learning about the wodnik, I welcome you to check out the rest of my “Slavic Spirits” blog series. You might also like to join my Reader’s Club. Club members receive a monthly email with updates on my works in progress, book reviews, and links to new entries in my “Slavic Spirits” series.

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Book Review: The “Empyrean” Series by Rebecca Yarros

August 3, 2024Journal, ReviewsE.S.O. Martin

Love and Dragons: Romance in a the Basgiath War College

Rebecca Yarros’s “Empyrean” series stands out in the New Adult fantasy romance genre, blending high-stakes action with steamy romance in a world where dragon riders soar and battles rage. The series, projected to include five books, has currently published two that set the stage for an epic saga of love, war, and resilience.

Series Overview:

Set in a vibrant world where dragon riders are at the heart of military defense, the “Empyrean” series introduces readers to a war-college setting filled with young cadets training to become protectors of their realm. These cadets are paired with dragons, forming bonds that go beyond the battlefield, including psychic links that deepen their relationships and tactics.

1. Fourth Wing: Introduces Violet Sorrengail, a cadet with a unique blend of bravery and vulnerability. Born with a genetic disorder that makes her joints loose, Violet’s physical limitations do not deter her spirit or her strategic mind. Her journey at the academy intertwines with Xadan Riorson, another rider whose family she has been taught to fear, but whose secrets might shatter the way she sees her family and her world.

2. Iron Flame: Expands on Violet and Xadan’s relationship as they struggle with wanting to be vulnerable to each other, while needing to keep secrets to maintain national security. They also wonder if the devotion they feel for each other is simply a symptom of their bonded dragons, or if their love is genuine. The duo’s strategic prowess and deepening bond are tested as they navigate through battles that are as much about wits as they are about physical strength.

There are three additional books anticipated in this series. The next book, Onyx Storm, is anticipated in 2025.

Personal Take:

What captivates me about the “Empyrean” series is its seamless fusion of fantasy and romance—”romantasy”—appealing to a broad audience through its dynamic setting and compelling characters. The inclusion of a protagonist like Violet, who manages her genetic disorder while training to become a dragon rider, is particularly groundbreaking. It shifts the typical narrative around physical disability in action-oriented roles, presenting a hero who is both formidable and distinctly human.

The psychic connection between riders and their dragons adds a rich layer to the narrative, enhancing the emotional and tactical depth of the story. Yarros does not shy away from the complexities of Violet and Xadan’s relationship, which is filled with passionate disagreements and profound understanding, capturing the essence of a partnership where both parties grow and adapt.

For fans of fantasy that transcends traditional boundaries and embraces the complexities of love and war, Rebecca Yarros’s “Empyrean” series offers a thrilling dive into a world where the bonds between dragon and rider illuminate the battles faced both in the skies and within the heart. If you’re drawn to stories where romance meets epic fantasy, or if you’re looking for narratives that feature diverse and richly developed characters, the “Empyrean” series is not to be missed.

I know that I am avidly awaiting the next book.

If you would like to learn about more “romantasy” books like these, consider signing up for my newsletter, where I review stories with epic love and epic fantasy. You’ll also receive updates on my works in progress and my “Slavic Spirits” blog series, which explores the little-known world of Slavic fairy tales and mythology.

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