Movie Review: The Odyssey (2026)

Title: The Odyssey

Length: 2h 52m

Released: 2026

Genre: Drama, Dark Fantasy, Action/Adventure
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Theaters

SUMMARY:

After the Trojan War, Odysseus faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Calypso along the way.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I really, really wanted to watch this on the big screen. How can you not? This story has remained a classic for a reason. 

Here we follow Odysseus and his family. Odysseus went to war and then tried to come home. Along the way, he will suffer many of the gods' creations. Is it a test? Is it a punishment? Is it both? While he is making his journey, his wife and son are at home trying to keep his throne open, but Penelope is forced to house suitors who want her hand so they can rule. 

Man, this was an amazing cast. Even the side characters were amazing. Don't listen to the haters who hated that they cast a diverse cast. THIS IS A FANTASY. THIS IS NOT A BIOGRAPHY. Everyone was cast perfectly. They all did amazing!!! I was especially in awe of Robert Pattinson playing our main baddie of a suitor. Damn, he was good at being evil, but also being a coward. Loved it.

The way they told  this story was awe-inspiring. I loved how the past was told in story form. We only got glimpses when someone was telling the story. It really is a lovely nod to how stories used to be told. It was clever and amazing. 

I am SOOOO glad we had limited CGI. The CGI we did have was clean and nice. It was nice seeing some old Hollywood tricks coming into play. 

AND THAT ENDING? OMG the big reveal was heartbreaking and beautiful, and I couldn't stop the tears from falling. Man, that was a powerful scene. 

But yes, this is bloody, and it is set during ancient Greece....so it is dark, and human and animal life meant little. 

5 stars from me. I want to watch this again!

Audiobook Review: Pericles and Aspasia by Yvonne Korshak

Author: Yvonne Korshak

Narrator: Alan Adelberg

Title: Pericles and Aspasia

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: October 4, 2022

Where I got It: Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion

Summary: 

Two lovers crest the wave of the golden age of Pericles, statesman and general, and Aspasia, his courtesan, a philosopher's daughter, and a brilliant woman in her own right. In a world of hierarchies, he is at the top when she arrives as little more than flotsam cast up on Athenian shores. Their love transcends social sanctions, enduring and deepening despite the grave threat it presents to Pericles' reputation as a leader of the Athenian democracy.

The novel unfolds against the background of the arts and history of the Golden Age, seen through the eyes of two individuals who lent their particular brilliance to make it "golden": Pericles, the great orator and visionary of democracy, and its most influential woman, Aspasia. Their story takes them from the Agora-Athens' marketplace to the Acropolis, from the raunchy Athenian Port Piraeus mercantile across the Aegean Sea to East Greece. Pericles and Aspasia—together and apart—navigate treacherous paths from venal calculations to impassioned philosophical inquiry, from high-stakes sea battles to the passions of family life.

Pericles and Aspasia engages issues that are vital today—the paradoxes of democracy, the tensions of hierarchy, the ironies of gender, and others—but this novel is immersed in classical the city, its sunshine, its physical presence, its people, and their struggles and aspirations.

Review:

It feels nice jumping back into ancient times! I love a good historical fiction set in Ancient Greece or Rome. Always a blast. 

Here we follow Pericles and Aspasia and their romance. Pericles is a well-respected statesman while Aspasia was taken from her home has become a courtesan. The two meet and fall in love. This love could ruin Pericles' reputation and make him question many laws and societal norms. 

Throughout my journey of learning about Ancient Greece the name Pericles has been mentioned more than once. He was pretty prominent in his time. I'll admit...I don't recall the name Aspasia as much. I'm sure she was mentioned, but never really dwelled upon. After reading this, I went on a journey to learn some more about her. Her history isn't really known. They don't even know if she ever became Pericles' wife or whatnot. She is a mystery. That is interesting and a little bit sad. Heck, we can't even be sure of Pericles' first wife's name! Sad that these women are barely remembered. 

I enjoyed this story quite a bit.I loved reading both his POV and her POV. I'm glad we got to see both sides of the story. I, especially, loved seeing Aspasia's story. I know we can only guess, but I loved the origin story the author gave her. It was fitting and seemed so right. 

There are a few spots of info-dumping, but I found sometimes it was necessary for the story/scene at hand. Sometimes the info-dumping was a hair too much. 

This was a pretty hefty book and it worked! To be honest? I didn't want it to end. I wanted to see more. No spoilers, but there is more to the story and I would've loved an epilogue of sorts! The ending ended well, but I'm greedy and wanted more...especially of Aspasia. I loved her while Pericles...I liked him....but I wanted to kick him sometimes too. 

The narrator was fantastic. I feel like I have heard his voice before but when I looked up other books he has done I don't recall those books. But yes, his voice was fitting and he did a good job even with the female voices. A lot of the female voices were similar to each other, but he did good. Luckily there weren't a lot of women running around so that made the job easier I suppose. 

All-in-all I did enjoy this. Some info-dumping that was a bit too much, but it was easy to wade through that, and still like the story. The narrator was fantastic and fit. If you like historical fiction about Ancient Greece I fully recommend this one. It was a good one! 4 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #61 for Audiobook Challenge

Book Review: Breaking the Foals by Maximilian Hawker

Author: Maximilian Hawker
Title: Breaking The Foals
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: ebook
Published:  March 2018
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)



The Troy of myth was a real city. This is its story…

Hektor’s life of privilege is forever changed when a man, allegedly possessed by the sun god, inspires revolution among the oppressed townspeople of Wilusa – the historical Troy of myth.

For Hektor, son of Bronze Age Wilusa’s despotic ruler, social equality contradicts every principle he has been indoctrinated into believing. But his principles and obsession with duty is alienating him from his young son, Hapi, with whom he has a fractured relationship. 

When the ‘possessed’ man saves Hapi’s life, Hektor is compelled to question the foundations upon which his father has constructed his life as he rebuilds his relationship with his child through the breaking of a foal. Wilusa collapses into political violence as the commoners rise up, and Hektor must decide whether to defend the people, but lose his identity, or remain loyal to an irrational, dangerous father.

I was drawn in the cover and title. When I read the summary, I was extremely intrigued to read this. 

The story follows Hektor who has lived a life of privilege in the city of Troy. His father is an irrational and dangerous man who has made life for the common folk really hard. Things happen and Hektor must decide what side he is on. All the while he is trying to do right by his son Hapi. 

This was a really interesting tale for sure. It was a people story but mixed with the intrigue and violence of the time. I really liked the blend. It was so interesting to see the fabled Hektor in this light. Very different then from the Hektor we all know from the epic poem. I liked him there (ya...I was the one rooting for Troy ;D) and I liked him here too. This version was a more realistic version. 

There were some parts I scratched my head at like some word choices, but they didn't bug me overmuch. It's hard to be 100% accurate for historical books (trust me...I know - been there) especially when it comes to some slang words that are sooooo commonplace now. 

Also, I really wished this had been longer. I felt there was so much more that could've been added! I would've liked to see more in the epilogue. Maybe there be another book? I want to see what happens next!

That ending. Sighs. So sad! Can't say much without spoilers, but oooo the feels. 

I did love the added bits with the son and the horse. It oddly worked so well and I'm sure there is some symbolism there if one is to really think about it. 

Overall, I did like this book. It was interesting and the ending did get me there. I do wish this had been longer. I feel like there is so much more story to tell! Also, a few little hiccups along the way, but all-in-all a good read especially if you're looking for something different. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Comic/Graphic Review: Xena - Penance by Meredith Finch

Author: Meredith Finch
Title: Xena - Penance
Genre: Comic, Fantasy
Pages: ebook
Expected publication: October 9th, 2018
Where I Got It: Netgalley

The path to redemption is never easy, and the journey of a warrior princess seeking to wash the blood of innocents from her hands is no exception. Xena travels to Athens, to plead for redemption in the temple of Eleos. But some things can never be forgiven and the shadows of past sins are long. Will Xena find redemption or betrayal waiting for her in the temple of the gods? The power, the passion, the danger... her courage would change the world. Xena: Warrior Princess. 



Ooooh, Xena. Love her. She was my hero growing so when I got the chance to read this I jumped at the opportunity to give it a go. 


The art is really good. I loved how Xena and especially her costume seemed to be very influenced by Wonderwoman. It makes sense and I loved the art. It was done well. The characters have similar looks to the original show, but I was happy that the artist decided to put her own spin on the characters. 


The story begins at the beginning with Xena on the road where she meets Gabrielle. She saves Gabrielle from some bandits and allows her to join her. It was good to start. It has been so long I cannot remember how the show started but I think it was similar. 


I honestly wished we didn't have to deal with Gabrielle. She is so annoying. Or, I wish, had her show up later. I would've liked some character building with Xena without Gabrielle running amok and getting in trouble. 


Overall, this was good. I enjoyed the art and this interpretation. I wouldn't mind some more! I'll give this 3 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn

Author: Kate Quinn
Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley
Title: Empress of the Seven Hills (The Empress of Rome #3)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: Audiobook
Published: April 2012
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Powerful, prosperous, and expanding ever farther into the untamed world, the Roman Empire has reached its zenith under the rule of the beloved Emperor Trajan. But neither Trajan nor his reign can last forever...

Brash and headstrong, Vix is a celebrated ex-gladiator returned to Rome to make his fortune. The sinuous, elusive Sabina is a senator's daughter who craves adventure. Sometimes lovers, sometimes enemies, Vix and Sabina are united by their devotion to Trajan. But others are already maneuvering in the shadows. Trajan's ambitious Empress has her own plans for Sabina. And the aristocratic Hadrian-the Empress's ruthless protégé and Vix's mortal enemy-has ambitions he confesses to no one, ambitions rooted in a secret prophecy.

When Trajan falls, the hardened soldier, the enigmatic empress, the adventurous girl, and the scheming politician will all be caught in a deadly whirlwind of desire and death that may seal their fates, and that of the entire Roman Empire...

Audible is certainly helping me flush out my TBR list! I love how I get a free one of my choice every month. It is brilliant. 

I've been wanting to read this, but every library over the years either a line out the door or the book isn't available (I haven't checked this new library in my new town yet). When I saw this was for grabs on Audible I swooped in and picked it up. 

The story follows Vix who is the son of the couple in the first book (oh how I miss them). He is back in Rome and ready to get a career going. Sabina is the daughter of a powerful senator and the niece of the emperor. The two stumble upon each other (childhood friends) and they get a little romance going. Things happen and they fall apart. However, they remain friends over the years. They occasionally become lovers and become enemies. I like to consider them frienemies. They hate but love each other at the same time. 

At the same time, we get some snipbits of the emperor's wife (gods I wanted to smack her silly) and Titus. I loved him! I want more from him in the future. 

Like this author's other work she really knows how to bring the past alive and make these characters blossom. They are always so complex and they feel so real. I really could relate to Sabina in a lot of ways. Especially the love of traveling (*grumbles about needing a passport*) and wanting to consistently learn and be her own woman. I felt bad for her, but she did put a lot of her issues on herself. She should've married Titus............I digress. 

I enjoyed the story for sure. My only real issue was how Vix's POV and how it was written. He was given 1st person while the other characters were given 3rd person. Also, Vix seems to be telling this story to someone so it has forewarnings and little notes. This was indeed annoying. Luckily we had a good narrator that loved using different voices so I always knew who's POV it was. 

The narration was pretty good. It took me a while to really get into how she narrated. She really did add a lot of passion into her storytelling. I grew to appreciate it especially during the battle scenes and high intense scenes. 

In the end, this was good. Not as good as the other two, but still a good read. I enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed the story. There were a couple of things that bugged me, but I am curious to see where the series takes off next. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. 

Book Review: Deceived by LA Starkey

Author: LA Starkey
Title: Deceived (Soul Keeper #1)
Genre: YA, PNR, Fantasy
Publication: ebook
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon Freebie)



They say a soul is the immaterial essence, the animating principle, the actuating cause of an individual life.

But what if you had to share yours with the one person you hated the most?

The soul mate principle states that for every one soul there is another that will recognize its match, hence creating the perfect union.

But what if you had two soul mates, which would you choose? 

What if your choices had eternal ramification?

This was a very complex story even though the summary makes this seem very cut and dry. 

The story follows Samantha who was adopted from the local orphanage. Her best friend, Julie, was adopted by a family as well. They are still relatively close in distance and have remained best friends. However, things are not what they seem. Samantha and Julie keep having weird dreams. Especially Samantha. She keeps dreaming of these two guys and the Greek Gods and things she cannot explain. Unbeknownst to her, she is the soul keeper and has the blessing/curse of having two soulmates. When the time comes she will have to choose and whoever she chooses will have unknown consequences to the Gods and to humans. A hefty thing. 

I really thought this would be a simple tale of someone having two people who they really love and etc. However, there is an entire fantasy and paranormal aspect I was not really expecting. The decision that must be made will determine the fate of the Gods and humans. What a horrible thing honestly! Poor girl...poor brothers....they should not be having to deal with this. At least the brothers are "gods" and so they have had hundreds of years to deal with this. Samantha is so young and naive. Sure she has had past lives and etc, but she is always mortal. 

Yes, this was a complex story for the genre. I honestly did have a hard time following sometimes. I was just as confused as Samantha and I really feel that the reader (at least in this situation) needed more of a leg-up. I had a hard time grasping what is a dream, what is the reality, what is past, and etc. Maybe now that I know what is going on in the next book will be better and I will not be confused for 50% of it. 

Even though I was confused and I was meh about Samantha, I continued on. I wanted to understand and see what happened next. The blend of the Greek mythology was nice and made me stay hooked. 

Who would I pick? Mmmmmmmmmmmm I do not know yet. I liked Brent...but he is just a human so he does not count. Nick or Marcus??? Mmmmm I do not feel we had enough time with each yet. 

In the end, I was surprised by this. I expected a cliche tale of a love triangle, but there is so much more than what meets the eye with this one. There is a lot of stories there. Yes, I do wish the author had made things clearer for us poor readers, but overall, I did enjoy the story. I am curious what is going to happen next. I shall stamp this with.................3 stars. 

Book Review: Cleopatra Unconquered by Helen R Davis

Author: Helen R. Davis  
Title: Cleopatra Unconquered
Genre: Historical Fiction & What-If
Pages: ebook
Published: December 2nd 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher)



The first book of three in a richly imagined ancient world where the course of history is altered by one battle. In this world, Antony and Cleopatra triumph at the Battle of Actium, and Cleopatra emerges as a queen, stateswoman, and politician. Those around her come to life as the reader returns to those days to live them with her.



Oooh I adore what-if tales so I had no choice but to give this a read. I especially adore Cleo and it always upsets me when her fall happens. In this story, Antony and Cleo win. 

The beginning was pretty much the same from what we know of her life. What made this good it all seemed legit and I could believe this was the real story. 

At first, I wasn't huge on the mixing of the fantasy aspect, but it grew on me. It was interesting to hear the gods opinions on these matters. It didn't take up too much of the plot or story, so the balance was good and I grew to really like it. 

The beginning had me hooked and I was able to breeze through this. A fun what-if story for sure. I wish this had happened. Yes, yes, I am on Cleo's side of course. ;)

Not a huge fan of the end. I hope there is more to come! 

What else to say without ruining it?

I liked how Cleo was depicted. The beginning was a little rushed, but there was a lot to go through.

In the end, this was a quick read and an interesting one. I enjoyed the what-if twist there. If only! As always, Cleo was fun to read about. The fantasy aspect added grew on me as the story progressed. I shall stamp this with 4 stars. Worth the read!

Book/Play Review: Antigone by Sophocles

Author: Sophocles
Title: Antigone (The Theban Plays #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Classic, Drama, & Play
Pages: ebook
First Published: 441 BC
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Bought a copy at B&N)

The daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta, Antigone is an unconventional heroine who pits her beliefs against the King of Thebes in a bloody test of wills that leaves few unharmed. Emotions fly as she challenges the king for the right to bury her own brother. Determined but doomed, Antigone shows her inner strength throughout the play.

Antigone raises issues of law and morality that are just as relevant today as they were more than two thousand years ago. 

This is the third part of the Oedipus trilogy. However, Oedipus is dead and now leaves his curse upon all his children. His sons' are fighting each other over the throne which causes both of them to die. Antigone and her sister are left to carry the curse now and deal with. The new King refuses to let them bury the dead. So in perfect tragedy fashion, Antigone says FU and does it anyways, which signs her own death warrant. 

This, honestly, was the best of the three plays. I liked Antigone and her loyalty to her cursed family is beautiful. She loves her dad and mom even though they cursed them. 

I felt bad for Antigone's fiance, because he is in a difficult position. He loves his father (which is the new King) and Antigone defied his father. Poor guy. 

The new King is an idiot. SMH! FOOL! He deserves the curse that was given to him in the end. 

I feel this story was a huge influence over Shakespeare and his works. This felt very Shakespearean even though it come out centuries before Shakespeare was even alive. I'm not sure if good ol' Billy was influence by Sophocles works, but after reading this, I felt like maybe he was. 

This play brings up lots of moral and ethical questions. Which I love when stories make me think!

My only complaint is the chorus parts. Like...I still don't understand who/what they are suppose to represent? Are they ghosts? Or just spectators who happen to be in the room? They don't really do anything to help move the story along in my opinion. 

In the end, this was the best of the three plays, in my opinion. It had a lot going on, but it was done in a way where its easy to know who's who and whats going on. I loved the brief romance and I loved the aspect that this really makes you think. In the end, I will stamp it with 4 stars. 

Book/Play Review: Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles

Author: Sophocles
Title: Oedipus at Colonus (Play 2 in trilogy)
Genre: Classics, Play, Drama, and Fantasy
Pages: 144
First Published: 401BC
Where I Got It: My Shelf (Bought a copy at B&N)

At the center of the play is the mysterious transformation of Oedipus from an old and blind beggar, totally dependent on his daughters, to the man who rises from his seat and, without help, leads everyone to the place where he is destined to die. In the background of this transformation stands the grove of the Furies, the sacred place of the implacable goddesses who pursue the violators of blood relationships. Although Oedipus, who killed his father and married his mother, is an obvious target of the Furies' vengeance, he enters their grove at the beginning of the play, sure that it is the resting place Apollo has predicted for him. The reversals and paradoxes in the play speak to the struggle that Oedipus' life and the action of the play bring vividly before us: how do we as humans, subject to constant change, find stable ground on which to stand and define our moral lives? 




This is the second part of the well-known story of Oedipus. This follows the man after he was banished from his kingdom in disgrace and blinded. His one daughter, Antigone, has decided to stay with him and be his eyes. 

Oohhhh the poor man. He is for sure haunted by what the Fates did to him. It was his fault at all, but yet, he is being punished. Poor, poor guy. I also feel bad for his kids. Not his sons, because his sons are A-holes and I’m glad they are now cursed! I’m curious to see how that ends up in the next play. 

I’ll be honest…I had no idea that this was technically a “trilogy”. I thought the story ended with Oedipus running off gouging his own eyes out. However, I guess there is more to the tale than I realized! In many ways, Oedipus does redeem and the Fates give him a break of sorts. He deserved it. A part of me liked this one better than the first part. 

Mhm. I wasn’t a huge fan of the chorus parts. I’m used to choruses having a big role in this story, but it was not done that well in this one. 

Also, this was kinda slow going. True, it was supposed to be just an arch and epilogue. Oedipus’ story is now completed, but the next play will center on his daughter, Antigone. I am curious and I’ll be checking that out soon.

In the end, this was an eh for me. It was interesting to continue the story on the poor man who was tricked by the evil Fates to marry his mom. It was more of an arch that is important to the tale, but still…it is just there. I am curious to see what happens in the next part! I shall stamp this with 3 stars.  It was a hair better than the first part of the story.