Monday, January 23, 2017

The Immortals by Jordanna Max Brodsky

MANHATTAN HAS MANY SECRETS.SOME ARE OLDER THAN THE CITY ITSELF. 
Manhattan. 
The city sleeps. Selene DiSilva walks her dog along the banks of the Hudson. She is alone-just the way she likes it. She doesn't believe in friends, and she doesn't speak to her family. Most of them are simply too dangerous. 
Murders. 
In the predawn calm, Selene finds the body of a young woman washed ashore, gruesomely mutilated and wreathed in laurel. Her ancient rage returns. And so does the memory of a promise she made long ago. To protect the innocent-and to punish those who stand in her way. 
Gods. 
With the NYPD out of its depth, Selene vows to hunt the killer on her own. But when classics professor Theo Schultz decodes the ancient myth behind the crime, the solitary Huntress finds herself working with a man who's her opposite in every way. Together, they face a long-forgotten cult that lies behind a string of murders, and they'll need help from the one source Selene distrusts most of all: the city's other Immortals.
My thoughts:

I wasn't sure what to expect from this one but they already had me at Greek gods. :) In this one the gods have been diminished by the lack of believers and worshipers. They are born out of human's imagination and mythos but are now becoming human, losing their immortality. Some are panicked at not just dying but at losing their godhood and powers. Some are still powerful depending on how the worship has changed. I really thought this world was interesting.

It isn't just the worldbuilding that was good here. There was also a serial killer that Selene (Artemis) has heard the call to avenge. She has made that her life's work until she fades, she still protects the innocent. She is also haunted by a wrong that she committed under the falsehood of her brother and twin, Paul (Apollo). This action not only blinds her to certain aspects of the killer but also plays a huge role in her wanting love but not believing in it. AND with all this the ritual sacrifices within the serial killings are also making her stronger and closer to what she had as a god. This is all confusing but all eventually leads to who could be the serial killer. Oh, and let me mention this... it works.

I'd have to say my biggest criticism would be that there were parts that lagged. All of it was interesting but some might not enjoy the slower bits and some might like how it keeps you in the world. I think it all depends on the reader. Despite this, there were a couple of big twists that kept me guessing and I didn't guess who it was until the end. She did a good job on the mystery aspect of this book.

I give this book 4 stars. I really recommend it to those who enjoy mythology retellings and a good mystery/thriller.

41 comments:

  1. Oh I didn't know about this one, but it sounds so good so I'll definitely add it to my TBR! I can't get enough of Greek Gods either ;)

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    1. I think you'll really like this one... especially if you like the Greek gods! :D

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  2. I can get through slower parts if the rest of the book delivers and I love good world-building like nothing else. I definitely have to add this to my TBR! Wonderful review!

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    1. It could also be me since I've been distracted by politics... :p

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  3. I always love a good touch of mythology in a book. I saw this one around and it sounds like I should try!

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    1. I think you should! I'm surprised Tor didn't send it to you! I think it would be a match.

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  4. This would of had me at Greek Gods as well. ;) Glad this was a good read even despite the slower sections. I really think I would like this as well.

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    1. :D I do think some of that was me, but it did slow down in parts.

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  5. I saw this at B&N when I was perusing the isle and I immediately added it to my tbr. I'm a sucker for Greek Mythology but I had no idea it was a murder mystery/thriller too. I will definitely be looking for this at the library.

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    1. Oh I think you'll enjoy this one. The thriller part was done well.

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  6. Oooh, I've never heard of this book. Sounds fascinating! I love anything to do with Greek Gods as well. Thanks for the review!
    Rebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
    Follow me on Bloglovin'

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  7. I put this on my TBR a while ago. Going to have to bump it up the list!

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  8. Slower parts are fine as long as it good. And yay fo actually holding out the mystery until the end.

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  9. I love the cover and name of the book. I also love that she's a supernatual trying to solve a murder. It kind of lost me with the mythological aspects. I can take some of that but not if the whole book is full of mythology. And I have read my share. So having said that, do you think I would enjoy this one because I am intrigued. Fantastic review!

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    1. Hm... it is filled with mythology but the thriller and mystery aspects seem to outshine it. I would say, however, those aspects were also enshrined with the mythology... so... does that help?

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  10. I am sadly lacking in greek mythology knowledge so I'm always a little lost with these. They're hit or miss if the story doesn't rely on you knowing the history and is just enhanced if you do.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. I think you'd be okay with this one. It really deals with the main pantheon and it also tells you who they were when they were worshiped. Even with a couple that were demigods, it was explained who they were in the mythos. So, in that aspect, I think you'd be fine.

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  11. Gah! Another one with mythology? I'm like you - I'm sold at Greek mythology. The world building in this one has me very curious. I like that the gods are losing their powers because humans don't believe anymore. And I like the mystery element as well. I'm fine with a story moving a little slowly in parts - as long as the story overall is well done. Lovely review, Melissa!

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    1. It was an interesting take. I do think the mystery aspect really outshines the mythos aspect... in a good way. :D

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  12. I can see what drew you to this one. I want to read it- a murder mystery, mythology, and a bit of romance- yummo. Enjoyed your review, Melissa!

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    1. Thanks! If you get it, I do hope you enjoy it as much or more than I did. :)

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  13. Ooh nice I've seen so few reviews for this, and I loved it! It did lag at parts though I have to admit. All told though it was very good, and the next one is close!

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  14. You find the neatest books...I love the premise. Even with the lagging I still want to read it!

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  15. Oh Greek gods?? I think they have me there too!! Great review!!

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  16. This sounds really interesting. I do love mythology books. And one with a good mystery sounds wonderful. Adding to ever growing TBR.

    Melanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads

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  17. This is on my WL, and I need to get it soon. Somehow, I never think of it when I'm book shopping. I love all things Greek Mythology, so this one is my type of read. Kudos for great world building. Great review, Melissa!

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    1. Oh I hope you enjoy this one. I really did like the mythos in this one.

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  18. I've read a few very good books with lagging parts. Sounds like a good creation here though. :)

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    1. Yea, as long as it doesn't encompass the whole book, I'm good. :)

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  19. Wow! This sounds like a book that keeps you on edge. A shame a few areas lacked pace.

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