I much preferred Circe - though I liked them both - because of the atmosphere. I think your criticisms of the story are probably pretty well-founded, but I don't remember feeling such a mythic depth to a fantasy book since I read Lord Of The Rings.
I guess, looking back, that mostly comes from the begining section of the book, where MM really draws you into this world of nymphs and spirits and malcontent godlings in a way I don't think I've experienced in another book. They felt like they behaved more like fae, spiritual beings than any other depiction of them I remember.
If anyone can think of any other books that they think match up on this specific point, please do recommend them! As I said, I felt like Lord Of The Rings had a similar mythic feel, and Holdstock's Mythago Wood series had a similar feel of properly ancient, pre/in-human magic, but I'd certainly be interested in more of the same.
raoulraoul153 t1_j1w8cae wrote
Reply to comment by NewAlternative4738 in Joining the “The Song of Achilles” Appreciation Club by my-nips-hurt
I much preferred Circe - though I liked them both - because of the atmosphere. I think your criticisms of the story are probably pretty well-founded, but I don't remember feeling such a mythic depth to a fantasy book since I read Lord Of The Rings.
I guess, looking back, that mostly comes from the begining section of the book, where MM really draws you into this world of nymphs and spirits and malcontent godlings in a way I don't think I've experienced in another book. They felt like they behaved more like fae, spiritual beings than any other depiction of them I remember.
If anyone can think of any other books that they think match up on this specific point, please do recommend them! As I said, I felt like Lord Of The Rings had a similar mythic feel, and Holdstock's Mythago Wood series had a similar feel of properly ancient, pre/in-human magic, but I'd certainly be interested in more of the same.