Published on August 11, 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Mythology
Rating: ★★★
Synopsis:
How long can a monster stay hidden in plain sight?
Seventeen year-old Hope Nicholas has spent her entire life on the run. But no one is chasing her. In fact, no one even knows she exists. With her mom, she’s traveled from town to town and school to school, barely staying long enough to meet anyone, let alone make friends. And she’ll have to keep it that way. It’s safer.
When her mother is brutally ripped away from her, Hope’s life shatters. Is this the fulfillment of Apollo’s curse, murder from the shadow monsters of the Underworld, or have the demigods finally found her? Orphaned and alone, Hope flees again, but this time there’s no one to teach her who to trust—or how to love.
Set in a universe where mythology is alive and well in the modern world, Curse of the Sphinx irresistibly blends action, suspense and romance.
Review:
(Source: I would like to thank the author for providing the review copy. This will not influence my reviews.)
So today, I would like to share with you guys my two mini reviews in the Sphinx Series by Raye Wagner. First off, what is this story is about? It’s about a girl name Hope and she’s a Sphinx, you know what happens when you’re a Sphinx – you should die or let me rephrase it, Apollo and his sons will kill you. So, Apollo cursed Hope’s Great Grandmother to be a Sphinx and Hope needs to learn on coping up with her new environment and trying to be look normal.
Different Kind of Story
Curse of the Sphinx is really different from what I used to read in the Mythology world. I really loved it because I have to get to know the other Greek Monsters which I haven’t come across before and the Skia(it’s from Hades and they kill Demigods) or Skata(which it’s like they’re expression).It is kind of deep story like I can’t laugh reading this because it’s pretty intense. Not a bad thing though. The uniqueness of the story is what makes it more appealing.
Sad Story
It’s really sad to read Hope’s story like she has no friends and build her walls not to get attached to someone because of her true form – a Sphinx. So, YOU CAN’T TRUST ANYONE! She seems more like a naïve, vulnerable, and sensitive person. Because of that, I’m waiting for more character development of her. On the other hand, other characters like Sarra whom Hope’s first bestfriend but doesn’t went well and ended it. Sarra is so so okay for me but I wish I want more of her because it’s just a brief moment between them. Haley – I actually like her too, Sarra and Haley have same characteristics so I guess that’s why it’s more Haley scenes. Last but not the least, are we going to left the one guy that will make Hope changed her entire life *dundundundun* ATHAN – okay, so he’s like a new guy in town and everyone has a crush on him. He’s a good guy at first but his actions seems like confusing and makes my eyebrows raising.
Overall, I love the story because of the concept this whole thing “Greek Monsters” it’s awesome right however, I need more character development of the characters especially Hope.
Published on April 25,2016
Genre: Young Adult, Mythology
Rating: ★★★★
Synopsis:
Can Apollo’s curse be broken?
Seventeen-year-old Hope Nicholas is done running. Apollo’s curse has ruled her entire life, limiting her choices and robbing her of the things that matter most. But she refuses to live in fear any longer. In fact, she’s ready to do whatever it takes to break the god’s power over her existence.
When the goddess Artemis instructs Hope to impersonate a demigod and infiltrate a conservatory to get access to the Olympian library, she doesn’t hesitate. As she sees it, there’s nothing left to lose.
But once inside, Hope discovers the only way to get what she needs is to work with her sworn enemies. As the lines between demigod and monster are crossed again and again, Hope has to dig deep for the courage to accept her fate or fight for the freedom to save herself.
Review:
OH.MY.FREAKING.GOODNESS. This sequel feels so good everything in this story is epic. So, what the sequel is all about?
Hope left Goldendale and moved to Seattle with her Aunt Priska. She still wants to know how to break away Apollo’s Curse so that she went to Artemis to asks for help. Artemis is openly give her an advice to go to the Conservatory of the Demigods to find an answer. While Hope is on the conservatory, it gain her more knowledge and skills like learn to fight.
love the new HOPE
Her character development is getting better and I like it. She met Xan – Ares son who also happens her trainer. Xan trained Hope every day and because of that she is getting stronger than ever. Although there were times that Hope is like stupid – like for example she was talking to Dahlia (Xan’s Cousin) and while Dahlia is storytelling her love life the response Hope was asking what Dahlia is saying
“Dahlia: We got married for two months later.
Hope: You married him?”
Their conversations were shaking my head.
Demigods and Monsters
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE PREMISE OF THIS BOOK. Demigods and Monsters together? YES. Why not. Here in the sequel, it delves more about the Monsters and the Gods/Goddesses curses they gave to the people who rejected them. It’s a refreshing start of course, since all the mythology fiction books that I read is focus more on the good side of the Gods/Goddesses, despises almost the Monsters, and the Demigods has their life they wanted to be.
New Guy side note: it’s smokingly hot
I’m dead serious guys!! Xan is so much SMOKINGLY HOT THAN ATHAN. Sorry for the fans of Athan out there. *laughs*
I already introduced Xan above, I’m #TeamXan because 1.) he’s not intimidating guy especially when you’re the son of Ares. 2.) he respects Women. 3.) I feel like he despises cheaters. 4.) he is caring and not arrogant. and 5.) he has a soft heart.
Actually, there’s a love triangle in the story Xan-Hope-Athan and I understand Hope’s POV for torn in two lovers because she’s fresh from a break up to Athan and she feels like Athan manipulates her and Xan is such a good guy but she’s not ready to fall in love again.
Overall: this book deserves a 4-stars because of the 1.) development in the story and it’s not a slow paced. 2.) I love the new Hope I’m seeing right now aside from that conversations above. *laughs*
So, let’s see what will happen to the Demigods and Monsters in the 3rd book. Is there still Xan and Hope? or Athan and Hope? If Hope doesn’t want Xan, well, I’m gladly to take him from her. *laughing out oud*.
Have you read the Sphinx Duology? What do you think? Do you have book recommendations that similar to this story? If YES, comment down below. I will read it.
Tine's Reviews 