Prairie Fox Reads

      A Game of Retribution: A Study in Power Dynamics, Autonomy, and Divine Consequence Star Rating:   ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars) Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. This has not affected the content, objectivity, or analytical stance of this review. Publication and Context Title:   A Game of Retribution   (Hades Saga #2, Hades x Persephone Reading Order #4) Author:   Scarlett St. Clair Publisher:   Bloom Books Publication Date:   First published May 31, 2022 (Current Edition: May 31, 2024) Page Count:   427 pages, Kindle Edition ASIN:   B09GL14D21 Genre:   Fantasy, Romance, Mythology, Romantasy Target Audience:   Adult readers of fantasy romance and modern mythological retellings. Within the current literary zeitgeist, the “romantasy” genre has experienced exponential growth, often serving as a cultural backdrop for exploring modern anxieties through mytholog...

  Book Review:   Remarkably Bright Creatures   by Shelby Van Pelt Rating:   ★★★★½ (4.36 out of 5 stars) Publication and Context Title:   Remarkably Bright Creatures Author:   Shelby Van Pelt Publication Date:   May 3, 2022 Publisher:   Ecco Page Count:   360 pages Format:   Kindle Edition (ASIN: B09BNH4TLW / ISBN: 9780063204171) Genres:   Fiction / Contemporary / Magical Realism / Mystery / Book Club Contextual Backdrop: Released in the spring of 2022,   Remarkably Bright Creatures   became a massive word-of-mouth phenomenon. Pitched to fans of Fredrik Backman’s   A Man Called Ove , the novel tapped into a post-pandemic hunger for stories about community, healing, and unexpected connections. Its defining feature—giving narrative voice to a Giant Pacific Octopus—could have easily become a gimmick, but Van Pelt’s execution elevated it into an award-winning, multi-layered meditation on grief and found family. Purpose and...