Scan barcode
sil_the_lobster's review against another edition
3.0
I both liked and disliked the book and am therefore finding it hard to review. I much liked the author's writing; it's well-rounded, pleasant to read but not trying too hard (you know, polished to death), good tempo, good sentence melody (does this even make sense?). It's fun but not silly, deep but not exhausting, witty but not smart-arsed. Believable characters, reasonably paced plot.
And yet, I couldn't get into the story. It just didn't touch me. Mind you, this is not the author's fault - I did like her writing style (see above). I'm just not into paranormal stories although I do take a short trip into that genre here and there and I guess I expected something else. The story simply developed differently than I had thought and for some reason, that threw me off track. And somewhere along the way I lost interest and had to struggle to finish it. (And yes, I'd read the back cover plus some of the reviews.)
To cut it short: I won't be reading the rest of the series but I will keep following Brey Willows to make sure I'm right there as soon as she writes something else for she sure knows how to write!
Three out of five stars.
And yet, I couldn't get into the story. It just didn't touch me. Mind you, this is not the author's fault - I did like her writing style (see above). I'm just not into paranormal stories although I do take a short trip into that genre here and there and I guess I expected something else. The story simply developed differently than I had thought and for some reason, that threw me off track. And somewhere along the way I lost interest and had to struggle to finish it. (And yes, I'd read the back cover plus some of the reviews.)
To cut it short: I won't be reading the rest of the series but I will keep following Brey Willows to make sure I'm right there as soon as she writes something else for she sure knows how to write!
Three out of five stars.
queerlitloft's review against another edition
5.0
Where to start?
This is a re-read of my all-time favourite book (and series for that matter), the first in the Afterlife Inc. trilogy, in preparation for starting the author’s A Memory’s Muses series, which is also set in the Afterlife Inc. universe.
To be clear, in saying this is my favourite book, I really do mean F-A-V-O-U-R-I-T-E book. If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, this would be it, without a shadow of a doubt.
Whenever I start to read this series I’m incessantly excited to delve back into the amazing world that Willows’ has created for her readers. And without fail, every time I reach the end of Fury’s Bridge (or any of the other books in the series), I desperately hope that the Afterlife Inc. world is real, and that I simply just don’t know it, yet! It’s a world I can completely immerse myself into. One where Willows’ expertise at her craft, produces an endless array of avenues for a reader’s imagination to run wild down, time and time again.
And the protagonists who are running amok with your imagination are none other than, Alectho (Alec) Graves – an avenging, smoking hot, bad-ass mythical (Greek) fury, and Selene Perkton – philosophy professor, logical thinker and all round ordinary human being, or so she thinks…As Alec and Selene’s relationship begins to blossom and grow, the weight of the truth weighs heavily on Alec’s shoulders, but telling Selene the truth will change everything. Can Alec simultaneously tear apart Selene’s belief system and hold onto the unexpected love she’s found? Can Selene forgive Alec and come to terms with her universe being turned upside down in order to save both humanity and the gods?
Only time and a hell of a lot of soul searching will tell…
Unfortunately for both Alec and Selene, time is of the essence if the gods are to be prevented from fading away entirely. But Alec has her work cut out for her because, where there’s good, there’s also bad, and the dark side have thrown their weight behind atheist and philosopher celebrity, Frey Falconi, in the hopes of bringing Selene into the darkness, so that chaos can rule.
The nuts and bolts of Fury’s Bridge revolve around the key concepts of religion, philosophy and mythology. Through the thoughts, feelings and experiences of Alec and Selene, readers are introduced to two opposing discourses; religion and faith, and philosophy and logical thinking. Whilst at first glance, this might appear to be a ‘heavy’ book, it’s actually anything but. Sure, the juxtaposition of religion and philosophy certainly lends itself to engaging questions and material for readers to ponder over, but Willows compliments this with healthy splurges of wit and humour, and did i mention the hot sex with a fury…a fury that has wings, and fangs…
Despite the core of this story being grounded in religion, the author does a fantastic job of treading the line between exploring opposite positions without leaning one way or another, nor forcing any particular viewpoint onto readers. If you’re the type of reader who’d see the word ‘religion’ and run a mile, let me reassure you – this isn’t that type of book. Instead the book reads like an imaginative playground, where anything is possible and the fun is in submerging yourself into the Afterlife Inc. world and seeing where you end up.
In my opinion, Willows has a creativity and quality to her writing that few can match. It takes significant expertise to produce a world and characters that are truly palpable – like I could step outside of my front door and not bat an eyelid at seeing Jesus in a tank top and board shorts, marketing his new clothing line.
Because that is the real world, right?
It’s no surprise then, that I’ve yet to find another book which has drawn me in so completely, whilst still hitting the bullseye for intriguing plot and well developed characters. For me, Fury’s Bridge stands out from the crowd for a reason, the story is different and unusual, whilst still retaining all the hallmarks of a fantastic piece of writing. I mean where else would you find Zed (aka Zeus) still with his lightning bolt, but now answering prayers via email and riding around in a convertible BMW?!
If you haven’t read this book, you’re denying your imagination the time of its life!
This is a re-read of my all-time favourite book (and series for that matter), the first in the Afterlife Inc. trilogy, in preparation for starting the author’s A Memory’s Muses series, which is also set in the Afterlife Inc. universe.
To be clear, in saying this is my favourite book, I really do mean F-A-V-O-U-R-I-T-E book. If I could only read one book for the rest of my life, this would be it, without a shadow of a doubt.
Whenever I start to read this series I’m incessantly excited to delve back into the amazing world that Willows’ has created for her readers. And without fail, every time I reach the end of Fury’s Bridge (or any of the other books in the series), I desperately hope that the Afterlife Inc. world is real, and that I simply just don’t know it, yet! It’s a world I can completely immerse myself into. One where Willows’ expertise at her craft, produces an endless array of avenues for a reader’s imagination to run wild down, time and time again.
And the protagonists who are running amok with your imagination are none other than, Alectho (Alec) Graves – an avenging, smoking hot, bad-ass mythical (Greek) fury, and Selene Perkton – philosophy professor, logical thinker and all round ordinary human being, or so she thinks…As Alec and Selene’s relationship begins to blossom and grow, the weight of the truth weighs heavily on Alec’s shoulders, but telling Selene the truth will change everything. Can Alec simultaneously tear apart Selene’s belief system and hold onto the unexpected love she’s found? Can Selene forgive Alec and come to terms with her universe being turned upside down in order to save both humanity and the gods?
Only time and a hell of a lot of soul searching will tell…
Unfortunately for both Alec and Selene, time is of the essence if the gods are to be prevented from fading away entirely. But Alec has her work cut out for her because, where there’s good, there’s also bad, and the dark side have thrown their weight behind atheist and philosopher celebrity, Frey Falconi, in the hopes of bringing Selene into the darkness, so that chaos can rule.
The nuts and bolts of Fury’s Bridge revolve around the key concepts of religion, philosophy and mythology. Through the thoughts, feelings and experiences of Alec and Selene, readers are introduced to two opposing discourses; religion and faith, and philosophy and logical thinking. Whilst at first glance, this might appear to be a ‘heavy’ book, it’s actually anything but. Sure, the juxtaposition of religion and philosophy certainly lends itself to engaging questions and material for readers to ponder over, but Willows compliments this with healthy splurges of wit and humour, and did i mention the hot sex with a fury…a fury that has wings, and fangs…
Despite the core of this story being grounded in religion, the author does a fantastic job of treading the line between exploring opposite positions without leaning one way or another, nor forcing any particular viewpoint onto readers. If you’re the type of reader who’d see the word ‘religion’ and run a mile, let me reassure you – this isn’t that type of book. Instead the book reads like an imaginative playground, where anything is possible and the fun is in submerging yourself into the Afterlife Inc. world and seeing where you end up.
In my opinion, Willows has a creativity and quality to her writing that few can match. It takes significant expertise to produce a world and characters that are truly palpable – like I could step outside of my front door and not bat an eyelid at seeing Jesus in a tank top and board shorts, marketing his new clothing line.
Because that is the real world, right?
It’s no surprise then, that I’ve yet to find another book which has drawn me in so completely, whilst still hitting the bullseye for intriguing plot and well developed characters. For me, Fury’s Bridge stands out from the crowd for a reason, the story is different and unusual, whilst still retaining all the hallmarks of a fantastic piece of writing. I mean where else would you find Zed (aka Zeus) still with his lightning bolt, but now answering prayers via email and riding around in a convertible BMW?!
If you haven’t read this book, you’re denying your imagination the time of its life!
agentkp's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved the whole philosophy x religion parts of this book, it was such a fun read! It was so cool to read about a fury falling in love and about demigods that aren't teenagers for once. The fact that the gods from all over the world were included was also really nice.
rakhya's review against another edition
4.0
A surprisingly smart book!
At its core, Fury's Bridge is a well written urban fantasy with an original plot and just the right amount of humour and romance.
That alone should be reason enough for me to recommend it, and for you to give it a chance if you're even remotely interested in the genre.
But if you're willing to be engaged by the philosophical discourse, you may find yourself hooked and take away several ideas for further reflection.
I found this book extremely difficult to put down, and I have a feeling that it's going to stay with me for a while.
At its core, Fury's Bridge is a well written urban fantasy with an original plot and just the right amount of humour and romance.
That alone should be reason enough for me to recommend it, and for you to give it a chance if you're even remotely interested in the genre.
But if you're willing to be engaged by the philosophical discourse, you may find yourself hooked and take away several ideas for further reflection.
I found this book extremely difficult to put down, and I have a feeling that it's going to stay with me for a while.
hhushaw's review against another edition
5.0
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. I loved this book, everything about it drew me in. Alec was breathtaking, and the idea and thought that was book into this read were amazing. Alec took over the pages, and the idea of everything believed in if with enough followers existed was so new and fresh that I couldn't put the book down. This is an awesome read that you will not regret!
motaki's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
vixdag's review against another edition
5.0
This book really took my breath away. I knew I was going to be reading a fantasy, but I was blown away by how clever and unique this story was. I can't say too much about the plot because it would all be spoilers. The two main characters are wonderfully fleshed out and despite the fact that Alec is a Fury, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, both women were very relatable.
Selene is a philosophy professor and believes in logic and rational thought. Alec is sent to find her because she is part of a prophecy that affects all the gods of every religion ever to have existed on earth. Selene's world is rocked to say the least.
I knew who the villain was, immediately, but I did not realize what the driving force behind his/her actions. The story telling was so good that I can not wait to continue with the next book in the series.
Selene is a philosophy professor and believes in logic and rational thought. Alec is sent to find her because she is part of a prophecy that affects all the gods of every religion ever to have existed on earth. Selene's world is rocked to say the least.
I knew who the villain was, immediately, but I did not realize what the driving force behind his/her actions. The story telling was so good that I can not wait to continue with the next book in the series.
rogue_lurker's review against another edition
4.0
What a great concept - all the gods and goddesses throughout the ages are still around, working out of an office building in LA, and dealing with how to remain relevant as humanity moves away from religion and belief towards science and reason. Each of these entities is dependent on belief and some are starting to fade as they fall from memory and worship. Enter Alec - one of the Furies, not a goddess but a universal concept of justice/retribution that transcends religion so she's relatively safe - who is given the task of watching over Selene, a philosophy professor who happens to be at the centre of a prophecy and the focal point of some not so nice gods' plans. Willows does a fantastic job of setting up the premise and it's obvious she's done her research - I've always been fascinated with mythology and religion and I kept getting distracted googling to find out more about the god characters (not all of them are familiar/standard gods and goddesses and in some cases they are archetypes or global concepts like Justice or Death), which made my inner geek very happy. Between the plot and the premise, I found this to be an extremely intriguing book.
On top of an fascinating concept, Willows layers on the budding relationship between Alec and Selene and develops both the characters nicely while introducing a pretty large cast of supporting characters (loved Alec's sister and Zeus). The romance works, as does the intrigue/mystery portion as Alec and Selene dodge attacks from the bad guys and work together to thwart the larger nefarious plan as well as figure out how Selene fits into the prophecy.. This is the first in a series, so not everything is settled but the some of the main plot points do wrap up so you won't necessarily be throwing the book across the room in frustration - but you will definitely be on the look out for the next one.
On top of an fascinating concept, Willows layers on the budding relationship between Alec and Selene and develops both the characters nicely while introducing a pretty large cast of supporting characters (loved Alec's sister and Zeus). The romance works, as does the intrigue/mystery portion as Alec and Selene dodge attacks from the bad guys and work together to thwart the larger nefarious plan as well as figure out how Selene fits into the prophecy.. This is the first in a series, so not everything is settled but the some of the main plot points do wrap up so you won't necessarily be throwing the book across the room in frustration - but you will definitely be on the look out for the next one.
corrie's review
4.0
Wow! For a debut novel this really felt very well rounded (she must have written other stuff). The subject matter is highly interesting (to me at least) and I was sucked into the story immediately.
I liked the two main characters Selene and Alec and many of the side characters as well. I thought the story was original and certainly not the usual paranormal shifter/demon fantasy fare. There is a hefty dose of phylosophy, religion and mythology in this book but the subject matter is written with a light touch and makes for a charming and whitty read. Also there was no religious or non- religious preference, bashing or preaching.
I am really looking forward to dive into book 2 of the series.
4.2 stars
I liked the two main characters Selene and Alec and many of the side characters as well. I thought the story was original and certainly not the usual paranormal shifter/demon fantasy fare. There is a hefty dose of phylosophy, religion and mythology in this book but the subject matter is written with a light touch and makes for a charming and whitty read. Also there was no religious or non- religious preference, bashing or preaching.
I am really looking forward to dive into book 2 of the series.
4.2 stars
More...