Judith Post

I was given this book to read through Basically Books ARR - Reader’s Corner for an honest review, thank you.



I’ll give a brief synopsis of the story even though the blurb does a good job of telling what the book is about. The Roman goddess Diana is summoned by her runes to help in a battle with Norse gods. The Rainbow Bridge and a Viking village are under attack by Heid, a black magic witch. If Heid destroys both the bridge and the village she can rule mortals and bring show more Ragnarok/Armageddon to our world. In order to defend against Heid, Diana is joined by the Nordic goddess Freya, the gods Tyr and Donar, mortals and numerous creatures such as giants, shifters, wolves and even a dragon.

The author did a good job of creating unique voices for each of the characters and for the creatures. I didn’t have any trouble imagining their personalities. Even though the characters are Gods and Goddesses, they are as flawed with their egos and moods as any mortal, they just have super powers. I liked that the characters did learn and grow throughout the story.

I would say that this story is more character driven than action driven. Yes, there is the final battle at the end of the story and there are numerous events that the side of Light needs to deal with in fighting Heid along the way, but the battles take a back seat to the interaction of the characters. So if you’re looking for lots of fierce action, you won’t find it in this book. What I found fascinating with this story, was how the author blended the Nordic beliefs together with the Roman beliefs and then tossed in modern language into the mix because of Diana’s life in our modern world. It was push and pull from both sides as the Norse and Diana tried to understand and accept the differences between them and realize they could both learn and benefit from each other’s knowledge.

The formatting and editing were quite exceptional and made the book very pleasant to read.

Empty Altars was an enjoyable, quick read that wasn’t too heavy on the action, but great with the interplay between the characters. I give this book 3 stars.

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Originally posted on my blog: ehttp://ufreview.com/2012/07/08/empty-altars/

I received a copy of Empty Altars from the Making Connections group on Goodreads, so thanks to the author and mods for making this available. I have to say right off that I really really enjoyed this book, it was engaging from cover to cover and I finished it in a single setting. It was a great combination of Greek, Roman and Norse mythologies. The goddess Diana get sent from her Manhattan penthouse to a Norse meadow show more to the middle of a fight between hellhounds and the No rse gods Tyr and Donar. The Norse gods are not happy to see her in the least, but she really doesn't let that deter her.

I loved the character Diana, she is ballsy, fearless and with all her goddess super powers she can back it all up, I love female characters that can kick some ass. Each of the other characters has their own voice as well, Diana initially isn't welcome by the Norse gods but she quickly wins them over especially the sky god Tyr.

The story was definitely more character than action driven but it kept a great pace and as I said I read it in a single sitting, so I kept flipping pages to see what happens next. There is action throughout and a big showdown at the end, but for me I was more interested in the interactions between the characters than the battle scenes. I would definitely recommend it to fantasy and urban fantasy fans.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 4/5 Great read loved the story! show less

The written blurb for this book intrigued me. Loralei’s ability to communicate with the dead causes her trouble and she needs her lover’s help to escape a killer. It turns out that her lover is Death himself.




This story is told through the eyes of Loralei, a woman that’s been able to communicate with the dead as long as she can remember. When Death discovers she can see him and isn’t terrified of him, he starts to visit her and they eventually become lovers. Death is a very loving and show more attentive partner, something that I wouldn’t have expected. I’m wondering if Death was a mortal at one time, or if he always was Death.

I liked that the tone of the story felt surreal, letting the readers know that we aren’t dealing with people or beings that are ordinary.

What I found interesting was where Loralei lived. The house and property reminded me of a gateway between life and death. Death could cross over and appear mortal and the dead could reappear again to communicate. The feeling generated with this location the author created felt like I was walking on a fence as I balanced between two worlds.

Well written with an interesting storyline, I give this story four stars.

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I got this book from Making Connections. Get your copy here.

Boy, did I love this short story!
The beginning snared me and kept me reading till the end.
I loved how Death changed his appearance—especially going mortal whenever she touched him.
Loralei was smitten but independent and I liked that about her.
Loved the name she gives Death when the cop asks her for it!
The love scenes were written very tastefully.
Even though, the ending wasn’t a surprise, I was just glad that it was a happy show more ending.
3.5 smooches, I’d say! show less