Review: Hurray for Encores!!!!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 23, 2012
Have you ever gone to an amazing broadway play and come to the end, feeling a bit sad that the whole thing is over? Then while thinking about that, the cast of the play takes pity on you and reopens the curtain for an encore bonus, giving you a bit more time with the players that you have grown to love in the last few hours? Do you remember the feelings you have as that curtain rises again, allowing you to re-experience the joy you felt during the play? Well, House of Thebes by Courtney Cole was that encore performance for me. I had no expectation that I would revisit the world of Harmonia and Cadmus other than some cameo appearances in the break-off Moonstone series of books. I thought that their story was over. But this weekend I got a bit giddy when I was checking goodreads and noticed that another book in the Bloodstone Saga was available. I got that "second curtain raising" feeling, knowing that I got the chance to revisit those characters that I had grown to love in the original series, so I hurried to download the newest book right away. Hurray!House of Thebes is actually a novella which takes place before the action of the Bloodstone Saga begins. This is the story of how Cadmus and Harmonia first became a couple. I have said this before, and I will say it again, Courtney Cole knows how to write soulmate stories. They are so good, and the chemistry between the two people in this story is almost palpable. During the Bloodstone Saga Harmonia and Cadmus have already been two parts of a whole for thousands of years. They didn't always know that as they were thrown into different lives throughout history over and over again, but in each life they managed to find one another. Other than the scenes when Macy meets Gavin in our modern world, in all of the other lives showcased in the series Harmonia and Cadmus are introduced already as a couple in the story. I absolutely love being able to see how the two of them come together in this story, especially when I already know how their story is going to turn out. They are going to face lots of heartache and difficulties, but they will also find their happily ever after. Knowing this makes the events of this short story even sweeter to read. I really enjoyed the bow and arrow incident at the very beginning. I don't often find myself chuckling when I read books. Usually it is more of a "that was funny" thought in my head. But in this story I was a chuckler. So many fun stories that showcased the magic of their relationship.In addition to the main short story "House of Thebes" which focuses on the beginning of the Cadmus/Harmonia relationship, there are three other short stories that occur within the time frames of the main Bloodstone Saga. "At Morning's Light" is told by Hasani, the Cleopatra era incarnation of Cadmus. It is the day before he will eventually be killed in battle with Marc Antony, and it shows his feelings as he contemplates this and his love for Charmian. "Lies That Bind" is told by the character Ahmose, and it shows Macy and Gavin as they first spend time together the day after Macy meets Gavin at the deli. "Wicked Enchantment" is told by Eris, the evil immortal who causes Gavin/Cadmus to believe he is in love with her as she attempts to hurt Harmonia and trap Aphrodite and Harmonia for the Fates.I enjoyed all of the bonus scenes that were included in this story. If I had to say something that binds all of these stories together it would be Cadmus. In my opinion these stories are his stories. I was able to learn to love him in a deeper way than I even did during the main series. In House of Thebes I was able to see his great humor, his bravery, his honor, and his confidence. He is dealing with the gods, and yet it would not be apparent that he is a mortal among the immortals because of his tremendous confidence. All four of the stories show different sides of his eternal love for Harmonia. "House of Thebes" is the beginning. Even as a mortal he was her protector. Love that! In "At Morning's Light" Hasani shows his great love for Charmian as he contemplates dying the next day. Even as this future looms over him Hasani is a protector to Charmian. "Lies That Bind" was another story of a beginning as it talks about Gavin and Macy, and it shows how Gavin's love for Macy develops quickly, and even in the beginning Ahmose could see that Gavin would do anything to protect Macy. "Wicked Enchantment" was interesting because it seemed to show Cadmus being pulled out of his love for Harmonia, but even in the midst of a powerful drug that made him believe he was in love with Eris, it is obvious that the overwhelming love he feels for Harmonia is pushing through, driving Eris crazy in the process. All of these stories add up to one conclusion for me: Cadmus is awesome! His love for Harmonia is amazing, eternal, and unbreakable. Loved it!Even though the story of House of Thebes takes place before the action of the main series, I would suggest that you read the main series before picking up this novella. It makes it so much sweeter when you know how things end up. It was a gift to be able to revisit this story. I was reminded of the beautiful atmosphere of the Bloodstone Saga stories. Ancient Egypt, the Spiritlands of the Greek gods, the oceanside beauty of modern day America -- all of it is richly described. It made me want to pick up the main series again and re-read it to immerse myself in the scenes more. I highly recommend this novella as an amazing addition to this wonderful series of books!