Angela Panayotopulos

In this lovely work of historical fiction, we’re taken to the Greek island of Mythaki, where twins Gabriel and Kalli have lived an idyllic, safe childhood herding goats, stealing figs from a neighbor’s orchard by moonlight, and exploring an ancient cemetery that holds old secrets. Life is slow and peaceful there, marked by days where men drink coffee in the cafes and go out to fish in the Mediterranean Sea. The gorgeous descriptions and richly drawn characters were what made this novel shine, from Hectoras and Haris, to Penny, to Kalli tending her goats in the graveyard. I could taste and smell and see the village that Kalli and Gabriel so loved as if I were standing in it. Of course, The Art of War is about the war coming to the island, so this peace is inevitably shattered. First it is just the Italians. Though of course they are occupiers, too, I found the descriptions of the relationship the Greeks and Italians had (the women overcooking the chicken, the soldiers complimenting it anyway in the hopes their meals improved) to be humorous. It was war, but they were not cruel. But after the Italians come the Germans, and everything changes for Mythaki. I loved the way author Angela Panayotopulos weaves themes of war and art into the novel, as well as characters who live in that gray area between black and white. I especially found Michael’s character and backstory to be fascinating. Highly recommended for historical fiction lovers!

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.… (plus d'informations)

”He thought he’d outlived war. Ultimately, war outlived everyone.”

I was sucked into The Wake Up from page one. In a dark, bleak world where political conflict is building by the day and the average person you pass on the street is unable to sense their angel or demon sides, Lexi has been blessed/cursed with the ability of a Seer. Her family has cautioned her to hide her abilities since the time she was a child. When it’s discovered reflective surfaces (mirrors, glass) magnify and help to identify the good and darkness within people, they are banned. Lexi, from a family of glassblowers, sees her family torn apart.

This gorgeous novel has so many facets, from Lexi’s Greek family with whom she’s very close, to her wolf protectors, to a dark love triangle that will leave you questioning what you believe at every turn. I loved the vivid descriptions, from the brutal sawing of a demon horn in a bathroom, to how it felt to train as a glassblower. The worldbuilding was intricate and well-drawn so that I felt like I was standing in every scene. It’s the use of language that makes “The Wake Up” shimmer, tasty prose that make the action scenes feel breathless and the descriptions lovely. I loved the inclusion of quotes at the beginning of each chapter, as well as the way the shifts in perspective and time added to the feeling of unease at being in Lexi’s world. A good dystopian leaves you feeling constantly unsettled, and this was deliciously dark. Such wonderful shades of gray. I can’t wait for book two.

Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
… (plus d'informations)

The Art of War by Angela Panayotopulos is truly a work of “art!” The author paints a picture of an idyllic backdrop in the Island of Mythaki. The book opens with Kalli and her twin brother, Gabriel. They are about ten and wandering around being children and she takes us with them through their youth, until they are about eighteen-years-old. It is highly descriptive and visual. I normally do not like authors that write heavy descriptions, but in Part II, these descriptions became appreciated. Mythaki had already been imprinted in my mind. I felt I was on the island with these amazing Greeks! Much like her protagonist, Kalli, Angela is an artist, and when I got to Part II, I was completely mesmerized and committed to the characters and the people of the village.

I do not want to give away anything to spoil the book. So, I will be very general. I personally loved that the author humanized the unwelcome occupants of the Island due to the war. They were not just invaders, they were men just wanting to go home. But the story does get darker and within that darkness is a light in an unexpected character. The enemy is not always your enemy. Hope and perseverance shine through at the most crucial and difficult times for Kalli and 
Gabriel. The bonds of family are strong and beautiful. Kalli is defiant that her brother has survived the second world war. There is such beauty in her faith and stubborn determination to survive.

I truly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates historical fiction. You will not be disappointed! Thank you, Angela Panayotopulus for this work of art!… (plus d'informations)

When I first started reading The Art of War, I wasn't so sure if I liked it, but as I kept reading, I realized that there was no way I could not like this book. The author's prose is so descriptive and engaging, I couldn't help but get lost in the story. The characters are so diverse and interesting and I found myself caring for them more and more as the story progressed. As with any book set during WWII and Nazi occupation, the atrocities are vivid and unforgettable. The imagery is burned into my mind, which is good story wise, but not so good for the emotions. However, this novel is not your typical tale about a village oppressed and terrorized by Nazis. It is so much more. A beautifully told story about a family separated by the harsh realities of war, The Art of War is a novel that will stay with you long after reading the last page.
… (plus d'informations)