Friday, May 8, 2009

Book Review: Shadow of Colossus by T.L. Higley + 5 of my Rhodes memories

The year is 227 B.C., shortly before the earthquake occurs that destroys The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Tessa of Delos has been enslaved 10 long years as a hetaera (a Greek courtesan) to the island's most powerful men, and she wants nothing more than to end her life. But when her current owner's rival plots to take over the island, Tessa is drawn into a web of political intrigue as well as an unlikely romance with a stranger (who just might find a way to finally set her free).

My stepmother read this last September and she liked it so much, I just bought her the newly released book 2 in the Seven Wonders series about the Pyramids at Giza called CITY OF THE DEAD.

The story and the character interaction held my interest well enough, but the real star of this show was the setting - and the fact that I was actually in Rhodes while reading this. Although all traces of the Colossus are long gone, I did visit the harbour area and Jewish quarter where a lot of the action takes place.

SHADOW OF COLOSSUS is available in paperback now.

So now I can finally share a few "highlights" from my Rhodes trip (one for each day I was there).

1. Most memorable was my friend Heather driving our rental car into the sand on the beach and getting stuck. We didn't panic though. Soon enough, a whole group of Greek men was helping us try to dig it out and pushing with all their might. When that didn't work, a man with a tow-line was called in and our car was pulled to safety. My other friend Tracy has a ton of pictures which I hope to be given one of these days (hint, hint!).

2. My sightseeing highlight was walking along the wall that surrounds Rhodes Old Town. You get great views of the city and the ocean, and it just feels cool to walk around on something so ancient.

3. I also very much enjoyed just walking through the tiny, winding alleys of both Rhodes Old Town and Lindos Old Town. There are a ton of cute little shops and restaurants with very friendly yet polite propriators.

4. We visited a couple of very nice beaches as well that were practically empty. The water was too cold for me to swim (though Heather took a dip) but the sun was warm (and shining - unlike Frankfurt) and the general atmosphere was very relaxing. Low season rules!

5. I think I mentioned that the food was amazing. There wasn't one thing I put in my mouth that I didn't just want to rave about. Rhodes is known for its delicious Thyme flavored honey and let me tell you, the resulting baklava is to die for.

17 comments:

Ana S. said...

Sounds like a lovely holiday! I love reading books set in places I've visited. Reading the book while actually being there must be awesome!

Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours said...

Wow, sounds like you had a great trip! Hmm, those Greek guys weren't by chance young and shirtless, were they? ~LOL~

I'm listening to the audio version of GATES OF FIRE by Steven Pressman right now, and the scene that just ended took place in ancient Rhodes - cool!

Alea said...

Wonderful! I love how you have been matching up your reading with your travel memories :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds great! You go everywhere, don't you?

Becky said...

Sigh...so jealous! :) Greece is one of my all time favorite places to visit. I really must check out the book! Thanks for the connecting story.

Violet said...

I read this book and loved it.

In fact Rhodes Island has become one of my top "to visit" places after I read this book.

Your memories are awesome. And a bunch of greek guys are always welcome :)

Kate said...

I loved Rhodes when I went. I hope you enjoyed your holiday :D

PJ Hoover said...

Sounds like it would be right up my alley! I wonder if I can get a trip to Rhodes in when I read it.

Melanie said...

You are SO lucky. I'd love to go to Greece one day. Next week, hopefully, my dad'll be taking me down to St. Augustine. That should sooth my taste for travel for a little bit, anyway.

bermudaonion said...

Rhodes sound fabulous. If I ever get there, I'm going to get my car stuck in the sand on purpose!

Amy said...

I want to go there now!!! I am crazy 'bout baklava too-it's my fave treat.
-AMY

Staci said...

That is so cool that you have been there and read the book while there!! I always love to hear about your adventures...I swear there's a book in the making for those!!

Linda said...

sounds like a great trip. You're making my mouth water with the baklava!

S. Krishna said...

Sounds like a great book and a great trip!

Kelly said...

*Sigh....it's just a little dinky town in northwestern Montana for my vacation. The same as every year. Gotta go back and see the family. But once, just once, I'd love to visit someplace that I didn't already live in for 30 years! *sigh

I've got this book and just haven't gotten around to it yet, it sounds good!!

Blodeuedd said...

I so wanna read that book now :)
It sounds great, I must check out more about it right away

Okie said...

Sounds like a fun book. I'll have to add it to my list.

I'm also very jealous of your vacation. Sounds like tons of fun.