Scan barcode
crothe77's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Queens of Themiscyra by Hannah Lynn is a dual-POV retelling of the story of Queens Hippolyte and Penthesilea of the Amazons . When Heracles comes to Themiscyra to bring Hippolyte’s zoster to Greece, Theseus goes with him and asks Hippolyte to come with them. She refuses only for Theseus to return and pursue her even more. When Theseus kidnaps Hippolyte, Penthesilea goes to Athens to bring her sister back.
Antiope and Hippolyte are perhaps the most famous of the Amazon queens, so having Penthesilea as a POV character was a nice change of pace and let us see the different ways she and Hippolyte rule. Amazonian culture is explored a bit with mentions of architecture and the tradition of the Amazons going to the Gargareans to create new generations.
One thing that I really liked was how Hippolyte and Penthesilea are both very devoted to the Amazons but they show it in different ways. Hippolyte would have returned to Themiscyra if it wasn’t for her son with Theseus and the lingering feelings she has for the man she calls husband. Penthesilea’s devotion is more shown in how she gives young Amazonian women chances to prove themselves in battle.
Content warning for a brief depiction of sexual assault
I would recommend this to fans of feminist retellings of Greek mythology, readers interested in the Amazons, and those who are looking to dip their toes into Greek myth retellings and like stories about women warriors.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
amy14's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Animal death, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Child death, Death, Drug use, Grief, Infertility, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Murder, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Suicide, and War
jsuispoesie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
I can't excuse the romanticisation of abusive relationships.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Sexual violence
More...