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cathy_alice's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Incest, Misogyny, and Rape
Moderate: War, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
audreytrml's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Death, Infidelity, Incest, Gaslighting, War, Sexual violence, Violence, and Rape
withlivjones's review
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is Jennifer Saint’s best book yet. The scope of the book is insanely huge, spanning from the Titanomachy and foundation of Olympus, through the age of heroes and the Trojan War, all the way to the Classical Greek period and beyond - it essentially covers all of Greek mythology from the perspective of Hera, which is a massive achievement.
And Hera is a fantastic protagonist - her anger and bitterness is clear throughout the whole story, and she’s a flawed and morally grey character whose actions are fully explored but never fully excused. She also has a convincing character arc over the course of the book. Many of the other gods were also explored in a lot of depth - my personal favourites were Hestia and Hephaestus.
This book also has an in-depth exploration of the relationship between gods and mortals, and the nature of ancient religion as a whole, which I thought was really interesting and insightful - I love when retellings get all meta and start discussing why we keep telling these stories over and over in the first place.
I did have a couple of minor issues with the pacing, and I felt that a few of the myths were very quickly brushed over when they could have been explored in a little more depth, but for a story that covers so much content it’s inevitable that some parts will have less time dedicated to them. Overall, however, this was a fantastic retelling and potentially a new favourite of mine. I would definitely recommend, especially if you’re a fan of Circe by Madeline Miller, I think both books share quite similar vibes!
And Hera is a fantastic protagonist - her anger and bitterness is clear throughout the whole story, and she’s a flawed and morally grey character whose actions are fully explored but never fully excused. She also has a convincing character arc over the course of the book. Many of the other gods were also explored in a lot of depth - my personal favourites were Hestia and Hephaestus.
This book also has an in-depth exploration of the relationship between gods and mortals, and the nature of ancient religion as a whole, which I thought was really interesting and insightful - I love when retellings get all meta and start discussing why we keep telling these stories over and over in the first place.
I did have a couple of minor issues with the pacing, and I felt that a few of the myths were very quickly brushed over when they could have been explored in a little more depth, but for a story that covers so much content it’s inevitable that some parts will have less time dedicated to them. Overall, however, this was a fantastic retelling and potentially a new favourite of mine. I would definitely recommend, especially if you’re a fan of Circe by Madeline Miller, I think both books share quite similar vibes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Misogyny, and Infidelity
Moderate: Incest, Death, and War
natashaleighton_'s review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another masterfully written, feminist retelling from Jennifer Saint that I felt beautifully captured the frustration, rage and emotional complexity of one of the most misunderstood Goddesses in Greek mythology.
Like Madeline Miller before her (with the incredible novel Circe), Saint gives a compelling voice to the famously maligned Hera (whose portrayal as the jealous wife of Zeus has been practically set in stone for centuries), laying bare every triumph and heartbreaking tribulation, that not only got under my skin but completely changed my perspective of her. Even in her most vengeful and petty moments I couldn’t really hate her.
I loved exploring such a poignantly vulnerable side to Hera that we don’t often get to see, and felt her story was an in depth and allegorical exploration into the patriarchal distribution of power and the slow simmering rage of women forced to watch their power (and bodily autonomy) diminish before their eyes.
Given the global targeting women’s bodily autonomy and rights, as well as the rise in misogyny and violence towards women— Hera’s experiences are the incredibly relevant.
And, alongside our supporting cast of (female) characters (both mortal and immortal) who’s backstories were just as impactful; we glimpse the most in-depth and humanised portrayal of the Gods that I’ve ever encountered. I was thoroughly engaged in their antics (and furious on behalf of Hera, the other Goddesses and all the women affected by the whims of the Gods.)
It’s painstakingly detailed and well researched without diverting too much from the original stories, which was surprisingly refreshing. And if you’re a stickler for accuracy in Greek myth retellings you should definitely consider checking this out.
I can’t really say anything else without spoiling the plot but overall, this was a powerfully poignant and feminist retelling that historical fiction lovers will want to add to their TBRs ASAP! Though I do recommend checking the TWs.
Also, a huge thank you to Headline/ Wildfire for the gorgeously shiny proof.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Incest
Moderate: Violence, Sexual harassment, Misogyny, and Infidelity
Minor: Sexual violence, Sexism, Ableism, and Slavery
mhmrose's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
From my first read of Atalanta, I knew Jennifer Saint was going to be one of my new favourite authors and Hera has cemented that. Another amazing mythological retelling seen through the eyes of one of Greek mythology's most prosecuted Goddesses and giving her back her voice to tell her tale of trials and dangers. Saint gives us the tale of the Goddess Queen, Hera, as she hopes to be a part of the changing Olympus alongside her family, but things are not always that easy, especially for women in mythology.
I absolutely adored Hera from the beginning with the battles against physical foes and mental forces set to make her fail. But Hera proves herself as a Goddess and warrior. That isn't to say she is full of virtues, especially after what she's been through; she is compassionate, angry, irrational, and diplomatic; Hera is a character full of complexities that make her feel human even for a mythological being. Just as the trials her mythological counterpart puts heroes and heroines through, Hera fights through her own and comes out a true queen.
Written with her unapologetic, lyrical style, Saint had me hooked from cover to cover with the compassionate, and beautiful tale. I devoured the book within a few days because the story was so engrossing with the worldbuilding adding depth to the tale. I also love how Saint does not shy away from showing her characters' faults and virtues equally, creating believable and relatable characters even if they are seen as non-human.
I thoroughly recommend Hera to anyone who adores Greek mythology retellings and fantasy lovers who adore a strong female lead who prevails against the worst of adversaries.
Thank you, NetGalley and Headline for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I absolutely adored Hera from the beginning with the battles against physical foes and mental forces set to make her fail. But Hera proves herself as a Goddess and warrior. That isn't to say she is full of virtues, especially after what she's been through; she is compassionate, angry, irrational, and diplomatic; Hera is a character full of complexities that make her feel human even for a mythological being. Just as the trials her mythological counterpart puts heroes and heroines through, Hera fights through her own and comes out a true queen.
Written with her unapologetic, lyrical style, Saint had me hooked from cover to cover with the compassionate, and beautiful tale. I devoured the book within a few days because the story was so engrossing with the worldbuilding adding depth to the tale. I also love how Saint does not shy away from showing her characters' faults and virtues equally, creating believable and relatable characters even if they are seen as non-human.
I thoroughly recommend Hera to anyone who adores Greek mythology retellings and fantasy lovers who adore a strong female lead who prevails against the worst of adversaries.
Thank you, NetGalley and Headline for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Death, Incest, and Injury/Injury detail
emmsbookshelf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Hera is the novelisation of the experiences of the Greek Goddess of the same name. As Queen of the Gods, popular culture has often minimised her to a nagging wife or even a villainous character that antagonises and poses a threat to the great heroes whose stories we have been told, from Hercules, to Percy Jackson. Jennifer Saint masterfully gives us access to the inside of Hera’s head and makes us privy to her motivations, strengths and fears in this novel.
Firstly, the pacing of the novel was fantastic, we travel millenniums with Hera and at no point did I feel the plot lagged or that nothing happened. Instead, I was able to really get a sense of the passage of time and how fleeting the lives, loves and wars of humanity were from the perspective of the gods. The characterisation of the Olympians was fleshed out, they truly embodied what they were the patron deity of, without being relegated to hollow stereotypes, especially Hera. Her motivations and actions are presented in a manner that makes them seem logical (even if they are less than palatable) without erasing her agency or engaging in revisionsm. Yes, Hera still does horrendous things to Zeus’ victims and his children, but when told from her perspective, her actions make sense. Hera is given agency that many other modern adaptations have stripped her of, we see her first and foremost as a warrior, before she is a wife or a mother and a very strong warrior at that.
The subtle references to the subjects of Jennifer Saints other books, both characters and events were a welcome addition to the story and helped anchor it into the chronology of Greek Mythology, showing that, no matter what is occurring, Hera is there to bear witness (even if she is completely uninterested). This is the perfect read for anybody interested in Greek Mythology, retellings and books with a strong female voice.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Australia & New Zealand for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review, these thoughts are all my own.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Slavery, Sexual harassment, Rape, Pregnancy, Incest, Grief, Death, War, Violence, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
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