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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
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