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aerys_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
brons_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Murder
rockamummy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
Minor: Toxic relationship, Sexism, Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
bookphenomena_micky's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
4.0
Headlines:
Rise and fall
Patriarchy meets matriarchy
Competitiveness
What a screwed up bunch the Olympians were...hedonistic, egotistical and all about power. Hera led this tale with empowerment that rose from within herself, I had to admire so much about her characterisation. And yet, she was cold, lacking in feelings towards those you'd expect and she was fiercely competitive with Zeus.
A lot of this tale was about Hera's plotting and her long term strategy to rise above Zeus. I cannot say she had integrity because she didn't. I found the tales of her progeny and her disconnect from them somewhat shocking. Through Hera's eyes, there really wasn't one god or goddess I could really say I liked but their scheming made for gripping reading.
I really loved the last quarter of this book. The demise of the Olympians was exciting and messy; the final paragraphs of this book were superb.
I read this and also listened on audio in parts. The narration was great and channelled the cold calculation of Hera.
Thank you to Wildfire Books for the review copy.
Rise and fall
Patriarchy meets matriarchy
Competitiveness
What a screwed up bunch the Olympians were...hedonistic, egotistical and all about power. Hera led this tale with empowerment that rose from within herself, I had to admire so much about her characterisation. And yet, she was cold, lacking in feelings towards those you'd expect and she was fiercely competitive with Zeus.
A lot of this tale was about Hera's plotting and her long term strategy to rise above Zeus. I cannot say she had integrity because she didn't. I found the tales of her progeny and her disconnect from them somewhat shocking. Through Hera's eyes, there really wasn't one god or goddess I could really say I liked but their scheming made for gripping reading.
I really loved the last quarter of this book. The demise of the Olympians was exciting and messy; the final paragraphs of this book were superb.
I read this and also listened on audio in parts. The narration was great and channelled the cold calculation of Hera.
Thank you to Wildfire Books for the review copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
aftereliza's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Violence, and War
Minor: Sexual violence, Slavery, and Violence
2lax_cooper's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
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
caratsnowy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I loved this book, it really made me realise that thought out most narratives that I’ve heard and been taught Hera is depicted as spiteful, manipulative and hateful. She is all of these thing but this book really shows that she is also her own person and a victim. It doesn’t excuse the things she’s done. But she is as much a victim as those she hurt.
I found the book a bit slow in the middle. But it is worth it. I loved the end and how it was all wrapped up. It was lovely to see.
This is actually my first time reading one of Saint’s books (even though I own most) and I loved it. Will definitely be reading the ones I have.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the chance to read this eARC.
3.75/5 stars
I found the book a bit slow in the middle. But it is worth it. I loved the end and how it was all wrapped up. It was lovely to see.
This is actually my first time reading one of Saint’s books (even though I own most) and I loved it. Will definitely be reading the ones I have.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the chance to read this eARC.
3.75/5 stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexism, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Rape
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