Scan barcode
aimeeec's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-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? Yes
5.0
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
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Death, Infidelity, Incest, Gaslighting, War, Sexual violence, Violence, and Rape
teatimewithliam's review
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Definitely my favourite of Jennifer Saints's retellings to date.
Hera has long deserved a novel to herself and Saint more than does her justice. The voice she creates for Hera is perfect: imperious, cunning and intimidating. Forever condemned as the archetype of the scorned wife, this retelling doesn't shy away from the increasingly cruel punishments that Hera metes out to Zeus' many (innocent) consorts. However, the novel also addresses it - Hephaestus becomes Hera's conscience and forces her to reflect upon her misplaced anger. She feels increasingly powerless to hurt the true focus of her ire- Zeus. It's a resentment that forms the undercurrent of the entire novel.
The world building is glorious, Olympus comes to life and the various Titans, creatures and Hera's fellow Olympians are all well painted and distinct in their own mannerisms.
My favourite part of the novel are the closing chapters - the conversation between Hera and Hestia regarding how much the gods have come to rely on mortals for their own longevity is fascinating. It begs the question, are gods worshipped because they're powerful or are they only powerful when they're worshipped? Even immortals have to adapt to shifting beliefs and changing times.
Hera has long deserved a novel to herself and Saint more than does her justice. The voice she creates for Hera is perfect: imperious, cunning and intimidating. Forever condemned as the archetype of the scorned wife, this retelling doesn't shy away from the increasingly cruel punishments that Hera metes out to Zeus' many (innocent) consorts. However, the novel also addresses it - Hephaestus becomes Hera's conscience and forces her to reflect upon her misplaced anger. She feels increasingly powerless to hurt the true focus of her ire- Zeus. It's a resentment that forms the undercurrent of the entire novel.
The world building is glorious, Olympus comes to life and the various Titans, creatures and Hera's fellow Olympians are all well painted and distinct in their own mannerisms.
My favourite part of the novel are the closing chapters - the conversation between Hera and Hestia regarding how much the gods have come to rely on mortals for their own longevity is fascinating. It begs the question, are gods worshipped because they're powerful or are they only powerful when they're worshipped? Even immortals have to adapt to shifting beliefs and changing times.
anneamunds's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25
cam_paz's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sarahrosel's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
scarletpaul's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
informative
reflective
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
4.0
littlestar2911's review against another edition
3.5
I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Saint's novels, but this one fell a little flat for me. I gelt like she tried to fit too much story into this novel, so it got a bit repetitive after a while. Still good though!
dbismarck's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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
megsoap_'s review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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