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thebookclub's review
informative
slow-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
3.5
marivana91's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
3.5
majasmine02's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
As with many Jennifer Saint books, I felt like this was slow going to begin with. She has a very unique and lyrical writing style which can take a second to get into but once you do you are overcome with some truly beautiful depictions that really immerse you in the world that she crafts. This world does have some flaws like a lack of individual character voices but the setting and feeling invoked by her writing makes up for this. However, there is only so much that the style can carry. There does still need to be a fully formed plot and I found that that is where this book is lacking. There are so many histories and stories crammed into this book that there is no clear climax or resolution based structure. It just keeps going. This does well to show Hera as an constant power but loses some of the books entertainment power. It was also interesting to see which bits of these stories Saint chose to portray. There is a clear biased narrative of this Hera being crafted but it is done very well with very clear commentary that is consolidated at the end so I don’t have a problem with this. Overall, one of the weaker works from this retelling collection but still an enjoyable read.
kitfacey's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lisajayne_02's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
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
Content Warnings
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