Scan barcode
A review by bleadenreads
Atalanta by Jennifer Saint
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Thank you to @headlinebooks and @netgalley
for enabling my Greek myth retelling obsession with this ARC 👏
First - I always find it hard to post a pic review of an e-book so I went for a landscape that I could imagine Atalanta running across 🏃♀️
Secondly - how had I never heard of Atalanta?! This is why myth retellings are so important, they give a voice to the hidden, belittled and under-celebrated women. I thought Atalanta was badasse, heroic and yet super relatable/human - such a great depiction by Jennifer Saint. Despite some reviews I've seen I did find this a strongly feminist retelling with the tenacious and determined Atalanta at the helm. It was realistic in the sexism and barriers she faced, with more of a focus on her sizeable contribution to the Argonauts & discovery of self, rather than rewriting the story. Jason definitely didn't emerge the hero and was lacklustre that I definitely think was intentional and brilliantly done by Saint.
I also really love how Saint imagines the gods - with all their petty squabbles, competitiveness and hypocritical generosity. Artemis would protect you, to an extent...
The ending left me absolutely speechless but in the best way as I didn't know what to expect. Overall - a fab retelling that has definitely got me intrigued to find out more about Atalanta, Medea and Jason.
I cannot wait to read Elektra next!
for enabling my Greek myth retelling obsession with this ARC 👏
First - I always find it hard to post a pic review of an e-book so I went for a landscape that I could imagine Atalanta running across 🏃♀️
Secondly - how had I never heard of Atalanta?! This is why myth retellings are so important, they give a voice to the hidden, belittled and under-celebrated women. I thought Atalanta was badasse, heroic and yet super relatable/human - such a great depiction by Jennifer Saint. Despite some reviews I've seen I did find this a strongly feminist retelling with the tenacious and determined Atalanta at the helm. It was realistic in the sexism and barriers she faced, with more of a focus on her sizeable contribution to the Argonauts & discovery of self, rather than rewriting the story. Jason definitely didn't emerge the hero and was lacklustre that I definitely think was intentional and brilliantly done by Saint.
I also really love how Saint imagines the gods - with all their petty squabbles, competitiveness and hypocritical generosity. Artemis would protect you, to an extent...
The ending left me absolutely speechless but in the best way as I didn't know what to expect. Overall - a fab retelling that has definitely got me intrigued to find out more about Atalanta, Medea and Jason.
I cannot wait to read Elektra next!