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A review by literaryjunarin
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“No longer was my world one of brave heroes; I was learning all too swiftly the women's pain that throbbed unspoken through the tales of their feats.”
A story about a princess of Crete, Ariadne, who betrayed her father, helped a hero to kill her Minotaur brother and escaped with the hero, leaving her younger sister behind.
I had heard about Ariadne before but only knew her part in the labyrinth. My introduction to Greek mythology is Percy Jackson so I only knew bits and pieces, not that I'm complaining. Having said that, I was excited to read this book.
I liked the beautiful, flowery writing. I underlined a heck lot of quotes. It was absolutely transporting, I felt like I can smell the blood when Ariadne is talking about the minotaur, feel the wind when she was on the ship to Naxos, and hear her cries when her heart was utterly broken.
However, I thought the book is going for an empowering women theme and being free from the domesticated wife they're destined for. I did not see that. Although given that this is a retelling, the author can't change the plot, yeah I know that. But I'll still complain HAHA. Ariadne is too gentle for me unlike her sister Phaedra, who is braver, more clever and more passionate. If those traits will give her a brighter future, you should read the book to find out.
Comparing this to other greek mythology retellings, I liked Circe more, mainly because of Circe's character. But in terms of writing style, I think both are amazing.
A story about a princess of Crete, Ariadne, who betrayed her father, helped a hero to kill her Minotaur brother and escaped with the hero, leaving her younger sister behind.
I had heard about Ariadne before but only knew her part in the labyrinth. My introduction to Greek mythology is Percy Jackson so I only knew bits and pieces, not that I'm complaining. Having said that, I was excited to read this book.
I liked the beautiful, flowery writing. I underlined a heck lot of quotes. It was absolutely transporting, I felt like I can smell the blood when Ariadne is talking about the minotaur, feel the wind when she was on the ship to Naxos, and hear her cries when her heart was utterly broken.
However, I thought the book is going for an empowering women theme and being free from the domesticated wife they're destined for. I did not see that. Although given that this is a retelling, the author can't change the plot, yeah I know that. But I'll still complain HAHA. Ariadne is too gentle for me unlike her sister Phaedra, who is braver, more clever and more passionate. If those traits will give her a brighter future, you should read the book to find out.
Comparing this to other greek mythology retellings, I liked Circe more, mainly because of Circe's character. But in terms of writing style, I think both are amazing.