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manonxxtheys 's review for:
Hera
by Jennifer Saint
Book Review: Hera by Jennifer Saint – A Powerful Reimagining of the Queen of the Gods
If you’ve read anything by Jennifer Saint, you already know how much meticulous research and heart she pours into every one of her books. Hera is no exception—it’s another marvelous addition to her growing collection of Greek mythology retellings, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.
After falling completely in love with Ariadne, I was eager to dive into Hera. What intrigued me most was the shift in perspective. While Electra and Atalanta—two of Saint’s other heroines—are mortals with connections to the gods, Hera is a goddess herself. That dynamic alone adds a new level of depth and complexity. I went into this story with curiosity, and I came out of it deeply moved.
Saint paints a layered and thoughtful portrait of Hera—not just as the queen of the gods or the often-maligned wife of Zeus, but as a woman who struggles, endures, and ultimately evolves. We often see Hera portrayed as the villain, especially in myths where she punishes Zeus’s lovers. But this book gives us a deeper lens into why. How do you hold power in a world ruled by someone like Zeus, especially when he’s not only your husband but your brother—and one who constantly betrays you?
What struck me most was how Hera navigates her roles: as a ruler, as a wife, as the goddess of marriage, and as a woman trapped in a divine system that offers her little real agency. Saint doesn’t shy away from Hera’s flaws, but she also gives her grace. There’s sorrow in her story, yes, but also resilience. And the ending—without spoiling anything—felt so incredibly well-earned. I found myself rooting for her, feeling proud of her, and ultimately feeling seen through her.
Honestly, poor women—ancient or modern—the struggle never ends. And yet, books like this remind us of the strength and quiet revolutions that happen behind the scenes.
I’ve always been fascinated by Greek mythology, and I’m excited to keep working through Saint’s other works. Next up on my TBR is Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon. It’s a shift from mythological drama to contemporary fiction, but I’m really looking forward to it—especially since it touches on mental health, which is a topic close to my heart.
If you’ve read Hera, I’d love to know your thoughts. Did you feel for her the way I did? And if you haven’t picked up any of Jennifer Saint’s books yet—what are you waiting for?
If you’ve read anything by Jennifer Saint, you already know how much meticulous research and heart she pours into every one of her books. Hera is no exception—it’s another marvelous addition to her growing collection of Greek mythology retellings, and it absolutely lived up to my expectations.
After falling completely in love with Ariadne, I was eager to dive into Hera. What intrigued me most was the shift in perspective. While Electra and Atalanta—two of Saint’s other heroines—are mortals with connections to the gods, Hera is a goddess herself. That dynamic alone adds a new level of depth and complexity. I went into this story with curiosity, and I came out of it deeply moved.
Saint paints a layered and thoughtful portrait of Hera—not just as the queen of the gods or the often-maligned wife of Zeus, but as a woman who struggles, endures, and ultimately evolves. We often see Hera portrayed as the villain, especially in myths where she punishes Zeus’s lovers. But this book gives us a deeper lens into why. How do you hold power in a world ruled by someone like Zeus, especially when he’s not only your husband but your brother—and one who constantly betrays you?
What struck me most was how Hera navigates her roles: as a ruler, as a wife, as the goddess of marriage, and as a woman trapped in a divine system that offers her little real agency. Saint doesn’t shy away from Hera’s flaws, but she also gives her grace. There’s sorrow in her story, yes, but also resilience. And the ending—without spoiling anything—felt so incredibly well-earned. I found myself rooting for her, feeling proud of her, and ultimately feeling seen through her.
Honestly, poor women—ancient or modern—the struggle never ends. And yet, books like this remind us of the strength and quiet revolutions that happen behind the scenes.
I’ve always been fascinated by Greek mythology, and I’m excited to keep working through Saint’s other works. Next up on my TBR is Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon. It’s a shift from mythological drama to contemporary fiction, but I’m really looking forward to it—especially since it touches on mental health, which is a topic close to my heart.
If you’ve read Hera, I’d love to know your thoughts. Did you feel for her the way I did? And if you haven’t picked up any of Jennifer Saint’s books yet—what are you waiting for?