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A review by lenny9987
Atalanta by Jennifer Saint
adventurous
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
When I read Jennifer Saint’s novel, Ariadne a few years ago, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d hoped to but was eager to give more of her writing a try – especially since she focuses so much of the female characters from Greek mythology. Since I didn’t manage to get my hands on a preview copy of Atalanta before it came out last year, I decided to go on the waitlist for my library (though, I have my fingers crossed that I’ll get to preview her upcoming novel Hera later this summer). Not remembering more about Atalanta than something about a race and golden apples from my illustrated children’s mythology book growing up, I was surprised to learn that Saint chose to feature the myths where Atalanta was a member of the Argonauts crew. In her pursuit of glory for herself and Artemis, Atalanta explores the life of a woman who makes no attempts to fit into society’s traditional roles for women. But just because she has little respect for the rules of society doesn’t mean she can escape the need to play by them (or bend them to her will).
Left exposed as an infant, Atalanta was found and raised amongst the nymphs and under the watchful eye of the maiden goddess Artemis herself. With no men around, it took Atalanta a while to fully understand the various threats they posed, though she saw firsthand what Artemis could do if the females who pledged themselves to her failed to remain virgin – even if they were attacked. After a close call in the woods one day (and an unusual introduction with an unusual young man), Atalanta is encouraged to leave the forest and seek glory in Artemis’ name. She is encouraged to seek a place amongst the departing crew of the Argo – a heroes’ journey is planned with glory and honor all but guaranteed for any who participate. But Jason and many of his crew are reluctant to accept a woman among them, particularly one who means to fight alongside them and seeks to share in the glory. As the ship makes its way, Atalanta must prove her value and protect herself from the men who would cause mischief. But she also finds some allies along the way. What will Atalanta need to do for her name to be remembered and will it be remembered for the right reasons?
For my full review, please visit my blog: https://wp.me/pUEx4-1mT
Left exposed as an infant, Atalanta was found and raised amongst the nymphs and under the watchful eye of the maiden goddess Artemis herself. With no men around, it took Atalanta a while to fully understand the various threats they posed, though she saw firsthand what Artemis could do if the females who pledged themselves to her failed to remain virgin – even if they were attacked. After a close call in the woods one day (and an unusual introduction with an unusual young man), Atalanta is encouraged to leave the forest and seek glory in Artemis’ name. She is encouraged to seek a place amongst the departing crew of the Argo – a heroes’ journey is planned with glory and honor all but guaranteed for any who participate. But Jason and many of his crew are reluctant to accept a woman among them, particularly one who means to fight alongside them and seeks to share in the glory. As the ship makes its way, Atalanta must prove her value and protect herself from the men who would cause mischief. But she also finds some allies along the way. What will Atalanta need to do for her name to be remembered and will it be remembered for the right reasons?
For my full review, please visit my blog: https://wp.me/pUEx4-1mT