guineapiggirl's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a fan of Greek mythology and this novel introduced me to the Argonautica, so I cannot complain. I've read about Atalanta before, but never quite like this.
marria_1's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
gabyk_lib's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this story a lot but I'm not sure quite necessity required the gods and goddesses that were included as an additional storyline. Unlike in the Miller book Circe, the gods here seem just bored players watching tv. The ending was also awfully neat, Atlanta finding one lucky man who would respect her. Still enjoyed it a lot
withlivjones's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A masterful reimagining of the Argonautica and its surrounding mythology from the point of view of one of the best but most overlooked characters in Greek mythology. The pacing is great, the characters are fleshed out really well (Atalanta is a Katniss Everdeen-esque heroine, and I love the fact that Jason gets the classic scumbag villain treatment in this book, as he should #medeadidnothingwrong), the romance was fantastic, and it’s definitely one of the easiest-to-read mythology retellings I’ve ever read so it would make a great introductory novel to those new to the genre. I wouldn’t necessarily pick up Emily Hauser’s retellings if you’re looking for complete accuracy to the source material, but I love what she does with this story and I found the author’s note where she explains her reasoning behind some of her choices very interesting. Parts of the story were definitely giving Disney’s Mulan rather than Greek mythology, but Mulan is my favourite Disney film so I’m not complaining (I don’t know who’s more of a bicon, Li Shang or Hippomenes). I also loved all the interludes where the focus was on the gods and the drama honestly feels like it belongs on a reality show. I loved For the Most Beautiful when I first read it, but I think I might have enjoyed the sequel even more!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexism, Misogyny, Slavery, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, and Blood
Period-typical attitudesi_hype_romance's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this gritty, feminist retelling of the myth of the Golden Fleece!
jlynnelseauthor's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 stars
Yet another brilliant novel by Hauser. Her precise detailing of the ancient world, its superstitions, its class structures, its personalities, are a marvel to behold within these pages. Well-known Greek legends vividly come to life with plenty of surprises for readers through Hauser's deft narrative skill and historical expertise.
I did not love this as much as book 1 for two reasons. First, the characters weren't as likable as in "For the Most Beautiful." Let's face facts, the realities of Bronze age men include pillaging, raping, and cruelty. Hauser works with these details subtly. While Jason is clearly meant to be unlikable, which I totally get, many of the Argo's crew just didn't have strong enough personalities to overcome some of the period realities. So the first half wasn't as enjoyable as the second. Reason two is that I didn't like how Atalanta never trusted Hippomenes enough to tell him what she discovered of Jason's plot. I'd hoped she overcome her distrust a bit earlier in their journey, so I was mildly disappointed in a few of Atalanta's choices in the second half of the book.
Overall, however, Hauser's retelling of Jason and the Argonauts to focus on a little known woman who accompanied the adventure is simply fantastic. It was compelling, with transitions between Mount Olympus and the mortal world, and utterly believable. The entire novel is filled with character growth and a beautifully-realized ancient landscape. If you want some ancient history girl power, Hauser's books are things to treasure. Greater than a Golden Fleece or Golden Apple, pick up these books and savor them. Its a familiar tale that Hauser is able to elaborate on and add exciting twists and turns to, for both the characters and their stories. Highly recommended!
Yet another brilliant novel by Hauser. Her precise detailing of the ancient world, its superstitions, its class structures, its personalities, are a marvel to behold within these pages. Well-known Greek legends vividly come to life with plenty of surprises for readers through Hauser's deft narrative skill and historical expertise.
I did not love this as much as book 1 for two reasons. First, the characters weren't as likable as in "For the Most Beautiful." Let's face facts, the realities of Bronze age men include pillaging, raping, and cruelty. Hauser works with these details subtly. While Jason is clearly meant to be unlikable, which I totally get, many of the Argo's crew just didn't have strong enough personalities to overcome some of the period realities. So the first half wasn't as enjoyable as the second. Reason two is that I didn't like how Atalanta never trusted Hippomenes enough to tell him what she discovered of Jason's plot. I'd hoped she overcome her distrust a bit earlier in their journey, so I was mildly disappointed in a few of Atalanta's choices in the second half of the book.
Overall, however, Hauser's retelling of Jason and the Argonauts to focus on a little known woman who accompanied the adventure is simply fantastic. It was compelling, with transitions between Mount Olympus and the mortal world, and utterly believable. The entire novel is filled with character growth and a beautifully-realized ancient landscape. If you want some ancient history girl power, Hauser's books are things to treasure. Greater than a Golden Fleece or Golden Apple, pick up these books and savor them. Its a familiar tale that Hauser is able to elaborate on and add exciting twists and turns to, for both the characters and their stories. Highly recommended!
amandamccombs's review against another edition
4.0
actual rating: 3.5
although I was disappointed at first by this book in comparison to the first by Hauser, For the Most Beautiful, because I found the writing more dull, as I read on I became more engaged with the story. I admire and appreciate this feminist retelling of an ancient myth that provides Atalanta, our protagonist, with a voice and a story equal to those given to ancient male heroes. I am fascinated by the original twists Hauser puts on this ancient tale to make it more modern and feminist, and to elaborate the details of the story in an interesting way. Hauser’s version is intricate, containing many characters and aspects that come together coherently in the end to form a beautiful and satisfying ending. Just as in her first book, I most enjoyed the humorous scenes of the gods that appeared throughout the novel.
although I was disappointed at first by this book in comparison to the first by Hauser, For the Most Beautiful, because I found the writing more dull, as I read on I became more engaged with the story. I admire and appreciate this feminist retelling of an ancient myth that provides Atalanta, our protagonist, with a voice and a story equal to those given to ancient male heroes. I am fascinated by the original twists Hauser puts on this ancient tale to make it more modern and feminist, and to elaborate the details of the story in an interesting way. Hauser’s version is intricate, containing many characters and aspects that come together coherently in the end to form a beautiful and satisfying ending. Just as in her first book, I most enjoyed the humorous scenes of the gods that appeared throughout the novel.
worlds_to_conquer's review against another edition
4.0
This was a lovely story to read. I loved hearing from Atalanta's side of the Voyage of the Argo and I'm glad she didn't transform into a lion in the end like she actually does. Good thing myths aren't real and you don't have to always rely on them. Atalanta reminded me of Lila Bard too, I feel as though they would get along.
melbutnotgibson's review
1.0
I was first so excited to read this book. The plot sounded amazing! I had heard her first novel was cheesy, but the reviews for this novel seemed promising. Figured it be like a Natalie Haynes or Madeline Miller type of book. Never been so wrong about a book. The writing is very amateur, like a edgy teenager wrote it. I don’t mean to be rude, but there are grammatical mistakes and every sentence is over embellish. I have never been so disappointed with a book.
rachel_reader's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5