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A review by jlynnelseauthor
For the Winner: A Novel of Jason and the Argonauts by Emily Hauser
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!