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A review by savage_book_review
Athena's Child by Hannah Lynn
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Another day, another Greek myth retelling... I just can't help loving this particular trend! Medusa does seem to be particularly popular at present, and as I've already read another retelling of her story this year and both claim to be 'feminist' retellings, I was interested to compare the authors' approaches.
The author of this book hasn't wasted words - it's only 208 pages long - and yet the writing is beautiful detailed, emotive and paints a wonderful picture of the events described. The flow of the writing is brilliant; it flies by, but the story doesn't feel rushed, and the change in perspectives is less jolting than others I've read (although at the same time it does come with no warning, so if you are unfamiliar with the tale you might find yourself momentarily confused). If you're looking for a quick read that is more than just a bit of fluff, this would be a great one to pick up!
One of the best things about retellings is that, although the characters and settings might be familiar, everyone has their own approach. Even better with mythology, ther tends to be multiple versions of the same myth to start with, so there are many different threads a subsequent version can pick up on and run with. In this case, I really enjoyed the human family of Medusa, and the fact you get to see her as a human for more than just the awful moment which draws Athena's wrath. I found that this meant you could identify more with the characters after they undergo their transformation as you had a tangible thread of humanity to cling onto. It also helps portray the distinct unfairness of Athena when she chooses to punish Medusa for being the victim of assault, and the ultimate weakness of humans against the power of the gods.
It is likely that, when Perseus shows up for the first time as an adult, you will be likely to think "here we go again... they've turned the Greek hero into a moaning, frustratingly self-centred little boy". And to an extent you'd be right; he's definitely not portrayed as a proper Greek hero should be. But, after the initial immaturity, he does become far more likeable as a character. Ny the time of the final 'showdown' between Medusa and Perseus, your opinion of him should have changed a fair bit, it's a great bit of writing which just goes to prove that you can be feminist and still have a man there to support you.
If I could ask for something to make this book a 5⭐️ read, it'd be an extension. The pace and length of the book does mean that there is very little depth or room for exploration. The book doesn't need it, but it doesn't stop me from wanting to see more of the author's thought processed and individual flair.
Very good!
The author of this book hasn't wasted words - it's only 208 pages long - and yet the writing is beautiful detailed, emotive and paints a wonderful picture of the events described. The flow of the writing is brilliant; it flies by, but the story doesn't feel rushed, and the change in perspectives is less jolting than others I've read (although at the same time it does come with no warning, so if you are unfamiliar with the tale you might find yourself momentarily confused). If you're looking for a quick read that is more than just a bit of fluff, this would be a great one to pick up!
One of the best things about retellings is that, although the characters and settings might be familiar, everyone has their own approach. Even better with mythology, ther tends to be multiple versions of the same myth to start with, so there are many different threads a subsequent version can pick up on and run with. In this case, I really enjoyed the human family of Medusa, and the fact you get to see her as a human for more than just the awful moment which draws Athena's wrath. I found that this meant you could identify more with the characters after they undergo their transformation as you had a tangible thread of humanity to cling onto. It also helps portray the distinct unfairness of Athena when she chooses to punish Medusa for being the victim of assault, and the ultimate weakness of humans against the power of the gods.
It is likely that, when Perseus shows up for the first time as an adult, you will be likely to think "here we go again... they've turned the Greek hero into a moaning, frustratingly self-centred little boy". And to an extent you'd be right; he's definitely not portrayed as a proper Greek hero should be. But, after the initial immaturity, he does become far more likeable as a character. Ny the time of the final 'showdown' between Medusa and Perseus, your opinion of him should have changed a fair bit, it's a great bit of writing which just goes to prove that you can be feminist and still have a man there to support you.
If I could ask for something to make this book a 5⭐️ read, it'd be an extension. The pace and length of the book does mean that there is very little depth or room for exploration. The book doesn't need it, but it doesn't stop me from wanting to see more of the author's thought processed and individual flair.
Very good!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infidelity and Blood