Atalanta by Jennifer Saint, the story of the fierce huntress is another good feminist offering from this author.  Perhaps a slightly lesser well-known myth the story touches on themes of independence, heroism and tries to highlight the societal gender dynamics of the Ancient Greek world. 
 
Much like other books in this sub-genre such as Circe and books by Natalie Haynes, Atalanta’s story intersects aspects of other stories the most obvious one being Jason and his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece and like previous books I’ve read by the author Atalanta is packed full of content.
 
Honestly, I wasn’t enjoying this book at first.  Written in first person singular the narrative voice seemed a little passive to begin with.  This choice of perspective along with only a small number of characters meant I struggled to picture Atalanta.  Obviously, she can’t observe herself in a mirror and narrate what she looks like, so the reader is depended on what others say of her to her.  At this point although she is in the scenes it feels very observational. However, around 20% into the book we meet many more characters, mainly the argonauts, which results in a lot more dialogue.  It was only then that I got a better feel for who and what Atalanta might represent as a character when we see how she interacts with others.
 
Pace wise, again, this picks up around the same point and is skilfully maintained right through to the ending, which has a wonderful mythical quality.  My repeated question is, much like Hera by the same author, what type of audience gets the most enjoyment out of these retellings?  With so much content, is previous knowledge a help or a hinderance when it comes to maintaining the attention of the reader?  Personally, I find that having read some of the original sources there is a sense of predictability to them, but others may find comfort in that.
 
Either way, there’s no denying that Jennifer Saint is a wonderful storyteller and a competent writer in this highly entertaining sub-genre.

I am a really big fan of the author. I have enjoyed all of her previous books and this book lived up to my expectation! I found the story very entertaining and I thought it was very well written!

Wasn’t that entertaining and I found Atalanta quite unlikeable at times such as when she claims her and Medea have nothing in common despite them being the only women in the Argonauts and both being responsible for saving everyone’s lives. It was a bit “I’m not like other girls.”

Atalanta felt like more of a foil character than a character of herself. I enjoyed reading about the heroes she travelled with but I didn’t care much for her story.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This was my third book I read by the author, and so far I have enjoyed them all. This one portays the story of Atalanta as she grew up abandoned in the forest, learned to hunt, and was sent on a journey with a group of warriors to steal a legendary artifact.

The writing is once again beautiful and cannot be rushed through, rather enjoyed at its own pace, as if not to startle it. The story moves slowly so we can enjoy the scenery more, and that's exactly what I'm looking for in these books. I was completely immersed in the world and the story, which I found only a rare few books are able to do that for me.

I definitely recommend if you enjoy slow-paced books with beautiful writing.

I do love Greek mythology, and I was curious about this book. After listening to Mythos by Stephen Fry, I knew that the mythos of Atalanta were not big enough. Although I believe all the parts were included, most of the story was about the quest of the Argonauts, in which she only takes a side perspective and gives us inside of those mythoi, which I did not find particularly interesting. I understand the reason since there is a lot of debate about including Atalanta as part of the crew, but listening to other people's stories was not very interesting, especially when all the action was not with her. I think the parts that focus on her were a bit more interesting and could have been expanded with a bit more of story, even if it was considering "unreal"

I received an arc of this book from the publisher via netgalley for this review.

I love this book.

I have followed Jennifer since Ariadne first appeared and enjoyed each instalment of her Greek Myth retellings since then, but nothing could have prepared me for Atalanta. I think I loved this most of all because the story and the character isn't as well known as Saint's previous characters/myths so there was a new learning experience for me. Her world-building is as impeccable as always but the characterisation blew me away. I honestly felt like I was with Atalanta, running and roaming forests, adjusting to her new life and all the challenges she faced along the way.

I cried at the end of this book, partly because of the story and partly because I was closing the pages on friends and characters who were like real people to me - and I was sorry to say goodbye.

Very excited for Jennifer's newest book Hera and to see what else she has planned beyond!

I thought this sounded incredible but it was surprisingly boring for most of it. Things picked up in the last few chapters but not enough to redeem the rest of it.

First book from this author I read was Elektra and I loved it, so I was so excited to get approved for this one. Such an engaging read that I couldn’t put down

Another great take on the Greek myths - would recommend for readers who already love this type of book, but possibly not as an entry point into the genre.

My personal favourite of Saint’s classical retellings. Saint’s ability to create a new story from the familiar is very impressive. In a world that focuses on heroes, it is welcome perceptive to hear from heroines.

I developed a passion for Greek Mythology retelling and Jennifer Saint is up there with the best authors to provide an exciting story from the past with all the action and intrigue of a story of today. Mixed with the classics tales Jennifer brings the stories to life and take the reader on a journey. I can’t help but recommend Jennifer Saint books to anyone wanting to begin a read in Greek Mythology her books provide everything a reader needs to immerse in history, learn about the classic tale while enjoying a beautifully written book.

An interesting read about a character in the Argonauts myth that I didn't realise took part. All you here about is Jason. It was really great to read about Atalanta's story and like all myths, there is a lesson to be learned at the end. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author

This was a great read. I'd not heard of Atalanta before reading this book but I was interested right from the beginning. I felt that there could have been a bit more in the way of concrete plot rather than just a sequence of events but overall it was good.

This is a Greek myth retelling. The book is written so well. I enjoyed parts of this but at others I felt it was a bit slow.
I loved the character of Atalanta

I'd come across parts of Atalanta's story in other retellings of the Argo but this focus on Atalanta was fascinating. I liked the capriciousness of the Gods and just how inflexible they were when dealing with mortals despite their own foibles.

4.5 stars

Atalanta is the next retelling of Greek mythology by Jennifer Saint and I have to say it’s my favourite so far and with a character I knew very little about before. Abandoned by her parents on a mountain and left to die, Atalanta is saved and raised by a bear and lives with her cubs until the mother bear moves on to mate again – exploring the forest, Atalanta comes across the Goddess Artemis who brings her back to the Forest of Arcadia to live with her and her nymphs. They live in relative peace but Artemis has one rule – do not engage with men. Atalanta grows to become a skilled hunter and archer and faster than any man. Artemis sets Atalanta off on a quest in her name – to join Jason and the Argonauts as they travel to get the golden fleece – as the only woman she must face many dangers and trials, but she must heed Artemis’ warning: do not marry or it will be your downfall.

While reading any book about women in Greek mythology, it’s often quite disheartening because it’s so cruel and of course the treatment is no different here - and yet this feminist retelling still feels like an empowering read. There are several moments where nymphs are demeaned and then punished by Artemis for the actions of men, for “not running fast enough” or, in the instance of Calliope, not being able to see through Zeus’ ruse. When it comes to men, there can be no compromise for Artemis. Atalanta however navigates through this quest surrounded by men and while she isn’t necessarily treated as equal or respected by them all, she stands besides them, not behind them, she fights alongside them and even betters them – a particularly delicious moment. Atalanta knows her power and her skill, she is more passive and silent at times than I would like at times and a lot of this book is dominated by the men of the story but overall, I enjoyed her strength and how she commanded her space in this book, how she didn’t bow to the men who demanded it of her but held her head high. She enjoyed a man but didn’t swoon over him and make herself smaller for him, she had what she wanted of him but wanted no more. Even the conclusion of the book, it is not a tragedy but a transformation, a liberation for Atalanta. Previous characters Jennifer Saint has explored have been fiercer, more passionate, Elektra in particular comes to mind, however there is a quiet admirable strength to Atalanta that I adored.

The story of Jason and the Argonauts is one many of us are familiar with already (and I despise Jason with every retelling) and with well established characters including Heracles and Medea however I enjoyed reading from a new perspective, a perspective not given enough voice previously. We experience the brutality of the Calydonian boar hunt, Atalanta’s infamous race and the golden apples, and how love may have been her end but also her beginning. I’m frankly embarrassed I didn’t know Atalanta’s story before, I knew just where her story ended but I didn’t know the life that led her there.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

In 'Atalanta,' Jennifer Saint reimagines the story of the only female Argonaut, a character often overshadowed in Greek mythology. As a Classics teacher, I found Saint's rendition both refreshing and insightful. She skillfully brings Atalanta's story to the forefront, exploring themes of femininity, strength, and destiny in a patriarchal world.

Saint's narrative style is engaging, weaving together various mythological elements to create a cohesive and compelling story. The book delves into Atalanta's upbringing, her famed participation in the Calydonian boar hunt, and her complex relationship with her identity as a woman in a male-dominated society. Saint's portrayal of Atalanta is nuanced, portraying her as a multifaceted character who is both strong and vulnerable.

One of the strengths of the book is its focus on character development. Saint takes the time to explore the inner workings of Atalanta, making her a relatable and realistic character. This approach allows the reader to connect deeply with Atalanta's journey, understanding her motivations and empathizing with her struggles.

Comparatively, I found 'Atalanta' more engaging than Saint's earlier work on 'Ariadne,' but it didn't quite reach the compelling narrative heights of 'Elektra.' 'Atalanta' sits comfortably between the two, offering a unique perspective on a less explored mythological character.

Saint's writing is rich and descriptive, creating vivid imagery that transports the reader to ancient Greece. Her attention to detail in describing the settings and the characters' surroundings adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story.

The book also does a commendable job of balancing the mythical with the human aspects of the story. Saint's portrayal of the gods and their interactions with humans adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, exploring the influence of divine beings on human affairs.

'Atalanta' is a well-crafted novel that offers a fresh take on Greek mythology. Jennifer Saint's ability to breathe new life into these ancient stories is evident in her thoughtful storytelling and rich character development. From a professional standpoint, I appreciated the historical and mythological research evident in the narrative and I would consider it a recommended read for both fans of Greek mythology and those looking for a compelling historical fiction.

Atalanta is left to die on a mountain by her parents but she is rescued and raised by a bear and then found by the goddess Artemis where she grows up in the sheltered care of the nymphs in the forest. However, when Artemis learns of Jason and the Argonaut's quest for the golden fleece she gives Atalanta the chance to join the adventure and prove herself an equal among men.

After reading many Greek mythology retellings I was a little sceptical at another novel but Jennifer Saint brought Atalanta to life and I was gripped; I couldn't put the novel down.


Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

I love being given the opportunity to update our school library which is a unique space for both senior students and staff to access high quality literature. This is definitely a must-buy. It kept me absolutely gripped from cover to cover and is exactly the kind of read that just flies off the shelves. It has exactly the right combination of credible characters and a compelling plot thatI just could not put down. This is a great read that I couldn't stop thinking about and it made for a hugely satisfying read. I'm definitely going to order a copy and think it will immediately become a popular addition to our fiction shelves. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

I had high hopes for Atalanta having enjoyed a few feminist retellings of Greek myths recently. However, Atalanta felt short of my expectations. As the only female Argonaut and with many myths surrounding Atalanta, I would have thought that she would have been a .more active character. Unfortunately, I found her passive and deferred to men too easily throughout her journey on the Argo. Due to Atalanta's passivity, the pacing felt slow and I found that during key action scenes such as fighting the giants were brushed over very quickly and there was a disconnection between what was going on and what Atalanta was doing. The two romantic relationships Atalanta has develop very quickly and I found this is where she had the most agency. Hardly the feminist retelling I was expecting. I never felt like I got to know Atalanta that well and so I had no sympathy when things went wrong for her. I found this book devoid of any emotional depth. I don't know if I would pick up another Jennifer Saint book.