Jennifer Saint can do no wrong! This was a fabulous telling of the story of Atalanta. I adore Jennifer Saint’s feminist angle on the male dominated story of the Argonauts.
I loved everything about this - setting, pacing, background story. It is both a love story and not at all. There are moments of hope and of heartbreak.
Thank you to the publishers and author for the advanced copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend to all!

I have read all of Saint's publications and so far adored them, but I actually think Atalanta might be my favourite of the three!
Once again, we get a well rounded character lost to the trials and tribulations of history in the eyes of men. I love how Atalanta is perceived in this book as strong and capable. I also love Saint's playfulness, like portraying Jason as a skinny nepo-baby as opposed to the valiant leader of the Argonauts we've been taught he was.
I will eat up a phone book if Saint writes it.

Fantastic book. Thank you for the advance copy. I really enjoyed this book. The author is great at bringing a story to life!

I’ve enjoyed Jennifer Saint’s previous novels, Ariadne and Elektra and with each story, I’ve seen Saint’s writing and storytelling ability get better and better. Atalanta has to be her best novel yet.

I love that Saint tells stories of the women often lost in Greek mythology. We hear of Heracles and the male heroes often, with women’s voices silenced and their stories getting lost and becoming forgotten.

Atalanta is one of these stories. Born to a king who wants a son, Atalanta is abandoned on Mount Pathenion, a bear (the symbol of Artemis) whose cubs have been killed by hunters, raises Atalanta as one of her own. Atalanta then goes to live with Artemis’ nymphs, devoting herself to the goddess and promising that she will never marry. We follow Atalanta on her quest with Jason and the Argonauts to find the Golden Fleece, her call to the Calydonian boar hunt, the foot race to be her suitor and ultimately, the metamorphoses.

Saint has put life back into Atalanta’s story and carved a way for her back into modern storytelling. The writing in this novel was so beautiful, the descriptions of nature, particularly at the beginning when she lived with the nymphs was breathtaking. Her relationships with Meleager and Hippomenes, her love for the nymphs and devotion to Artemis. Her pride, ego, and feminist values taking us on a journey through Ancient Greece.

I received an ARC of the book from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Atalanta was a Greek hero that I did not know much about and this book, with its terrific ending, delivered in giving us insights into how sophisticated femininity as a concept is, even within the classical era. To be very honest, this book almost wore me out but its phenomenal final section where she is shown to have grown into an icon who is incredibly powerful, both physically and mentally, won me over ultimately.

My struggle with this book was its third act, where Atalanta joins the Argonauts, which was highly ironic as this journey was supposed to be this novel's selling point. Herein, the line "It didn't seem that enough time had passed for everything to change as much as it had" on page 258 made me choke in laughter for it more or less sums up how I felt about the voyage. There were simply way too many characters introduced and too many things happening that it was difficult for me to see how Atalanta had been impacted by them or to even find their adventures interesting. Given that it is pretty much the premise of the book, I got rather disappointed. While there was an underlying theme of weariness towards hero-worship that pulses gently through this section, it's not until I had soldiers through this section onto the first quarter of Part Four that I began to realise it.

On that note, while I found the opening section enchanting, some readers may take issue with it and question Atalanta's agency as a character for it may seem as if she had unwittingly replaced one oppressor (civilisation as we know it and the patriarchy) with another (Artemis). Nonetheless, I promise you that this is a point that Jennifer deals with (and in a very satisfying manner!) towards the novel's end.

Finally, what was up with that romance with Meleager? I may be viewing this point from a more modern perspective but it's so uncomfortable to me how Atalanta is someone who is a willing participant of adultery and had even used it to justify and rationalise her strained relationship with Artemis. Normalising this in the wake of the TJ and Amy GMA3 scandal feels very awkward... If the intent was to move away from heteronormative views on love and relationship, this felt like a rather questionable take for this novel does achieve this in the end, without any involvement from Meleager.

Altogether, while I can't help but feel like the third section could have been more deliberately crafted, perhaps with a non-linear narrative method so as to make it a more powerful read, this is a good book and a fascinating read

There is no denying that Jennifer Saint knows her stuff when it comes to mythology, this book is about one of the forgotten heroines, Atalanta, who is somewhat ignored when it comes to retellings. Depending on the versions you read, Atalanta is a member of the crew of the Argo, a contemporary of Hercules and Jason.

Unfortunately, this was a rather dry story, and I found it to be slow. It lacked the excitement I expected of a voyage like the one I always associate with Jason and his Argonauts.

I wanted to like it far more than I did. The writing was fantastic, but I feel that it was stretched out more than it needed to be, with elements of the story dragged out while other bits were rushed through as though they were unimportant.

Atalanta is a wonderful retelling of one of the few women from Greek mythology who are known for their strength and heroism. Jennifer Saint does an excellent job of covering a vast amount of mythology and characters and introduces them throughout the book in a informative and natural way that is perfect for both beginners to mythology and those who are familiar with the stories.
I absolutely loved this story as we followed Atalanta from her birth being abandoned on a mountain, then being raised by bears and eventually taken in by Artemis and her nymphs. This gives a wonderful background to her character and her motivations for joining the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece. The story flows in a beautiful way and was truly enjoyable to read.
Highly recommend to fans of Greek mythology retellings!

Jennifer Saint's 'Atalanta' is a wonderful retelling of the story of Atalanta, who describes herself as "huntress of Arcadia and heroine of the Argo". It is a cleverly chosen subject, recounting the journey of the Argonauts from the perspective of their only female member, Atalanta, who was abandoned as a baby and raised by the goddess Artemis.
The book balances the familiar and unfamiliar, with some of the most famous moments of the quest recounted by Atalanta, without following every step. It is constantly fascinating to see it through a woman's eyes. The experience of the men on the Island of Lemnos, which is ruled by women who have (unbeknown to the Argonauts) murdered their husbands, is particularly striking and effective. Atalanta's disgust for the worse behaviours of men is beautifully conveyed, without becoming laboured.
The novel is well paced and written clearly, with great evocation of the world it describes. I loved it.

Left exposed on a mountainside, the defenceless infant Atalanta is left to the mercy of a passing mother bear and raised alongside the cubs under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis.

Swearing that she will prove her worth alongside the famed heroes of Greece, Atalanta leaves her forest to join Jason's band of Argonauts. But can she carve out her own place in the legends in a world made for men?

Atalanta

Stop what you’re doing and go and pre-order Atalanta RIGHT NOW. 5 STARS!

Left to die on a mountain by her Father, King Iasus, Atalanta is found and raised by a bear. She is later in the care of Nymphs and Artemis, living in a forest away from the rest of the world. Atalanta is strong, brave, and courageous, and wants more than anything to prove herself worthy of Artemis. When Artemis informs Atalanta that she will be going on a quest in her name- joining the Argonauts to find and take the Golden Fleece; she seizes the opportunity. Atalanta is fast, strong and an excellent hunter but will she be able to find a place amongst men seeking glory?

I have been glued to my Kindle and finding any moment to read this amazing story. I have recently read Ariadane and I’ve become obsessed with Greek mythology retellings. I have limited knowledge of Atalanta but who better than to give her a voice and showcase how powerful and influential she was than Saint?!

Saint is SO skilled with her writing as you feel Atalanta's struggles, ambitions, and desires, wholly understanding her throughout the story. The story follows Atalanta throughout her life, and you watch her grow and question everything she knows. I adored the relationships built into this world- it added such an emotive element. Atalanta’s friendships with the Nymphs (Callisto.. My girl!) and how they would later cause her a moral conflict. Quick shoutout to Meleager and Hippomenes because Saint had me falling in love with both of them.
I enjoyed Atalanta’s suspicious nature towards men and how she kicks ass- she doesn’t need any man (much to their annoyance).

Also, I loved the crossover with other mythological characters such as Jason, Medea, Hercules and the annoying Theseus. Again, Saint was excellent at shining a light on the experiences of women in Greek mythology.

I loved this book and can’t thank @headlinebooks enough for allowing me an arc. Atalanta is perfect for those who want to read books with powerful, complex women. Coming out on 13th April!

I admit that I knew next to nothing about Atalanta when I began reading this book, my knowledge of Greek Mythology is patchy at best and so I went in a pretty blank canvas.
What I got was a beautifully written story about a true female heroine and a book that I will reach for to read again and again.
The setting is always so wonderfully described without endless pages of nonsense, it's done in a subtle way and you can visual it all in your mind as you read.

Overall a really enjoyable and well written book. I am going to see out the authors other titles and read those too.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I've always loved the story of Atalanta but there's never been much written about her - thank goodness that has changed! Atalanta is one of the few women from Greek mythology who was ever given some small freedom to be a hero, and JS puts such a refreshing spin on her tale. I adore Greek mythology but the more of it I read the more frustrated I feel over the treatment of the women in those tales - here we have one woman who managed to find a way around her suppression and make a name for herself, and I love her that much more for it

My best endorsement for this book is that I.could.not.put.it.down. 
I have enjoyed both of @Saint’s previous works, for sure, but Atlanta has completely blown those out of the water. I’m hooked. 
 
A lot of us have heard of Atlanta, but not many of us know who she was, or what she did, or why we’ve heard of her at all, tbh. Thank goodness for Jennifer Saint . Saint just hands us this beautiful, intricately woven story, and suddenly it all falls into place. Of course that’s how we heard of Atlanta (how had we missed her??). Of course that’s how she ended up with the Argonauts. Of course that’s what happened to her afterwards. 
 
Saint gives Atlanta the authentic voice and narrative that she so deserved. The book really has everything you need and more: adventures, complex relationships (not just romantic), strong characterisation (aside from Atlanta, ofc, Meleager was fantastic. And Jason. I’m always fascinated by how contemporary writers interpret Jason. Saint is on point every time, and no character was left behind), and, as always from Saint, richly evocative description that immerses you within the #ancientworld before the sentence is even finished. 
 
One of my favourite aspects of this novel was the interpretation of Artemis. Saint has just got her *right*. Regal, aloof and to the point, Saint’s Artemis echoes the immortals of Homer: she involves herself with human lives sparingly, when it suits her, she has moments of kindness but can be impossibly, strikingly cruel, and she exists only for herself. This is one of the most genuine portrayals of the ancient gods that I have read in a while. 
 
 
 
I’ve tried to keep the spoilers here to a very minimum, otherwise I’d say much more! All I can say is don’t miss out on this treasure when it publishes, and thank you so much to Headline Books and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this work, and to Jennifer Saint of course, for creating something so spellbinding.

𝗔𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 | Book Review

When Atalanta was born to a King, she was a disappointment. Left on a mountainside to suffer her fate, she was found and raised under the eye of the Goddess Artemis in a forest away from civilization. Swearing she'll prove her worth alongside the famed heroes of Greece, Atalanta leaves her forest to join Jason's band of Argonauts. But can she carve out her own place in the legends in a world made for men?

I've only read Ariadne by this author but I definitely enjoyed this one more! I found Atalanta to be a more likeable character and I found it a really engaging read right through to the end.

Representing the Goddess Artemis, Atalanta feels the pressure to prove herself to be equal to the almost impossible task they've set out to complete- capturing the legendary Golden Fleece. The men all mock and laugh at first but her wit and resilience gain her a level of respect amongst them.

There's a whole cast of other Greek legendary characters with little myths and stories weaved in which I loved. I also enjoyed the romance element too but I won't go in to it to avoid spoilers!

Thanks to @netgalley for the early access to this highly anticipated read for 2023 🖤

Atalanta is left to die on a mountainside by her dad, is taken in by the goddess Artemis & becomes a fierce warrior, then is sent to join the voyage of the Argonauts. She's the only woman on board & none of them take her seriously so she is determined to prove herself.

The descriptions were so lush and painted a really vivid picture of the journey. I did find it a bit rushed in places, some battles & quests seem to be blink and you'll miss it. It is a rich story so probably could've ended up 700+ pages if it was all left in full!

I knew basically nothing of the Argonauts & Atalanta going in to this so this made for a fresh story unfolding in front of me and I really enjoyed that experience.

Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the opportunity to review this book!

A bit disappointing, I am afraid. It felt very dry in parts, and I got no feeling of the immortality and godliness, if you like, of the goddesses in the fight for Atalanta. The race for the golden apple felt rushed, as did the final transformation. I certainly wouldn't say it was a bad read, and I finished it, but I like to reread my favourite books, and I probably won't be doing that with this. But thanks a lot for the ARC.

Jennifer Saint has done it again. Atalanta is another hard hitting, beautifully written retelling.

Atalanta is only a baby when she is left on a mountain to die. Despite the odds, she’s survives and is rescued by a bear and her cubs. Raised as of her own, Atalanta has a life unlike any mortal. This unconventional upbringing continues when she is taken in by Artemis and her nymphs. Atalanta is trained by Artemis herself and soon becomes something closer to a Goddess than a mortal. We follow her as she boards the Argo setting out alongside some other famous mythological heroes. We watch her navigate the Greek world after only ever knowing the forest in which she was raised and we follow her as she deals with the consequences of her new life. This book has many familiar names and stories, all told from new perspectives.

Prior to reading this I knew nothing of Atalanta and her story, and I knew very little of the Argonauts. This made the reading experience different from other retellings I have read. I had no idea what would happen and I enjoyed following the twist and turns and being able to go on this adventure with Atalanta.

Following the book I researched Atalanta.
I think Saint did and excellent job of portraying her story. As always, she has taken a lesser know woman from Greek mythology and created a beautiful book that allows a whole new side of this story to be told.

This book retains all the amazing writing and themes of the author’s previous book, whilst simultaneously feeling new and different. The writing is excellent and it is an easy to read book.

I did. find myself getting a little bored in the middle. I kept waiting for more action and it never really came. Whilst I appreciate the author was trying to keep the story about Atalanta and not the Argonauts, I would have liked to have see. more on their journey. To see some of the places the visited more in depth, or to have some of the fight scenes feel more dangerous.
The journey they took seemed a little anticlimactic and some of the sub plots felt like loose ends, and others just felt unnecessary.

However, I mainly just enjoy being in the Ancient Greek world, surrounded by familiar and unfamiliar names, so these extra sub plots were still interesting.


Overall, I didn’t like is as much as other retellings, or as much as her other books, but I still enjoyed reading it and I would definitely recommend it!

Jennifer Saint is a go to author for me now. I love how she creates this elaborate, heartfelt and captivating stories about side characters from ancient myths.

Atalanta is abandoned as a baby and lucky for her she is in Artemis’ domain. Adopted by a bear and raised with her cubs she is then taught by the Goddess herself to be her protege.

We follow Atalanta on her adventures with the Argonauts and beyond. Seeing these exploits through a different lens.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting retelling. I would say I enjoyed Ariadne and Elektra more but still a decent read. Parts of this book felt super long and description heavy.

I was totally enthralled by the story of Atalanta. Greek mythology isn’t something I know much about but this modern retelling of Atalanta had me hooked. Beautifully written characters that I was able to empathise with and was fully invested in.