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.

🏹 Unleash Your Inner Huntress with 'Atalanta' by Jennifer Saint 🏹

Dive into the thrilling world of Greek mythology with Jennifer Saint's 'Atalanta,' a tale that doesn't just break the mold – it shatters it like an arrow hitting its mark. This isn't your grandma's cup of ambrosia; it's a heady mix of adventure, empowerment, and a dash of divine mischief.

🌟 Plot Twists That Even Zeus Didn't See Coming:
"Atalanta" is not your typical damsel-in-distress narrative. Our heroine is more likely to rescue herself and then shoot you a sassy grin. The twists in this plot are as unpredictable as the labyrinth in the heart of Crete – and just as exciting to navigate.

🏺 Mythology, but Make It Modern:
Saint weaves ancient myths into a modern masterpiece. It's like binge-watching your favorite epic on Netflix, only better. Atalanta isn't just a character; she's a statement – a symbol of resilience and defiance that transcends time.

👑 Empowerment Served on a Silver Platter:
Move over, Hercules; Atalanta is in town. This book is a feast of empowerment where the heroine doesn't just break the glass ceiling – she shatters it with an Amazonian battle cry.

🖋️ Saint's Prose: Where Poetry Meets Plot:
Jennifer Saint's writing isn't just good; it's divine nectar for the literary soul. The prose flows like the river Styx, pulling you into a world where every word is a stroke of genius.

🌈 Why 'Atalanta' Should Be Your Next Read:

For fans of Greek mythology seeking a fresh perspective.
If you love strong female protagonists who don't need saving.
Anyone who enjoys a mythic cocktail of adventure, drama, and a sprinkle of romance.
🔥 Final Verdict:
"Atalanta" isn't a book; it's a declaration. A declaration that myths are meant to be rewritten, heroines don't need rescuing, and sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones we write for ourselves.

📚 Pick up 'Atalanta' today and unleash the huntress within. Trust us; Artemis would approve. 🏹✨ #BookReview #GreekMythology #AtalantaJenniferSaint

Another absolutely impeccable novel by Jennifer Saint. Her writing never fails to leave me mesmerized, she really does paint a picture with her words and you feel like you're part of the scene.

Jennifer Saint's "Atalanta" takes readers on a thrilling journey alongside the legendary heroine as she joins Jason's band of Argonauts. The author's captivating writing style immerses the reader in the vividly described settings and the various challenges the characters face. Reading this book is a true pleasure.
The book's feminism could be better portrayed. Despite being a strong and determined woman, Atalanta must be given more chances to challenge societal norms and power dynamics. She frequently defers to men and focuses on her romantic relationship rather than her personal growth and empowerment. Most of the book revolves around her describing the heroic deeds of male characters instead of showcasing her strengths and abilities.
Retelling myths from a female perspective is essential, but simply doing so is not enough to consider a book a genuinely feminist retelling. It would have been more meaningful if Atalanta had actively challenged societal norms and demonstrated her intelligence and skill, highlighting her superiority.
Although "Atalanta" retells a myth entertainingly, it fails to embody feminist principles. It lacks the depth needed for a genuinely empowering narrative.

It's no surprise to anyone that I love a Greek myth retelling but I have to admit, with new retellings being released in what feels like an almost endless stream, I have burned out a little on the genre. This is partly why I cut down on these retellings for a while but also why I've been struggling to write up a review for this particular book.

I was actually very excited for Atalanta to get her own book, as she is definitely a much-overlooked character and one I haven't read nearly enough about. This probably helped when I picked up this book because, contrary to Jennifer Saint's previous works (Ariadne and Elektra) where I knew the original pretty well, here I had virtually no expectations of how the story would play out beyond the main points.

There is definitely a lot more action in this book as opposed to the previous two, and I really enjoyed the journey Atalanta undertakes with the Argonauts and the challenges they have to face. Saint's writing is rich and flows nicely so it's always a pleasure to read. The settings are vivid and gorgeous, and the dangers many, so I was often sucked into the story, even though certain sections kind of dragged on and felt a bit too "filler-y".

The main issue I have with this book is essentially the same as with the previous two as well: they are marketed as feminist retellings, but there really isn't that much feminism in here. The female characters are barely given any agency beyond what was already there in the original. Atalanta is a wonderfully strong woman who grew up without any of the social constraints other women were subjected to, enjoys the favour of a goddess, and is keen to prove she is equal to the men who constantly belittle and undermine her.

And yet, she is very quick to adapt to social expectations, barely challenges the dominant power structures and easily defers to a man in everything. She is often passive to circumstances and the only work of deconstruction and personal growth she engages in relates to her romantic relationship, which is questionable at best. Most of the book is actually Atalanta narrating the male heroes' exploits instead of her own, even in those (extremely few) times where she is given a chance to demonstrate her superiority to them both in cleverness and skill. Passivity worked well with Ariadne, who was an entirely different character and made a different point, but it just clashes with what Atalanta's character is supposed to be. Once again, retelling a story from a woman's point of view is an interesting and important work and one that is absolutely necessary, but merely doing that is not enough for it to be a "feminist" retelling.

Overall I had some fun with this book, I enjoyed seeing a different myth being retold and it was entertaining enough, but not much more than that.

I'm such a fan of Jennifer Saint's writing and knew I had to read Atalanta, even though I didn't know too much if her story. I loved reading this one learning about the journey she went on.

Atalanta is such a fascinating character and her story is so interesting! She was definitely a badass woman and I would have loved to have seen more fierceness in this retelling.

I think Saint had an amazing way of writing these retellings, bringing life to the women who were until recently forgotten and ignored. Another great Greek Mythology retelling to add to my collection.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An exciting and adventurous new interpretation of the Atalanta myth
 
I was so excited to read something written by Jennifer Saint and “Atalanta” is a retelling of Greek mythology that I didn't know yet.
 
The Atalanta myth reminds me a lot of a cross between Tarzan and Pocahontas. Atalanta was abandoned as a baby and was raised by a bear for the first few years until Artemis took her under her wing. And so, Atalanta learns everything about hunting and becomes a strong and great warrior. The goddess of the hunt teaches her not only how to fight, but also that men cannot be trusted. But what happens when your heart doesn't follow these rules?
 
Jennifer Saint's narrative style is captivating and draws the reader right into the story and before I knew it, I had the book.
 
Atalanta is a brave and fearless warrior who follows not only her mind but also her heart. In my opinion, this mixture makes her an authentic figure in Greek mythology.
 
Atalanta's story not only moved me emotionally, but also gave me a great desire to research and I immediately put a few books about the Atalanta myth on my tbr.
 
“Atalanta” gets 4 out of 5 stars from me.

Thank You to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

I really enjoyed Jennifer’s book Ariadne so was thrilled to be accepted to read this one. Atalanta is a retelling of the only female Argonaut. It’s an insightful retelling and Jennifer is fantastic and giving women from this era a voice alongside the celebrated and famed male heroes of Greece.

Huge thanks to the publisher for the copy!

Heroines from Greek mythology, being reframed, told from the female point of view, will always capture my attention.

To read the tale of the only female Argonaut, a true warrior, was wonderful.

I really enjoyed this one, i am not normally a fan of books based on mythology but this one had me hooked throughout!

The audiobook really help you become immersed in the story too so I would highly recommend it if you listen to them!

Will definitely be reading more from this author

Jennifer Saint returns with another retelling of a Greek myth. This time, we join Atalanta, the fierce warrior, hunter and champion of the cold hearted Artemis.

This story is told in Saint's usual, unemotional yet engaging style. Atalanta is strong both in character and body, yet is constantly underestimated by men and has to prove herself with every step. The story is slow to start, I sometimes find Saint's narrative to drag with the many descriptions of what is happening at the start of the story. But it soon becomes compelling. Although I admire Atalanta, I found her to be a complex character and not one I always liked.

I really enjoyed her adventures aboard the Argo with Jason and the fellow Argonauts. Again, this novel joins a growing number of Greek retellings from the feminist pov in this genre.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

Another sol

This was such an interesting retelling, Atalanta is not a character I’d ever come across before so I was eager to get stuck in!

I read Ariadne and Elektra recently and I love Jennifer’s writing, it’s so engaging and really draws you into the setting without losing the magic and history. This book was no different! I was totally absorbed in it, especially once the action had really started.

I did find it a little harder to get into than the previous novels, I think because of Atalanta’s status as a lesser known part of the mythology.

I will absolutely be reading anything else that this author publishes, it delivers just the perfect Greek Mythology hit!

4 stars

Thank you so much to Wildfire and NetGalley for my gifted e-ARC xx

Was thoroughly captivated by this book and found it very hard to put down. A fast-paced read but it didn't feel like it was rushing through.

This is the story of Atalanta, protégé of Artemis, and the only female Argonaut. It’s a good and compelling story, tracing the Argonaut’s adventures and intersecting with the stories of Medea, and Circe briefly.

I enjoyed it, it’s well written and great to see the feminist perspective. It wasn’t as compelling as some of Saint’s previous books but still a good and enjoyable read.

A beautiful and poetically written story. The writer has done a fantastic job of setting the scene and creating well developed characters. I massively enjoyed this!

Another incredible retelling of famous Greek myth cantering the woman who are so often forgotten in these tales. Jennifer Saint manages to bring these stories alive and I find myself staying up late to read a tale I already know how it will end just because I find her writing so engaging.

Doing what this author does best – take a relatively obscure female character from Greek mythology and tell their story. This time we follow Atalanta. Knowing that there are various versions of her myth, it was interesting to see how she would weave all these elements together. Atalanta does suffer a bit like Elektra did – where the latter’s story focused a lot on Clytemnestra, so does Atalanta spend a lot of her story being a passive observer. This is especially true in the Argonaut part of the story, as yes, she holds her own in fights, but she is mostly along for the ride. There are so many more famous characters included in the Argonauts that have certain victories that they can’t just get passed to Atalanta, but that does mean you have to find things for her to achieve.