If you know me you will know that House Atreus and especially Clytemnestra is one of my favourites in the ancient Greek world and I was so happy when I got approved for the NetGalley ARC!
In Clytemnestra's Bind we see Clytemnestra on the side of Agamemnon but also in her earlier years together with Tantalus, which I really enjoyed. Her story was easy to follow, showing her grief, the love for her children and especially all the trauma that leads to her revengeful actions later on in her life.
The pacing is very slow and some parts dragged on a little too much for my liking. I also was sometimes thrown off by the writing and wording. I was not as immersed into the world as I was in some other authors' works.
Overall I enjoyed this book and I recommend it to everyone who would like to see another take on Clytemnestra's myth.

Thank you to Susan C. Wilson, Neem Tree Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange to my honest opinion.

This is not a book for me.

I know Clytemnestra's story too well, and love Claire North's Songs of Penelope too much, for a fairly straightforward retelling of her story to really grab me any more. I am moving towards preferring innovation in my mythology-based novels, rather than a novel like this that yes, gives Clytemnestra much more personality than the Greek originals, but doesn't do much with the narrative itself.

I'm also not a huge fan of the fairly formal, almost stilted language. Again, this is definitely a personal preference. For readers who haven't read a lot of variations of the Atreides, I imagine this will be a really great read.

What a fantastic book! Susan Wilson covers the many tragedies of Clytemnestra's life with a renowned sense of humanity, really bringing the character -- and those around her -- to life. Those familiar with her story will know of the sorrows in store for her, but they are no less poignant for that knowledge. In all, an incredible book -- I almost wish it was longer!

Clytemnestra is one of my favourite mythological figures and I was very happy to receive an arc of this novel, which I truly, greatly enjoyed.

The author uses a lesser known myth about Clytemnestra, the one where she was first the wife of Tantalus, and Agamemnon killed her husband and son before taking her for his bride. It is a very tragic story and the author portrayed it with great empathy. From the very beginning I was invested in Clytemnestra and I suffered with and for her. She had to endure a lot during the book, and I always admired her resilience, her strenght and her devotion to her children. Her relationship with Iphigenia was heartwarming and, towards the ending, I was really dreading what was going to happen. Her relationships with Electra and Orestes, even if difficult, were also interesting and complex.

I also really liked her relationship with Aegisthus. The connection between them was believable and well portrayed, and I rooted for them right from the start. At the same time, I loved how Clytemnestra always put her children before her own desires, and how she resisted her attraction for Aegisthus because she didn't want to harm them.

I'm definitely looking forward to reading the sequel. I can't wait to read about Clytemnestra's revenge.

Clytemnestra was married with a new baby when Agamemnon to the throne of Mycenae, killing her family in the process. Next he marries her and forces her into an unhappy marriage.

This book based on Greek history gives an idea of her life and her struggles to keep her children safe. Good to have her perspective on these times and how much the Gods are respected and influence peoples lives and decisions.

Well written and very enjoyable read.

I'm conflicted on this one. I feel like it's trying to tell Clytemnestra's story in a different way than I've seen it done in the past. Focusing more on her journey as a mother, rather than a sister or wife, but I struggled a bit with the slow pacing. I also think this book requires more background knowledge of Greek mythology and customs than the average retelling. I did enjoy some of the framing devises utilized (i.e., ceremonial practices and peasant petitioners reflecting the story as it goes along). I will likely continue on with the series.

I couldn’t tell you how many Clytemnestras, Agamemnons, Menelaus-es and Odysseus-es I have read by now, and none of them are quite how I would interpret the character, and yet I still believe deeply in each and every iteration.

Clytemnestra is such a well known story, and yet Wilson’s version is quite unlike anything I have read before. My immediate reaction is that it’s raw. It’s emotive. It is 110% grounded in the Mycenaean culture and context, and the grittiness and intensity of everything from the narrative descriptions to the characters’ language is so evocative and all consuming. Think Mary Renault.

The novel focuses on the Clytemnestra myth with a strong, fierce lens of motherhood - which is not really my kind of thing. But the authenticity of the writing is such that I was still absorbed. If you’re used to modern mythology retellings, you might be surprised by the religious / ritualistic language which, rather than inserting Athena or Hera etc., represents these deities and rites as they were in their early, pre-Homer form.

Overall, the novel is gripping, and Wilson has made a bold statement by grounding Clytemnestra’s story in its authentic, no-frills and genuine context. An intense read, but an incredibly important one.

(Thank you so much to NeemTreePress and NetGalley for sending me this ARC!)

Im so disappointed I didn't like this more!

I saw greek retteling and I immediately rushed to request it from netgalley, but sadly this one seems to not have worked for me.

This is a very character driven book, with the main character Clytemnestra surviving hardships in ancient Greece after the death of her husband and newborn son.

Sadly everything from the writing style (too simplistic to suit the story and I found the excessive amount of swear words to be rather off putting considering the setting of the story) and the characters themselves ( very inconsistent especially in the case of Clytemnestra) simply did not allow me to enjoy the book.

Can't really say I recommend this one.

I am a big fan of Greek mythology and especially the story of Clytemnestra. I also appreciate the version used here being the one where she had a first husband and child. The author made some choices throughout the story that are different than the typical versions we get and some of the choices I was okay with and some didn’t feel right to me as they didn’t always feel like the author knew all the source material and made a calculated change but instead like maybe they werent familiar with the material and went rogue.
That being said I still enjoyed the story, the complexities of her relationship with her children were well executed here. her relationship with Aegisthus in this version I really enjoyed.

I think if you go into this with a mindset of it being “inspired by” and less of a true retelling it sits better overall.
Also I fully understand that mythology is by nature constantly changing and has variations. I just don’t feel as though the changes made for this version enriched the story overall.

This Clytemnestra was more timid and less tactical and patient about revenge which has always been my absolute favorite thing about her

A brutal retelling of Clytemnestra's story, Clytemnestra's Bind explores the history and motivations that brought this queen to plot the murder of Agamemnon, Tragedy after tragedy, this book leaves little to the imagination. Yet it succeeds in portraying the humanity of a woman whose world has been shattered too many times.

Well researched and well written, I would recommend it if you like Greek mythology retellings, although I would make sure you read the trigger warning as the themes could be unsettling for some people.

Thank you Neem Tree Press and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Queen Clytemnestra, happily married to Tantalus and with a newborn son, is devastated when Agamemnon, a rival to the throne of Mycenae, retakes the throne, kills her husband and son, then forces her to marry him. She has three children by Agamemnon, two daughters (Iphigenia and Electra) and a son, Orestes. She vows to protect the children born from her new husband and hides her earlier marriage. When Agamemnon sacrifices Iphigenia to Athena to assure prevailing winds to speed him to his invasion of Troy, he sets in motion his own downfall.

I’ve read multiple versions of Clytemnestra’s story and wondered if this one would show me new insights. This novel begins with her first marriage to King Tantalus rather than with the murder of her daughter Iphigenia by Agamemnon, thus providing the background for her trauma of her marriage to a child-murderer, her relationship with her children, and ultimately her revenge.

I often compare Greek myth retellings to my all-time favorites, Madeline Miller’s Circe and The Song of Achilles. Clytemnestra’s Bind is a lyrical, poetic retelling of the story of the House of Atreus, its prose majestic and in keeping with the scope of the myths themselves. Susan C. Wilson truly deserves a place next to Miller with this magnificent retelling.

This novel’s lyrical style disguises the brutalities that underlie the story - or rather, stories - that are told of Clytemnestra. While other versions depict narratives about her, Clytemnestra’s Bind centres her - and offers us her story in her imagined voice. This is the primary aspect I liked about this book. Secondly, if this novel set out to help us understand why Clytemnestra does what she did - kill her “husband” - it achieves it very well! The narrative captures C’s character development, and we understand where her rage comes from, as we reach the end. The “historical” end is to come in a sequel, no doubt, but those who know how the story ends will jot only see it coming from a mile away, but even understand that it must be so, as this novel concludes.

I’ve read versions of Clytemnestra before and she is always depicted slightly differently but this was my favourite. You could feel the pain and anguish for each terrible thing done to her. You also understand her actions more in this one, as is typical in Greek mythology, women tend to be villainized but not this time. The writing was beautiful and I cannot wait for more by this author.

"Clytemnestra's Bind is a retelling of the Greek myth of Clytemnestra, told from the perspective of the titular character.

In Greek mythology, Clytemnestra is the wife of King Agamemnon and is infamous for her role in his murder. However, in "Clytemnestra's Bind," Wilson gives a voice to the often vilified character, exploring her motivations, her relationships with the other characters, and the complex political and social context in which she lived.

The novel is set during the Trojan War and follows Clytemnestra as she navigates her relationship with Agamemnon, her love for her children, and her political ambitions. As the war progresses and tensions rise, Clytemnestra becomes increasingly conflicted and torn between her loyalty to her family and her desire for power and revenge.

Wilson's writing is rich and vivid, transporting the reader to ancient Greece and immersing them in the world of the myth. The novel also explores themes such as gender, power, and the impact of violence on individuals and society.

Overall, "Clytemnestra's Bind" is a compelling and thought-provoking retelling of a classic myth, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known character. It is recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, mythology, and stories that challenge traditional narratives.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

An amazing new feminist retelling of a Greek myth. I loved getting a deep insight in to Clytemnestra's story and POV and all of her grief and trauma was so beautiful writing it was heart-breaking. I'm so glad this is going to be a series as I can't wait for the sequel. This truly gives a new life to Clytemnestra’s story and I learnt a lot for this and can't wait to see how the author will weave the next installment.

Life is good for those of us who never tire of the Greek myths. As we revel in a welcome wave of feminist retellings, Clytemnestra’s Bind by @susancwilsonauthor joins the category, adding something rare: the culture these characters actually came from.

For the 1,200 years since Homer gave us the Iliad, popular works have stubbornly perpetuated - or at least not argued with - our habit of imagining the Heros as Ancient Greeks. But they weren’t. They belonged to a warrior culture on the far side of a 300-year long Dark Age which separated them from Homer.

Wilson firmly places #clytemnestra in the #Mycenaean age where she belongs, complete with ritual face paint and colorful chest-baring clothes. But Wilson isn’t here to glamorize. She also stares the violence of a culture which would spawn such terrible stories right in the eyes, from sharp misogynies to the power struggle between Atreus and Thyestes - a particularly dark myth with two main characters so equally irredeemable it can be hard to keep them straight. The telling is not gratuitous, yet it does not consign the uncomfortable parts to off-stage events as if they were mere nuisance to the characters’ experience.

(Spoiler alert for anyone not already well-versed in the relevant myths…)

The plot of Clytemnestra’s Bind also stands out for embracing Euripedes’ later version of her story. Here, Agamemnon was her second husband. The butterfly effect on the character personalities, motivations and relationships is striking. Whether the reader likes this or not will depend on (e.g.) how attached they are to an Agamemnon who is more egotistical fool than out-and-out sociopath, or how they like to imagine the relationship of Clytemnestra and Aegisthus. Whatever the answer, it will make the mythology fan contemplate the feelings we may have attached to certain versions of these characters.

Clytemnestra’s Bind is not for the reader looking for a soft, poetic exploration of how “they were just like us”, but for those ready to grapple with how unlike us they also were (we hope!), it is bold and refreshing.

Visceral at times, yet beautiful, the author’s descriptive prose brings alive the pain of Clytemnestra’s trauma, particularly as this rendering of her story sets the scene of her first marriage and the pain she endured, which is often overlooked. As the genre of retelling the Greek myths from the woman’s viewpoint grows, that this is included provides deeper insight into Clytemnestra’s psychological state as well as her devotion and grief as part of her motherhood. I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read this prior to publication and look forward to the next instalment. Since there is reference to abuse of women, some readers may find this upsetting.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy to review.
I have looked at the other reviews and I can understand why some have given it 5 stars.
For me, I thought it was an interesting retelling of the story and gave Clytemnestra a voice she hasn't previously had. I'm reasonably familiar with Ancient Greece though far from an expert. The book is very brutal and doesn't shy away from violence. I felt like it had a Titus Andronicus feel. This might deter some readers.
Generally well written although it did drag at times
One thing that really struck me was how times haven't really changed. Even today, the hunger for power, money and triumph over perceived enemies is so strong. The same motivations are there. Women struggling to be heard. You could substitute Ancient Greece for all manner of governments past and present and still have a very believable story.
I am going to try and familiarise myself with Ancient Greece as a result

I loved everything about this book so much and will definitely be recommending for others and be purchasing my own copy

“I need no coronation. I have always been queen.”

Clytemnestra’s Bind is a lyrical and captivating retelling of the story of the cursed House of Atreus.

Having read several (around 3? 4?) retellings of Clytemnestra’s story, I was concerned with whether or not this novel would bring something new to the table, but my oh my did it blow me away.

Unlike every other story or retelling I’ve read of Clytemnestra which starts with the murder of her daughter, Iphigenia, at the hands of her husband and Iphigenia’s father, Agamemnon, Clytemnestra’s Bind adds an often overlooked dimension to Clytemnestra’s story and begins with her first marriage to King Tantalus, allowing the reader an earlier introduction to Clytemnestra and a deeper understanding of her character and motives.

Whereas most retellings focus on Clytemnestra’s revenge, this novel chronicles her trauma, her relationship with her children, and the horrors of being married to a man like Agamemnon. Only after reading this am I realizing that all other accounts of Clytemnestra that i’ve read have kept me at arm’s length from her, this digs deep into her psyche; her soul, her thoughts, her motivations in a way no other retelling i’ve read so far has.

It always irks me when publishers compare any and all Greek Mythology retellings to Circe but I feel as though this one is truly deserving of the comparison and earns its spot right next to it.

What I loved:

* The dialogue? *chef’s kiss* witty, sharp, and natural.
* The writing is spectacular; vivid, poetic, and does not shy away from the grotesque.
* Started off with a bang, and ended with one.
* I can’t wait for the sequels even though I know how this story ends, so that’s how I know this is a great book.
* This reads as Clytemnestra’s story and not the story of Clytemnestra, it is hers to tell.

“On that hallowed ground, he and I would swear a binding oath - to slay her murderer on his return from Troy.”