I absolutely loved this so much. Jennifer Saint is an amazing writer an never fails to deliver. Probably one of my favourites from her so far.

I have really enjoyed all of Jennifer Saint's previous books so I was very excited to receive early access to the audiobook of Hera. She is not a character I know very much about and so I found this audiobook to be so interesting and informative. The breadth and depth of this work is absolutely mind-blowing; Saint has covered literally thousands of years! The amount of research she must have completed in order to tell this story in such detail is incredible. There were characters that I was familiar with (Zeus, Demeter, Apollo etc) but also lots of new characters such as Echidna and Typhon. I listened to these new aspects with particular fascination.

I thought the narrator did an excellent job, although I found that some of the names were pronounced slightly differently to what I am used to.

Overall another brilliant addition to Saint's series of feminist Greek re-tellings and one which I definitely recommend.

Having become a huge fan of Greek Mythology over the last couple of years, I was very excited to read Hera by Jenifer Saint.

Her previous books (Elektra, Atalanta and Ariadne) have all been about mortals. Hera is the first book about a Goddess and what a huge undertaking it is. Hera is the sister of Zeus and together with the other Olympian gods, they defeat the Titans. Hera is shocked when Zeus announces he is dividing the realms between himself, Hades and Poseidon, leaving the female gods with more minor roles, despite fighting side by side. He marries Hera and then makes her the goddess of women and marriage, a role she is not happy with, especially as Zeus ignores their wedding vows, fathering children both in the immortal and mortal realms. She isn’t jealous, more insulted about the way he treats her. She often ends up punishing the women who have had relationships with Zeus - often the ones whose offspring may threaten her power.

Hera herself has several children with Zeus and also Typhoon, a monstrous snake like giant is born to Hera in revenge after Zeus fathered Athena. She desperately wanted to defeat Zeus and knew the only way she could do it was with her children.

What I love about Greek Mythology is the huge amount of wonderful stories and how I always go down a Wikipedia rabbit hole to find out more about the characters! The story is an epic undertaking, covering thousands of years and including key events such as the Trojan War and Jason and the Argonauts going after the Golden Fleece. Hera isn’t that likeable as a character but I had sympathy for her for the way she was treated.

Another wonderful story from Jennifer Saint, I am enraptured by her story telling and the ambition is choosing to tell such a vast story with so many elements is admirable. For lovers of Greek mythology this is a must and for those that haven’t dipped in yet, I’d urge you to give it a try.

I listened to the audio book of this.

Please read the trigger warnings for this book because as is common with Greek myths there are a lot of incidents key to the story that centre SA in various forms.

This is my first time reading a Jennifer Saint book and Hera was a really good choice to start with, as she is the much maligned goddess of marriage with lots to work with.

It took me a while to get into this story. I found the events that happen to Hera deeply frustrating and sad, but by the end I was fully immersed in her story and felt a deep satisfaction to the way it ended.

I think Jennifer Saint did a brilliant job at showing Hera’s side and adding dimension to a goddess who is often presented one dimensionally.

Overall, the audio was good but there were a few odd pronunciations of names (notably, Hebe as “hair bear”). If you’re interested in Greek myths and a fan of Jennifer Saint, then I really recommend this book.

I loved Greek mythology growing up. Hera was always painted as the villain and seeing her from this perspective was really interesting. This is my first Greek mythology retelling and I really enjoyed it and will be picking up more of Jennifer Saints’ books. I loved the audio for this the narrator was engaging to listen to and really fit the book.

thank you so much to the publishers and netgalley for this audiobook!

i truly loved this from beginning to end. the plot was there, the narration was there, and the connection to Hera was definitely there.
being able to go through Hera’s journey as she is betrayed by those she held close was truly heartbreaking and seeing her vulnerability had me sympathising with her as we moved along. do i agree with everything she’s done? no. but do i understand her a lot better now? yes.

as usual Jennifer Saint has done it again and written a beautiful greek mythology retelling with beautiful writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy of this audiobook.

Fantastic tale narrated wonderfully. Enjoyed from start to finish, such a great read/listen. One that I will return to again and again. Such an interesting look on an oft-overlooked God.

“She’s certain that nothing will happen. That she can relinquish her weary fidelity and the world will still have its goddess of wives, carved in wood and stone and ivory, set down in scrawled ink, trapped in song and verse forever.”

Pushed to the wayside, Hera is most famous for being forgotten by Zeus. We know her story less than we know how she doesn’t fit into Zeus’. Like many others, I’m guilty of only knowing her as an angry wife (who can blame her). I loved discovering her story through Jennifer Saint’s writing.
I really liked how, unlike other Greek myth retellings, this didn’t focus on one key myth. We got a whole overview of the Greek God pantheon, from them overthrowing the Titans to falling out of worship in more modern days. I found it really interesting when the myths that usually get whole stories on their own were just mentioned in a paragraph or so, and I thought it was a really effective way of showing the different impact these events had on humans versus gods.
This book gave the opportunity to not only see the whole pantheon, with Gods, mortals and quests, but we also saw monsters. I didn’t know that Hera fit into their story before this, so I loved learning about that.
Jennifer Saint’s writing style is beautiful, lyrical and easy to understand. It can’t be easy to fit hundreds of godly years into a 400 page book, but Saint still manages to accessibly do so here.
Although I don’t think this book tried to excuse all the things Hera did to punish Zeus’ infidelity, it gives us the chance to understand her actions more. A lot of her anger stems from when Zeus tricked her, raped her, then promised her the world – but didn’t actually give her the latter. It’s easy to understand her frustration too as she watches Cronos’ other children get given the skies and the sea and the underworld, and Zeus’ illegitimate children also get given realms, when she has to beg for anything.
TLDR – Zeus is a dick and deserves everything coming to him (it’s just a shame Hera punishes him by punishing the people around him)

Thank you netgally for this EARC
I listened and both read this book I really enjoyed it I find learning about the Greek gods interesting. The struggles of what Hera went through just to get back as Zeus. Jennifer’s story telling had me hooked and I wanted to know what was going to happen. Learning about what happens through Hera’s pov was interesting as it showed a new light on what happens as well as how the women were treated.

I LOVED this one. Jennifer Saint always delivers and her latest book Hera is no exception. I found that the narrator of this audiobook was a perfect pick. Her voice was strong and soothing but didn't put me to sleep. The story itself was brilliant. History typically shows Hera as merely Zeus's bitter wife but in this book she comes to life in a much more three dimensional way. Is she always great? nope. In fact she's typically quite wicked but I feel in this book we're provided with the context for her behaviour. Highly engrossing read. I definitely recommend.

What do you picture when you think of Hera? Zeus’ willing and loving wife? A vengeful queen? Jennifer Saint is about to open Hera up and give you a much rounder perspective of the Queen of the Gods.

Firstly this book gives you such a great history of the gods and how they came to be.

Admittedly I actually didn’t know much about Hera at all - I think I literally just pictured the Hera from the Disney film Hercules 😂🙈and that was it.

I felt like this account really broke down the character of Hera and the motivations behind who she was and why she became the way she was. I think a lot of women can understand what motivated a lot of her decisions - right or wrong.

I thoroughly enjoyed the start to finish history of the Olympians as this is not something I had fully immersed myself in previously so to get a background in this was really helpful along with the family tree at the start. All very incestuous as you can imagine.

I would say that if you are unfamiliar with Greek Mythology that whilst this is a fantastic book to start with for the break down of the origins of each God/Goddess there is sadly a several scenes/indications that may be triggering on account of Sexual Assault and Rape.

As I said initially I read the physical book alongside the audio of this book and really enjoyed both. The narration is great and with great cadence- I read quite fast in comparison to the audiobook standard (apparently)so had it on x2 speed in order to match my reading speed and found it to still be perfect.

Definitely a book for Greek Mythology lovers.

I'd always understood Hera to be a powerful but rather unpleasant figure. An overthrower of the Titans, the Queen of the Gods, the sister and wife of Zeus but also a devious plotter and vengeful schemer with a cruel nature.

Now I also think of her in ways I wouldn't have expected - as a victim herself, a woman desperate to escape the confines of the patriachy, misunderstood, vulnerable and full of feminist rage.

Jennifer Saint delivers a great reimagining of a well worn story in Hera. It's feminist, fresh and full of life. I listened to the audiobook read by Naomi Frederick - it was fantastic and I'd recommend it in a heart beat. It's easily my favourite retelling of Greek mythology to date.

Thank you NetGalley and Headline Audio for the advance copy.

As a blended lover of Greek mythology and have great interest towards the movement to re contextualise the women of in mythology altogether . I knew I was going to dive into Jennifer Saint's Hera, having already completed Atalanta. Hera, from the get go, a truly complex figure to carve out, especially from the immediate predisposition you have about her character. Saint's flow of language is a smooth,graceful and fluid. But the voice of Hera, ( outside of the audio book rendition) sometimes felt too distant. I understand we aren't connect with Hera as a figure ( she is high and might and above humans). Sometimes that characterisation was lost in the character her self , which was a bit of shame. While my other issues- with the audio book didn't help , in that the narrator could not pronounce many of the Greek names, and not to sound obtuse, but these names are well known, so that was jarring.

However, because Saint was almost restricted to re-telling stories of old in such a strict way, it felt sometimes the input into Hera's character was flat because she was being used a purposeful work around to allow the voice of the author. I don;t know if I learnt more about the character I didn't already know about. Sometimes events weren't being fleshed out in challenging ways. only worked around in ways I came to expect. I wasn't expecting adventure, however, as a goddess with a modicum of power, I was looking for maybe more cunning?

Overall rating is : 3/5

Thank you, NetGalley and Headline Audio | Wildfire for providing access to the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hera: Female Rage, the book.

I've been meaning to try Jennifer Saint's books for a long time since I adore Greek mythology and they seemed like some of the best fiction books out there that focused on it - and let's face it, the gorgeous covers by Micaela Alcaino are a massive selling point as well. And now, after reading Hera, I suddenly understand the criticism brought up whenever mythology retellings are involved.

This book felt like a simple character analysis of Hera, trying to make sense of her insensitivity towards Zeus' victims and Hephaestus, changing and adding very little to the stories we already knew. Apart from a couple of interesting viewpoints and some well-considered dialogues, especially between Hera and Hephaestus, I spent most of the book just appreciating Hera's complicated and slightly alien feelings regarding other gods, ambition, purpose, and mortals. The last one, especially, had been a highlight, the development from considering them unworthy of even her gaze to hatred, then the understanding that pushed her to go as far as to abandon her virtuous Goddess status with one of them, being incredibly note-worthy. Naomi Frederick is also stellar in this, being an incredible choice for Hera.

For people who hope to learn more about Greek Mythology or need a refresher, this would be a worthwhile read, but for those who have a solid knowledge of the matter and want something more consistent than a character analysis, I'm not sure it would be an ideal journey.

Thank you NetGalley UK for giving me an audiobook of Hera in exchange for my honest review.

Hera offers a refreshing and nuanced portrayal of one of Greek mythology's most complex and often misunderstood figures. This book goes beyond the typical depiction of Hera as merely a vengeful and jealous wife, diving deep into her multifaceted character and highlighting themes of female agency and solidarity in a patriarchal mythological landscape.

From the outset, Hera's strength and resilience are evident. The epic battle between the Titans and the gods is vividly described with ethereal language, providing a gripping backdrop to Hera's journey. The solidarity between Hera and Gaia showcases a powerful alliance of female characters often sidelined in traditional mythological narratives. Their bond underscores a central theme of the book: women finding strength and agency in unity against overwhelming odds.

Hera’s appreciation for order and predictability, juxtaposed with her fierce desire for freedom, paints a portrait of a goddess in constant conflict with her environment and the expectations placed upon her. This inner struggle is poignantly portrayed through her relationships with her siblings, Demeter and Hestia, whose sisterly bonds offer moments of solace and support amid the chaos of divine politics.

The lore surrounding the gods, the Titans, and the creation of humans is richly woven into the narrative, adding depth and context to Hera's motivations. Her disdain for humans, whom she finds unimpressive, and her complex feelings towards her roles as the goddess of marriage are explored with sensitivity and depth. Hera's preparation for her roles and her strategic mind are highlighted, showing her as a capable and proactive deity, rather than a mere reactionary force.

The book does not shy away from the darker aspects of Hera's life, including Zeus's betrayal and abuse. Hera's pain and humiliation are palpable, and her subsequent actions, though often morally ambiguous, are portrayed with empathy. The narrative delves into Hera’s complex feelings towards her children, particularly Hephaestus and Ares, revealing a mother torn between her divine duties and personal grief.

One of the most compelling aspects of Hera is how it redefines her role in the pantheon. Rather than being reduced to Zeus’s wife, Hera emerges as a powerful and independent figure, striving to break the cycle of female subservience. Her transformation from a vengeful wife to a queen who seeks to rule in her own right is inspiring. Hera's journey towards self-empowerment, culminating in her ultimate revenge on Zeus, is both satisfying and liberating.

The book also highlights Hera's relationships with other female figures, such as Athena and Demeter, and her interactions with mortal women. These interactions further emphasize the theme of female solidarity and the hidden power women hold in a male-dominated world. Hera's sympathy for Medusa and her anger towards the treatment of women by the gods are particularly poignant, showcasing her growth and shifting perspectives.

The descriptions of divine feasts, the nectar, and the ambrosia add a sensory richness to the narrative, making the divine realm both enchanting and accessible. The book's detailed and immersive prose brings the mythological world to life, with each scene vividly painted in the reader's mind.

In the end, Hera is a celebration of a goddess who refuses to be defined by the men around her. Hera steps into her own power and embracing change.

Hera is a must-read for fans of mythology and those interested in stories of female empowerment. It is a poignant reminder that even in the most patriarchal of settings, women can find and wield immense power, both openly and in the shadows. This book offers a rich, immersive experience that reclaims and redefines the legacy of one of mythology’s most formidable goddesses.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- a great retelling of Hera the goddess of marriage, family, children and women.

Such an amazing retelling of this goddess from a new perspective! The goddess who appears to be pictured as a villain is every other story gets her own story with a much more heroic telling!

The use of third person made the book flow extremely well and made for an excellent read!!!

Her jealously and vindictive behaviour towards Zeus is always the main subject when it comes to her stories and before that it is hard to imagine that she was someone so carefree and loving before things happened.

Jennifer saint provides a great insight into the why Hera got her reputation for being a vengeful goddess by humanising her to an extent allowing for us readers to get a better look at her as a whole!!

This book in no way nulls the wrong doings that’s occurred from Hera but provides a better explanation as to why she did the things she did.

This story was very interesting and so much fun to read!! I love the Greek mythology and Jennifer saint books have definitely gone to the top of my tbr to get a better insight into all of the gods!!!

There are some tough topics discussed in this book… the main one being the ancient Greeks lack of understanding of consent so maybe read TW’s if you need to 🫶

I absolutely love all of Jennifer Saint’s retellings of different women in greek mythology and this was no exception!

We see the story of the gods of Olympus rise to power and eventual decline through the eyes of Hera and her tumultuous relationship with Zeus.
It brings new light to how the events are seen through her perspective. How she is cast as a villain amongst heroes of earth but is she truly the villain we have been made to believe? Or was she a woman who knew her power and so she was “put in her place”

It’s so interesting because she’s so much more complex in this story. She isn’t “good” she doesn’t see other women as her equal or support them and her children are a means to get revenge on Zeus but she also isn’t the villain she’s made out to be in the myths.

The narrator does a great job of telling her story and bringing her voice to life and I loved listening to it as I worked.

Jennifer Saint’s enthralling tale of a complex goddess deals with love, betrayal, vengeance and spite amongst many other themes and tangents.
The audiobook adds a dimension of theatre to the story and heightens the drama and intensity - an enthralling, although sometimes uncomfortable, listen which I would highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to listen.

Thank you NetGalley and Headline Audio for the advance copy.

As I was provided with the audiobook, I want to praise the audio. I loved the diction and tone: it felt very fitting for the story. As a bonus, I found the pronunciation of Greek words a lovely touch, helping with immersion!

Now focusing on the content: I finished the book in a day, which is always a good sign. As others have mentioned, I surprised myself by feeling sympathy for Hera. I had always thought of her as cruel and evil, further tormenting women who had suffered Zeus´ abuses. Do not get me wrong, I still disapprove of her lack of compassion (which, to be fair, cannot be expected of a classical god). However, I did want her to succeed in her pursuit to hurt Zeus and break the chain of submission he established.

This is the second of Saint´s classic retellings I have read, and I will keenly read more of her works and keep an eye out for future publications.

I have read and enjoyed the author’s 3 previous Greek myth retellings so I was pleased to be able to read an advance copy of her newest title.

Jennifer Saint has a very easy to read (or in this case, listen to) writing style which I which makes the reading experience pleasurable and feel effortless.

In the original stories, Hera is shown as jealous and vengeful, making it hard to relate to her. However in this retelling the author manages to make the reader feel far more sympathetic towards her, without changing her actions. While maybe not a likeable character we can at least understand her motivations.

Because Hera is such an important and powerful goddess, her story intertwines with many of the other characters in Greek mythology and I liked this aspect.

For me, as someone with a very basic knowledge of the Greek myths, I find these feminist retellings very powerful and I learn a lot from them. Someone who is very knowledgable about the original stories might have a different experience but I really enjoy them and look forward to reading any more that the author writes.

I particularly enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Hera and thought the narrator was excellent.