Omg i ADORED this! I have really been enjoying greek mythology retellings recently and this has definitely been one of my favourites! I didn't have all too favourable opinions on Hera prior to this book however I loved Jennifer Saints more nuanced and humanising retelling of Hera's previously somewhat villainous narrative. The writing was here was excellent and I felt like the story spanned such a wide stretch of time without feeling dragged out. It was paced excellently throughout and despite mythology often seeming intimidating, the writing style was super readable and very enjoyable! I also loved listening to this one via audio specifically as it immerses you in the story completely, and for me, removes any remaining barriers of intimidation of it being a historical/classical retelling!
I really loved this one!!

This was not as gripping as the previous books I've read by this author. I couldn't relate to the main character, Hera at all. It was very hard to have much sympathy for her, she wasn't learning from her own experiences at all. She's known as a jealous and vengeful goddess but I was hoping for more of a redeeming story.
I liked the narrator's voice but her pronunciation of Greek is terrible and interrupted the flow quite a bit. Overall I was disappointed as I love Greek mythology and enjoyed all the author's other books.

Hera, a clearly unlikable character amongst a set of pompous and petty Olympian Gods, takes us on the journey that turned her from the powerful young Goddess who helped overthrow the Titans to the (rightly) bitter wife of the serial r*pist Zeus. Let's get things straight: you won't like her, she's a pretty awful character, but you'll enjoy her story and understand why she's fundamentally unhinged.

I have to admit that this is the first time I'm hearing Hera's story in full, with the retellings I've read in the past being focused on other aspects of Greek mythology & Hera being a side player. Saint tells Hera's story with captivating prose, taking us on a swift yet thorough history from her early days on Olympus to the Gods' ultimate downfall.

One thing that I loved about this book was the general overview we were given of the history of the Olympians. I was missing chunks of their story and this retelling really filled in some gaps and made a lot more sense of the parts I knew, giving me chance to set things in chronological order.

If you're looking for a great introduction to Greek mythology then this would be an excellent place to start!

I haven't read many books about Greek mythology but I always wanted to find out more about it and the stories about them.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to enjoy this book and learn more about Greek mythology.

However, abut Hera - I felt for her, and I felt like this book even if it's about Hera it's also about feminism and the things she had to go through even if she didn't wanted to.

As I said, I don't have much knowledge about Greek mythology but I definitely changed my option about Zeus…

Overall, it's a good book and I would recommend it to people who enjoy reading about mythology.

Not last I would like to thank to NetGalley, the author and publisher for offering a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A beautiful retelling of the story of Hera. I love the feminist renditions of ancient Greek women and this is one of my favourites. Hera, often overlooked and stereotyped as the "bitter woman" is portrayed as strong and calculating and I loved it. Jennifer Saint has a beautiful way of giving her characters a fresh voice and new perspective.
The book followed the fall of the titans, and rise of the gods and their trifiling in the Greeks business, all the way to the end of the gods rule. It was amazingly written and I can't wait for the next book.

My only issue was with the voice actor narrating the book. I know there is some interpretation on how to pronounce the gods names, but some, in my opinion, were just pronounced incorrectly. Other than that, loved it!

4.25⭐️
Haven’t read the other Jennifer Saint books but I shall be soon, her writing is so captivating and beautiful, it flowed so nicely. Really recommend

hera, by jennifer saint - review 💛
(from someone who knows very little about greek mythology)

the audiobooks for jennifer’s books are always done super well, so i do recommend this as the way to read it!

i always enjoy jennifer saints retellings, and this didn’t fail me! i do think this is my least favourite of hers but that’s not necessarily a bad thing as i still gave it 3 stars 🌟

hera is a complex character and i don’t think i really liked her overall. the whole story is essentially about her trying to kill off all of zeus’ kids so it does get quite repetitive.

overall, i did learn a lot about heras life but i didn’t feel very connected or seem to care that much.

Jennifer Saint is truly a powerhouse of Greek mythology.
She has such a wonderful way of writing books that even though I’m familiar with the myths and legends I still feel like at any moment the story could become something else and be rewritten.
The writing is, as always, superb and absolutely engaging. The pacing flows perfectly, and the story reveals itself just the right amount to keep you enthralled.
The narrator was perfect and I loved how they really brought the book to life

I adore Jennifer Saint’s re-tellings - Hera was an interesting read to learn more about the goddess who is often villainised in Greek mythology, despite Zeus’ actions.

Through this re-telling, we really see a different viewpoint of Hera - her love, hate, flaws and ultimately what makes her such an interesting character.

With "Hera," Jennifer Saint pens a Greek mythology retelling through the eyes of its Queen, Hera. Known for her vengeful persona, Saint skilfully humanises the goddess. This narrative unveils love, compassion, and motherhood juxtaposed against a backdrop of power struggles and mortality.

The story traces an expansive timeline, from the fall of the Titans to the Trojan War, adding depth and context to Hera's character. Saint maintains the myth's complexity, portraying Hera's frustration and the toxic dynamics in her marriage with the ‘philandering’ Zeus. As Hera navigates this tumultuous existence, we witness her internal evolution amid the grandeur of mythical events.

Naomi Frederick's narration adds another layer of clarity and engagement, delivering precise diction and distinct character voices. It enriches the experience, making this saga appeal to both Greek mythology aficionados and newcomers alike.

Despite the accessible storytelling, the pacing sometimes feels disjointed, resembling a series of events rather than a seamless narrative. Additionally, Hera's constant failures strain the reader's investment in her story, craving more of her notorious rage and wit.

The final moment, however, strikes a resonant chord—Hera observes her life enacted on stage, prompting introspection and liberation. This revelation, this cathartic moment of a goddess attaining agency over her destiny, might have had more impact if the connection with Hera was strengthened throughout. The power of the gods, their divine yet human traits, and their interactions with mortals remain captivating aspects of the narrative that stayed with me. This book is a testament to Saint's prowess in redefining mythological figures.

Thanks to Netgalley and Headline for providing this advance readers copy.

"Hera" by Jennifer Saint, narrated by Naomi Frederick, was a captivating experience that explored the complexities of Greek mythology through the lens of the goddess Hera.
Jennifer Saint's retelling of Hera's story is a compelling exploration of power, betrayal, and resilience. From Hera's early ambitions to rule alongside her brother Zeus to the challenges and injustices she faces as queen of the gods, the narrative weaves a rich tapestry of mythological events and emotions that kept me engrossed from beginning to end.
What struck me most about this novel was the nuanced portrayal of Hera as a multifaceted character with her strengths, flaws, and vulnerabilities. Saint skilfully navigates Hera's complexities, presenting her as a figure shaped by her circumstances and relationships, particularly her tumultuous marriage to Zeus. Despite Hera's often vindictive actions, I found myself empathising with her struggles and inner turmoil, making her journey all the more compelling and relatable.
The audiobook narration by Naomi Frederick added another layer of depth to the story, with her melodic voice and nuanced delivery capturing the essence of Hera's character and emotions. Frederick's portrayal of the various gods and goddesses brought the mythological world to life, enhancing the overall listening experience.
While I found the pacing of the story to be a bit uneven at times, and Hera's lack of ultimate success to be somewhat disheartening, the novel's exploration of themes such as love, power, and identity resonated with me on a profound level. Hera's quest for self-discovery and autonomy amidst a world of gods and mortals left a lasting impact, making me reflect on the complexities of power dynamics and personal agency.
Overall, "Hera" is a thought-provoking and immersive retelling of Greek mythology that breathes new life into the story of the Queen of the Olympian gods. Jennifer Saint's poignant writing, combined with Naomi Frederick's stellar narration, creates a compelling narrative that sheds light on Hera's struggles, triumphs, and enduring legacy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Audio for the Audio ARC.

"She is a wife . A survivor.  And a queen. "

"There is no winner . Only broken women and grieving Gods. "

This one is by far Jennifer's best book she's written.  10/10 . It was amazing!

Hera might not be a girl girls but I liked her .
Zeus as always is trash .

I have started on a Greek Mythology tangent and this is my second book, I found the description and the talking riviting I didn’t want to put it down but had to pace myself
really was fantastic and good to hear about the other Deities and levels of them in family tree aspect
I felt for Hera, wanting to not marry then having to, and to her brother at that for him to be awful to her.

Female centric retellings of the Greek myths are all the rage at the moment, and Jennifer Saint is one of the principal authors in the genre. This latest novel focusses on Hera, wife of Zeus and queen of the Greek gods. She's a character I've encountered as a minor player in various other stories, usually as an antagonist, and I wondered if there was enough interesting about her to make up a whole book. I also thought she wouldn't be likeable enough to carry a novel as a protagonist. I was very wrong on both counts, partly thanks to Saint's writing. This is the best of her novels so far, a really fascinating and well paced story with a very real poignancy.

The story takes us from the pre-human times, when Hera and her brothers and sisters defeated their evil father and the other Titans to gain rulership of Earth, through millennia until human civilisation is well established and the gods have become little more than a myth to their worshippers. Hera begins life as an ambitious young woman, eager to take her place as a ruler, until her treatment by her brother - and later husband - Zeus leaves her embittered and sidelined despite her apparent high status. Zeus forces her into marriage against her will, then cheats on her constantly. Whilst Hera is not a 'soft' character and her behaviour is often bad, the real villain is Zeus in particular, and the inequity of patriarchy in general. Saint manages to make Hera surprisingly sympathetic without taking off any of her edges. It was easier to understand why she became such a cruel and vindictive person, and see behind her apparently motiveless unkindness.

Because Hera is immortal, and the gods central to the events of most of the Greek myths, the novel spans all the important events and stories we know so well, giving an overview and big picture that you wouldn't see in a book with a mortal central character. The book touches on stories familiar to me (the labours of Hercules, the battle of Troy) and unfamiliar (the uprising of Typhon, the initial battle between the gods and Titans). But the ending is particularly powerful. As the gods begin to lose their power and disperse from Mount Olympus, Hera's sorrow and loss are all to familiar emotions. It will strike a chord with anyone who has been through a major change or transition in their life (and who hasn't). There is quiet sadness that I found more moving than the more dramatic tragic endings of most of the ancient Greek canon.

I particularly enjoyed the story as an audiobook and the narrator is excellent. She has a melodic voice that is easy to listen to and managed to narrate with nuance and emotion but without ever sounding overwrought or shouty. I definitely felt the narration added another layer to the story and I think I enjoyed it more via audio than I would have done through reading alone.

I'd highly recommend this to readers who enjoy myth retellings and more general fantasy or historical novels. There's lots of choice in the genre, but this is one of the best I've read - probably the best since Madeline Miller's bestselling 'Song of Achilles'. It would also be a good choice if you're not familiar with Greek myth and want to start reading some of the modern versions, as it covers such a broad range of the time period and introduces all of the gods whose actions usually underpin the action in all the stories.

Jennifer Saint's portrayal of Hera in this captivating read breathes new life into well-known stories while offering a fresh perspective on this multi-faceted goddess. Through thoughtful dialogue and the inclusion of lesser-known tales, Saint depicts Hera not only as Zeus's vengeful wife but also as a free-spirited goddess who roamed forests, took down titans, and stood as Zeus's equal yet unwilling partner as Queen of the Heavens.

While some reviews have noted a wish for Hera's success instead of her repeated failures in her attempts to overthrow others—and I can understand the desire to see her occasionally vindicated or successful—I view these as testaments to her absolute strength and fortitude. Despite setbacks, Hera's resilience and unwavering belief in her vision and goals, for better or worse, are evident throughout the narrative. Saint skillfully weaves Hera's tale, allowing readers to glimpse the thoughts behind her actions. Surprisingly, these actions often stem from intricate motivations different from those typically attributed to her, adding complexity to her character.

I particularly admired the way the author made us understand Hera and her choices without necessarily making us agree with them. Saint doesn't attempt to make Hera likeable, nor does she shy away from Hera's vengefulness, but instead presents it in a nuanced way that allows readers to see the changes in her character throughout the narrative. As an example, i was able to see hypocrisy that i hadn't seen before, in the way she was worried or sad that Zeus was using her as a reason to instill fear in the nymphs and goddesses, like Asteria, to that being reversed in her treatment of Echo and Leto, wishing to inspire that fear and cement it. This reminded me of Stephen Fry's ability to bring the gods and goddesses to life, showcasing their personalities, feelings, and quirks

Fierce and uncompromising, Hera is portrayed as fallible yet steadfast, her complexity and determination adding depth to this often overshadowed goddess. I found the exploration of her character to be both enlightening, engaging and at times poignant. I highly recommend this book to mythology lovers,new and seasoned alike, as Saint's fresh perspective breathes new life into even the most familiar tales.

I was lucky enough to also have the ebook ARC for this as well, and so had the unique experience of listening to the audio book version alongside reading, and it truly enhanced the experience. The narrator's clear and concise delivery, coupled with great pacing, kept the story engaging and prevented it from feeling drawn out, keeping the momentum going. The narrator was able to bring the characters to life in a way that complemented Jennifer Saint's writing perfectly. While I personally would have liked more distinct and varied voices for each character, the narration, especially Hera's coldness and detachment, added depth to the storytelling.
Despite this minor preference, I found the narrator's portrayal of Hera's thoughts and the overall storytelling to be captivating. Additionally, the clear expression of dividing chapters made it easy to follow along and stay immersed in the narrative.

Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Books for the ARC copy in return for an honest review.

Another great mythological retelling from Jennifer Saint. She has such a great way of discussing complex characters, I love that we got to hear Hera’s story and I love that she was complex and not necessarily always the hero. Would definitely recommend.

Hera's viewpoint was an interesting one because you want to root for her but she's also a villain. I appreciate more complex female characters that aren't all good and gentle or righteous warriors.

I did lose interest a bit in the middle but I liked the ending and her journey.

It was also written as beautifully as you'd expect from Jennifer Saint.

A tale that sheds light on a prominent immortal goddess Hera and shares the story from her perspective. Covering the background story of Cronos, how she came to be so vengeful and how she is a goddess besides being a wife to Zeus.

Out of all the author's works I have read, this was the one that spoke to me the most. I was invested in the story, burning with anger with Hera and wanted to know how it ended. I must say that I have not come across any Greek story without the mention of Troy in it and it holds true to this one as well. But I am glad that, unlike others, the author did not stray from the main character and kept the story aligned throughout on the queen of Olympus.

Thank you @netgalley @headlinebooks @jennifer.saint.author @headline.audio.uk for the ARC
Genre: #greekmythology
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

Headlines:
Rise and fall
Patriarchy meets matriarchy
Competitiveness

What a screwed up bunch the Olympians were...hedonistic, egotistical and all about power. Hera led this tale with empowerment that rose from within herself, I had to admire so much about her characterisation. And yet, she was cold, lacking in feelings towards those you'd expect and she was fiercely competitive with Zeus.

A lot of this tale was about Hera's plotting and her long term strategy to rise above Zeus. I cannot say she had integrity because she didn't. I found the tales of her progeny and her disconnect from them somewhat shocking. Through Hera's eyes, there really wasn't one god or goddess I could really say I liked but their scheming made for gripping reading.

I really loved the last quarter of this book. The demise of the Olympians was exciting and messy; the final paragraphs of this book were superb.

I read this and also listened on audio in parts. The narration was great and channelled the cold calculation of Hera.

Thank you to Wildfire Books for the review copy.

3.75/5

I adore Saint's retellings. I was so curious to see how she would retell Hera's story, I was particularly interested to find out exactly what it would cover. It turns out it is as vast and intricate as all Greek mythology is. We start at the fall of the Titans and the rise of the Olympians, and span important events from the creation of Athena to the birth of Apollo and Artemis, from the Argonauts to the Trojan War, and far beyond. We get glimpses of all of these events and the tumultuous feelings of Hera as she witnesses them.
I am a very passionate lover of Greek mythology, however I think this book is also incredibly accessible for those that don't know very much, yet still illuminating and intriguing to those that already know all of the stories within it.

I loved Saint's writing, I thought it was beautiful and effortlessly captured such emotion within it. The only reason I didn't rate this higher is because my personal interest does not lie within Hera. I personally think it's far more interesting to read about mortals and their interactions with the gods, they are also much easier to empathise with. Because of this I do prefer Saint's other works, however I still think this is an incredible book and a worthwhile read. I truly did appreciate and admire the reframing of Hera's narrative. While I can't say I am now Hera's number one fan, it definitely did make me sympathise with her moments of grief and forced me to rethink the narrative in which her story is always told.

Hera is such a complicated figure to choose as the protagonist of our story and I would be fascinated to know why Saint chose her specifically. Hera is known for being the sister and wife of Zeus, the goddess of marriage and women. But most commonly, she is known for her jealousy and vengeance. I'll admit, Hera has never been a favourite goddess of mine, she has never really interested me all that much. But this story certainly made my opinions of her more complex.

Practically every god and goddess in Greek mythology has done terrible things, which is why I'll repeat that I find the stories of mortal people surviving the gods' wrath far more captivating. But there are certain stories that stick out more as immoral or wrong. Sexual assault is a common theme and feature within Greek mythology as it was unfortunately an even more common action of the time and was therefore represented in ways we would definitely now find disturbing in stories only told by men. I love that now we are getting vibrant and angry feminist retellings where the women in these stories are recentred and their wounds made visible, their victimhood made into personhood, their lives given more meaning than only an assault used to tell a story.
I say all this because this is very obviously something that Saint's retellings do as well, they are absolutely amazing feminist retellings. However there are aspects of Hera's narrative that Saint cannot erase or rewrite without straying too far from what we know of her, and so she cannot rewrite Hera's punishments for the women Zeus lays with and also those that he rapes. Because of this, Hera has always left a sour taste in my mouth (have no fear, Zeus leaves far worse than a sour taste, I will in no way bypass his actions and blame Hera only for her reactions), it is an element that makes Hera a difficult character to fully empathise with.
This has nothing to do with the book itself, this story is the closest anything has ever come to making me like Hera, I'm only trying to explain why I couldn't personally rate this book higher.

I still appreciate this depth to Hera's character that we encounter because she commits acts that we, the reader, might dislike or even hate her for. It parallels the moments of deep sympathy Saint is so adept at dragging from us. We mourn with Hera, we shake at the bars of her gilded cage with her, we find small moments of joy with her. And that's all because of how skilfully Saint is able to portray her and the rest of the gods.
The ending in particular was such an emotional, devastating yet hopeful, whirlwind. It was the perfect ending for a story of a god, for the story of all the gods. I think it might have been my favourite part. As I mentioned before, all my favourite moments to witness the gods are when they interact with mortals, at no other moment in time are their immortal presences so tangibly different, at no other time do they appear so frightening and powerful, yet at no other time do they also appear so human.

Another factor I loved with all my heart was how prevalent certain characters were that aren't often focused on in the mythology. I adored seeing Echidna and her care and love for her children, it's a side of her that isn't often portrayed as compassionately as Saint does here. It was thought-provoking and added perfectly to the cast of morally complex characters. I really liked that this story never tried to redeem characters, but always added a lot of insight into their actions.
I adored, more than anything, how prevalent Hestia was, my favourite unproblematic goddess! She's such a warm, comforting presence throughout the story, as is apt, and I was so endeared to her whenever she came across the page.

All of this is a very long-winded way of saying do yourself a favour and go read Saint's superb retellings! I just adore them, they're the perfect feast for your Greek mythology cravings!

Thank you Netgalley and Headline for an arc.