From infamous Helen of Sparta, to the lesser known Canace, Atkinson’s ancient retellings are a unique revision of the original texts.

Starting the book with a university lecturer enduring personal hardships, this embedded narrative instigates the short stories. From 18th century Medea, to Hollywood Phaedra, these era substitutes add a refreshing take to the saturated retelling market. I really enjoyed each story as it not only provided a new perspective, as they usually do, but lay in amongst a different backdrop which enabled different cultural boundaries the women faced, but how ultimately the outcomes remained the same, albeit with minor differences.

However, I think what let this down for me and changed it to a 3⭐️ instead of a 4, was that the original story gets thrown out the window. We spend quite a bit learning about this character and understanding why she suddenly needs to write these stories, but the fact we don’t get a mini conclusion for her killed it off a bit for me. Whilst I know her tale probably isn’t important and exists just to start the book, I’m still disappointed we didn’t get a mini ending / closure.

A really interesting take nonetheless.

I am a big fan of Greek mythology retellings - especially ones that give voice or a different perspective to the women characters. This collection of stories is based on one of Ovid's lesser known books that has stories of wronged women. Atkinson takes these stories and sets them in different time periods. I loved the collection.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bolinda Audio for this advance copy for review.

I don't usually go in for short stories, but I am a SUCKER for a feminist retelling of Greek mythology. I went for it, and I am not sorry that I did. This was a beautifully written collection of stories that depict female rage, love, and heartbreak. I really loved Atkinson's writing - she made some of these stories feel almost visceral. Most of them are scattered through time and place, so you're not getting a traditional Greek setting. That being said, I felt like she did such a beautiful job of staying true to each woman's story. So well done.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5

Dark Harvest is a fascinating and beautiful retelling of Ovid’s Heroides that will captivate Greek mythology fans.

I had a lot of fun with this one. I enjoyed that this retelling used short stories following the women in Ovid’s Heroides to tell their unique tales and explore their characters while also retelling Heroides as a whole. The characters were entertaining and well-developed, and I enjoyed following their different adventures and experiences. The pacing of each short story was great, and the writing was beautiful. This book was an exciting read that I would recommend to fans of Greek mythology or anyone looking for a fun retelling!

The audiobook narrator for Dark Harvest did a wonderful job! I loved the accents she used for each character, and she captured the story beautifully through her tones and narration.

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!