Why..Why is this book over... I need more... Like please write book two now. This book was really well written. I found this novel to be one on my top 5 favorite lists of mythology re-tellings. I believe this is her debut novel but yet she writes like a seasoned author similar to that of Rick Riordan.

Overall I found the plot interesting and sharp. The writing was flawless. The characters were well built and grew throughout the story. The world building was so well done. 

This is a one click read and gives a fresh take on a lesser known mythology retelling. I can see this book rising to the top.

4/5 stars

***I received an e-arc of this title through NetGalley via the publisher in exchange for an honest review*** 

#OutrunTheWind #NetGalley
Paperback, 360 pages
Expected publication: November 27th 2018 by Flux
Shelved: YA, Fantasy, Mythology Retelling

A daring take on the tale of Atalanta, this is a story of warrior women thwarting bickering deities and scheming family members. I enjoyed the fresh perspective and creative background surrounding this spin on the Greek myth.

I LOVED this book. My only issue is that there wasn't more of it. I felt that some aspects deserved to be delved into deeper.

This book had the perfect elements for me to love it: Artemis, badass female characters, lesbians, a great setting. This book is going to stay on my mind for a while. I can't wait to read more of this author.

This review appeared on my blog, Valley of the Books, on 28 May 2018.

Greek mythology was my childhood obsession. Ever since my parents gave me a wonderfully illustrated storybook of Greek myth retellings, I fell in love with the complexity of the heroes' position between fate and free will, as well as the flawed humanity of their gods. Percy Jackson and the Olympians was the series I grew up with, solidifying my love for moody deities and merciless monsters. And this year, I was able to experience Greek myth in all its glory and gore while reading Madeline Miller's Circe. In this context, I expected to enjoy Outrun the Wind immensely, even if it wasn't anywhere near the level of its predecessors. But I found myself frowning at the first few chapters' portrayal of Artemis, and I've come to the reluctant conclusion that this book will not do my beloved myths justice. Its representation of Greek myth so far is just not... well, realistic.

I know, I know, how can I be arguing for realism in myth?

Let me recap the scene: Atalanta and four guys were hunting Artemis's giant boar, but one of her huntresses - Kahina - kills the boar when it seems like it would harm Atalanta. Atalanta pretends she killed it, and Artemis and huntresses arrive to seek justice for the slayer of her monster. Artemis invites Atalanta to join her hunt; Atalanta refuses.

Here are some examples of what I deem an unrealistic portrayal of Artemis:

"Princeling. Tell her she will join my huntresses."


YOU ARE AN ALMIGHTY GREEK GODDESS. WHY WOULD YOU NEED AN IRRELEVANT HUMAN PRINCE TO ENFORCE YOUR WILL???

I [Atalanta] shift my shoulders, just to make sure my quiver is still strapped to my back.
Though I'm not sure what good my arrows will do against an Olympian.


A BIG FAT LOAD OF NOTHING. YOUR ARROWS ARE LIKE TOOTHPICKS TO A GREEK DEITY. IF SHE WERE TO SHOW HERSELF IN HER TRUE FORM, YOU WOULD MELT INTO A POODLE FROM THE MERE SIGHT OF HER DIVINITY. WHY ON EARTH AREN'T YOU ON YOUR KNEES BEGGING FOR MERCY?!?!

I start to reach for my bow. [...] Artemis's lips slide into a grin, and as she raises her own bow, she shakes her head.


YOU. DO. NOT. PICK. FIGHTS. WITH. GREEK. GODDESSES!!!!!!!!! YOU'RE NOT EVEN A FREAKIN' DEMIGOD!!!!!!!!!

And what does Atalanta do when faced with Artemis's refusal to accept the girl's decline of the goddess' offer?

My whole being responds, my mind locking one command into place: run.


That's right. She RUNS AWAY. And Artemis would just stand there sighing like a powerless maiden, letting her get away? Really??? And she would let herself be blackmailed by a son of Poseidon who happens to be working for her brother, because Apollo would go against his own twin sister in order to defend some measly half-god? Really?????

And don't even get me started on Kahina's motivations for saving Atalanta. Because there are NONE. Girl was simply in the mood to throw a knife given to her by Artemis herself at Artemis's own monster. Because logic.

I meant to read at least 20% before I call it quits, but my patience has worn thinner than Arachne's net. 3 stars for above average writing and some potential I'm too enraged to see through. DNF at 13%.

Note: All quotes are from an uncorrected ARC, and are subject to change.

I found the pacing of this story to be very off making it really hard to get into the book. A lot of the character interactions and conflict also seemed incredibly forced. I'm disappointed because it's a great premise, but I just couldn't get into it or feel emotionally invested in the characters.