𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆, 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒄𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈...𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔, 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏. 𝑨 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒂𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒅.

One of the lesser known mortals of Greek mythology, Atalanta was famed for both her speed and prowess. Left on a mountainside to die because she wasn't the heir her father wanted, she was raised by a bear and mentored by the goddess Artemis. She grew up in the wild, befriended by the nymphs, and was told by Artemis that if she married, it would be her undoing.

I love how this retelling focused on Atalanta's journey with the Argonauts, the only woman to travel with the esteemed group of male heroes to win The Golden Fleece. Because the story is narrated from her point of view, the reader can understand how rebellion will always win. She knew the risks but had an affair anyway, and true to her word, Artemis cast her out of the forest.

These retellings drive home the fact that being a woman has always been difficult, but being a strong woman is a near impossible feat. I loved her strength and vulnerability and how she was portrayed in this book.

Many thanks to Flatiron Books for my copy of this book. ATALANTA is available now!

thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of Atalanta. This was amazing, a story I never knew. I adore greek mythology retellings and I love the revival of them but in the females point of view. This is such an amazing and growing genre that this is absolutely a healthy part of.

Jennifer Saint is an incredible author of Greek mythology retelling and Atalanta is her latest achievement. You may think you know her story, but there is so much more to discover about this formidable warrior who is under the protection of the goddess Artemis.
Saint gives the characters a particular humanity, bringing them closer to our level and understanding.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy of this title in exchange for honest feedback

Atalanta is a powerful feminist take on both mythological versions of the heroine, incorporating stories hailing from Arcadia, and Boeotia. Jennifer Saint is a master of taking classic Greek myths and presenting them from a female perspective while maintaining the integrity of the original tale. Her previous two bestsellers, Ariadne, and Elektra, told the stories of those women forgotten in the shadows of Gods and men who will stop at nothing to get what they want, and Atalanta is perhaps the most powerful tale of them all.

Unlike a lot of other retellings which only loosely follow the lore, Atalanta kept close to the key story points of all the original myths. While this a considerable strength to the book, it also rendered some of the journey glossed over, making a couple of parts feel a bit boring. Choosing to add some creative liberties to liven up one or two of these side stories could have fleshed out some of those side characters a bit more and added some depth to the journey overall. While Saint certainly didn’t shy away from the more brutal components of traditional Greek mythology, jumping from story point to story point didn’t allow the reader to fully experience some absolutely wild events. Some moments will make your jaw drop and your heart break as you learn the fates of various characters.

However, the absolutely beautiful imagery that Saint weaves through the entire book make up for some of the less fleshed out story lines. Her descriptions of Atalanta’s various surroundings and what was happening really make the reader visualise everything so clearly. The rich descriptions of the forest Atalanta grew up in during the first part of the book really set you up for what to expect to experience while you follow Atalanta’s journey to locations no-one has visited before.

Saint also does a tremendous job at communicating the inner turmoil of a character who faces extremely challenging situations. She often finds herself experiencing feelings of unease as situations unfold outside her control she doesn’t agree with but doesn’t know how to challenge. These same situations help her realise that maybe she’s not the same person that left the forest she grew up in.

On the whole, Atalanta is a beautiful tale with some powerful themes that will inspire you to go and find what makes you happy, regardless of what society says, or what stands in your way.

Jennifer Saint sheds light on one of mythology’s lesser known Argonauts in her contemporary retelling of Atalanta. In Atalanta, Saint pulls from the original mythology of Atalanta, as well as the Argonauts, to bring us a fresh new perspective of the only woman to join the band of warriors on their quest for the Golden Fleece. A fiercely independent and devout follower of Artemis, Saint’s retelling spans the lifetime of the warrior from her time secluded in the wild to her time sailing for the Golden Fleece, her forbidden romances to her fall from the graces of her beloved goddess.

While I enjoyed the character and the writing, what was missing for me was that climatic moment. It was a very (point) a to (point) b linear read documenting the happenings of her life. I didn’t mind it, but it didn’t evoke a whole lot of emotion and was on the bland side. I do like the feminist lens she continues to provide in her retellings. I especially like her choice of main characters, as they are typically the lesser-known female counterparts to the “heroes” we hear so much about.

Overall, Atalanta is another solid greek mythology retelling from Jennifer Saint. While lacking on the excitement factor, it gives a fresh new take on the often forgotten female member of the famous Argonauts.

How much Greek mythology is too much? Apparently, there is no limit so far. I loved Jennifer Saint’s last novel, Elektra, so knew I wanted to read her latest, Atalanta. Especially because this is a character about whom I know nothing, except she’s a Greek princess who is the only woman to sail with Jason as an Argonaut on his quest for the golden fleece.

Atalanta’s father has no use for a daughter and so leaves Atalanta to her fate as an infant in the wild. Instead, she is found and reared for a time by a bear. It’s only when she’s a young girl that she’s discovered by the goddess Artemis and taken to live with her tribe of nymphs, all of whom have pledged their lives her service as women eschewing men and living Artemis’s sacred forest. For many years this is life enough for Atalanta as soon she is almost as swift and skilled a hunter as the goddess herself.

When Artemis learns that the kings of Greece and the gods are sending their sons to aid a mortal named Jason on an impossible quest, she decides that she’ll send Atalanta in her honor. That Atalanta will be the only woman is of no concern as she knows her to be faster, stronger, and cleverer than any man. For herself, Atalanta is excited to leave the forests and see the world of men. There is only one caveat: If she marries it will be her undoing.

While Atalanta is a retelling of classic Greek mythology Saint’s examination of the original plot changes the narrative in significant ways. It’s expected the Argonauts will battle monsters and overcome extraordinary dangers. Even Atalanta is primed, having killed two centaurs on her own, a feat thought to be impossible for a human. Instead, there is the reality of life on a ship sailing across the sea into unknown lands. It’s hours of rowing, hunting for food when land is available, and mostly, squabbling and boredom.

This comes together in a novel that moves beyond the easy realm of wicked men being defeated by heroes. Instead, a young woman gifted with the speed of a goddess finds herself pitted against people who refuse to acknowledge her greatness. All in the midst of a quest that relies on deceit and trickery, not the battles of strength and valor the Argonauts had been promised. It’s so human, petty, and small that it offends Atalanta and her desire to gain glory for Artemis.

As is the case with much of Greek mythology there’s no happy ending, but by unpacking this story from the mortal perspective Saint breathes new life into a tale gone stale. Atalanta is a hero and an Argonaut (despite her name being scrubbed from certain ancient texts) and Atalanta is a rewarding retelling of her life.

Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to #NetGalley and #FlatIronBooks for providing this ARC.

I recently finished reading "Atalanta" by Jennifer Saint, and I absolutely loved it! This book is a beautiful retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Atalanta, a fierce and independent huntress who defies the expectations of her society and follows her own path.

Saint's writing is lyrical and immersive, transporting the reader to the ancient world of Greece and bringing the characters to life with vivid descriptions and richly-drawn personalities. Atalanta is a compelling protagonist, and her journey from a young girl determined to prove herself to a powerful and confident woman who stands up for her own beliefs is a joy to read.

"Atalanta" would be great for lovers of "Circe" by Madeline Miller. Both books feature strong female protagonists who challenge the norms of their society and seek to forge their own paths, and both are beautifully written and richly detailed. "Circe" focuses more on the eponymous sorceress's magical abilities, while "Atalanta" is more grounded in the world of human relationships and politics.

What I appreciated most about this book, however, was the way that it explores themes of gender, identity, and power. Atalanta's struggle to be taken seriously as a woman in a man's world is one that many readers will be able to relate to, and her ultimate triumph over those who would seek to control her is both empowering and inspiring.

Overall, I highly recommend "Atalanta" to anyone who loves Greek mythology, strong female characters, and beautifully-crafted writing. This book is a true gem that deserves a place on every bookshelf.

Another enjoyable Greek mythology retelling from Jennifer Saint! I really like her writing style and find it really easy to read, I always fly through her books.

Compared to the previous stories she’s written this one was less emotionally heavy hitting, I think mostly because Atalanta is such a unique case in that she is so much more independent and hasn’t had to spend her whole life submitting to the whims of men. So while it’s a less emotionally intense read, it’s also really nice to read a story about a female character within this world of Greek mythology who is so fully her own - even after she leaves the forest and joins the world of men, she still maintains that independence. It’s really refreshing!

The ending did feel a little rushed, it wrapped up really quickly, but other than that last bit, I thought the pacing was just right and it held my attention all the way through. I can’t wait to see which myth Jennifer takes on next, I will happily read as many as she chooses to write!

T he Story of Jason and the Argonauts was always one of the mythological stories I was drawn to, so when I heard Saint was releasing Atalanta I was eager to read it, and I’m happy to say that I loved it! This is a book that I will happily give five stars, not only for the feminine retelling of this classic story but for also staying true to the original myth itself. Often when it comes to myth and legend, we as readers and consumers are only given the perspectives of the powerful men and the women are frequently left in the shadows. Atalanta takes her rightful place in the sun within this novel and proudly joins the legendary Argonauts as a warrior and equal. Thank you Saint for bringing her story to the surface of the literary world so she can shine the way she should.

A Books Are Magical podcast episode featuring this novel will be published on its publication day.

Spotify link to show;

https://open.spotify.com/show/6d2Y4FA6LRS0LxFHh9L8Z2?si=3HcfPxMJQWeLx7SRbVeyRA&dd=1

Lately, I’ve been on a Greek retelling kick, so I jumped at the opportunity when I saw an ARC of Atalanta. Atalanta was a mortal amongst immortals, a woman who fought for her life every step of the way. So when Artemis asks her to be her champion on a quest for the golden fleece, Atalanta knows it’s her time to shine.

Atalanta is a shining example of a woman’s strength. In her forest, she is loved and feels like she belongs. Amongst the Argonauts, she feels unwanted. Women can’t fight or do quests, so they don’t want her there. She’s just waiting for a chance to prove herself—something she’s had to do a lot in her life.

This was a fun retelling. I enjoyed Atalanta’s strength and desire to prove herself and make her place in a world that favors men. Saint has brought Atalanta to life for her readers, giving us even more reason to love Atalanta. And the cover is just absolutely beautiful.

Thank you, Flatiron Books, for sending this my way.

Thanks to Flatiron for the copy of this book.

I've loved Jennifer Saint's previous books and really enjoyed the start of this one. However, it dragged for me a bit in the middle and end - and may just be due to a reading slump I'm having this month because I know Jennifer Saint is a talented author and Atalanta's story is intriguing! I'll still come back for more of her books.

🏹 Book recommendation: ATALANTA by Jennifer Saint (spoiler free thoughts below!)

🏛️ Mythology fans, this one’s for you! I love retellings of myths, especially when written from a woman’s perspective. Jennifer Saint nails it time and again — after reading Ariadne a couple of years ago, I knew I wanted to read more from her.

📚 Elektra has been on my shelf (excited to get around to reading it, hopefully this summer!) and I jumped at the chance to read an arc of Atalanta — a girl who was abandoned by her parents as a baby, raised in the woods by bears, and later taken under the wing of none other than the goddess Artemis. This book followers Atalanta joining the quest for the Golden Fleece, and you’ll meet some other well-known heroes along the way.

Things I loved about this book…
💘 Character-driven beginning
🌴 Lush scenery
⚔️ Action-packed middle
⚓️ So many twists and turns
🏆 Triumphs that feel EARNED
💔 Losses that feel real

I can’t wait to see what’s next for Jennifer Saint… maybe a retelling of Penelope’s story? A girl can dream! 😌

ATALANTA is out May 9 — thank you NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the e-arc of this book!

I love Greek mythology but hadn't read much about Atalanta before this book. It was fun to go into a retelling without knowing the full story. This is a solid retelling for someone who doesn't know too much about Greek mythology, but as someone who reads many of them I found it lack luster. The author told the story, but it lacked the spark that makes a retelling unforgettable.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel. I encourage you to check this one out! Really solid read.

Excellent retelling of a lesser-known hero of Greek myths. I was most familiar with the story of Atalanta's challenge to potential suitors and didn't know she was the sole female Argonaut. I really appreciated that a solid percentage of the story focused on her time on the Argo.

This was really well-written and engrossing.