Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this arc!

Phaedra is a retelling of a Greek mythology, but with a focus on the role of women in Ancient Greece. I wasn't familiar with Phaedra's story so this was a good introduction to one of multiple versions of her life. The novel also dives into her roles in Crete vs. Athens and her relationships with her family, Theseus, Hippolytus, and the other men and women around her.

Other reviewers have commented on how the multiple POVs detracted from the story and confuses the reader, not to mention that different POVs would sound the same. I received the audiobook of the arc and I think the different narrators helped to flesh out the story than if I had just read the ebook. Because otherwise I doubt that I'd be able to tell the narrators apart either. Some narratives weren't necessary imo. For example, I'm not sure why there was a chapter from the bull jumper's POV when it could've used Phaedra's POV.

The story picks up when Phaedra travels from Crete to Athens to marry Theseus. I liked how descriptions of the palace in Athens was compared against the palace in Crete. The trial in the latter half of the book was actually really interesting to read. That was the strongest part imo.

I think this novel was trying to do a lot with the multiple POVs. If the POVs had been kept to a minimum and each narrative that wasn't Phaedra had been fleshed out more, then it would've been a 4 star read for me. I found myself not paying attention when the narrative would jump to other characters who were really minor and not directly involved with the main plot other than as an observer.

Phaedra is a women's view of a small piece of Greek mythology that does not make any of the men seem remotely heroic. In a world where rape and pillage is the norm, we get to know Phaedra's side of the story. She is young and naive for most of the story, believing the gods will provide justice and revenge for all wrongdoing. The ending is tragic. I listened to this on audio, with a full cast reading the parts well. There were only a few characters that didn't seem to match up at all. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this story.

I received this as an audio galley to listen to for free in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for giving me access.

I am here for all the Greek mythology retellings. For being a debut novel, Shepperson did a great job at bringing this story to life…or I should say, a tragic end. While I would have loved more of Phaedra’s POV, I was still intrigued to continue on.

Ignore the bad reviews and just give this one a chance. I feel, if you enjoy reading Madeline Miller or Jennifer Saint, then you will enjoy this.

Trigger Warnings: Rape and Suicide. If these are an issue for you, please be aware before reading Phaedra. Reach out to someone if you need to talk.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

Phaedra by Laura Shepperson was a very good book. It affected me deeply and was well-written.

This book offered a fresh perspective to Phaedra’s story I hadn’t read before. Perhaps I had a different experience because the audiobook had separate people voicing separate perspectives, but I felt each different point of view added to the story. This book also kept my attention and I finished it quickly. After I finished the book, it left me staring at the wall, just reflecting on what I had just read.

If you are looking for a book with a more somber tone than Ariadne by Jennifer Saint, then this is the book for you.

Warning Contains Spoilers:

Upon completion of Phaedra by Laura Shepperson, I believe that most modern readers leaving reviews have forgotten that the Greeks are renown for - well Greek Tragedies- and are also the forefathers of drama and theater. This book was a *Chef Kiss* perfect modern example of exactly that, so I applaud Shepperson on her creativity and thinking out of the box. I’m so tired of run of the mill/happily ever after stories with sappy romance (gag) and long drawn out smuexy time scenes.

What I really liked about this story was the brutal honesty and reality that women were voiceless and often taken advantage of. I did listen to the audiobook, so I’m not sure how the Nightly Chorus is written in the hard copy. In the audiobook, it felt real and actually lent women the voices that no men listened to. Only an open minded female (who might have been a tad delusional) could hear their anguish and tried to change their situation like a just Queen should do. It was a long road to democracy and women’s rights, even today, with many causalities along the way. The book made me feel like I was at an outdoor theater listening to an old Greek Tragedy with a modern twist since murder, suicide, and hard to watch circumstances like rape were not permitted so openly. Loukoumades anyone?

I liked that Phaedra tried to lend a voice that she hoped would be as strong as her Queen Mother’s voice in Crete and stood by her beliefs in the Gods. I liked that she realized vengeance was up to her after the Gods failed to bid her wishes and that she found the gumption to take matters in her own hands. This after Hippolytus seemed to get a slap on the wrist for being an insolent child instead of rapist. I loved that Phaedra got her vengeance Creteation style with the Labrys from her wedding Trousseau! Did someone say Symbolic? She avenged her fallen siblings and her honor in one fell swoop of the ax! Thus hitting Theseus right where it hurt him the most. I had to rewind and relisten to that part several times!

I didn’t care for all the extra POV like Madea’s maids or even Madea herself. I know why it’s there but it wasn’t always necessary. Or even the nameless tribute who met Phaedra once and her husband at the end. Her POV didn’t change anything or add to the story. Same as the bull jumper. These all kinds felt like fillers to add content not context.

Over all I really enjoyed this audiobook. Which is apparent since I finished it all in 1 day. I love a great Grecian story and anything related to Greek Gods. I would recommend this one to everyone who also loves a well written Greek Tragedy 🎭 and those who, like myself, loved Circe and Achilles but with the note to keep in mind this isn’t a tale of happily ever after.

Thanks for allowing me early access for this review.