I love the concept of this book. We’re awash in retellings of mythology at the moment and I was immediately drawn in by the notion of such an ancient retelling. I also adore the cover art. The colour-way and style really suit the book. It is intricate and brings in elements of the story without becoming overwhelming.

There were moments in this story that were really powerful. Such as the simple compassion offered to Gilgamesh by Enlil. Gilgamesh’s grief is written in a way that is believable and hard-hitting. However, the overall writing style feels fragmentary and, whilst this may be to evoke a sense of trying to piece together an ancient civilisation by the fragments left behind, it made for quite a disjointed storyline.

Inanna had so much potential, in my opinion. Her naivety, in the beginning, was endearing and her friendship with Amnut was beautiful. Unfortunately, she didn’t progress or develop in a satisfying way. There was a moment of hope when the wrath of war descended but she quickly returned to naivety and incompetence.

Ninshubar was by far my favourite MC. I enjoyed her from start to finish. She was funny, resilient and unapologetic.

Overall, whilst I do think the writing style is appropriate for the time being written about, it’s not something I personally enjoyed.

Emily H. Wilson does a great job in creating a introduction to the Sumerians Trilogy, it had a great concept overall and worked well. I enjoyed getting to know Inanna and how everything worked in this world. It had everything that I was hoping for and I enjoyed getting to know the rest of the cast.

I absolutely loved this book!
When I first started reading I was really unsure if I would like it due to having no prior knowledge of Sumerian mythology! But I fell in love with Inanna, Gilgamesh & Ninshubar!
Emily H. Wilson tells the most beautiful tales of love, war, mortals and gods through the eyes of her three protagonists Inanna (the goddess of love), Gilgamesh (the mortal son) and Ninshubar (the strong warrior).

Cannot wait to see what unfolds in this trilogy!

Thank you NetGalley and Titan Books! And a huge thank you to Emily Wilson!

I have not read a Sumerian historical novel before although I know a little about Sumerian history. This novel helped me to fill in the gaps in my knowledge. I knew about Gilgamsh, mainly. I found it a good read, with interesting characters. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

I was extremely excited when I was offered an advance copy of Inanna by Emily H. Wilson. The book blurb sounded really intriguing. As someone who has only skimmed through Sumerian mythology but never really delved into it I thought it was a great opportunity. However, I am sad to admit this book this book fell short of meeting my expectations. While I am always hesitant to critique the laborious efforts of a writer, I feel compelled to proceed with this review in order to fulfill my obligation of providing an honest opinion.

The quality of the writing in this book falls somewhere between mediocre and satisfactory. There were instances where the prose felt mechanical, lacking the natural flow that engages readers. Additionally, the dialogue seemed forced and out of sync with the overall narrative, disrupting the immersion of the story. Furthermore, the world-building aspect of the book was disappointingly lacking, leaving readers with a sense of incompleteness and a dearth of vividly crafted settings.

One significant flaw in this book lies in the lack of depth present in its characters, making it challenging for readers to form any meaningful attachment to them. The descriptions provided were detached and failed to convey a clear understanding of the characters' true nature. Among the three perspectives presented, Inanna, the central figure after whom the book is named, appeared to be the weakest. While Gilgamesh and Ninshubar possessed compelling origin stories and personal conflicts that drove their narratives, Inanna's character felt somewhat adrift, lacking a distinct identity or purpose within the story.

Another aspect of the book that proved challenging to accept was the extensive and explicit depiction of the recurring sex rituals, which occupied a substantial portion of the narrative. While I could have been more accepting of these scenes if they served a clear purpose within the story, unfortunately, that did not seem to be the case here. Additionally, the author failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the biological relationship between Inanna's mother and An. Although Inanna referred to Enki, the son of An, as her grandfather, (who author hints at sleeping together at one point) her parents also referred to An as their grandfather, creating confusion and detachment within the familial relationships depicted in the book. To say the least, the relationships portrayed in this book were peculiar and lacked a sense of cohesion.

My initial intention in approaching this book was to delve deep into the world of Sumerian mythology and immerse myself in its rich lore. However, instead of gaining a profound understanding of the subject matter, I was left with a predominant impression of excessive sexual encounters and promiscuity among the characters. This portrayal of the Sumerian culture as a collection of individuals driven solely by their carnal desires left me feeling immensely disappointed, as it overshadowed the opportunity to explore the mythology in a more comprehensive and meaningful manner.

I extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley, Titan Books, and Emily H. Wilson for granting me the privilege of receiving this advance copy of Inanna.

As per Titan Books rules I will publish the full review on the below mentioned links on 1st August 2023.

An enchanting and thrilling tale of the Sumerian Gods. I want MORE. This story belongs among the greats like Circe and Clytemnestra! Though I can see hints of Stargate …

Emily Wilson's "Inanna" takes readers on a breathtaking journey through the ancient world of Mesopotamia, weaving together a tale of gods, mortals, love, and war. Set in a time of turmoil, the story follows Inanna, the first full Anunnaki born on Earth, as she navigates her destiny amidst a divided pantheon and a world on the brink of destruction.

The strength of "Inanna" lies in Wilson's ability to reimagine and retell one of the oldest surviving works of literature with vivid detail and a refreshing perspective. By seamlessly blending mythology and historical context, she creates a captivating narrative that is both accessible to newcomers and rewarding for those familiar with the ancient Sumerian myths.

One of the highlights of this novel is the portrayal of Inanna herself. As the goddess of love, she embodies both power and vulnerability, caught in the midst of political machinations and forced into a marriage for the sake of peace. Wilson beautifully portrays her internal struggle as Inanna strives to protect herself and those she holds dear, defying expectations and societal norms.

The diverse cast of characters adds depth and complexity to the story. Gilgamesh, the mortal son of the Anunnaki, brings a flawed and charismatic presence, making him a relatable figure despite his womanizing reputation. Ninshubar, a strong warrior woman cast out by her own tribe, provides a compelling perspective on the search for acceptance and belonging. The dynamic between the trio forms the heart of the novel, as their paths converge and their destinies become intertwined.

Wilson's prose is rich and evocative, transporting readers to the ancient world of Mesopotamia with its bustling cities, grand palaces, and vast landscapes. Her attention to detail and meticulous research shine through, creating an immersive reading experience that captures the essence of the Sumerian culture and mythology.

However, "Inanna" occasionally suffers from pacing issues, particularly during the first half of the book. Some sections feel slower and could benefit from tighter editing to maintain the momentum of the narrative. Despite this minor flaw, the story's overall trajectory remains engrossing and keeps readers invested in the characters' fates.

As the first installment of the Sumerians Trilogy, "Inanna" lays a strong foundation for what promises to be an epic series. Wilson's imaginative retelling of ancient myths and her skillful characterization breathe new life into familiar legends, while still honoring their origins. This novel is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction, mythology, and epic tales, offering a fresh perspective on ancient Mesopotamia and the enduring power of its stories.