Wow, what a tale of bravery, hope, and ultimately betrayal. I was briefly aware of the story of Clytemnestra, but I hadn't read about it in this way, and from her point of view yet. The absolute horror that she lived with the cruelty of her husband, the murder of her daughter, and the betrayal from her only son. Grecian stories are often met with tragedy, almost always at the expense of a woman it seems.

While I really loved the overall story I did feel like it dragged on a bit towards the end. I found myself wanting to skim a little bit, but forced myself to really read this all the way through. There were a couple of areas I might have removed a little bit from, but overall I thought it was a good story from beginning to end.

Now I'll be on to read the next in this series by Lynn and I'm looking forward to it.

I was completely unfamiliar with the story of Clymenestra prior to this and it was enthralling! The writing was a bit slow at times, but I felt despair and anger and frustration and that makes it a win for me!

Your basic story about both Clytemnestra and her son, Orestes. I didn’t feel like there was anything to make this particular retelling stand out more than any other. It did continue into the story of Orestes, which not all retellings do if they are focusing on Clytemnestra… so that’s a plus. If you’re new to mythology and don’t know their stories, then this is the perfect book to get to know them, what they went through, and the choices they made. If you know their stories and are looking for a retelling that takes that extra spin you weren’t expecting, this isn’t the book for you.

Clytemnestra- A Spartan Princess, Sister of Helen, Wife of King of Kings, Queen of Mycenae but more than all of that, a Mother.

A mother who was murdered by her very own son.

Why? Because of Greek gods tradition of avenging their father’s murder. Why should fathers only be avenged? Why should only all fathers be avenged, and not mothers or children? Why Patriarchy trumps over everything, in times ancient and even in present times, in certain countries and cultures?

When will we get over this mentality and break free our society from patriarchy? This book poses beautiful questions whose answers will help refine your thinking.

This is a great book, and something that should be a part of your TBR pile. Only con: I wish it was slightly crisp in the beginning because at one point it felt like it dragged on and on. But when you continue turning the pages, it gets better.

Rating - 4/5

Thank you to Sourcebook Landmark and Netgalley for the digital ARC of A SPARTAN'S SORROW. This review is entirely my own thoughts and opinions based on the ARC.

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

A Spartan's Sorrow is a fantastic feminine rage retelling into the myth of Clytemnestra, the wife of Agamemnon, who sacrificed their eldest daughter to bring back the wind so he could finally set sail to Troy. Fearing for the rest of her children's lives, Clytemnestra stops at nothing to keep them safe, but can one go to far?

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

MY THOUGHTS:

I love Greek tales. I grew up on a steady diet of reading Greek Mythology and all the supernatural trials and tribulations their heroes went through. Greek re-tellings will always be a favorite of mine to sink into and this did not disappoint.

Hannah Lynn did a fabulous job of keeping true to the atmosphere of Greek Mythology, the verbiage, the caidence, the culture, while also modernizing Clytemnestra's tale. She did a fabulous job keeping true to the tragedy of her story. (I'm not saying I cried, but like... it was weird. it started raining inside the house sooo).
The Clytemnestra of Hannah's book is first and foremost, a mother and she will stop at nothing to protect her children, even from their own father, even at the risk of her own relationships with her children. She is fierce, she is loving, she is a Queen. There is never a moment when her character doesn't drop the air of regalness, even when in dire moments. Hannah does an excellent job portraying the moral grey dance Clytemnestra does throughout this book as she struggles with being true to herself while also ensuring her actions protect her children and herself.
The constant hypocrisy of what is okay for men to do and not okay for women to do is put on full display as Clytemnestra's tale continues to unravel. A son must avenge his father, but what about a mother avenging her husband and son? What about a mother protecting her children from an abusive husband and neglectant father? Men can have concubines and multiple wives, but women cannot take a single lover? I felt for Clytemnestra as she struggled to navigate these waters.

I especially appreciated that Clytemnestra's story did not end with her death. It continued on as her son begins to deal with the consequences of his actions—so great in fact that the gods themselves had to step down and intervene. This gave way to a riveting trial where hard truths were brought up and put on display in a skillfully written way. My only complaint is that those who encouraged her son's betrayal (mainly his friggen sister) were never held responsible for the fact that needled him into doing something he repeatedly stated he did not want to do.

All in all, this was such a great book. I almost read it in an entire day, I was so caught up in it. I absolutely need to read more of Hannah's Greek retellings!

Once again, I'm raving about Hannah Lynn. I will read everything this woman writes. I get so caught up in her words that i forget I'm reading. Love love love. This might just be my favorite book, and Clytemnestra holds such a special place in my heart.

I loved the female strength in this book. It intertwines history with the author's own creative stories beautifully. There's drama, romance, tension and everything in between. Loved this author's other works and will keep an eye out for more of their stuff! :)

**I received this as a free ARC from NetGalley.**

I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the first chapter, and crying pretty soon after that. I felt like it was a fresh retelling of the myth, and it dealt with the tricky issues really well. The characters were believable and alive, all with different motives, feelings, and understandings of what was happening to and around them.

I can't wait to read more from Hannah Lynn!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel. I was hopeful of this being a new spin on Clytemnestra and giving more insight into her psyche but that felt like it was done better by Costanza Casati. This did not have any moments in Clytemnestra's life before the Trojan War is about to begin beyond dialogue from Clytemnestra as she remembers. Nothing about her relationship with her parents or her siblings which could have enhanced her character even more. The parts following Orestes and his murder and subsequent torture by the Fates was well executed but I was here for Clytemnestra. It was still good for what it was but I was left wanting more. 3 stars.

This captivating story takes place in ancient Greece and tells the moving tale of Clytemnestra. After her husband Agamemnon tragically sacrifices their eldest daughter, Clytemnestra is determined to protect her remaining children at any cost. The story explores themes of love, grief, and revenge, vividly portraying Clytemnestra as a powerful queen caught in a whirlwind of divine punishment and family conflicts. Lynn's expert storytelling, rich historical detail, and complex character development made me feel deeply connected to the struggles and triumphs of Clytemnestra and her son Orestes.

The tale of Clytemnestra, a Queen of Ancient Greece, has been told many times, having come down to us through Homer’s Iliad, the story of the Siege of Troy. But the queen didn’t set sail for Troy, and Hannah M. Lynn stands fast with this Spartan woman, left behind to hold court for ten long years. A SPARTAN’S SORROW focuses on the woman behind the story of revenge, murder and grief.
Continued.

This is such an emotional and heartbreaking story. This Greek mythology retelling shares the story of Clytemnestra, wife of King Agamemnon and Queen of Mycenae, and her heartbreak as a mother. 
 
Hannah Lynn did such a great job with her research for this book. When it comes to Greek mythology, the stories have been told so many times by so many, and over time, details get changed or added, giving us now so many different ways to interpret them. 
 
While reading this book, I was really able to connect to Clytemnestra as a mother. She wanted nothing more than for her children to be safe and happy, and any mother can relate to that. My heart broke for Clytemnestra for all the heartbreak she went through, and I was 100% in support of her revenge on her horrible husband. 
 
I loved how the book progressed, starting with Agamemnon and what started this story. Then it opens to Clytemnestra and her life and years as Queen, ruling over Mycenae while Agamemnon and the men were at war. Eventually, the story progresses into her son's point of view, his life after his father's death, and the heartbreak he had to endure. I thought the POV of Orestes was so great and really did a good job at closing the story. My heart broke for him throughout his entire POV. 
 
Hannah Lynn did such an amazing job bringing new light to these well-known Greek mythological characters. She wrote the story with Greek mythology facts as well as making it her own in such a great way. I loved Athena's Child, her first book in the Grecian Women series, and I am so excited to read the next ones too!

What an amazing Story. I am a fan of Hanna Lynn and her way with words. A mothers determination to protect her daughter no matter the situation tugged at my heart strings. I loved the power, love, and vulnerbility that was given to Clytemnestra was amazing and i cried and i am not sorry about it. This book is just amazing.

This is a very interesting book about revenge and is a book that is intense and emotional. It is a story that takes you on a journey in a time when you had to be strong and in control. It is about mother's protecting their clan, protecting their precious children.

I really enjoyed how this book grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let me go. I kept reading and didn't want to put it down as I felt I wanted to be there, be in the story and the moment. It is just a gripping and a great depiction of Greek Mythology. One that is well worth the read.

Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Step into the world of 'A Spartan's Sorrow' and prepare to be swept away by a tale that tugs at your heartstrings. Like the Barbie movie made you want to hug your mom, this book makes you want to be fierce for your daughter. Through the eyes of Clytemnestra, you'll feel the weight of her sadness, heat of her hatred and the strength of her resolve. It's a story that stays with you, reminding us of the enduring power of the human spirit.

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for the ARC of A Spartan's Sorrow.

I don't think this was the best Trojan War retelling I've ever read. But I think it was pretty close to the top of the list. It was fun to read but I don't know if there were enough totally unique elements to make it a 5 star.

I feel like a lot of books forget to mention that Clytemnestra is a spartan warrior. At the same time, she was a really great mom and I think some authors would have lacked the ability to create such a multifaceted character. I think Hannah Lynn did a really good job with that. It was fun to read about Clytemnestra training her children and running with the guards. Her fight with Elektra was one of the best scenes in the book. I liked how accepting she was of Orestes's passivity and curiosity. It was cool that she really let all of her children do what made them happy and supported them through it. I liked that she tried to weave with Chryothemis even though she hated it. I think the author also did a good job of showing grief. The scenes where Clytemnestra is running everyday because she wasn't fast enough to get to Iphigenia were really powerful.

I think this was my favorite portrayal of Orestes (especially his relationship with Pylades) and Aegisthus but my least favorite portrayal of Elektra. I think it would have been more enjoyable if Elektra had even one redeeming quality or if Clytemnestra had made any effort to get her back. On the other hand, I did LOVE that Agamemnon had no redeeming qualities.

4 Stars

A Spartan’s Sorrow follows Clytemnestra, Queen of Mycenae, who is married to King Agamemnon, a truly horrible, evil man. When Agamemnon willingly sacrifices their eldest daughter to appease the gods, Clytemnestra vows to do whatever it takes to protect her remaining children. But history turns strong women into monsters, and in saving her family she risks losing them altogether and becoming the most hated woman in Greece. Will her son be forced to avenge his father’s murder?

This book dropped me right into Ancient Greece, in the best of ways. The author’s writing was superb, and her storytelling was captivating from the beginning. Each character had depth and complexity, and even knowing Greek mythology, I found myself wondering what would happen as this book took me along for a fantastical ride into a world where gods and monsters are real. Enjoyable read!

Thank you to the author and Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC! This is my honest feedback and review of this book.

Something happened when I turned 25 and now feel an overwhelming surge of empathy for mothers and stories about mothers. I think Hannah does a great job telling Clytemnestra’s story from her POV and the maternal grief and rage she faces for decades at the hand of her husband. This story is one that embraces and harnesses female rage, while also doing a great job demonstrating the range of emotions and experiences of her children and lover. I particularly enjoyed Orestes storyline and POV. Another great female-focused Greek mythological retelling.

I received a copy from NetGalley for review.

So I really love Hannah's greek retellings. They follow stories that I don't think I would have known about otherwise. I enjoy that they mostly follow the women of the Greek mythos. Clytemnestra was done so dirty in the end though. I know this is how the myth goes and I know that it's a tragedy, but it would be so nice if a woman could come out on top in the end for once. Also her kid definitely deserved what he got. She did everything to raise him and Electra and his bestie poisoned him against her. That being said I can't wait for the next one in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing an eARC of "A Spartan's Sorrow" by Hannah M. Lynn. Keep reading for my honest review.

This is great for fans of Greek mythology, Madeleine Miller, and Jennifer Saint. A Spartan's Sorrow tells a tale of love and loss through Clytemnestra's marriage to Agamemnon, the king of kings.

For those that have read Elektra by Jennifer Saint, this is the same story of familial betrayal. The way that Lynn tells the story pulls the emphasis away from just the main women, and instead brings the persepctive of Orestes.

With that in mind, it is slightly less of a feminist take on the tragedy. I don't think that makes it a less meaningful version of the story, especially considering how prominent Clytemnestra's love and loyalty to her children is in this retelling.