I would like to preface my review by saying thank you to Sourcebook Landmark for sending me an ARC of A Spartan's Sorrow in exchange for my honest review.

A Spartan's Sorrow is a greek retelling of Clytemnestra and her children. Clytemnestra will do anything to protect her children, even if it means killing the man she married.

This is my second ARC I have read by Hannah Lynn and I can say I am impressed yet again! I loved this retelling but found myself incredibly frustrated throughout the book. My heart broke for Clytemnestra. She did everything in her power to protect her children but her children did not save her in the end. Women in greek mythology are often portrayed as evil, but Lynn has a way of humanizing these characters with a modern twist. My heart yearned with Clytemnestra and in the end, I couldn't help but justice failed her. This is one of those stories where you just want justice in the end, but spoiler alert, you do not see it with this book.

Now with all being said, why did I rate this 4 stars? This book was full of imagery. Lynn's writing teleports you back in time during the Mythology era. Lynn teaches the important lesson that not every story receives a happy ending, and that's okay. I had a hard time putting this one down because I was so immersed in the writing. If you are a fan of Greek Mythology, I highly recommend picking this one up!

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for my eARC to read and review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

I'm a sucker for a good historical fiction novel, retelling, and Greek mythology, so when I was invited to read A Spartan's Sorrow by Hannah Lynn I was super excited. This one didn't disappoint!

I devoured this one in just a few hours and can't wait to read the next book. I wasn't super familiar with this Greek tale, so it was fun to read this retelling and I found myself looking up the original tale, wanting to learn more.

I will admit I was confused at first with the different characters because the names are so similar and some of them didn't feel very distinct from each other. I liked the story line and the devotion of Clytemnestra to her children. I felt like the way Lynn portrayed her, she came off as more empathetic than she may normally be portrayed.

I didn't realize this was book 2 of the series, but it was not confusing, so it would be okay to read as a standalone. I definitely recommend reading this if you're into historical fiction, Greek mythology, and/or retellings.

I do like the way this series I going, I guess in this one I was a bit bored in most parts. I was waiting for it to end. I will finish the series.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The story of Clytemnestra, queen of Mycenae and a daughter of Sparta. She has vowed to protect her children after the death of her daughter. As war rages in Troy, Clytemnestra rules Mycenae and dreads the day the her husband returns. For ten years she has ruled, protected her children, and made an unexpected ally. Now she risks losing everything she worked for as the war in Troy ends. Her husband’s return sets off a chain of events even Clytemnestra was not prepared for.

**Spoiler free review**
I was immediately hooked from the beginning. This story is engaging and flips between medium and fast paced. The author did a great job emphasizing the struggles of the main characters. The mythological aspect of this story was also done extremely well, I especially enjoyed some of the later events. Clytemnestra’s story is simultaneously heart breaking and empowering which the author portrayed excellently. I would definitely recommend ‘A Spartan’s Sorrow’ to anyone looking for historical fiction or anyone looking for a great Greek mythology fix.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I posted my review of this book on Storygraph, and will be posting one on Instagram as well. Both sites are linked on my profile.
I was a bit nervous going into this book, as I have not yet read the first book of this series. It is definitely not required reading to enjoy this story!
I was BLOWN AWAY by the writing in this book; there were many times I forgot I was reading until something pulled me out of it! I could hear every line of dialogue in my head, and had a perfect image in my head of all characters, places and events. I felt distraught every time I had to put this book down! Chapter 34 specifically was written beautifully. I was crying while reading it.
I feel like this book would be a perfect introduction to readers new to historical fiction. It is adjacent to the Trojan War, short and digestible. I'd recommend this book to anyone who breathes air.

My knowledge on Clymnestra is very minimal so I went into this completely empty-headed and it was great. It was so emotional, so knowledgeable even with creative license and I can't wait to read the other books by this author

Clytemnestra is one of my favorite people to read about in Greek mythology. Her story is so heartbreaking and tragic, but there’s such a strength and resilience to her that you can’t help but admire. That absolutely came across in A Spartan’s Sorrow. The action starts pretty quickly here with the murder of her daughter at the hands of Agamemnon and from there, we see Clytemnestra fight to protect her remaining children. One thing that I thought was really well done was how Electra was written. She absolutely infuriated me with her loyalty to Agamemnon, but you can’t help but notice how similar she and Clytemnestra were with their convictions and stubbornness. I loved that we got to read Orestes’ POV and see him grapple with doing what the gods demanded of him vs what he thought was right and the consequences of those actions. The book is a little slower paced at times, but there was always a lingering tension under the surface. I can’t wait to read more by Lynn!
TW: murder, violence, child death

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a digital reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.75/5 ⭐️

A mother’s rage knows no bounds. A Spartan’s Sorrow guides us through some of the tragedies Clytemnestra faced and gives insight into how she took her trauma and turned into the woman she needed to be to protect the ones she loves.

If you look up “Clytemnestra” the first things to come up are either one of the two things: That she was the wife to Agamemnon. And she was the sister to Helen. Nether is a testament to who she was as an individual. Greek mythology retellings that give light into a completely new perspective than the same old characters that are painted as one-dimensional always tend to be my favorite.

It was interesting to dive into Clytemnestra’s perspective of things, and I found myself sympathizing with her. (Ignoring the Orestes portion of the book in this review because give women the chance to shine, you know what I’m saying lol.)

This was a very tragic, insightful read and I would recommend it to anyone who harbors a love for Greek mythology!

Thank you to the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, the author, and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC. This is my unbiased opinion and is given with free will.

I, unfortunately, did not realize this was a series when I requested it on Netgalley. However, I did enjoy this retelling of clymnestra's story. I found it to be interesting, particularly because it's a story I'm not familiar with. I'm not sure if I loved this enough to want to continue the series.

Out April 2, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

“I shall not hesitate to finish the task that Agamemnon and Menelaus failed to complete. And, trust me, I would do a much more thorough job than any man”
Hannah Lynn is a master at writing emotions and motherly rage. ‘A Spartan’s Sorrow’ focuses primarily on Clytenmenstra following the sacrifice of her daughter and how she becomes a wife hidden in the shadows to a powerful Queen, fighter and mother.
While the pacing could have been faster at some points, the writing was beautiful and I loved following along a fresh perspective of one of my favorite historical Greek figures.

Revived my love for greek retellings!! THE greek tragedy of all greek tragedies.

"For great women everywhere."

As good as the Silence of the Girls, at least personally I enjoyed it just as much. It had been a while since I'd read a book with a Greek mythology woman's POV, and boy am I not disappointed I gave it another chance.

"All we ever have are the roles they force us to play."

Clytemnestra (couldn't pronounce it right the whole time and still unsure if I'm writing it properly) is my queen my star my everything I would give anything to give her the happiness she deserved! I think I'll never forget her story, her pain, her fighting spirit and the undying love she had for the children, no matter what she went through (even because of them, at times). Every mother who reads this book will probably feel a moving connection to her. I don't have kids and I had to hold back tears to not sob in class when I reached *that* part. I spent the whole day heartbroken as if the scene happened right in front of my eyes fr.

"Beauty - the most tainted gift there was. Being beautiful didn't stop a man's hands from striking you. Nor did it stop his eyes - and the rest of him - wandering when he grew tired of the same in his bed at night."

On that note, how is Elektra the biggest bitch ever in any book EVER?! I am so dumbfounded by this interpretation (bc I'm assuming that's what it is, just a version of her story) as I have another book named Elektra and I'm now wondering if I should even read it. She caused SO much pain and injustice and she's the source of everything wrong and bad happening in the 2nd and 3rd part. I will never forgive her and have unofficially opened an Elektra hate club. This evil cruel manipulative woman can burn in the underworld for eternity for all I care.

"Men are not more worthy. Fathers are not more worthy."

Fuck Agamemnon obviously may he never rest in peace, unlike the three victims of the 2nd part who are in my heart and soul the sweetest purest most deserving of love and peace angels to ever walk this Earth (did they?? are they from mythology or history??? still confused about what is real or myths about the Troy thing) (don't insult me I'm just dumb)

Forever in love with this book and might reread it when I'll need a shot of a good, interesting, not-plain-like-other-retelling-I've-tried-to-read, greek retelling! Can't wait to read the other books from Hannah M. Lynn, I already have Queen of Themiscyra lined up...


thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for sending me an e-copy of this book!! I gave my most honest and hopefully useful opinion :)

[review posted on Goodreads and another version will be posted on instagram and tiktok]

If you like Greek mythology, check out this book. What would you do to save the ones you love? Read and find out!!! Clytemnestra is a character you can’t help but root for!

I always enjoy reading retellings, especially Troy/Helen adjacent. What’s great read that had me thinking about it when I wasn’t reading
Clymnestra and her sorrows was a great story to focus on & I learned so much .
Then it would change up and following her children



The last part is the only one that felt disjointed

3.5/5 stars!

Let me tell you, this month was very hard for me to pick up any book but when I picked up A Spartan's Sorrow, I DEMOLISHED it.

Like finished the first half in one go, put it down, and finished the other half in one go. It is such a fast paced read and all of the family dynamics are so interesting to read about that you don't even realize how much you have read until suddenly you are on chapter 30 and you are like "oH?"

I loved Clytemnestra and her devotion to her children. I was right there ready to throttle Electra for being so pigheaded about Iphigenia and Agamemnon. I loved reading about her love story with Aegisthus and every thing surrounding it!

I did feel a little "down" (I am not sure that is the right word though) when I realized that the last third of the book would focus on Orestes and Not Clytemnestra. I had hoped that a book called after a "Spartan's Sorrow" would have focused primarily on said Spartan. But I love Orestes' story all the same, even if some parts were a little slower for me.

It just kinda felt like I was reading a whole other book by the time I reached part 3 and everything sped past Clytemnestra so we could focus on Orestes, both two good stories that had me looking up more mythology! And I loved the end of the book that almost foreshadows Orestes' end.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The time skips and speed were fine for the most part, but I do wish that we had spent the whole book with Clytemnestra and her point of view. The switch to Orestes was a little jarring, but not too difficult to overcome!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Hannah Lynn continues to write tremendously strong retellings, a complicated and beautiful story of revenge presented here. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free advance copy.

Thank you Net Galley and Source books for his e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this take on Clythemnestra's story. I feel like it did a fantastic job of portraying the love she had for her children and the lengths she would go through to protect them. It also gave us a deeper look into "the sister of Helen" it gave us more of her background and really made us cheer for her!

In the end this gave Clythemnestra a voice for her story to stand alone as it should!

A retelling of the story of Clytemnestra, Elektra, and Agamenon centered around Clytemnestra and her sorrow, rage, and desire for vengence. I loved this version of her, because she was more than her husband's wife. More than a mother who lost a child. She was a queen in her own right, a person with wants and needs, and more than a pawn at the mercy of those around her.

I picked this one up immediately after Athena's Child (which I LOVED), and I wasn't disappointed! I've read so many retellings of this story, but this is one of my favorites. Including Elektra being just the absolute worst, especially as a teenager. Hannah manages to capture the heavy emotions of the loss of Iphigenia without graphic detail of her death on page. I loved seeing Clytemnestra rise from the ashes and seek justice!

If you're a fan of greek mythology, particularly of the mortals the gods toy with rather than the gods themselves, you'll love this one! Hannah Lynn should definitely be added to Natalie Haynes and Madeline Miller when we talk about great mythology authors.

A Spartan's Sorrow is a fantastic introduction to the beautiful retelling of Greek myths by Hannah Lynn. I adore this genre and Hannah Lynn has a deep seated understanding of the myths and the beauty of Lynn's books is that she is a storyteller that expands upon the original tales for consumption in a different age

Learning about mythology in school (many, many moons ago) there was always a certain level of detachment and as I am of the era who got to enjoy the stop-motion animation of Jason and the Argonauts when it came out, there was a sense of "otherness" and awe that consigned it to the silver screen and not placed in the history of Greece

Fast forward to today and we have this fantastic movement retelling the myths of a bygone age and I am absolutely loving it and most of all, I am loving it's blend of authentic recounting and tethering to modern sensibilities, making them relatable on an emotional level

Clytemnestra is not a perfect woman, mother or queen, but she tries to do the right thing. It was so easy for me to get right behind her throughout the book and Lynn's writing further engages the reader, drawing them in to a strong empathy with and understanding of our protagonist

A stunning introduction to this author and I am very much looking forward to reading Queens of Themiscyra and Daughters of Olympus

Thank you very much to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Hannah Lynn for this brilliant ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

A fascinating retelling of the story of Clytemnestra, who murdered her husband Agamemnon, and of their son Orestes. If you, like me, have only vague (perhaps no) memories of the tale, this will send you off for more of the myths. If you do know the story, you will appreciate it for the fresh look at a woman who is usually known only as a killer. This provides her a back story, a history that's more than just words on the page. The last third of the book is about Orestes who, again. was only a name to me before I picked this up. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. It's a really good read.

A Spartan's Sorrow, which gives voice to Clytemnestra and characterizes her as a fierce and sacrificial mother rather than just an adultress and murderer, was a mixed reading experience for me. The book is divided into three sections: the first focuses on Clytemnestra's tragic past and protective motherhood; the second on the aftermath of Agamemnon's murder; and the third on the torment and trial of Orestes, the youngest child of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon who reluctantly avenged his father's death.

Part One was by far the best of the three sections. That said, even though the story was interesting and well-structured, the tone and writing style never drew me into the narrative. I consistently felt like I was being held at arm's length and was never moved to care about Clytemnestra or about what happened to her. This was a bit different in Parts Two and Three, written with slightly different stylistic choices, during which I came to care about Orestes. To be honest, I found this effect baffling—I mean, the novel is supposed to be a feminist retelling, so why is the son written as a more sympathetic character than the mother?

But I could have made peace with the author's tone and style choices had it not been for Part Three, where the literal deus ex machina completely derailed the narrative for me. I cannot even estimate the number of times I rolled my eyes.

On a side note, this might be a fun novel to read if you enjoy playing Spot the Anachronism. Ultimately, however, I would say that A Spartan's Sorrow is just profoundly okay—not objectionable, but not entirely enjoyable.