Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the early read. John Wiswell wrote a great Greek story. I'll request everyone that I can on NetGalley and I stoked that I got approved for this one!! Great read.

What if everything we thought we knew about the twelve labors of Heracles (aka Hercules) weren’t quite right, that the story we know was because the gods were making different people do what Heracles was supposed to be doing, but differently, just to confuse things. And that perhaps it was not all that important to kill the monsters, as to make friends with them.

The Lion of Nemea? Couldn’t you just carry him, to deliver him, without skinning him? And the Hydra, did you really need to cut off the last head? And the Bull of Crete…I think you get the idea.

I’m not sure if knowing what the twelve labors of Heracles were helps in understanding why this retelling is so different.

This story, told in two points of view (POV), one of Hera, who is annoyed with Zeus for siring another kid, and thus angry at Heracles for existing at all, and Heracles, who loves his Auntie Hera, and prays to her all the time. That she couldn’t possibly have sent a fury to kill his kids. Oh, no, Auntie Hera lovessss him so much. It must have been some other god.

It is the story, ultimately of found family. Of making friends with your “monsters”, and realizing that they can be just as important to your life. That perhaps you don’t have to have humans around you, as long as you have beings that care about you, as much as you care about them. Because, he does. He even names the lion Purracles, and makes sure to scratch him behind the ears.

I love that Heracles finds a different way, the third path, and it works for him.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published the 17th of June 2025.

This was great, flipping back and forth between viewpoints and with a very satisfying and diverse vision of the ancient Greek Gods. Excellent prose like in John Wiswell's first novel, and there are some monsters in the book too. His version of the labours of Herakles is unique and while it's often sad, it also has some epic mythical battles and adventure. I can't wait to see what he comes out with next.

This has got to be one of my favorite mythology remixes that I've read to date. I have never been more glad to read something that uses Greek mythology as another retelling.

Wiswell's writing is comedic to contemporary audiences without sacrificing mythic reference and nods to Greek history at its expense.

Reading the blurb makes you believe that a certain plot point happens much sooner than it does, Wiswell is a great writer and yet so emotionally cruel for the build-up to the turn in the narrative.

When readers' say that they want found family THIS is what they want. The patience put into developing each character, the comedic moments, and a strong emotional core that snowballs in size through the narrative.

Wearing the Lion Skin is a bold and subversive retelling of the myth of Heracles, offering a fresh perspective on the legendary hero’s labors and his complicated relationship with the gods—especially Hera. Rather than the standard tale of heroic conquests, this novel delves into grief, redemption, and the unexpected power of compassion.

The novel reimagines Heracles not as a mindless brute, but as a grieving father seeking justice for the tragic death of his children—a loss Hera herself causes in a moment of frustration and spite. Wracked with guilt but unwilling to face the consequences, Hera distracts Heracles with his famed Twelve Labors, only to find that he is too broken to mindlessly kill. Instead, he bonds with the very creatures he is sent to slay, turning them into an unlikely found family.

The book’s greatest strength is its character development. Heracles is depicted with nuance, his grief and trauma making him more than just a demi-god warrior. Hera, often reduced to a vengeful wife in traditional myths, is given depth, making her a tragic yet infuriating figure. The monsters, too, are not just obstacles but living, breathing beings with their own place in the world—adding emotional weight to Heracles’ refusal to kill them.

The prose is sharp and engaging, laced with dark humor and modern sensibilities that make the ancient myth feel alive and relevant. The pacing is well-handled, blending action, introspection, and political intrigue on Mount Olympos. And the overarching theme—that violence is not the only way to carve out a legacy—is a powerful counterpoint to the traditional Heracles mythos.

I absolutely love the premise of this novel. It’s not a retelling in the normal sense — rather, it’s an alternate version of the familiar story of the Labors of Heracles/Hercules. But Heracles befriending the monsters brings an endearing twist to this well-known story. One of the stand-out aspects is the relationships Wiswell creates between his characters, whether that’s the pure love Heracles shares with the Nemean Lion (“Purrseus”), or the contentious friendship between Hera and Athena, or the impossibly complicated thread binding Hera, Heracles, and the Fury (“Granny”) together in their trauma.

The dynamic between Hera and Heracles in particular is such an unusual one and just ripe with tension, and Wiswell writes grief and reckoning with a masterfully deft touch. This is where Wearing the Lion really shines: it manages to be both incredibly dark and incredibly funny at the same, which is not easy to pull off. I knew the death of Heracles’s children was coming (it’s right in the official blurb and also the original story) but it still hits like a freight train when it happens. And such horrific moments will be followed by exchanges of dialogue or goddess-ly thoughts that are natural to the scene and also genuinely hilarious.

Unfortunately, although there is a lot to love here, this novel definitely struggles in its pacing. At the end of the day, twelve labors is a lot to fit into a story like this, and it does start to feel repetitive, especially when the reader already knows what the labors are and whom Heracles will find at the end of them. The story is told in alternating viewpoints of Heracles and Hera and often they overlap, so you read the same scene again from the other character’s POV. The version I read had 395 pages; it probably shouldn't have had more than 300.

Wearing the Lion is ultimately about breaking cycles of family trauma, facing mistakes, and healing together. It’s a warmhearted cozy read, and while it won’t have your heart racing or your pages flipping desperately to find out what happens next, Wiswell’s humor and kindness isn’t to be missed.

Big thanks to Netgalley and DAW for the e-ARC, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

Having read John Wiswell's debut novel, I thought I knew what to expect when I cracked this one open but I am pleasantly surprised by how different this book felt. The humour is amazing, it was so fun and fresh to read a greek myth retelling that doesn't have that same dour, serious tone that most rely on. I can see how someone unfamiliar with the author's work might not enjoy the tone difference, at times it did feel like it was a *lot* of silliness, but for me it mostly worked and created a stand out retelling.

I also really appreciated the weaving of wit and heart into the narrative. While it opened with mostly humour, I felt a lot of empathy and love for these characters. It's easy to make someone who loves greek myths feel for a familiar character, but Wiswell really made them his own and gave them new depths that I found very endearing.

Overall I'm really impressed and very tickled to have had the chance to read this one early.

I appreciate the ARC, thank you!

I thought this book was going to be different than what I got. What I got is not my cup of tea. Hera is too vulgar for my tastes. Because of that, I can’t really get into the story and DNFing. Therefore I don’t feel like it would be fair to leave a star rating, but alas it looks like I have to. I’ll go with 3 stars, going for a neutral rating.

I love a good Greek mythological retelling, and I especially love feminine rage being included in these retellings. I absolutely LOVE the idea of Heracles not realizing how much Hera detests him, but he continues to devote himself to her. I struggled though, because when it comes to Greek myth retellings, I prefer them solemn, poetic, emotional. I began this book thinking it was going to read similarly to Madeline Miller's Circe and the Song of Achilles, so I did have a little bit of a hard time staying focused on the plot and characters. Otherwise, I really enjoy this story and think that for people who like lighter and more comedic Greek myth retellings, this will be a great read!

This was a unique story. Very different from what I was expecting as a Greek retelling. It was definitely told very differently but it was still pretty good.

So this wasn’t at all what I expected. It is a retelling of the goddess Hera and Zeus’ son Heracles, with the other gods, goddesses, demigods and furies thrown in- but it wasn’t serious in the least and the style was very tongue-in- cheek and irreverent. I’m still not sure what to think. While the story and all the amazing feats of Heracles was interesting, for me the writing style really took away from the experience. I know a lot of other readers will probably really enjoy this light-hearted farcical narrative, but it wasn’t serious and was really distracting to me. And the number of times Hera called Zeus her “ dipshit husband” was actually annoying! Usually I really enjoy books of mythology but this one was a bit too silly for me to take it seriously.

This was the most unique Greek retelling I’ve ever read. Wearing the Lion told the classic story of Heracles with a modern twist. While reading I was picturing this as a movie because it reminded me so much of Hercules with its humor and writing. I loved how Hera was completely honest about how she felt about Zeus and really every god around her. Heracles was written very pure of heart and although he changes after the loss of his sons he never becomes obsessed with violence or revenge.

I will say I got bored at the end. The beginning was very engaging and fun but it started to drag around the halfway point for me. Regardless of that, this was a very new take on a Greek mythology retelling that will be very refreshing for people.

Thank you to DAW and NetGalley for the ARC!

John Wiswell is such a master at balancing humor with pathos. When I started "Wearing the Lion," I was most impressed with how funny it was. Then it sucker punched me with feelings. It's an unusual book, in its structure and especially in its male protagonist. Wiswell's previous book played with gender, but Wearing the Lion presents a kind of tender masculinity in its iconic lead that I kept thinking about. Heracles is dedicated to "Auntie Hera," in how he cares about others. He, in a way, shows the goddess of mothers a way to care again. I'm going to be thinking about and recommending this book a lot.

I didn’t love this like I hoped to, but could just not have been in the right headspace. This book has a comedic and relatively gentle tone that centers around found family. Hera curses Heracles to fight monsters as a punishment for being born of her (dipshit) husband’s infidelity. Instead of slaying the monsters, Heracles befriends them. Heracles and Hera both need to figure out how to move forward after doing terrible things, and see themselves as deserving of care.

I do think this will appeal to a lot of people, Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes comes to mind for having a similar tone of voice. Unfortunately it sort of dragged for me and I struggled to pick it up.

For a book that starts out with infidelity and the rage that it incites, this book had a surprisingly tender message about family–who, what, and where it is. Although there was some foul language throughout the book, I did feel that the tone changed throughout the novel and it served as a way to show the changing nature of Hera. I began the book thinking that Heracles was naive and oblivious. How could anyone miss so many clues that he is not liked by the goddess he has devoted himself to? How could he expect her to be proud of him when he was a walking billboard that her husband had strayed? As Heracles faces challenge after challenge with kindness in his search for peace I began to see him differently. He is repeatedly referred to as broken by senseless violence, which may be true, but I also see in him someone who will not continue to perpetuate harm. He heals those he encounters and offers them a place to be themselves and be welcomed. Heracles shows everyone around him that they are of worth, worthy of love, and that you don’t have to be related to be a family.

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Think you know the intricate and captivating story and characters that make up Heracles's tale in Greek mythology? Think again! John Wiswell masterfully transports readers into a modern retelling of Heracles that not only revisits the classic narrative but also brings forth new reflections, thoughts, and profound emotions about the story, its characters, and the transformative journey from beginning to end. Wiswell’s interpretation allows readers to engage with the themes of strength, identity, and morality in ways that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.

The characters, while familiar to those who have studied the original myths, are presented in a manner that feels both unique and refreshingly modern. Heracles, often portrayed as the epitome of brute strength, is reimagined with a depth that explores his vulnerabilities, fears, and aspirations. His counterpart, Hera, traditionally seen as a figure of jealousy and wrath, is given a voice that reveals her internal struggles and complexities, showcasing her as a dynamic character whose motivations are as layered as Heracles's own. The interplay between these two main protagonists, through their alternating chapters and perspectives, captures the reader's attention from the very start. Their strong emotions and conflicting ideologies provoke thought and discussion about what it truly means to be strong, to embody goodness, and to navigate the murky waters of morality.

In addition to Heracles and Hera, the side characters, such as Athena, add richness and depth to the narrative. Athena's presence injects humor, wisdom, and unexpected twists that keep the story engaging and lively. Her interactions with the main characters provide a balance of levity amidst the more serious undertones of the tale, reminding readers that even in the most challenging of journeys, there is room for laughter and camaraderie.

The atmospheric settings of Olympus, Thebes, and various other locales are vividly described, offering readers a window into the world of the Gods, Goddesses, mortals, and mythical creatures that populate this retelling. Wiswell's detailed descriptions of these environments create a sense of immersion, transporting readers right alongside the characters as they navigate their trials and tribulations. The tension within these settings reflects the broader themes of the narrative, illustrating the complexities of divine and mortal interactions and the ever-present challenges that arise from ambition, jealousy, and the quest for identity.

The writing itself is reflective, descriptive, immersive, and deeply emotional, allowing readers to not just read the tale of Heracles but to fully inhabit the worlds of Greek mythology, heroes, and the concept of found families. The plot follows Heracles as he embarks on the monumental journey of completing twelve tasks, each infused with modern twists that both pay homage to the original myths and provoke readers to contemplate timeless themes of love, family, and the true essence of strength.

Wiswell's retelling is rich with lessons about resilience, the importance of found family, and the dangers of judging others based on fleeting impressions or rumors. It encourages readers to look within themselves to discover their true purpose and calling in life, emphasizing that strength is not merely a physical attribute but also encompasses emotional and mental fortitude.

Ultimately, John Wiswell transforms a classic hero's tale about a demi-god endowed with immense strength and courage into a beautifully relatable and humorous narrative that explores the ups and downs of life, the nuances of family dynamics, and the profound realization that true strength lies not only in outward appearances but also in the inner resolve to reflect, learn, grow, impact others, and move forward even in the face of overwhelming odds. Through this modern retelling, readers are invited to reconsider what it means to be a hero in today’s world, making the story of Heracles not just a tale of ancient mythology, but a relevant exploration of the human experience.

Thank you Netgalley, Author, and Publisher for a E-ARC copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This retelling of the myth of Heracles/Hercules as a found family tale was delightful. The way the labors/hero's journey becomes a way of finding the weirdest family ever is a fresh take on this. And the characterization of the Greek gods as fallible, but still able to learn and improve was delightful, as too many myths have them with all the human flaws, but none of the good parts of being human, like growth and change.

Absolutely incredible. This retelling of the myth of Hercules is an emotional rollercoaster that broke me into pieces and then slowly put me back together. I love reading retellings of Greek mythology and Wearing the Lion is the best one I’ve read since Circe - and that’s saying something. John Wiswell explores the grief and guilt entrenched in the story of Heracles in such a unique way that wrecked my feelings in the best possible way.
In an absolute masterclass of writing, the book starts off funny and raunchy before becoming heartbreakingly tragic, exploring the psyche of Hera and Heracles after the death of Heracles’ children, and ends with a heartwarming discovery of a new family for Heracles to help him move past his trauma. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book this short that takes you through such an intense gauntlet of emotion with such beauty. Wiswell’s writing is filled with subtle choices that blow me away with their elegance and convey emotion that I’d never expect. The prose as a whole is gorgeous, and Wiswell has an amazing ability to put you in the shoes of his characters and to make you feel their pain, love, and grief.
The character development of both protagonists is beautiful and seeing them change and grow throughout the novel was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Seeing Hera transform from the cruelhearted mythological figure she tends to be portrayed as into someone willing to take accountability for her actions and try to make up for her mistakes was inspiring and a refreshingly unique take.
The inversion of each of the labours of Heracles from acts of violence to those of love and acceptance were heartwarming and were such a unique way of bringing Heracles a new family to help him heal from the trauma of losing his first one.
Wearing the Lion is an incredible book from an incredible author and I can’t wait to read more from Wiswell in the near future.

Greek mythology was not what I expected coming up next from John Wiswell after "Someone You Can Build a Nest In" but I am 100% here for it. "Wearing the Lion" is unlike other current Greek mythology novels, for it is less of a retelling and more of a reimagining of known myths. Still, if mythology retellings (think Madeline Miller or Jennifer Saint) are not your thing, I wouldn't recommend this one either, because all these books do have the same basis after all. So do expect a lot of Greek Gods and Goddesses and their schemes, mythical monsters and the heroes that are sent to slay them, and mortals with big families whose stories span many, many years.

This story follows Hera and Heracles as equal protagonists in alternating chapters. Hera, Queen of Olympos and Goddess of Family, is sick of her ever cheating and child-siring husband, so she decides to focus all her anger on Zeus' latest insult to her: the demigod Heracles. Heracles, however, is completely unaware of his aunt's hate towards him and is even a devout follower of hers. Honestly, that made for one of the most interesting dynamics I've ever read about, and I think that both characters were very well developed. Heracles starts out as a bright-eyed himbo of sorts but is soon changed by tragedy. Hera, who is supposed to watch over mothers and families and children, is hate-filled towards Heracles since the day he was born and wants to cause him harm. But when she ultimately goes too far in her actions, she is feeling guilty and doesn't really know how to act upon it. Instead of answering Heracles' prayers she sets up the 12 labors, so he might never learn the truth. I really liked how both characters changed but still stayed true to themselves in some way. Although he has every reason to, Heracles is not looking for revenge but for answers. He doesn't turn violent, and so he doesn't fight the monsters he's supposed to but helps and befriends them instead. The result is a strange but very lovely found family of misunderstood creatures. Hera's family (aka the Gods of Olympos) was very interesting as well. While she is Queen of the Gods and commands many of them, she is also mostly frustrated by them and has only few confidants. I wasn't the biggest fan of Hera's crude language that's a result of her constant annoyance, but I think I prefer it to the Gods speaking super posh or all lyrical or something. (But for real: According to my kindle the phrase "my dipshit husband" was used 41 times, and that's at least 40 too often if you ask me.) The portrayal of Godhood itself was great as well, with the fast passage of time, the shapeshifting into basically everything, and the overseeing of the mortal realm. And I loved the way how the Gods worked their domains and how they could switch from watching from above to walking among the humans in an instant. With things like these, the book really held my attention throughout the entire story. And even though the story didn't span Heracles' entire life, everything wrapped up nicely and provided closure in the end. Truly a great read for me.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and DAW for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

Another outstanding book from John Wiswell! This is the inside scoop on all the drama on Mt. Olympus - mythology always did kind of read like a reality show and now we've got front row seats. The labors of Heracles were nowhere near this interesting, or this human, when I studied them in school. Wiswell gets into the whys of all those wild stunts, and makes them personal and relatable in ways you never expect. A healthy dose of quirky monsters rounds out the cast of narcissistic Olympians, flawed humans, and one unwilling hero. Both funny and touching, the book takes its readers on as wild a ride as its characters. I can't wait to read it again!