Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for a copy of this book!

4.5 stars!

This debut was stunning and vivid in so many ways. 'Ariadne' follows the perspectives of Ariadne and Phaedra, two princesses of Crete who are so often forgotten within the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Saint really breathes life into so many women within this retelling that are often presented as two-dimensional pawns caught in the lies of men and the games of gods. The writing style is so full of life and emotion that some paragraphs feel like poetry or straight out of an epic, whilst still making the story very accessible to the myth.

The portrayal of sisterhood within Ariadne is beautiful and focuses on the ups and downs that all siblings have and shows that even with a sea separating them, the sisters could never forget about each other. Saint does not categorise women into a strict mould as so many myths have done, but instead gives them agency and a life full of humanity despite the ferocity at which life can come their way, most commonly due to meddling by the gods. The theme of women being punished for the actions of men is carried throughout this story and is done so with tragic beauty. Ariadne is a book full of the tales of women wronged by men and gods, who have been abused for amusement and justice for the crimes of men.

It can feel slow at times but it is to be expected as it is not a retelling following a hero, but instead a woman who saved the life of a Prince for him to abandon her and it’s her story, not his. I did hope for a little more chemistry with Theseus as she was supposed to be so infatuated with him that betraying Crete would feel like nothing but at times, their love could feel a little flat.. I love that Ariadne is a female voice telling her own story and not a female voice to narrate the heroics of men. Admittedly, I burst into tears at the end.

This is a really enjoyable and well written read. It is such a good story and it flows in such an easy way making Greek mythology accessible to all. With its tale of strong women and powerful Greek gods this retelling of the story of Ariadne enables her to have her own voice and take her place in history. This book will definitely appeal to anyone who enjoys historical novels whether they have any knowledge in Greek mythology or not.

Headlines:
Feminist and sisterhood
Bittersweet
Betrayal
I’m so over Greek mythology men

I was captivated by the writing and story of Aridane’s world very quickly but honestly, don’t come into this story expecting gentleness. Ariadne was told with raw brutality at times, no holds barred and personally, I appreciated the gritty immersion. Please do check trigger warnings on other reviews or dm me for details.

The story was ladened with tragedy and also times of happiness but there was always that overwhelming sense of foreboding. It wasn’t a book that left you settled, it left me on edge and tense. Most of these feelings stemmed from the male characters in this book, mortal and god alike. Misogyny was rife but some of the key male characters were simply awful.

"I had cried all the tears I thought I could ever produce; I had spat and screamed and now I felt strangely cleansed."

The separate stories of Ariadne and Phaedra were so interesting and I had such hopes for their presents, futures and their ability to deal with the past. The legacy of their experiences was a heavy burden and these sisters were close but driven apart by circumstances.

The tone of the story was broadly feminist with a sense of sisterhood at the heart of it. The children were also a balm to the tragedies. I’m not going to lie, I did struggle with the conclusion a little but it was true to the tale and to the tone of the book overall.

Ariadne was an immersive experience with the kind of writing that got you lost in the page. It was a truly impressive debut. The cover is stunning and I’ve ordered myself a finished copy. I can’t wait to see which story Jennifer Saint will retell next.

Thank you to Wildfire Books/Headline for the early review copy.

Ariadne was on my list of 'Top 10 Books I Can't Wait For in 2021', so I was absolutely ecstatic to be approved for an ARC on NetGalley. Lyrical, bittersweet, and thematically rich, it did not disappoint.

Ariadne is the centrepiece of this retelling, but swirled into it are stories of many other women from Greek mythology who have suffered the consequences of men’s misdeeds. The narrative is split between Ariadne and her sister Phaedra, probing into how their traumatic childhood shapes the women they become. I loved the contrast between their very individual voices, and became especially drawn to Phaedra and her stubborn, determined character.

One of my favourite things about this book was the nuanced exploration of both the mortal and divine experience. Mortals may be at the mercy of the deities, but there’s just as much room for human manipulation when people (not naming any names!) evade responsibility for their actions by blaming the gods. I really enjoyed Jennifer Saint’s interpretation of Dionysus and Ariadne’s relationship and how she illustrated the pain that comes with the melding of human and divine.

Ariadne is a retelling you won’t want to miss. Intertwining both ancient and current issues, Jennifer Saint has created a story that reaches the hearts of modern as well as mythological women.

Greek mythology retellings are very much my thing and, lucky me, they seem to be very much in vogue at the moment. So I was intrigued and excited by this latest example.

It starts, for me, with a slight misstep. In the open pages the language seems anachronistic and YA-esque and I was preparing myself for disappointment. Jennifer Saint appeared to be no Madeline Miller.

However, very quickly the novel hits its stride and it does so beautifully. And I was as invested in the story as I was in any of Miller's works. Saint fleshes out the mythical characters into real individuals I could understand, relate to and empathise with. She describes Knossos and Naxos so wonderfully I was transported. The familiar theme of the gods fascination with, and love for mortals as well as their cruelty and indifference is nicely explored. I particularly enjoyed the contrast in the personalities and reactions to motherhood of the two sisters. And I found the ending devastating, sadly proving Ariadne's long held belief that women pay the price for the actions of gods and mortal men alike.

In truth, I didn't find the writing quite as majestic as Madeline Miller's but perhaps that is an unfair comparison as it doesn't convey that this is still very good writing! I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and will eagerly await the next offering from the author.

I really loved the writing style! Saint writes in quite a straightforward way that shines throughout the book, making Ariadne an easy story for readers to follow and engage with, whether they know the mythology or not. Similarly, it was easy to root for Ariadne and want to see her succeed. My one qualm here is pacing, I felt like the true story of the novel took a while to get going, and the ending felt a touch abrupt.

This novel demonstrates a detailed awareness of Greek mythology and the ability to translate that into an excellent story. Highly recommended. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me an advance copy.

I love Greek Mythology and I have been obsessed with the stories of the Minotaur and labyrinth since I was a child and my auntie told me the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed the detail in this novel and the main character Ariadne. I have to admit I was a little shocked and wasn't expecting the outcome.

I wont give any spoilers. But if there had been a bit more of a story about the characters and their feelings. I felt there was a lack of internal dialogue that could have helped me feel a bit closer to Ariadne and the feelings she had for Theseus.

I like to lose myself and feel like I can become the character. Though the story was very well written and very informative. I feel it lacked personability.

I'd give this novel a 3.5 out of 5.

Retellings of the Greek myths focussing on the female perspective are en vogue at the moment. This book tells the tale of Ariadne, whose brother is the Minotaur on the island of Crete. I really enjoyed Saint's take on the myth and exploration of Ariadne and her sister Phaedra. A good addition to the Greek myth retelling genre.

This was always going to be a must buy for me- I’m a huge fan of Greek Mythology and I don’t know all of Ariadne’s story so this has filled a few gaps for me.

This book has a lot to pack in with Theseus and the Minotaur, Ariadne’s relationship with Dionysus and Phaedra and Hippolytus.

The book is from the point of Ariadne and her younger sister Phaedra, both are very different characters which gives the chapters a very different feel. Ariadne is calm, gentle, brave and maternal and these are the character traits developed throughout the book. Phaedra is headstrong, intelligent and strong.

As with most Greek myths it’s always the women and children that suffer for the sins of the men. From Ariadne’s mother Pasiphae giving birth to the Minotaur as punishment for the sins of King Minos against Poseidon, to the atrocity committed by Dionysus at the end of the book due to feud with his half brother Perseus, this is a consistent theme throughout. But what’s interesting is that the stories of the men are pushed to the background apart from the key facts of the story. Apart from Theseus telling his life story to try and impress Ariadne, the story of him defeating the Minotaur is over in about two pages. When Phaedra is sent to Athens to be his wife, he’s hardly there. We don’t find out what Dionysus gets up to at the rituals until quite late in the book. The story of Daedalus and Icarus are also very brief so it’s made very clear from the start that this book is about the women.

I’m also glad this wasn’t turned into a love story. Ariadne was infatuated with Theseus and Phaedra with Hippolytus and then Ariadne fell in love with Dionysus. Making too much of this would have taken away from how strong and brave these women were.

The story shows that women then faced many similar challenges as women today such as unhappy marriages, domestic violence, fear of motherhood and post natal depression making Ariadne and Phaedra more relatable.

The ending is a tragic one and I felt this could have been a bit longer.

This is a wonderful and beautifully written story of strength, resilience, freedom and bravery. Great for anyone who enjoys retellings of myths.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

Thank you to Netgalley for an APC of this novel.
I really enjoyed this retelling of Ariadne's story from classical mythology. While women are traditionally portrayed as rather one-dimensional in such tales, Jennifer Saint reframes their narratives from a more feminist perspective. This is clear from the outset when Ariadne's maid retells the story of Medusa; she is no longer simply a monster, but instead a woman cursed by the gods for Poseidon's defiling in the temple of Athena. Ariadne similarly realises that her life as well as her sister Phaedra's and her mother Pasiphae's are dependent on the men in their lives and to what extent they anger or please the gods. Society is profoundly patriarchal and women are forced to choose whether to rail against their fates or meekly succumb to a sort of female madness in which they become hollow shells of their former selves (the outcome for poor Pasiphae).
This is thus a rather fresh and innovative reimagining of the minotaur story and Ariadne's romance with Theseus. As such the men occasionally suffer by comparison and Minos in particular seems a rather dastardly villain with barely any redeeming characteristics. Nevertheless any reader who is interested in the female perspective of classical myth will doubtlessly enjoy this book and I would thoroughly recommend it.

Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I always thought that if I were to write a book, it would be about Ariadne. She is quite possibly my favourite female character from Greek Mythology so when I saw this book announced I was incredibly excited.

The book is titled Ariadne but covers the points of view of both Ariadne and Phaedra, both during their time in Crete and the events which occur after they leave the island. It’s all here, Theseus and the Minotaur, Ariadne’s abandonment, her meeting with Dionysus and Phaedra’s infatuation with Hippolytus.

I thought Ariadne’s conflicting feelings for her bovine brother were handled really effectively, and the small glimpses we get of Pasiphae’s maternal yearning were genuinely touching. Theseus was also portrayed perfectly, he’s the faithless, callous dope that we all expect him to be. The portrayal of the general events of the story were also well interpreted with some of the gaps filled in in interesting ways, particular Phaedra’s side of the story which helped to reframe her character in a more interesting way. Ariadne’s characterisation however felt a little weak to me. I suppose the image I have in my head is that of the clever, cunning woman from myth, I just didn’t get that sense of her in this story.

What I was most looking forward to was Ariadne’s relationship with Dionysus. I suppose I was imagining a slow burn romance that would eventually help to heal the sting of Theseus’s betrayal. What we got instead was a rather staid instalove situation which felt really disappointing to me. When you have the chance to write a passionate relationship between a mortal and a god, but instead portray almost instantaneous shacking up and living in humdrum domesticity…well it seems like a wasted opportunity to portray an epic romance.

I was also slightly confused by Ariadne’s condemnation of Phaedra’s infatuation with Hippolytus. I couldn’t understand why she was so getting so antsy about Phaedra having the hots for her non blood relation stepson when she was literally married to her half…uncle? The ending felt a bit rushed too.

Perhaps this book tried to do too much. It might have been more enjoyable to read one story rather than both, although Phaedra’s was probably the most interesting overall. I was also slightly bemused by the emphasis on Ariadne and Phaedra’s blondness and the fairness of their skin. Yes, I know blonde Greek people exist, my grandmother was one, but it’s certainly not the norm for Cretans and the repeated mentioning of it seemed a bit weird and incongruous. It’s a small thing I know, but my mental Ariadne is definitely a brunette, as shown in ancient representations of her and representations of women from Knossos. I wasn’t expecting another version of Renault’s The King Must Die but perhaps a little more influence from real historical contexts might have felt more natural.

I am, unfortunately, putting this book down at 22%. I can't fault the writing—it's full of really great information and imagery, without being info-dumpy—but I personally just hate this kind of writing style. It's totally personal preference and I know I won't enjoy the book if I continue.

However, I'm very intrigued by the story so far and would be inclined to pick up the audiobook while it's available. Jennifer Saint has already made Ariadne a relatable narrator and crafted a really vivid world. This is a book I would recommend to fans of Circe, as the writing style is very similar. It's just, sadly, not to my taste.

Really brilliant, great for fans of Circe - brings to life a woman in Greek mythology who is often consigned to a footnote.

A retelling of Greek Mythology centering women in the storytelling, the titular Ariadne and her sister Phaedra. The story starts in the Cretean princesses childhood and charts the events of their lives. Usually told from the perspective of their father, their lovers, husbands and the gods that are the puppeteers of their fates, in the telling of the tale from another perspective we see the fury, the pain, the love and the happiness, the details of these women's live that have been footnotes for so long.
The book is both an education and entertainment. Like Ariadne's own tapestry it feels like a vast and carefully woven story that is part of something bigger. For those that enjoyed Circe, you will revel in feeling this another piece of the puzzle in place in your knowledge whilst also seeing a reflection of current issues, and possibly stirring you to action, or at least, make you question your inaction in certain inequalities.
I look forward to more books from Jennifer Saint, it says at the back of the book that she is working on a second Greek myth retelling coming soon.

I'm not very sure where to even begin with my review of this book.

So I suppose I'll begin by saying that this book was completely different from all my expectations for it. Where I was expecting a YA contemporary style retelling I instead got a literary fiction, in the best way possible. Despite the amount of greek mythology I have read, I wasn't very familiar with Ariadne. So reading the book was that much more impactful for me.

The story of Ariadne & in a lot of ways her sister was one of heartbreak, perseverance, frustration, and triumph.
The author does an incredible job of making you feel the frustrations of the characters. The frustration I and probably many women feel in mythology and in real life when history and the men in it attempt to shrink us down to minor antidotes in a man's story.

Though despite the obvious heartbreak & frustration present in Ariadne's and her sisters story, there is also triumph. Triumph from the fact that they finally get to tell their own stories on their own terms. That in this small but meaningful way they finally get the agency they deserved in the first
place. The ending of book was so unexpectedly poignant and impactful in a quiet sort of way that it will definitely stay with me for some time.

Jennifer Saint is definitely a phenomenal author and one to look out for. The way she was able to write Ariadne's story in such a unique and meaningful way is truly impressive and I am definitely looking forward to reading more of her work.

If you tell me a book is inspired by Greek mythology, it’s an auto-buy purchase. ARIADNE by Jennifer Saint is a retelling of the Theseus and the Minotaur myth with the narrative focussing on Ariadne. This is Ariadne’s story and the reader follows her mortal journey in a world of heroes and immortals. The author writes with lyrical prose and evocative imagery, weaving an unforgettable tale.

In so many of the Greek myths, the women are minor characters or completely silenced. They are all too often portrayed as a prize to be won by a hero or as a plaything for the gods. Women pay for the resentment, lust, greed, and arrogance of men, and this is repeated time and time again. The author firmly wrenches control of the narrative from the hands of male authors and centres women as the heroes of this story.

Alongside Ariadne, the story is also interspersed with the point of view of her younger sister, Phaedra. Stubborn, clever and feisty, Phaedra is an engaging character and was easy to relate to. The lives of both sisters are contrasted throughout the story and the reader is shown how marriage and motherhood shape them both. Men whittle away at both characters and a longing for escape is keenly felt.

One theme that shone throughout the book was that of sisterhood and the power of women. A tragic ending is inevitable but a sense of agency is retained by Ariadne and Phaedra as they rail against their bonds. ARIADNE is a powerful portrayal of two women living in an unjust and patriarchal society. I can only imagine what they would have done if unleashed from their gilded prisons and allowed to blaze their own glorious path through life.

My school days are far behind me,and my knowledge of Greek myths was always a bit rubbish.

Then came Circe. Now I know 89% of the reviews are probably going to mention that book. It was a great book.
This one is equally great.
Going in depth on the story of Ariadne, and the gods and their totally unjust ways.
Not that some mortals were much better.
I really enjoyed this book,and its sparked in me a desire to read the stories of some of the other characters... something I couldn't quite imagine saying a year ago.

Retellings of Greek myths are like catnip to me. I loved Song of Achilles, Circe, The Silence of the Girls and A Thousand Ships. Like them, Ariadne is told from the perspective of one of the women often mentioned only in passing in the more traditional versions. Ariadne is the daughter of Minos and Pasiphae, and half-sister of the Minotaur. Other than that and her being the possessor of a thread, I didn’t know Ariadne’s story so I had no idea of where she might end up or which people and gods might appear along the way.
Having grown accustomed to female leads who take things into their own hands, in the first part of the book I wasn’t sure I could get behind Ariadne; it was all a bit Theseus as dashing hero and Ariadne as doe-eyed follower. Perhaps that was unfair of me as she was only 18, had never left Crete and was under the oppressive rule of her father. That said, her younger sister Phaedra at 13 was full of fire, as Ariadne notes herself. Some chapters are told from Phaedra’s point of view, to the extent that she deserves a mention in the book’s title. I really liked Phaedra but at times she was unrealistically wise beyond her years.
In the end I don’t think Ariadne delivered on its potential. I liked the writing, I liked the characterisation; I just felt a little underwhelmed by the way the narrative progressed and concluded. It could be that I’ve missed the point – naively expecting a conventional story arc when perhaps Jennifer Saint was going for something a little less obvious, shining a light on just parts of the story. At times I felt as though I had missed a bit; for example, one moment Theseus and Ariadne lock eyes across the palace floor, the next he’s taking it for granted that she will flee with him to Athens and become his wife. I liked this book but didn’t love it.

Ariadne is the daughter of King Minos of Crete and the sister of the dreaded Minotaur. Every year, Athens sends fourteen young men and women as a sacrifice to the Minotaur, and Ariadne looks away, unable to bear her part in these atrocities. Then Theseus, prince of Athens, arrives as a sacrifice. She is so swayed by his virtue, honour, and handsome face, that she betrays her father to end the murders. But will her own sacrifice, the loss of her home and family, lead to a happy ever after, or will Theseus forget her in pursuit of his own fame and fortune?
This is a Greek mythology retelling that shifts the focus away from Theseus and his heroic exploits to become King of Athens. Instead, we explore the way women are treated by men and gods alike. They are tools for men to use and discard when their purpose is served and as a form of punishment when men go against the gods.
Ariadne cannot escape this truth, her mother is punished for her father’s greed, and the result is the Minotaur. The story is told predominantly from Ariadne’s point of view, her highs and lows, her acceptance of her position, as well as her attempts to change her fate. We are drawn in from the start as Ariadne is a caring character who loves to dance, and the action starts with her helping birth the Minotaur. She doesn’t see a monster; she sees a baby with calf eyes and soft fur. How can we not share her tenderness of this moment and later her grief for what her brother will become?
We also see some events from Phaedra, Ariadne’s sister, who acts as a foil to her sister. While Ariadne is cautious and wants a quiet life, Phaedra learns to influence men, so she has some authority. If you are unfamiliar with the story, I don’t want to spoil anything for you. So, instead of going into great detail, I will say that Phaedra is usually cast as a villain. But Saint explores her motivations, creating a more complex, sympathetic, believable character.
As this is a retelling and not a reimagining, the ending doesn’t change, making for a bittersweet ending. I both couldn’t put Ariadne down as much as I wanted to avoid finishing it. Jennifer Saint does an incredible job of developing character; we understand why the sisters behave the way they do. We sympathise with them in their different worlds, doing the best they can to survive in a male-dominated world. This brings tension to the ending because it won’t change the outcome, however much we might want it.
My only complaint is the ending felt rushed compared to the rest of the story. The world-building at the start is strong and luscious, creating the golden world of wealth and privilege in which Ariadne grows up. This doesn’t continue with the final showdown, which has rumbled in the background for a good portion of the book.
That complaint didn’t stop my enjoyment of Ariadne in all its beautiful, bittersweet glory. With a touch of romance and a strong feminist slant, Ariadne is perfect for fans of Greek mythology looking for a fresh take on their favourite tales.