I loved Ariadne, so I was very excited for Jennifer Saint's new book! Most of all, because Elektra is my favourite Greek tragedy, and I hadn't read a novel based on this story yet.
It's a gruesome story, and it delivers emotionally, and it's written very well. The only thing that I noticed is that she didn't add any new things or twists to the story, it was very true to the original. That's not an issue per se, more so a choice, but I had hoped for something more creative in that sense.

"Elektra" is a well-written retelling of the myths of Elektra, her mother Clytemnestra, and the cursed seer Cassandra of Troy.

I liked that the story was told from different perspectives and I particularly enjoyed Cassandra and Clytemnestra's perspectives. They were both interesting characters with tragic stories and I loved reading from their point of view.
Elektra was somewhat harder to like and empathize with because she is rather one-note and doesn't really grow or develop as a character at all. Her chapters were the weakest of the novel in my opinion.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this novel and I liked it much better than "Ariadne".

This is the story of Elektra, daughter of Agamemnon and Chlytmenstra. But also Chlytmenstra, twin sister of Helen (yep, that one) and wife of Agamemnon. And also Cassandra, mental captive of Apollo and physical captive of Agamemnon.

Like most Greek myth this an extremely tragic tale of loss and love and the rose tinted specs we put on to make the world seem like a less ghastly place.

I loved this retelling of Elektra though it felt more about Chlytmenstra for much of the book. Though I guess that was so we could understand all the small moments that make Elektra Elektra and adds insight to the decisions she makes. Unsurprisingly the writing was lovely and flowed smoothly throughout. All the characters had reason to passionately hate the world they were in and those moments were visceral and raw. But I think my favourite thing that Saint does is write tension, she writes beautiful captivating lines and I think she shines most in tense scenes. Here are some of my favourites!

This part is when the Greeks are in need of a sacrifice so that they can get their ships to Troy. Chlytmenstra senses something is wrong... "the taut drum of my stomach ached as though a band were tightening ever more mercilessly around me."  This line is then followed swiftly by a comment from Odysseus "But the gods will smile on us after tomorrow morning. I trust our ritual will bring the winds we need to see us swiftly on our way to Troy." 

The next two excerpts make up part of the tense ending...

"Liquid shadows ooze, pitch black, from every direction. The tormented screech of an owl makes me freeze, the flesh of my arms prickling into goosebumps. This is the ancient, primordial night that could have given rise to the vengeful Erinyes. It was from such a depth of darkness that they first stepped, from the formless oceans of Chaos, coursing with insatiable fury. Or else, they rose up from the bloodclotted earth, baying in vengeance when the titan Kronos sliced his own father open with the blade of his sickle. Whichever story is true, I can feel their presence, the stench of them carried on the breeze, the serpent-slithering sound of them, the cold hiss of their breath at my ear.

"But then I think perhaps he hears it too – the unfurling of leathery wings, the malevolent hiss of the serpents seeping down from the palace roof."

Being an avid reader and lover of Greek myth, I totally loved reading this book which follows the rough journey of three women Elektra, Cassandra and Clytemnestra through a patriarchal society, where they regularly undergo through trials and tribulations to solidify their existence and the story progresses with multiple POVs and it doesn't disturb the quality of the plot.
I'm looking forward to reading more works of madam saint.

Jennifer Saint is fast becoming the go to girl for Greek Mythology retellings with very strong leading ladies, I am just waiting for my retelling of Medusa now!!!

Elektra follows three very high profile women, the namesake Elektra, Cassandra and Clytemnestra, Navigating their perilous journeys through a very chauvinistic time period.

Unlike Ariadne this story follows three women and I sometimes find books from multiple viewpoints a little tedious, but that was not the case with this story, it was easy to follow and showed the true grit and determination to survive of these three women in three very different ways.

I cant wait to see what Jennifer does next, and I thank her and NetGalley for the e-ARC they provided me to review in return for an honest review.

This epic novel sweeps through the Greek mythology surrounding the Trojan war. As Paris and Helen flee to Troy from Sparta, Helen's husband, king of Sparta, Menelaus and all the other Achaean kings gather troops and wage war on Troy. We all know the story of how they eventually tricked their way into Troy in the giant horse, killing all the men and taking the women as trophies but not so much is known about what was happening 'back home', or what happened after the war. The women we hear from are Clytemnestra, sister of Helen and queen of Mycenae; Cassandra, princess of Troy and cursed priestess of Apollo; and of course Elektra, daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon. I won't spoil anything but Greek mythology is savage!

I simply cannot get enough of these feminist retellings of myth! This is the first one I've read by Jennifer Saint (although I do have a shiny hardback copy of Ariadne on my bookshelf too!). I love her writing. You don't need to be familiar with mythology to read this, it's very accessible. I do find though, that with digital copies, you can long press on a word/name, and the meaning or some surrounding info pops up - very handy! I would highly recommend this one.

I loved this book even more than Ariadne. I do t think I’ll ever get tired of the retelling of Greek myths. This is the story of three interconnected woman. My favourite if Jennifer Saint’s books. Loved, loved, loved it.

There's no hint of the difficult second novel in this new book and the narrative being split between the three women really works. Easy is unique but at no point incredible, and the story is retold well even with the wise words about perpetuating the curse being given to a male.
This tale was retold only recently by others in the classic retelling genre but this holds its own against them well.

I loved "Ariadne", so when I got the chance to read "Elektra" I was over the moon. Having read the book, I'm thrilled to say that I'm still there! Jennifer Saint writes characters that will haunt you for the rest of your days. The story flows so smoothly, the atmosphere is absorbing, and I didn't want this book to end. I hope Jennifer Saint has many more books planned!

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.

Another incredible feminist retelling from Jennifer Saint, Elektra follows three women who all have their lives altered by the Trojan War, Clytemnestra, the sister of Helen of Troy and wife of Agamemnon; Cassandra, Princess of Troy and Elektra daughter of Cleytemnestra and Agamemnon. Whilst I fully enjoyed this retelling, I do think Saint struggles to truly pack an emotional punch in the more climatic scenes, moments that should have been truly powerful fell a little flat for me however don't let that small element put you off, Elektra is definitely a book that should be on every Greek Mythology fan's tbr.

I had some mixed feelings about Saint’s previous book, Ariadne, but I was feeling hopeful about this one as I think she is genuinely a good writer with a lot of potential.

I think this is definitely a superior book to Ariadne. The focus seemed tighter and the narrative flowed better. Perhaps because the characters featured in this book have a more fleshed out story in myth whereas Ariadne’s is more nebulous? I can’t say for sure but it definitely feels like a more coherent piece of writing. The story itself is familiar to anyone with a rudimentary knowledge of the events of the Trojan War and classical literature, and Saint doesn’t really do anything new with it, the strength of the novel really lies in the characterisation of its female leads.

The book is split into three different points of view. Clytemnestra, sister of Helen of Troy and wife of Agamemnon. Elektra, daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon and Cassandra, Princess of Troy. These characters will be familiar to anyone interested in Greek myth and with the exception perhaps of Elektra, have been prominent characters in recent Greek myth retellings too. There is very little of Elektra at first as she is a child when most of the events that concern Clytemnestra and Cassandra take place.

Cassandra’s point of view was interesting. I haven’t really read any books where we get a real insight into the supernatural aspect of her powers and her encounter with Apollo. Usually, it seems to be either ignored completely or we don’t get a first-person insight into her inner voice. I felt like some things were perhaps tweaked with Clytemnestra’s behaviour towards her in order for Clytemnestra’s actions to remain justified, but I can see why the author made those choices. It’s difficult for her story to be anything other than terribly sad and that remains the same here.

The real strength in this book is Clytemnestra’s point of view. I really got a sense of her character and the depiction of motherhood and the devastation she feels at Agamemnon’s betrayal and Iphigenia’s death is absolutely shattering. I’d say it was the second-best portrayal of these events from Clytemnestra’s point of view after Colm Tóibín’s ‘House of Names’. There is something so incredibly heart-breaking about the death of Iphigenia, and Clytemnestra’s subsequent revenge can’t help but be anything but deeply satisfying. It feels strange to root for a character to murder someone but let’s face it, he deserved it.

This leads me onto Elektra. Unfortunately, Elektra is an unsympathetic character at the best of times, and I don’t think she is reformed here. There’s just something so deeply unlikeable about her in every iteration of her character and I’m not sure if she ever could be redeemed for me. I didn’t feel like her unfailing adulation of her father made sense within the context of the novel but then I don’t think it makes sense in the classical sources either. I’m also not sure why this novel was titled ‘Elektra’ as she is the character, we get the least insight into and well, she sucks. Maybe ‘Clytemnestra’ or ‘Cassandra’ was too long for a title?

There were some pacing issues at the end with a bit of a lull and then a sudden fast climax which felt a little rushed. It would have been interesting to see Helen’s point of view as well. As always, she remains an enigma. If you enjoy Greek myth retellings that are centred on the lives of women then you’ll most likely enjoy this one too.

Elektra is once again an enthralling story of three women often overlooked in mythology. It is quite a bit darker than Ariadne was – how could it not be, centred around this many murders as these interwoven stories are. I enjoyed this as a solid read, although I felt that the book tried to combine what should have been two separate stories into one, not giving either enough scope to delve deep enough. I wish that the book had entirely focused on Clytemnestra and Elektra, as I felt that the inclusion of Cassandra’s storyline meant that the nuances of the mother/daughter relationship, and especially the way it deteriorates and madness potentially creeps in after the sacrifice of Iphigenia didn’t have enough space to be explored in a manner that felt completely satisfactory. It felt like having the third perspective took up too much of the story but didn’t add quite enough in value.

But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy reading the book – I did very much. Saint’s writing is strong and evocative, and the story compelling. It conjures emotions throughout, as I don’t think there was any part of the book that left me cold (though, much of it was rage at our darling Agamemnon…), and that is truly a credit to the author. I am an absolute fiend for mythological retellings, and so the complaining I am doing here is really complaining on a very high level, please don’t get me wrong! I am very much looking forward to reading Saint’s next book, because more feminist retellings are always a win in my mind.

It’s interesting how a well-written retelling can get you completely enthralled in its plot and have you on your toes, even though you technically already know how the story ends. I know not everyone will be as familiar with these stories as I am, but it is something that always fascinates me. I think it may be part of why I fall in love with these stories so much – because I know the broad strokes, they are comforting, but because they are new interpretations, they are still new and exiting stories as a whole. Or maybe I’m just a weirdo. Who knows.

this was so good! the writing was good but also easy to read. i have limited knowledge of greek mythology but it was easy to understand, i didn’t have any problem reading this book. what set this book apart for me was the emotion. it felt like living inside their heads, even with 3 different perspectives. i think cassandra’s chapters were somewhat unnecessary for the story as a whole, but they weren’t uninteresting to read, so it was fine by me. i didn’t expect to like this book so much but i did!!

A feminist retelling of a Greek myth, so far, so captivating. This particular subgenre seems to be the "in thing" at the moment and I'm totally there for it. I enjoyed Ariadne immensely and was interested to see how Saint would flesh out and give voices to the women of this particular story. I knew the story would not be a happy one, given the subject matter, but Saint was wise to let these three women tell their own tale - what they had to tell was heart-breaking, gut-wrenching and packing a powerful emotional punch. The pain of Clytemnestra's loss, the cruelty of Cassandra's fate - Saint has made these figures so very real. Elektra was especially well written - rarely have I felt such intense ambivalence towards a character! I didn't like her or truly understand her until the very end when my feelings and understanding were turned on their head. The motivations and sacrifices of these women were so tragic and this book lays it all out raw and unfiltered before you and it's impossible not to feel empathy for their pain and grief.

A wonderful feminist myth retelling! Another brilliant book written by Saint. A great and original take on an a myth that wasn’t isn't as well known. I really enjoyed this and I can’t wait for more.

Hot on the heels of her smash-hit Ariadne comes Elektra, the newest novel from author Jennifer Saint, who has pleasingly stuck to reexamining Greek legend for her source material. This time the book follows the thoughts of a trio of mythical women: Clytemnestra, the sister of Helen and wife of war-mongering king Agamemnon: her daughter, the eponymous Elektra and Cassandra, doomed princess of Troy. In turn, these three women tell the story of their lives and choices running up to and after the Trojan Wars.

It’s not really a spoiler to mention plot elements first written about by ancient Greeks, but Saint’s masterful retelling does shine new light on these characters. The depiction of Cassandra’s “madness” is heartrending, and leaves you feeling guilty for accepting her diagnosis as “insane” in previous interpretations. Iphegenia’s sacrifice – told from the perspective of Clytemnestra, her mother, who is under the impression that her daughter is about to be married, not murdered – is absolutely beyond heartbreaking, starkly depicting the searing, unthinkable horror of the scene and trauma that occurs – which rolls on, unstoppably, into Elektra’s understandable fury at her mother’s subsequent actions. It’s as if Saint extends a hand to each of these snarling characters, cornered by their fates, enabling them to tell the story from their own perspective, point at their hurt and explain why they did what they did: after all, aren’t we all heroes in our own narratives? If you’re a fan of the contemporary movement to reexamine Greek myth, this will no doubt already be on your to-read pile: if you’re new to this world, Saint’s book is a superb point from which to strike out on your own literary odyssey.

Having some knowledge of Greek mythology, reading this was an odd experience of enjoyment (it’s an excellent read), tension (because I know what happens to these women) and sadness. Unless Saint had chosen to rewrite the stories of Cassandra and Clytemnestra, then tragedy was assured. I loved Ariadne, so I had high hopes for this book and I was not disappointed.

This story is, ostensibly, about Elektra, daughter of Clytemnestra (Helen of Troy’s sister) and Agamemnon (brother of Menelaus- the husband who lost Helen to Paris). However, her story is bracketed by two additional narrators: Cassandra and Clytemnestra. The purpose of this was clearly to give a deeper nuance to Elektra’s story, as well as giving her character motivation and agency.

I very much enjoyed having the multiple narrators, which really did expand the story. My favourite of the narrators was Cassandra, although hers was the saddest, knowing her end. I disliked Elektra thoroughly. Saint has written her delicately, making her a somewhat sympathetic character (the additional narrators helping with this), but I couldn’t warm to her and didn’t actually have any sympathy for her, unlike Cassandra and Clytemnestra. In some ways, it reminded me of My Sister’s Keeper, in which each narrator change shifted whose side I was on.

My only real complaint with the story is that the ending feels rather rushed. (The next paragraph contains no spoilers, so it might sound a bit murky, but I don't want to assume that everyone has a knowledge of Greek mythology.)

There are a couple of versions of Elektra’s story after the main events of her mythology, depending on which mythology you choose to “believe,” but they all run fairly close together. In Saint's book, she chooses to gloss over what could have been the deepest part of Elektra's character journey. We could see a broader painting of her regrets, what she feels about what she has done to her family, and how she feels about her version of justice being done. While this is mentioned, it is all more or less in passing, taking up a bare couple of pages. I would like to have read more about this, because although the mythology doesn’t expand much on this, it would have given Elektra as a character even more depth. Instead, it's like she ceases to exist once she has reached the culmination of her mythology's narrative. While, I suppose, there might be a reason for that (that she was a myth; that the point of her story ends when she sees justice done; that Saint is trying to make a point that I’m not smart enough to see etc.), I really would have like to have seen this part of her story painted with more attention by an author of Saint’s talent.

On the whole, it was an excellent read with strong narrative voices and Saint has, once again, breathed new life into little-considered female figures of Greek mythology. I would very much recommend to any lover of historical fiction, particularly fans of Circe and Ariadne.

As with many of the retellings of Greek myths that have been popular in recent years, I loved seeing the story of the House of Atreus told principally from the perspective of the women involved. Although Sophocles’ plays give these women richer source material than other women from Greek mythology, who are usually referenced incidentally as wives, daughters, or concubines, this retelling traces the lives, relationships, and conflicts of the women in this tale to a much greater extent.

Unlike the name suggests, we actually have chapters from the points of view of various female characters: from Clytemnestra at the point in time at which her sister Helen chooses Menelaus and she herself marries Agamemnon; from her daughter Elektra as her father goes off to war and her mother sides with his apparent usurper; and Cassandra as the Trojan war rages on and her premonitions are ignored or ridiculed.

It was a fascinating look into each of these characters, and a great addition to the genre. I would recommend this title to any fans of these mythological “retellings”, and look forward to seeing what comes next from this author.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

While there have been many retellings of stories from Greek mythology, particularly from the female perspective in recent years, Jennifer Saint’s Elektra is a refreshing and intriguing book focusing on some of the lesser-known female figures. Told from multiple points of view, Saint manages to give a voice to Clytemnestra, wife of Agamemnon, Cassandra- a daughter of Troy and finally, Elektra, the loyal daughter of Agamemnon. I love mythology and particularly the story of Trojan war so I knew that I was going to enjoy seeing how Saint brings the female voices from this story to life. Although the book is titled after her, Elektra’s voice is only really heard in the final quarter of the book. Initially, we get to see a young Clytemnestra with her infamous sister, Helen, and how they grew up and met their respective husbands. Saint sets the scene for what is to come later in the more well-known part of the story of Troy and I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Clytemnestra and her sister develop. Taking place over several decades, the pace of the story fluctuates in keeping with the moment that the author is presenting to the reader. Time seems to stand still in poignant moments, heightening and emphasising the emotional responses of the character in question.

This story really focuses on how each of the female characters are subjugated by their male family members and society in general. The characters are all flawed and at times, it was very difficult to like them or their actions, particularly in the case of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon. Saint is not afraid to present her characters in this realistic manner which can be tricky when bringing mythological figures to life on the page. I love how each of the three protagonists are strong-willed and not afraid to go against the gendered norms. Saint manages to breathe new life into the characters. Elektra will inspire many readers to go found out more about this Greek myth!

If you have read The Song of Achilles, Circe, The Women of Troy or Daughters of Troy, Elektra needs to be added to your list.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publishers for the eARC in exchange for my review. Elektra will be published on the 28th of April.

I really enjoyed Elektra! It was interesting and fast paced whilst offering something different to retellings; I know the story of the Trojan War, I didn't know much about Elektra as a character so the last quarter was new to me. When I read Ariadne, it wasn't a favourite, maybe because the origin myth is fairly small so there wasn't much to flesh out (hate that term haha). I enjoyed this story lots more and feel like the characters are much more dimensional and dynamic 😊.

I'd really recommend this if you like myth retellings! 🌟 The God's aren't directly in this story, but this book is a great example of the cycles, fate and suffering at the hands of the God's that is shown throughout different mythologies.