Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Books for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a massive fan of Greek mythology, especially retellings from a female POV. Atalanta is a character who I didn't know much about going into this book so, unlike some retellings, I was really not sure what to expect! I was hooked from the start and really enjoyed that the story followed Atalanta throughout her life, but was also peppered with mentions of other Greek myths that are a lot more well known. It made the story feel new and exciting, with a nice familiarity to it.

The ending was tragic, but not unexpected. The pacing made the last 20% of the book feel a little rushed, but it also could have been because it was ramping up to the end (I won't spoil it here).

I'm quickly becoming a big fan of Jennifer Saint! I'm so excited to have been approved for an ARC of her next book, Hera, so will be reading that soon!

4.5 stars!

I absolutely loved this book. I have read a few books recently where it has taken me a while to get into it or I wasn’t sure if I would like it. But this book had me hooked from the first chapter.

I really enjoyed Jennifer Saint’s writing style. The book was beautifully written. I love a strong female lead and that’s exactly what Atalanta was. I hadn’t really heard her story before but I appreciated that she was human yet she could easily rival those from gods.

I also really enjoyed all of the characters that met throughout the book. It was nice to see some of them from an alternate perspective.

The ending was unfortunate and half sad. I understand that the ending was fated but I still wanted a happy ending for Atalanta as she seemed to be continuously fighting an uphill battle. This was was brought down the rating for me, so it was definitely personal choice about the ending rather than the writing itself.

I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone and I am so excited to read the rest of Jennifer Saint’s books.

Atalanta is a gorgeous retelling of the lesser-known Greek Mythology tale.
I had never known the depths of the story before reading this and now it is one that I won't forget. Saint weaves the story of Atalanta, from her birth and being left to die, being raised by the bears and the forest, her time as a nymph and her journey with the Argonauts to collect the Golden Fleece. The first half of the book was beautiful, detailing her connection to the land, the women that raised her and the Goddess Artemis. We see her grow as a women and as a warrior, becoming more independent by the day.

The second half of the book is grittier - we follow her on her journey across the seas with fifty men to collect the Fleece. Here, Atalanta's patient and vows are tested as she becomes closer to one of the men. The crew fight a series of battles before they may be victorious. And like any Greek Mythology tale, it ends in tragedy. The ending only slightly fell off for me as I felt a disconnect between Atlanta and her emotions - with so much tragedy (death, exile etc) I felt there would surely be more grief.

When a daughter is born to the King of Arcadia, she brings only disappointment.
Left exposed on a mountainside, the defenceless infant Atalanta is left to the mercy of a passing mother bear and raised alongside the cubs under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis.
Swearing that she will prove her worth alongside the famed heroes of Greece, Atalanta leaves her forest to join Jason’s band of Argonauts. But can she carve out her own place in the legends in a world made for men?


Jennifer Saint retells greek mythology tales in the voice of strong female leads. Alike her previous novels 'Ariadne' and 'Elektra', Jennifer shares Atalanta's story that we don't get to see in greek myths.

She beautifully writes Atalanta's strengths and flaws, keeping Atlanta true to her beliefs and heroic alongside the Argonauts. The story follows her journey from childhood, where she learnt to hold her own and never deem herself less than a man. Throughout the book, she makes bold choices and takes control of her own life, allowing for a tale of adventure and risk in a magical and vivid perspective.

Atalanta's journey was engaging and beautifully written. Like her previous books, 'Atalanta' is a strong recommendation for any reader who loves greek mythology mixed with feminist courage.

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jennifer Saint and Wildfire for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Book Review
Title: Atalanta
Author: Jennifer Saint
Rating: 4/4

I have started 2024 with an obsession of Greek Mythology retelling, I was so very excited to get to read this retelling.
When the king of Arcadia’s baby is born and it’s a girl, she if left defenceless on the side of a mountain. She is raised by a mother bear with her cubs.
The goddess Artemis keeps a protective eye on the child. She grows up swearing to prove her worth alongside the famed heroes of Greece. Can she carve out her own place in the legends in a world made for men?
I went into this book not knowing any of the myths of Atalanta and was so happy I got to read this. Jennifer Saint did such an amazing job giving this retelling a heroic feminist twist. I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. The characters were written so well, she gives them such an relatable realistic flaws and strengths.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Greek mythology or getting into it.

Shannon

Mythology has always been an interest of mine. From Celtic to Greek, these stories have passed the test of time and seeped into modern literature in many interesting, creative ways. The retelling of Greek myths is such a popular genre that there is a plethora of stories to dive into, and Jennifer Saint's Atalanta is a must-read.

Jennifer Saint has done it again with an amazing retelling of the Greek mythos intertwined with a feminist twist that is sure to enthral any reader. heroine. This time, Saint gives us the tale of Greek heroine, Atalanta, and her amazing story as the only female Argonaut, champion of Artemis and Princess of Arcadia. But she is by no means your stereotypical princess; raised by bears, Artemis and nymphs, Atalanta proves herself a fearsome fighter, hunter and beloved figure (both in the novel and for readers). She is a role model brought into the 21st Century as she is true to herself, both her virtues and her faults, and apologises to no one for who she is—a beautiful piece of wisdom for any young reader to hear.

I couldn't put this book down, once I started it took everything in me not to immediately devour the novel in one sitting because the worldbuilding was so lovely I just wanted to stay in it as long as I could. What I appreciate about Saint's writing is that she is unapologetic in showing the characters' flaws as well as their virtues, making them more rounded and more enjoyable to read. This made me fall in love with the novel even more as it brought a greater depth to the plot that these conflicts create sparks of interest in the story.

Overall, Atalanta was an amazing, adventure-filled novel that has you on the edge of your seat wanting more. This is a definite must-read for any Greek myth fans, fans of mythology retellings and fantasy readers who love a strong female character.

Thank you, NetGalley and Headline for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to @headlinebooks and @netgalley
for enabling my Greek myth retelling obsession with this ARC 👏

Plot: When a daughter is born to the King of Arcadia, she brings only disappointment.
Left exposed on a mountainside, the defenceless infant Atalanta is left to the mercy of a passing mother bear and raised alongside the cubs under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis.
Swearing that she will prove her worth alongside the famed heroes of Greece, Atalanta leaves her forest to join Jason's band of Argonauts. But can she carve out her own place in the legends in a world made for men?

Review:
First - I always find it hard to post a pic review of an e-book so I went for a landscape that I could imagine Atalanta running across 🏃‍♀️

Secondly - how had I never heard of Atalanta?! This is why myth retellings are so important, they give a voice to the hidden, belittled and under-celebrated women. I thought Atalanta was badasse, heroic and yet super relatable/human - such a great depiction by Jennifer Saint. Despite some reviews I've seen I did find this a strongly feminist retelling with the tenacious and determined Atalanta at the helm. It was realistic in the sexism and barriers she faced, with more of a focus on her sizeable contribution to the Argonauts & discovery of self, rather than rewriting the story. Jason definitely didn't emerge the hero and was lacklustre that I definitely think was intentional and brilliantly done by Saint.

I also really love how Saint imagines the gods - with all their petty squabbles, competitiveness and hypocritical generosity. Artemis would protect you, to an extent...

The ending left me absolutely speechless but in the best way as I didn't know what to expect. Overall - a fab retelling that has definitely got me intrigued to find out more about Atalanta, Medea and Jason.

I cannot wait to read Elektra next!

Atalanta is the daughter of a king who unfortunately wanted a son so he decided to abondon her on the side of a mountain. Raised by bears until she is taken in and protected by Artemis, where she learns to hunt and eventually joins Jason and his Argonauts as the only woman on their quest to find the Golden Fleece.

I enjoyed watching Atalanta discover who she was and watching her prove that she is just as capable as the other men on the quest, if not more so.

What brought the rating down for me was 1. how long winded some of the descriptions and sentences were. I understand wanting to be descriptive but sometimes there was just too much.
2. I felt no connection to any of the other characters, they were all a bit flat for me, tbh I barely felt a connection to Atalanta but at least she was fleshed out a bit more.

I eagerly awaited this novel, firstly after reading Jennifer Saint’s previous retellings of women from Greek mythology, but also because I was aware of Atalanta’s story, and her connection with the goddess Artemis and the Argo voyage.
In essence, the novel follows the various mythological references of Atalanta’s life, both growing up as a devotee of Artemis after being raised by a bear, her journey as the only female Argonaut, being reclaimed by her father following the Calydonian boar hunt and the subsequent events.
So, why did I finish the novel disappointed? The portrayal of Artemis is somewhat flat. While I appreciate this is the story of Atlanta, I was surprised at the limited depiction of the goddess. That Atalanta is so quickly and easily consumed by romantic connection on her quest on the Argo felt so completely contradictory with all that we learn about her before. Why would she so easily be swayed from her oath? Saint’s adoption of such a simplistic and predictable device in retelling the story is at odds with the concept of bringing such a powerful and independent woman to life from the myths, given the author’s subject knowledge and writing skill. So, three stars from me; I applaud that Saint brings awareness to Atalanta, but I think that she could have done it better.

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Well written intelligent storytelling with excellent characterisation throughout, before reading this I had never heard of our heroine. The blurb makes a great deal about Atalanta being the only female to travel with Jason and his Argonauts but in many ways the story glosses over this epic tale. There is the Golden Fleece grab it and let's go almost. Nevertheless this is an enjoyable entertaining read.
Recommended.

Fantastic The heroic story of the only female Argonaut, Perfect read to lift your spirits and keep you hooked… Will keep you up late at night

Jennifer Saint's "Atalanta" is a beautifully woven tapestry of myth and womanhood, offering a fresh perspective on one of Greek mythology's most intriguing heroines. In this novel, Saint delves into the legend of Atalanta, a character often overshadowed in traditional myths, bringing her story vividly to life with rich detail and emotional depth.

"Atalanta" retells the story of its titular character, a renowned heroine and huntress, famed for her unmatched speed and unwavering determination. Abandoned at birth and raised by bears, Atalanta's journey is one of survival against the odds. Her narrative intertwines with those of other mythological figures, exploring themes of destiny, choice, and the struggle for autonomy in a world governed by gods and men. As Atalanta navigates a path fraught with challenges, the novel reimagines her life from her perspective, giving voice to a character often defined by her relationships with male heroes.

Saint excels at exploring the intricacies of mythological stories through a modern lens, focusing on themes of female empowerment, identity, and resistance. The portrayal of Atalanta is multifaceted, highlighting her strengths and vulnerabilities in equal measure. The novel also addresses the constraints placed on women in ancient Greek society, making the story resonate with contemporary themes of gender and power dynamics.

I was captivated by Saint's lyrical prose and her ability to breathe new life into a familiar myth. "Atalanta" is not just a retelling but a reclamation of a story, with Saint's version of Atalanta standing out as a fully realised, complex character. The novel’s pacing is well-handled, balancing the fantastical elements of the myth with character-driven storytelling.

While "Atalanta" is a compelling read, some readers familiar with Greek mythology might find certain creative liberties taken with the source material to be a point of contention. Additionally, the novel's focus on character development and introspection sometimes slows the narrative's momentum. However, these aspects do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

In the growing genre of mythological retellings, "Atalanta" holds its own alongside works like "Circe" by Madeline Miller. Jennifer Saint's ability to reimagine a classic tale with a contemporary feminist perspective is both engaging and thought-provoking.

This novel is recommended for fans of Greek mythology and historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy seeing classic tales reinterpreted through a modern, feminist lens. It will appeal to readers who appreciate character-driven narratives that explore timeless themes in new and meaningful ways.

Jennifer Saint's "Atalanta" is a triumph of storytelling, offering a nuanced and empowering portrayal of a legendary figure. The novel blends myth and reality with skill and sensitivity, creating a narrative that is both timeless and timely. A well-deserved four stars for a book that celebrates the strength and complexity of its heroine.

I haven’t read any of Jennifer Saint’s work before but I love a book with strong female characters and I really loved the cover so was keen to dive in. This is a reimagining of the story of Atalanta, a gifted mortal who joins the Argonauts on their quest as the only woman among them. Within the book she is portrayed as a woman who challenges traditional gender roles - basically, she’s fearless and kicks ass
I’m now off to buy Ariadne and Elektra.
A highly recommended read for those of us who love Greek mythology.

3.75 stars!!
I LOVE greek mythology and this was such a good retelling. I don’t actually know the story of Atalanta but enjoyed this so much.
I loved how strong Atalanta was, although naive, didn’t take anyone's shit. We love a woman who speaks her mind and fights for what she wants.
I didn’t care about the romance, I was more interested in the adventure and plot which is a surprise for me.
I’m going to go read all Jennifer Saints the retellings now.

All of Jennifer Saint's books have been a smash hit with our students and I have no doubt this one will be the same! A story I didn't know, but one I won:t forget in a long time.

WOW! What can I say about this book? I absolutely loved it and was hooked from the first page until the last page. Written from the point of view of Atalanta it certainly gave a different perspective on the classical world. As someone who loved studying classical civilisations at school I absolutely loved this book and it reignited my passion for classical history once more. Can't wait to read more of Jennifer Saint's books!

I have to say, this is Jennifer Saint’s best retelling yet.

There’s something I love about a single-perspective retelling, and this one does it especially well.

It might be because I don’t know all that much about the Argonauts’ story, but even though their quest was long and filled a good portion of the book, it didn’t feel tiring to read.

Atalanta’s journey, the one she goes through with herself, the other members of the quest, and her patron Artemis, was the highlight of the book!

7/10

I enjoyed this book, but wanted more. I had barely heard of Atalanta before and that was a chief motivator to read it. And I did find out more about her, and I liked how the author explored the role of women in antiquity and the reactions of the various men to Atalanta joining the Argonauts and her journey to be accepted by them and prove herself, as well as dealing with the prejudice of the wider world. All that was good. I also really liked the narrator, and the prose. It flowed really well.

I'd just say that outside of Atalanta, every character was bland. If I didnt already know about Jason and Hercules and Peleus, I'd barely be able to differentiate them. Because of that, the plot and character interactions just didn't do much for me.