Ariadne in Chapter Addicts

Aug 02, 2021 David Peck rated it really liked it

YA Greek myth retellings are my niche. I love greek mythology and to see these amazing writers weave a new tapestry of a story that feels so familiar yet uniquely it’s own is just fantastic. While I knew this myth well I was curious to see what direction Jennifer Saint would go in in retelling the story. The path she took was a good one that I was happy to follow along. The most remarkable moment of writing in this book is how real she made a relationship between a sibling feel like. Ariadne and ...more

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May 20, 2021 akacya ❦ rated it really liked it

Shelves: retellings, genre-fantasy, audience-adult, format-ebook

Ariadne is a beautiful retelling of the classic story of Theseus and the Minotaur. This time, though, the story has a much greater emphasis on Ariadne, who is often overlooked in these stories.

This was a lovely book. Jennifer Saint has a beautiful writing style perfect, in my opinion, for writing stories based on Greek mythology. This story also focused on Phaedra, Ariadne’s younger sister, and the development of their relationship was great, too. Overall, this was an awesome read and I recommen ...more

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Mar 27, 2021 Natasha Leighton rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021, historical-fantasy, net-galley-reviews

A powerfully poignant and female driven retelling of Theseus and the Minotaur. In the same vein as Circe by Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint explores the previously silenced voices of the women who were Subjucated,objectified and victimised at the hands of both men and Gods.

Here, this retelling follows the lives of the Princesses of Crete, Ariadne and Phaedra- from their role in the defeat of the infamous Minotaur, to the tragic events that shape both of their futures.

I cannot put into words how A powerfully poignant and female driven retelling of Theseus and the Minotaur. In the same vein as Circe by Madeline Miller, Jennifer Saint explores the previously silenced voices of the women who were Subjucated,objectified and victimised at the hands of both men and Gods.

Here, this retelling follows the lives of the Princesses of Crete, Ariadne and Phaedra- from their role in the defeat of the infamous Minotaur, to the tragic events that shape both of their futures.

I cannot put into words how much I loved this. Another phenomenal female centric Greek inspired retelling that I just couldn’t get enough of. Both sisters were well written and I enjoyed the juxtaposition of their similar life experiences (of marriage and motherhood) despite the differing circumstances that led them there.

Saint’s portrayal of these women provides a glimpse at how little autonomy women have had over their own lives throughout history and the vilification of those few who’d dare try.

The pacing was a little slow in the first half of the book but soon picked up as events unfolded. I loved the writing style which at times was beautifully poetic. Phaedra, as a character did annoy me a little at first but, I really sympathised with her and her sister. I was also impressed with how Medusa’s story is used to portray double standards-women being punished for the sins of men (and Gods), which becomes a life lesson for the princesses (as does the story of Scylla).

Likewise, the male characters (Theseus, Minos,etc.) were less in depth than our female protagonists which served the narrative well (I quite liked the refreshing role reversal) with Ariadne and Phaedra the sole focus. I really wasn’t ready for that ending,it brought tears to my eyes. Truly breathtaking.

Overall, Jennifer Saint’s stunningly impressive debut is an unmissable page turner, that has me eagerly anticipating her next retelling. Recommended to all historical fiction lovers and fans of Madeline Miller.

And also a huge thank you to Headline and NetGalley for the ARC. ...more

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Nov 27, 2021 Peyyyreads rated it it was amazing

"I would not let a man who knew the value of nothing make me doubt the value of myself."
OMG 5 FREAKIN STARS. i read this book in 2 sittings and if you liked circe you will love this book. there were so many great quotes and i just loved this and it enraptured me. ...more

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Aug 10, 2023 Nyx rated it really liked it

4.5 ⭐️

The novel plays off the heroic conquests and deeds of Theseus, Dionysus, Perseus, and even Zeus through the perspective of a woman. From this point of view readers can easily see how said heroes gain their fame at the cost of women’s pain and suffering.

Ariadne, Phaedra, and so many others from these myths had so much potential to be great women, but were stunted and restrained by men and their egos. Although, these women didn’t have many options in what they could do, they still managed t ...more

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