While the story sags here and there, the ending is so beautiful it makes every moment leading up to it worth the wait. Author Saint-author of Elektra (2022) and Ariadne (2021)-has written another captivating protagonist who challenges the status quo to demonstrate the power of women when the odds stack against them. Like most other gods and goddesses, Artemis is a demanding and punishing champion. It’s not just people Atalanta has to worry about, either. And even when she proves them wrong, they find ways to diminish her. How can a woman be among the world’s best warriors, a hero poets will sing about for all time? To most minds, it’s impossible. While all the Argonauts encounter tests of their strengths, Atalanta alone faces constant disdain. Most of the crew of the Argo, her fellow Argonauts, don’t make it easy, but she does find allies, including the famed Orpheus and an uncharacteristically egalitarian fellow named Meleager who becomes her lover as they journey for the legendary fleece. Atalanta, who has never been among other people, let alone a group of men-some the sons of gods, others the greatest heroes and adventurers in the land-must prove herself worthy of her place in history. She sends Atalanta to join the quest for the Golden Fleece to bring glory to her name. In other words, she’s made in Artemis’ image, and the goddess has plans for her. She’s faster than any mortal, independent, and confident. A baby girl is left to die on a mountainside but survives under the goddess Artemis’ protection.ĭeep in the Arcadian forest, secluded from Greek society, Atalanta grows into a formidable huntress.

Jennifer saint book