Bad Bitches of Antiquity: Badass Stories from Mythology's Fiercest Goddesses, Heroines, Warriors, and Titans

by Lorelei Wilder

Who ran the ancient world? Girls.

Bad Bitches of Antiquity is the modern compendium of mythological women who used their powers, prowess, mischief, and cleverness to make moves, exact revenge, bestow miracles, and cunningly control the comings and goings of mortals and gods alike.

Discover 50 charmingly relatable feminist legends—from Medusa to the Morrígan, Amaterasu to Araweelo, Parvati to Pele, Skadi to Sekhmet—who span cultures and eras. Step into their stories
Save the world from arrogant demons with the Hindu warrior goddess Durga. Best heroes in both life and battle with the Greek heroine Atalanta. Drag thieving mortals to the depths of the river with the African water spirit Mami Wata. Claw your way to the moon for love with the Mayan jaguar goddess Ixchel.
Each captivating tale embraces the multitudes within these mythical women to present them with the grace, mirth, and reverence they deserve.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, History, Feminism

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 22, 2025

Reviews

[S. ≽^•⩊•^≼ I'm not here yet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay for me, short, punchy, and full of goddesses and female warriors from across mythological cultures. It reads a bit like a mythological Wikipedia, organized into love, warrior, and other categories. That can be fun, but I think readers without some prior background in these myths may struggle to get the most out of it. I had no problem with the Greek sections, but the parts on India and Africa felt harder to connect with, as if I’d been dropped into the middle of a story I didn’t quite recall. The illustrations are beautiful, though, and there are plenty of personal authorial notes, which may resonate with some readers but left me feeling more detached than engaged.

Thank you to Ninth Bridge and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest opinion.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book! My opinions are my own and are freely given.

This is the perfect book if you want to learn more about women from mythology, gain a firm understanding on their stories, but don't want to struggle with long boring texts. Each story is told in just a few pages, condensed enough that you get all the details you need without the feeling it was rushed.

The illustrations are amazing. I am so happy to see an author not using AI for their artwork. This illustrator was amazing.

Loved the book so much!

[Megan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feminist retelling of the most formidable women in world mythology.

Move over, Zeus. The most powerful goddesses, mortals, and sorceresses of the ancient world have something to say. Bad Bitches of Antiquity is the modern compendium of badass mythological women who used their powers, prowess, mischief, and cleverness to make moves, exact revenge, bestow miracles, and cleverly control the comings and goings of mortals and gods alike.

This timely—and timeless—book takes a fresh look at the unforgettable women of mythology, answering questions such

Was Demeter a forlorn mother who lost her child or the reason for the seasons? Is Ariadne merely the wife of Dionysus or a keeper of labyrinths worthy of a constellation? Was Ixchel a simple fertility goddess or a fierce protector of women? From Medusa to the Morrígan, Atalanta to Athena, and Persephone to Pele, readers will discover the empowering and relatable truth behind the immortal curtain of their favorite tales. Each captivating story embraces the multitudes within these mythical women to present them with the grace, humor, and hint of irreverence they truly deserve.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
When mythology is discussed, sometimes it immediately goes to the many men who flood human oral and written history. Yet, just as with the human population, there are as many women written in mythology, maybe even more. However, they are not as widely discussed or viewed well. Lorelei Wilder's Bad Bitches of Antiquity strips away pretences and looks at the original stories of the women in mythology across the world, from Greek mythology to Hinduism.

I absolutely adored Wilder's book. She writes in such a fun, simplistic, yet heartfelt way that you are engrossed by page one and refuse to put down until the end. I enjoyed how Wilder doesn't separate mythologies; instead, she places them into their symbols, resilience, powers and the symbols they represent to the past and present. I also love how Wilder doesn't only write about their virtues, but she writes them so humanly that one could forget they aren't.

Overall, Bad Bitches of Antiquity: Badass Stories from Mythology's Fiercest Goddesses, Heroines, Warriors, and Titans is a brilliantly funny read that strips away the pretence and retellings of women in mythologies and returns them to their original states, while also giving them the recognition they deserve. I recommend this to anyone who loves women in mythology and women's history.

Thank you, NetGalley and BenBella Books, for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennyfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

History is written by the victors, and mythology is written by men.

Bad Bitches of Antiquity turns that on its head, featuring the wronged women that misogyny has turned into monsters, telling their side of the stories and showing their power and determination in the face of horrifying adversity.

This is such a good book! These myths are retold with a modern, feminist voice (and editorial asides that say what we're all thinking) - detailing the myth, the woman's side. the mythological backstory behind the legends, and of course, the badass power move of each woman that makes her legendary.

This book is filled with 50 goddesses, sorceress and witches from across the globe - not just the familiar Greek stories we know, but African, Welsh, Hindu, Chinese, Hawaiian, Shinto, Mesopotamian, Norse, Mayan, Sumerian, Colombian, Egyptian, Irish. Many cultures are represented here, with stories of strong women.

Each story is only a handful of pages, so this would be a good book to dip in and out of, particularly if one is learning about mythology). The artwork includes simple, clear motifs alongside illustrations of each goddess.

I purchased the audiobook in addition to this, and the narration by Ozzie Jacobs was perfect for the book with equal measures of sass and gravitas .

~This is a NetGalley ARC. All opinions are my own~

[Méli ☀︎]

I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

I had to DNF that one, sadly. I expected factual introductions to various women, with their history, their background... Instead, it's a succession of short vignettes in the 3rd-person POV of each woman, giving a very superficial and not even fully correct account of their story. The whole thing is written in a very sarcastic tone, which could have worked better if it wasn't to the detriment of quality. As it is, I feel like the author was more focused on writing funny quips than on actually faithfully representing these women. Could be a fun read if you're completely new to the subject and/or just want some light reading but I was hoping for something with far more depth, that I could learn from.

[Waverli Almand · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC received through Edelweiss

This experience was like reading a millennial's blog about ancient goddesses. At first, I was a little off-put by the tone because it felt a little too “chronically online”, but I found myself entertained throughout. I am a Greek mythology lover so this was right up my alley, but I also learned about a lot of goddesses that I had previously never heard of! Nonfiction isn't usually my go-to genre, but I enjoyed this quick, snappy read. Plus, the illustrations were so pretty! Reminded me of tarot -- I can definitely see this book being enjoyed by feminist, witchy gals that like their nonfiction with a healthy dose of humor.

[Silvia RoMa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the perfect if you want to learn the basics about women from mythology, their story is told in a very summarised way. However, it's told brilliantly, the book is very compelling and witty.

It was a really fun and interesting read. I found myself unable to stop reading this, I laughed a lot at some of the sarcastic remarks the author includes here.

I loved the book and I hope we get more books by the author, on women and mythology. I really need to know more about his heroines.

Thanks so much to NetGalley, Brilliance Publishing and Brilliance Audio for this ALC. All opinions are my own.

[Vish · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

*Bad Bitches of Antiquity* by Lorelei Wilder is a lighthearted, empowering introduction to some of the fiercest women from global mythology. With each figure presented in short, digestible chapters, this book is ideal for readers looking to dip into mythology without the overwhelm of dense academic texts.

I loved the range of stories covered—many from cultures and traditions not always given the spotlight—and I especially appreciated how accessible and fun the writing was. It reads like a modern campfire retelling, and it’s clear the author wanted to make these legends feel alive and relevant.

That said, I often found myself wishing for more depth. Some entries felt too brief or simplified, and while I understand the goal may have been approachability, I think a bit more nuance—especially for the more complex myths—would’ve added impact. This works best as a starting point, encouraging further reading and discovery.

The audiobook narration by **Ozzie Jacobs** was a standout. Her performance brought each goddess and mythic woman to life with a warm, storytelling tone that made the experience feel cozy and immersive. It was like listening to stories from a sharp, witty aunt with a knack for drama and timing.

Minor nitpick: some inaccuracies in how Hindu mythology was handled—like confusing “Hindi” (a language) with “Hindu” (a follower of the religion)—stood out. These details matter, especially in a book about reclaiming representation.

Still, this was a thoroughly enjoyable listen. It’s engaging, celebratory, and gives powerful women the spotlight they deserve.

Format: Audiobook, Narrator: Ozzie Jacobs

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad Bitches of Antiquity is a collection of quick stories about notable female characters in ancient history. Author Lorelei Wilder gives each of her goddesses, heroines, warriors and titans a quick history and retelling of their major story arc. She was a great job, framing the female characters in positive or kick butt light.

Though I enjoyed the focus on female character characters in integrity, I found that the delivery of the stories to be a little confusing. Stories bounced around from different mythologies, and time frames without a lot of flow between them. I think a different organization might’ve made this easier to follow along with.

The audiobook narrated by Ozzie Jacobs was very vibrant and enthusiastic. Reading had a very young feel to it and made this audiobook very accessible for younger readers interested in the subject. I enjoyed the narration in the fresh take their voice gave along with the style of storytelling the author Used.

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start with a few admissions so you know where I am coming from with this review. I was a huge Greek mythology fan in school and watched Hercules and Xena weekly. Many of the greek b's in the book are villains in one form or another in those two shows. This book looks at those same woman from another side. However, as the beginning of Hercules points out "Ancients Gods were Petty and Cruel." That cruelness rings through in many of these stories. Medusa is a monster if you watch the popular version of her. However, if you read these story, a story told by a woman, she suffered and was punished for being victimized. Truthfully, jealous Athena found an excuse to hurt someone pretty than her. Medusa may have changed and she may have become a monster but that change that made her a bad b was inspired by a worse b. Woman are strong and the myths we know only tell the story from the perspective of the story teller. If I again look at Hercules, he encountered Arachne and she was a monster killing men indiscriminately. However, there was more to her story as well. Yes, she did suffer from being boastful and cocky but that was no reason our goddess b made her a spider. Here again we have a story that has two sides but one is more commonly told.
The author did a nice job of compiling these stories and making them interesting by telling both sides. Yes, Medusa was a monster but she was a monster because others made her that way. She was also a mortal woman with a kind heart but that Medusa does not make a good story.
I will admit to only reading the stories of the Greek woman in this pass because they are familiar. However, even the familiar stories were eye opening when the other information was added.
There are some great paranormal romances that pick up on the greek b's in this story and flesh those characters out and give them another side. I would recommend if you enjoyed reading this as I did that you also check out Medusa's story by Alessa Thorn. Her Medusa is this Meuda, a bad b who deserves a life and in the story I mentioned fights to get it.
The book reminds us that as woman we are judged through a male eye many times and what we as women see as strong a man may see as us being a bad b. I enjoyed the stories, Each story is short and you can pick and choose which ones to read and in what order. In my case, I mixed in a few stories at a time instead of reading in one seating.
Thanks to NetGalley and BenBella Books | Ninth Bridge and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC..

[MoonlightCupOfCocoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BenBella Books and Netgalley for the advance copy! As always, all opinions shared below are 100% my own.

I think I found the coffee table book I've been searching for. For the longest time I've searched for a book that not only spoke to my interests but could spark conversation. I think this is it.

"Bad Bitches of Antiquity" by Lorelei Wilder is a collection of fifty bite-sized chapters featuring epic female and nonbinary figures from antiquity. While we have some names that are more familiar, such as Aphrodite, Athena and Clytemnestra, we're also introduced to many others that I personally hadn't heard of. I was impressed that so many cultures were covered: Greek, Egyptian, African, Indian, Mesopotamian, Hawaiian and more! That being said, the focus was still mostly on Ancient Greek mythology (I believe I counted 25 Greek Goddesses and Demigods out of the 50 entries).

While I wish we'd been able to dig deeper into the stories, especially that ones that were new to me, I understand that the focus of the book is lighthearted introductions that are accessible and fun. Because of that, some of the myths that have more than one telling or more nuanced details were at times distilled to a more generic, surface level. Think of them as an invitation to dig deeper into your favourite stories.

As the title of the book should indicate, the general tone of the book is casual and filled with modern slang. That makes this again a very accessible read, but can be a deterrent if one is expecting a more somber tone especially when it comes to darker topics covered in the stories. That being said, I knew exactly what to expect again from the title so I didn't mind this!

The absolute best thing about the book, however, is the art. Most of the stories are accompanied with gorgeous illustrations that I wish I could purchase as wall art. I thought they really captured the drama, beauty and strength of all of the figures and I was always looking forward to seeing the next one.

Overall, if you are looking for an accessible, beautifully illustration collection of epic goddesses, you will adore this. I just discovered there's an audiobook so I'm looking forward to trying that, as well!

You can also find me on: Instagram

[Meghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I've always had a deep love for history and mythology, so I was excited to dive into "Bad Bitches of Antiquity" by Lorelei Wilder, especially in audiobook format. The concept—reframing mythological women through a feminist lens with irreverent humour—completely hooked me. And for the most part, it delivered. These are the stories we know (and a few we don’t), told with sass, bite, and a clear focus on agency over victimhood. While topics like sexual assault are inherently part of many myth retellings, the book doesn’t center trauma—it centers power, which I appreciated.

The tone is upbeat, cheeky, and often hilarious, and Ozzie Jacobs does a fantastic job narrating. Her voice adds an extra layer of personality and energy that perfectly suits the subject matter. I found myself laughing at moments I didn’t expect to, and I loved how Wilder’s writing seamlessly blends sharp commentary with storytelling that remains accessible. It’s bold, witty, and unapologetically feminist in all the best ways. Even though I thought I knew my mythology, there were a handful of names and stories that surprised me.

That said, I did find myself wishing for more depth. The book leans heavily on well-known figures like Athena, Medusa, and Persephone—women who’ve already had their moment in recent retellings. While there are some lesser-known goddesses and mythic figures sprinkled in, I was really hoping for a broader cultural reach and more obscure stories from other global traditions. A few chapters also felt a little rushed or overly simplified, and the constant snark—while entertaining—sometimes overshadowed the nuance of these women’s stories.

Still, this was an easy, fun listen that would be perfect for readers just getting into mythology or anyone looking for a modern, feminist twist on classic tales. It’s not quite the deep dive I personally crave, but it’s a strong starting point and a reminder of just how powerful—and often overlooked—these women have always been. Wilder’s voice is one I’d happily listen to again, and the mix of sass and scholarship makes this book a refreshing addition to the mythology shelf.


Thanks to Lorelei Wilder, Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio & NetGalley for the advanced copy! Bad Bitches of Antiquity is on sale now!

[Jocelyne D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book 'Bad Bitches of Antiquity: Badass Stories from Mythology's Fiercest Goddesses, Heroines, Warriors, and Titans.' I have always loved mythology, and I appreciate how the author provides different angles to stories I know. There are numerous mythological characters in this book, and I was excited to dip into the book and see how it illustrates those legendary women to life.

The title immediately caught my eye, and I loved the different characters included in the book. It is always thrilling to see the women in mythology to the forefront, and the book adequately captures their strength, resilience, and complexity. The writing is straightforward and provides entry to people who may not already know these stories.

The tone is distinctly modern and conversational, like your witty friend telling you a story over coffee. At times it is extremely effective and lightens up an otherwise dry narrative. However, in other instances, especially in sections dealing with more traumatic or sad aspects, the informal, overly casual approach is simply off-putting and feels as if the essence of the Myth is being punctured by a punch line. . While it is undoubtedly an interesting piece of work, that tone is def out of place, considering the emotional and psychological depth that these stories embody.

That said, for me, personally, it was not a a monumental read for me. It was enjoyable, but it didn’t leave me with the kind of lasting impression I get with other re-imagined or retold mythological works. I found the collection decent enough, somewhat entertaining at times, and generally educative, but not particularly groundbreaking or transformative.

Bad Bitches of Antiquity was an okay read, and that’s not a bad thing. I would recommend the book to people interested in a basic overview of mythological women or to those who appreciate short, incisive works featuring legendary women. I may not have come out of it transformed, and yet I did enjoy myself while engaging with the text and understand it having a tremendous impact on the right type of audience.

[Acantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light hearted, bite sized look at some of the more fascinating women in world mythology.

It reminds me of the Horrible History books, the sort of irrelevant humour and casual style that makes those books so popular. The book was certainly easy to read, and each character only had a handful of pages as it covered their stores. Even when the women in question were having some of the worst things happening to them, the author manages to keep it positive, spinning all manner of good results from terrible actions - usually because of some man in the story.

The artwork scattered throughout the book was great, I don't know if it was done by the author herself, but whoever it is, they really captured the fire, the fury and the forgiveness of these baddass women throughout the world.

I loved that it included so many mythological figures from outside the usual Greek/Roman pantheon that we only ever tend to hear about. I was pleasantly surprised to discover a couple of figures I'd never heard of before. While I would have loved more detail about all the characters covered within this book - and perhaps info on a few not mentioned - the subject is just too wide to ever do it justice. Let's hope for a volume two perhaps.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Loreweaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bad Bitches of Antiquity had a fun concept and plenty of potential, highlighting powerful and notorious women from mythology across different cultures. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite live up to the premise.

Despite promising to span multiple traditions, the book is overwhelmingly focused on figures from Greek mythology, which made it feel less diverse and more repetitive than expected. There were missed opportunities to spotlight equally fascinating women from underrepresented mythologies around the world.

The tone is conversational and heavy on modern slang, which gives it a “your sassy friend is telling you a story” vibe. This adds some humor and flair, but often undermines the gravity of the subject matter, especially in cases involving trauma, violence, or sexual assault. The casual voice sometimes trivialized the very stories the book claimed to reclaim.

Additionally, the reliance on very current cultural references and slang might limit the book’s long-term relevance. While it may resonate with some readers now, the analogies and language choices could feel dated very quickly.

Overall, this was an okay listen with a great idea behind it, but the execution left me wanting more depth, balance, and lasting value.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fascinating retelling of iconic and passionate women from world mythology, Lorelei Wilder explores and retells the stories of goddesses, mortals, and sorceresses from the ancient world. Challenging the traditional narratives and asking deeper questions of these myths and legends, the book crosses the world and covers women like Medusa and Ariadne and goddesses like Ixchel, Athena, and Pele. Packed with details and deeply entertaining, Wilder’s stories offer new insights and questions into mythology that readers will love. The depth of detail and the challenges to the patriarchal narratives of various mythologies will pull readers into the many stories, and readers will love the questions that Wilder raises on every page as she offers new takes on classic myths. The variety of mythology -- not just the Greco-Roman stories readers may be familiar with -- also adds to the depth and complexity of the book, and readers will definitely learn a lot about different myths and cultures in this book. The prose is fantastic, as is the structure, and Wilder has also nailed the pacing of this series of legends. With its variety of stories, fascinating premise, and compelling protagonists, mythology fans will love this collection of reinterpreted myths from Lorelei Wilder.

Thanks to NetGalley, BenBella Books, and Ninth Bridge for the advance copy.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this is not just the classic women of myths we all know from Greek or Roman Goddesses. Each chapter covers a different woman with their origins, form, dominion, power move and a beautiful illustration for most. There is not lots of info on each but definitely enough to start with so you can do some more research on the bitches that specifically interest you. It gives you a really excellent overview. I think this is an essential book for young teenage girls and adult women alike. I also think it would be good for boys and men to read because so much of history and legends is seen through the eyes of men.
The book has beautiful illustrations even on my tablet, I’m guessing it would be lovely to have a physical copy and I will buy a copy when it comes out for my own resource.
It’s well written and treats some difficult subjects with a lightness of touch but without being disrespectful.
A Welsh goddess, Rhiannon, included which is lovely to see as it’s not often she is written about in a generic, as in not Welsh book. I also loved the moral of the stories at the end which I think helps to bring the stories into a more personal context.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinions.

[Nicky · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did.

While I appreciate the wonderfully diverse range of women discussed in the book (a bunch of whom I'd never even heard of) there was so little information about each of them that I was quite often disappointed. This is a really great starting point, but all it does is get you interested enough to go off and do your own googling to find out more about the women who interest you the most. Perhaps this is the author's intention, but I would have preferred more detail, even if it made the book longer. It was quite simplistic and lacked some of the nuance that more complex myths usually have. I think this will appeal to anyone who is keen to see just how important woman have always been, and to see their stories from a different perspective.

This kind of book is really important, it makes stories that have shaped cultures for generations easy to read and gives you a new way to look at them.

I enjoyed the modern tone in which it was written, light hearted, fun and very easy to read. It was great for reading straight through, or jumping around. The artwork was fantastic.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrator: Ozzie Jacobs

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in return for an honest review.

A round-up of some of the goddesses and heroines of the ancient world, offering a brief overview of who they were and what made them unforgettable after all this time.

Ozzie Jacobs, as the narrator, did a fantastic job in bringing these wonderful women to life with her enthusiastic and humorous tone.

What I liked: This was a fun summary of some of the great women from ancient myths and legends around the world. The jovial, concise stories worked well as an introduction for those just dipping their toes into ancient history.

What didn’t work for me: While goddesses and heroines from across the globe were highlighted, there did seem to be a greater focus on Europe. It would have been nice to see more representation from other regions, I believe there was only one story from Polynesia.

Final thoughts: A punchy, entertaining look at some amazing women of the ancient world.

Who would enjoy this: Fans of ancient history and women's studies told with a comical twist.

[Ecce Libri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. It felt very much in line with the tone of the book Zeus is a D--, if you’ve read that. Snarky, witty, unapologetic, and sarcastic with a feminist twist. I loved that this book encompasses so many different mythos. I’m super familiar with Greek mythology, but this book includes stories from around the world. I loved hearing the different cultures tales, and seeing the similarities between some of them. If you’re a fan of audiobooks, I 100% recommend this one, the narrator is AMAZING. It’s read with such a great attitude you can’t help but smile and laugh your way though the book. I also felt like there were a lot of characters from mythology in this book that don’t get talked about as often because they aren’t super popular for whatever reason, or they aren’t part of the Western literary cannon. I loved that those women got some love here, because their stories deserve to be heard too. If you love fairytales and mythology, you definitely need to read this book!

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Night Bridge, and Brilliance Audio for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily. Content warnings: Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault

I’ve always loved history and mythology. That’s why I was so excited to get the audiobook of Bad Bitches of Antiquity. The stories we grew up with, as well as some we didn’t, are reframed with irreverent humor, an upbeat tempo, and a clear feminist lens. However, as mentioned above, with these myth retellings, there is a sexual assault subtext, but the stories center on agency rather than trauma, which is an acceptable way to frame it.

I was thoroughly entertained by this book. I thought I remembered a lot of Greek mythology, but there were plenty of goddesses that I hadn’t heard of. I loved the sardonic sense of humor, and the narrator, Ozzie Jacobs, did a great job of bringing the text to life. I hope this becomes a series of bad ass women narratives with future books!

[Suzanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun little collection of badass mythological women told in an accessible manner. The vingettes are short and are frequently placed in a feminist context, exploring how these women overcame obstacles primarily set by men or the patriarchy.

Many felt too short, though. I would have appreciated more context. How did these myths come to be? What was their impact on the lives of the people who worshipped these women?

There was also a strong western bias. Most of the myths originated out of ancient Greece and Rome, and while they did have an extensive pantheon, so did most of the world. There were only a couple of badass bitches from the Americas, Africa Asia, and Oceania, which are all places with myriad cultures that have unique origin myths, many featuring women.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an often hilarious, frequently acid-tongued, decidedly feminist take on a number of goddesses and other lesser females of antiquity and turns their stories around. All these women function. In a paternalistic societies. Let’s face, pretty much all societies were up to modern times and I still have my doubts although we are getting better.

It often gives a pass on some pretty outrageous and often brutal actions which, thanks to some overbearing male- of a god- was their only defence. Sometimes it was payback and these woman could match some of the men with pettiness. It is fun to go through these exploits viewing them from a new and revealing perspective. My only complaint is they had a couple of the women in more than one section. The text was identical so the reader had a sense of Deja vu. Still it was entertaining and fun. Four purrs and two paws up.

[Lila‘s 1000Lifes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and funny collection of stories about women in mythology around the world.

As a huge fan of the Hindu goddess Durga, the cover of this book instantly drew me in. I liked that the stories were spread over a wide variety of cultures; some I knew more about and others I had never heard of. The different anecdotes were about four to five pages long, so I could get a quick read in whenever I found time. There were also really cool illustrations. The language was informal and spiced with a lot of dry humour. Sometimes I would have wished for a little more depth, but all in all, this was a worthwhile read.

Thank you, NetGalley and BenBella Books, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Spandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting and educational read, but I didn’t expect it to be so heavy on internet lingo—it threw me off more than I thought it would (though I probably should have seen it coming from the title!). The concept is great, but my main issue is that each figure is explored through the lens of just one story and one character’s POV. While the author does clarify that these aren't meant to be full biographies, there's still a tendency to present the characters—like Hera—as inherently good or feminist figures based on limited narratives. That said, if you're into mythology with a Gen Z twist and don’t mind a meme-heavy tone, it’s a solid read.

Thanks NetGalley and the Publisher for the Audiobook ARC for my honest review.

[Bebo Saucier Carrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really appreciate the thought that went into this. I mean, who doesn't love a catalogue of badass mythological women from all sorts of different cultures, especially when the writing is hilarious and the illustrations are gorgeous?

The main issue here (and it's significant!) is that these are such little snapshots of each woman that it feels like you're being dropped in the middle of their story. I was able to follow along with the women in Greek mythology (Rick Riordan trained me well), but I got quite lost with the other mythological pantheons. I wish each entry was a bit more fleshed out since the book was already quite short to begin with.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, The Bad Bitches of Antiquity, is beautiful in several ways. It invokes feelings of empowerment, confidence, hope, amazement, and pride. I love the artwork. It is quite stunning and beautiful. I felt grateful that I got the chance to enhance my knowledge about powerful, amazing women in history; particularly those who have been looked over or diminished by the story telling featuring their male counterparts. I believe this book is foundational. I highly recommended people interested in reading it, even a minor interest, to give it a chance! It is truly an awesome piece of media, a lot of fun, and it is thoroughly enjoyable.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author for giving me a chance to read such a masterpiece.

[Nathalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book contains a collection of stories about women in mythology from all over the world, not only the typical Roman and Greek.
It’s a quick and casual read because it’s in bite-sized chunks. There isn’t a lot of detail, just the basics. I’m a big fan of mythology so I read about it often but I do think that if you don’t know some background, some stories might be a bit confusing.
The tone of the book is pretty casual and modern, mixed with a bit of humour.
There are gorgeous illustrations throughout the book, by the very talented Cinthya Alvarez.

Thank you to NetGalley and BenBella Books for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gracie Kunik · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love folklore and mythology so this one was right up my alley!!!! First of all I think this would do best in the format of a coffee table book. It’s definitely something you could read in one sitting, but the stories are so short they don’t have a ton of impact if you read them one after the other. I think this is a book I’d love to see in home and decor stores and boutiques because I think it would really excel as thag style of book. My expectations were for the stories to be longer and focus on fewer goddesses/witches/mystical creatures but it was a LOT of info dumped in pretty short (3 page) chapters. It didn’t work for me in the way I was expecting but I still enjoy it as a concept.

[Bree Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a refreshing take on mythology that highlights the power, complexity, and agency of ancient deities. I love that I can flip to any page and quickly find engaging insights about a figure I’m curious about, whether it’s Demeter, Medusa, or the Morrígan. The writing is sharp and witty, making it a fantastic reference book that challenges traditional narratives. There are also many figures I was previously unaware of. A truly enjoyable read. This would be a great resource in an English class for exploring voice and perspective, or in a classical history course to examine how ancient myths can be reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.

Thanks to Netgalley and Benbella Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.