The Death and Life of Iphigenia

Songs and Lies #1

by J. Susanne Wilson

A powerful retelling of Greek myth set in Bronze Age Greece, The Death and Life of Iphigenia reclaims the story of a woman history tried to silence.

As Greek warriors gather for the Trojan War, Mycenaean princess Iphigenia becomes a bargaining chip in a conflict driven by ambition, fear, and the demands of the gods. Torn from her mother and sister and exiled to a distant land, she is forced into sacred rituals that stain her hands and haunt her nights.

Fourteen years later, an unexpected chance at freedom forces Iphigenia to confront what has been taken from her—and what she may no longer want back. Home, identity, and loyalty blur as she reckons with the cost of survival in a world ruled by men and myth.

Blending historical fiction with mythological retelling, this novel explores agency, belonging, and the quiet endurance of women whose stories were never meant to be told.

Perfect for readers of Madeline Miller, Natalie Haynes, and Jennifer Saint.

Genres: Mythology

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2025

About the author

J. Susanne Wilson is an award-winning historical fiction writer focusing on myths set in Bronze Age Greece. She earned her B.A. in Ancient Civilizations from the University of Iowa. Her concentration was on Greek and Roman art, religion, history, and languages. She lives in the Midwest United States with her husband and their cat.

Reviews

[M.J. Pankey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Life and Death of Iphigenia is an immersive, intriguing, and gripping lost chapter of the Trojan war's tragic forgotten beginnings.

Iphigenia is the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. Agamemnon is eager to sail to Troy and obtain glory and riches, but the goddess Artemis has sapped all the wind from his sails. Desperate to appease her, he summons his daughter to do the unthinkable.

Shenanigan ensue.

I've been obsessed with Artemis since my teen years. I'd learned about Iphigenia then, but she was just a footnote. So when I saw that this book was coming out, I was thrilled. Reading this exceeded my expectations. Wilson has an incredible way of blending human emotion, determination, and history seamlessly into a memorable and immersive story. I felt like I was there with Iphigenia.

I especially appreciated the cultural details Wilson wove in, especially regarding how information travelled in the ancient world. The Trojan war in this story looms in the background, but at a far distance. News and rumors reach her, but they are distorted and embellished so that it's never totally clear what is fact and what is fiction. It felt very realistic and tracks.

I also enjoyed Wilson's depiction of domestic life in Ancient Greece. The roles of women, and especially priestesses, felt very plausible and well-researched. Wilson took great care in portraying this world and the authenticity of her world clearly reflects her passion for ancient Greece.

If you enjoy Greek myth inspired stories and retellings, then this is an absolute MUST READ.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm? Gonna need a day to sit and think on this review. 🗡️

(FINAL REVIEW:)

This was an interesting take on the myth of Iphigenia and Euripides play of Iphigenia in Tauris. I will admit that I had no previous knowledge of the play before this book, so I was very excited that there was something about this poor daughter of Agammenon in the first place! 🔥

The story starts with Iphigenia as she hears there are strangers approaching the Mycenaean citadel a few weeks after the army left for Aulis. While I did like that the story does stick to rather young and childish like narration to fit with the age of the character, I did find myself rather frustrated with the flowery descriptions of things here and there. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing bad about it in the first place, I just don’t really care at times to hear about what exact shade of blue something is or what kind of texture the fabric of a dress is. Fans of Jennifer Saints writing might really enjoy this book because it does have similarities when it comes to writing style. 📜

As a character herself, Iphigenia is appropriately written as a spoiled and childish princess. I thought Wilson did a fantastic job depicting how a child bride would act in a situation where she is suddenly separated from her family and support system (even though she treated that support system like garbage since she was raised to believe that royalty are above everyone else), and how she would take in her new surroundings in a time when perceived Greek superiority was high. The only thing that I did find myself wishing here and there was a bit more of a maturity arc for Iphigenia, but that’s a personal preference. 🌿

Plot wise, the story was great, but sometimes I did find the events lagging here and there. This again might be me coming off of some epic fantasy quests/plots so I’m going to chalk up this feeling to coming off my last book. 😅

All in all, while I had my thoughts and feelings about the book, I still really enjoyed this historical take and setting that Wilson crafted for this Iphigenia retelling and I really loved that she took a not very well known play (or at least, in my case not very well known) and gave it a new spin. ✨

Thank you to the author, Wilson, for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review! ❤️

Publication date: April 8, so go take a look at it!

Overall: It’s sitting at a 3.75 for me, but I will be rounding it up to a 4 because I do think coming from a buddy read of The Ashfire King really tripped me up in this retelling. ⭐️

[Taylor Shields · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review - thank you so much for sending me an early copy of this book!

3.5/5

I have clearly been ignorant to the different versions of Iphigenia’s life. I always assumed her story ended when she was murdered for sacrificial purposes by her own father Agamemnon, King of Mycanae. However, multiple different theories are provided in greek mythology.

For a short period of time, we follow the simple life of Iphigenia as the Princess of Mycanae, but then abruptly her world is turned upside down, and she begins her new life as a priestess of Artemis in the foreign land of Tauris. It’s not too brutal or filled with fast-paced, action packed events, but I did enjoy it, and I recommend it to anyone that enjoys this genre and wants to learn more about this rather underrated Greek heroine.

I enjoyed following the story of Iphigenia growing out of her adolescence and into a young woman in Tauris, but I did find the ending rather anti-climactic (I am aware this can’t be helped, due to the nature of Greek myth). I desperately wanted Iphigenia to get back to Mycenae! However, the new relationships she forms in Tauris are heartwarming. I grew incredibly fond of her friends Aëdon, Melissa and Lakastros. I also felt that the side characters all contributed to the story.

My one criticism would be that some of the scenes in the book felt rushed; one in particular being the moment in which Clytemnestra reveals to Iphigenia that her first husband and child were murdered by Agamemnon, and he thereafter forced Clytemnestra’s hand in marriage. The conversation between mother and daughter lacks the emotion and depth that I personally feel it needs, considering the pretty horrific nature of the event.

I also feel that we were simply a spectator of Iphigenia’s day-to-day life when she got to Tauris - nothing very exciting took place during this time. And as I mentioned before, the ending did not leave me satisfied. The build up didn’t lead to anything. Conversely, I suppose one could argue that there is beauty in the simple life that Iphigenia chose in the end. Maybe the simplicity of her life in Tauris was highlighted for a purpose. Maybe, this is the true meaning of the book? That she escaped the chaos most mortals suffered at the hands of the gods.

[J. Else · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the guise of marriage, Iphigenia arrives at the shores of Aulis expecting to wed the warrior Achilles. However, on the night of her wedding, she’s met not by her groom but by her father wielding a knife. She is to be sacrificed. As the knife plunges towards her, Iphigenia loses consciousness. When she awakens, she finds herself in a strange land, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and discovers she has lost her voice. Given a new name, she’s trained as a priestess of Artemis. Over time, sailors passing through the city share tales of her father’s siege of Troy. Could one of these sailors carry a message to Achilles that she is alive? And if she can reach Achilles, can she also get a message to her mother or beloved sister to send someone to bring her home?

Wilson has crafted a meticulously researched narrative, brimming with entrancing details and emotional depth. Iphigenia’s walk through life vividly depicts the hardships and savagery of the Bronze Age, especially the practice of sacrificial worship as told through the eyes of a character once on the receiving end of it by her own father’s hand. Iphigenia grapples with her new reality as questions arise about her survival and how she ended up on the island of Tauris. Can she accept this new life and find a place of belonging when reminders of her old one keep popping up? The prose captivates with its exquisite, indulgent detail; its evocative quality and the overarching poetic narration by the protagonist are reminiscent of works like Ithaca and Circe. A beautifully told and vividly re-imagined coming-of-age tale set in ancient Greece.

Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC review ✨
Thank you J Susanne Wilson for allowing me to read this ARC of The Death and Life of Iphengia!

What a beautiful book on a character who really deserved her story to be told. The setting of the scenes within this book are immersive and I can almost feel the heat of the climate within the pages. It was a book I didn’t really want to finish but also wanted to get to the end as soon as I could.

As a avid reader of Greek Mythology books I was thoroughly impressed by this retelling of a girl who was given such a short and unfair end of her life, which Wilson really helped bring her ‘second’ life a whole new meaning.

I can’t wait to read more of Wilson’s work in the future and what amazing stories she will tell.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Death and Life of Iphigenia, by J. Susanne Wilson, is an excellent retelling of an ancient Greek mythology. I found the title of the book to be very creative and totally understandable after reading the story.

The author’s writing style is very descriptive, interesting and easy to follow. Her description of events is amazing and full of interesting, vivid detail!! I often felt as though I was transported back to Ancient Greece and could see, hear and smell the events that were taking place in the book.

I found the plot to be very captivating; and, I enjoyed following the life of young, innocent, and naive Iphigenia. I was always wondering what will happen next to Iphigenia and other characters in the book.

It is evident that J. Susanne Wilson spent an immense amount of time researching historical events and Greek mythology for this book.

I look forward to the next book in J. Susanne Wilson’s series, “Songs and Lies”.

[Noel Charchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to confess I didn’t get around to reading this book right away. I started it and for some reason the first couple of chapters made me think i was reading youth fiction.
I set it aside as I had a trip to Greece coming up and was going to tour Mycane, Atreus’ Tomb and Agamemnon’s city. I thought i would save the book until i had visited those places.
I picked up the book again and restarted it, seeing the palace through Iphigenia’s eyes and relating the description to the buildings I had seen.
By the time i got to Chapter 3 I was hooked! The next two days i picked the book up every free moment I had.
I really enjoyed reading how Iphigenia developed as a strong character, and how her group of women friends supported her journey. Susanne brought to life the characters I was familiar with from reading myths, history and seeing statues in the Greek museums.
I have a short story by the author to read next and look forward to her future works.
Well worth the read!

[Dina Honour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a weakness for books that retell Greek myths from a different angle, and this is the first I've read from the point of view of Iphigenia, the ill-fated daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon. Essentially a coming of age story, the author did a good job of portraying an immature and sometimes petulant Princess as she grapples with her fate and matures into a Priestess--not the life she had foreseen, but certainly better than the one the Gods had planned out for her. Iphigenia's story is a universal one--girls and women at the mercy of both the Gods and of men, who find ways to empower themselves along the way. The portrayal of Clytemnestra as a fierce mother rather than jealous wife was a winner for me as well. Overall, an enjoyable and well-researched story full of interesting detail!

[Niniane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had a very solid start. I liked Clytemnestra's portrayal. Iphigenia is often remembered as the sacrificial victim. But in some version, she survives. Her story is thus ripe with potential. I was intrigued to see a book with her as a main character.

However, the story started to drag after Iphigenia arrives at Aulis. The issue was that she essentially stayed a spectator of events. And the news from the Trojan war felt like "and this happened. And then that". She's 14 when the story begins and 27 during the last chapters but she showed no real character growth. Only did she exert real real agency at the end. Her ultimate acceptance of her priestly role came out of nowhere.

I don't want to rip this book to shreds, since there were indeed some good ideas, but I can't rate it higher.

[Book Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike many books where historical settings serve as mere backdrops, Wilson's novel feels like a meticulously researched journey. The story of Iphigenia, drawn from Greek mythology, is told with such attention to detail that readers are not just observers but active participants in her world. One of the book's most compelling features is its unflinching portrayal of Ancient Greece. Rather than romanticizing the era, Wilson presents it in all its splendor and savagery. This honest depiction challenges readers to reconsider the traditional narratives of heroes and victims. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction that respects its roots while delivering an emotionally resonant tale.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by thanking J. Susanne Wilson for the opportunity to read this ARC.

In The Death and Life of Iphigenia we follow Iphigenia, daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra, from childhood to adulthood. I didn’t know much about this character going in, but that didn’t stop me from thoroughly enjoying this retelling.

The writing is incredibly vivid and it showed the depth of research done by the author. The story is so detailed that you feel like you’ve dove into the pages and landed in Ancient Greece, feeling, seeing and even smelling everything alongside Iphigenia

I also found myself quite attached to Iphigenia. She starts off as a somewhat naïve little girl and then, as she goes through all sorts of hardships, grows into a strong, determined woman.

As I said, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the next instalments in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys either Greek retellings or historical fiction novels.

[soupish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book to start off 2026. It’s actually the quickest I’ve ever read a book (three days)! I have always loved Artemis and any story that involves her, including that of Iphigenia. However, I had never looked into the version where she was turned into a priestess; I only knew the one where she died in Aulis, so this was absolutely amazing. And the culture written in this book? Phenomenal. Overall, it was sooo well written, and I absolutely adore this book! Additionally, everyone I showed the book to said the cover was gorgeous, and I agree.

[Amber W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t a genre I usually gravitate toward, but I found myself completely pulled into this story. From early on, it was difficult to put down—the writing is immersive, thoughtful, and beautifully crafted. Even when the subject matter felt outside my usual comfort zone, the storytelling kept me engaged and invested. A well-written, compelling read that surprised me in the best way.

[Jeff Dillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first read of a retelling of Greek mythology.
Each character was new to me but the author was very descriptive which made the book flow well.
Easy read and looking forward to more from this author.

[Francesca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know the story of Iphigenia and am also not familiar with much Greek mythology. However, this was a still an enjoyable read. I think if you are into Greek mythology this book is a must!

[Ilaria 🌸 (exlibris.ilaria) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC, I loved loved loved this book!
It follows princess Iphigenia, daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra, from early age to adulthood. The main events revolve around her sentence to death by her father and the escape her family plans for her away from home.
Iphigenia is a well rounded character: she is just a young teenage girl when we meet her, torn between her known royal responsibilities and following her young heart to play with her little sister in the palace.
However, the moment she is presented with a marriage proposal, her whole attitude shifts and gives us a glimpse of the future queen she’s going to make one day.
Unfortunately, her father has other plans, but luckily, other forces are also at play and Iphigenia is rescued and transported to Tauris, where she becomes a priestess of Artemis.
In Tauris she’s is not happy, she’s confused, hurt and wants to go home, even though the other priestesses help her and nurse her back to full health, her young mind doesn’t understand why she’s forced to stay away from home. Only years later, when she’s finally older and wiser, she realises that actually Tauris is now her home, filled with people she loves.
Throughout the book we see the whole arc of her character, we grow, grieve and celebrate with her, this is a story that still today resonates so much with women’s status around the world, it’s impossible to not feel connected to her.
The writing style flows smoothly, keeps you engaged and I found myself never wanting to put the book down.
It’s a 4.5 starts and not 5 only because I felt it was cut too short at the end, I wanted to know more about her adult life but I still really enjoyed it.
I was so grateful to be able to read this book before its release date and will certainly keep up with the author’s future works.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review. The Death and Life of Iphigenia by J Susanne Wilson.

This book was a joy to read. Any fans of Greek mythology retellings will know that once you’ve caught the bug, you can’t get enough. I loved how this story went far beyond the typically retold narrative of Iphigenia as a passive and tragic character murdered by her father in The Iliad. Inspired by Euripides’ Iphigenia in Tauris, in this story she does not die on the altar at Aulis, but is rescued by Artemis and secreted away to a foreign land. In the subsequent years she trains to become a priestess and hears piecemeal news from Mycenae of the fates of Achilles, Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, et al. I particularly enjoyed the subtle accuracies of daily life such as dress, music, and ritual, which brought the Bronze Age to life. If you enjoyed Elektra, The Song of Achilles, or Clytemnestra, you will enjoy this different view.
Available soon!

[MoonlightCupOfCocoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first, thank you to the author for the ARC! All thoughts as always are my 100% my own.

Lately, I've found myself reading historical fiction books where the setting feels more and more like an aesthetic choice and less than an actual fully-researched experience. In 'The Death and Life of Iphigenia', you will find yourself actually transported to Ancient Greece.

You may know a version or more of Iphigenia's story from Greek mythology, but here you get to actually live it with all of its fleeting joys and horrifying terrors. It doesn't just end at her death. You will get to experience the deep sense of loss, isolation and even growth that the young princess has to go through.

I was genuinely delighted by the level of detail in the daily life aspects of this book. It allowed me to lose myself in the pages and practically feel, see and even smell what Iphigenia is going through. The depth of research and the passion for the topic were evident. No surprise there when the author actually has a degree in the field! It really shows!

While there were moments when I wished the pacing moved a bit faster, I appreciated the deliberately human approach to the retelling. The way Iphigenia's emotions evolved naturally over time made it feel more authentic and allowed me to empathize more with her.

The fact that I kept flipping pages late into the night instead of going to bed says a lot. Not only that, but I found myself crying angry tears on Iphigenia's behalf several times throughout the read but especially towards the ending.

This book doesn't idolize or romanticize Ancient Greece. It captures it in all of its glory and brutality. It will make you question who the true heroes are and who the real victim is.

I really cannot wait to read more by J. Susanne Wilson. I noticed that this is the first entry in a series, and I know I'll be eager to read the follow ups day one.