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Golden Apple Trilogy #2
For the Winner
Some three thousand years ago, in a time before history, the warriors of Greece journeyed to the ends of the earth in the greatest expedition the world had ever seen.
One woman fought alongside them.
Abandoned at birth on the slopes of Mount Pelion, Atalanta is determined to prove her worth to the father who cast her aside. Having taught herself to hunt and fight, and disguised as a man, she wins a place on the greatest voyage of that heroic age: with Jason and his band of Argonauts in search of the legendary Golden Fleece.
And it is here, in the company of men who will go down in history as heroes, that Atalanta must battle against the odds – and the will of the gods – to take control of her destiny and change her life forever.
With her unrivalled knowledge and captivating storytelling, Emily Hauser brings alive an ancient world where the gods can transform a mortal’s life on a whim, where warriors carve out names that will echo down the ages . . . and where one woman fights to determine her own fate.
One woman fought alongside them.
Abandoned at birth on the slopes of Mount Pelion, Atalanta is determined to prove her worth to the father who cast her aside. Having taught herself to hunt and fight, and disguised as a man, she wins a place on the greatest voyage of that heroic age: with Jason and his band of Argonauts in search of the legendary Golden Fleece.
And it is here, in the company of men who will go down in history as heroes, that Atalanta must battle against the odds – and the will of the gods – to take control of her destiny and change her life forever.
With her unrivalled knowledge and captivating storytelling, Emily Hauser brings alive an ancient world where the gods can transform a mortal’s life on a whim, where warriors carve out names that will echo down the ages . . . and where one woman fights to determine her own fate.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2017
26 people are currently reading
3216 people want to read
About the author
Emily Hauser
12 books290 followersEmily Hauser is an award-winning ancient historian and the author of the acclaimed Golden Apple trilogy retelling the stories of the women of Greek myth. She has been featured on BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour and The Guardian alongside Colm Tóibín and Natalie Haynes, and her novel For the Winner was listed among the "28 Best Books for Summer" in The Telegraph. Her latest book, Mythica: A New History of Homer’s World, through the Women Written Out Of It, was an instant Times bestseller.
To find out more, visit her website: http://www.emilyhauser.com
To find out more, visit her website: http://www.emilyhauser.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
April 25, 2017
“….an enchanting, dramatic novel that brings to life iconic mythic characters, including a woman whose voice had long been silenced.”
Recent U.S. and world events have forced many of us to confront the sad reality that we must place in the forefront the daily job of examining, discussing and ripping to shreds the old misogynist attitudes and institutional blocks against women. A fine way to engage in that process is by reading a book.
Emily Hauser is a classicist who turns Greek mythology into imaginative, engaging novels. Her latest, For the Winner, expands the myths about Atalanta and Jason and the Argonauts to build an enchanting, dramatic novel that brings to life iconic mythic characters, including a woman whose voice had long been silenced.
Although this is a grand adventure story with twists and turns, fights and romances, it is also at its core a weighing of the difference between a woman’s view of governance and a man’s. A dramatic battle between these two visions arises partly from the particular details of one well-developed female character, Atalanta, and her male opponent, Jason, but the battle also raises questions of the innate differences between male and female understandings of leadership. Do they exist and are there men and women who transcend them? These are all good things to float in your mind while flipping pages quickly in an entertaining tale.
I’ll quote from Hauser’s author’s note: “I looked instead to the story of a woman who has tended, in spite of her brilliance, her courage and her determination, to be ignored. I decided to tell the story of Atalanta, to focus on the struggles of a woman and a warrior trying to make her way in the world, to prove herself the equal of a man.”
Not a bad action plan for a novelist who knows her Greek mythology and ancient world with great depth, accuracy and warmth.
Recent U.S. and world events have forced many of us to confront the sad reality that we must place in the forefront the daily job of examining, discussing and ripping to shreds the old misogynist attitudes and institutional blocks against women. A fine way to engage in that process is by reading a book.
Emily Hauser is a classicist who turns Greek mythology into imaginative, engaging novels. Her latest, For the Winner, expands the myths about Atalanta and Jason and the Argonauts to build an enchanting, dramatic novel that brings to life iconic mythic characters, including a woman whose voice had long been silenced.
Although this is a grand adventure story with twists and turns, fights and romances, it is also at its core a weighing of the difference between a woman’s view of governance and a man’s. A dramatic battle between these two visions arises partly from the particular details of one well-developed female character, Atalanta, and her male opponent, Jason, but the battle also raises questions of the innate differences between male and female understandings of leadership. Do they exist and are there men and women who transcend them? These are all good things to float in your mind while flipping pages quickly in an entertaining tale.
I’ll quote from Hauser’s author’s note: “I looked instead to the story of a woman who has tended, in spite of her brilliance, her courage and her determination, to be ignored. I decided to tell the story of Atalanta, to focus on the struggles of a woman and a warrior trying to make her way in the world, to prove herself the equal of a man.”
Not a bad action plan for a novelist who knows her Greek mythology and ancient world with great depth, accuracy and warmth.
September 20, 2017
Atalanta has always been one of the more interesting heroines of Greek myth: a fleet-footed huntress who challenged her suitors to a foot-race, slew the Calydonian Boar, and made a name for herself as the only woman to join the quest for the Golden Fleece. She makes a bold and appealing heroine in Emily Hauser's "For The Winner," which simultaneously grounds the legend of Jason and his Argonauts in a grittier, more realistic ancient Greece than we usually see in the myths, and weaves in the gods themselves as they comment on the human adventures below. Atalanta, determined to prove her worth to the kingly father who abandoned her as an infant, disguises herself as a man to join the cold-eyed Jason and his Argonauts as they set sail for Colchis. Atalanta battles the hardships of the voyage, the dislike of Jason who I was pleased to see as the villain of this piece rather than the hero (I never liked him, even in the myth), and the mistrust of her fellow Argonauts who will certainly cast her out if they discover her secret...or will they? Periodically the gods interject themselves from Olympus, deliciously and hilariously vain, more inclined to screw things up for the hyper-competent Atalanta than aid her along. "For The Winner" is a delightful read, all pathos and humor and a heroine to make you cheer--I can't wait for Hauser's next.
June 22, 2017
In For The Winner Emily Hauser has truly written a superb novel. History really comes to life within it’s pages and is fun, fascinating and very exciting. The book is quite fast paced with not much of a lull in the action, so once you start reading you are hooked and you want to read more to find out what will happen next.
The contrast between the two main characters was brilliant! I !loved Atalanta, I loved how strong she was and how she didn’t let her being a women hold her back from what she wanted to do, especially at a time when women weren’t considered equal to men. She is very brave and stands up for herself, not taking any nonsense from anyone, even those who are meant to be above her. She is also very loyal, she looks after her friends and makes sure they have everything they need. As much as I liked Atalanta, I loathed Jason. He is so cold and cruel and I found that I really didn’t want him to succeed. His attitude towards others is vile and, because of this, he clashes with everyone during the voyage. He tries to assert his authority through fear which does lead to a few unsettling scenes, though I was always pleased to see him get his comeuppance when Atalanta stood up against him. It made for such an enjoyable reading experience having such an obvious hero to cheer and a villain to hate. It made me much more involved in the story and i wanted to continue reading to discover who wins!
This book mostly follows Atalanta’s story as she tries to discover who she is and prove herself, however there are bits throughout the book that describes more about the Gods and how they are viewing the voyage. This was very interesting to read about and helped to provide some comic moments as they argue amongst themselves and disagree about who they should support.
Emily Hauser brings the setting of ancient Greece alive throughout this book. I felt like I was there, walking alongside Atalanta as the images she describes are so vivid. I enjoyed learning a bit more about the Roman’s way of life and their culture. The description of how the slaves were treated was very galling to read about, and did make for some upsetting parts.
This is Emily Hauser’s second book, though it is the first one I have read and I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future. If you enjoyed The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller or The Empress of Rome trilogy by Kate Quinn I think you will enjoy this book as I felt they were similar in style. If you are a fan of good historical fiction you must read this book! It’s definitely one of my top books this year.
Huge thanks to Hannah Bright and Doubleday publishers for my copy of this book.
The contrast between the two main characters was brilliant! I !loved Atalanta, I loved how strong she was and how she didn’t let her being a women hold her back from what she wanted to do, especially at a time when women weren’t considered equal to men. She is very brave and stands up for herself, not taking any nonsense from anyone, even those who are meant to be above her. She is also very loyal, she looks after her friends and makes sure they have everything they need. As much as I liked Atalanta, I loathed Jason. He is so cold and cruel and I found that I really didn’t want him to succeed. His attitude towards others is vile and, because of this, he clashes with everyone during the voyage. He tries to assert his authority through fear which does lead to a few unsettling scenes, though I was always pleased to see him get his comeuppance when Atalanta stood up against him. It made for such an enjoyable reading experience having such an obvious hero to cheer and a villain to hate. It made me much more involved in the story and i wanted to continue reading to discover who wins!
This book mostly follows Atalanta’s story as she tries to discover who she is and prove herself, however there are bits throughout the book that describes more about the Gods and how they are viewing the voyage. This was very interesting to read about and helped to provide some comic moments as they argue amongst themselves and disagree about who they should support.
Emily Hauser brings the setting of ancient Greece alive throughout this book. I felt like I was there, walking alongside Atalanta as the images she describes are so vivid. I enjoyed learning a bit more about the Roman’s way of life and their culture. The description of how the slaves were treated was very galling to read about, and did make for some upsetting parts.
This is Emily Hauser’s second book, though it is the first one I have read and I will definitely be reading more of her books in the future. If you enjoyed The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller or The Empress of Rome trilogy by Kate Quinn I think you will enjoy this book as I felt they were similar in style. If you are a fan of good historical fiction you must read this book! It’s definitely one of my top books this year.
Huge thanks to Hannah Bright and Doubleday publishers for my copy of this book.
July 10, 2018
I have loved these first two books in Emily Hauser's Golden Apple Trilogy, they are just what I look for in books about mythology, the untold story, the new-to-me story..... these are perfect.
With 'For The Winner' we get the story of Atalanta and a telling of her story and the story of the infamous Argonauts within her story. Atalanta is a warrior, she's strong and fierce but she is also a woman and women aren't supposed to be any of those things in the eyes of her male counterparts. Not only must she fight for her life and her compatriots lives but she must also fight for her place among them to win the destiny she wants.
Atalanta's story is compelling and adventurous, she is a wonderful character and one I hadn't really had much knowledge of before reading this telling of her story but is a fascinating character to read about.
As with Hauser's previous novel this one is also a must read for any fans of Greek mythology and I highly recommend it to one and all..
With 'For The Winner' we get the story of Atalanta and a telling of her story and the story of the infamous Argonauts within her story. Atalanta is a warrior, she's strong and fierce but she is also a woman and women aren't supposed to be any of those things in the eyes of her male counterparts. Not only must she fight for her life and her compatriots lives but she must also fight for her place among them to win the destiny she wants.
Atalanta's story is compelling and adventurous, she is a wonderful character and one I hadn't really had much knowledge of before reading this telling of her story but is a fascinating character to read about.
As with Hauser's previous novel this one is also a must read for any fans of Greek mythology and I highly recommend it to one and all..
October 7, 2018
Where the heck was this level of quality of writing in For the Most Beautiful? I felt like I just read a book by an entirely different author!
For the Most Beautiful read like a Young Adult book, with juvenile vocabulary, angsty protagonists, insipid dialogue, and – despite the author’s stated aim to let Briseis and Krisayis break free from the stories of well-known male protagonists such as Achilles, Hektor, and Odysseus – they utterly failed to do so.
For the Winner is orders more sophisticated and engaging. The writing is more complex, and whilst still not breath-taking, the jump in quality makes me wonder if Hauser’s editors held her back in her debut novel, in hopes of appealing to the broadest possible audience. Atalanta, our protagonist this time, reads like a mature adult instead of a teenager by turns frightened and rebellious. Best of all, she is truly freed to take significant action in the plot and determine her own destiny, in a way that Briseis and Krisayis simply were not, the latter two barely making a ripple, while Atalanta engages in meaningful deeds. This in turn fuels the tension and investment I had in the story. The one sour note I thought was the continuing childishness of the gods, which sucks some of that tension out by being too comedic, and I’m just not a fan of.
I would say give For the Most Beautiful a miss, but by all means try out For the Winner.
7 out of 10
January 3, 2018
A beautifully evocative read which brings this myth and legend age of Bronze Age Greece to life.
August 29, 2017
An incredible, thrilling read. I adored this book, perhaps even more so than Hauser's first book, FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL. Atalanta is a true heroine, driven by an important, singular goal (that isn't finding a man, whew!). She is clever, resourceful and a warrior to be reckoned with--even the gods aren't a match for her cunning. Loved, loved this book. Hauser's books are forever going to be on the top of my "must-read" pile.
May 1, 2021
A lot of reviewers have explained far better than I could why this is awful.
June 20, 2017
Review originally posted on https://josbookblog.co.uk/
I really enjoyed For the Most Beautiful, Hauser’s debut novel, which told the tale of the siege of Troy from the perspective of two women caught up in the battle – an unusual and likely unique perspective from which to share that well-known story – and I was absolutely delighted when I was sent a copy of Hauser's follow up, For the Winner, to review.
Some three thousand years ago, in a time before history, the warriors of Greece journeyed to the ends of the earth in the greatest expedition the world had ever seen.
One woman fought alongside them.
Abandoned at birth on the slopes of Mount Pelion, Atalanta is determined to prove her worth to the father who cast her aside. Having taught herself to hunt and fight, and disguised as a man, she wins a place on the greatest voyage of that heroic age: with Jason and his band of Argonauts in search of the legendary Golden Fleece.
And it is here, in the company of men who will go down in history as heroes, that Atalanta must battle against the odds – and the will of the gods – to take control of her destiny and change her life forever.
With her unrivalled knowledge and captivating storytelling, Emily Hauser brings alive an ancient world where the gods can transform a mortal’s life on a whim, where warriors carve out names that will echo down the ages... and where one woman fights to determine her own fate.
As with her previous novel, Hauser presents the reader with a tale from Greek mythology, but told from the perspective of a female character. In this case, we have Atalanta, abandoned on a mountain at her father's command during a winter storm, but rescued and taken in by a peasant family. Growing up, she learns to wield a bow and a sword, and, upon discovering the truth about her heritage, seeks out the father who abandoned her, determined to prove her worth.
I absolutely loved Atalanta. She is smart and capable, and if ever there was ever a feminist in ancient Greece, it is surely her. I loved her determination to prove herself, her pride and unwillingness to concede defeat, even when faced with daunting odds. I also loved her desire to go on an adventure, and to be comparable to the heroes of the time – her attitude spoke to the part of me that always wanted adventures as a child.
Also present in For the Winner are the meddling Gods and Goddesses of the time, most notably Hera who loves to involve herself in human affairs. I loved the portrayal of these beings as proud, manipulative and self-obsessed, yet ultimately fallible and capable of being outwitted, often by each other, and I think that the inclusion of these beings in the tale adds a little something extra to the story.
If I enjoyed For the Most Beautiful, I absolutely loved For the Winner. I think that part of this was because I'm less familiar with the story of Jason and the Argonauts than I am with the siege of Troy, although I remember watching a film of Jason and the Argonauts with my dad while growing up (although it bore little resemblance to this novel). If you’re interested in mythology, this is definitely a novel worth reading, but even if that element doesn’t appeal, I think that fans of historical fiction and / or fantasy adventures would find much to enjoy in Hauser’s novels, which can be read as standalone tales, despite being loosely linked.
For the Winner was published on 15 June by Doubleday – many thanks to Hannah Bright for providing a copy for review.
I really enjoyed For the Most Beautiful, Hauser’s debut novel, which told the tale of the siege of Troy from the perspective of two women caught up in the battle – an unusual and likely unique perspective from which to share that well-known story – and I was absolutely delighted when I was sent a copy of Hauser's follow up, For the Winner, to review.
Some three thousand years ago, in a time before history, the warriors of Greece journeyed to the ends of the earth in the greatest expedition the world had ever seen.
One woman fought alongside them.
Abandoned at birth on the slopes of Mount Pelion, Atalanta is determined to prove her worth to the father who cast her aside. Having taught herself to hunt and fight, and disguised as a man, she wins a place on the greatest voyage of that heroic age: with Jason and his band of Argonauts in search of the legendary Golden Fleece.
And it is here, in the company of men who will go down in history as heroes, that Atalanta must battle against the odds – and the will of the gods – to take control of her destiny and change her life forever.
With her unrivalled knowledge and captivating storytelling, Emily Hauser brings alive an ancient world where the gods can transform a mortal’s life on a whim, where warriors carve out names that will echo down the ages... and where one woman fights to determine her own fate.
As with her previous novel, Hauser presents the reader with a tale from Greek mythology, but told from the perspective of a female character. In this case, we have Atalanta, abandoned on a mountain at her father's command during a winter storm, but rescued and taken in by a peasant family. Growing up, she learns to wield a bow and a sword, and, upon discovering the truth about her heritage, seeks out the father who abandoned her, determined to prove her worth.
I absolutely loved Atalanta. She is smart and capable, and if ever there was ever a feminist in ancient Greece, it is surely her. I loved her determination to prove herself, her pride and unwillingness to concede defeat, even when faced with daunting odds. I also loved her desire to go on an adventure, and to be comparable to the heroes of the time – her attitude spoke to the part of me that always wanted adventures as a child.
Also present in For the Winner are the meddling Gods and Goddesses of the time, most notably Hera who loves to involve herself in human affairs. I loved the portrayal of these beings as proud, manipulative and self-obsessed, yet ultimately fallible and capable of being outwitted, often by each other, and I think that the inclusion of these beings in the tale adds a little something extra to the story.
If I enjoyed For the Most Beautiful, I absolutely loved For the Winner. I think that part of this was because I'm less familiar with the story of Jason and the Argonauts than I am with the siege of Troy, although I remember watching a film of Jason and the Argonauts with my dad while growing up (although it bore little resemblance to this novel). If you’re interested in mythology, this is definitely a novel worth reading, but even if that element doesn’t appeal, I think that fans of historical fiction and / or fantasy adventures would find much to enjoy in Hauser’s novels, which can be read as standalone tales, despite being loosely linked.
For the Winner was published on 15 June by Doubleday – many thanks to Hannah Bright for providing a copy for review.
February 17, 2019
4,5-5 🌟
January 23, 2018
I found this one a little hard to get into. Mostly, I think, because the myth of Atalanta is probably my least favourite myth.
I remember hearing a version of it quite often on the kid's radio show on a Sunday morning on a local station. Diana and the Golden Apples. Why that version called her Diana rather than Atalanta, I have no idea, but I could never understand why the silly cow went after the apples instead of keeping going and winning the race. Emily Hauser supplies excellent reasons for Atalanta's behaviour.
It was also nice to see Jason painted as the complete arsehole I've always thought him to be, rather than the alledged noble hero.
A pretty good read, but not as enjoyable as the first book in the series.
I remember hearing a version of it quite often on the kid's radio show on a Sunday morning on a local station. Diana and the Golden Apples. Why that version called her Diana rather than Atalanta, I have no idea, but I could never understand why the silly cow went after the apples instead of keeping going and winning the race. Emily Hauser supplies excellent reasons for Atalanta's behaviour.
It was also nice to see Jason painted as the complete arsehole I've always thought him to be, rather than the alledged noble hero.
A pretty good read, but not as enjoyable as the first book in the series.
January 30, 2019
Dieser Teil hat mir noch besser gefallen als der Erste! Alle Kritikpunkte, die ich im ersten Teil hatte, wurden hier zu meiner vollsten Zufriedenheit umgesetzt. Tiefgängig und detailliert wird hier die Geschichte beschrieben. Man kann sich gut in Atalante hineinversetzen und es macht Spaß ihre Reise zu verfolgen. Man schließt sie ins Herz - hofft mit ihr, bangt mit ihr, lacht und weint mit ihr! Lediglich der Mittelteil zog sich etwas, ansonst top 👍🏻
March 10, 2018
I came across the first novel in this trilogy completely by mistake at the library I picked up the first book that sprang to mind . I enjoyed it so much I wanted to read the second. What a novel! Absolutely amazing. Such a unique re telling of the story of Jason from another view point. I loved the chapter switches from mortals to the gods and I loved the characters.
I am only disappointed to find the next novel is not available to purchase just yet !
I am only disappointed to find the next novel is not available to purchase just yet !
January 3, 2020
Geschichte die lebendig wird…
Wer kennt sie nicht? Griechische Helden und die unglaublichen Sagen die über ihre Abenteuer erzählt werden, auch noch tausende von Jahren nach deren Tod. Doch wie könnte sich das ganze anhören, wenn wir aus diesen Epen ein wenig Testosteron rausnehmen und den Frauen der Vergangenheit eine Stimme verleihen? Tochter des Meeres ist die Geschichte über ein junges, selbstbewusstes Mädchen. Eine geschickte Jägerin und Pfeilschnelle Läuferin, namens Atalante, die aus dem ihr angedachten, für damalige Frauen typischen Leben ausbrechen will. Sie erkämpft sich, verkleidet als Mann, Jasons ansehen und dass seiner Argonauten. Mit ihnen begibt sie sich auf eine lange, gefährliche Schiffsreise ans andere Ende ihrer Welt. Doch als Jason hinter ihr Geheimnis kommt, ist Atalantes härteste Stunde gekommen. Wird sie ihren Plan doch noch verwirklichen oder muss sie sich in dieser von Männern beherrschten Welt geschlagen geben?
Tochter des Meeres ist der zweite historische Roman von Emily Hauser, der eines der meist besungenen Sagen der mykenischen Kultur aus dem Blickwinkel einer Frau erzählt. Die Autorin verstrickt einzelne Sagen, die sich um Atalante ranken, zu einer wahren Heldinnen Geschichte, der es nicht an Spannung, Action, Herz und geschichtlichem Hintergrund mangelt. Die Protagonistin ist sehr unerschrocken, jedoch so waghalsig sie sich auch in Gefahren stürzt so deutlich spürt sie, dass es etwas Verborgenes in ihrem Leben gibt. Sie macht sich auf um den Ursprung ihrer Natur zu finden und steuert mehr oder weniger unbewusst dem größten Abenteuer, lebensbedrohlichen Gefahren und ihrem unweigerlichen Schicksal entgegen. Der Schreibstil ist so unfassbar mitreißend, dass man förmlich das Adrenalin spürt, wenn Atalante kämpft oder das ächzen der Argo hört, wenn der Bug sich durch die Wellen pflügt. Man fühlt sich als Leser zurück versetzt in diese Zeit und an diese Orte. Die bildgewaltige, klare Sprache und die präzisen Beschreibungen machen es dem geistigen Auge schwindelerregend einfach sich die Szenerie vorzustellen und lassen den Leser ganz in der Geschichte abtauchen. Auch ohne fundiertes Wissen über Atalante, Jason oder diese Zeit ist es problemlos möglich dem Roman zu folgen. Emily Hauser schafft es, wichtige geschichtliche Hintergründe ganz locker und scheinbar nebenbei in die Story einfließen zu lassen ohne dabei trocken oder ausschweifend zu werden. Sie lässt uns mit dem ganzen Herzen Geschichte spüren und leiert nicht familiäre Stammbäume oder Eckdaten herunter. Dabei greift sie eine allseits bekannte Sage auf und spinnt, um den Mythos -Atalante sei mit Jason und den Argonauten nach Kolchis gereist-, eine ganz eigene Geschichte und erzählt diese nicht aus dem alt bekannten Blickwinkel, sondern setzt dieses Mal eine Frau, ihr handeln, ihre Taten, ihre Gefühle und ihre Beweggründe in den Fokus. Wer hier also eine Heldensaga wie der Argonautika von Apollonios von Rhodos erwartet, mit seinen unglaublichen Schilderungen von Kentauren, Drachen, metallenen Vögeln, Männermordende Frauen, verführerischen Sirenen oder gar kreischende Harpyien der lieg hier falsch, denn auch im 2 Teil der Frauen von Troja Reihe dreht es sich wieder ausschließlich um die Geschichte einer Frau und die Autorin verzichtet dabei gänzlich auf Fabelwesen. Wer seine Bücher vielschichtig liebt wird hier nicht enttäuscht werden. Emily Hauser lässt alles mit einfließen was ein guter Roman dem Leser bieten sollte, legt aber in kein Gebiet zu viel Gewicht um den Roman schmalzig oder gar hanebüchen wirken zu lassen.
Fazit: sehr für Einsteiger im Bereich historischer Roman zu empfehlen aber natürlich auch für alle, die der griechischen Mythologie zu geneigt sind oder ein spannendes Abenteuer einer starken Frau erleben wollen. Ich fand das Buch großartig und konnte das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen.
Wer kennt sie nicht? Griechische Helden und die unglaublichen Sagen die über ihre Abenteuer erzählt werden, auch noch tausende von Jahren nach deren Tod. Doch wie könnte sich das ganze anhören, wenn wir aus diesen Epen ein wenig Testosteron rausnehmen und den Frauen der Vergangenheit eine Stimme verleihen? Tochter des Meeres ist die Geschichte über ein junges, selbstbewusstes Mädchen. Eine geschickte Jägerin und Pfeilschnelle Läuferin, namens Atalante, die aus dem ihr angedachten, für damalige Frauen typischen Leben ausbrechen will. Sie erkämpft sich, verkleidet als Mann, Jasons ansehen und dass seiner Argonauten. Mit ihnen begibt sie sich auf eine lange, gefährliche Schiffsreise ans andere Ende ihrer Welt. Doch als Jason hinter ihr Geheimnis kommt, ist Atalantes härteste Stunde gekommen. Wird sie ihren Plan doch noch verwirklichen oder muss sie sich in dieser von Männern beherrschten Welt geschlagen geben?
Tochter des Meeres ist der zweite historische Roman von Emily Hauser, der eines der meist besungenen Sagen der mykenischen Kultur aus dem Blickwinkel einer Frau erzählt. Die Autorin verstrickt einzelne Sagen, die sich um Atalante ranken, zu einer wahren Heldinnen Geschichte, der es nicht an Spannung, Action, Herz und geschichtlichem Hintergrund mangelt. Die Protagonistin ist sehr unerschrocken, jedoch so waghalsig sie sich auch in Gefahren stürzt so deutlich spürt sie, dass es etwas Verborgenes in ihrem Leben gibt. Sie macht sich auf um den Ursprung ihrer Natur zu finden und steuert mehr oder weniger unbewusst dem größten Abenteuer, lebensbedrohlichen Gefahren und ihrem unweigerlichen Schicksal entgegen. Der Schreibstil ist so unfassbar mitreißend, dass man förmlich das Adrenalin spürt, wenn Atalante kämpft oder das ächzen der Argo hört, wenn der Bug sich durch die Wellen pflügt. Man fühlt sich als Leser zurück versetzt in diese Zeit und an diese Orte. Die bildgewaltige, klare Sprache und die präzisen Beschreibungen machen es dem geistigen Auge schwindelerregend einfach sich die Szenerie vorzustellen und lassen den Leser ganz in der Geschichte abtauchen. Auch ohne fundiertes Wissen über Atalante, Jason oder diese Zeit ist es problemlos möglich dem Roman zu folgen. Emily Hauser schafft es, wichtige geschichtliche Hintergründe ganz locker und scheinbar nebenbei in die Story einfließen zu lassen ohne dabei trocken oder ausschweifend zu werden. Sie lässt uns mit dem ganzen Herzen Geschichte spüren und leiert nicht familiäre Stammbäume oder Eckdaten herunter. Dabei greift sie eine allseits bekannte Sage auf und spinnt, um den Mythos -Atalante sei mit Jason und den Argonauten nach Kolchis gereist-, eine ganz eigene Geschichte und erzählt diese nicht aus dem alt bekannten Blickwinkel, sondern setzt dieses Mal eine Frau, ihr handeln, ihre Taten, ihre Gefühle und ihre Beweggründe in den Fokus. Wer hier also eine Heldensaga wie der Argonautika von Apollonios von Rhodos erwartet, mit seinen unglaublichen Schilderungen von Kentauren, Drachen, metallenen Vögeln, Männermordende Frauen, verführerischen Sirenen oder gar kreischende Harpyien der lieg hier falsch, denn auch im 2 Teil der Frauen von Troja Reihe dreht es sich wieder ausschließlich um die Geschichte einer Frau und die Autorin verzichtet dabei gänzlich auf Fabelwesen. Wer seine Bücher vielschichtig liebt wird hier nicht enttäuscht werden. Emily Hauser lässt alles mit einfließen was ein guter Roman dem Leser bieten sollte, legt aber in kein Gebiet zu viel Gewicht um den Roman schmalzig oder gar hanebüchen wirken zu lassen.
Fazit: sehr für Einsteiger im Bereich historischer Roman zu empfehlen aber natürlich auch für alle, die der griechischen Mythologie zu geneigt sind oder ein spannendes Abenteuer einer starken Frau erleben wollen. Ich fand das Buch großartig und konnte das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen.
July 22, 2017
I've been wanting to read more fiction set in Ancient Greece and, having already read Emily Hauser’s first novel, For the Most Beautiful, I was sure that her second, For the Winner, would be a good choice! Hauser’s two books retell stories from Greek mythology from a female perspective – in For the Most Beautiful we see the events of the Trojan War unfold through the eyes of Krisayis and Briseis; For the Winner reimagines the story of Jason and the Argonauts with a focus on Atalanta, another lesser-known woman of the time. The books are part of a planned trilogy – the Golden Apple trilogy – but can be read in any order.
Abandoned on a mountain as a baby, Atalanta is rescued by a peasant and his wife who raise her as their own child. Growing up unaware of her true parentage, there are hints that Atalanta is destined for something special: by the time she is a teenager she has taught herself to hunt, to run with extraordinary speed and to use a bow and arrow with breathtaking skill. And then, one day, she learns the truth: the father who had left her to die on Mount Pelion was King Iasus of Pagasae.
To prove herself to her father, Atalanta decides to join the group of Greek heroes who are preparing for a voyage to the faraway land of Colchis in search of the legendary Golden Fleece. The quest will be led by the King’s nephew, Jason, whose reward for returning with the Fleece will be the kingdom of Pagasae itself – the kingdom Atalanta believes is rightfully hers. Can she win a place on board the Argo and find the Golden Fleece before Jason does?
I loved For the Winner. For the Most Beautiful was an enjoyable read too, but I thought this one was better – there were none of the little problems I remember experiencing with the other book. The biggest improvement was with the scenes depicting the Greek gods and goddesses looking down on the world from Mount Olympus, interfering and intervening in human affairs and arguing amongst themselves. With Zeus taking Atalanta’s side and Hera doing whatever she can to help Jason, I was particularly interested in the role of Iris, whose feelings and motives are less clear. The gods really added something special to the story this time and I looked forward to their appearances rather than finding them irritating as I did in the previous novel.
Although, as I’ve admitted before, my knowledge of Greek myth is quite limited, I was already familiar with the story of Jason and the Argonauts (and also have vague memories of watching the 1963 film version, years ago). However, the story told in this novel is very different, bringing in other characters and elements and mixing them together to create something new and original. Choosing to write from Atalanta’s perspective was a great decision because she is such a wonderful character. I loved following her adventures, but I don’t want to say too much more about her or give away too many details of her story! There were other characters I came to care about too, particularly Atalanta’s friend Myrtessa – and one of the men from the Argo who becomes the novel’s love interest. Jason, on the other hand, is portrayed as cruel, arrogant and completely unlikeable, but his rivalry with our heroine is what drives the plot forward.
I think what I appreciated most about For the Winner, though, was the way it explores the question of choice and free will – and how each of us has the power to defy fate and control our own destiny. Now I’m looking forward to the third book in the trilogy and am curious to see which Greek myth Emily Hauser tackles next.
Abandoned on a mountain as a baby, Atalanta is rescued by a peasant and his wife who raise her as their own child. Growing up unaware of her true parentage, there are hints that Atalanta is destined for something special: by the time she is a teenager she has taught herself to hunt, to run with extraordinary speed and to use a bow and arrow with breathtaking skill. And then, one day, she learns the truth: the father who had left her to die on Mount Pelion was King Iasus of Pagasae.
To prove herself to her father, Atalanta decides to join the group of Greek heroes who are preparing for a voyage to the faraway land of Colchis in search of the legendary Golden Fleece. The quest will be led by the King’s nephew, Jason, whose reward for returning with the Fleece will be the kingdom of Pagasae itself – the kingdom Atalanta believes is rightfully hers. Can she win a place on board the Argo and find the Golden Fleece before Jason does?
I loved For the Winner. For the Most Beautiful was an enjoyable read too, but I thought this one was better – there were none of the little problems I remember experiencing with the other book. The biggest improvement was with the scenes depicting the Greek gods and goddesses looking down on the world from Mount Olympus, interfering and intervening in human affairs and arguing amongst themselves. With Zeus taking Atalanta’s side and Hera doing whatever she can to help Jason, I was particularly interested in the role of Iris, whose feelings and motives are less clear. The gods really added something special to the story this time and I looked forward to their appearances rather than finding them irritating as I did in the previous novel.
Although, as I’ve admitted before, my knowledge of Greek myth is quite limited, I was already familiar with the story of Jason and the Argonauts (and also have vague memories of watching the 1963 film version, years ago). However, the story told in this novel is very different, bringing in other characters and elements and mixing them together to create something new and original. Choosing to write from Atalanta’s perspective was a great decision because she is such a wonderful character. I loved following her adventures, but I don’t want to say too much more about her or give away too many details of her story! There were other characters I came to care about too, particularly Atalanta’s friend Myrtessa – and one of the men from the Argo who becomes the novel’s love interest. Jason, on the other hand, is portrayed as cruel, arrogant and completely unlikeable, but his rivalry with our heroine is what drives the plot forward.
I think what I appreciated most about For the Winner, though, was the way it explores the question of choice and free will – and how each of us has the power to defy fate and control our own destiny. Now I’m looking forward to the third book in the trilogy and am curious to see which Greek myth Emily Hauser tackles next.
June 14, 2017
Atalanta, abandoned at birth for being an unwanted girl, an heir to the throne and left to die.
Being rescued and raised humbly she has taught herself to hunt she then finds out who she is and disguises herself as a man and embarks on the epic quest to find the Golden Fleece with Jason and his Argonauts.
Secretly she plots to take the Golden Fleece from Jason in exchange for her rightful place at the throne.
I must admit this is my first foray into this genre and Hauser is a brilliant and well researched classicist.
Hauser expertly weaves a rich and powerful tale plumping out the legendary tale of Atalanta, Jason & the Argonauts.
More importantly this is a great feminist story. Atalanta's inner and physical strength is at the heart of the story, she is a well developed character with whom I cared about and really wanted to see her fulfil her quest.
A stellar story from a talented author.
I would like to thank Hannah Bright at Transworld Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Being rescued and raised humbly she has taught herself to hunt she then finds out who she is and disguises herself as a man and embarks on the epic quest to find the Golden Fleece with Jason and his Argonauts.
Secretly she plots to take the Golden Fleece from Jason in exchange for her rightful place at the throne.
I must admit this is my first foray into this genre and Hauser is a brilliant and well researched classicist.
Hauser expertly weaves a rich and powerful tale plumping out the legendary tale of Atalanta, Jason & the Argonauts.
More importantly this is a great feminist story. Atalanta's inner and physical strength is at the heart of the story, she is a well developed character with whom I cared about and really wanted to see her fulfil her quest.
A stellar story from a talented author.
I would like to thank Hannah Bright at Transworld Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2018
I have loved reading this trio of books, they're interesting, the characters are complicated and many shades of grey, and the scenery well described and draws you in! There's nothing bad to say at all about this author's re-writing of the Jason myth and his search for the golden fleece - she twists the story a little to fit, with a woman involved in the journey, and discovered in the end, with results that may seem disastrous, and Jason is not at all the hero we expect from our preconceptions. It's interesting, because no man or woman is either white or black, we're all shades of grey, and this was as true thousands of years ago as it is now - a warts and all account that is well worth the read! xx
July 29, 2021
I loved this gritty, feminist retelling of the myth of the Golden Fleece!
March 20, 2018
First published at Booking in Heels.
The ‘retelling’ of Jason and the Argonauts. Or, you know, not.
Retellings of myths and legends have the difficult task of sitting in that fuzzy gap between historical fiction and fantasy. Obviously it’s not reciting real events because the myths are fictional in the first place, so it can’t be historical fiction, but then the author can’t take the credit for coming up with the story in the first place because it’s thousands of years old. The former point makes it very difficult to jump up and down squawking ‘That’s not right, that’s not what happened!’ because hey, none of this happened. It doesn’t remove the fact that this is precisely what I want do, however.
I just don’t understand why you’d want to purposefully choose a relatively well-known legend to retell in a lengthy novel… and then change it beyond all comprehension. It’s barely recognisble as the myth of the Golden Fleece, as so much of it is completely different. Not to mention that the Fleece has barely any relevance in the whole story. Atalanta was never supposed to sneak aboard dressed as a man – she was a respected and competant member of the crew on the Argo. Various elements of her ‘proper’ story are shoved in, usually in a way that makes barely any sense. The ending is almost completely the opposite of what really happened (as far as any of this can be said to have ‘really’ happened) and it annoys me. Is it reasonable for this to annoy me? Probably not. But I was expecting the story of Atalanta’s involvement in Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece and that is not what I got.
The odd first person narrative.
The other point that confuses me is Emily Hauser’s choice to write in the first person. It’s a very strange choice and one that I don’t think fits. When you’re writing about a mythological person, a legend, you need them to be strong of heart and swift of foot and all that, which is fine. But when you write in the first person, they’re telling you all this and it doesn’t work. I don’t need an explanation for why she’s so talented, but an objective voice telling me would have been better suited. It feels like a YA heroine telling you how wonderful they are and it comes across as gloaty and lazy.
The clear Young Adult aspects.
It’s actually not the only thing that makes this book seem like it would be more appropriate for teenagers. For one thing, there’s no violence, gore, or sex, although there are references to historic rape. Whilst I obviously doesn’t desperately need these things in my books, the Greeks weren’t exactly famous for their docile chasity and it seems very toned down. Almost tedious. Atalanta herself comes across as very young – she has no adult feelings or emotions, she’s just a bundle of impulsive decision making and impatience. All the characters are very flat and one-sided, even those who are meant to be the key players.
I will say that the prose aspects are written well. The descriptions of the Greek scenery are stunning and bring up the quality of the novel as a whole somewhat. Ms Hauser is clearly able to write very well, but I just don’t understand the majority of the narrative and plot choices that she made. What could have been a feminist and fascinating retelling of Atalanta and the Golden Fleece ended up as an unrecognisable story about a gloaty teenager running through Greece.
The ‘retelling’ of Jason and the Argonauts. Or, you know, not.
Retellings of myths and legends have the difficult task of sitting in that fuzzy gap between historical fiction and fantasy. Obviously it’s not reciting real events because the myths are fictional in the first place, so it can’t be historical fiction, but then the author can’t take the credit for coming up with the story in the first place because it’s thousands of years old. The former point makes it very difficult to jump up and down squawking ‘That’s not right, that’s not what happened!’ because hey, none of this happened. It doesn’t remove the fact that this is precisely what I want do, however.
I just don’t understand why you’d want to purposefully choose a relatively well-known legend to retell in a lengthy novel… and then change it beyond all comprehension. It’s barely recognisble as the myth of the Golden Fleece, as so much of it is completely different. Not to mention that the Fleece has barely any relevance in the whole story. Atalanta was never supposed to sneak aboard dressed as a man – she was a respected and competant member of the crew on the Argo. Various elements of her ‘proper’ story are shoved in, usually in a way that makes barely any sense. The ending is almost completely the opposite of what really happened (as far as any of this can be said to have ‘really’ happened) and it annoys me. Is it reasonable for this to annoy me? Probably not. But I was expecting the story of Atalanta’s involvement in Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece and that is not what I got.
The odd first person narrative.
The other point that confuses me is Emily Hauser’s choice to write in the first person. It’s a very strange choice and one that I don’t think fits. When you’re writing about a mythological person, a legend, you need them to be strong of heart and swift of foot and all that, which is fine. But when you write in the first person, they’re telling you all this and it doesn’t work. I don’t need an explanation for why she’s so talented, but an objective voice telling me would have been better suited. It feels like a YA heroine telling you how wonderful they are and it comes across as gloaty and lazy.
The clear Young Adult aspects.
It’s actually not the only thing that makes this book seem like it would be more appropriate for teenagers. For one thing, there’s no violence, gore, or sex, although there are references to historic rape. Whilst I obviously doesn’t desperately need these things in my books, the Greeks weren’t exactly famous for their docile chasity and it seems very toned down. Almost tedious. Atalanta herself comes across as very young – she has no adult feelings or emotions, she’s just a bundle of impulsive decision making and impatience. All the characters are very flat and one-sided, even those who are meant to be the key players.
I will say that the prose aspects are written well. The descriptions of the Greek scenery are stunning and bring up the quality of the novel as a whole somewhat. Ms Hauser is clearly able to write very well, but I just don’t understand the majority of the narrative and plot choices that she made. What could have been a feminist and fascinating retelling of Atalanta and the Golden Fleece ended up as an unrecognisable story about a gloaty teenager running through Greece.
February 26, 2019
Great story about one of the lesser known Greek hero(ine)s Atalanta who, according to various sources, drew first blood in the hunt for the Calydonian boar and was also the only female to join Jason and the crew of the Argo in the search for the Golden Fleece (. It is refreshing to hear about some of the stronger of the female characters from the Greek myths and Atalanta, despite being a great huntress who proves herself in the hunt and her determination, still has to fall foul to the man who would trick her in order to marry her, although in this telling the power is put back in Atalanta's hand to make it appear that she had a choice in the matter. Still, it is good to hear about one of the lesser known characters. As in the previous book in the series, one of the highlights for me are the interludes where we see the machinations of the Greek gods upon Olympus plotting their schemes and their manipulation of the world below them. I htink that I could probably read a book entirely based on them!
June 13, 2024
Pretty good is we ignore the character assassination of Meleager (+ Jason for some parts). Like what did they do to my boy
December 18, 2021
amazing book! i highly want you to read this book.
June 19, 2017
Ancient Greece, gods, goddesses, warriors and legends are all pieces of history that I have adored in one way or another. From the old movies that Mum would watch on a Saturday afternoon, to the newer Hollywood blockbusters, the original stories of Homer’s Odyssey and Carol Ann Duffy’s rewriting of women from Greek classics. Basically, I’m a history nerd, as well as a book worm. When I saw Hannah’s tweet from Penguin Random House, I had to get my hands on Emily Hauser’s For The Winner.
For The Winner is a tale of the young woman, Atalanta, who was left to die as a baby on top of Mount Pelion under a thunderous sky. She was taken in by a farmer and his wife who raised her as their own in a little town called Kaladrosos. Here, she taught herself how to hunt, how to make her arrows fly from her bow with ease, how to run faster than any man, woman, or child in the world. She was a warrior from birth; headstrong, kind and courageous – all the qualities of a true king if she were a man.
On her eighteenth birthday, Atalanta finds out that she is an orphan; she sets off on the adventure she had always dreamed of – fighting alongside the famous warriors of Greece, shooting her arrows, allowing herself to have the freedom of a man. However, she must dress and act like a man in order to survive, and to prove herself to her real father.
From the first word, For The Winner is deeply descriptive. You completely enter the world as if the words are flung up around you, immersing you into a time travel machine and whisking you back to Ancient Greece, specifically 1260 BC. You can feel the soft feathers of the arrow against your cheek; smell the thunder as Poseidon’s clouds roll into view; taste the salt from the spraying sea as you heave the oars to and fro. Hauser’s words truly capture you, and the feeling of adventurous exhilaration is prominent throughout the novel.
I feel like this is an incredible time for this book to be released with the adoration of Wonder Woman at the moment. Atalanta is a wonder woman in her own right. She can fight alongside any man – lord or warrior – treat her peers – slave or not – with the utmost respect and protect those who cannot defend themselves in the way they wish to. She is mortal, with no godlike powers although the gods and goddesses themselves believe it to be true. She goes beyond the boundaries, breaking them in defiance because she believes it is her fate to take the Golden Fleece from under the nose of Jason and his Argonauts. This story, however, goes beyond fate and becomes a story about choice.
I particularly loved the snippets of Mount Olympus. Seeing and hearing the ancient gods and goddesses fight and quarrel made me see a different side to the Ancient Greece we see in Disney films and learn in school. Here, it was almost like the gods and goddesses have simple human qualities: jealousy, envy, anger, suspicion and rivalry which was of course taken to a height worthy of only the gods. They were worse than some of the mortals that they despised so much, trying to throw them off the course of their fate, or indeed, trying to break them down to turn their backs on choice.
The friendship and loyalty between comrades has to be noted in this review because some of the moments shared between Atalanta and Myrtessa, or later Atalanta and a certain male (I don’t want to give it away!) are beautiful, and the kind that you hope to repeat in your daily life. Of course, in daily life, we are lucky to not be faced with an arrow in our hearts or left to be savaged in faraway lands, but it is the intimate human moments between loved ones that makes the book so special and so relatable. It doesn’t matter what time or where For The Winner is set, we can all relate to it in some way or another.
It is a coming of age story like no other. Atalanta always knew the strength she had within her; she always stayed true to herself. It is the reality of the men surrounding her coming to terms with the fact that a woman can be just as strong, just as brave and just as worthy as any man, sometimes even more so. Men and women are equals, to be treated as one kind of race: the human race.
A truly wonderful book that will make you smile and cry, and learn a little bit about Greek mythology, legends and history too!
For The Winner is a tale of the young woman, Atalanta, who was left to die as a baby on top of Mount Pelion under a thunderous sky. She was taken in by a farmer and his wife who raised her as their own in a little town called Kaladrosos. Here, she taught herself how to hunt, how to make her arrows fly from her bow with ease, how to run faster than any man, woman, or child in the world. She was a warrior from birth; headstrong, kind and courageous – all the qualities of a true king if she were a man.
On her eighteenth birthday, Atalanta finds out that she is an orphan; she sets off on the adventure she had always dreamed of – fighting alongside the famous warriors of Greece, shooting her arrows, allowing herself to have the freedom of a man. However, she must dress and act like a man in order to survive, and to prove herself to her real father.
From the first word, For The Winner is deeply descriptive. You completely enter the world as if the words are flung up around you, immersing you into a time travel machine and whisking you back to Ancient Greece, specifically 1260 BC. You can feel the soft feathers of the arrow against your cheek; smell the thunder as Poseidon’s clouds roll into view; taste the salt from the spraying sea as you heave the oars to and fro. Hauser’s words truly capture you, and the feeling of adventurous exhilaration is prominent throughout the novel.
I feel like this is an incredible time for this book to be released with the adoration of Wonder Woman at the moment. Atalanta is a wonder woman in her own right. She can fight alongside any man – lord or warrior – treat her peers – slave or not – with the utmost respect and protect those who cannot defend themselves in the way they wish to. She is mortal, with no godlike powers although the gods and goddesses themselves believe it to be true. She goes beyond the boundaries, breaking them in defiance because she believes it is her fate to take the Golden Fleece from under the nose of Jason and his Argonauts. This story, however, goes beyond fate and becomes a story about choice.
I particularly loved the snippets of Mount Olympus. Seeing and hearing the ancient gods and goddesses fight and quarrel made me see a different side to the Ancient Greece we see in Disney films and learn in school. Here, it was almost like the gods and goddesses have simple human qualities: jealousy, envy, anger, suspicion and rivalry which was of course taken to a height worthy of only the gods. They were worse than some of the mortals that they despised so much, trying to throw them off the course of their fate, or indeed, trying to break them down to turn their backs on choice.
The friendship and loyalty between comrades has to be noted in this review because some of the moments shared between Atalanta and Myrtessa, or later Atalanta and a certain male (I don’t want to give it away!) are beautiful, and the kind that you hope to repeat in your daily life. Of course, in daily life, we are lucky to not be faced with an arrow in our hearts or left to be savaged in faraway lands, but it is the intimate human moments between loved ones that makes the book so special and so relatable. It doesn’t matter what time or where For The Winner is set, we can all relate to it in some way or another.
It is a coming of age story like no other. Atalanta always knew the strength she had within her; she always stayed true to herself. It is the reality of the men surrounding her coming to terms with the fact that a woman can be just as strong, just as brave and just as worthy as any man, sometimes even more so. Men and women are equals, to be treated as one kind of race: the human race.
A truly wonderful book that will make you smile and cry, and learn a little bit about Greek mythology, legends and history too!
June 8, 2017
The legend of Jason and the Argonauts
Atalanta is abandoned as a baby on the mountain and is discovered by a local man. He takes her in and raises her as his own daughter. She has a very happy childhood and although she is treated fairly and is loved equally with the other children she knows she is different. Her prowess with a bow is outstanding; she is brave and she is fast.
Finally, she is told the truth and understands the importance of the gold medallion that she wears around her neck and sets off to Pagasae to discover her true identity. Atalanta quickly makes friends with a servant girl called Myrtessa who helps her to realise that she may be the daughter of King Iasus. She also learns about the legend of the Golden Fleece and that Jason is gathering a team of lords who will set out on a quest to help him capture the Golden Fleece and claim the throne for himself.
Atalanta disguises herself as Lord Telamon, son of Deucalion with Myrtessa as her servant. She excels in a hunt at Jason’s side but he does not invite her to join the quest. Myrtessa and Atalanta audaciously get aboard the Argo as it sets sail and are not wholly welcomed by the other lords. During a storm Hippomenes is swept overboard and Atalanta jumps in and saves him. Jason continues to dislike Atalanta and treats her badly but she has found an ally in Hippomenes as she saved his life. Atalanta also earns the respect of her brother Lycon.
Unfortunately for Atalanta she attracts the attention of Lord Meleager who forces himself upon her believing her to be a man. He is horrified when he discovers she is a woman and, although they have reached their destination of Colchis, Atalanta and Myrtessa are exiled by Jason. A woman is believed to bring bad luck at sea and although Hippomenes pleads for her life they are told that they must never return to Greece.
They then set off on their own still determined to capture the fleece so Atalanta can claim the throne for herself. Jason beats Atalanta and captures the fleece from Colchis and Atalanta’s last hope is now to beat Jason back to Pagasae and steal the fleece. Myrtessa finds her home in the mountains and decides to leave so Atalanta sets out on her own.
Hippomenes leaves the Argo and accompanies her back to Pagasae but Atalanta does not disclose to him the truth of her noble birth. The story reaches its climax back in the court of King Iasus. He examines the golden medallion and accepts he presented it to her as a birth gift and so recognises Atalanta as his daughter.
There is a problem though. Jason has captured the fleece and although he has lost it, he had captured the fleece from Colchis which was all that the prophecy required. King Iasus decides that the best solution is that Atalanta should marry Jason. Atalanta is horrified as she knows that Jason will be a cruel King and she fears for her family so she insists on a contest to win her hand. Hippomenes triumphs.
This book is a very enjoyable read. It has clearly been well researched and presents a very human picture of Atalanta’s story. For the winner brings to life a very well-known Greek myth and makes a very pleasant read.
Kanga
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
Atalanta is abandoned as a baby on the mountain and is discovered by a local man. He takes her in and raises her as his own daughter. She has a very happy childhood and although she is treated fairly and is loved equally with the other children she knows she is different. Her prowess with a bow is outstanding; she is brave and she is fast.
Finally, she is told the truth and understands the importance of the gold medallion that she wears around her neck and sets off to Pagasae to discover her true identity. Atalanta quickly makes friends with a servant girl called Myrtessa who helps her to realise that she may be the daughter of King Iasus. She also learns about the legend of the Golden Fleece and that Jason is gathering a team of lords who will set out on a quest to help him capture the Golden Fleece and claim the throne for himself.
Atalanta disguises herself as Lord Telamon, son of Deucalion with Myrtessa as her servant. She excels in a hunt at Jason’s side but he does not invite her to join the quest. Myrtessa and Atalanta audaciously get aboard the Argo as it sets sail and are not wholly welcomed by the other lords. During a storm Hippomenes is swept overboard and Atalanta jumps in and saves him. Jason continues to dislike Atalanta and treats her badly but she has found an ally in Hippomenes as she saved his life. Atalanta also earns the respect of her brother Lycon.
Unfortunately for Atalanta she attracts the attention of Lord Meleager who forces himself upon her believing her to be a man. He is horrified when he discovers she is a woman and, although they have reached their destination of Colchis, Atalanta and Myrtessa are exiled by Jason. A woman is believed to bring bad luck at sea and although Hippomenes pleads for her life they are told that they must never return to Greece.
They then set off on their own still determined to capture the fleece so Atalanta can claim the throne for herself. Jason beats Atalanta and captures the fleece from Colchis and Atalanta’s last hope is now to beat Jason back to Pagasae and steal the fleece. Myrtessa finds her home in the mountains and decides to leave so Atalanta sets out on her own.
Hippomenes leaves the Argo and accompanies her back to Pagasae but Atalanta does not disclose to him the truth of her noble birth. The story reaches its climax back in the court of King Iasus. He examines the golden medallion and accepts he presented it to her as a birth gift and so recognises Atalanta as his daughter.
There is a problem though. Jason has captured the fleece and although he has lost it, he had captured the fleece from Colchis which was all that the prophecy required. King Iasus decides that the best solution is that Atalanta should marry Jason. Atalanta is horrified as she knows that Jason will be a cruel King and she fears for her family so she insists on a contest to win her hand. Hippomenes triumphs.
This book is a very enjoyable read. It has clearly been well researched and presents a very human picture of Atalanta’s story. For the winner brings to life a very well-known Greek myth and makes a very pleasant read.
Kanga
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review
August 3, 2017
For the Winner, Emily Hauser
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Historical Fiction
As a child I adored fairy-tales, but mum frowned on me reading them as I approached high school, telling me I should have outgrown them.
Then joy, high school and a library full of myths and legends from all over the world to replace my beloved fairies.
Those from Rome and Greece were my favourite and I noticed many parallels in the stories.
So when I saw this it took me mentally back those happy days getting lost in stories of times past, different cultures and the vagaries of the different Gods and Goddesses.
Then came children, a film addict husband and my stories took form once more with fabulous Classic films for the kids, and Jason and the Argonauts was one of their favourites.
This book doesn't really dwell on the Argonauts perilous journey so much as Atalanta's part in it. We do go with them for long stretches but its more the interaction of the characters than the perils of the journey.
Atalanta was abandoned as a baby even though she was the first born and a princess, and she's brought up by loving foster parents. When she hears the tale, when her parents feel she's old enough for the story of how she came to them, found in a torrential storm, she sets off to find her family, and then finding out the truth she sets out to prove her worth to the king.
She's a fearsome warrior, the equal and better of many men, and in disguise as a Lord she gets her place on the Argonaut, intending to steal the fleece and prove herself to the king, and thwart Jason's cruel plans for the places he wants to rule.
That's the plan but of course its never that simple, and Atlanta has to constantly revise her plans according to circumstances.
Its not hard enough being a woman in a time when they were definitely subservient to men, being a princess in disguise, having to fight every step of her way against her peers, but the Gods and Goddesses have their own plans and are constantly interfering in mortal affairs.
Luckily there's Iris, ostensibly a messenger for Hera, but in reality a Goddess in her own right, using her messenger persona as a way to keep things as she feels they should be.
Its a fabulous read, transporting me back in time, waiting to see what would happen to Atalanta and her plans with each new chapter, inwardly ranting at the bigoted and short sighted men, railing at the Gods and Goddesses for their careless interference, their disregard for human life.
I kept telling myself "just one more chapter" and then "well, just til I see if/til I find out what..." until I was so tired i wasn't appreciating the story as it deserves.
Its a fabulous read, feeling very real, letting me rail at the unfairness of how women were treated, and then thinking, how come we still don't get equal treatment thousands of years later.
I loved the characters we met, loved the scenes of everyday life, loved seeing a different side to Jason than the usual one, and his cruelty was all too believable.
And the ending, just so right, took the story to the perfect finale.
Stars: A very worthy Five, a wonderful tale to escape from everyday life into another time and place.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Historical Fiction
As a child I adored fairy-tales, but mum frowned on me reading them as I approached high school, telling me I should have outgrown them.
Then joy, high school and a library full of myths and legends from all over the world to replace my beloved fairies.
Those from Rome and Greece were my favourite and I noticed many parallels in the stories.
So when I saw this it took me mentally back those happy days getting lost in stories of times past, different cultures and the vagaries of the different Gods and Goddesses.
Then came children, a film addict husband and my stories took form once more with fabulous Classic films for the kids, and Jason and the Argonauts was one of their favourites.
This book doesn't really dwell on the Argonauts perilous journey so much as Atalanta's part in it. We do go with them for long stretches but its more the interaction of the characters than the perils of the journey.
Atalanta was abandoned as a baby even though she was the first born and a princess, and she's brought up by loving foster parents. When she hears the tale, when her parents feel she's old enough for the story of how she came to them, found in a torrential storm, she sets off to find her family, and then finding out the truth she sets out to prove her worth to the king.
She's a fearsome warrior, the equal and better of many men, and in disguise as a Lord she gets her place on the Argonaut, intending to steal the fleece and prove herself to the king, and thwart Jason's cruel plans for the places he wants to rule.
That's the plan but of course its never that simple, and Atlanta has to constantly revise her plans according to circumstances.
Its not hard enough being a woman in a time when they were definitely subservient to men, being a princess in disguise, having to fight every step of her way against her peers, but the Gods and Goddesses have their own plans and are constantly interfering in mortal affairs.
Luckily there's Iris, ostensibly a messenger for Hera, but in reality a Goddess in her own right, using her messenger persona as a way to keep things as she feels they should be.
Its a fabulous read, transporting me back in time, waiting to see what would happen to Atalanta and her plans with each new chapter, inwardly ranting at the bigoted and short sighted men, railing at the Gods and Goddesses for their careless interference, their disregard for human life.
I kept telling myself "just one more chapter" and then "well, just til I see if/til I find out what..." until I was so tired i wasn't appreciating the story as it deserves.
Its a fabulous read, feeling very real, letting me rail at the unfairness of how women were treated, and then thinking, how come we still don't get equal treatment thousands of years later.
I loved the characters we met, loved the scenes of everyday life, loved seeing a different side to Jason than the usual one, and his cruelty was all too believable.
And the ending, just so right, took the story to the perfect finale.
Stars: A very worthy Five, a wonderful tale to escape from everyday life into another time and place.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
March 5, 2019
DEUTSCH │ GERMAN
Vielen Dank an das Bloggerportal für das Rezensionsexemplar.
Ein Buch umsonst kann meine Meinung dennoch nicht erkaufen.
Enthält möglicherweise (kleine) Spoiler.
>> Inhalt <<
Atalante wird als Säugling vom Berater des Königs auf dem höchsten Berg des Pelion-Gebirges zum Sterben ausgesetzt. Doch die Schicksalsgöttinnen beenden das Leben der kleinen Atalante nicht: Das Mädchen wird von einem ortsansässigen Holzfäller gefunden und mitgenommen. Liebevoll ziehen er und seine Frau Atalante auf. An ihrem 18. Geburtstag erzählen sie ihr jedoch die ganze Geschichte und lassen sie ziehen, als sie sich aufmachen will, um ihre echte Familie zu suchen.
Vor den Toren von Pagasä wird sie jedoch nicht eingelassen, als alleinreisende Frau traut man ihr nicht. Sie wird von Sklavin Mytressa als solche verkleidet und schleicht sich dadurch in die Stadt. Sie erzählt den Sklaven ihre Geschichte und zeigt ihnen den goldenen Anhänger, den sie umhatte, als man sie auf dem Berg aussetzte. Eine der Sklavinnen identifiziert diesen als das Symbol des Königs. Der Legende nach hatte der König von Pagasä zwei Kinder: einen Jungen und ein Mädchen. Das erstgeborene Mädchen wurde anlässlich ihres Geschlechts in den Bergen ausgesetzt, damit der Junge einmal das Erbe des Königreichs übernehmen kann.
Wild entschlossen macht sich Atalante auf den Weg, um ihrem leiblichen Vater, dem König, zu beweisen, dass sie es würdig ist, anerkannt zu werden und über das Reich zu herrschen.
Als Edelmann verkleidet macht sich Atalante auf den Weg, um sich zwölf griechischen Helden anzuschließen, die das berühmte Goldene Vlies an sich nehmen wollen. Zusammen mit Myrtessa, als männlicher Sklave verkleidet, machen sich die beiden auf den Weg und verschaffen sich Zugang zu der später sagenumwobenen "Argo" - dem Schiff, mit welchem die Helden das Vlies suchen.
>> Charaktere <<
Protagonistin Atalante ist eine starke und selbstbewusste Frau, die vor keiner Herausforderung zurückscheut. Sie ist geschickt im Jagen und im Umgang mit dem Schwert, was sie immer wieder unter Beweis stellt.
Ich bewundere ihren Mut wirklich sehr, dass sie es als Mann verkleidet schafft, sich den Argonauten anzuschließen. Sie ist ehrgeizig und setzt alles daran, das ihr zustehende Königreich zu bekommen, um es vor der drohenden Tyrannei zu bewahren.
Ich mochte Atalante wirklich sehr, auch wenn ihre Entschlossenheit mich oftmals empört aufseufzen ließ. Ihre Art ist warmherzig und fröhlich, was ich sehr an ihr genoss. Rundum eine sehr gelungene Hauptfigur, die man gerne durch ihr Abenteuer begleitete.
Auch die weiteren Nebencharaktere waren toll ausgearbeitet, manche mehr, manche weniger (je nach Wichtigkeit). Sklavin Myrtessa begeisterte mit ihrer Treue, Hippomenes mit seiner Loyalität und Aufrichtigkeit, Jason glänzte mit purer Boshaftig- und Unnachgiebigkeit.
Als Nebencharakter erhält Prinz Jason die Rolle des Bösewichts, der das Königreich an sich reißen und in Angst und Schrecken tauchen will. Diese Rolle ist wirklich sehr gut umgesetzt worden und der Hass auf ihn wurde beim Lesen immer größer.
>> Fazit <<
Ein wunderbarer Roman, der sich leicht lesen lässt.
Man merkt, dass die Autorin sehr viel recherchiert hat und sich in der Materie mehr als nur gut auskennt.
Die Charaktere sind toll gestaltet und man fiebert mit ihnen mit, die Handlung ist spannend und zugleich lernt man noch was über die griechische Mythologie.
>> Anmerkungen <<
1. Im Gegensatz zum ersten Teil der "Golden-Apple-Trilogy" ist dieser Teil deutlich spannender geschrieben. Es ist mehr Gefühl vorhanden, mehr Herzschmerz, mehr Nervenkitzel; aber nicht zu übertrieben.
2. Am ersten Teil habe ich bereits kritisiert, dass die Verhältnisse von arm zu reich, von Sklave zu Edelmann nicht richtig dargestellt wurden. Hier verbesserte sich das ganze ein wenig: Sklaven wurden auch mal ausgepeitscht oder anderweitig für Fehler bestraft. Das mag zwar grausam klingen, verleiht dem Ganzen jedoch enorme Authenzität.
3. Ganz toll finde ich immer die kurzen Einschübe, die einen Blick auf den Olymp und das Treiben der Götter gewähren. Zwischen den Kapiteln finden sich immer solche mehrseitigen Szenen, in denen die Sicht der Götter und ihr Leben auf dem Olymp dargestellt wird.
4. Das Buch hat eine Karte am Anfang! Ich liebe diese Karten, da kann man immer so schön nachschauen und verfolgen, wo die Charaktere sich gerade herumtreiben.
(Der erste Band hat auch eine solche Karte.)
Vielen Dank an das Bloggerportal für das Rezensionsexemplar.
Ein Buch umsonst kann meine Meinung dennoch nicht erkaufen.
Enthält möglicherweise (kleine) Spoiler.
>> Inhalt <<
Atalante wird als Säugling vom Berater des Königs auf dem höchsten Berg des Pelion-Gebirges zum Sterben ausgesetzt. Doch die Schicksalsgöttinnen beenden das Leben der kleinen Atalante nicht: Das Mädchen wird von einem ortsansässigen Holzfäller gefunden und mitgenommen. Liebevoll ziehen er und seine Frau Atalante auf. An ihrem 18. Geburtstag erzählen sie ihr jedoch die ganze Geschichte und lassen sie ziehen, als sie sich aufmachen will, um ihre echte Familie zu suchen.
Vor den Toren von Pagasä wird sie jedoch nicht eingelassen, als alleinreisende Frau traut man ihr nicht. Sie wird von Sklavin Mytressa als solche verkleidet und schleicht sich dadurch in die Stadt. Sie erzählt den Sklaven ihre Geschichte und zeigt ihnen den goldenen Anhänger, den sie umhatte, als man sie auf dem Berg aussetzte. Eine der Sklavinnen identifiziert diesen als das Symbol des Königs. Der Legende nach hatte der König von Pagasä zwei Kinder: einen Jungen und ein Mädchen. Das erstgeborene Mädchen wurde anlässlich ihres Geschlechts in den Bergen ausgesetzt, damit der Junge einmal das Erbe des Königreichs übernehmen kann.
Wild entschlossen macht sich Atalante auf den Weg, um ihrem leiblichen Vater, dem König, zu beweisen, dass sie es würdig ist, anerkannt zu werden und über das Reich zu herrschen.
Als Edelmann verkleidet macht sich Atalante auf den Weg, um sich zwölf griechischen Helden anzuschließen, die das berühmte Goldene Vlies an sich nehmen wollen. Zusammen mit Myrtessa, als männlicher Sklave verkleidet, machen sich die beiden auf den Weg und verschaffen sich Zugang zu der später sagenumwobenen "Argo" - dem Schiff, mit welchem die Helden das Vlies suchen.
>> Charaktere <<
Protagonistin Atalante ist eine starke und selbstbewusste Frau, die vor keiner Herausforderung zurückscheut. Sie ist geschickt im Jagen und im Umgang mit dem Schwert, was sie immer wieder unter Beweis stellt.
Ich bewundere ihren Mut wirklich sehr, dass sie es als Mann verkleidet schafft, sich den Argonauten anzuschließen. Sie ist ehrgeizig und setzt alles daran, das ihr zustehende Königreich zu bekommen, um es vor der drohenden Tyrannei zu bewahren.
Ich mochte Atalante wirklich sehr, auch wenn ihre Entschlossenheit mich oftmals empört aufseufzen ließ. Ihre Art ist warmherzig und fröhlich, was ich sehr an ihr genoss. Rundum eine sehr gelungene Hauptfigur, die man gerne durch ihr Abenteuer begleitete.
Auch die weiteren Nebencharaktere waren toll ausgearbeitet, manche mehr, manche weniger (je nach Wichtigkeit). Sklavin Myrtessa begeisterte mit ihrer Treue, Hippomenes mit seiner Loyalität und Aufrichtigkeit, Jason glänzte mit purer Boshaftig- und Unnachgiebigkeit.
Als Nebencharakter erhält Prinz Jason die Rolle des Bösewichts, der das Königreich an sich reißen und in Angst und Schrecken tauchen will. Diese Rolle ist wirklich sehr gut umgesetzt worden und der Hass auf ihn wurde beim Lesen immer größer.
>> Fazit <<
Ein wunderbarer Roman, der sich leicht lesen lässt.
Man merkt, dass die Autorin sehr viel recherchiert hat und sich in der Materie mehr als nur gut auskennt.
Die Charaktere sind toll gestaltet und man fiebert mit ihnen mit, die Handlung ist spannend und zugleich lernt man noch was über die griechische Mythologie.
>> Anmerkungen <<
1. Im Gegensatz zum ersten Teil der "Golden-Apple-Trilogy" ist dieser Teil deutlich spannender geschrieben. Es ist mehr Gefühl vorhanden, mehr Herzschmerz, mehr Nervenkitzel; aber nicht zu übertrieben.
2. Am ersten Teil habe ich bereits kritisiert, dass die Verhältnisse von arm zu reich, von Sklave zu Edelmann nicht richtig dargestellt wurden. Hier verbesserte sich das ganze ein wenig: Sklaven wurden auch mal ausgepeitscht oder anderweitig für Fehler bestraft. Das mag zwar grausam klingen, verleiht dem Ganzen jedoch enorme Authenzität.
3. Ganz toll finde ich immer die kurzen Einschübe, die einen Blick auf den Olymp und das Treiben der Götter gewähren. Zwischen den Kapiteln finden sich immer solche mehrseitigen Szenen, in denen die Sicht der Götter und ihr Leben auf dem Olymp dargestellt wird.
4. Das Buch hat eine Karte am Anfang! Ich liebe diese Karten, da kann man immer so schön nachschauen und verfolgen, wo die Charaktere sich gerade herumtreiben.
(Der erste Band hat auch eine solche Karte.)
January 19, 2018
Emily Hauser’s second novel in the Golden Apple Trilogy, For the Winner, is a reimagining of the myth of Atalanta and the legend of Jason, the Argonauts and the search for the Golden Fleece.
The opening vividly portrays Atalanta being abandoned as a baby on the slopes of Mount Pelion, but she only discovers what happened when she is eighteen – although her father’s identity is not immediately revealed to her.
I knew some of the mythology but loved the way that Emily Hauser retold the tales and early on learnt to expect clever sidesteps. As with many myths, there are different versions and interpretations in the surviving tales so there was room to ‘reimagine’ and this novel is an excellent retelling.
Atalanta is a strong determined heroine from her opening scenes, an athletic warrior with rounded emotions. But she has vulnerabilities and insecurities that she needs to resolve over the course of the novel. In a world dominated by men, she must disguise her identity as a woman to prove herself more than a match. But she is tested at every turn of the adventure and learns quickly who to trust and who to beware of.
This main part of the novel is written in the First Person POV, so the reader gets drawn deeper into the character’s life and head. Having Atalanta tell her own story, without the male assumptions of the ancient tales, made the words stronger and more realistic. This was a motivated woman at every step of her epic journey,
As in many Greek myths, For The Winner shows the Gods and Goddesses on Mount Olympus, especially Zeus and his wife Hera, constantly plotting and trying to interfere in human affairs – not to mention sleeping around. Emily Hauser crafts humorous scenes, written in the Third Person POV, portraying them as petty and riven with human frailties – just as expected from what I knew. I was reminded of those Classical Greek writers that chose to portray the Gods in this manner and this thread kept me amused.
I was interested when this thread impacted on the main adventure, and a few times asked, “Where is Artemis when Atalanta needs her?" She prays to this huntress goddess and the answer would be a spoiler of sorts, so read this excellent book and find out if any immortals aid her.
The Ancient world of this Greek period comes alive in the writing and clearly, Emily Hauser has done extensive research. Her author’s notes at the end of the book provide valuable insights into the legends, the historical and archaeological evidence for them as well as identifying many of the places. She is an academic and classicist, but she resists overwhelming the reader and the novel is alive and rich.
For me, I knew that the legendary foot race was inevitable, and I loved the clever resolution to the ‘male plot flaw’ in the legend. It had me grinning, and I was fascinated to read in the author’s notes that this was a ‘starting point’ for reimagining Atalanta’s motivation. At last, the legends make sense.
Story – five stars
Setting/World-building – five stars
Characters – five stars
Structure – five stars
Readability – five stars
Editing – five stars
The opening vividly portrays Atalanta being abandoned as a baby on the slopes of Mount Pelion, but she only discovers what happened when she is eighteen – although her father’s identity is not immediately revealed to her.
I knew some of the mythology but loved the way that Emily Hauser retold the tales and early on learnt to expect clever sidesteps. As with many myths, there are different versions and interpretations in the surviving tales so there was room to ‘reimagine’ and this novel is an excellent retelling.
Atalanta is a strong determined heroine from her opening scenes, an athletic warrior with rounded emotions. But she has vulnerabilities and insecurities that she needs to resolve over the course of the novel. In a world dominated by men, she must disguise her identity as a woman to prove herself more than a match. But she is tested at every turn of the adventure and learns quickly who to trust and who to beware of.
This main part of the novel is written in the First Person POV, so the reader gets drawn deeper into the character’s life and head. Having Atalanta tell her own story, without the male assumptions of the ancient tales, made the words stronger and more realistic. This was a motivated woman at every step of her epic journey,
As in many Greek myths, For The Winner shows the Gods and Goddesses on Mount Olympus, especially Zeus and his wife Hera, constantly plotting and trying to interfere in human affairs – not to mention sleeping around. Emily Hauser crafts humorous scenes, written in the Third Person POV, portraying them as petty and riven with human frailties – just as expected from what I knew. I was reminded of those Classical Greek writers that chose to portray the Gods in this manner and this thread kept me amused.
I was interested when this thread impacted on the main adventure, and a few times asked, “Where is Artemis when Atalanta needs her?" She prays to this huntress goddess and the answer would be a spoiler of sorts, so read this excellent book and find out if any immortals aid her.
The Ancient world of this Greek period comes alive in the writing and clearly, Emily Hauser has done extensive research. Her author’s notes at the end of the book provide valuable insights into the legends, the historical and archaeological evidence for them as well as identifying many of the places. She is an academic and classicist, but she resists overwhelming the reader and the novel is alive and rich.
For me, I knew that the legendary foot race was inevitable, and I loved the clever resolution to the ‘male plot flaw’ in the legend. It had me grinning, and I was fascinated to read in the author’s notes that this was a ‘starting point’ for reimagining Atalanta’s motivation. At last, the legends make sense.
Story – five stars
Setting/World-building – five stars
Characters – five stars
Structure – five stars
Readability – five stars
Editing – five stars
January 12, 2020
If you want a quick summary of this review, it's just me raving about greek mythology and the stunning writing of this book, so you should read it.
Where to start? The description 'a feast for the sense' perfectly describes this book. The descriptions are so vivid encompassing every element of the scene it's absolutely beautiful. The battle scenes are fast paced and electric without being over-glorified which I find ruins a book since I'm not a huge fan of graphic violence. I have never seen the tale of Jason and the Argonauts told like this, and I absolutely loved it.
There is a lovely contrast between the idyllic scenes on Olympus, where the gods live, and on the earth with Atalanta, showing both sides of the story- fate on the gods' side and free will on Atalanta's side. This book was so much more than just a retelling, exploring fate and free will and freedom in humanity. Atalanta's character is as empowered and headstrong as I could have wanted her to be, and the gods' capricious nature was wonderfully illustrated.
As a classical civilisation student, sometimes historical fiction covering ancient greek myths and legends can be a bit boring as it is simply rehashing things I already know in quite a dry way, but not this book. It is filled with little details of life in Ancient Greece that any classicist would find delightful to discover, and some of the phrasing of the book is reminiscent of writers such as Homer.
Overall I could not put this book down and I eagerly await the next one (there is one right?!), and I highly recommend to literally anyone. If a stranger approaches you in the street raving about this books it is in fact me.
Where to start? The description 'a feast for the sense' perfectly describes this book. The descriptions are so vivid encompassing every element of the scene it's absolutely beautiful. The battle scenes are fast paced and electric without being over-glorified which I find ruins a book since I'm not a huge fan of graphic violence. I have never seen the tale of Jason and the Argonauts told like this, and I absolutely loved it.
There is a lovely contrast between the idyllic scenes on Olympus, where the gods live, and on the earth with Atalanta, showing both sides of the story- fate on the gods' side and free will on Atalanta's side. This book was so much more than just a retelling, exploring fate and free will and freedom in humanity. Atalanta's character is as empowered and headstrong as I could have wanted her to be, and the gods' capricious nature was wonderfully illustrated.
As a classical civilisation student, sometimes historical fiction covering ancient greek myths and legends can be a bit boring as it is simply rehashing things I already know in quite a dry way, but not this book. It is filled with little details of life in Ancient Greece that any classicist would find delightful to discover, and some of the phrasing of the book is reminiscent of writers such as Homer.
Overall I could not put this book down and I eagerly await the next one (there is one right?!), and I highly recommend to literally anyone. If a stranger approaches you in the street raving about this books it is in fact me.
November 4, 2017
In its essence, this is a retelling of the Greek legend of Jason and the Argonauts. Rather than focusing a male hero, this is the tale of Atalanta, the only woman to have participated on the quest.
The tale is told in two alternating parts: (1) first person narrative of Atalanta, and (2) the Gods of Olympus, more specifically through Iris, handmaiden of Hera.
Abandoned at birth, Atalanta seeks out her true identity, and with the help of a slave girl, Myrtessa, she embarks on the mysterious quest for the Golden Fleece. Revealed as women, they are cast adrift and continue the quest alone. Usual interference by the Gods into the world of man. Finally recognised by her true father, she must now marry. In true mythical style, she sets the terms and thus the legendary footrace is held.
What I particularly enjoyed was the way the author portrayed Jason as an arrogant, petulant, cruel man, whilst Atalanta is head-strong, proud and determined.
For those who loved "Clash of the Titans" then this is a must read.
The tale is told in two alternating parts: (1) first person narrative of Atalanta, and (2) the Gods of Olympus, more specifically through Iris, handmaiden of Hera.
Abandoned at birth, Atalanta seeks out her true identity, and with the help of a slave girl, Myrtessa, she embarks on the mysterious quest for the Golden Fleece. Revealed as women, they are cast adrift and continue the quest alone. Usual interference by the Gods into the world of man. Finally recognised by her true father, she must now marry. In true mythical style, she sets the terms and thus the legendary footrace is held.
What I particularly enjoyed was the way the author portrayed Jason as an arrogant, petulant, cruel man, whilst Atalanta is head-strong, proud and determined.
For those who loved "Clash of the Titans" then this is a must read.
July 10, 2017
At the age of 18 Atalanta finds out that the parents who raised her actually found her on a mountainside so she sets off for the city to try and discover her real family and why they abandoned her. When she finds out the truth she disguises herself as a man and joins the expedition of the Argonauts to seek out the fabled Golden Fleece. Hauser retells the story of Jason from the point of view of Atalanta, usually overlooked for being a woman. I adored For the Most Beautiful and was happy that this second novel was just as good. Can't wait to see what story Hauser chooses for the final book in the trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews