By Title: Ariadne
Author: Jennifer Saint
Publication Date: 2021
Publishing House: Flatiron Books
I love me some Greek Mythology rewritten from the point of view of the women. I picked up a copy of this book through Book of the Month but also check for it at your local library.
Goodreads Synopsis:
Ariadne, Princess of Crete, grows up greeting the dawn from her beautiful dancing floor and listening to her nursemaid’s stories of gods and heroes. But beneath her golden palace echo the ever-present hoofbeats of her brother, the Minotaur, a monster who demands blood sacrifice.
When Theseus, the Prince of Athens, arrives to vanquish the beast, Ariadne sees in his green eyes not a threat but an escape. Defying the gods, betraying her family and country, and risking everything for love, Ariadne helps Theseus kill the Minotaur. But will Ariadne’s decision ensure her happy ending? And what of Phaedra, the beloved younger sister she leaves behind?
Hypnotic, propulsive, and utterly transporting, Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne forges a new epic, one that puts the forgotten women of Greek mythology back at the heart of the story, as they strive for a better world.
Ariadne is granddaughter to the sun god, Helios. Her mother, Pasiphae, is the sun god’s daughter but that does not save her from Poseidon’s wrath when her husband, King Minos, angers the sea god. Poseidon’s revenge is exacted on an innocent women, who is a demigod in her own right.
Yes, Ariadne does fall for Theseus when he comes to slay her younger brother, the beast that has become know as the Minotaur. She falls for his bravery, green eyes, and tales of his own heroics. But she also helps him because it is the right thing to do. Her father, King Minos, is forcing the Athenians to sacrifice 14 children a year to sate the Minotaur’s appetite after he defeated Athens in a war. She cannot stand to watch another year of sacrifices die. She cannot kill her brother but she can help stop him.
This story looks at the people behind the myths, the minor characters only mentioned in passing. This tale makes heroes human and does not dismiss them women, who are often the key to their success. This book takes the reader past the hero’s success to the after and how their triumph leaves others in the dust.
I suggest this book for fans of Greek Mythology, those who enjoy of first person narratives, and for readers that like hearing things from a woman as the main character. If you like my review on this book and want to read it or similar, check out Book of the Month. Have you read this book? If yes, what did you think? Let me know in the comments. Happy reading.
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