Name: Atalanta
Rating: 4.044444444444444 (45 reviews)
ISBN: 9789899159556

Jennifer Saint

Deixada na encosta de uma montanha, a indefesa Atalanta é deixada à mercê de uma mãe ursa e criada ao lado dos filhotes, sob o olhar protetor da deusa Ártemis. Jurando que vai provar o seu valor ao lado dos famosos heróis da Grécia, Atalanta deixa a floresta para se juntar ao bando de argonautas de Jasão. Mas poderá ela esculpir o seu próprio lugar nas lendas num mundo feito para homens?

Atalanta

Liv Gliese Johnsen

I needed to remember who I was, who I had always been. A woman who was unafraid

An exciting, lyrical new retelling of the trojan war stories from Jennifer Saint, the bestselling author of ELEKTRA (UK, Sunday Times, May 2022) and ARIADNE (UK, Sunday Times, April 2021). 'A brilliant read' Women & Home | 'A spirited retelling' Times | 'Beautiful and absorbing' Fabulous | 'A vivid reimagining of Greek mythology' Harpers Bazaar | 'Jennifer Saint has done an incredible job' Red When a daughter is born to the King of Arcadia, she brings only disappointment. Left exposed on a mountainside, the defenceless infant Atalanta, is left to the mercy of a passing mother bear and raised alongside the cubs under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis. Swearing that she will prove her worth alongside the famed heroes of Greece, Atalanta leaves her forest to join Jason's band of Argonauts. But can she carve out her own place in the legends in a world made for men? Praise for Jennifer Saint's books: 'A lyrical, insightful re-telling' Daily Mail 'Relevant and revelatory' Stylist 'Energetic and compelling' Times 'An illuminating read' Woman & Home 'A story that's impossible to forget' Culturefly

The heroic story of the only female Argonaut, told by Jennifer Saint, the bestselling author of ELEKTRA (UK, Sunday Times, May 2022) and ARIADNE (UK, Sunday Times, April 2021). 'A brilliant read' Women & Home | 'A spirited retelling' Times | 'Beautiful and absorbing' Fabulous | 'A vivid reimagining of Greek mythology' Harper's Bazaar | 'Jennifer Saint has done an incredible job' Red When a daughter is born to the King of Arcadia, she brings only disappointment. Left exposed on a mountainside, the defenceless infant Atalanta is left to the mercy of a passing mother bear and raised alongside the cubs under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis. Swearing that she will prove her worth alongside the famed heroes of Greece, Atalanta leaves her forest to join Jason's band of Argonauts. But can she carve out her own place in the legends in a world made for men? Praise for Jennifer Saint's books: 'A lyrical, insightful re-telling' Daily Mail 'Relevant and revelatory' Stylist 'Energetic and compelling' Times 'An illuminating read' Woman & Home 'A story that's impossible to forget' Culturefly

The dazzling story of the only female Argonaut

Steph

I've always been curious about Atalanta's story and the role she plays in Jason &amp; the Argonaut's quest because, in Greek mythology, the story is always centered around men like Jason and Heracles. So yes, I'm glad that I picked this book up because it's about damn time we read about the ladies who contributed to the quests. This book serves as the origin story of Atalanta. I'm actually ashamed that I didn't know about her until I read Katee Robert's Wicked Beauty where Atalanta made an appearance. Yes, I'm ashamed of that and yes, I want to do better so I'm going to read more books about women in Greek myths. But here's the thing, Greek myths are heavily patriarchal. As exemplified in the book, Atalanta has proven time and time again she's a skilled fighter and is stronger than most men. Heck, she can fight off centaurs without breaking a sweat. How many heroes can claim that? But she's constantly being undermined by her peers (Jason &amp; co), her father and the society as a whole. The only people who truly believe in her strength are Artemis, the women (who saw her fight) and her lovers (yes, in a world of misogynistic pigs, there are good men out there, like two). I appreciate that the gender issue is brought up and how the author didn't glamorise or brush it aside, instead, she showed us how women always have to go to the extra mile to be extraordinary, whereas a hero like Jason can cheat his way to get the Golden Fleece. Also, is Homegirl a homewrecker? I get that the quest takes years and girls have needs, but must you go for a married man? There are literally 50 men on the boat. This doesn't sit well with me. I can't condone her actions, but I guess she has the integrity not to ask Meleager to leave the wife because she knows she's not cut out for marriage. Still. Not cool. This is not what a girl's girl would do. I like the complicated relationship that Jennifer Saint that portrayed for Atalanta and Artemis. Feels a lot like a mother-daughter dynamic. Artemis is like the cold, distant mom who provides shelter and sustenance for her, but shields her from the outside world and tells her not to be with a man because if she does it'll be her undoing. How many times have we, females with two X chromosomes, heard of this speech? It's only reasonable for Atalanta to be curious about a male/female relationship and fuck the first boy who loves her (even though he has a wife). I don't know if Atalanta's story is being told as a cautionary tale to younger girls that we should preserve our virginity or else we'll get pregnant out of wedlock and our parents will cast us aside like you meant nothing even though we did the impossible of retrieving the golden fleece and fought the boars, something that no one has ever done it. Like yeah, those achievements? It meant nothing if you had a child out of wedlock. I don't know what the original story of Atalanta is -- then again I'm sure there are many versions of the same story, so who knows what's the origin -- but I like that this one has a happy ending. I like that after all the adventures, all the heartbreaks, all the pain that Atalanta has been though, she finally found someone who accepts her for who she is. Who cares enough to be there for her when she's at her lowest. Who's patient enough for her to accept him because he just want to prove to her that he's worth waiting. Even at the competition. He gave her the option to choose. All her life, she's been told what she should do, Artemis told her to go on the quest, Jason told her to get the fleece, her father told her to get married. But here comes a golden boy who gives her the option to choose how she wants to live her life. And I think that's really beautiful. The only issue I have with this is, there are too few scenes with Atalanta and Hippomenes. Also, what the fuck do you mean they turned into lions at the end of the story??????????

M. Sosotris

Atalanta is so often dismissed as a silly character, whether it be because of how she’s easily beaten in a foot race by shiny things, or because of how she’s portrayed in Hercules: the Legendary Journeys as an oiled up male fantasy.

I really appreciated how Jennifer Saint crafted the depth in her character, the struggle of being someone who lives according to the whims of others for so long that when she seeks to discover who she is on her own, she’s at a loss at first.

Also, I adore how Saint writes the gods. She really captures how dangerous and capricious they are, and how people seek so desperately to win their favour, all the while fearing their changing whims.

The heroic story of the only female Argonaut From the beloved, bestselling author of Elektra and Ariadne, a reimagining of the myth of Atalanta, a fierce huntress raised by bears and the only woman in the world's most famous band of heroes, the Argonauts Princess, Warrior, Lover, Hero When Princess Atalanta is born, a daughter rather than the son her parents hoped for, she is left on a mountainside to die. But even then, she is a survivor.
Raised by a mother bear under the protective eye of the goddess Artemis, Atalanta grows up wild and free, with just one condition: if she marries, Artemis warns, it will be her undoing. Although she loves her beautiful forest home, Atalanta yearns for adventure.
When Artemis offers her the chance to fight in her name alongside the Argonauts, the fiercest band of warriors the world has ever seen, Atalanta seizes it.
The Argonauts' quest for the Golden Fleece is filled with impossible challenges, but Atalanta proves herself equal to the men she fights alongside. As she is swept into a passionate affair, in defiance of Artemis's warning, she begins to question the goddess's true intentions. Can Atalanta carve out her own legendary place in a world of men, while staying true to her heart? Full of joy, passion, and adventure, Atalanta is the story of a woman who refuses to be contained. Jennifer Saint places Atalanta in the pantheon of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology, where she belongs.

Aida Mateescu

first novel of 2025! (forgive the late start, ive been busy) 

one of my favourite parts of this book was the way the author depicted an intimate familiarity between the mortals and the gods. i could immerse myself in the perspective of the main character as the relationship between humanity and deity was more graspable/palpable than the way im used to. the missing 1.5 stars are due to the pacing of the novel; the first 2/3 of the book were paced and structured beautifully - however in the last section it feels as though the author was almost rushing to get it done. i also really liked the MC’s courage in her own convictions and trust in her own philosophies

Edie Mae Molitorisz

first novel of 2025! (forgive the late start, ive been busy) 

one of my favourite parts of this book was the way the author depicted an intimate familiarity between the mortals and the gods. i could immerse myself in the perspective of the main character as the relationship between humanity and deity was more graspable/palpable than the way im used to. the missing 1.5 stars are due to the pacing of the novel; the first 2/3 of the book were paced and structured beautifully - however in the last section it feels as though the author was almost rushing to get it done. i also really liked the MC’s courage in her own convictions and trust in her own philosophies

Wow. My favorite Jennifer Saint book yet. I didn't know any mythology about Atalanta going into this book, so I was pleasantly surprised to learn her story. I can't wait to come back and read this one again! 

Paige Leitner

the writing is DELICIOUS and i love atalanta so so much she is an absolute girlboss. the ending is suprisingly satisfying, i didnt think i would like it as much as i did.

the way atalanta was treated by almost every man she talked to was so typical of greek men and SHE DESERVED SO MUCH BETTER.

and again she was just such a girlboss i LOVE her

matti horckmans

this was absolutly perfect. 

the writing is DELICIOUS and i love atalanta so so much she is an absolute girlboss. the ending is suprisingly satisfying, i didnt think i would like it as much as i did.

the way atalanta was treated by almost every man she talked to was so typical of greek men and SHE DESERVED SO MUCH BETTER.

and again she was just such a girlboss i LOVE her

Jennifer Saint really blew me away with this one; I was pleasantly surprised, as her first two novels were not this strong. This is her strongest and best book yet, by far (although I'm really excited to read her next novel, Hera, and have high hopes for it!).

Saint does Atalanta's story justice here. Atalanta is a strong and inspirational character. I really loved reading about her time with the Argonauts, but I also appreciated that this book details her entire life. I could have used a cast of characters, as I got the Argonauts a little confused.

This is a strong myth retelling, and I loved Saint's characterization of Atalanta. However, it suffered slightly from a phenomenon I've noticed in some modern feminist retellings; that is, making many famous men from myth automatically the "bad guy." It made sense to make Peleus, one of her fellow Argonauts, an antagonist, but having Theseus make a brief cameo only to make him a jerk didn't feel right. Jason also wasn't painted in the best light, and I just get a little tired of these kinds of retellings putting down men of myth, who have been heralded as heroes for generations; it doesn't make them three-dimensional, IMO. I understand it's supposed to flip these traditional myths on their head, but it has to be done right. The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood is the best example, in its portrayal of Perseus. But at least he is a fully fleshed character. Amalia Carosella does a great job with Theseus in her books. Some authors focus on reclaiming women of myth and their stories (which I am all for!) but some of their male characters suffer needlessly because of it almost for shock value. There is a way to do it better.

And of course, not all of the male characters in this book are automatically evil or bad. I really enjoyed Meleager and Hippomenes, as well as Atalanta's fellow Argonaut, Orpheus. They were a bit more fleshed out.

I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions and characters. Overall, this is a well-rounded myth and it was beautifully written. You will love Atalanta's character immensely and immediately!

Amanda

Jennifer Saint really blew me away with this one; I was pleasantly surprised, as her first two novels were not this strong. This is her strongest and best book yet, by far (although I'm really excited to read her next novel, Hera, and have high hopes for it!).

Saint does Atalanta's story justice here. Atalanta is a strong and inspirational character. I really loved reading about her time with the Argonauts, but I also appreciated that this book details her entire life. I could have used a cast of characters, as I got the Argonauts a little confused.

This is a strong myth retelling, and I loved Saint's characterization of Atalanta. However, it suffered slightly from a phenomenon I've noticed in some modern feminist retellings; that is, making many famous men from myth automatically the "bad guy." It made sense to make Peleus, one of her fellow Argonauts, an antagonist, but having Theseus make a brief cameo only to make him a jerk didn't feel right. Jason also wasn't painted in the best light, and I just get a little tired of these kinds of retellings putting down men of myth, who have been heralded as heroes for generations; it doesn't make them three-dimensional, IMO. I understand it's supposed to flip these traditional myths on their head, but it has to be done right. The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Heywood is the best example, in its portrayal of Perseus. But at least he is a fully fleshed character. Amalia Carosella does a great job with Theseus in her books. Some authors focus on reclaiming women of myth and their stories (which I am all for!) but some of their male characters suffer needlessly because of it almost for shock value. There is a way to do it better.

And of course, not all of the male characters in this book are automatically evil or bad. I really enjoyed Meleager and Hippomenes, as well as Atalanta's fellow Argonaut, Orpheus. They were a bit more fleshed out.

I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions and characters. Overall, this is a well-rounded myth and it was beautifully written. You will love Atalanta's character immensely and immediately!

I really want to love Jennifer Saint's books - however, with every new one I read I'm just disappointed. I'm always expecting so much more

sharkie

britt

this book was all telling and absolutely no showing. it felt like i was back in the fifth grade reading the abridged children’s version of the odyssey, except it’s jason and the argonauts. twas legitimately snooze town.

i think the worst part of this book is that barely any of it focused on atalanta’s actual myth. and atalanta herself was so extraordinarily boring. like this bitch was raised by bears. why does she act so normal. this book was such a missed opportunity. 

also my biggest gripe with this book, which could just be personal preference, is the near complete lack of physical character descriptions. like i get not knowing what atalanta looks like considering she is the narrator and the only she would’ve seen herself was in the reflection of water, but like not even being told her hair color? what the fuck did peleus look like. he was just a floating pair of glaring eyes to me tbh.

if anyone wants to read an actual good take on the myth of atalanta, i recommend quiver by stephanie spinner. it’s short, but a thousand times better than this.

This was so nice. I always had a soft spot for Artemis and the stories surrounding her. Jennifer Saint tells Atalantas story so beautifully, Im very happy with the book after having some trouble reading Elektra... 

Marie

Francesca Starecheski

A tale of a woman wild and free, as any lioness must always be

Julie Burszan 

I have always been a fan of Greek Myths, but it is first recently that I discovered how many myths involves or is about women. And I truly appreciate these retelling.

This retelling in particular was powerful. I loved Atalantas story. She is a character I haven't heard about before, even though she is a part of pretty many myths apparently. I loved how strong she was, and honestly, I am normally not into feminist litterature as I often find it forced, but one thing that could get my blood boiling is this retelling. The audacity of (most of) the Argonauts once they had returnet! The audacity of her farther!! The audacity of half the characters in this story!!! I could write stories! But I guess that has already be done, cause I just read it. Jennifer Saint is brilliant in the way she weaves the female characters story and the contrast she makes to the male characters and that was beautiful! I can't wait to read the other retellings.

I have always been a fan of Greek Myths, but it is first recently that I discovered how many myths involves or is about women. And I truly appreciate these retelling.
This retelling in particular was powerful. I loved Atalantas story. She is a character I haven't heard about before, even though she is a part of pretty many myths apparently. I loved how strong she was, and honestly, I am normally not into feminist litterature as I often find it forced, but one thing that could get my blood boiling is this retelling. The audacity of (most of) the Argonauts once they had returnet! The audacity of her farther!! The audacity of half the characters in this story!!! I could write stories! But I guess that has already be done, cause I just read it. Jennifer Saint is brilliant in the way she weaves the female characters story and the contrast she makes to the male characters and that was beautiful! I can't wait to read the other retellings.

I loved this book, Atalanta was such a strong, wonderful character to read. I loved the portrayal of her as a woman with strength, confidence, heart, and fearlessness. 

Atalanta

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