A Divine Retelling That Soars Above Expectations
In the realm of Greek mythology retellings, Jennifer Saint has carved out a niche for herself, breathing new life into ancient tales with a feminist twist. Jennifer Saint’s latest offering, “Hera,” is no exception. But oh boy, does it pack a punch! This isn’t just another rehash of the same old stories – Saint takes us on a whirlwind journey through the eyes of Zeus’s queen, transforming a character often relegated to the sidelines into a complex, fierce, and utterly captivating protagonist.
From Titan’s Daughter to Olympian Queen
The story kicks off with a bang, plunging us into the aftermath of the Titanomachy—the epic war between the Olympians and their Titan predecessors. Hera, daughter of the overthrown Titan king Cronus, finds herself standing victorious alongside her brother Zeus. But as the dust settles and the new reign of the Olympians begins, our girl Hera starts to sense that something’s not quite right.
Jennifer Saint’s Hera is no shrinking violet. She’s smart, ambitious, and has a keen eye for power dynamics. As Zeus consolidates his rule, Hera watches with growing unease. The parallels between her new brother-king and their tyrannical father Cronus are impossible to ignore. And when Zeus turns his attentions towards her in a less-than-brotherly way, well… let’s just say things get complicated.
A Marriage of Inconvenience
The central conflict of the novel revolves around Hera’s struggle to carve out her own place in the new divine order. Zeus may have made her his queen, but it’s clear from the get-go that this is no fairytale romance. Jennifer Saint doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of their relationship, exploring themes of consent, power imbalance, and the impossible situation Hera finds herself in.
What’s fascinating is how Jennifer Saint manages to balance Hera’s vulnerability with her strength. Our girl is angry—and rightfully so!—but she’s also calculating. Every slight, every betrayal, becomes fuel for her own ambitions. It’s a delicate tightrope walk between victim and schemer, and Saint navigates it with impressive skill.
Gods Behaving Badly
One of the joys of “Hera” is how Jennifer Saint brings the entire pantheon of Greek gods to vibrant life. Athena, Ares, Aphrodite, and Hephaestus—they’re all here, squabbling and scheming like the immortal soap opera stars they are. But Saint doesn’t just rely on the familiar archetypes. She digs deeper, giving each god nuanced motivations and complex relationships.
I particularly enjoyed Saint’s take on Hephaestus. Often portrayed as a simple craftsman god, here he becomes a key player in Hera’s machinations. The mother-son dynamic between them is fraught with tension, resentment, and a grudging respect that evolves in surprising ways.
Monsters and Mortals
While the gods take center stage, Saint doesn’t neglect the mortal world. Hera’s interactions with humans provide some of the book’s most poignant moments. Her initial disdain for these “clay dolls” of Zeus gradually shifts as she witnesses their struggles, their resilience, and yes, even their capacity for heroism.
The inclusion of familiar mythological figures like Jason and the Argonauts adds another layer of richness to the story. Jennifer Saint cleverly weaves these tales into Hera’s personal journey, showing how the queen of the gods influenced (and was influenced by) the mortal realm.
A Goddess Reborn
What truly sets “Hera” apart is its exploration of identity and purpose. This isn’t just a retelling of myths – it’s a deep dive into what it means to be a goddess, a queen, and a woman in a world dominated by male power. Hera’s journey from resentful wife to a force of nature in her own right is both empowering and heartbreaking.
Jennifer Saint doesn’t shy away from Hera’s flaws. She can be vindictive, jealous, and downright cruel at times. But that’s what makes her such a compelling protagonist. We understand her rage, even when we don’t always agree with her actions. It’s a masterclass in creating a morally grey character that you can’t help but root for.
Mythological Mastery
A Fresh Take on Familiar Tales
For mythology buffs, “Hera” is a treasure trove of familiar stories seen through a new lens. Saint’s research shines through in the little details—the rituals, the epithets, the complex web of divine relationships. But she’s not afraid to put her own spin on things, filling in the gaps of myth with plausible and emotionally resonant explanations.
I particularly enjoyed her take on the birth of Athena. The moment when Zeus swallows Metis (Athena’s mother) is gut-wrenching, made all the more powerful by Hera’s conflicted reaction. It’s these quieter moments that really showcase Saint’s skill as a storyteller.
Style and Substance
Saint’s prose is a joy to read. She has a knack for balancing lyrical descriptions with snappy dialogue, creating a world that feels both ancient and immediate. The pacing is spot-on, with quieter character moments interspersed with divine drama and epic confrontations.
One minor quibble – there were a few instances where the modern vernacular felt a bit jarring. But honestly, it’s a small price to pay for how accessible Saint makes these age-old stories.
Verdict: A Mythological Must-Read
“Hera” is more than just another Greek mythology retelling. It’s a powerful exploration of agency, power, and the cost of divinity. Jennifer Saint has crafted a story that feels both timeless and urgently relevant, giving voice to a goddess who has too often been reduced to a jealous stereotype.
If you loved Madeline Miller’s “Circe” or Pat Barker’s “The Silence of the Girls,” then “Hera” should be next on your to-read list. It’s a worthy addition to the growing subgenre of feminist mythology retellings, and cements Saint’s place as a master of the craft.
Standout Elements:
- Complex, nuanced characterization of Hera
- Rich exploration of divine politics and relationships
- Clever incorporation of famous myths into a cohesive narrative
- Thoughtful examination of power dynamics and consent
- Beautiful prose that brings the world of gods and mortals to life
Room for Improvement:
- Occasional use of modern language that breaks immersion
- Some readers might find the pacing slow in the middle sections
Final Rating: 4.5/5 Thunderbolts
“Hera” is a triumph of mythological storytelling. Jennifer Saint has given us a queen of the gods who is fierce, flawed, and utterly unforgettable. Whether you’re a longtime lover of Greek myths or new to the genre, this book will sweep you up in its divine drama. Just be prepared—you might never look at Mount Olympus the same way again!
About the Author
Jennifer Saint grew up reading Greek mythology and was always drawn to the untold stories hidden within the myths. After studying Classics at King’s College, London, she spent thirteen years as an English teacher before writing her debut novel, “Ariadne.”
Previous Works:
- “Ariadne” (2021) – A retelling of the myth of Ariadne, Theseus, and the Minotaur
- “Elektra” (2022) – Exploring the Trojan War through the eyes of Clytemnestra, Cassandra, and Elektra
- “Atalanta” (2023) – The story of the legendary female warrior and hunter
Similar Books:
- “Circe” by Madeline Miller
- “The Silence of the Girls” by Pat Barker
- “A Thousand Ships” by Natalie Haynes
- “Daughters of Sparta” by Claire Heywood
In Conclusion
“Hera” is a book that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. Jennifer Saint has given us a queen of the gods who is so much more than Zeus’s jealous wife. This Hera is a force of nature, a woman grappling with power, purpose, and the weight of divinity itself.
What Saint does so brilliantly is to make these ancient figures feel achingly human. The gods may be immortal, but their struggles, their desires, and their pain are instantly relatable. It’s this emotional core that elevates “Hera” from a simple retelling to a profound meditation on agency and identity.
As I closed the book, I found myself looking at the night sky differently. Those twinkling stars suddenly felt alive with possibility, echoing with the voices of gods and goddesses who are so much more complex than we ever imagined. And isn’t that the mark of a truly great mythological retelling? To make us see the familiar with new eyes, to breathe life into stories that have endured for millennia?
If you’re looking for a book that will challenge you, move you, and make you reconsider everything you thought you knew about Greek mythology, then “Hera” is an absolute must-read. Jennifer Saint has given us a queen for the ages—long may she reign!
