Artemis Made Me Do It is an interesting collection of poetry in a variety of formats tied together by the thematic threads of Greek Mythology and bodily autonomy. Mateer's poetic style is refreshing with scrapbooking-esque visuals being used to give the book a real flare and uniqueness. Some of it worked better than others, but as is the case due to poetry being so incredibly subjective.

A lot of the poetry, particularly those regarding bodily autonomy, consent and the effect of abuse on the mind, was very emotional to read and were very well crafted.

*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.*

Whilst I don’t usually reach for poetry, I am a big fan of Greek mythology. I also enjoy literature that focuses on women and the empowerment of women.

For this reason, Artemis Made Me Do It seemed like it would be a big hit with me. However, it wasn’t quite what I hoped it would be.

Things I liked: the concept, the nature imagery, and the use of mixed media.

However, I felt that the content hadn’t been laid out well. It lacked a coherent structure and narrative. I also thought it touched on some really important points but, for me personally, I’m not sure there was anything unique or that was new to me. I was hoping that this book would provide me with a new perspective on some of the issues discussed.

This book wasn’t a total winner for me, it felt a little bit messy, but I can see this being a big hit with lots of people. A quick and thought provoking read.

I have seen some of Trista Mateer's poetry online, but this is my first read-through of a full collection, and it was great.
The poems were beautifully written, with a good balance between minimalist and more classic forms. I thought the themes were beautifully explored, with a lot to think about and focus in on.
The illustrations and collages were beautiful too, and I felt they really added depth and dimension to the collection.
I look forward to seeing what Mateer publishes in the future.

I enjoyed reading this poetry collection. I was not expecting the mixed media art interspersed throughout and they were nice surprises. I enjoyed the dual perspective and am going to check out the other collections by this author.

Feminism, art, and mythology come together for a piercing composition of raw revolutionary power. I have nothing more to say than this is the best poetry collection I've read in at least 5 years.

trigger warnings - abuse, blood, body gore, death, grief, misogyny, sexual assault

Trista mateer is able to write 5 words on a page and keep you thinking for days. I love all of her books and the images inside them are so well done and powerful

Thank you to Netgalley and Central Avenue Publishing for an egalley in exchange for my honest review.

Content warnings: blood, death, abuse, body image, sexual assault, possibly more

The longer poems are more thought provoking and effective, but I didn’t like some of the shorter ones. All of the ideas resonate, but some could be fine tuned. It’s great for an audience of young adults, but may be a let down for an older crowd.

I could have wept after some of these poems, especially after reading about Callisto, and I wish every poem was that powerful.

I found the pop art to be a little corny and I wish it was more evocative.

There is one common problem I find with a lot of “girl power” poetry collections. Don’t do girl power. Just make it powerful and the girls will find it.

Always in love with anything Trista Mateer writes but truly this is a masterpiece. I love the collaged artwork placed in the collection like one of her recent works Aphrodite Made Me Do It. I felt more attuned to the message in Artemis Made Me Do It and I'm excited for all future collections! This will be an auto buy for my shelf upon release.

This was such a good collection insoired by Greek Goddesses with each poem showcasing feminism, pain and anger. A really great collection that is beautifully written.

This collection is in one word, magical. This is one that you consistently go back and read through over and over because the poetic words seem to hit new meanings every time you go over it. It's almost timeless in the sense that you feel a different emotion every time. I really enjoyed these poems.
I loved the graphics and illustrations that go along with the poems. They bring a sense of authenticity. The parallels drawn between modern day women and the goddess really shows that the struggle of women is a timeless issue that persists.
Overall I really enjoyed it.

I love Trista Mateer's work, and I was so excited to be able to read this. It follows a similar format to Aphrodite Made Me Do It, and I love how she uses Greek goddesses as inspiration for poetry about feminist pain and anger. My favorite parts of this collection were the sections from Artemis's point of view, and the collage art is mixed in so well. Thank you to Netgalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the chance to read and review this ARC.

This book was fantastic, heartbreaking and emotional. I couldn't put it down and finished it in just over an hour and I was sad when it ended as I wanted to read more so I now have to pick up the other book by Trista Mateer and other feminist poetry books that have similar vibes.
The illustrations were my favourite part and helped bring the book together and I want to pick the book up again to stare at them.
I think that everyone needs to read this even if poetry isn't your thing because it isn't really my thing and I loved this so much.

Firstly thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Second, I really needed this book right now.
This collection of poems blend the story/legend of Artemis and Trista's own experiences and highlight the overlap that a lot of people will resonate with. I honestly kind of wish some hadn't resonated that hard with me. My heart kind of hurts right now. I encourage everyone who's going to read this to take your time, sit with some of the poems, and take a f*cking breathe unlike me who devoured it in one sitting and immediately went back and started again just to try and feel my feelings.
I will say this book isn't going to be for everyone and that's ok, but the girlies that get it, get it.
Is it the most original piece of work? no but that's kind of the point.
I haven't read Aphrodite Made Me Do It but you best believe that exactly what I'm going to be reading next.

Artemis Made Me Do It is a poetry collection from the dual lens of Artemis and the poet, exploring ideas of survival and trauma and using your own power. The collection is split into sections, alternating between Artemis and "the poet", and combines text poems with elements of collage and tarot. I particularly liked the Artemis sections, which explore the various myths surrounding Artemis and how these can be useful in a modern context, thinking about how stories are told and how someone is viewed. I enjoyed the collage parts too, and I think the general witchy/tarot vibe will appeal to a lot of people. Some of the poems were less to my taste as I'm not so much of a fan of very short poems that feel like aphorisms, which were particularly prevalent in the "poet" sections, though I feel that the collection did work well from having both parts, weaving together the two voices in conversation.

A stark and powerful rage-filled collection. Clever and thought provoking. This collection definitely doesn't pull its punches.
I don't think you'd need to have a huge amount of background knowledge on Artemis' lore or Greek mythology but for those that do, it was definitely rewarding and interesting to see the references.

I loved the message of seize your own power but also to be gentle with yourself. With witty observations about what it means to be a girl or woman living in today's society. And while it did deal with heavy topics such as sexism/rape culture, there were still overtones of hope of better things to come.

I will immediately be rushing to get my hands on a copy of this Trista Mateer's other collection, "Aphrodite Made Me Do It"

This was an emotional, raw read. Mateer writes beautifully throughout. I really enjoyed how she broke down the different "chapters" in the poetry novel. Some chapters are dedicated to poems from her perspective and some poems for Artemis' perspective. There were several instances where I heavily related to the verse, which is extremely important to me. There were a few trigger warnings, but I appreciated the fact that all warnings were listed at the beginning of the book. It's easier to recommend the book and have the list in front of you when you do so, keeping in mind the ideal person you're selling the novel to. At the end she teased perhaps a Persephone themed poetry novel, which I would very much enjoy! Overall, this was beautiful and very thought provoking.

Thank you to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for sending me an ARC of Artemis Made Me Do It in exchange for an honest review.

So often we are told that this *insert personal thoughts opinion/feelings/thoughts* is what femininity looks like. It's quiet. It's delicate. It's obedient. Femininity is not personal defense, It's not setting boundaries. It's not learning to say no. Artemis Made Me Do It is a collection of work that shows that the female experience is not something that can be boxed or fit a mold. Women are dangerous because we have felt danger. We have been told to smile pretty and keep quiet. Now we bite back and scream our injustices.

This book has some loud pieces. It also has some quiet ones. The ones that sit at the bottom of your heart and make you say "oof". There were pages I wanted to cut out and frame on my vanity. There were pages I felt too much in. Trista Mateer is incredibly talented and become one of my favorite poets through the years. I am grateful to have been able to read this book and can't wait to see what comes next!

Quick enjoyable read. It really did hit close to home. I will always hype up feminist works and this from both the poet and Artemis' perspectives was intriguing. The format was similar to her previous work, Aphrodite Made Me do It. It really opens your eyes to the life of the goddess and the various myths and perception surrounding her as well as the need to give her agency. The parallels drawn between modern day women and the goddess reinforces the struggles of every women in the past and now, their perceptions, their responsibilities and more.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

***

I read the blurb for this book and needed to read it. I'm a lover of poetry and ancient polytheistic religions.

The illustrations are wonderful. I loved that there was a visual component to accompany the verse.

I think there was some interesting imagery here and the writer has a strong voice. Though, I wish that force wasn't conveyed with all uppercase letters in parts of the book. Using language might be more effective with this genre.

"My Mother Married A Man Who Yells" stuck with me most.

I almost wish this was two separate collections, one about the poet any one centered more on myth and cards.

Understanding that this may not be a final version of the book, I did notice several typos and errors in the text. It was enough to interrupt my reading and it took me out of the text.

The formatting was off as well which maybe has to do with it being an ebook? I'm uncertain there.

I'd rate it at 3.5* overall.

Seems like a trend lately. All these young women who confuse poetry for journaling. Just recently I read a book of poetry just like it, although this is a step up. Not as self-important or self-helping in tone. Still very much a feminist empowerment message delivered in art, poems, and tote and t-shirt-worthy aphorisms.
Stand strong, sisters, and all that. No rhymes, not much rhythm. All message. With a heavy confessional tone. Apparently, Artemis made her do it. Though I do like the Greek mythology angle. Best part of this entire production. So, some myth, not much magic. Quick read. Thanks Netgalley.