A girl was born, and the King exposed her on the mountain, a mother bear raised her, she grew strong on bear milk and learned to wrestle with bear siblings, then Artemis came for her, and gave her to the nymphs to raise her in the forest of Arcadia. She got strong, fast, and fearless, her name is Atalanta.
I really enjoyed this retelling which was rare in my last few ones, although I expected this, after all this is Jennifer Saint, her characters are remarkable and the story, she tells the tale that you know it, but still so engaging, beautiful and heartbreaking.

I'm a huge fan of Greek mythology retellings and this book did not disappoint. This is the story of Atalanta, a skilled and fearless woman abandoned at birth. The world building was so vivid I felt like I could close my eyes and disappear into the book with Atlanta and the other Argonauts. The plot was interesting and engaging with a quick pace that made this a completely binge worthy book. I also loved the narrator's voice. It fit this book so well. I was hooked from the very first sentence. Atalanta was already a strong female lead at the beginning, but she still had such wonderful character development as the story progressed! She is seriously such a badass. I'm going to have to read Ariadne and Elektra soon because I'm in love with Jennifer Saint's writing. I highly recommend for any lovers of Greek mythology or badass female main characters.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Atalanta was an exquisite, fantastical Greek retelling. Although, I am familiar with many of the Greek myths, I was unfamiliar with Atalanta's story. The writing style kept my attention and the tale itself was very enthralling. The tale itself is so empowering, that of a girl raised by Artemis and the adventures she experiences was amazing. I would definitely readd again and recommend the book to others,

Thanks to NetGalley for this audiobook. Atalanta is a retelling of the story of Jason and the Argonauts from a female perspective. After being raised by Artemis, Atalanta is a fierce warrior who is free of the societal expectations of women and has lived a life without men. Her circumstances change when she is sent to join the search for the Golden Fleece.

We see how gender roles and expectations affect Atalanta and her chances for glory in her journey. Her accomplishments are erased or lessened. She has more rules to follow than her male counterparts.

This book is well written but nothing about it feels fresh or special. In a market that is almost over saturated with a retellings of Griet mythology nothing makes this book stand out that being said, it’s a pleasant read, just forgettable.

Jennifer Saint does it again with Atalanta! I have loved all of her previous novels and was this one was no different.

Loved the found family aspect and the battles that Atalanta goes on. She is a strong female character and I cannot stop raving about this one.

The narrator did a wonderful job getting me into the story and keeping my interest.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

My favorite part of these retelling from a woman’s perspective is the depth added. The characters are no longer two dimensional, perfect hero’s. They experience fear, uncertainty, discomfort, petulance, etc.

Atalanta was abandoned by her father for the crime of being a girl and taken in by a mother bear and later Artemis and her nymphs.

She led a life of wildness and freedom before Artemis sent her as tribute for the Golden Fleece journey.

The men of regular society were not ready for her strength and confidence and did everything they could to belittle and demean her - even leaving her out of the stories of the voyage.

But her only care is to live a life of her choosing. One of freedom.

I really enjoyed this Greek mythology retelling. I did not know Atalanta's story before this reading, so I can not speak to its authenticity. However, upon completion, I feel like I have a good understanding of who Atalanta was and how her quest linked with other more well-known characters from that world.

The book tells the story of Atalanta and highlights how this strong, capable, independent woman as she strives to prove herself to a male-dominated world. If that sounds intriguing to you- this is a book you will want to pick up.

‘Atalanta’ is the third, and upcoming, myth retelling by Jennifer Saint and follows a fascinating, strong mortal woman and warrior, who is taken in by a bear and raised by the goddess, Artemis, and the nymphs that inhabit her sacred forest. The wood is a near utopia where Atalanta grows strong, confident.

This novel is still brimming with Jennifer Saint’s stunning, lyrical writing, but more than the previous novels (‘Ariadne’ and ‘Elektra’) this begins with an ethereal, fairytale quality. It’s a wonderful fit for Atalanta’s beginning. There is a story told of a stag, in the first chapter, that I was familiar with— but was so captivated by, as told by Jennifer Saint. She created a poignancy that I hadn’t read, in its telling, before. When Atalanta must leave the wood and join the Argonauts, there is a shift in this tonality that happens, seamlessly. We watch as she learns to interpret the men around her and hold firm amongst those who doubt her. Jennifer Saint does a phenomenal job of presenting a plotty novel with lots of depth and character work. She’s just such a skilled writer, I’m so glad she’s decided to write these retellings. Atalanta is a fascinating figure and her story is one you don’t hear told, so it stands out as unique, in this way.

I so appreciate NetGalley, Jennifer Saint and the publisher, Macmillan Audio, for access to this title. It was one of my 23 Books for 2023 picks and a highly anticipated release. Beth Eyre narrates the novel and I just love her voice, the way it compliments the lovely prose. I highly recommend this to my fellow myth-readers!

Another 5 star read from Saint! I was really excited for this one because Ariadne was a favorite for me. I love mythological retellings and especially ones that center the women characters. This one was fantastic. I didn't know much about Atalanta going into this book - just that she was the fastest runner and lost a race because of golden apples. As I was listening to the story, I was wondering how saint was going to incorporate that part of the myth with the strong and independent woman she was portraying all throughout the book. But she pulled it off in an amazing way! I absolutely LOVED the ending of the book! I love Saint's retellings for the way they add depth to the human characters. And Atalanta was an Argonaut? That I definitely didn't remember. The narrator for the audio was also really good.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

Atalanta by Jennifer Saint
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

•••Spoiler free review below•••

I had been looking forward to Jennifer Saint's next Mythology retelling for months and Atalanta did not disappoint! While we do see a lot of Greek favorites, unlike many other popular Mythology retellings, this entire novel follows Atalanta and her POV. Her story shows how she came to be Artemis' prodigy and how every trial she faces reflects her will to survive.

Read this book if you like:
- mythology retellings
- resourceful female leads
- impossible challenges
- forbidden romance

Atalanta will be released May 9th and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to Macmillan Audio for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

“The oracle warned that I would lose myself, but the opposite is true. I am more myself than I have ever been. I am wild, I am free. I am Atalanta.”
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This modern feminist retelling of Atalanta was amazing. I teach Atalanta and the Golden Apples to my 2nd graders, so I was VERY excited to read this.
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Atalanta is a fierce huntress. Left on a mountainside by her parents to be raised by bears, Atalanta loves the forest, but craves adventure. She is favored by Artemis and is offered a chance to join the Argonauts, the fiercest bad of warriors, on their quest for the Golden Fleece.
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Artemis warns Atalanta that if she marries it will be her undoing. Atalanta is the story of this female warrior making a place for herself in a world built for men.
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Excellent narration. 🙌🏼
Fans of Greek mythology will really enjoy this read.
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Thank you Netgalley and Flatiron books for the opportunity to read/listen to this book.
Atalanta releases May 9th!

For fans of A Song of Achilles or Circe, for those who enjoy Greek mythology, or any one who enjoys story re-telling's, you MUST go read this one!

This was my first book by Jennifer Saint and it will not be my last. I'm about to go on an online bender and just buy all the books I can find from her because this one was so amazing! Her story-writing and character detail is masterful. I was blown away by the world that I was in. It made my heart ache that I wasn't there or that it wasn't really happening right now for me to see.

The narrator for this story was also fantastic. She was so easy to listen to and I love the ferocity and depth she gave the character. It was absolutely perfect for a warrior! I will 100% be looking out for more audiobooks that she narrates because I love love love her voice.

An absolute must read - this book is amazing!

This was a good retelling of what I recall of the mythic Greek story of Atalanta. I liked that the author stayed true to the character that was Atalanta. She was wild and free and wasn't afraid to speak for herself or achieve, even among very proud and accomplished men.
The tale starts with her early life and being left on the mountain to die after she wasn't born a boy. She is given to a bear and later becomes Artemis's devotee. The author did a wonderful job weaving the various tales of Atalanta's accomplishments (and follies) into the story. If you enjoy mythology, this book will likely appeal to you. Atalanta was one of the original feminists!

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Beth Eyre. She did a wonderful job articulating the unique Greek names and weaving emotion into the story while preserving the matter-of-fact approach of our heroine.

Many thanks to author Jennifer Saint, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

I always live a good Greek mythology book and I adore all of Jennifer Saints work and this was no exception

Atalanta by Jennifer Saint

Narrated by Beth Eyre
Listening Time: 11 Hours, 9 Minutes, 23 Seconds
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release Date: May 9, 2023

Fiction, General Fiction, Mythology, Adventure, Feminist

The king, after hearing the baby was a girl, left Princess Atalanta in the forest after her birth. A mother bear smells the infant and raises her with her own cubs. Artemis, along with the Nymphs, finds Atalanta and begins teaching her fighting skills. She also learns women are equal to men. When Jason begins building the crew for the Argo in search of the Golden Fleece, Atalanta signs on. She must prove herself over and over to gain the men’s’ respect.

The book has a steady pace, the characters are developed, and it is written in the first-person point of view. The narrator, Beth, brought the characters to life. I felt immersed in the story more so than if I was reading. This is a classic Greek/Roman mythology story with a feminism twist. If you liked Elektra or Ariadne, you will enjoy reading/listening to this book.

ATALANTA by Jennifer Saint and read by Beth Eyre is another fantastic look into a less known woman of Greek Mythology. Or maybe I am the only one who wasn't as aware of her story. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this remedy to my lack.

⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

Left by her parents to die & cared for by a bear until Artemis collects her, Atalanta is brought up by Artemis's nymphs and learns quite well how to care for herself. When she is older, she proves her strength and fearlessness by defending herself and becomes Artemis's hero for the quest with Jason and his Argonauts. The only woman on board, she must contend with the typical sexist banter, but she seems to have an ally. This relationship threatens all she has built for herself, and is it worth the risk?

As I stated before, I was pretty unfamiliar with Atalanta's story. I will admit that I started this story on a day where I was busy and felt like I had missed too much. I began it again, and I am glad I did. I really enjoyed learning more and hearing her side of the story! The Greek gods were all just a mess. Atalanta was a beast, and in all the most amazing ways! Her ending is rather befitting.

I have had a growing fondness for these myth retellings, especially of the women in their voices. For too long these stories have been so male-centric and truly horrible to the women, so it feels past time to give them a voice.

This story was fantastic, and the narration was superb. I had a clear delineation between characters and at 2X speed felt it had a great flow.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to listen and share my thoughts on this tale of adventure. ATALANTA will be available on May 9th!

Thank you Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio review copy of this great book. I enjoyed this Greek mythology retelling written in the style of Circe, Ariadne, and Elektra. Atalanta is a strong, resilient warrior woman who proved again and again that she’s just as good, if not better, than any man and should not be underestimated. If you enjoy reading about historically obscure characters, you might enjoy this well written book with its strong heroine.

The scourge of being a girl when your parents wanted a boy! Atalanta is left to die outside until a bear finds her and raises her. The goddesses Artemis is her protectress, but warns that favoritism will be withdraw should Atalanta married.

Atalanta is a wild child roaming free, courageous, but drawn to a life that offers more adventure. Opportunity knocks as Artemis gives Atalanta the chance she so desires to sail with the fierce Argonauts in their quest for the golden fleece. The voyage is treacherous, as Atalanta finds herself drawn into a love affair, casting aside the warning Artemis gave her. She becomes pregnant and bears a son.

Atalanta desires what she wants and is determined to be a hero which indeed she was, a lover to a man she cares for, and a warrior right up there with the men she sails with. A true free spirit, She will accomplish much and find herself among those where mythology reigns among the bravest.

Thank you to Jennifer Saint, Macmillan Audio, narrated by Beth Eyre and NetGalley for the ability to listen to this epic tale available May 9, 2023.

Atalanta is only a baby when she is left on a mountain to die. Despite the odds, she’s survives and is rescued by a bear and her cubs. Raised as of her own, Atalanta has a life unlike any mortal. This unconventional upbringing continues when she is taken in by Artemis and her nymphs. Atalanta is trained by Artemis herself and soon becomes something closer to a Goddess than a mortal. We follow her as she boards the Argo setting out alongside some other famous mythological heroes. We watch her navigate the Greek world after only ever knowing the forest in which she was raised and we follow her as she deals with the consequences of her new life. This book has many familiar names and stories, all told from new perspectives.

Prior to reading this I knew nothing of Atalanta and her story, and I knew very little of the Argonauts. This made the reading experience different from other retellings I have read. I had no idea what would happen and I enjoyed following the twist and turns and being able to go on this adventure with Atalanta.

Following the book I researched Atalanta.
I think Saint did and excellent job of portraying her story. As always, she has taken a lesser know woman from Greek mythology and created a beautiful book that allows a whole new side of this story to be told.

This book retains all the amazing writing and themes of the author’s previous book, whilst simultaneously feeling new and different. The writing is excellent and it is an easy to read book.

I did. find myself getting a little bored in the middle. I kept waiting for more action and it never really came. Whilst I appreciate the author was trying to keep the story about Atalanta and not the Argonauts, I would have liked to have see. more on their journey. To see some of the places the visited more in depth, or to have some of the fight scenes feel more dangerous.
The journey they took seemed a little anticlimactic and some of the sub plots felt like loose ends, and others just felt unnecessary.

However, I mainly just enjoy being in the Ancient Greek world, surrounded by familiar and unfamiliar names, so these extra sub plots were still interesting.

Overall, I didn’t like is as much as other retellings, or as much as her other books, but I still enjoyed reading it and I would definitely recommend it!Thank you to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book

I absolutely adored this retelling of this mythical woman; as a devotee of Artemis myself it was so lovely to see how beautiful this author depicted her. And as for Atalanta herself, she is a strong and daring woman people should be reading about. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in mythology or anyone that loves strong women