Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin for the arc!

I am a big fan of mythological retellings and love trying out as many as I can, but this one I could not get into. What I read was technically fine and good. The writing was fine, the different characters were all fine, and I can see how others would enjoy it. Retellings about Heracles seem rather rare compared to the Trojan war retellings as of late, and that was apart of what interested me. I don't know if I just wasn't hooked enough to keep going or if there were too many viewpoints for me to wrap my head around, but I DNF'd it at about 70 pages. I think if someone was looking for a retelling and they've read my usual recommendations, I would recommend it because I always think it's worth a try to at least see if a book is for you.
I am always willing to give things a second try, so if an audiobook ever releases for this title, I might check it out. But as it stands now, it's just not something for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this Advanced Readers Copy of Herc by Phoenicia Rogerson, this is a great recommendation for fans of fleshed out mythology

This book will be the favorite of many who love Greek mythologies and retellings. Hercules as the son of Zeus can be very problematic. I found this book was closer to the actual Greek myths and could be very dark. It is told by different view points from many different characters from the myths. I enjoyed that, but I found that it at times created a read that felt a little disjointed if you were not familiar with the characters from the myths.

I am in love with this book. I genuinely never wanted it to end, was always excited for the next chapter, and wanted to gatekeep the hellll out of this book to have it be my own personal gem. But everyone deserves to read this; so September 5th everybody better show up and hop on this train because it’s a messy, sad, and crazy ride. This is not Hercules’ biography, rather the bridge of narrations of those around him who loved him or those who got caught and burned in the fire surrounding him. And I found every moment of it to be brilliant. This book felt like a giant gossip session and I loved it. It was like each character was brought into a confessional to just relish in all their honest opinions of Hercules, good or bad, and none of them held back that’s for sure.

I laughed more times than can be expected and loved the new perspectives and ways of narrations that the story was told as. Rogerson introduced such unique formats of storytelling it was so much fun. There’s a 50 point bullet point list for all 50 sisters who Herc slept with and their perspectives; it was absolutely perfect and hilarious. However the letter correspondences between characters were truly the shining stars for me. So unique and perfect for building relationships and showing personalties to people who in the original texts may not have had a lot of lines to shine.

I will say, this is a more modern retelling of classic tales. You will find more casual language in dialogue (calling prisoners “chickadees” stood out most) and insults (calling people “little shits”) that what you could assume to be found around Greece during the time of Hercules, but I found it to be an immersive, quick, and very enjoyable read. I cannot wait to see what this author decides to do next however I will pay big money to see another character focused novel come from them. It will be hard for me to find another mythology book that can top this one unless it comes from Rogerson herself.

If you're only familiar with the Disney PG version of Hercules' story, reading the actual mythology will STUN you. However, reading mythology as it was originally written can be dense. This retelling was both entertaining and easy to follow, making it so accessible for those who want to know a little more but don't want to sit down and read the original Epic.

Rogerson's sense of humor came through the entire novel, and it was easy to keep track of what was happening - with SO many narrators, that takes a lot of talent. The novel covered all of Hercules' life, not just the 12 Labors (which to be honest was all I had previously read, and that was in high school). It was very interesting to begin from the start and to read from the perspectives of characters who played key roles in the myths but weren't prominently featured.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really enjoy Greek mythology and have mostly kept up with a lot of the retellings published recently.

I really enjoyed the multiple pov in this book. I was unsure at first if I could keep up but I did it and it was such a different experience way to read a story.

Not only did the reader see more of Hercules, the narrator for each piece was written well and I got to know their voices. This was a selling point for me, as I enjoyed the inner workings of their brains throughout the story.

Following Hercules via those in his life gives such a deeper story. Names I’ve read became people I cared to tell the story of this hero.

Sometimes I felt the dialogue/flow was hard to follow, however, I mostly follow kept up and will recommend this book.

I love a good mythology retelling, but this just wasn't for me. The concept of retelling of a myth through the eyes of what could amount to "side" characters (Song of Achilles, Circe, Witch's Heart, etc) have been some of my favorite books in the recent years, but this one just didn't land for me. Maybe it was the modern language forced into the dialogue that felt off, maybe it was my lack of real interest in Heracles the legend, but I really struggled with this one - not only to finish it, but to pick it up in the first place.

I don't think it's a terrible read, it just isn't a read for me, which I'm pretty bummed about.

HERC
By Phoenicia Rogerson

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

When I originally asked for an e-arc of this I was really nervous, since the myth of Heracles is one I know very well and I wasn’t sure how it would be retold since in modern media Herc has always been portrayed as a hero and this is very, very faulty.

First of all, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it wasn’t from the point of view of Heracles; rather, we see numerous characters in this retelling giving their own view on the events that took place and about this man. Rogerson portrayed him as a complex figure, both good and cruel, arrogant and charismatic and brave on one hand, but also as a monster succumbing to the darkness in him and hurting others. A true tragic figure. And I appreciated this realistic retelling and portrayal of the myth and man behind the myth. I really enjoyed the way she wrote this. The writing is both lyrical and well-crafted; there is no overuse of flowery language or long sentences, it is incredibly easy to follow along.

Managing to weave so many characters together and offer them a point of view while remaining coherent to the story was great! True talent for writing seen right there. Each character in this book has a unique voice in the retelling; through their different perspectives we learn more about Herc and his life, his likes and dislikes, the labours he endured… we get a clear picture of the man that he is, behind all the grandeur of the legend of Herakles. I also like how in this retelling his sexuality was mentioned and how he was fluid in his attraction for both men and women.

Since there are many characters introduced, I found the Dramatis Personae in the book to be super useful to keep track! A wonderful addition. I wish more books had a character list.

I appreciated how this retelling did not try to create something else or portray these characters from a modern lense/view; while some of the language used is modern (which is a little strange to see since we are talking about a myth going back to antiquity but this didn’t really bother me since it’s a retelling at the end of the day and not an academic article), the author does not shy away from displaying all the gory, brutal, and tragic details surrounding Heracles and the individuals who crossed paths with him and were a part of his life.

This is officially one of my favourite retellings I have ever read! Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy of the book for an honest review.

In "Herc," Rogerson transcends the confines of conventional storytelling, weaving tales that surpass boundaries. She unveils the intricate lives, aspirations, and dreams of characters who often linger on the fringes. From the modest blacksmith fashioning the hero's formidable sword to the wise old sage imparting invaluable wisdom, each character emerges as a vibrant and unforgettable entity in their own right.

What makes "Herc" truly captivating is Rogerson's profound insight and empathy for her characters. Through eloquent prose, she paints intimate portraits of these individuals, capturing the essence of their struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices. Their motivations, fears, and complex emotions come to light, forging multi-dimensional characters that profoundly resonate with readers.

Beyond the enthralling exploration of characters, "Herc" delves into the nuances of class dynamics within a larger narrative. Rogerson tackles themes of social inequality, shedding light on the oft-overlooked voices and experiences of those existing beyond realms of power and prestige. Her storytelling serves as a powerful reminder that every individual, regardless of their role, possesses a unique and invaluable story to share.

As I delved deeper into "Herc," I became fully absorbed in the lives of these rich supporting characters. Their struggles and triumphs became my own, evoking a myriad of emotions ranging from elation to heartache. Rogerson's masterful storytelling effortlessly immerses readers into the core of the narrative, leaving an indelible impact.

With "Herc," Rogerson crafts an imaginative and thought-provoking tale that breathes life into the often-overlooked characters populating our cherished stories. It celebrates the resilience, humanity, and integral role of these unsung heroes in shaping the grander narrative.

"Herc" is a mesmerizing and imaginative exploration of the supporting characters who typically dwell in the shadows of epic tales. Rogerson's extraordinary ability to infuse life into these unsung heroes is commendable. Through her eloquent prose and profound comprehension of human nature, she beckons readers into a world where the line between protagonist and supporting character blurs, fostering a profound appreciation for the diverse stories interweaving to create an authentically epic tale.
e is turned.

Step into a world where heroes aren't always clad in shining armor, but instead exist in the shadows, tirelessly supporting the main protagonists. "Herc" by Phoenicia Rogerson takes readers on an imaginative adventure that explores the untold stories of these unsung heroes. With a stroke of literary brilliance, Rogerson digs into the lives of the supporting characters, giving them the spotlight they truly deserve.

In "Herc," Rogerson weaves tales that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. She peels back the layers of the narrative to unveil the intricate lives, hopes, and dreams of characters who often stand on the periphery. From the humble blacksmith who crafts the hero's mighty sword to the wise old sage who imparts valuable wisdom, each character becomes a vivid and unforgettable entity in their own right.

What makes "Herc" truly mesmerizing is the depth of insight and empathy that Rogerson brings to her characters. Through her eloquent prose, she paints intimate portraits of these individuals, capturing the essence of their struggles, triumphs, and sacrifices. We come to understand their motivations, their fears, and the complex web of emotions that drive them. Rogerson excels at creating multi-dimensional characters that resonate deeply with readers.

Beyond the captivating character exploration, "Herc" also explores the nuances of class dynamics within a larger story. Rogerson tackles themes of social inequality, shining a light on the often-overlooked voices and experiences of those who exist outside the realm of power and prestige. Her storytelling serves as a powerful reminder that everyone, regardless of their role, possesses a unique and valuable story to tell.

As I read further into "Herc," I found myself completely engrossed in the rich supporting characters' lives. Their struggles and triumphs became my own, and I couldn't help but be moved by their journeys. Rogerson's masterful storytelling effortlessly draws readers into the heart of her narrative, eliciting a range of emotions from joy to heartache and everything in between.

With "Herc," Rogerson has crafted an imaginative and thought-provoking tale that breathes life into the often-overlooked characters that populate our favorite stories. It serves as a reminder that behind every hero's success lies unsung heroes. This book is a celebration of their resilience, their humanity, and their integral role in shaping the larger narrative.

"Herc" is a captivating and imaginative exploration of the supporting characters who often lurk in the shadows of epic tales. Rogerson's ability to breathe life into these unsung heroes is extraordinary. Through her eloquent prose and deep understanding of human nature, she invites readers into a world where the boundaries between protagonist and supporting character blur, leaving us with a profound appreciation for the diverse stories that weave together to create a truly epic tale.

Bravo, Phoenicia, for daring to shine a light on those who dwell in the shadows and for reminding us that every character, no matter how small, deserves their moment in the literary spotlight. "Herc" is a triumph of storytelling that will linger in the hearts and minds of readers long after the final page has been turned.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

This was a fun, quick read! It's interesting that throughout my experiences learning about the myth of Hercules, he's just an all around PERFECT hero, he can do no wrong. But learning the "backstory" of the myths from people around him gave it a really fresh and interesting perspective, especially how destructive his behavior was. A quick, interesting read!

If you’ve been on a mythology kick, especially a Greek mythology novelization then you are going to want to pick this book up! This a god we all know the story of but there is a twist of humor laced into the pages. This was a very refreshing read!