This was a very interesting read. The way Rosie Garland put the Fates into a more modern setting, I really enjoyed. Yet I have to admit that I didn't particularly liked the writing style. In some places the poetic writing was great, but in some others it wasn't fitting at all. It also didn't feel authentic but forced.
Also the conversations about feminism, misogyny, free will and fate could have been deeper and more explored, it felt like it only scratched the surface. I wanted to love the story so much more than I ended up doing, still I would recommend this book because I really liked the idea behind the story and only because this wasn't for me doesn't mean it wouldn't be for anyone. So if a book about the fates as main characters sounds intriguing to you, you should give this novel a try and make yourself an opinion.
For me, this was okay. So 3 out of 5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc copy of this book for an honest review.
Unfortunately, Rosie's writing wasn't for me, I didn't enjoy the flow of the book and at times the story felt a bit disjointed.

So, Rosie Garland gives the Fates a voice in the myth of Atalanta, which is a cool twist. The story jumps around between characters and settings but it's written beautifully and told from different points of view. I liked how they explored gender and sexuality in Atalanta's story, and the bond between the Fates was really interesting. if you're into Greek mythology and want a fun, easy read, I'd recommend it.

A beautifully written mythical retelling that will surely impress. This writing felt very poetic and had me hooked from the first page, I just couldn't put it down and left me feeling more knowledgeable about Greek mythology. Zeus's character intrigued me as it felt different from other portrayals of him that I have read before, so I was drawn to his perspective.

All up a very enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to fellow fans of Madeline Miller and Jennifer Saint.

I adore Greek Mythology and the title of this drew me in right away. It is told from several points of view and at different time frames which can be a little hard to follow at first, but ultimately worth it. This was a great almost fresher retelling and one any greek mythology lover should absolutely read.

Thank you to Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

As an avid reader of Greek mythology retellings, I went into this one with my eyes wide open. I wasn't expecting anyone to reinvent the wheel, and perhaps that's why I was able to enjoy it more than I might've should I have approached it with a more critical eye (like some other reviewers - fair and reasonable responses).

The Fates is a book with an intriguing take on those three mythological entities we all have always wanted to know more about. As other readers have mentioned, this particular topic isn't one that I've stumbled upon before, so that alone was a very refreshing approach to the Greek myth genre. Garland clearly had fun delving into the myths and putting her own spin on them, however - I'm not sure this was always for the best. Sometimes these hit right (kudos to making Zeus the world's biggest man baby), other times they missed the mark (on the other hand, reading from Zeus' pov...was not fun at all).

I want to make an honourable mention to Garland's writing style. It won't be for everyone, but it certainly was for me. Several excerpts now live in my commonplace journal, and boy, do they look good on those pages.

Pick this book up if you want to delve into an adventure in a world that feels as familiar as it does unique.

"The Fates" by Rosie Garland is an incredible exploration of fate, time, the patriarchy, and love within the rich tapestry of Greek mythology. From the very first page, I was hooked, finding it to be one of the most unique and compelling books inspired by mythology that I have ever read.

Going into this book, I had no knowledge of Atalanta and Meleager. However, Garland's writing made learning about these mythological figures both fascinating and enjoyable. The detailed history provided for each character, narrated from their own perspectives, initially took some getting used to but after a few chapters I got used to the writing style.

Garland's take on these mythological tales is original and captivating. Whether you're well-versed in Greek mythology or new to these ancient stories, this book offers a fresh and engaging perspective.

A must-read for anyone interested in mythological narratives that are both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. Rosie Garland has crafted a story that beautifully intertwines the timeless themes of fate, love, and the struggle against the patriarchy, making it a compelling addition to any reader's collection.

I have always adored Rosie Garland's writing, and looked forward to this new one with great excitement. I was not disappointed. Garland has recreated the story of the Fates, the three sisters of Greek mythology, with her signature lush prose, but this time she has delved into the legends of the Gods. I was enthralled. Utterly spellbound by the three Moriai sisters, Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos. This trio, the Fates as we know them, are rendered so real by Garland, as are the lives and adventures of the mortals in her tale. I especially loved the fierce yet wonderfully 'human' female warrior, Atalanta and her ill-fated lover, Meleager. Great stuff, as ever.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher Quercus Books for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

TW: misogyny, rape, sexual assault, animal death

Long before the Olympian gods ruled the skies and before mortals existed, there was the Fates. These three sisters- Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos- born of the goddess of night Nyx, are destined to weave the lives, deaths and destinies of all humankind. However, eternity is a long time and it’s difficult to remain detached from the legendary heroes and ordinary people on Earth. They become entranced by the woman warrior Atalanta, the only female Argonaut who was raised by a bear and then as a follower of Artemis, and her romantic relationship with Meleager, a prince of Calydon and fellow Argonaut who believes he has been cursed by the Fates since his birth as they predicted he would die once a piece of wood stopped burning. As the couple hunt the Caledonian Boar from legend, the Fates recount the stories of their lives and try to find a way to free the couple from their tragic destinies- even if it means acting against Zeus. Refusing to be bound by the limitations of their existence, the Fates seek to resist destiny and forge new paths.

This is an incredibly original retelling of not just the Fates but also Atalanta and Meleager, who I’ve read about before. I really enjoyed the focus on their lives before the Caledonian Boar hunt and how the Fates have single-handedly influenced them, even if they don’t want to. I did find the parts about the three sisters’ backstory to be less interesting but that’s more because I was so personally invested in Atalanta and Meleager. The characterisation of Zeus and his wife Hera, meddling from above in between parties and wars on Olympus, was unlike any I’ve read before. However, I didn’t feel that much connection to the Fates and their story compared to other books I’ve read in the same genre.

I love Greek mythology, and was immediately drawn to this as it retells the story of the Fates, the three women who determine the lives and deaths of the mortals. Within the interwaeving timeline we are also introduced to Atalanta and Meleager, and Zeus at his most vengeful.

There are glimmers of absolute joy here. The writing plays a heavy role in setting the tone of the book, taking on a cadence very reminiscent of ancient Greek texts. It's flowery, descriptive yet also not all that difficult to read. It's rather beautiful. However I did find the pacing incredibly slow. The story meanders, pausing frequently in the action to spend time discussing the characters or musing on their dilemmas. There's nothing quick about this story, and for me this did mean my attention started to wane.

Lovely prose, meandering plot. If you enjoy your retellings on the literary side of fiction I think you'll really enjoy this one.

Unfortunately, I was unable to finish this book. The writing didn’t capture my attention and I found it tricky to engage with.

This was a fantastic read! I love Greek mythology and retellings and knew I was going to love this one. I hadn’t read much from the point of view of the Fates before and loved being able to see the world through their eyes and how they navigated growing up as not-so-normal girls (and later discovering their immortality). I would definitely recommend this one!!

*thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC *

3.5 *

In short - if you like myth retellings, without the avarage modern twists then you will like it.

I was a bit hesitant in the beginning, because it started way to slow for me. But then with the explanation of Atalanta I was drown in. I have read any version of the original myths connected to Atalanata (and Meleager) and she is even part of my thesis, yet I find this representation unique, yet true to the character (having in mind that Clotho has nothing to do with the character). I still don't get the whole tropple thing, but I can kind off see where the idea behind it come from.

At sometimes times the cheesiness was too much for my taste, and I skimmed through some parts because of it, but overall it was a good book, certainly the best retelling of Atalanta I have read thus far.

A recommended read for fans of Madeline Miller and Genevieve Gornichec. A reimagining of Greek mythology incorporating LGBTQI themes, misogyny, feminism, and gender stereotypes. This is great new queer fiction to add the subgenres of historical fantasy. Well worth the read!

The Fates is a new reimagining of an ancient Greek myth surrounding the legendary female warrior Atlanta and Melegar, the doomed warrior-lord of Calydon.

Garland reimagines this aspect of Greek mythology infusing the characters with new life. The female warrior Atlanta is central to the story which revolves around the love between her and Melegar. There is a new addition to this ancient tale which Garland weaves to entice us into her reimagined and new Ancient Greece. The Fates, who stand beyond time and creation of the Titans, mortals and the Gods of Olympus, are responsible for the birth, fortune or misfortune in mortal lives and for ending life.

Garland imagines this classic Greek myth where the otherworldly figure of Atlanta entices the Fates to break their distance between the weaving of fate and the effects on mortal lives. Entranced by the magic of Atlanta and Melgar, the Fates are drawn like the reader to this new version of a female warrior: lover of Melgar and the female warrior Antiklea . Here, Atlanta is bisexual and the polyamorous relationship between Atlanta, Melgar and Antiklea brings new vision to an ancient tale. There is a new twist to the tale and the breaking of rules as one of the Fates, Clotho dares to confront Hades to reverse Melegar’s fate and restore the love binding Atlanta, Melegar and Antiklea.

Garland writes with meticulous detail from Ancient Greek mythology, history and legends to create a strong world-building in this historical fantasy. If there is a drawback to The Fates, there is often a sense of stilted and overly formal conversation between characters which is at odds with the flowing and passionate writing of actions and intentions. Nonetheless, this queer fiction reimagining of the myth of Atlanta brings a new voice to the genre of myth reimagining and historical fiction.

** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **

I was aware of the story of Atalanta and Meleager having read a number of books about their myth.
Unfortunately I cannot recommend this one. The story was very disjointed jumping between a number of narators and time periods which stunted the flow of the story.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc copy of this book for an honest review.

I'm soo glad to have received an arc of this book. It was such a fun read.

I love a good retelling and am so excited with soo many myth retellings that have been coming out.

Rosie Garland did an amazing job.

4/5- would recommend

https://lynns-books.com/2024/04/09/the-fates-by-rosie-garland/
4 of 5 stars
My Five Word TL/DR Review: The Fates vs Greek Gods

I’m loving the current trend of Greek myths being retold from different angles and The Fates is no exception. In fact I really enjoyed reading a story involving The Fates and this is such an interesting take.

I must confess that having read Jennifer Saint’s Atalanta not too long ago at first I thought that my timing in requesting this one was perhaps not good. As it happens I think that my previous reading fed into this story really well, right down to the conclusion which provides reasoning for the ways that various characters have been portrayed.

Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. This is a story that takes a look at the Gods, meddling, petty and to be honest supremely vain and self serving. The Fates, immortals that are older than the Gods, who are also fascinated with humans and their passion for life, and characters of Greek myth, Atalanta, rejected by her parents as a new born because she was a girl, left to die on a mountainside and actually raised by a bear, and Meleager, a warrior whose death was foretold at birth and has since lived on a knife edge.

To be honest, I’m not going to discuss the plot other than to very briefly say this is a book of ultimate meddling. The Fates themselves have plotted, they’ve spun their threads and now must sit and wait for the outcome. Well, they may need to meddle just a little bit more.

We have various povs. Zeus, for example, has a number of chapters, let me just say he doesn’t come across too well, I loved the way he was portrayed to be honest, just because he’s a God doesn’t mean he’s going to be decent – and he really isn’t – he’s an egotistical horror to be frank. We have the Fates, who for the purpose of this story are given a makeover into three small girls, who can’t remember who they are but gradually start to believe that they’re not like other people. I really enjoyed this aspect of the story with the slow realisation as the girls begin to question everything. Then we have Atalanta and Meleager – and, again, I enjoyed their tales. The author takes us back to their early stories which really helps to set the scene and give us a chance to buy into both characters and increase the tension as their lives start to experience turmoil.

What I particularly enjoyed with this story can be boiled down as follows:

I enjoyed reading about the Fates. I don’t think I’ve read a story where they play such a fundamental role before and they were different than I had expected. I think I expected three crones.

I liked that the author uses material already available so that when you’re reading this it feels familiar but then not familiar at the same time. It adds that sense of plausibility, stories are all about perspective after all and, for example, three people involved in the same event will often tell a slightly different version of events.

This really does lay out the hardships that women suffered but at the same time it gives you some hope as we have females here taking matters into their own hands and changing fate.

The writing was good. It gives the right amount of detail to set the scene, it gives you characters that you can become invested in and it really succeeds in having that ‘Greek myth’ feel. I don’t know how else to describe it. I just recall reading Greek myths and the one thing that really stayed with me was how fantastical they can be, this story definitely has elements of that.

Overall I had a good time with The Fates, it makes a good addition to the other retellings I’ve read of late and I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

I was very intrigued by the plot of this book and it was my most anticipated read of March/April. I mean, a retelling of The Fates? I was in before I even started. Maybe my expectations were too high, maybe I've read too many retellings, I don't know.
What I do know is that I'm not very convinced by this book. There were undoubtedly moments when the book excelled at delivering a message and a story, and others when it struggled to do both. At times I wondered if this was the work of more than one author, because the difference in tone and style was so stark.
Also, I understand the need for likeable and unlikeable characters, but a caricature of an unlikeable character? It was painful to read certain chapters without skipping a word.
All in all, I found the idea behind the book new, fresh and interesting, but the execution was not for me.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an early review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Atalanta is arguably my favourite mythological figure ever, so when I saw that this was a variation on one of her legends, I couldn’t resist!

This book incorporates several elements that highlight the Gods meddling in the human world and the Fates efforts to combat them weaved into the myth of the Calydonian Boar / Atalanta and Meleager. It wasn’t a strict retelling of the myth - the author changed a few details of the ancient story in order to serve a story of predetermination versus free will, which I loved.

I loved the storytelling style - it was very classical, with POVs for both the main characters as well as Zeus and the Fates in their various machinations.

Overall, I don’t have enough good things to say about this one. Highly recommend!

I’m a fan of the author’s books and I love Greek mythology so couldn’t wait to read The Fates. I knew very little about Meleager and Atalanta so I found their story interesting. I’ve come across the Fates before. I really enjoyed the way the author made these larger than life, mythological characters her own. I especially liked the Fates being ageless, hopeful girls instead of old crones. This made them easier to relate to. The women in this book remind me a lot of Circle by Madeleine Miller because the female characters are powerful but their lives are limited due to gender. I liked the way the book address this. I also liked how nasty Zeus is. I found this an engaging retelling and enjoyed it a lot. I’d recommend it.