It's a bit hard for me to review this book, because on one hand I can see that it could have its uses for people who work telling stories, especially if they are men wanting to write female characters that aren't dreadful; but, on the other hand I find the premise of the book rather weak and even a tad patronising.

"The Heroine's Labyrinth" is a work of literary criticism that examines how female protagonists follow a different archetypal structure than the typical hero's journey scenario as described by Joseph Campbell. At first I was quite skeptical at the binary approach to literature as, while a valid direction of discussing archetypes, seemed to categorize gender neatly into two boxes, based on the summary descriptions. I also was skeptical with the opening argument that this structure ALWAYS takes place and will always take place.

However, after reading the analysis and examples provided, I found the work to be refreshingly interesting in its content and showing a deep appreciation for the value that female.protagonists bring to a narrative and the archetypal "labyrinthian" journey they face. The author also noted the relationship and perspective that women have toward their own worlds, whether mythological, dystopian, historical or social. The overall impression given is one of appreciation for the complexity of the narrative structure. Women's motivations, their focus on the home and transforming culture and righting injustices are illustrated via tarot cards. While tarot cards may not initially seem like an academic topic of conversation (i.e. spiritualism) the way that they are used are to illustrate how the archetypal heroine's journey can be just as powerfully depicted and meaningful as the hero's journey, which is depicted in the typical hanged man, falling tower, etc. In fact, I'd love to purchase a set of these cards if only to use them as props for teaching about storytelling.

Each chapter includes deep literary criticism from Greek mythology and contemporary films such as the Hunger Games, Alien, Star Wars, and other works of literature and film that are well-known to many. At the end of each chapter, the key arguments are summarized in bullet points and discussion prompts are provided. I can imagine a fascinating college course on this topic using this book as a primary text.

The writing style and tone was accessible and fun to read (as an English degree holder and English teacher), even though I wasn't a fan of the intrusive narrator "dear reader" approach in places (This last part is because it makes the writing feel a bit Victorian). I feel it's suitable for advanced high school classes and for freshman or sophomore year courses. But I also think it's a fun read outside of an academic setting for anyone interested in heroines as protagonists or heroine-based storytelling. I am currently writing a YA novel and I was shocked as to how many aspects of the author's archetypal structure matched my unintentional.premise, plot points and set-up. I found that the heroine's labyrinth is interesting because women engage in self-reflection and introspection as part of the plot. Their interests are both internal and external. I would recommend this as a text for creative writing and popular fiction courses or those interesting in self-publishing.

3.5 stars.
The Heroine’s Labyrinth is a much-needed study of the female protagonists or heroic women in fiction.
If you are familiar with The Hero’s Journey, you might enjoy this book and utilise it as a complementary resource to it.
The fact that this book is endorsed by Vogler is inspiring.
This book is very well-organised, edited and written. Each part of the labyrinth and the related archetypes are explored, and these are complemented with Tarot card illustrations (beautiful, amazing, sometimes a little shiny and artificial looking) and exercises. 5/5
As an inspirational source, this book is wonderful, 5/5
Writing and research around writing are part of who I am. I also view most theories, and especially those around archetypes, the detection of codes and Tarot with a pinch of salt, and view them as tools for inspiration, a better understanding of stories and heroines and discussion starters.
I am glad this book exists.
I will surely read it again, refer to it, purchase it, request my institution to purchase a copy for the library, and recommend to students and creatives.

This book revolutionizes storytelling by exploring the unique narrative arc of heroic women, revealing 18 powerful archetypes like the Masked Minotaur and the Sacred Fire. The author challenges conventional story structure, offering fresh insights into character development, conflict, and heroism.

This brilliant book is indispensable and career-changing. It offers novelists, screenwriters, and memoirists an exciting alternative for narratives that don’t follow the traditional hero’s journey. I’m still trying to figure out how this structure would work for romance novels without a villain (for instance, maybe the Masked Minotaur could represent society in general rather than a single character). But it’s definitely changed how I view story structure.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.