I love this entire series. The artwork is wonderful and really helps bring the stories to life. Each story blends seamlessly into the next and holds your attention. I look forward to more books in this series.

The ninth volume of the Olympians series hunts down Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo. Like her younger brother, she has many names; protector of women, friend to young girls, helper in childbirth, and most notably, goddess of the wilderness. Also like her brother, she can be cruel and does not suffer a fool, but unlike Apollo, she knows who she is and what she wants.

Artemis' story is told mostly through others. As she says to the Hunter Orion, "Sometimes to tell your own thoughts, you need to tell the story of another." Leto, Artemis' mother, starts by telling of Artemis' birth and meeting her father Zeus in Olympus. Apollo picks up the narrative with the tale of Niobe, a human who spurs Artemis, Apollo and Leto. Two of Artemis' handmaiden nymphs tell of Actaeon, a hunter who is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Even Hera, who hates Leto and her children, shows Artemis some respect in the story of the Aloadai. Finally Orion, the hunter, tells the story of his encounter with Artemis, which ends with Artemis "telling her own thoughts" through Orion's end.

Through each story, the teller shows their feelings about Artemis. Leto expresses the gratitude and sadness she feels for her daughter having to grow up too soon, and choosing a path based on that experience. Apollo's story reflects how alike he and Artemis are, especially when it comes to the mother. The handmaidens' tale is more of a cautionary one, that shows she not one to be crossed. Hera finds Zeus' offspring can have their uses, as Artemis takes matters into her own hands to deal with the Aloadai, which ends up benefiting Hera. I do like how she finds both respect and annoyance in the dirty looks Artemis shoots her way. Orion shows the opposite of Hera, as he claims to respect Artemis, but his actions, and inability to defer to her choices, leads to his end.

I liked how O'Connor ended the volume, giving Artemis agency over the choice she makes regarding Orion. While Apollo pats himself on the back for his "trick", Artemis is truly the one who makes the decision. While most of the goddesses we've seen in this series have some agency, only Artemis is the one shown to have complete control of her life. She chose her path early and would not be forced from it, not even for love. I think this is important to show today, where women are still pushed into traditional roles of getting married and having children, even when that may not be what they want.

Artemis, Wild Goddess of the Hunt is another great addition to the Olympians collection, and should be read with volume 8, Apollo, the Brilliant One. Even though these books stand on their own, Apollo's and Artemis' stories and experiences are so tied together, that it makes a better experience to read them in order. Artemis is a great example of a woman taking control and having agency over her life, and that's a great lesson for both boys and girls to learn.

Review copy provided by publisher.

[Post will go live on January 31, 2018]

Title: Artemis: Wild Goddess of the Hunt
Author: George O'Connor
Illustrator: George O'Connor
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: Jan. 31, 2017
Price: $9.99 (paperback)
ISBN: 978-1626725225
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Summary and Quick Thoughts: The story of Artemis is a rough one. She was hated for being born by the Goddess Hera, but that didn't stop her from getting what she wanted from her father Zeus. In the beginning, Artemis refused a man's touch and refused to marry. When she meets a man, she enjoys his company until he pushes the boundaries she swore to protect. This is the legend of Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt, the latest in the Olympians series.

George O'Connor takes a look at Artemis in the latest volume, summarizing her childhood and showing off her skill. It is the story of her only love that sticks out. The man is convinced he must have her. It is in her being that she refuse a man's touch. It is this dynamic that sets the stage for a task that Artemis will ultimately have to do herself.

O'Connor doesn't disappoint in this offering and continues to uphold the quality of story and history that we have come to expect of this series. Here's to his next one!

If you don't have this series, go back and get the rest. It's a solid Greek Mythology set.
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Recommended Audience: Middle School
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Source: Netgalley eArc

Zeus was always spreading his seed into women who happily spread their legs for the king of gods and man. Jealous Hera was always getting even with them for slutting around with her husband. She banishes Leto, a Titan, who gives birth to Apollo and Artemis. Apollo has his own volume. This story belongs to Artemis.

Artemis gets to meet Daddy and gives him a wish list of all the things little girls want … a cellphone, a Hello Kitty backpack … no, actually she wants a bow and some arrows and hunting dogs. Strange little girl, this. And she never wants to marry, because she already knows her inclinations do not lie in that direction. Well, men are trouble anyway, who can blame her?

Artemis goes hunting while Apollo plays his lyre and laments the fact that none of her entourage will sleep with him. Mortals eventually venerate Leto but she gets no love from Niobe in Thebes, yet another jealous woman who can’t handle the fact that some women are babes and some are not. Deal with it, Niobe! Still, perhaps Artemis and Apollo overreact when they kill all of Niobe’s kids.

An perhaps Artemis overreacts when a young hunter watches her bathe in the river because, after all, why wouldn’t he? Turning him into a deer so his own dogs can hunt him down and rip him to pieces seems like a bit of mischief. She’s hardly any nicer to Orion.

Lots of guys (and monsters) want Aretmis, but she’s not really into guys (or monsters). She plays them, tricks them, makes them kill each other. Crafty cunning woman. Probably better to stay away from her if you’re a guy (or monster). On the other hand, she gets along well with young girls and wild animals

It’s hard to beat Greek mythology for good stories. The story of Artemis is true to its roots but I like the occasional modernization, usually for the purpose of injecting humor (“bro hug!”). But myths endure because they teach lessons, and those are preserved in this volume. I think readers well beyond the intended age range will enjoy Artemis and the other entries in this series.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Scott

After Apollo: The Brilliant One, it comes as no surprise that George O’Connor would move to Apollo’s sister Artemis: The Goddess of the Hunt; it is one of the more common transitions in Greek mythology. A calculating, sometimes cruel goddess, Artemis’ story is worth the wait. Full of all the spectacular feats and quests, vows and gods interfering in the ways of man are all depicted here, from a well-researched point of view. There is no slouching O’Connor here as he dives deep into the mysteries of the Greek mythos. Portions of the book are cited in the back ‘notes’ as coming from other books in the Olympians series or classic Greek verse (and as a stand-by, Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, a staple in high schools).

I’ll admit it. Artemis: The Goddess of the Hunt is much more reader friendly than its predecessor. O’Connor has finally found the right mix and balance between expository, storytelling and reader response. The story, told from the people around her, but notably Hera, is both informative and emotional at the same time, shedding a very human light on a larger than life female figure; and Artemis is the embodiment of the modern woman: wild, free, unfettered and not tied down by any man. O’Connor writes this strong women character well, encapsulating power and self-confidence and toning down sexuality or rather freeing the character of Artemis of sexuality. Artemis: The Goddess of the Hunt skillfully captures one of the more elusive goddesses of the Greek mythos. Even the primary narrator, Hera, has her problems with Artemis (born from Zeus and Leto, a human who along with Apollo and Artemis were brought up in Olympus) but even she maintains a neutral stance throughout the tale.

The artwork complements the story admirably. Graceful lines and skillful inks grace each page and lends itself well to the subject matter at hand. The art is meticulous and planned. almost stale in some spots, but overall it suits the story. The colors are muted and toned down, playing in the blue and purple spectrum, giving a calm, serene (but muted) look to the graphic novel. Bright color only entered in the wilds of the world where greens and reds and earth tones occur. This is especially prominent in the telling of Orion’s tale. Orion who vied for Artemis love, engaged in the hunt until becoming the first man to be included in Artemis’ hunting party, however, his love was rebutted. Artemis had pledged to Zeus at a young age what she wanted for her life and that included neither a husband nor the touch of a man. The colors literally explode off the page during this part of the story, and the vibrancy runs with Orion’s emotions. Kudos must be given to O’Connor for a brilliant use of color that accentuated the artwork and the story immensely. Artemis: Goddess of the Hunt is no slouch in the art department.

For those with an interest in classical Greek mythology, and the legend of Artemis in particular, Artemis: The Goddess of the Hunt is a solid read. A strong female lead, and classical Greek drama pave the way for an interesting ride. Both the story and art are well worth the admission fee and although a bit dry in some places it is probably one of the best of Olympian books in the series. It is well worth the time and effort to read and there are group study questionnaires and appendices containing group notes, further reading s and deity charts. Anyone with a passion for Greek myth, high adventure and the mythological would be prime candidates for this graphic novel.

O'Connor continues his Olympian graphic novel series with lots of action and the Greek deities are given superhero status. His latest entry focuses on Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. The narrative of this graphic novel is told through various perspectives ranging from Artemis's mother, brother, and her maidens and they all form a nuanced portrait of Artemis: formidable, quick-witted, occasionally cruel, yet always deeply devoted to the natural world and intensely protective of women and girls.At first I wasn't sure if I liked how the narration was formed but ultimately I was on board with it as it created drama and suspense in the story. Like the other graphic novels the images are eye appealing and dynamic. The images are dynamic, with the use of different perspectives creating drama and suspense. Artemis is drawn androgynously, highlighting her strength without sacrificing her feminity. The graphic novel explores popular myths such as Actaceon who was turned into a stag and eated by his own dogs as punished for leering at Artemis and her crew as they bathe in the water. There is also the inclusion of the haughty Orion who felt he could pressure Artemis to go against her vow of never being touched by a male and the trickery that befell of Atalanta (a story that never sit right with me). Blonde, blue-eyed Artemis is illustrated with cool tones, befitting her characterization.
The graphic novel also contains source notes and O'Connor's own insightful and witty commentary. I like how O'Connor stays true to the original tales as much as people without dumbing it down for younger readers. In this installment there is particular attention to the strong female bonds throughout the graphic novel which I appreciated.

Artemis was to live a life away from the touch of man. She was the Goddess of the Hunt, she helped women in childbirth and she protected women and young girls. It was her choice to remain unmarried and O’Connor gives readers insight into the beginning of Artemis as well as some of the major stories surrounding her. Since this is a graphic novel about Artemis, readers can jump into this ninth book in the series without needing to read the previous volumes. Yet most readers who enjoy Greek mythology will want to read about all of the other gods and goddesses too.