Jason

I did not know what to expect from Jason. What a treat. Mark Knowles masterfully tells a story, this is brilliant! I'll be reading his other books.

Jason

When I requested it from NetGalley I didn’t know it was the second book of a series. It wasn’t until I looked it up on good reads 25% through the book.

I’m only loosely familiar with Jason so I was pretty caught off guard. But the feeling that I was missing information is what led me yo look at it.

The book has a large cast and it wasn’t until I physically mapped out the characters and how they are related did it start to make sense. The first 10% was painful for me to get through.

Even at that while the story is interesting and you can tell a lot of detail was put into it. The storyline is really very flat to me. Especially considering the first part with Jason obtaining the fleece is the more exciting part of the story itself.

The shift to Pelius as well as Elesius in various chapters proved to be confusing in and of itself as well. I understand the storyline of Elesius but didn’t feel I could strongly connect that to Jason’s story.

Greek retellings are very interesting to me. And I like being able to see how different retellings and different authors tie together. But this one did not jump out and just suck me in. I didn’t get through it with the same intrigue that I’ve gotten with other books previously.

You will want to read this in one sitting because you are on the edge of your seat the entire time… I was mad at life getting in the way!

I did not realize this is the second book in a series when I originally requested this title. However, I had no trouble jumping in with the second book, possibly because I do love mythology and was pretty familiar with the characters here. I think other mythology buffs could also read this as a standalone title.
The author did an incredible amount of research for this story, and ties in other myths as well, making this an interesting read for someone who maybe feels like they already know the story of Jason. It also focuses mainly on events after his famous search for the Golden Fleece.
There were sections that were so much fun to read, but also a few (mostly those sections set out at sea) that seemed to drag a little bit.
I will definitely be recommending this to readers who enjoy retellings of mythology!

They may have won the prize, but will any of them make it home alive?
Jason has fulfilled the mission set him by his uncle, the scheming King Pelias of Iolkos: he and the Argonauts have won the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis. Jason dreams of glory – of taking his uncle's throne, rightfully his – and, like his warrior shipmates, of home.

But it is not only Pelias who wishes Jason ill. Before the Argonauts can make it back to Iolkos, they must contend with a legion of foes who would see them dead – and a web of allies who are not quite what they seem.

Really enjoying this series and I assume there is one more to come. I am lucky enough to own a classical atlas so was able to track the Argonauts' journey. Its fun trying to work out where all these places are now and what they are called. Hope the physical book has a map included. Can't say I like Medea much and she hasn't even murdered her children yet. Apologies if that is a plot spoiler but these stories are pretty old now. Thanks to Netgalley.

A sequel to a story I did not read. The story was an interesting take on mythology with a fun reimagining. Some of the pacing felt off, but this was clearly a passion driven project.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Preliminary 5-star review. Will post a full review and adjust the rating accordingly after I finish the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC copy of this book, in exchange for this honest review.

Although Jason and his crew have managed to steal not one but two Golden Fleece from Colchis, they still have to get home. The crew of the Argo is beset by problems, the angry people chasing them, the hostility at each landing place, violent tribesmen, a witch and sirens leading them to their doom. Not all of them will make it home and those that do will be changed forever.
I hadn't read the first book in this series and that made it difficult to get into the ongoing story as there are several strands that are followed. Obviously the set pieces are well set up and written with that visceral urgency that brings life to fights. What I found more interesting was the approach to aspects of myths or culture that is taken, for example, the sirens do lure men to their death but not in the way of myth. I also loved the sly references to Harryhausen's fantasy film including the bronze warrior.

Packed with action, adventure, and intrigue, Jason is perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and Madeline Miller.
They may have won the prize, but will any of them make it home alive?

Jason has fulfilled the mission set him by his uncle, the scheming King Pelias of Iolkos: he and the Argonauts have won the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis. Jason dreams of glory – of taking his uncle's throne, rightfully his – and, like his warrior shipmates, of home.

But it is not only Pelias who wishes Jason ill. Before the Argonauts can make it back to Iolkos, they must contend with a legion of foes who would see them dead – and a web of allies who are not quite what they seem.

Jason and his warriors must outwit the recondite Circe and the spies of mighty Troy, overcome hostile tribes beyond the Danube, and sail the troubled waters of the Archipelagos, where the Sirens wait to snare unwary seafarers.

Yet Jason's perils are only beginning, for he will soon discover that a truer evil lies closer to home...

'A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth with every stroke of Jason's oar. Knowles's storytelling captured my imagination from the very first page. It is wonderfully atmospheric' Daisy Dunn, editor of ARGO: A Hellenic Review, and author of Of Gods and Men: 100 Stories from Ancient Greece & Rome