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ClareR (6253 KP) rated Hera in Books

Nov 1, 2024  
Hera
Hera
Jennifer Saint | 2024 | Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I really enjoyed this retelling of Hera’s story. She wasn’t a woman to be messed with - and Zeus pushed her to her limits on many occasions. While she couldn’t punish the King of the Gods, she could certainly punish the women that he cheated on her with.

In the original stories, Hera is vilified, portrayed as unreasonably vengeful, spiteful even. In this version, we can see her motivations. She can’t possibly direct her revenge on her monarch - that would endanger her position and Zeus would deal with her like all those who acted against him.

Hera is complicated woman, and she acts in the only way she knows how to. Her anger has centuries to mature and grow, and there’s a real sense of the passage of time. It’s just that that passage is pretty meaningless to a God!

This novel doesn’t excuse Hera’s behaviour, but it certainly gives the reasons for it. I love Greek mythology, and Jennifer Saints retellings have been excellent. This is another great addition to the series.
  
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ClareR (6253 KP) rated The Shapeshifter’s Daughter in Books

May 25, 2026  
The Shapeshifter’s Daughter
The Shapeshifter’s Daughter
Sally Magnusson | 2025 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Shapeshifters Daughter is a thoroughly enjoyable story, where Hel, Norse Goddess of the Underworld, escapes and makes her way to Midgard (the human world). Hel’s story is told alongside that of Helen, a woman in her 50’s, who on finding out that she has terminal cancer, decides to return to Orkney to make peace with her past and die there. Helen reconnects with Thorfinn (Thor), who helps her to navigate her final weeks with both friendship and love.

Hel and Helen’s stories are told pretty much separately, and they work well as such. It was interesting how they later became connected via a community grief group, and Hel’s role in Helen’s death.

It’s all beautifully told: Helen’s story is tragic, Hel’s is equally so but from a different perspective (it seems Gods are never very nice to one another).

I’ll warn you now: it’s a sad story, and I’m very sure that you can guess what happens in the end - the journey is worth it though!