Eric Stone
Spotlight on power dynamics, retribution, and the vulnerability of existing.
This book was a blur - couldn't put it down. Per usual, I alternated between the physical copy and the audio during my son’s basketball game. It is a compelling retelling that avoids the smut trope and instead dives deep into the psychological reality of being a pawn to the gods.
What struck me most was the author’s ability to communicate the internal conflict of trauma. Watching Meddy - who is portrayed here as a genuinely good young woman - navigate the grooming of Poseidon and the betrayal of Athena was devastating. The way Athena's victim blaming, and Meddy's visceral reluctance to speak against her patron, made me understand that specific power dynamic in a way I never quite have before.
In a change of pace, I took notes during this one.
- Arrival at Acropolis: The moment another acolyte feels entitled to touch Meddy’s hair was a sharp nod to body autonomy that still bears repeating.
- The Sisters: I loved the explicit breakdown of power - the realization that "power is not given, it is taken." It’s a meaningful lesson and I'm glad it was explicitly stated. Prior to the explanation, I was kind of into how that dynamic was unspoken but once I read it it occurred to me.. Having this in print is never a bad thing. Say it again for the people in the back.
- The Tone: It communicates the female experience and the weight of societal station without beating the reader over the head.
It’s a powerful story that makes a decently well-known tale feel urgent. While it might not be a reread for me, I will be recommending it to anyone who wants a period mythology retelling with meaningful current-day lessons.
One more thing - I love everything that’s included but I adore what was left out, as explained in the afterword.
Spotlight on power dynamics, retribution, and the vulnerability of existing.
This book was a blur - couldn't put it down. Per usual, I alternated between the physical copy and the audio during my son’s basketball game. It is a compelling retelling that avoids the smut trope and instead dives deep into the psychological reality of being a pawn to the gods.
What struck me most was the author’s ability to communicate the internal conflict of trauma. Watching Meddy - who is portrayed here as a genuinely good young woman - navigate the grooming of Poseidon and the betrayal of Athena was devastating. The way Athena's victim blaming, and Meddy's visceral reluctance to speak against her patron, made me understand that specific power dynamic in a way I never quite have before.
In a change of pace, I took notes during this one.
- Arrival at Acropolis: The moment another acolyte feels entitled to touch Meddy’s hair was a sharp nod to body autonomy that still bears repeating.
- The Sisters: I loved the explicit breakdown of power - the realization that "power is not given, it is taken." It’s a meaningful lesson and I'm glad it was explicitly stated. Prior to the explanation, I was kind of into how that dynamic was unspoken but once I read it it occurred to me.. Having this in print is never a bad thing. Say it again for the people in the back.
- The Tone: It communicates the female experience and the weight of societal station without beating the reader over the head.
It’s a powerful story that makes a decently well-known tale feel urgent. While it might not be a reread for me, I will be recommending it to anyone who wants a period mythology retelling with meaningful current-day lessons.
One more thing - I love everything that’s included but I adore what was left out, as explained in the afterword.