I want to preface this review with the fact that I love that we're still interpreting these myths thousands of years later. Like the ancient Greeks, we take these stories and change them based on our view of the world and what we wish to relay. 

That being said, this book is an interesting thought experiment, but it wasn't for me. This novel follows Heracles, a son of Zeus, who spends his life trying to do exactly what his name suggests: give glory to his "aunty" Hera. Hera, on the other hand, resents Heracles as a product of her husbands infidelity. 

Like in the original myth, she pushes him to murder his children, setting off a chain of events. Rather than slaying the beasts as he is tasked with for his labors, Heracles cannot bear to do anymore harm. Instead, he befriends them. 

This is definitely a story that focuses heavily on redemption and personal growth, but it just didn't do much for me. I found it kind of trivial in places (i.e. naming the nemian lion "purrrseus"). I can definitely respect the point the author makes with this novel, but it just wasn't for me. 

Thank you so much to @netgalley and @dawbooks for the opportunity to review this book! Wearing the Lion publishes June 17 if you're interested in checking it out. 

This book was not what I was expecting and seemed to be trying very hard to make a point it wasn't quite getting to. It seems to offer a narrow view on feminism and was not really focused on Artemis at all. 

I was so excited to receive this book as an ARC through netgalley, and it did not disappoint. Getting to enter the world of the Roots of Chaos series again was nothing short of magical. 

This book is a standalone taking place before the events of Priory of the Orange tree, and it's an excellent entry point for people who find the size of the other novels daunting. 

Full of politics, world building, draconic mayhem, and intrigue, this book did an excellent job of keeping me on my toes. Furthermore, I love that it has such a cute sapphic love story embedded in it without being a full on romance novel. 

I already have my copy on preorder for when it releases this september- you should check it out!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the eARC!

An accessible entry point into ancient Mesopotamia, this book does an excellent job of exploring ancient history through the contents of a library. 

I found each chapter enthralling, especially the ones on literature and magic. The author blends short narratives along with historical fact, and it creates an absolutely stunning book!

Thank you to Edelweiss and University of Chicago press for allowing me to read this book early.

This book does such a wonderful job of telling the story of Fulvia's life with the few surviving (and certainly biased) accounts. The author examines why she was often viewed in such a negative light and attempts to present Fulvia as not just a power hungry villian. I enjoyed learning about her, and may have a new obsession!

This book reads like a fictionalized memoir, told from the perspective of Fulvia herself. I have only recently discovered Fulvia as a figure of interest, and I love the amount of care and research that clearly went into writing this novel. 

This novel follows Fulvia's journey from a young girl who is new to Rome to a figure of immense power and influence. I found myself rooting for her the whole time. I would definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in ancient Rome and strong female figures!

Thank you Netgalley and Manilla Press for the chance to read this book early!

This is a really good book, but it is too real for me right now and I can't finish it for my mental health. I'll revisit it eventually I'm sure.