Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Another lighthearted treatment of a mythological subject is presented here.

This particular one delves into the story of Atalanta and the golden apples.

Spinner has the remarkable ability to bring the legendary characters to life in a highly likable and engaging manner.

The way the story is told makes it a captivating read for anyone with an interest in mythology.

It offers a fresh perspective on this well-known myth, making it accessible and enjoyable for both those who are already familiar with the subject and those who are new to it.

Recommended for mythology fans, it provides an entertaining and educational experience that will leave readers eager to explore more of the rich world of mythology.

Whether you're a seasoned mythology enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and engaging read, this treatment of the Atalanta and the golden apples myth is sure to delight.

July 15,2025
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The article had its merits.

It was a pleasant and straightforward retelling of the Atalanta myth, incorporating elements from various sources. This aspect was quite nice as it presented a comprehensive view of the story.

However, it fell short in one significant area. It didn't explore the darker themes of the myth and Greek culture in the same depth as other well-known mythology retellings such as "Circe" and "Til We Have Faces".

As a result, the overall narrative felt somewhat lacking in substance and left the reader with a sense of dissatisfaction.

The omission of these darker themes meant that the story didn't fully capture the complexity and richness of the original myth and Greek culture.

To truly do justice to the Atalanta myth, a more in-depth exploration of these themes would have been beneficial.

This would have added more depth and nuance to the retelling, making it a more engaging and thought-provoking read.

Overall, while the article was a good start, it could have been improved by delving deeper into the darker aspects of the myth and Greek culture.

July 15,2025
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I truly appreciated the manner in which Stephanie Spinner elected to introduce the Greek Myth of Atalanta the hunter. Atalanta, abandoned at birth by her parents and later discovered by hunters, is a fascinating figure. However, within the story, there were numerous characters, yet we never truly got to know any of them in great depth. It was mostly just on the surface, and this was even the case for Atalanta herself.

It would have been extremely interesting to have seen more of her thoughts and to understand what she had to endure in order to accomplish what she did. The events of the story unfolded at a rapid pace, without dwelling too extensively on any single event. It was more like a retelling or a quick run-through of the myth, rather than a truly in-depth story that expanded upon the aforementioned mythological tale.

I found that it felt more like a rehash of the myth from Atalanta's perspective, simply a quick means of retelling the story without really delving into the psychology or other aspects of the characters. I never truly got to know any of the characters or develop a caring attitude towards them, not even for Atalanta. I firmly believe that this could have been the perfect opportunity to really delve deeper into her character and motivations.

Regarding the prose, I found it to be quite simple. In fact, children could likely understand the majority of the story, as it does not utilize very many difficult words at all. There were moments of evocative and graphic imagery, but unfortunately, they were few and far between. I am of the opinion that this book had the potential to be a great deal more satisfying and intriguing than it ultimately presented itself to be.
July 15,2025
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Atalanta is a well-known figure in Greek mythology, and this retelling offers a fresh and engaging perspective.

Quick and short, it manages to capture the essence of the tale with remarkable clarity and beauty. The author's honesty shines through, making the story all the more captivating.

I particularly enjoyed the quirky comments of the gods, which added an element of humor and lightheartedness to the narrative. Spinner's decision to continue Atalanta's story beyond what is typically considered the end was a bold and creative choice.

It allows readers to explore the consequences of her actions and the further adventures that await her. Overall, this retelling of the Atalanta myth is a must-read for anyone interested in Greek mythology or simply a good story.
July 15,2025
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This is an absolutely brilliant tale that delves deep into the Greek myth of Atalanta, Greece's most renowned and captivating heroine.

It begins with some truly witty banter between the gods, which adds a touch of lightheartedness and charm to the story. However, despite this playfulness, the tale remains completely true to the original myth, staying faithful to its essence and details.

As you read through this narrative, it becomes an incredibly riveting and engaging tale that will draw you in and keep you hooked from start to finish. It offers a whole new perspective on the classic characters, making you fall in love with them all over again.

Moreover, it gives the famous names a personal touch, making them seem more real and relatable. You'll find yourself empathizing with Atalanta's struggles and triumphs, and being completely enthralled by the actions and decisions of the gods.

This tale is a true gem that combines the magic of Greek mythology with a modern and engaging writing style, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the subject.
July 15,2025
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I can vividly recall that I used to have a profound affection for this book when I was younger.

However, upon this recent reread, it left a great deal to be desired. The plot seems to hurtle along at an alarmingly rapid pace, almost as if it is in a desperate rush to reach the conclusion.

Nonetheless, I still derived a significant amount of enjoyment from the story itself.

Surprisingly, I had completely forgotten the ending, and upon this new encounter, it too gave the impression of being somewhat haphazardly thrown together and rushed.

It's quite a contrast to the way I remembered it in my youth, and it makes me wonder how my perception has changed over the years.
July 15,2025
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I finally found it! It took me literally hours of googling.

I had read this book ages ago, but for the life of me, I couldn't remember the name.

It was so frustrating because I really wanted to revisit that story.

I would type in various keywords related to the plot and characters that I could recall, but nothing seemed to match.

I was on the verge of giving up when, suddenly, I came across a mention that jogged my memory.

It was like a lightbulb went off in my head.

I quickly clicked on the link and there it was - the book I had been searching for all this time.

I was overjoyed and couldn't wait to start reading it again.
July 15,2025
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Maybe I'm easy to please these days when I read for fun.

However, I truly relished this retelling of the ancient myth of Atalanta.

To be honest, I wasn't overly familiar with this story initially.

But as I delved into it, I found myself completely engrossed.

I especially adored Atalanta as the narrator.

Her perspective added a unique charm to the tale.

The way the gods and mythical creatures were portrayed as a tangible reality for the people of that era was simply captivating.

It made me feel as if I had been transported back in time and was witnessing these extraordinary events unfold before my eyes.

The author's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling made this retelling a real delight to read.

I'm so glad I came across this version of the Atalanta myth.

It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of ancient mythology and has left me eager to explore more.
July 15,2025
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This was a short and quick read.

There were numerous characters within it that truly didn't receive sufficient development. It felt as if they were rather one-dimensional and didn't have the depth that could have made them more engaging.

However, a remarkable job was accomplished with Atalanta. Her character was well-portrayed, with her qualities and characteristics shining through.

Surprisingly, I actually found myself liking the ending. It had a certain charm and finality to it that left a positive impression. Despite the flaws in the character development of some, the overall story still managed to hold my attention, especially due to the well-crafted portrayal of Atalanta and the appealing ending.

It makes me wonder what could have been if more attention had been given to the other characters as well. Maybe then, this could have been an even more outstanding piece of work.
July 15,2025
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This was truly a remarkable retelling of Greek mythology.

It masterfully combined a vast array of characters from the myths, presenting a rich and diverse tapestry of the ancient world.

What made it even more engaging was that it not only focused on the immortal gods and goddesses but also delved into the perspectives of the mortals.

This dual perspective added depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing the reader to understand the interactions and conflicts between the two realms.

Whether it was the heroic deeds of the mortals or the powerful interventions of the immortals, every aspect was vividly brought to life.

The retelling managed to capture the essence of the myths while also adding its own unique touch, making it a captivating read for both those familiar with Greek mythology and those new to it.

Overall, it was a great work that successfully brought the ancient world of Greek mythology back to life.
July 15,2025
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I have a profound love for retellings. Whether it's the enchanting myths, the charming fairytales, or the classic novels, any form of retelling holds a special allure for me. I am utterly fascinated by them. I take great pleasure in wondering and uncovering how an author will breathe new life into an old, often well-known tale. The seemingly endless ways a story can be approached and retold without ever becoming dull constantly surprises and amazes me.


This is precisely why "Quiver" by Stephanie Spinner has been residing in my to-read list for nearly two years. Finally, last week, I managed to get my hands on it. In her debut novel, Spinner delves into a Greek myth. Let me tell you, I have an unwavering love for Greek mythology. From the works of Homer to the adventures of Xena: Warrior Princess, I rarely tire of it. I become even more excited when a retelling focuses on a little-known myth or mythical figure. And my interest is piqued and I am utterly fascinated when that figure is a girl or a woman, as their voices are so frequently forgotten, silenced, or overlooked. In fact, more often than not, they lack a voice, or rather, are not given one.


In "Quiver," Spinner gives a voice to Arcadian princess Atalanta, the swiftest human in Greece and one of its finest hunters. Abandoned by her father at birth simply because she was not a boy, the myth tells that Artemis, the chaste Goddess of the Moon and the hunt, dispatched a bear to rescue baby Atalanta. As the girl grew up, learning to hunt, shoot, and run, she dedicated herself to the Goddess, vowing to remain chaste always. It is then during her girlhood that her father recalls her and intends to marry her off so she can produce an heir. In her desperation to remain true to the Goddess, Atalanta strikes a deal with her father, stating that she will only marry the man who can outrun her in a race. All those who fail must face death.


Spinner remains faithful to the myth, not deviating from the events or settings that shape Atalanta's plight and fate. However, the book might suffer a little as a result. In the end, it is not so much a retelling as an account of the myth from the main protagonist's perspective. "Quiver" is more concerned with exploring the reasons behind the events. What were the thoughts and motivations behind such seemingly cruel acts? Why did Atalanta do what she did? There are no innovations or surprises beyond the new voice in which it is told, especially for those who are familiar with how the myth unfolds.


"Quiver" is a short and quick read, easily completed in a couple of hours or so. While most people might not develop a strong attachment to Atalanta as a character, I don't think that was the point. The aim was to make her voice heard. I constantly wished for things to unfold differently. I kept hoping she would make different choices, but all I could do was watch the events progress towards their inevitable conclusion.


I am still glad I read it. Glad that it was written. Glad that a voice was given to an almost unknown heroine, even if it's not the voice I would have preferred to hear. Now, if only there were more books doing the same. I would devour story after story about such women as Ariadne, Medea, Andromache, and countless others who have been lost among the Achilles, Jason, Theseus, and Hercules of history.
July 15,2025
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There is an interesting little story about a girl in the times of the Greek pantheon. This story is truly captivating. It features Atalanta as the main character. What I really liked about this story is that it had just the right amount of girl power. Atalanta was a strong and independent girl, but she wasn't portrayed as heartless or emotionless. She had her own dreams and desires, and she was willing to fight for them. Despite the challenges and obstacles that came her way, she remained true to herself. This story shows that being strong and powerful doesn't mean sacrificing one's emotions or humanity. It's a wonderful example of how a girl can be both fierce and kind at the same time.

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