Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
34(34%)
4 stars
31(31%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I truly had a great fondness for the book.

Every time I picked it up and started reading, a sense of happiness would wash over me.

It was as if the book had a magical charm that kept me engaged and entertained.

Even when I had to put the book down for a while, I found it extremely difficult to do so.

The story and the characters within the book had such a powerful impact on me that I just couldn't tear myself away.

Moreover, it really served as a motivation for me to keep reading.

It made me eager to discover what would happen next and how the story would unfold.

Based on my own wonderful experience, I firmly believe that you should give this book a try too.

I am confident that you will also be captivated by its charm and find it just as enjoyable as I did.
July 15,2025
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Quiver is small in size, but it is highly effective.

The story line is meticulously accurate to mythology. Although Spinner selected a rather rigid myth to adapt, she astonishingly manages to craft an intriguing and realistic character from an underestimated heroine.

One of the most delightful aspects of the book is the humorous commentary between the gods in the intervals between the chapters.

The light-hearted nature of the book, combined with the predicament of the main character, makes for an extremely interesting and engaging read.

It keeps the readers hooked from the beginning till the end, eager to discover what will happen next to the heroine and how she will overcome the challenges that come her way.

The author's ability to bring the mythological world to life and make it relatable to the modern reader is truly remarkable.

Overall, Quiver is a must-read for anyone who loves mythology and enjoys a well-written, engaging story.
July 15,2025
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**Expanded Article**

This is a very short and easy read. However, I feel that it really lost a great deal of its potential due to its brevity. It was extremely succinct, which left me longing for more. I truly believe that if Spinner had lengthened the story and expounded upon it, we could have delved much deeper into the narrative.


I would have been particularly interested in getting to know Atalanta better. She was absurdly devoted to Artemis, and I think it would have been fascinating to have more interactions and insights into her thoughts and feelings regarding this devotion.


Semi-recently, I read a book called Lost in the Labyrinth by Patrice Kindl, and this short piece kind of made me think of that. That book was also short, and in its own blunt, mythological, and gory way, it was rather horrifying. It also gave me the distinct impression that I would have loathed living in that type of universe as a female. Seriously, the vindictive “mischievousness” of some of these beings is truly chilling. You could accidentally insinuate that you're better than a god, refuse to kiss an old beggar who turns out to be Zeus in disguise, or simply mind your own business, but if some immortal is bored, it seems like there's no end to the trouble that can befall you. It makes you wonder how any of these Greeks, Argonauts, and other people weren't constantly panicking when they stepped outside. Gosh.


In summary, as a story, I firmly believe that it would have been far better if it had expanded more and allowed us to really get to know Atalanta and others like Jason on a deeper level. Spinner is not a terrible writer, but I think she could have done a lot more in terms of expansion. As for the content, I found it a little horrifying, I believe.


What some people might be uncomfortable reading about in this book because of personal opinion or belief (spoilers): Well, it's based off of Greek mythology, so there are gods and such. There are one or two crude words or cursing words. It does get more adult-y towards the end since she gets married, but it glosses over the wedding night. Overall, nothing too bad. But she does hunt and people do die, whether by her own hand via race or by a monster. It's probably in the PG to PG-13 range.

July 15,2025
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This is a quick and entertaining read.

However, when it comes to being remarkable, the answer is no.

Nonetheless, it was written well enough that it managed to help me pass through hours of travel.

During those long hours on the road or in the air, having a book or an article that can keep you engaged is crucial.

And while this particular piece may not have had the wow factor that makes it truly remarkable, it did its job well.

It had an interesting enough storyline or content that held my attention and prevented me from getting too bored.

In conclusion, although it may not be a literary masterpiece, it was a good enough read to get me through my travel time.

Sometimes, that's all we need.
July 15,2025
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Atlanta is truly one of my favorite Greek myth characters, and that's precisely why I simply had to read about her.

This retelling of the story was an absolute delight. It was filled with excitement and adventure, making it a truly enjoyable read from start to finish.

The ending, however, was the real showstopper. It completely took me by surprise. I had no inkling of what was coming, and it added an extra layer of intrigue and drama to the already captivating tale.

I found myself completely engrossed in Atlanta's journey, rooting for her every step of the way. Her strength, courage, and determination were truly inspiring.

This retelling has definitely deepened my appreciation for this classic Greek myth and has left me eager to explore more stories from this rich and fascinating world.
July 15,2025
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The myth of Atalanta wasn't one that I had any prior knowledge of. However, I am truly grateful to Stephanie Spinner. She possesses a remarkable talent for gathering all the different versions of a myth and skillfully weaving them together to form a unified and coherent story. I firmly believe that if this myth had been in the hands of someone else, I might not have derived the same enjoyment from it. But Spinner's writing style truly captivates me. In fact, I have this intense longing---I really, really wish she would undertake the task of writing retellings of ALL THE MYTHS.

Nevertheless, above all else, I absolutely ADORE---yes, that's the word, ADORE---the snippets of conversations between the gods and goddesses. In particular, the exchanges between Artemis and Apollo are truly enchanting. They add an extra layer of depth and charm to the entire narrative. It's as if these conversations bring the gods and goddesses to life, making them more relatable and engaging. I can't get enough of them.
July 15,2025
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A great retelling of the Atalanta myth indeed! I was completely charmed by it and couldn't help but read it in one sitting. Atalanta is such a wonderful character. She is a wild huntress, fearless and skilled in the art of the chase. Yet, at the same time, she is an earnest girl who deeply desires to do the right thing. Spinner has done an extremely nice job in bringing an ancient Arcadia to earthy life. The details and descriptions make it feel as if we are truly there, experiencing the beauty and mystery of that bygone era. However, even with the vivid portrayal, the story still retains its mythical essence. It is like a magical blend of reality and fantasy. And let's not forget the unexpected but very appropriate ending. It really makes you think about those unpredictable Greek gods. They are always up to something, causing trouble and adding an element of excitement and surprise to the story. Overall, it is a captivating read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in Greek mythology or just a good story.

July 15,2025
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The book "Quiver" by Stephanie Spinner was an okay book.

I liked it, yet it was a bit short and a little inappropriate. However, aside from those aspects, it was great.

I truly loved how the author chose to spotlight someone who you almost never hear about in Greek stories, a follower of Artemis. This takes you back to the time of Ancient Greece when Gods and Goddesses reigned supreme.

I liked this book because there aren't many fiction books set in the time of Ancient Greece where you get to know the main character intimately and understand their emotions.

It was fast-paced and kept you on the edge of your seat, but since it was a bit short, I'm hoping for a sequel!

Honestly, I didn't think this book was the best that I've read, but it was exciting.

In the end, this was a good book, but not the absolute best.
July 15,2025
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A delight indeed!

This is an absolute treat for the young ladies who have a passion for mythology. It offers a fairly reverent take on this fascinating subject, which is truly a wonderful thing. For those who are intrigued by the ancient tales and the rich tapestry of gods and goddesses, this is a must-have. It presents the mythology in a way that respects its original essence and allows the readers to immerse themselves in the magical world of the past. The language used is engaging and accessible, making it easy for the young ladies to understand and enjoy. Whether they are new to the world of mythology or already have a deep interest, this will surely capture their hearts and imaginations. It is a great way to introduce them to the beauty and significance of mythology and inspire them to explore it further.
July 15,2025
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I almost feel inclined to give it a 1. However, I'm going to make the assumption that it's a short story. If indeed it were a short story, then it would be okay. I'm really not certain how it managed to get published if it isn't a proper short story. But, on the other hand, it does serve the purpose for Q in an alphabet challenge, and that's a plus. At least it didn't cause me any great torture while reading it.

It's a bit of a strange situation really. Maybe there are some redeeming qualities that I'm not quite seeing at the moment. Or perhaps it's just that in the context of the alphabet challenge, it meets the basic requirements. Still, I can't help but wonder if it would have fared better if it were a more fully developed short story.

Overall, it's a bit of a mixed bag. I'll reserve my final judgment for now and see how it holds up in the context of the entire challenge.
July 15,2025
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This is part of a new and fascinating sub-genre, that of retelling ancient myths for modern readers.

I would say Catherine Valente is the current master of this new form. Her work is truly captivating and engaging.

This particular piece is the retelling of the story of Atalanta. Atalanta was abandoned at birth, but later in her life, she faces a redefining and transformative choice for the sake of peace.

She had vowed never to marry and to remain chaste her entire life. However, in order to keep the peace between her father's kingdom and another, her father tries to arrange a marriage for her.

The situation is complicated as Atalanta has told her father, the one who abandoned her, that she must marry. But there's a catch - Atalanta is the fastest human alive.

She says she will marry the first man who defeats her in a race. On one hand, she wants to keep her vows, but on the other hand, she realizes that those were the vows of a child and must be left behind for the greater good of peace.

Thus, this novella is a beautiful exploration of transformation. It shows how Atalanta evolves and makes difficult decisions. It is truly a rewarding read that will leave you thinking long after you've finished the last page.

So, I highly recommend that you pick up this novella and embark on this journey of discovery with Atalanta.
July 15,2025
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Geez, this was one crazy story indeed. I have to admit that I really enjoyed part 2 much more than the first part. In part 1, it was more like a setup to the plot, laying the foundation and introducing the characters and the basic situation. However, part 2 was where all the action, drama, and excitement truly kicked in. It was like a wild ride that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.


I only wish the book were just a bit longer. I was really starting to get fully immersed in the story and then, all of a sudden, it just... ended. The ending was good, don't get me wrong. It tied up most of the loose ends and provided a sense of closure. But it happened way too soon for my liking. I felt like there was still so much more that could have been explored and developed.


An epic story like this definitely needs a part 3. There are so many unanswered questions and potential storylines that could be pursued. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next. ^o^

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