Atalanta by Jennifer Saint

Anyone who is into their Greek legends knows of the journey of the Argo, captained by Jason, and it's quest to capture the golden fleece of legend. But have you ever thought about the Argonauts, the heroic crew of the Argo. What are their stories?

Atalanta was the only female Argonaut, champion of the goddess Artemis. Abandoned by her father on a mountainside, Atalanta is taken in by Artemis, goddess of the hunt. Raised by bears in her early years and then by the nymphs that serve Artemis, Atalanta was shaped into a wild women, at home in the forest, hunting and foraging ( a stark contrast to the typical Greek women).

When news of Jason's epic quest to obtain the golden fleece reaches Artemis, she thrusts Atalanta on a journey that would test her loyalty and resolve. Would she be worthy of Artemis' love and be able to show the Argonauts that she is no mere women? What follows is an adventure of epic proportions, as Atalanta faces off against the many trials that litter her path, in the form of monsters, men and gods.

Reading about about a powerful Greek women when all that history remembers is the heroes that triumph, is a breath of fresh air. It's a stark view on the fragile masculinity that many of the Greek heroes succumbed to in the face of adversity, pushing aside the people around them as they climb the ladder ( I'm looking at your Jason). The gods and goddess fair no better in this story, their rivalries and tantrums laid bare for all to see.

If you enjoy an adventurous journey across the Greek legends, then Atalanta is a deffeniate must read.