Review of 'Daughter of Sparta'

In this thrilling reimagining of ancient Greek mythology, a headstrong girl becomes the most powerful fighter her people have ever seen.

Seventeen-year-old Daphne has spent her entire life honing her body and mind into that of a warrior, hoping to be accepted by the unyielding people of ancient Sparta. But an unexpected encounter with the goddess Artemis, who holds Daphne's brother's fate in her hands, upends the life she's worked so hard to build. Nine mysterious items have been stolen from Mount Olympus and if Daphne cannot find them, the gods' waning powers will fade away, the mortal world will descend into chaos, and her brother's life will be forfeit.

Guided by Artemis's twin—the handsome and entirely-too-self-assured god Apollo—Daphne's journey will take her from the labyrinth of the Minotaur to the riddle-spinning Sphinx of Thebes, team her up with mythological legends, such as Theseus and Hippolyta of the Amazons, and pit her against the gods themselves.

A reinterpretation of the classic Greek myth of Daphne and Apollo, Daughter of Sparta by debut author Claire Andrews turns the traditionally male-dominated mythology we know into a heart-pounding and empowering female-led adventure.

Review

Compelling from beginning to end, Andrews spins a fantastic story of Daphne, pulling together various Greek myths to make the woman a hero, Gods, and Men.

Fierce & Unstoppable

I absolutely loved this novel and am mad at myself for taking this long to read Daughter of Sparta. I am a huge fan of Greek Mythology. I will read almost everything and anything about Greek Mythology. These are the bedtime stories I grew up with as a child. So, for me, Greek Mythology is very dear to me.

Andrews did a phenomenal job of showcasing Greek Mythology fantastically. Daphne is a mothakes, much like her brothers. They were taken in by the Spartans but were treated less than. So, to prove herself, Daphne trains to become a fierce Spartan warrior. While competing in the annual race in honor of the Gods, she comes across Artemis (my favorite Greek Goddess), who turns her brother into a stag for daring to spy on her while bathing and blackmailing Daphne to go on a quest to find the nine things stolen from the Gods.

On her quest, she is forced to join forces with the ever-alluring Apollo and crosses paths with Theseus, Prometheus, Ares, Hermes, and Hippolyta.

I loved the cast of characters and the way Andrews reinvented classic Greek Myths. Daphne battles the Minotaur, outwits the Sphinx, and fights against the Gods. She fights to stay true to herself, all while battling her growing affection for Apollo and resentment for the Gods.

All this leads to much inner conflict with her character, which adds to the story’s mounting tension. Daughter of Sparta hooks the reader and moves quickly, holding the reader in a vicelike grip. The action sequences and how the story develops are addictive and full of passion.

Final Thoughts

Daughter of Sparta is absolutely amazing. This is the perfect novel for fans of Greek Mythology.

• Writing Quality : 9/10
• Character Development : 9/10
• "Couldn't Put It Down"-ness : 10/10
• Intellectual Depth: 9/10
• Originality: 9/10
• Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband, son and daughter and their two cats.