3.5
This was alright. I love to hear the stories of Greek mythology retold, and I think most of my enjoyment was derived from the myths themselves rather than this book in particular. To be honest, the writing style was passive and dry most of the time, and I didn’t feel like we were offered a new and fresh take in this retelling. I couldn’t imagine the characters in flesh; their presence was only made up of by-the-book thoughts and opinions, and they hadn’t been given any characteristics or quirks to make them feel alive. It felt like all the scenes were just played out, not lived. It was still decent entertainment, but nothing mindblowing.

(Spoiler)
I really couldn’t sympathize with Elektra. Not only does she defend her father’s infanticide and greedy claim of female slaves, but she actually envies Briseis who’s seized and raped by him…?? Or as she calls it.. «embraced» by him. That one fucked with my head tbh. I experienced her as delusional, glamorizing of her douchebag father, self-centered, uncompassionate and whiny.

I haven’t read any original texts about Elektra’s perspective so I don’t know how truthfully this is portrayed in this retelling, but I’m planning to pick up the Oresteia trilogy someday. Looking forward to that!

On another note, I can’t get over this cover design. Everytime I hold the book I get mesmerized by how gorgeous it looks lol.