** I received an ARC for an honest review **
Publisher’s Description
You’ve heard the legends, now hear their truth . . .
Before Gods and mortals, there were The Fates – three sisters born out of Nyx’s darkness, destined to weave the lives, and deaths, of humankind for eternity.
But immortality is a heavy burden, and Clotho, Lachesis and Atropos are captivated by the gloriously human lives of the mortals below, especially those of the great warrior Atalanta and her ill-fated lover, Meleager.
However, being a Goddess of Fate doesn’t make you a master of it. Will these three sisters find a way to free the couple, and themselves, from their destinies? Or will they be bound by Fate forever?
Summary
The Fates is a new reimagining of an epic tale from Greek mythology from UK author Rosie Garland.
Review
The Fates is a new reimagining of an ancient Greek myth surrounding the legendary female warrior Atlanta and Melegar, the doomed warrior-lord of Calydon.
Garland reimagines this aspect of Greek mythology infusing the characters with new life. The female warrior Atlanta is central to the story which revolves around the love between her and Melegar. There is a new addition to this ancient tale which Garland weaves to entice us into her reimagined and new Ancient Greece. The Fates, who stand beyond time and creation of the Titans, mortals and the Gods of Olympus, are responsible for the birth, fortune or misfortune in mortal lives and for ending life.
Garland imagines this classic Greek myth where the otherworldly figure of Atlanta entices the Fates to break their distance between the weaving of fate and the effects on mortal lives. Entranced by the magic of Atlanta and Melgar, the Fates are drawn like the reader to this new version of a female warrior: lover of Melgar and the female warrior Antiklea . Here, Atlanta is bisexual and the polyamorous relationship between Atlanta, Melgar and Antiklea brings new vision to an ancient tale. There is a new twist to the tale and the breaking of rules as one of the Fates, Clotho dares to confront Hades to reverse Melegar’s fate and restore the love binding Atlanta, Melegar and Antiklea.
Garland writes with meticulous detail from Ancient Greek mythology, history and legends to create a strong world-building in this historical fantasy. If there is a drawback to The Fates, there is often a sense of stilted and overly formal conversation between characters which is at odds with the flowing and passionate writing of actions and intentions. Nonetheless, this queer fiction reimagining of the myth of Atlanta brings a new voice to the genre of myth reimagining and historical fiction.
Conclusion
A recommended read for fans of Madeline Miller and Genevieve Gornichec. A reimagining of Greek mythology incorporating LGBTQI themes, misogyny, feminism, and gender stereotypes. This is great new queer fiction to add the subgenres of historical fantasy. Well worth the read!
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 