Nobody's Princess (Princesses of Myth)
Book Title: Nobody's Princess (Princesses of Myth)
Book Description: Helen of Sparta wants to be more than a princess and a pretty face—she wants to be a hero. The traditions of ancient Sparta would have Helen know her place: a beautiful princess, a loyal daughter, a perfect bride. But Helen wants adventure, and she's not looking back. Not one to count on the gods to take care of her, she sets out to see the world and seek her own fate with steely determination. Her rebellious will makes Helen dangerous enemies—such as the self-proclaimed "son of Zeus" Theseus—but it also gains her true friends, from the famed huntress Atalanta to the young priestess who is the Oracle of Delphi. If she is strong enough, if she is cunning enough, if she is brave enough, Helen will find her destiny . . . but what does destiny have in store for her? In Nobody's Princess, author Esther Friesner deftly weaves together history and myth as she takes a new look at the girl who will become Helen of Troy. The back of the book includes further facts about Helen of Troy and Ancient Greece. Hand to readers who love Tamora Pierce and Leigh Bardugo, particularly if they just finished Wonder Woman: Warbringer and want to know more about Helen of Troy.
Publisher Logo:
ISBN: 978-0375875298
Number Of Pages: 336
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Story / Interest
(4)
A story about individual destiny and going beyond being just a pretty face
I love mythology. I also love the retelling of famous mythological stories from a new character’s point of view. Often only seen as the “face that launched a 1000 ships,” I enjoyed reading Nobody’s Princess by Esther Friesner. The story follows Helen, the daughter of Zeus, as she matures from a mischievous child to a woman capable of great cunning and courage. We are treated to her adventures as she discovers her own power and finds herself developing strong relationships with some of the other Olympian gods. In order to save her beloved Troy from the wrath of the gods, she must rely on her wits and her determination to stay true to her own teachings and values. Friesner skillfully moves between Greek mythology and modern day thought to provide readers with an interesting exploration of Helen’s character. I think it is a solid book but wasn’t as good in my opinion as The Penelopiad and Circe. I give this book a 4 out of 5. I would also recommend this book for 14+ due to some of the themes.
Overall
4