Book Babble Book review: Daughter of Sparta by Claire M Andrews

I love Greek mythology. It is easy to say that Rick Riordan and the Percy Jackson series did an amazing job introducing and making me fall in love with mythology. I seen an Instagram post from the publisher and knew the moment I seen it I HAD to read this book. Then I was lucky enough to also receive this as an ARC from the Publisher and NetGalley. Let me tell you that I was so excited! This book did not disappoint me at all, I read the entire book in 2 days and it left me wanting more of the story and to see what else the author could do. This was the author's debut book and she does have book 2 slated to publish in fall of 2022, needless to say that I will be keeping a close eye on that book until it releases. Now that you guys know how much I love this book, I should probably tell you what it is about besides Greek Mythology.

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—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.

This story is a retelling of Daphne & Apollo. It also takes you around the Greek world complete with Gods, Kings, and classic Myths. The story starts with Daphne in the city of Sparta, she was adopted along with her brothers into a prominent family. While she grew up in Sparta she was viewed as an outsider to those around her. Like other Spartans, she was highly trained and skilled. Things go south for her when she runs into the Goddess Artemis, whom has her brother and a quest for her to save the Greek world and the God's. 9 items have been stolen from the God's and if they are not returned, it will throw the entire world into chaos. Now Daphne is tasked with going to save the Greek world, but she will do so with the help of Apollo.

The pair visit various key places around the Greek world, mention and face countless Greek myths, and also run into some big figures in Greek Mythology. One of my favorite encounters takes place towards the end of the story where Daphne runs into Persephone and Dementer. After we meet Persephone, she guides them to underworld where we see her and Hades. The best part is that Persephone and Hades are shown to be a stable couple, instead of the story of him having had kidnapped her. That story is a slight pet peeve of mine so seeing it told in that light made me so happy.

This book will definitely be featured on the top reads of the year and you guys should all go out and read it as well. Between the adventure and the banter it is a wonderful and a pretty easy read. Bonus points are also awarded because it included a Greek reference guide in the back!

Let me know if you love a good Greek inspired story in the comments, if so drop the title and author as well!

Happy Reading!

Marissa