Claire was raised in both Alaska and Scotland, but currently lives in Vermont; when not writing, she can usually be found outside swimming, skiing or hiking across the state’s famous green mountains. Her YA debut, DAUGHTER OF SPARTA, is forthcoming summer 2021.
Hardcover, 400 pages
Published June 8th 2021 by Jimmy Patterson Books
Sparta forged her into a deadly weapon. Now the Gods need her to save the world!
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.
Thanks to the publisher for the free copy of this book!
This action-packed book follows Daphne as she's recruited to save the powers of Olympus and save the life of her brother and maybe lover. But if you're looking for a close resemblance to the Greek myth, you won't get it. But that's OK. I had loose knowledge of the tale ( I had to wiki it soon after finishing the book lol) so this was all new to me. I loved how to changed and I loved the liberties the author took in this retelling. I found the book intriguing and I absolutely loved Daphne's voice. I thought or sure this book would be bogged down with description and mythology but it was all very fun.
Daphne is the best protagonist; she's determined, fierce, and brave and she deeply loves her family and her friends. She wants so badly to be accepted into Spartan society, but as an adoptee and an outsider (nvm being a woman), she's seen as nothing but an outlier. She takes no s&^t especially from the arrogant Apollo, who accompanies her on her quest. The mystery of her past still haunts her, and she continues to gain clues on who her parents truly were.
If you're wondering whether there are some awesome Greek monsters and my answer is HECK YES there is. I don't know what I would have done if there weren't.
Claire's writing is not flowery or weighed down; it flows easily. The pacing is good and the twists and turns will surely knock your socks off.
There isn't a lot of romance which, by the end, sorta disappointed me BUT I respect that Daphne has other things to worry about. Girl's got a life.
Overall, I loved this book! I cannot wait to read what else Claire has in store for Daphne's story.
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