Reclaiming the Queen: A Review of Hera by Jennifer Saint

Jennifer Saint’s Hera is a powerful, emotionally rich reimagining of the queen of the gods—giving voice, depth, and agency to one of Greek mythology’s most misunderstood figures.

I’ve always admired Jennifer Saint’s writing, but until now, Ariadne was the novel that resonated with me most deeply. With Hera, though, I’ve found a true contender. Some days I lean toward Hera, other days I return to Ariadne—a testament to how powerful this new story is. Hera is masterfully written, emotionally compelling, and beautifully imagined.

Reclaiming Hera’s Voice

As with Saint’s previous novels, Hera reimagines Greek mythology from a feminine perspective. Hera—long painted as the bitter, vengeful wife of Zeus—finally gets the chance to tell her side of the story.

We meet her not just as Zeus’s wife, but as an individual: a warrior goddess, a daughter of titans, and a woman who made a conscious choice to marry a god who would ultimately strip her of her power and autonomy. Saint paints Hera with empathy and complexity, allowing readers to both question and understand her actions.

Power, Betrayal, and the Cost of Marriage

Hera’s pain is layered. Zeus not only betrays her through constant affairs, but publicly humiliates her by elevating his illegitimate children and marginalizing her own. Her rage is not rooted in petty jealousy—it’s a response to repeated dehumanization.

Throughout the novel, we see her challenged by her sons, confronted by failure, and constantly trying to reclaim her power. Her war isn’t just with Zeus—it’s with a world that reduces even a queen to the role of scorned wife.

Saint’s Signature Style

Jennifer Saint’s prose is lyrical and mythic, reminiscent of Edith Hamilton’s classic Mythology. Her storytelling blends emotional nuance with grand, sweeping narrative arcs that elevate the gods to their mythic stature while grounding their struggles in painfully human themes.

The book spans Hera’s life, showing her evolution and longing to return to the warrior she once was. Fans of Blood of Zeus will recognize the tone—divine conflict, psychological tension, and emotional vulnerability woven together in epic fashion.

The Shifting Power of the Gods

One of the most compelling elements in Hera is the shift in divine dynamics. The gods begin to rely on mortal devotion—offerings, prayers, and belief—for their strength. This dependence reshapes Olympus, creating new hierarchies and insecurities. Saint explores this theme with elegance, showing how power, once absolute, becomes conditional and fragile.

Final Thoughts

Hera is a triumph—a fierce, empathetic, and emotionally intelligent reimagining of one of mythology’s most misunderstood figures. Jennifer Saint reclaims Hera’s narrative, giving her voice, agency, and emotional resonance in a way that both honors and challenges the source myths.

It’s not just a story about gods—it’s a story about being seen, being heard, and reclaiming power after loss. For fans of mythological retellings, powerful female characters, or simply excellent storytelling, Hera is a must-read.

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About the Author

Cynthia Bujnicki graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. She has always loved to read since she was a child. A contributing writer for YA Fantasy Addicts, she is also the Editor-in-Chief for Cyn's Workshop. She lives in sunny South Florida with her husband, two kids (the perfect pair), and their two cats Mr. J the Kitten and Nyx (aka Girl).