The Women of Artemis
- Judith D Collins
- Oct 19
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 21
By: Hannah Lynn
Narrator: Frances Butt
Tantor Media
ISBN: 9781728284323
Publisher: Sourebooks Landmark
Publication date: 10/21/2025
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
Mothers. Daughters.
Warriors. Women.
This is the never-before-told story of history's most ferocious heroines: this is the rise of the Amazons.
When she first married at fourteen, Otrera imagined a relationship full of love. A partnership. Years later, living in destitution with her abusive husband, she knows that no such thing exists with a man. It is simply a woman's lot in life to accept the treatment of her husband.
Until it's not.
Rallying the women around her, Otrera fights back, taking no prisoners. Because it's clear to her: when men are in power, freedom isn't granted. It's bought with blood. It's a price she is more than willing to pay, if it means building a new life with other women far from the reaches of their abusers.
But a community of women - an army of women - is bound to make enemies of gods and men alike.
This is the story of Otrera and the first Amazons.
From award-winning and critically acclaimed author Hannah Lynn comes a gripping tale about women who fight back, perfect for fans of Madeleine Miller and Elodie Harper.
About the Author
Hannah Lynn is a multi award winning novelist. Publishing her first book, Amendments – a dark, dystopian speculative fiction novel, in 2015. Her second book, The Afterlife of Walter Augustus – a contemporary fiction novel with a supernatural twist – went on to win the 2018 Kindle Storyteller Award and the Independent Publishers Gold Medal for Best Adult Ebook.
Born in 1984, Hannah grew up in the Cotswolds, UK. After graduating from university, she spent 15 years as a teacher of physics, first in the UK and then Thailand, Malaysia, Austria and Jordan. It was during this time, inspired by the imaginations of the young people she taught, she began writing short stories for children, and later adult fiction.
Now settled back in the UK with her husband, daughter and horde of cats, she spends her days writing romantic comedies and historical fiction. Her first historical fiction novel, Athena's Child, was also a 2020 Gold Medalist at the Independent Publishers Awards. WEBSITE
My Review
From the acclaimed Daughters of Olympus, Hannah Lynn, a multi-award-winning novelist, makes a triumphant return with her latest masterpiece, THE WOMEN OF ARTEMIS Retold: The Grecian Women. This bold and vibrant novel weaves a gripping tapestry of resistance, profound sacrifice, and the timeless symbol of female strength.
Mothers. Daughters. Warriors. Women.
Dive into this riveting, untold narrative that brings to life the indomitable spirit of history's most formidable heroines: the rise of the Amazons. This captivating story unfolds a rich panorama of courage and resilience, making it an essential read for anyone who admires the incredible power and spirit of women throughout the ages.
About...
The story begins with Otrera being first married at age fourteen, and soon finds herself trapped in a brutal and destitute marriage, where she and other women are forced to endure mistreatment by their husbands. For a long time, she has believed that this is the inescapable fate of all women.
The violent rebellion. Otrera reaches her breaking point and realizes that freedom must be fought for, not granted. She rallies the women around her, and together they fight back against their abusers in a bloody and decisive act of vengeance.
A quest for a new home. After their escape, Otrera and her followers flee their former lives to establish a new community exclusively for women. They seek a sanctuary far from men and the patriarchal society they escaped.
The rise of the Amazons. Under Otrera's leadership, the women forge a new civilization and an army. They learn to defend themselves and build a self-sufficient society where women can live freely.
Artemis's guidance. The group's journey is divinely guided by the goddess Artemis. This divine mission gives Otrera's quest a greater purpose and solidifies her role as the first Amazon queen.
Conflict with gods and men. The new community and its army of women inevitably make powerful enemies of both men and the gods who support them. The women must defend their freedom against these external threats, where blood will be spilled and myths will be born.
My thoughts...
Sisterhood is worth fighting for.
THE WOMEN OF ARTEMIS unfolds as a gripping and evocative tale of community and resilience, immersing readers in the profound connections and unwavering strength that bind the women together. It is a commanding narrative woven with threads of courage, hope, and the extraordinary power of female relationships that inspire and uplift.
At the heart of the story is the goddess Artemis, who serves as a guiding light for Otrera on her transformative odyssey. Through Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt, the wilderness, and the protector of young girls and women, Otrera finds the inspiration and divine support she needs to forge a new culture for women, one that defies the limits of their time.
As Otrera and her companions embark on their journey, they undergo a remarkable metamorphosis, evolving from the shadows of their past into an indomitable army of fierce warriors. Together, they cultivate a vibrant community, ultimately birthing the legacy of the Amazons, a name that will echo through the ages.
The narrative intricately charts Otrera's evolution from a victim of circumstance to a complex and powerful leader. Her journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the female spirit and the profound strength found within the bonds of a united community.
Yet, the path to freedom is fraught with conflict. The women must engage in fierce battles to safeguard their hard-won liberation. As an all-female army, they attract the ire of men and gods alike, each confrontation compelling them to pay a steep price—one that demands not only their strength but also their very lives.
The writing is immersive and descriptive, a riveting story reimagines the genesis of the Amazon warriors, delving deep into themes of female resilience, the importance of community, and the relentless pursuit of freedom in a world determined to stifle it.
Unfortunately, we also see some similarities between the present day with the subjugation of women and the violence they faced, and as the author mentions in her QA. Sadly, any form of domestic violence should be written purely as fiction or a matter for the past, but sadly, we are a long way from that happening.
Recs...
THE WOMEN OF ARTEMIS is a captivating tale that appeals to devoted fans of the author and her remarkable previous works. It invites readers into the profound realm of female friendship, where bonds are forged through shared experiences and unwavering support. This narrative celebrates extraordinary women and their resilience, offering inspiring stories that resonate deeply.
For enthusiasts of ancient historical fiction and the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, the book promises to transport you to a world where legends come alive. It shines a spotlight on women’s literature, embodying the essence of female empowerment through vibrant, multifaceted characters.
This literary gem is perfect for admirers of writers like Rosie Hewlett, Jennifer Saint, Madeleine Miller, and Elodie Harper, delivering an enriching experience that will stay with you long after the final page.
Special thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing an advanced paperback reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Oct 21, 2025
