Ariadne: A Novel

Written by Jennifer Saint

Narrated by Barrie Kreinik

"An elegant performance by narrator Barrie Kreinik recounts the life of Ariadne...This production, with its outstanding narration, makes the classic story new again. Kreinik is the perfect voice for Ariadne, a noble young woman who bravely stands up for her values." -- AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award winner

A mesmerizing debut novel for fans of Madeline Miller's Circe.

Ariadne, Princess of Crete, grows up greeting the dawn from her beautiful dancing floor and listening to her nursemaid’s stories of gods and heroes. But beneath her golden palace echo the ever-present hoofbeats of her brother, the Minotaur, a monster who demands blood sacrifice.

When Theseus, Prince of Athens, arrives to vanquish the beast, Ariadne sees in his green eyes not a threat but an escape. Defying the gods, betraying her family and country, and risking everything for love, Ariadne helps Theseus kill the Minotaur. But will Ariadne’s decision ensure her happy ending? And what of Phaedra, the beloved younger sister she leaves behind?

Hypnotic, propulsive, and utterly transporting, Jennifer Saint's Ariadne forges a new epic, one that puts the forgotten women of Greek mythology back at the heart of the story, as they strive for a better world.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

"Jennifer Saint's Ariadne is a shimmering tapestry of two sisters bound by deceit and the shadows of family history...With a fresh voice and keen insight, Saint adds flesh and bone to an ancient myth, drawing the reader into an uneasy world of ever-afters." --Yangsze Choo, New York Times bestselling author of The Night Tiger

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Audio
• Release date: May 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781250804686

Jennifer Saint

Due to a lifelong fascination with Ancient Greek mythology, Jennifer Saint studied classics at King’s College, London. She spent the next thirteen years as an English teacher, sharing a love of literature and creative writing with her students. She is the #1 internationally bestselling author of Hera, Atalanta, Elektra, and Ariadne.

Reviews for Ariadne

[luisa samayoa · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The audiobook was amazing, I was deeply lost in the story. However, our main character has very insightful thoughts but lacks courage and the ending is so very sad but it is a retelling of a tragedy. The story is enticing and the audio narration beautiful but the writing was dragged a bit by too much description and metaphors. This novel is a good story but a sad one so be prepared for a sad ending. I brought my rating down to a 3 star because there were several times our main character disappointed me and the ending was realistic but there was a potential for more. Overall, I had a good time but I would most likely not reread this again.

[Salwa Sidahmed · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful retelling of the myth, it remains true to the events but shows a different perspective.

[Sara Lewis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Not as well written as Circe but did well with detail and plot points.

[Samantha McIntosh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Overall a great recounting of the myth. I really enjoyed how it weaves together the stories of the different characters and brings new life to their mythology.

[janet · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved it! Wonderful read! Highly recommend it for book club!

[Jacquelyn LaReau · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Great narration. It was a fine retelling and weaving of mythology it’s just frustrating that there was underdeveloped relationship building which made the reader not care much for the outcome. It’s like the author meant to go back and write in how the characters grew together but forgot.

[Diana Reese Puckett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this Greek mythology retelling. Beautifully written and narrated. It was a wonderful story