Trigger Warning: The book reviewed in this book, The Amazon Legacy: Gods & Queens by Zenay Bekele Ben-Yochanan, contains illusions to and depictions or sexual situations, including a brief depiction of rape. If you are triggered by such depictions or otherwise wish to avoid them, proceed with caution.
Happy Saturday, everyone! I have a special treat for you today. As you’ve probably figured out by now, I’m a huge nerd when it comes to Greek and Roman mythology. In this post, I want to turn that obsession to a unique, untold story of Greek Gods and their mortal offspring by reviewing The Amazon Legacy: Gods & Queens by Zenay Bekele Ben-Yochanan.
Hera and Zeus are a passionate couple, but with passion often comes fiery tempers. You don’t want to get between them when these two hot-blooded gods get into a disagreement. Unfortunately for Elektra, Queen of the Amazons, that’s exactly what has happened to her. When Hera and Zeus enter a bet about the nature of the male-female relationship, Elektra proves to be nothing but a pawn—and collateral damage. But what would happen if this innocent bet led to the expulsion of the Queen of the Amazons and the rise of two fierce warriors in her absence? What will become of the mighty Amazons? The world? Most importantly, what could the Fates have in store for these powerful outcasts?
Image retrieved from Amazon
Ben-Yochanan weaves a narrative which is simultaneously familiar and refreshing in this gripping tale of love, loss, and trials. I could easily locate myself within the world of Greek Gods, Amazons, and ancient royalty. Despite the fantastical nature of the story, I never once had a problem suspending my disbelief, the sign of both excellent writing and excellent research into the setting. Yet Ben-Yochanan also puts new twists on the old myths and tropes to which we’ve become accustomed.
Perhaps, in my opinion, the best twist which Ben-Yochanan puts on these tropes is the fleshing out of familiar characters. I’m not afraid to say I’m no fan of Hera. I’ve always empathized with her because of her husband’s infidelities and carelessness, but I’ve also hated her for punishing women and children for her husband’s horrific deeds. She’s up to these same tricks in The Amazon Legacy, but there’s a strength and almost tenderness to her which I could never sense in other incarnations of Greek mythology. If future installments can get me to like Aphrodite as well (not the Disney version), I will know that Ben-Yochanan is a masterful wordsmith.
Most of the characters in this novel are both likeable and unlikable. Some characters are, as can be expected, a little more one-dimensional than others. At least one more major character, in fact, I can only describe as demented and evil, but I’ll stop there for fear of spoilers. Even the protagonists—rival warriors Teigra and Thea—are neither entirely likeable nor entirely despicable. Teigra comes across as strong, powerful, independent, and, sometimes, even compassionate. Still, everything she’s gone through has also left her callous and scarred, which leads her to make some decisions which I might label selfish if I didn’t know how hurt she was. Like Teigra, Thea is headstrong, stubborn, and a troublemaker, arguably to a fault. She is also kind and loving, courageous and capable of great good. Neither girl is perfect, nor are most of the characters, and it’s these flawed-but-real characters which I really like about this book.
The Amazon Legacy contains some sexual situations. Honestly, because this book deals with Greek myths, it would be weird if it didn’t. However, Ben-Yochanan handles these scenes with taste and discretion. They are not too detailed, just enough to stimulate the reader, either inciting excitement or raising despair. Better yet—at least, what I appreciate more—is that Ben-Yochanan includes homosexual relationships as well as heterosexual ones. The practice was relatively prominent in Ancient Greece, so the inclusion of it in The Amazon Legacy is not only more inclusive than even modern novels but also reflects a well-known aspect of that society.
Normally in this part of the review, I add an “unfortunately” and discuss some flaws in the book. I’m racking my brain here, but I can’t really think of any major flaws. Two possible deterrents for some readers are the size and complexity of the narrative. At around 360 pages, it isn’t exactly a light read. Ben-Yochanan also weaves many plot elements into this story, even plot lines which slowly merge with Teigra’s and Thea’s adventures. Such length and complexity might be a little much for some readers, especially those who are just looking for a fun, quick, fantastical read. Regardless, those looking for a deeper read with real characters and in-depth plots will be able to soldier on with few or no regrets.
Overall, I’m pretty excited about The Amazon Legacy by Zenay Bekele Ben-Yochanan. (I might be a bit biased because of the subject matter, though.) The story is gripping, the writing caught my attention right from the start, and the characters are wonderfully three-dimensional and relatable. Ben-Yochanan had me on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how this stage in Teigra’s and Thea’s lives would end, and I can’t wait to see where they are taken next. Fantasy and myth fans won’t want to miss it.
You can buy The Amazon Legacy by Zenay Bekele Ben-Yochanan as an eBook or in print on Amazon. Also make sure to check out the book’s official website, as well as the author’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.
Do you know of any books I should read? Want your work reviewed on this blog? E-mail me at thewritersscrapbin@gmail.com or message me on Fiverr and we can arrange something.
Designed by Stephanie Hoogstad circa 2011