The Women of Artemis
The Women of Artemis is a powerful retelling of the myth of the Amazons. It begins with Otrera, who flees with her abusive, gambling husband to Ninniya after he loses everything. The village survives through a tannery run by a woman, Phile, while the men spend their days drinking and brutalising their families. In this environment, Otrera discovers herself as a huntress, rider, and leader. She sparks a revolt that drives the men from the village, setting the women on a path to power under her leadership. From then on, Otrera guides them through triumphs and setbacks as they rise to become a force in the region.
Lynn creates a vivid tale of leadership and survival, showing how an oppressed community draws on its members’ skills and spirit to overcome violence and misery. The heroines and heroes are flawed yet courageous, making mistakes as often as they seize bold chances. Under Lynn’s pen, memorable characters come to life: Otrera, future queen of the Amazons; Melitta, her trusted servant; Phile and her lover Hirtus, a former slave and skilled archer who first teaches Otrera her new skills; and many others who rise to meet their challenges. Rich in atmosphere, this retelling of an enduring myth blends the nomadic rhythms of pre-Socratic Greece with the timeless struggles of women resisting oppression. A page-turner that lingers long after its final page.
