Queens of Themiscyra by Hannah Lynn
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
When you hear about the Amazons, you may think of Princess Diana, aka Wonder Woman from DC Comics. That famous female superhero was inspired by the great warriors of Themiscyra in the tales of Greek mythology. The women born and raised as Amazons became renowned for their strength, agility, and battle skills, leading them to be some of the greatest fighters in Greek mythology.
The independent author Hannah Lynn’s novel follows the lives of two of the Amazon’s most famed Queens, Hippolyte and Penthesilea. The story begins with a descriptive look into the Amazons in battles. It displays the astonishing abilities they have as warriors. In the first chapters, the Amazon’s love for their home and people is apparent with every word written, which creates an emotional connection that is felt throughout the entire book.
It was intriguing to read about the Amazons’ life and see how they were raised and trained at a young age. These women may have been warriors first, but Lynn truly brought this story to life by showing that the tenacious fighters were mothers, daughters, sisters, and lovers too. One of the best aspects of Queens of Themiscyra was the relationship between the daughters of Ares, Hippolyte, Penthesilea, Antiope, and Melanippe. Their sisterhood could not be questioned even when faced with trials. Their love for one another transcended any quarrels they had. The bond between the two Queens Hippolyte and Penthesilea, in particular, was divine to read. They had their differences and were very much different in how they ruled. Still, even after years apart, that connection never waned.
Queens of Themiscyra featured two romances: Hippolyte and Theseus and Penthesilea and Cletes. One began full of passion and ended toxic and painful. Another started as mere lust and transformed into something beautiful and fulfilling. This was an excellent decision for the author to show these two contrasting relationships because we see how love affects people differently. Hippolyte fell in love with Theseus, and it seemed like all sense slowly left her. It was upsetting to see the persuasive Theseus bewitch such a capable woman. One good thing did come out of that relationship, their son Hippolytus. As a reader, the pure and loving relationship between Hippolyte and her son was a joy to read and made it even more heart-wrenching when she had to leave him. The romance of Penthesilea and her fellow Amazon Cletes displayed how love can also enhance the good in their significant other instead of weakening it.
It was a pleasure to get inside the mind of the Amazon Queens and experience their battles, happiness, struggles, and inevitably their uniquely courageous ends. Queens of Themiscyra will anger, excite, and sadden you but also, as a woman, will make you proud. This book is recommended to readers who love Greek mythology and warrior women.