The Shadow of Perseus: A compelling, unputdownable retelling of the myth of Perseus

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'Heywood tells her story vividly, setting it convincingly in the period' SUNDAY TIMES

'I really enjoyed this page-turning retelling of the Perseus myth that dissects the concept of heroism and glory . . . Interesting and thought-provoking' JENNIFER SAINT

'A fresh and original take on the myth of Perseus . . . I was gripped by the human drama at the novel's heart.' ELODIE HARPER

The myth remembers him as a hero.

The women who knew him best remember him differently.

Now it's time to hear their side of the story . . .

***

His mother

Banished from her homeland thanks to a prophecy foretelling that her unborn child will one day cause the death of her father, Danae finds herself stranded, pregnant, and alone. Forging a new life for herself and for her young son Perseus will be the hardest thing she's ever done.

His trophy

As a member of a reclusive band of women who live deep in the woods, known as the Gorgons, Medusa has eschewed all contact with the outside world. That is, until the day she finds an injured boy named Perseus in the forest.

His wife

When a harsh sandstorm threatens to destroy her nomadic desert tribe's way of life, Andromeda knows that a sacrifice will be required to appease the gods and end the storm. But when a forceful young Perseus interferes, Andromeda's life is set on an entirely new path.

As Perseus becomes increasingly obsessed with the promise of his own destiny, his heroic journey casts a shadow of violence and destruction across all three women's lives. But even as he tries to silence them, the women may find that reclaiming their voices is their only hope for lifting themselves into a better future.

Reviews

Heywood tells her story vividly, setting it convincingly in the period * Sunday Times on Daughters of Sparta *
A fresh and original take on the myth of Perseus . . . I was gripped by the human drama at the novel's heart. -- Elodie Harper
A beautifully woven tale, Heywood triumphantly reclaims the stories of three of Greek Mythology's most deserving women. With brilliant, confident writing, The Shadow of Perseus has illuminated the stories of ladies too often relegated to the role of villain or damsel. -- Claire M. Andrews, author of the Daughters of Sparta trilogy
Re-energizes the Perseus myth . . . By re-interpreting the familiar characters in human terms, Claire Heywood gives new life and a startling new perspective to an old tale. Original and engrossing -- Margaret George, bestselling author of Helen Of Troy

Author Bio

Claire Heywood is a scholar of the ancient world, having gained a 1st Class BA in Classical Civilisation and an MA with Distinction in Ancient Visual and Material Culture, both from the University of Warwick. Her deep understanding of the ancient world, coupled with her fascination with women's forgotten voices, inspired her to retell the legend of the Trojan War from the perspective of two key female characters. She is a former professional tour guide at the Roman Baths museum in Bath and now writes full-time.

Daughters of Sparta is her first novel. She is currently doing research for her second novel, which will also be set in the ancient world and feature different female perspectives.