Greek gods and mortals spring to life in this riveting retelling of the myth of Atalanta, the fleet-footed girl warrior who could outrun any man in...
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Sep 10, 2011
I can see why the myth of Atalanta is ripe for contemporary retelling: the heroine is accomplished in spheres usually associated with men, and she acts in accordance with her own will. Spinner's short novel, told in Atalanta's own voice, goes through all the obligatory steps of Atalanta's story. We hear of her friendship with Jason, her participation in the Calydonian boar hunt, her races with suitors, and her eventual metamorphosis into a lion. But I'm not sure Spinner has conveyed the spir
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Jan 03, 2010
Beth
rated it: 
Spinner retells the Greek legend of Atalanta, a royal born fosterling with athletic grace whose father and king orders her to marry in spite of her vow of chastity and devotion to the goddess Artemis. When Atalanta consents to race potential suitors on the condition that losers die and only the man to beat her will win her hand, Eros intercedes with his arrow of love. More in this version than in others, Atalanta seems a strong female character with some control over her destiny, in spite of her
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Aug 18, 2008
Nicole
rated it: 
Stephanie Spinner wrote a great book that made me feel like the Greek mythology she talked about was actually real. Definately worth looking into.
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(1 person liked it)
Oct 08, 2011
Feathzzz
rated it:
Charming. I feel like there's nothing else to say. Very few books can be described so aptly with one word.
Really I don't want to say anything else it seems disingenuous somehow, but I do have more to expand on.
OK, well I've wanted to read this book for a year or two, it sounded just so up my alley, finally I found it in less local library. I was happy but a little dismayed to see the font size in such a skinny spine. I imagined it being longer but when I was done I thou More...
Really I don't want to say anything else it seems disingenuous somehow, but I do have more to expand on.
OK, well I've wanted to read this book for a year or two, it sounded just so up my alley, finally I found it in less local library. I was happy but a little dismayed to see the font size in such a skinny spine. I imagined it being longer but when I was done I thou More...
May 18, 2011
Jessica-Robyn
rated it: 
1.5 Stars
I found the beginning of Quiver a bit difficult to really get into the story going on but by the middle of the book I had become rather interested by Atalanta. She is a excellent hunter and known as the swiftest mortal alive and as the story progresses her character becomes more and more fleshed out. She is strong, independent, and confused but willing to let her devotion in the goddess Artemis guide her. The plot, although rather weak in the first 20 pages picks up and More...
I found the beginning of Quiver a bit difficult to really get into the story going on but by the middle of the book I had become rather interested by Atalanta. She is a excellent hunter and known as the swiftest mortal alive and as the story progresses her character becomes more and more fleshed out. She is strong, independent, and confused but willing to let her devotion in the goddess Artemis guide her. The plot, although rather weak in the first 20 pages picks up and More...
Jan 29, 2010
Sarah
rated it: 
This one was nominated for Abe and is short, so I decided to read it during school yesterday! I had to finish it at home though. I don't think it's Abe material. Greek mythology is great, but I this isn't the best novelization of a myth that I've read. [return][return]Atalanta is left for dead in the forest by her father, the king. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, saves her, and Atalanta is raised by a band of hunters. She is swifter than men and a better hunter. Atalanta vows chastity for her
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Feb 07, 2011
MJ
rated it: 
I love retellings. Of myths, of fairytales, of classics novels. Any retellings of any kind. I am fascinated by them, I enjoy wondering and discovering how an author will re-invent an old, often well known, tale. I am endlessly surprised and amazed at the seemingly endless ways a story can be approached and retold without ever getting boring.
This is why Quiver, by Stephanie Spinner, has been sitting in my to-read list for nearly two years, until, finally, I got my hands on it last wee More...
This is why Quiver, by Stephanie Spinner, has been sitting in my to-read list for nearly two years, until, finally, I got my hands on it last wee More...
May 05, 2008
Kevin
rated it:
This book is very much in the vein of The Great God Pan, a well done fictionalization of classic mythology that somehow lacks enough depth or creativity to rise above its limits. These works seem like effective ways to introduce young readers to Greek myths but their simplicity limits the power they have as literature.
Spinner paints a picture of a heroine with unique talents but who is still trapped in a world dominated by men and where those who run afoul of the gods can pay a heavy More...
Spinner paints a picture of a heroine with unique talents but who is still trapped in a world dominated by men and where those who run afoul of the gods can pay a heavy More...
Oct 18, 2011
Ananya
rated it:
Quiver is small in size, but effective. The story line is accurate to mythology, and while Spinner chose a rigid myth to adapt, she manages to create an intriguing, realistic character out of an underestimated heroine. I loved the humorous commentary between the gods between the chapters. The lightness of the book and predicament of the main character provide for an interesting read.
Feb 17, 2009
Amy
rated it:
If you like Greek mythology then this book will appeal to you. The story is told in a sparse manner, which makes it a quick read. It has a little violence and sex in it, but nothing too bad. I think girls will like this better than boys would. I wouldn't recommend it just because someone liked the Percy Jackson series. Totally different feel.
Jul 26, 2010
Tinestar
rated it:
"Quiver" is a retelling of the Greek legend of Atalanta, the swiftest mortal alive. By narrating the story from Atalanta's perspective, the reader is able to gain insight into her thoughts, hopes, and feelings, allowing strong connections to develop between the two. I enjoyed reading the book with all its suspenseful foreshadowing and rapid action, though many parts of it did leave me unsatisfied. I recommend "Quiver" to all mythology lovers with the wish that they will take
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May 10, 2009
Fashiongirlgoldberg
rated it:
I was expecting this book to be much better, I mean, come on, there are a million things you could do to make the story of Atalanta exciting and fun. But no, Stephanie Spinner had to totally ruin it and give it a lame ending that made me extremely annoyed.
Nov 28, 2010
Heather
rated it:
I almost want to give it a 1, but I'm going to just assume it's a short story. If it were a short it was okay. I'm not sure how it got published if it's not, but it works for Q in an alphabet challenge and it didn't torture me.
Apr 24, 2009
Karen
rated it:
Another lighthearted treatment of a mythological subject, this one deals with Atalanta and the golden apples. Spinner brings legendary characters to life in a likable and engaging way. Recommended for mythology fans.
Aug 03, 2010
Tiphanie
rated it:
Interesting little story about a girl in the times of the Greek pantheon. I liked that it had just the right amount of girl power, but without making Atalanta (the main character) heartless or emotionless.
Aug 20, 2011
Stephanie Spinner has written a handful of books centered on Greek mythology. You may wish to start with the earliest, Quicksilver, but for a story centering on a strong young woman, try Quiver.
Oct 25, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
This is a quick read, but interesting. It’s a YA retelling of the myth of Atatlanta. The dialogue between Apollo and Artemis, though a bit contrived, was very fun.
Apr 16, 2010
amber
rated it:
I was hoping for more. But this isn't a bad book for those interested in more on the Greek myth front. Not as creative as Percy Jackson, but an easy read.
Feb 23, 2011
Jo
rated it:
Great quick read about a lesser known Greek heroine - Atalanta. The book made me go back to my Greek myths to find out more about her. I wish the story could have lasted longer.
Jun 28, 2011
Cristina
rated it:
i enjoyed it very much. well, it is one of my favourite subjects, greek mythology. i have never heard of that ending to the Atlanta myth.
Jun 05, 2011
Ella
rated it:
My new favourite tale from Greek mythology!
Told wonderfully and precisely to the point, I loved this short book and the characters that came with it.
Told wonderfully and precisely to the point, I loved this short book and the characters that came with it.
Jul 07, 2010
Lowed
rated it:
A different look at Mythology. Wit and humor written in a scant language! A good escapist.
Feb 11, 2012
I really liked it Im hoping the author would write a continuation of it! Its so good!
Aug 08, 2011
Nura
rated it:
Never knew the story of Atalanta....This book makes Greek mythology accessible.
Dec 16, 2009
Janet
rated it:
Great retelling of the Atalanta myth. I was charmed and read it in one sitting. Atalanta is a wonderful character, a wild huntress but also an earnest girl who wants to do the right thing. Spinner does a nice job in bringing an ancient arcadia to earthy life, but still leaving it feeling mythical. I loved the unexpected but very appropriate ending. Gotta watch out for those Greek gods. They're always causing trouble.
Aug 05, 2011
Jennifer
rated it:
I wish I would have liked this more. I was a little disappointed in the end but what can you expect from Greek mythology.
