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Quiver
It was Artemis, goddess of the hunt and mistress of the wild, who rescued the abandoned baby Atalanta, sending a she-bear to nurse her and a band of hunters to raise her in safety. Now sixteen, Atalanta, famous archer and swiftest mortal alive, has devoted her life to the goddess.
When strangers appear in Atalanta's village one day, they bring shattering news. The father who forsook her is a king. And he has summoned his daughter with a simple, chilling command: marry and produce an heir. Fleet-footed Atalanta, determined not to betray Artemis, counters with a grim proposal. She will marry the first man to outrun her in a footrace, and those she defeats must die. It is Atalanta's desperate hope that no man will be foolish enough to meet her challenge.
When strangers appear in Atalanta's village one day, they bring shattering news. The father who forsook her is a king. And he has summoned his daughter with a simple, chilling command: marry and produce an heir. Fleet-footed Atalanta, determined not to betray Artemis, counters with a grim proposal. She will marry the first man to outrun her in a footrace, and those she defeats must die. It is Atalanta's desperate hope that no man will be foolish enough to meet her challenge.
177 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 8, 2002
18 people are currently reading
1428 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Spinner
54 books32 followersI was born in Davenport, Iowa, and grew up in Rockaway Beach, New York. I read straight through my childhood, with breaks for food, sleep, and the bathroom. I went to college in Bennington, Vermont, moved to New York City, and took a job in publishing so I could get paid for reading. I read so much bad fiction that I needed a break, so I moved to London, and from there I traveled to Morocco, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan India, Nepal, and Ceylon. I came back to America, wandered around some more -- to Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize -- and on returning to New York decided to study Tibetan Buddhist painting (called thangka painting) in Boulder, Colorado.
I painted thangkas for many years. Each one took anywhere from several weeks to a few months to complete, and at long last I understood that this was not the ideal way for me to make a living. Only a few hundred Americans collected thangkas, and they wanted old ones, painted by Tibetan monks. It was time to make a change.
So I took another publishing job, this time in children’s books. I found that I liked children’s books a lot, and before long, I became an editor.
Years passed. I was encouraged to write. I scoffed at the idea that I had anything to write about. I edited some wonderfully talented authors -- Virginia Hamilton, Philip Isaacson, Clyde Robert Bulla, Gloria Whelan, Robin McKinley, Joan Vinge, Garth Nix, and Chris Lynch, among others -- with great enjoyment. Writing seemed like torture by comparison.
Then, to my amazement, I found myself writing a book and having a good time -- simultaneously! The book was ALIENS FOR BREAKFAST, and I enjoyed writing it because my co-author was Jonathan Etra. Jon (who died of heart disease in 1990) was a close friend with a wild sense of humor, and collaborating with him changed my opinion of writing forever. After ALIENS FOR BREAKFAST, and ALIENS FOR LUNCH, which we also co-wrote, I began to think that writing could be interesting fun.
And now that I’ve been doing it full-time for more than ten years, I can tell you why I like it better than a job. First, I can work in my bathrobe. (To the FedEx man and the UPS man, I am "the woman in the plaid flannel robe.") Second, I can eat when I’m hungry, choose when to take phone calls, and walk my dogs any time. Third, the only meetings I have -- and they’re short -- are with the dry cleaner and the post office ladies. Fourth, I can read whatever I please. I may tell people I’m doing research when I read about horse-trekking, or hunting in ancient Greece, or 16 ways to better compost, but the truth is, I’m not doing research, I’m having a good time. Which I think is still allowed.
I painted thangkas for many years. Each one took anywhere from several weeks to a few months to complete, and at long last I understood that this was not the ideal way for me to make a living. Only a few hundred Americans collected thangkas, and they wanted old ones, painted by Tibetan monks. It was time to make a change.
So I took another publishing job, this time in children’s books. I found that I liked children’s books a lot, and before long, I became an editor.
Years passed. I was encouraged to write. I scoffed at the idea that I had anything to write about. I edited some wonderfully talented authors -- Virginia Hamilton, Philip Isaacson, Clyde Robert Bulla, Gloria Whelan, Robin McKinley, Joan Vinge, Garth Nix, and Chris Lynch, among others -- with great enjoyment. Writing seemed like torture by comparison.
Then, to my amazement, I found myself writing a book and having a good time -- simultaneously! The book was ALIENS FOR BREAKFAST, and I enjoyed writing it because my co-author was Jonathan Etra. Jon (who died of heart disease in 1990) was a close friend with a wild sense of humor, and collaborating with him changed my opinion of writing forever. After ALIENS FOR BREAKFAST, and ALIENS FOR LUNCH, which we also co-wrote, I began to think that writing could be interesting fun.
And now that I’ve been doing it full-time for more than ten years, I can tell you why I like it better than a job. First, I can work in my bathrobe. (To the FedEx man and the UPS man, I am "the woman in the plaid flannel robe.") Second, I can eat when I’m hungry, choose when to take phone calls, and walk my dogs any time. Third, the only meetings I have -- and they’re short -- are with the dry cleaner and the post office ladies. Fourth, I can read whatever I please. I may tell people I’m doing research when I read about horse-trekking, or hunting in ancient Greece, or 16 ways to better compost, but the truth is, I’m not doing research, I’m having a good time. Which I think is still allowed.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 111 reviews
December 18, 2022
I love the story of Atlanta but I hate one particular ending and this book did not fail to provide the undesirable ending but it is easily forgiven because it was only two and a half pages. I loved how in this version Atlanta made it very clear that woman are to be wary of the woods because drunk, homicidal, rapist Centaurs are on the loose. And it was also very funny how Meleager spontaneously combusted right before Atlanta's face. And I absolutely loved the dialogue between the deities and how they would wager against each other.
April 1, 2017
I definitely used to like this book better when I was younger. This reread left much to be desired. The plot moves along much too quickly, although I still very much enjoyed the story. And I definitely did not remember the ending, which too felt a bit thrown together and rushed.
May 20, 2017
Interesting retelling of the myth of Atalanta.
Read
July 14, 2019I found it! Took me literally hours of googling
I read this book ages ago but couldn't remember the name
I read this book ages ago but couldn't remember the name
August 19, 2008
Stephanie Spinner wrote a great book that made me feel like the Greek mythology she talked about was actually real. Definately worth looking into.
August 24, 2017
When her father abandoned her to die in the woods as an infant, Artemis sent a bear to nurse her. Raised by the hunters who found her, Atalanta runs like the wind and can hit any target with her bow and arrow.
When she turns sixteen, her father, a cruel king, summons her back to his palace and demands that she wed and produce an heir. Afraid to betray the vow of chastity she made to Artemis, she tells her father that she will only marry the man who can beat her in a race. The losers will be put to death.
Many suitors try and fail, but when handsome Hippomenes comes to race, Atalanta is no longer sure she wants to win.
I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling. Atalanta was a strong character and the verbal sparring between Artemis and Apollo made me laugh. Also, that thing with the lions was new to me. I've read several versions of this story and never encountered that twist before.
When she turns sixteen, her father, a cruel king, summons her back to his palace and demands that she wed and produce an heir. Afraid to betray the vow of chastity she made to Artemis, she tells her father that she will only marry the man who can beat her in a race. The losers will be put to death.
Many suitors try and fail, but when handsome Hippomenes comes to race, Atalanta is no longer sure she wants to win.
I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling. Atalanta was a strong character and the verbal sparring between Artemis and Apollo made me laugh. Also, that thing with the lions was new to me. I've read several versions of this story and never encountered that twist before.
October 9, 2018
El libro se me hizo muy corto, creo que pudo haber dado para más. Aun así me agradó Atalanta, a pesar de que no fue un personaje desarrollado por completo considero que si se asemejaba a aquellos héroes que tanto quería emular.
Eso si, me aterró sobremanera como los dioses manejaban todo a su antojo y las personas no eran más que simples muñequitos.
Quizá no sea el mejor libro basado en un mito griego pero considero que es una buena introducción para quienes buscan iniciarse en este mundo.
Eso si, me aterró sobremanera como los dioses manejaban todo a su antojo y las personas no eran más que simples muñequitos.
Quizá no sea el mejor libro basado en un mito griego pero considero que es una buena introducción para quienes buscan iniciarse en este mundo.
October 22, 2025
This was the perfect airport/airplane read. Easy to transport because of its small size, and I finished it before my last flight. The writing was average, but easy to get through. I really liked the inclusion of Artemis and Apollo's conversations, though I felt like the language used didn't quite fit them. Still, I enjoyed their banter. I'm always down for a Greek myth, so this bite sized book was a welcome way to pass the time on a travel day.
August 16, 2018
This is a brilliant tale on the Greek myth of Atalanta, Greece's most renowned heroine. With some witty banter between gods, but while staying true to the myth, this becomes a riveting tale, giving you a whole new love for the classic characters, and giving the famous names a personal touch.
May 17, 2019
I read this in high school and adored it. Quick read, good for those who love mythology and minor/forgotten stories, this one about Atalanta. A lovely YA retelling. Author plays with perspective in a fun way.
March 20, 2023
this book was definitely enjoyable to read however some parts of the story just didnt flow as well as i would have liked.The greek mythology aspect was done really well but if you dont like greek mythology or dont really know anything about it i wouldnt recomend you read this.
December 17, 2025
2.5
This failed to live up to its potential.
The myth of Atalanta is one of my favourites, and this is the first retelling I've read of it.
This could have been so much more rich, more in-depth, but it wasn't, and that is my main problem with this book.
This failed to live up to its potential.
The myth of Atalanta is one of my favourites, and this is the first retelling I've read of it.
This could have been so much more rich, more in-depth, but it wasn't, and that is my main problem with this book.
July 4, 2017
Meh. Basic retelling of Atalanta that doesn't add much depth. I did like the banter between the gods, but other than that Spinner didn't really add anything to the story.
May 2, 2018
A delight. Very good for the young ladies who dig mythology, but want a fairly reverent take on it.
January 30, 2019
I really liked the book because when i read it, i felt happy and when i had to leave the book, i wouldn't. it really motivated me to keep reading and so thats why i think you should try it too!
April 7, 2020
This was a laborious read for such a small book.
March 18, 2021
Quick, entertaining read. Is it remarkable? No. But was it written well enough and helped me get through hours of travel? Definitely.
January 21, 2022
I could not stop reading! This book is so good!
I really like books that have a good writing style, so that explains why this is one of my favorite books!
I really like books that have a good writing style, so that explains why this is one of my favorite books!
March 10, 2022
It was a short quick read, and there were a lot of characters that really didn't get well-developed. However, a good job was done with Atalanta. And I actually liked the ending.
December 1, 2022
It was fine. A quick read but otherwise nothing remarkable and I imagine I'm going to forget I read it soon, honestly.
February 15, 2023
it was a good time and i liked the simplicity of it. i‘ve always have liked atalanta as a figure and i liked this interpretation of her myth in this book.
January 3, 2025
This was a great retelling of Greek mythology. It combined so many characters of the myths, but also showed both perspectives, mortal and immortal.
September 22, 2023
Absolutely loved this quick but intriguing read giving us insight into a Greek mythology story surrounding Atalanta, a huntress deeply indebted to Artemis and figuring out what the future holds for her
February 7, 2011
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 week. In her debut novel, Spinner tackles a Greek myth. And let me tell you, I love Greek mythology, from Homer to Xena: Warrior Princess, I rarely get tired of it. And I am even more excited if the retelling tells the story of a little known myth, or mythical figure, and I become intrigued and fascinated if said figure is a girl or a women, as their voices are so often forgotten, stifled or ignored. More often than not, in fact, they do not have a voice, or I should say, are not given one.
In Quiver, Spinner gives a voice to Arcadian princess Atalanta, the swiftest human in Greece, and one of its best hunters too. Abandoned by her father at birth, because she was not a boy, the myth says that Artemis, chaste Goddess of the Moon and the hunt, sent a bear to rescue baby Atalanta. The girl then, while growing up learning to hunt, and shoot and run, dedicated herself to the Goddess, promising to stay chaste always. It is then in her girlhood, that her father recalls her to him and intends to marry her off so she can produce an heir. In her desperation to stay true to the Goddess, Atalanta makes a deal with her father saying that she would only marry the man who can outrun her in a race. All who fail must die.
Spinner stays true to the myth, not diverging from the events or settings that form Atalanta’s plight and fate, and the book might suffer a bit from it. In the end it’s not so much a retelling as an account of the myth from its main protagonist’s point of view. Quiver is more interested in looking at the reasons behind the events. What were the thoughts and motivations behind such seemingly cruel acts? Why did Atalanta do what she did? There are no innovations or surprises beyond the new voice in which it is told, especially if one knows how the myth goes.
Quiver is a small and quick read, easy to go through in a couple of hours or so, and while most people might not get attached to Atalanta as a character, I didn’t think the point was to make her likeable. It was to make her heard. I kept wanting things to go differently, I kept hoping she would do things differently, but all I could do was watch the events unfold to their inevitable conclusion.
I am still glad I read it. Glad it was written. Glad a voice was given to an almost unknown heroine, even if it’s not the voice I would I’ve liked to hear. Now if only there were more books doing the same things. I would read stories upon stories about such women as Ariadne, Medea, Andromache and countless others who are lost among the Achilles, Jason, Theseus and Hercules of history.
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 week. In her debut novel, Spinner tackles a Greek myth. And let me tell you, I love Greek mythology, from Homer to Xena: Warrior Princess, I rarely get tired of it. And I am even more excited if the retelling tells the story of a little known myth, or mythical figure, and I become intrigued and fascinated if said figure is a girl or a women, as their voices are so often forgotten, stifled or ignored. More often than not, in fact, they do not have a voice, or I should say, are not given one.
In Quiver, Spinner gives a voice to Arcadian princess Atalanta, the swiftest human in Greece, and one of its best hunters too. Abandoned by her father at birth, because she was not a boy, the myth says that Artemis, chaste Goddess of the Moon and the hunt, sent a bear to rescue baby Atalanta. The girl then, while growing up learning to hunt, and shoot and run, dedicated herself to the Goddess, promising to stay chaste always. It is then in her girlhood, that her father recalls her to him and intends to marry her off so she can produce an heir. In her desperation to stay true to the Goddess, Atalanta makes a deal with her father saying that she would only marry the man who can outrun her in a race. All who fail must die.
Spinner stays true to the myth, not diverging from the events or settings that form Atalanta’s plight and fate, and the book might suffer a bit from it. In the end it’s not so much a retelling as an account of the myth from its main protagonist’s point of view. Quiver is more interested in looking at the reasons behind the events. What were the thoughts and motivations behind such seemingly cruel acts? Why did Atalanta do what she did? There are no innovations or surprises beyond the new voice in which it is told, especially if one knows how the myth goes.
Quiver is a small and quick read, easy to go through in a couple of hours or so, and while most people might not get attached to Atalanta as a character, I didn’t think the point was to make her likeable. It was to make her heard. I kept wanting things to go differently, I kept hoping she would do things differently, but all I could do was watch the events unfold to their inevitable conclusion.
I am still glad I read it. Glad it was written. Glad a voice was given to an almost unknown heroine, even if it’s not the voice I would I’ve liked to hear. Now if only there were more books doing the same things. I would read stories upon stories about such women as Ariadne, Medea, Andromache and countless others who are lost among the Achilles, Jason, Theseus and Hercules of history.
October 2, 2023
It was good; a nice simple retelling of the Atalanta myth, drawing from different sources. It doesn't really deal with the darker themes of myth and Greek culture in the way I'm used to in mythology retellings a la Circe, Til We Have Faces, etc. which left it feeling kind of flat.
January 17, 2015
I found the beginning of Quiver a bit difficult to get into, but by the middle of the book I had become rather interested in Atalanta. Atalanta is an excellent hunter who is known as the swiftest mortal alive, as the story progresses her role as a strong female character becomes more and more fleshed out. She is physically powerful, independent, and confused but willing to let her devotion in the goddess Artemis guide her. This growing characterization is what drives plot forward.
As for the plot we started off rather weak for the first 20 or so pages, but things pick up and the story finds a good pace, as her father is introduced and the races for her hand in marriage begin. And then with the conclusion of the book looming, wondering just which way the plot will go, all of this perfectly fine story is completely and absolutely undone. Atalanta does a complete 180 and takes the story from what might have been a relatively satisfying ending to a "...What just happened?". The conclusion that the book had come to was so disappointing for what the story had managed to build in such few pages.
I knew getting into this book that it was going to be just a nice, easy read, that I could get through while taking my exams and just forget about later. It is on the younger side of YA and in most libraries it may be found in the children or middle-grade section but these facts do not excuse the ending.
I wasn't expecting to be amazed and I understand that some of the main plot points, including the ending, are based on the some of the actual mythos surrounding Atalanta, but really? This is how the author wanted to end her book?
There is this great female character that defies so many social norms, who sets herself up with this competition, and then I'm expected to see that conclusion as worth while? She gets this rushed ending that strips her of all of her previous character building. That's what disappointed me the most, I could handle the absurdity of Greek legend, BUT I really felt insulted how she went from a growing character, to a prop piece.
Overall, I was surprisingly let down. Quiver won me over, then left me wishing I'd not bothered to begin with and just read something else instead.
As for the plot we started off rather weak for the first 20 or so pages, but things pick up and the story finds a good pace, as her father is introduced and the races for her hand in marriage begin. And then with the conclusion of the book looming, wondering just which way the plot will go, all of this perfectly fine story is completely and absolutely undone. Atalanta does a complete 180 and takes the story from what might have been a relatively satisfying ending to a "...What just happened?". The conclusion that the book had come to was so disappointing for what the story had managed to build in such few pages.
I knew getting into this book that it was going to be just a nice, easy read, that I could get through while taking my exams and just forget about later. It is on the younger side of YA and in most libraries it may be found in the children or middle-grade section but these facts do not excuse the ending.
I wasn't expecting to be amazed and I understand that some of the main plot points, including the ending, are based on the some of the actual mythos surrounding Atalanta, but really? This is how the author wanted to end her book?
There is this great female character that defies so many social norms, who sets herself up with this competition, and then I'm expected to see that conclusion as worth while? She gets this rushed ending that strips her of all of her previous character building. That's what disappointed me the most, I could handle the absurdity of Greek legend, BUT I really felt insulted how she went from a growing character, to a prop piece.
Overall, I was surprisingly let down. Quiver won me over, then left me wishing I'd not bothered to begin with and just read something else instead.
June 21, 2014
Very short and easy read. I feel like it lost a lot of potential because it was so short. It was very succinct. I feel like we could’ve gotten a lot more out of the story if Spinner had lengthened it and expounded. I would’ve been interested to get to know Atalanta better, too. She was ridiculously devoted to Artemis, and I feel like it would’ve been interesting to have more interactions and thoughts on that.
I semi-recently read a book called Lost in the Labyrinth , by Patrice Kindl and this kind of made me think of that. It too was short, and kind of horrifying in its blunt, mythological, gory way—and also gave me the distinct impression that I would’ve hated living in that type of universe as a female. I mean, seriously, the vindictive “mischievousness” of some of these beings… It’s chilling. You accidentally insinuate you’re better than a god, you refuse to kiss an old beggar who turns out to be Zeus in disguise, you mind your own business, but some immortal is bored—how are any of these Greeks and Argonauts and people not panicking stepping outside? Gosh.
In summary, as a story I feel like it would’ve been better if it had expounded more and let us really get to know Atalanta and others like Jason. Spinner’s not a terrible writer, but she didn’t really expand as much as she could’ve, I think. As for the content, I found it a little horrifying, I believe?
What some people might be uncomfortable reading about in this book because of personal opinion or belief (spoilers): well, it’s based off of Greek mythology, so there’s gods and things like that. One or two crude words, or cursing words. It gets more adult-y in the end, since she gets married, but it glosses over the wedding night. Nothing too bad. But she does hunt and people do die, whether by her own hand via race, or by a monster. PG to PG-13.
I semi-recently read a book called Lost in the Labyrinth , by Patrice Kindl and this kind of made me think of that. It too was short, and kind of horrifying in its blunt, mythological, gory way—and also gave me the distinct impression that I would’ve hated living in that type of universe as a female. I mean, seriously, the vindictive “mischievousness” of some of these beings… It’s chilling. You accidentally insinuate you’re better than a god, you refuse to kiss an old beggar who turns out to be Zeus in disguise, you mind your own business, but some immortal is bored—how are any of these Greeks and Argonauts and people not panicking stepping outside? Gosh.
In summary, as a story I feel like it would’ve been better if it had expounded more and let us really get to know Atalanta and others like Jason. Spinner’s not a terrible writer, but she didn’t really expand as much as she could’ve, I think. As for the content, I found it a little horrifying, I believe?
What some people might be uncomfortable reading about in this book because of personal opinion or belief (spoilers): well, it’s based off of Greek mythology, so there’s gods and things like that. One or two crude words, or cursing words. It gets more adult-y in the end, since she gets married, but it glosses over the wedding night. Nothing too bad. But she does hunt and people do die, whether by her own hand via race, or by a monster. PG to PG-13.
August 5, 2011
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 thought its skinniness and lettering only added to its sweet charm. :P
The story is heavy on plot with simple description. The book never distorts the myth of Alalanta but expands on it creatively with a flavor I thoroughly enjoyed.
I felt a little bashful to read a book that shouted SO blatantly, "Yeah! Revival of the scared feminine!" Especially on reading the blurb, but again, even a little blushing seemed to work with the book.
I also felt a deep interest in it as a myth, simply because I have a fascination with classic linguistics. While reading I was always drawing parallels between it and European fairy tales. The allegory is especially interesting because of its relationship with the culture and history of man.
All this said, I did take a couple of bongs hits before reading this book, (and finishing it in about 2 hours), which might have made it little more fun, but I think it's sweet, interesting, informative still. I'd like to get my own copy to fit snugly into my own bookshelf somewhere.
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 thought its skinniness and lettering only added to its sweet charm. :P
The story is heavy on plot with simple description. The book never distorts the myth of Alalanta but expands on it creatively with a flavor I thoroughly enjoyed.
I felt a little bashful to read a book that shouted SO blatantly, "Yeah! Revival of the scared feminine!" Especially on reading the blurb, but again, even a little blushing seemed to work with the book.
I also felt a deep interest in it as a myth, simply because I have a fascination with classic linguistics. While reading I was always drawing parallels between it and European fairy tales. The allegory is especially interesting because of its relationship with the culture and history of man.
All this said, I did take a couple of bongs hits before reading this book, (and finishing it in about 2 hours), which might have made it little more fun, but I think it's sweet, interesting, informative still. I'd like to get my own copy to fit snugly into my own bookshelf somewhere.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 111 reviews