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Dancing In The Athenian Rain
When Donna is sent back in time to Classical Athens, she's furious at Dr. Stephens for sending her against her wishes. Then a Greek soldier purchases her to be his wife.
She's forced to learn a new language and culture, and faces her fears of never returning to her own time. The society hates her, especially because they think she’s an Amazon, which forces her to confront her issues—being compared to her genius brother, borderline abusive friends, and a cheating boyfriend.
But her husband, Peleus, is kind and patient. Although against her best judgment, she allows him into her heart. He counters all the negative voices from her past, but those voices drive a wedge between them. She must let go of her fears, her inhibitions, and insecurities, and admit her feelings, or she could lose him and the life they’ve built.
She's forced to learn a new language and culture, and faces her fears of never returning to her own time. The society hates her, especially because they think she’s an Amazon, which forces her to confront her issues—being compared to her genius brother, borderline abusive friends, and a cheating boyfriend.
But her husband, Peleus, is kind and patient. Although against her best judgment, she allows him into her heart. He counters all the negative voices from her past, but those voices drive a wedge between them. She must let go of her fears, her inhibitions, and insecurities, and admit her feelings, or she could lose him and the life they’ve built.
293 pages, ebook
First published September 9, 2015
About the author
Katie Hamstead
18 books218 followersBorn and raised in Australia, Katie's early years of day dreaming in the "bush," and having her father tell her wild bedtime stories, inspired her passion for writing.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student. Now she lives in Arizona with her daughters and their dog.
She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing.
When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels available, and is published through REUTS Publishing., Curiosity Quills Press, and Soul Mate Publishing.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a good mother. She now works as a Special Education Aid to help support her family. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
After graduating High School, she became a foreign exchange student. Now she lives in Arizona with her daughters and their dog.
She has a diploma in travel and tourism which helps inspire her writing.
When her debut novel, Kiya: Hope of the Pharaoh, climbed into bestselling status, she believed she was onto something, and now has a slew of novels available, and is published through REUTS Publishing., Curiosity Quills Press, and Soul Mate Publishing.
Katie loves to out sing her friends and family, play sports, and be a good mother. She now works as a Special Education Aid to help support her family. She loves to write, and takes the few spare moments in her day to work on her novels.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 16, 2016
I'm a really big fan of ancient history, especially set in Greece but unfortunately I couldn't find a single thing in this book that I liked. There was so much wrong with the story that I'm not quite sure how to fit it all into one review.
The thing that initially put me off was the start. Donna's supposedly best friend and also her boyfriend were both pretty much mentally and even physically abusing her and I really didn't see how it related to the entire story. And that was all before Donna got send back to ancient Greece.
Once she got send back by Dr. Stephens, the story moved way too fast for me because before I knew it Donna was married to Peleus and months went by. There were barely any descriptions where I could actually imagine what everything looked like. I also didn't care for the romance.
There was no connection with the characters or the entire story. Some things really didn't make any sense at all. And the plot was very lacking. The book also felt more YA than new adult.
Dancing in the Athenian Rain was a pretty awful story and I felt so frustrated by it all while reading. So history buffs, I would definitely recommend you to stay away from it so you all won't be disappointed by reading it like I was.
The thing that initially put me off was the start. Donna's supposedly best friend and also her boyfriend were both pretty much mentally and even physically abusing her and I really didn't see how it related to the entire story. And that was all before Donna got send back to ancient Greece.
Once she got send back by Dr. Stephens, the story moved way too fast for me because before I knew it Donna was married to Peleus and months went by. There were barely any descriptions where I could actually imagine what everything looked like. I also didn't care for the romance.
There was no connection with the characters or the entire story. Some things really didn't make any sense at all. And the plot was very lacking. The book also felt more YA than new adult.
Dancing in the Athenian Rain was a pretty awful story and I felt so frustrated by it all while reading. So history buffs, I would definitely recommend you to stay away from it so you all won't be disappointed by reading it like I was.
December 11, 2015
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
I blame Achilles for my interest in Dancing in the Athenian Rain. There wasn't a direct link as he doesn't appear in the novel, but I'd spent several weeks reading about the Greek hero and was arguably predisposed to the subject matter when I stumbled over the Katie Hamstead's fiction. Unfortunately, the reality of her work didn't hold as much water as Homer's and I spent most of my reading annoyed with the author's presentation.
In terms of writing and tone, I feel Dancing in the Athenian Rain is best characterized as young adult lit. There is no depth to the narrative, the language is simple, and the vocabulary elementary. That wouldn't be a problem if the novel were marketed within the genre, but as it stands, the novel is pitched as new adult lit and I'd gone into it expecting much more mature prose, more complex characterizations, and deeper thematic material. I am part of the target age group and this held absolutely no appeal for me.
Hamstead tells more than she shows which likely factors in my struggle to appreciate her approach. There is very little atmospheric detail in Donna's story and I couldn't visualize the world as she saw it. There are plot holes left and right and I often found myself shaking my head over the ridiculous nature of the situational drama facing Hamstead's cast.
Donna and Peleus bored me to tears, Dr. Stephens read like a poor imitation of Doc Brown, and I found the romantic story contrived and coincidental. Ultimately I feel the book wasn't worth the time I spent with it and I don't see myself recommending it forward.
I blame Achilles for my interest in Dancing in the Athenian Rain. There wasn't a direct link as he doesn't appear in the novel, but I'd spent several weeks reading about the Greek hero and was arguably predisposed to the subject matter when I stumbled over the Katie Hamstead's fiction. Unfortunately, the reality of her work didn't hold as much water as Homer's and I spent most of my reading annoyed with the author's presentation.
In terms of writing and tone, I feel Dancing in the Athenian Rain is best characterized as young adult lit. There is no depth to the narrative, the language is simple, and the vocabulary elementary. That wouldn't be a problem if the novel were marketed within the genre, but as it stands, the novel is pitched as new adult lit and I'd gone into it expecting much more mature prose, more complex characterizations, and deeper thematic material. I am part of the target age group and this held absolutely no appeal for me.
Hamstead tells more than she shows which likely factors in my struggle to appreciate her approach. There is very little atmospheric detail in Donna's story and I couldn't visualize the world as she saw it. There are plot holes left and right and I often found myself shaking my head over the ridiculous nature of the situational drama facing Hamstead's cast.
Donna and Peleus bored me to tears, Dr. Stephens read like a poor imitation of Doc Brown, and I found the romantic story contrived and coincidental. Ultimately I feel the book wasn't worth the time I spent with it and I don't see myself recommending it forward.
September 10, 2015
ARC provided by the author in exhange for an honest review.
Katie Hamstead has a soft spot for time traveling. Especially the one that takes you back to the past! On "Athenian Rain", Donna, girl with low confidence and self-esteem will travel back in time to Athens of 5th century BC, close to the breaking of the Peloponnesian war.
Treated as an Amazon, who in the greek myth is considered a woman wild and untammed, she will be forced into mariagge with Peleus and from there their relationship will change the way they see each other as also the society around them.
I understood how the society worked and surely some of Donna's actions did not agree with the enviromment around her. But she learnt how to live and love her time with Peleus.
On the other hand the time travel became a helpful tool for her in dire moments, especially when she went to the war as a man. Peleus was a typical man from the ancient times but understood Donna and when the problem with the language passed, they fell in love and fought against the discrimination of the athenian society.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, which I recommend to the lovers of history, slight sci-fi and time travel! ;)
Katie Hamstead has a soft spot for time traveling. Especially the one that takes you back to the past! On "Athenian Rain", Donna, girl with low confidence and self-esteem will travel back in time to Athens of 5th century BC, close to the breaking of the Peloponnesian war.
Treated as an Amazon, who in the greek myth is considered a woman wild and untammed, she will be forced into mariagge with Peleus and from there their relationship will change the way they see each other as also the society around them.
I understood how the society worked and surely some of Donna's actions did not agree with the enviromment around her. But she learnt how to live and love her time with Peleus.
On the other hand the time travel became a helpful tool for her in dire moments, especially when she went to the war as a man. Peleus was a typical man from the ancient times but understood Donna and when the problem with the language passed, they fell in love and fought against the discrimination of the athenian society.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, which I recommend to the lovers of history, slight sci-fi and time travel! ;)
February 7, 2017
This is a really hard review to write. I honestly do not know how I feel about Dancing in the Athenian Rain. I didn't hate this book, but I didn't really like it either. It was just an okay read really, which really disappoints me because I've enjoyed the other Katie Hamstead books I've read.
Dancing in the Athenian Rain is set between modern-day Sydney, Australia and Ancient Greece. I really did not understand this. I mean, when Donna time travels back in time, why does she end up in Ancient Greece of all places? Why would she not stay in the same area she was? I'm also unsure as to how she managed to time travel. I know Dr Stephens gave her something, but I just didn't understand the logic behind it.
To begin with, Donna really annoyed me and I almost DNFed because of her. She lets her friends walk all over her and she has no self-confidence at all. She thinks she deserves the horrible treatment. Hell, the even lets her boyfriend hit her! Just no! But in the end, I gradually came around to her as she gained confidence. I was intrigued by her relationship with Peleus and how the story would play out.
Dancing in the Athenian Rain is told from Donna's perspective and, in all honesty, I found it a bit immature. I also felt the writing in the first few chapters was a bit disjointed and didn't flow that well. Again, I almost DNFed because of this, but I stuck with the book and I thought the writing did get better as the story progressed.
I thought the plot had a fairly quick pace to it, however, it was a very odd plot. I was unsure of how logical some parts were - they seemed a bit strange and all over the place. Particularly, the part where Donna joined the army and received certain items through some sort of time travel technology. However, these did add twists to the story.
I was also quite unsure about the ending. I didn't feel like it was explained well and I finished this Dancing in the Athenian Rain with more questions than answers, in terms of the time travel at least. It just felt a bit hazy.
I thought Dancing in the Athenian Rain was an okay read. I enjoyed the romantic aspect to this read, but the time travelling aspect just fell a bit short for me. However, I'm sure others may enjoy Dancing in the Athenian Rain more than me. I just feel there are better Katie Hamstead books out there (particularly Deceptive Cadence - another time travel romance).
I received a copy of Dancing in the Athenian Rain via Netgalley.
This review and many more can be found at My Expanding Bookshelf.
Dancing in the Athenian Rain is set between modern-day Sydney, Australia and Ancient Greece. I really did not understand this. I mean, when Donna time travels back in time, why does she end up in Ancient Greece of all places? Why would she not stay in the same area she was? I'm also unsure as to how she managed to time travel. I know Dr Stephens gave her something, but I just didn't understand the logic behind it.
To begin with, Donna really annoyed me and I almost DNFed because of her. She lets her friends walk all over her and she has no self-confidence at all. She thinks she deserves the horrible treatment. Hell, the even lets her boyfriend hit her! Just no! But in the end, I gradually came around to her as she gained confidence. I was intrigued by her relationship with Peleus and how the story would play out.
Dancing in the Athenian Rain is told from Donna's perspective and, in all honesty, I found it a bit immature. I also felt the writing in the first few chapters was a bit disjointed and didn't flow that well. Again, I almost DNFed because of this, but I stuck with the book and I thought the writing did get better as the story progressed.
I thought the plot had a fairly quick pace to it, however, it was a very odd plot. I was unsure of how logical some parts were - they seemed a bit strange and all over the place. Particularly, the part where Donna joined the army and received certain items through some sort of time travel technology. However, these did add twists to the story.
I was also quite unsure about the ending. I didn't feel like it was explained well and I finished this Dancing in the Athenian Rain with more questions than answers, in terms of the time travel at least. It just felt a bit hazy.
I thought Dancing in the Athenian Rain was an okay read. I enjoyed the romantic aspect to this read, but the time travelling aspect just fell a bit short for me. However, I'm sure others may enjoy Dancing in the Athenian Rain more than me. I just feel there are better Katie Hamstead books out there (particularly Deceptive Cadence - another time travel romance).
I received a copy of Dancing in the Athenian Rain via Netgalley.
This review and many more can be found at My Expanding Bookshelf.
September 20, 2015
While I don't always enjoy books written in first person, I found this one compelling. The author does a good job of showing the reader the emotions of the other characters through the first person character. The setting is well-written, making the reader feel as if they'd been transported to Athens at 650 BC. This is a time travel with a twist, one I would recommend.
February 13, 2016
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours and author Katie Hamstead for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Dancing In The Athenian Rain by Katie Hamstead is an incredibly rich and detailed romance set in an authentic feeling Athens that is powerful, beguiling and absolutely delicious. Prepare to be swept away to another place and time and to be lost to a tantalising romance….
Dancing In The Athenian Rain introduces readers to Donna, an eighteen year old Australian woman who catches her boyfriend cheating and seeks comfort from an eccentric friend of hers, known for his crazy beliefs and inventions. When Dr Stephens uses one such invention to send Donna back to ancient day Athens, Donna is shocked, frightened and in the middle of a world she knows nothing about. Armed with a few useful tools from Dr Stephens, Donna attempts to survive in the new world, a task both helped and hindered when she is bought and taken as a wife by an Athenian warrior known as Peleus, a soldier who is both fierce and kind and who has the power to change Donna’s world forever.
From beginning to end Dancing In The Athenian Rain was a wonderful book to read. I can’t fault it and found it to be exciting, authentic and endlessly romantic. It was a periodical tale of wonderful depth and I think author Katie Hamstead did a fantastic job detailing ancient Athens and the people who called it home.
Something I really appreciated about this book, and want to point out, is that Katie Hamstead sets it out over the course of two years. It’s not some quick couple of month’s long escapade by our main character. Donna actually lives and resides in Athens for almost two years. She builds a very wonderful life for herself there and it’s very genuine. I won’t go into too much detail to avoid spoilers but there is a lot of harsh trials and situations for Donna to face in Dancing In The Athenian Rain.
Set in a time where women have no value or worth, Donna is a normal, modern day Australian woman sent back to place where everything that makes her who she is has no importance. Prior to being sent back, Donna is a somewhat self-conscious young woman, but she’s also hot-headed and sure of her beliefs; especially when compared to the thoughts of those in ancient day Athens. Lucky for Donna, the man who makes her his wife, Peleus, is a saving grace in a time where men have no respect for their wives and considered them possessions; meant for baring them sons and sexual pleasure only.
Peleus goes against the grain in this novel and treats Donna with respect and kindness. He’s a prime example of a wealthy Athens man; sensational physique, fierce fighter and proud beyond compare….but he’s also very understanding and compassionate, unlike most of his time. It’s this that allows Donna to fall for him, and if I’m honest, me too. I loved Peleus and the way Katie Hamstead wrote him. Given the time, setting and society Donna found herself in, finding a man like Peleus was a miracle. It doesn’t get better than him.
I actually felt really proud of the woman Donna had become by the end of the Dancing In The Athenian Rain. And she really was that; a woman. She’s someone’s wife by the close of the story and has responsibilities she didn’t have prior to Athens. Again, no give-aways, but the things she experiences and the road her life takes---well no one can say she’s a girl anymore, that’s for sure. It was beautiful seeing how much Peleus appreciated Donna, both inside and out and I love how he was able to ease her body issues—adoring ever part of her.
I loved the romance between Donna and Peleus and how their relationship progressed. Hamstead develops it wonderfully and over time, but there’s no denying the sizzling attraction is there. It was both believable and beautiful and I give her props for allowing two people from very different times to fall for one another in such an enjoyable way.
Katie Hamstead fills Dancing In The Athenian Rain with some lovely side character who add both depth and confliction to the story. From servants and friends to those to oppose Donna’s relationship with Peleus and the power she brings to women in the Athens time period, Dancing In The Athenian Rain has it all. Love, romance, war, pain…..power, fight and wonderful development all make this a fantastic read.
Perfect for those who want to explore history but who are also looking for high entertainment and romance, Dancing In The Athenian Rain is fast paced, rich and absolutely does not disappoint!
Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!
Dancing In The Athenian Rain by Katie Hamstead is an incredibly rich and detailed romance set in an authentic feeling Athens that is powerful, beguiling and absolutely delicious. Prepare to be swept away to another place and time and to be lost to a tantalising romance….
Dancing In The Athenian Rain introduces readers to Donna, an eighteen year old Australian woman who catches her boyfriend cheating and seeks comfort from an eccentric friend of hers, known for his crazy beliefs and inventions. When Dr Stephens uses one such invention to send Donna back to ancient day Athens, Donna is shocked, frightened and in the middle of a world she knows nothing about. Armed with a few useful tools from Dr Stephens, Donna attempts to survive in the new world, a task both helped and hindered when she is bought and taken as a wife by an Athenian warrior known as Peleus, a soldier who is both fierce and kind and who has the power to change Donna’s world forever.
From beginning to end Dancing In The Athenian Rain was a wonderful book to read. I can’t fault it and found it to be exciting, authentic and endlessly romantic. It was a periodical tale of wonderful depth and I think author Katie Hamstead did a fantastic job detailing ancient Athens and the people who called it home.
Something I really appreciated about this book, and want to point out, is that Katie Hamstead sets it out over the course of two years. It’s not some quick couple of month’s long escapade by our main character. Donna actually lives and resides in Athens for almost two years. She builds a very wonderful life for herself there and it’s very genuine. I won’t go into too much detail to avoid spoilers but there is a lot of harsh trials and situations for Donna to face in Dancing In The Athenian Rain.
Set in a time where women have no value or worth, Donna is a normal, modern day Australian woman sent back to place where everything that makes her who she is has no importance. Prior to being sent back, Donna is a somewhat self-conscious young woman, but she’s also hot-headed and sure of her beliefs; especially when compared to the thoughts of those in ancient day Athens. Lucky for Donna, the man who makes her his wife, Peleus, is a saving grace in a time where men have no respect for their wives and considered them possessions; meant for baring them sons and sexual pleasure only.
Peleus goes against the grain in this novel and treats Donna with respect and kindness. He’s a prime example of a wealthy Athens man; sensational physique, fierce fighter and proud beyond compare….but he’s also very understanding and compassionate, unlike most of his time. It’s this that allows Donna to fall for him, and if I’m honest, me too. I loved Peleus and the way Katie Hamstead wrote him. Given the time, setting and society Donna found herself in, finding a man like Peleus was a miracle. It doesn’t get better than him.
I actually felt really proud of the woman Donna had become by the end of the Dancing In The Athenian Rain. And she really was that; a woman. She’s someone’s wife by the close of the story and has responsibilities she didn’t have prior to Athens. Again, no give-aways, but the things she experiences and the road her life takes---well no one can say she’s a girl anymore, that’s for sure. It was beautiful seeing how much Peleus appreciated Donna, both inside and out and I love how he was able to ease her body issues—adoring ever part of her.
I loved the romance between Donna and Peleus and how their relationship progressed. Hamstead develops it wonderfully and over time, but there’s no denying the sizzling attraction is there. It was both believable and beautiful and I give her props for allowing two people from very different times to fall for one another in such an enjoyable way.
Katie Hamstead fills Dancing In The Athenian Rain with some lovely side character who add both depth and confliction to the story. From servants and friends to those to oppose Donna’s relationship with Peleus and the power she brings to women in the Athens time period, Dancing In The Athenian Rain has it all. Love, romance, war, pain…..power, fight and wonderful development all make this a fantastic read.
Perfect for those who want to explore history but who are also looking for high entertainment and romance, Dancing In The Athenian Rain is fast paced, rich and absolutely does not disappoint!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2016
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
My Thoughts
Dancing in the Athenian Rain is a new adult time travel romance by Katie Hamstead. Even though the book is marked as new adult, I feel like it read more like a young adult novel. The main character is 18 years old, so she is borderline between the two genres but the maturity level of the characters pushed it, in my opinion anyway, towards the younger young adult side of the spectrum. Speaking of immature characters, I almost put this book down (DNF) three times within the first 30%. One time at only 6%, which would make it the quickest I had ever put a book down and didn't pick it up again. But I decided to give it another chance, and then I decided to give it another chance. And the third time I stuck with it. And while Dancing in the Athenian Rain was no where close to my favorite book ever, it did make an impressive recovery in my opinion. Dancing in the Athenian Rain is a book that gets so, so much better as it goes on. The second half of the book is very good, so good that it made up for the less than impressive beginning. What I am trying to say is, if you are like me, and you find yourself not enjoying the first part of the book (and I will tell you my problem with the beginning) push through it if the premise interests you, because once Donna gets to Greece, the book completely changes. In a great way.
I love the idea behind Dancing in the Athenian Rain. A girl that is not understood in her time, goes back to ancient Greece and she is able to come into her true self. Watching Donna gain confidence and start to love herself was my favorite part of the story. She starts the book out with no self appreciation at all. It was sad really. The people around her were so unbelievably awful (no, really, they were unbelievable) that they had convinced her that she was totally worthless. Part of the problem was herself. She shouldn't have allowed them to influence her opinion of herself that drastically, but it has to be hard with such negativity around you all the time. She should have ditched them one page one. Her so called best friend and boyfriend were so awful. They were the reason that I wanted to DNF. They didn't even seem like plausible real people to me because they were so beyond horrible. Why on earth was she friends with those people? But that is besides the point, because they are not in a majority of the book. (which is why I encourage you to continue on with the story if they are what annoys you.)
Once Donna gets to Greece the whole mood and tempo of the story changes. Even the writing seemed to change. There was a sophistication and maturity in Donna in Greece that was not present in the modern day Donna. I liked her a whole lot more. She did take a while to grow on me, but my fondest for her got there as the book went on. I loved author Katie Hamstead's depiction of Ancient Greece. She wove bits of history throughout the story and they worked well. There were lots of twists up her sleeve too that took me by surprise. Some were more surprising than others, that's for sure.
Bottom line: if you are a fan of time young adult travel romances and of stories of ancient Greece, Dancing in the Athenian Rain is a book you should consider checking out. I had some major problems with the beginning, but once I pushed through them and the setting changed to Ancient Greece, I liked the story a whole lot more. Donna has some truly awful friends, but if you are able to push past them and write them off as terrible people, you will enjoy the story a lot more.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
My Thoughts
Dancing in the Athenian Rain is a new adult time travel romance by Katie Hamstead. Even though the book is marked as new adult, I feel like it read more like a young adult novel. The main character is 18 years old, so she is borderline between the two genres but the maturity level of the characters pushed it, in my opinion anyway, towards the younger young adult side of the spectrum. Speaking of immature characters, I almost put this book down (DNF) three times within the first 30%. One time at only 6%, which would make it the quickest I had ever put a book down and didn't pick it up again. But I decided to give it another chance, and then I decided to give it another chance. And the third time I stuck with it. And while Dancing in the Athenian Rain was no where close to my favorite book ever, it did make an impressive recovery in my opinion. Dancing in the Athenian Rain is a book that gets so, so much better as it goes on. The second half of the book is very good, so good that it made up for the less than impressive beginning. What I am trying to say is, if you are like me, and you find yourself not enjoying the first part of the book (and I will tell you my problem with the beginning) push through it if the premise interests you, because once Donna gets to Greece, the book completely changes. In a great way.
I love the idea behind Dancing in the Athenian Rain. A girl that is not understood in her time, goes back to ancient Greece and she is able to come into her true self. Watching Donna gain confidence and start to love herself was my favorite part of the story. She starts the book out with no self appreciation at all. It was sad really. The people around her were so unbelievably awful (no, really, they were unbelievable) that they had convinced her that she was totally worthless. Part of the problem was herself. She shouldn't have allowed them to influence her opinion of herself that drastically, but it has to be hard with such negativity around you all the time. She should have ditched them one page one. Her so called best friend and boyfriend were so awful. They were the reason that I wanted to DNF. They didn't even seem like plausible real people to me because they were so beyond horrible. Why on earth was she friends with those people? But that is besides the point, because they are not in a majority of the book. (which is why I encourage you to continue on with the story if they are what annoys you.)
Once Donna gets to Greece the whole mood and tempo of the story changes. Even the writing seemed to change. There was a sophistication and maturity in Donna in Greece that was not present in the modern day Donna. I liked her a whole lot more. She did take a while to grow on me, but my fondest for her got there as the book went on. I loved author Katie Hamstead's depiction of Ancient Greece. She wove bits of history throughout the story and they worked well. There were lots of twists up her sleeve too that took me by surprise. Some were more surprising than others, that's for sure.
Bottom line: if you are a fan of time young adult travel romances and of stories of ancient Greece, Dancing in the Athenian Rain is a book you should consider checking out. I had some major problems with the beginning, but once I pushed through them and the setting changed to Ancient Greece, I liked the story a whole lot more. Donna has some truly awful friends, but if you are able to push past them and write them off as terrible people, you will enjoy the story a lot more.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
June 16, 2017
***** 3.75 Stars *****
Donna has always been pushed around by her family and friends. Because of all the criticism, she believed that she was ugly, stupid, and useless.
Her mentor saw Donna's potential, and decided to change her life. He sent her to Athens in 458 BC.
The people thought she was a wild animal. Peleus, a Greek soldier and politician, was mesmerized with her blue eyes and blonde hair, and he purchased her to be his wife.
During this time in Athens, women were oppressed. Donna found herself, and helped other women understand their true worth.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Donna and Peleus. They had some steamy moments, but nothing erotic. The only time I rolled my eyes was when Donna requested modern weapons and other gadgets to the past. Although I thought the last parts of the story were a bit cheesy, Katie Hamstead did a great job writing this story.
Donna has always been pushed around by her family and friends. Because of all the criticism, she believed that she was ugly, stupid, and useless.
Her mentor saw Donna's potential, and decided to change her life. He sent her to Athens in 458 BC.
The people thought she was a wild animal. Peleus, a Greek soldier and politician, was mesmerized with her blue eyes and blonde hair, and he purchased her to be his wife.
During this time in Athens, women were oppressed. Donna found herself, and helped other women understand their true worth.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Donna and Peleus. They had some steamy moments, but nothing erotic. The only time I rolled my eyes was when Donna requested modern weapons and other gadgets to the past. Although I thought the last parts of the story were a bit cheesy, Katie Hamstead did a great job writing this story.
February 12, 2016
This was actually a very interesting read of the author. I loved a good time travel romance and this was a bit different from other books of this genre. This was the second book I've read about time travel that's a world of its own but the heroine from both stories were both different and at the same time sort of similar.
I can totally relate to how Donna feels because that's how I felt about myself but I'm getting to where Donna is at now since she changed so much throughout the whole story. That was my favorite part of the story wherein Donna changed for the better. I won't get into details with Peleus and Donna's relationship but it was rocky at start because of some miscommunication and the opinion of others that gets in their road to happiness. The relationship between Peleus and Donna started slow because like I mentioned it was rocky at first, it took a while for them to understand one another and while the suspense was killing me, it was worth the wait especially when they admitted their feelings to one another.
On another note, I do like the teacher of Donna. It's because of him that Donna found the place where she truly belong and his cool, eccentric, and a genius. Donna also has closer relationship to him than her own family. I also disliked her bestfriend and boyfriend but everything turned out better for the end.
I received an arc for a blog tour.
I can totally relate to how Donna feels because that's how I felt about myself but I'm getting to where Donna is at now since she changed so much throughout the whole story. That was my favorite part of the story wherein Donna changed for the better. I won't get into details with Peleus and Donna's relationship but it was rocky at start because of some miscommunication and the opinion of others that gets in their road to happiness. The relationship between Peleus and Donna started slow because like I mentioned it was rocky at first, it took a while for them to understand one another and while the suspense was killing me, it was worth the wait especially when they admitted their feelings to one another.
On another note, I do like the teacher of Donna. It's because of him that Donna found the place where she truly belong and his cool, eccentric, and a genius. Donna also has closer relationship to him than her own family. I also disliked her bestfriend and boyfriend but everything turned out better for the end.
I received an arc for a blog tour.
December 13, 2015
What I loved about this novel was the conservative, eighteen-year-old Donna knows that she doesn’t quite fit in with her wild peers. However, she finds a more confident, brave version of herself when she is transported back in time to ancient Athens.
Donna struggles with certain aspects of Classical Athens society, including ideals of marriage, women as property, slavery and desired luscious feminine curves. But, during this ancient time, she manages to find true love, burry insecurities and become somewhat of human rights idol.
I did have some problems with the writing and story. In her modern time, Donna suffers abuse from her friends, boyfriend and parents. However, I find the writing to be a bit over-the-top, and the scenes a little too sensational. Hamstead missed a great opportunity to capture how verbal and physical abuse can destroy a young woman’s self esteem, as well as the difficulties to rebuild confidence. Additionally, I thought the ending was abrupt and forced.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
For this review and more visit www.genuinejenn.com.
Donna struggles with certain aspects of Classical Athens society, including ideals of marriage, women as property, slavery and desired luscious feminine curves. But, during this ancient time, she manages to find true love, burry insecurities and become somewhat of human rights idol.
I did have some problems with the writing and story. In her modern time, Donna suffers abuse from her friends, boyfriend and parents. However, I find the writing to be a bit over-the-top, and the scenes a little too sensational. Hamstead missed a great opportunity to capture how verbal and physical abuse can destroy a young woman’s self esteem, as well as the difficulties to rebuild confidence. Additionally, I thought the ending was abrupt and forced.
~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Andrea'. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~
For this review and more visit www.genuinejenn.com.
January 19, 2016
I LOOOOOOVED THIS BOOK!
The Greek civilisation is one of my favourite academic subjets and I really liked how the author was able to portray it.
Peleus was a joy to read about, a firm yet gentle soldier. The way he treated Donna was at the beggining lack a bit of tact, but considering the historic period they were in, it was a bit understandable.
Disregarding her lack of self confidence, Donna was a strong and resilient character. I sympathised with her throughout the book.
I recommend it to anyone who likes time travel, romance and Ancient Greece.
The Greek civilisation is one of my favourite academic subjets and I really liked how the author was able to portray it.
Peleus was a joy to read about, a firm yet gentle soldier. The way he treated Donna was at the beggining lack a bit of tact, but considering the historic period they were in, it was a bit understandable.
Disregarding her lack of self confidence, Donna was a strong and resilient character. I sympathised with her throughout the book.
I recommend it to anyone who likes time travel, romance and Ancient Greece.
October 1, 2015
A natural storyteller, Ms. Hamstead excels in plotting and character development. From the start, I was drawn to Donna (the protagonist) and rooted for throughout her “Hero’s Journey.” At first resistant to time travel, Donna eventually adapts to life in Classical Athens where she meets and marries Peleus, a Greek soldier. Her path is a non-linear one, filled with unexpected twists, turns and detours. An entertaining and inspiring read!
January 22, 2016
I absolutely loved this story! I haven't been so enthralled in a long time. This story has all the great elements with a plot that involves adventure, passion, danger, humor, suspense, sacrifice, tragedy, joy, and even some realism. You name it, it has it. Peleus is my kind of hero, and your heart runs wild falling just as in love with him as the heroine does. He really does spoil you for any other future hero worship. If you like time-travel genres, you are in for a special treat.
February 26, 2016
I kindly received a copy of this book from Soul Mate Publishing via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Hey everyone! Okay this is book had the three major themes that usually equals to my ultimate fantasy land.
It has an ancient history time period (The grand days of Athens!), there's time travel and Rooooooh-mance *try thinking of me saying that all spanish-y*
While this book was a nice read, it had...some unrealistic parts that left me huffing in dismay. Therefore, as always, i shall explain myself below! (keep to thy scrolling!)
Alright, first, plot. Let me do a rendition of that, *plays dramatic music*
Okay, I'll admit that wasn't my best but hey, it's hard! You guys already know she's going to be thrown back in time to ancient Athens!
Anyhow, this book, when it began i started cringing because this character is one of those. what i mean by that is that she is one of those characters that embody all insecurities of the world into one. So, I mean, we're all insecured naturally. But this one had A LOT and she was fine with being treated like dirt because she believed that was what 'she deserved'.
I get that the author probably did that to make character growth more poignant, i get it but to start a book with so much....negativeness made me go a little cross-eyed.
You know the, 'you're fat,' 'nobody will love you.', 'your brother is better.' type of thing.
This book in a sense made me very reminiscent of The Wedding Shroud just in ideas mostly.
I did find Peleus character fascinating, if not a little too saintly. However, who am I to cramp his awesome style of righteousness? I actually found it cute that they struggled so much with their emotions.
One thing that made me blink a few times is the idea that She (main gal) was so okay with this:
"The Corinthian fell from my sword and i turn to find Peleus."
Okay, ladies of the 21st century, how many of you would be okay with killing someone for the first time and being like, 'yea whatever'?
I like to act as though I'm some great warrior or huntress or kick ass wonder-gal but the truth is, if i had to kill...coming from fairly comfortable 21st century. Seeing a dead person caused by me wouldn't go down very well.
That being said, i definitely don't think it was a bad read, it was entertaining, sometimes annoying but entertaining. If you like your timetravels then give this a go for sure!
-The Book Herald
Check out my blog- The Book Herald Blog (help the little people!)
tweet me @thebookherald
I'm on Instagram! @thebookherald
Annnnnddd Facebook! I'm a newbie on facebook so please support moi!
Hey everyone! Okay this is book had the three major themes that usually equals to my ultimate fantasy land.
It has an ancient history time period (The grand days of Athens!), there's time travel and Rooooooh-mance *try thinking of me saying that all spanish-y*
While this book was a nice read, it had...some unrealistic parts that left me huffing in dismay. Therefore, as always, i shall explain myself below! (keep to thy scrolling!)
Alright, first, plot. Let me do a rendition of that, *plays dramatic music*
The past and future are about to collide,
Love unbreaking, throughout time.
A girl from the future is sent to a time of war.
Days of turmoil, slavery and hate.
Days of bitterness, yet warmth resonates.
Can a girl find hope when all seeks her death?
Okay, I'll admit that wasn't my best but hey, it's hard! You guys already know she's going to be thrown back in time to ancient Athens!
Anyhow, this book, when it began i started cringing because this character is one of those. what i mean by that is that she is one of those characters that embody all insecurities of the world into one. So, I mean, we're all insecured naturally. But this one had A LOT and she was fine with being treated like dirt because she believed that was what 'she deserved'.
I get that the author probably did that to make character growth more poignant, i get it but to start a book with so much....negativeness made me go a little cross-eyed.
You know the, 'you're fat,' 'nobody will love you.', 'your brother is better.' type of thing.
This book in a sense made me very reminiscent of The Wedding Shroud just in ideas mostly.
I did find Peleus character fascinating, if not a little too saintly. However, who am I to cramp his awesome style of righteousness? I actually found it cute that they struggled so much with their emotions.
One thing that made me blink a few times is the idea that She (main gal) was so okay with this:
"The Corinthian fell from my sword and i turn to find Peleus."
Okay, ladies of the 21st century, how many of you would be okay with killing someone for the first time and being like, 'yea whatever'?
I like to act as though I'm some great warrior or huntress or kick ass wonder-gal but the truth is, if i had to kill...coming from fairly comfortable 21st century. Seeing a dead person caused by me wouldn't go down very well.
That being said, i definitely don't think it was a bad read, it was entertaining, sometimes annoying but entertaining. If you like your timetravels then give this a go for sure!
-The Book Herald
Check out my blog- The Book Herald Blog (help the little people!)
tweet me @thebookherald
I'm on Instagram! @thebookherald
Annnnnddd Facebook! I'm a newbie on facebook so please support moi!
January 18, 2016
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley for an honest review.
This book is kind of hard to pinpoint my feelings on. I really, really enjoyed parts, but other parts were incredibly nonsensical.
I loved the premise, as I'm a total sucker for time travel romances. I also liked that Donna was Australian (I don't read enough books about people from other countries). Unfortunately, the book was very heavy handed with how much Donna's life sucked before she got thrown back to Ancient Greece. Her friend and boyfriend are a bit too ridiculously terrible to her, to the point where they're nothing more than caricatures, as well as her parents. Dr. Stephens is really just a plot device.
On the other hand, I really enjoyed the characters in Greece. I liked reading Donna's interactions with them, and her new husband Peleus. Essentially, what I enjoyed was the relationship romance aspects of the book, and Donna's character development. What I didn't like was most everything else involving time travel.
For instance, after months of no contact, she's finally able to communicate with her present Dr Stephens, and he sends things back to her for her to use. She asks for make up and things to make masks and voice changers so she can disguise herself as a boy so she can go to war and help protect her husband (a twenty-first century eighteen year old girl thinks she can protect her husband in a very brutal hand to hand combat battle? Really?), and when she gets in trouble she is supposed to have lashes from her husband's guard. The guard knows who she really is and says he won't actually hurt her. Instead of agreeing, and using the portal devices to ask her doctor for blood make up effects, she orders the man to give her the lashes so she'll be bloody and wounded. Then immediately after, she asks for modern medicine (but, strangely, she never thought of getting antibiotics or water purification tablets or anything of the sort before then).
When she asked for the guns and an Athena costume, I nearly quit the book, it got so weird and nonsensical. I am glad I continued reading, as I did like the relationship scenes between Donna and Peleus. But the book was very uneven when it came to plot tone, and I think the time travel framing wasn't very well done. It's hard to do right, and I wish the book had focused less on that part and more on the romance.
Also, while the author obviously did research on aspects of Athenian life, there were some very obvious errors to me (really? A Grecian soldier is concerned that there might be rumors that he's in a sexual relationship with another guy? Yeah, no...). Ares was constantly misspelled as "Aries", a lot of the dialogue, even after Donna learned the language (ridiculously fast, even for immersion), was very modern. It made for a very weird reading experience.
So while I liked the emotional aspects of the book, the actual plot bothered me. I would like to read more from the author to see if maybe it was just this plot, or just my personal tastes.
This book is kind of hard to pinpoint my feelings on. I really, really enjoyed parts, but other parts were incredibly nonsensical.
I loved the premise, as I'm a total sucker for time travel romances. I also liked that Donna was Australian (I don't read enough books about people from other countries). Unfortunately, the book was very heavy handed with how much Donna's life sucked before she got thrown back to Ancient Greece. Her friend and boyfriend are a bit too ridiculously terrible to her, to the point where they're nothing more than caricatures, as well as her parents. Dr. Stephens is really just a plot device.
On the other hand, I really enjoyed the characters in Greece. I liked reading Donna's interactions with them, and her new husband Peleus. Essentially, what I enjoyed was the relationship romance aspects of the book, and Donna's character development. What I didn't like was most everything else involving time travel.
For instance, after months of no contact, she's finally able to communicate with her present Dr Stephens, and he sends things back to her for her to use. She asks for make up and things to make masks and voice changers so she can disguise herself as a boy so she can go to war and help protect her husband (a twenty-first century eighteen year old girl thinks she can protect her husband in a very brutal hand to hand combat battle? Really?), and when she gets in trouble she is supposed to have lashes from her husband's guard. The guard knows who she really is and says he won't actually hurt her. Instead of agreeing, and using the portal devices to ask her doctor for blood make up effects, she orders the man to give her the lashes so she'll be bloody and wounded. Then immediately after, she asks for modern medicine (but, strangely, she never thought of getting antibiotics or water purification tablets or anything of the sort before then).
When she asked for the guns and an Athena costume, I nearly quit the book, it got so weird and nonsensical. I am glad I continued reading, as I did like the relationship scenes between Donna and Peleus. But the book was very uneven when it came to plot tone, and I think the time travel framing wasn't very well done. It's hard to do right, and I wish the book had focused less on that part and more on the romance.
Also, while the author obviously did research on aspects of Athenian life, there were some very obvious errors to me (really? A Grecian soldier is concerned that there might be rumors that he's in a sexual relationship with another guy? Yeah, no...). Ares was constantly misspelled as "Aries", a lot of the dialogue, even after Donna learned the language (ridiculously fast, even for immersion), was very modern. It made for a very weird reading experience.
So while I liked the emotional aspects of the book, the actual plot bothered me. I would like to read more from the author to see if maybe it was just this plot, or just my personal tastes.
March 13, 2016
Although this book is targeted as New Adult I feel like it could easily be read by older YA readers. I love story about ancient Greece but I had a hard time reading and actually put it down several times before finally forcing myself to finish it because the first half is filled with characters that you wanted to reach in and slap. Some because they were just awful and Donna because she need to have some sense knocked into her. I have a problem with young people who continue to let the people they associate with put them down in any way. If your “friends” are always putting you down and doing things that hut you either physically or emotionally it is time to find people who know the meaning of friendship. If you allow these situations to continue you are setting yourself up for continuing abuse in every relationship you will have.
Donna desperately needs some supportive people in her life, she feels unloved and unwanted in today’s world. Her boyfriend is pressing her for more than she is ready for and her “best friend” is telling her that she is “lucky” that someone like him is willing to be seen with someone like her and that she needs to give him what he wants if she wants to keep him. With people like these in her life it is no wonder that she has n0 self confidence.
Even after she is sent back in time the story failed to make me like this book. The only good thing that I can say is that Donna finally realized her value as a person. The only way that I would recommend this book is if I thought it would help a young person gain some insight from Donnas’ situation and maybe find the courage to change things in their lives.
2.5/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**
Donna desperately needs some supportive people in her life, she feels unloved and unwanted in today’s world. Her boyfriend is pressing her for more than she is ready for and her “best friend” is telling her that she is “lucky” that someone like him is willing to be seen with someone like her and that she needs to give him what he wants if she wants to keep him. With people like these in her life it is no wonder that she has n0 self confidence.
Even after she is sent back in time the story failed to make me like this book. The only good thing that I can say is that Donna finally realized her value as a person. The only way that I would recommend this book is if I thought it would help a young person gain some insight from Donnas’ situation and maybe find the courage to change things in their lives.
2.5/5 STARS: **I want to thank the author and/or publisher for providing me with a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are mine.**
December 1, 2015
The Ancient History buff in me couldn't resist this book. I just had to read it, Did it reach my lofty hopes for it? Not close. Was I entertained? Kind of.
The premise is awesome. A young women from the present day goes back in time and falls in love with a buff Athenian. On one level it was a fun idea, on another the reality of it was a bit cringe worthy.
The story itself was acceptable for the most part. In places I couldn't help laughing at the size of the plot holes. Hamstead gets some of the aspects of Ancient Greece right with some interesting details about Religious beliefs and festivals thrown in. I wasn't completely convinced. In reality, the world of Ancient Greece is one where homosexual relationships between men were normalised. The Greeks really believed that love was only capable between men and they only took wives to produce sons. Hamstead seemed a little to shy to even go there, let alone tackle the wide and varied sexual appetite of the Ancient Greeks.
However, for me the story falls down in the telling. The story is telly. Show me, reveal the story, allow me to experience the story the character's eyes. Other issues with the story included dialogue that felt forced and often cliched. I also found the characters of Donna and Peleus one-dimensional caricatures at times. I didn't believe the Dr, her brother or the parents.
It bears mentioning that even though I read this as a galley (and errors are expected) this book is littered with them typos and spelling mistakes. Some of the speech ends abruptly to indicate one character interrupting another. Please use some ellipses, it just feels like you forgot to finish the sentence.
Overall, a story that has some merit that could be improved with significant revisions. Furthermore, careful revisions could elevate the language to something with greater flair.
The premise is awesome. A young women from the present day goes back in time and falls in love with a buff Athenian. On one level it was a fun idea, on another the reality of it was a bit cringe worthy.
The story itself was acceptable for the most part. In places I couldn't help laughing at the size of the plot holes. Hamstead gets some of the aspects of Ancient Greece right with some interesting details about Religious beliefs and festivals thrown in. I wasn't completely convinced. In reality, the world of Ancient Greece is one where homosexual relationships between men were normalised. The Greeks really believed that love was only capable between men and they only took wives to produce sons. Hamstead seemed a little to shy to even go there, let alone tackle the wide and varied sexual appetite of the Ancient Greeks.
However, for me the story falls down in the telling. The story is telly. Show me, reveal the story, allow me to experience the story the character's eyes. Other issues with the story included dialogue that felt forced and often cliched. I also found the characters of Donna and Peleus one-dimensional caricatures at times. I didn't believe the Dr, her brother or the parents.
It bears mentioning that even though I read this as a galley (and errors are expected) this book is littered with them typos and spelling mistakes. Some of the speech ends abruptly to indicate one character interrupting another. Please use some ellipses, it just feels like you forgot to finish the sentence.
Overall, a story that has some merit that could be improved with significant revisions. Furthermore, careful revisions could elevate the language to something with greater flair.
January 18, 2016
I was lured in by the cover and blurb for sure, but that's Normal and how I meet my favorite books!! Half way through this and I am still going WTF IS THIS!?
I can wrap my brain around time travel and going back to Ancient Times, actually that was part of this book's allure -- girl goes back to Ancient Athens and they think she is an Amazon. She is sold to a rich Hot Guy. At this point, one is thinking, this could be good -- love story mixed with historical tidbits!
Enter the crazy that I can get over: transporting stuff back in time such as a sniper rifle!! It was around this point that I threw the book, metaphorically, and went on to the next book on my kindle. Yeah, you two might get sucked in with the picture cover and promise of girl/guy love story à la Athens style but the absurd is too over powering.
*ARC provided in exchange for honest review*
I can wrap my brain around time travel and going back to Ancient Times, actually that was part of this book's allure -- girl goes back to Ancient Athens and they think she is an Amazon. She is sold to a rich Hot Guy. At this point, one is thinking, this could be good -- love story mixed with historical tidbits!
Enter the crazy that I can get over: transporting stuff back in time such as a sniper rifle!! It was around this point that I threw the book, metaphorically, and went on to the next book on my kindle. Yeah, you two might get sucked in with the picture cover and promise of girl/guy love story à la Athens style but the absurd is too over powering.
*ARC provided in exchange for honest review*
February 18, 2016
Dancing in the Athenian Rain
By Katie Hamstead
4
I was given a book in exchange for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
Donna is unappreciated. She has friend who make her feel bad about herself and a boyfriend who doesn't want to be a boyfriend. Her parents are overly critical. The only one on her side seems to be her brother and Dr. Stephens until Dr. Stephens sends her through his time machine. He has never been able to retrieve anything that he sent through the time machine. Katie wakes up in Athens. She has no idea what time period she is in, only that she doesn't know the language and that it seems increasingly more dangerous the longer she stays.
This is an entertaining YA time travel book. It is paced well. Once Donna travels back in time and learns the Greek language. She becomes a strong and defiant character. The story became a "taming of the shrew" type of tale. The characters are interesting. Rebekah is a great side kick. Her friend from the beginning of the book, Belinda does a complete 180 which did not feel true to her character to me. It's something that you always hope will happen, but it didn't ring true to me. It is a small thing to criticize as the book was entertaining.
By Katie Hamstead
4
I was given a book in exchange for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
Donna is unappreciated. She has friend who make her feel bad about herself and a boyfriend who doesn't want to be a boyfriend. Her parents are overly critical. The only one on her side seems to be her brother and Dr. Stephens until Dr. Stephens sends her through his time machine. He has never been able to retrieve anything that he sent through the time machine. Katie wakes up in Athens. She has no idea what time period she is in, only that she doesn't know the language and that it seems increasingly more dangerous the longer she stays.
This is an entertaining YA time travel book. It is paced well. Once Donna travels back in time and learns the Greek language. She becomes a strong and defiant character. The story became a "taming of the shrew" type of tale. The characters are interesting. Rebekah is a great side kick. Her friend from the beginning of the book, Belinda does a complete 180 which did not feel true to her character to me. It's something that you always hope will happen, but it didn't ring true to me. It is a small thing to criticize as the book was entertaining.
December 14, 2015
I'm in two minds about this book. I read it and finished it but nothing about it really stood out.
It isn't something I normally read but I'm a classical Greek buff and just couldn't resist.
As far as historical accuracy, nothing seemed particularly out of place. Hamstead could have delved deeper into the relationships between men in that era, as my old Classics teacher used to say they were more flexible then more modern times, but the author ignores this and even makes a comment that men will talk if they see a man walk into another man's tent at night- but that's fine, I can ignore that.
Character wise, the protagonist - Donna- was interesting. It was nice seeing her develop into a stronger person as the story went on. Pellus, the leading male was ok to, very nice for an ancient Athenian man. Most of the main characters were developed nicely but they just didn't resonate that much with me. Donna did a bit with some of her self conscious thoughts but I could't connect with how she excepted the abuse she was suffering from everyone, not even realizing it was abuse in some cases.
It isn't something I normally read but I'm a classical Greek buff and just couldn't resist.
As far as historical accuracy, nothing seemed particularly out of place. Hamstead could have delved deeper into the relationships between men in that era, as my old Classics teacher used to say they were more flexible then more modern times, but the author ignores this and even makes a comment that men will talk if they see a man walk into another man's tent at night- but that's fine, I can ignore that.
Character wise, the protagonist - Donna- was interesting. It was nice seeing her develop into a stronger person as the story went on. Pellus, the leading male was ok to, very nice for an ancient Athenian man. Most of the main characters were developed nicely but they just didn't resonate that much with me. Donna did a bit with some of her self conscious thoughts but I could't connect with how she excepted the abuse she was suffering from everyone, not even realizing it was abuse in some cases.
January 2, 2017
I had a really hard deciding on a two or a three star rating for this book. I think I landed on a three more for the fact that I really loved this author's Kiya series. I loved the idea behind this story but there were so many typos and grammatical errors, it was just too bothersome. I don't normally rate books low for grammatical errors or typos but there were so many and some of them were so odd that I almost felt like it was written on a phone and autocorrect got in the way. My other issue with this book was how choppy it felt. There were just too many different things going on and the back and forth with the main character's personality was too much. I really wanted to love this story but it was just hard. I'm still going to read more for this author because I have enjoyed other books from her.
December 29, 2015
I'm torn about how to rate this book. There were parts I really liked and there were parts I didn't like. I guess overall I will have to rate this as a 3 star.
I thought the story was creative and original. I liked Donna and Peleus and most of the other Athenian characters.
I didn't like the parents and Dr. Stephens. I just couldn't figure him out. On the one hand, he treats Donna like a daughter, like he really cares for her well-being, and then he turns around and exploits her.
I liked the parts in Athens much more than the parts set in the current time. Esp the end I found to be too hurried and forced. But the parts set in Athens were great.
I thought the story was creative and original. I liked Donna and Peleus and most of the other Athenian characters.
I didn't like the parents and Dr. Stephens. I just couldn't figure him out. On the one hand, he treats Donna like a daughter, like he really cares for her well-being, and then he turns around and exploits her.
I liked the parts in Athens much more than the parts set in the current time. Esp the end I found to be too hurried and forced. But the parts set in Athens were great.
April 12, 2016
*I was provided a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very good read! Donna is your typical teen but she allows her friends and family to bully her into thinking she's less than. It takes someone sending her back in time to see her worth!
I find that the beginning of the book has a steady pace, however the ending was rushed. The epilogue seems to come from nowhere. I did feel that I was a bit wanting at the end.
The story itself was enjoyable and drew me in! I had hoped there would be a follow up tale!
This was a very good read! Donna is your typical teen but she allows her friends and family to bully her into thinking she's less than. It takes someone sending her back in time to see her worth!
I find that the beginning of the book has a steady pace, however the ending was rushed. The epilogue seems to come from nowhere. I did feel that I was a bit wanting at the end.
The story itself was enjoyable and drew me in! I had hoped there would be a follow up tale!
February 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Time travel wow! All of the complications that are involved, especially not knowing where you are going. Donna has to learn a new language and the customs of the time and place where she lands. We do not realize how set we are in our own ways and how we relate to people around us. I came away thinking about the interactions with the people in my own circles. Thank you.
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