REVIEW - "Hera"

Hera by Julien Longo

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Description from Goodreads:

In this series, Longo reinvents the Greek creation story, weaving a mystic tale that reveals the secret of how the Greek Gods and Goddesses came into being. It's a tale that embodies the rich tapestry of mysticism, and immortal love. In book one, Hera captivates readers with her life story when she discovers an immortal secret and a destiny she was born to fulfill.

My thoughts and impressions:

I enjoyed this book, but I am having a hard time expressing my thoughts.  For some reason everything seems to be coming out a jumbled mess.  So hopefully you will get an idea of what this book is and that I really did like it.  ;0)

Hera is an Atlantian. She is descended from a matriarchal line of priestesses. As a young woman she starts to come into her own and reveals powers that are mystical healing arts.   Hera begins calling forth fire, a dangerous skill. She takes a journey to the Emerald Temple to be trained. She is the heir of Rhea who is the current high priestess.  It is in the society of priestesses that many of the names that were familiar with in Greek mythology are unveiled.

While in training with Hecate, she meets and is drawn to the handsome Titan, Zeus. She takes him as her lover and plans to continue her training in the temple.

Forces combine that will bring her and Zeus across one anothers path and create the dynasty that we know as the Greek myth.  I loved the emotional and intellectual journey that Hera takes.  This book is from her viewpoint. The other members of Greek mythology are seen through her eyes.  It begins to explain some of the legends that surround her.

I found this book to be intriguing. There are many elements of the story that caught my attention. I found it interesting that the author refers to everyone as an immortal. That the spirit continues on after death. Hera is heir to the Emerald Temple and holds the actual elixir that does grant one immortality with the body.  Another interesting tidbit is that the high priest  is called "The Lucifer."  It seems that she has taken some of the characteristics from biblical sources as well.


This book takes a look at a matriarchal society and the cross over to a patriarchal society. The jealousies and the grab for power in Atlantian society.  Later these same characters will display the same characteristics in immortality.  Longo has laid a foundation for the parts that each will play in the mythology of Ancient Greece.

I received a copy to review through Bostick Communications.  I would recommend this book to adults because of some of the mature themes.  I did not find this book to contain  graphic content.