The Heir of Venus

Praise

Praise for Heir of Venus:
“Like Claire Heywood’s The Shadow of Perseus, Shepperson’s second outing
centers three complex, fascinating, pivotal female figures of the ancient world in a beguiling
narrative.”
—Booklist

“A fascinating and fun read from cover to cover . . . Will have a tremendous appeal to readers with an interest in the retelling of ancient Greek myths with a new modern sensibility and imagination.”
—Midwest Book Review

“Told through stunning prose and evocative character interactions, Shepperson’s new work deserves a spot on the bookshelf of any reader of Greek and Roman myths.”
—Historical Novel Society

“Shepperson weaves an enthralling narrative written from the perspective of the women of the Aeneid. Intricate and poetic, The Heir of Venus is a thought-provoking meditation on the conflict between love and destiny, not to mention the silent sacrifices necessary to put a great man on the throne.”
—Luna McNamara, author of Psyche and Eros

“Shepperson follows up her masterful debut Phaedra with an engaging and enjoyable retelling of Aeneas, hero of the Aeneid, who becomes somewhat less heroic from the perspective of his three wives. Shepperson deftly weaves the stories of Creusa, Dido and Lavinia to create a fast-paced, compelling narrative of the events surrounding Aeneas’s legendary foundation of Rome. Here, Lavinia is an active and pragmatic kingmaker rather than Virgil’s silent, passive princess. Shepperson’s expansion on the story of Anna, Dido’s sister in a minor version of the myth, is a nice touch, bringing a more satisfying conclusion to the story of the wronged queen of Carthage. But perhaps the most engrossing tale is that of Aeneas’s first wife Creusa, forgotten child of Priam and Hekuba, whom Aeneas left to burn in Troy as he fled with his father and son. It is Creusa’s sacrifice that ensures their son fulfills his destiny to rule Rome, and Creusa’s love that redeems her flawed husband, as the reader comes to understand his less than chivalrous behaviour to Dido, and his self-serving courtship of Lavinia.”
—Nikki Marmery, author of Lilith

Praise for Phaedra:
“[A] powerful and compulsively readable tale . . . [For] fans of Jennifer Saint’s Ariadne and Madeline Miller’s Circe.”
—Booklist, starred review

“Shepperson shines in her debut . . . This inspired feminist retelling will captivate readers.”
—Publishers Weekly

“A powerful reimagining of Greek tragedy, skillfully interweaving the voices of women to haunting effect, creating echoes that resonate in modern society. A deft and clever retelling full of intrigue, rage and pathos.”
—Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne

“A timely and labyrinthian retelling of the trial of Phaedra: breaking down the old walls and illuminating the true monsters.” 
—Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestseller author of Threadneedle