Publishers Weekly
08/14/2023
Rogerson’s underwhelming debut retells the story of Hercules, the illegitimate son of Zeus, from the perspectives of his family, friends, and rivals. Hercules’s stepfather, Amphitryon, notes that seers prophesied Hercules would be a monster-slaying hero but would also have a painful life. Hercules fulfills that prophecy as a boy, dealing a death blow to his music teacher, Linus, out of frustration during a lesson. The account of that shocking murder is followed by Linus’s brother, Orpheus, composing letters to his dead sibling, writing that he uses Linus’s lyre—a family heirloom—to “play lullabies to his son.” Hercules later seizes his own infant son by the foot and dashes the boy’s head against the wall out of jealousy (a prelude to massacring his entire family) when his mother comments on her grandson’s fast development (“He doesn’t seem so strong,” Hercules remarks after the killing). Hercules’s punishment for his murders is to carry out the labors (including slaying the Hydra, a beast that grows new heads when one is cut off) assigned to him by his cousin, King Eurystheus. Though the concept intrigues, the tragic material doesn’t fit Rogerson’s breezy approach. This disappoints.(Sept.)
From the Publisher
"Alternately hilarious and shocking, this is an astonishingly vivid retelling of the story of Hercules, and these are not the Greek myths I learned in school."–Jodi Taylor, author of Just One Damned Thing After Another "Funny, action-packed, violent, tragic... this is the story of Hercules as you’ve never experienced it before! An eye-opening treat."–A.J. Elwood, author of The Cottingley Cuckoo "Hercules had his story, now it's time for everyone else to get their say. Wickedly fun and devilishly dark – the tell-all for our times."–Cari Thomas, author of Threadneedle "A captivating retelling with a very definite, personal voice, and a sharp, fresh perspective on the lives surrounding the hero rather than from the perspective of the hero himself."–Genevieve Cogman, Sunday Times bestselling author of Scarlet "A brilliant debut! Rogerson has produced a fresh and totally original retelling of the Hercules myth. For the first time, long-silent characters from the hero’s story are given a voice. They provide a sparkling new perspective on the club-wielding, all-daring son of Zeus. A Herculean triumph of creative writing, and a joy to read. Finally, a Hercules for the twenty-first century!"—Alex Rowson, author of The Young Alexander "A brilliant, witty and unique retelling of the myths that at times had me laughing out loud. Rogerson's impressive talent leaps from the pages."—Carly Reagon, author of The Toll House “A rollicking ride through Greek mythology, Herc tells the story of the famous hero through his impact on the people around him. By turns quippy, hilarious, and shocking, Herc will make you want to hide in a jar like King Eurystheus, dodging all your responsibilities to read it from cover to cover.”—Luna McNamara, author of Psyche and Eros
"Phoenicia Rogerson's Herc approaches the myth of Hercules from the people who had the fortune (or misfortune) to know him best. With each perspective the reader gets closer the elusive hero. The result is a wonderfully layered piece of storytelling which manages to be earthy, haunting and beautiful all at once. Herc is such a unique take on the Greek retellings, and days later I'm still haunted by Megara and the fifty daughters' perspective which was portrayed with such sensitivity and power."—Stacey Thomas, author of The Revels
“Rogerson offers a witty, queer, and heartfelt revisionist retelling worthy of the gods.” –Entertainment Weekly
"[Q]uick-paced and quick-witted… A refreshing take on an ancient tale and one that reminds us that heroes are rarely as heroic as we remember them being, Herc is an astute examination of mythology and the centuries-long game of telephone we call storytelling."—Booklist
author of Just One Damned Thing after Another Jodi Taylor
Alternately hilarious and shocking, this is an astonishingly vivid retelling of the story of Hercules, and these are not the Greek myths I learned in school."
author of Just One Damned Thing After Another Jodi Taylor
Alternately hilarious and shocking, this is an astonishingly vivid retelling of the story of Hercules, and these are not the Greek myths I learned in school."
Library Journal
10/13/2023
DEBUT Rogerson's first novel is a fresh retelling of the story of Hercules, son of Zeus, told in a new way. Rather than focused upon Hercules himself, this title showcases the people who knew him throughout his life. In pieced-together narratives, Hercules's family, friends, enemies, and lovers share their part in the story of the demigod. The narrative is coherent despite being told from various contradictory perspectives. His lover Hylas remembers him as a hero, while his wife Megara recalls him in a less favorable light. By weaving together his life from the voices of those who knew him, the author breathes life into the side-characters of the Hercules myth who have been otherwise left in the shadows of the great demigod's story. Rogerson succeeds in giving each narrator a fleshed-out characterization and a distinct voice. And though readers never hear directly from Hercules himself, he becomes a more complex character through their stories. VERDICT Readers who enjoy retellings of classic mythology will be satisfied with this expanded chronicle of Hercules's life, told with careful detail and modern humor.—Angel Caranna
NOVEMBER 2023 - AudioFile
Everyone thinks they know the story of Hercules, but this retelling changes everything. A talented ensemble brings to life those who surround the famed hero. Previously untold or ignored stories of family, lovers, enemies, and more are included. Each narrator represents a different person connected to Herc; the story unearths secret lovers, violent interactions, buried crimes, and more. This format presents an engaging tapestry of time periods and relationships that are surprisingly funny and frequently heartbreaking. With contemporary language and emotional deliveries, the personal narratives are interspersed with letters and speeches that paint a full picture of the time and lives of all of those involved. Listeners will find themselves immersed. K.S.M. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
