Atmospheric, poetic and beautiful.

Format: Kindle Edition
Utterly atmospheric. A story woven from the golden threads of myth and mastery. I didn't know what to expect when I first started listening to Artemis Rising. It's not normally a book I would have chosen, it being a YA romance, but I'm glad I did. I loved the historical aspect of this. While the story itself was abstract, almost floating above reality in a sense, fantasy and fantastical, the setting did the plot justice. The Azores are exotic and new to most, full of lush landscapes and open seas, the Portuguese language foreign to most ears. The time was right, as well, the late 1800's when the world blossomed out, as did the world's women from the ties of oppression - just like Ava in this tale.

Keeping the story ethereal were the intricate threads of the myths - those of Arethusa and Alpheus and Tristan and Isolde. Now, I wondered, how in the hooey is Cheri going to wend these two unrelated and vastly different myths together, but dang it... she did. I wondered, in a way, while listening to this, why Ava/Arethusa allowed herself to be so tied down to the myths? Why, in turn did Tristao? To me, it was the parental influence trickling down into the children themselves... and then when the children came into their own minds and their own lives it made sense. Much of it was more figurative and symbolic than realistic, and that was just fine with me. It was almost as if Artemis Rising was a new myth, a new tale to be told by the firesides and hearths.

I've read other reviews that discuss Ava/Arethusa making her choice between Paganism and Christianity, but I honestly don't think that's what it is. Her choice is between allowing external forces to control her life and her destiny, and taking her course in her own hands. I loved the use of name choices in this story, and while an abstract thought, the name truly defined each character, and that was a masterful stroke.

I enjoyed listening to this book but I think I may have enjoyed reading it more, and I may just do that. The narrator's voice, while lilting, fine, and beautiful, almost song-like, was sometimes heavy handed, too high-pitched or strange in intonation, inflection and diction. I had to go back to the text sometimes to figure out what she was saying with certain words such as Marques. Granted, much of that was my lack of familiarity with the Portuguese language, so I take that bit of blame. I think, however, that the narration was right for the story. It was at times like listening to a mother or a beloved teacher reading to me, and given the poetic, beautiful language of this book, I think that makes sense, and it is a good fit.

Bottom line, I was entranced by the story. I was heartbroken, frightened, on the edge of my seat, and I felt all of the anger, fear, irritation and love right along with Arethusa. And I may have fallen a little bit in love with Tristao. :) I would recommend this to a friend, and in fact, I have. I received the audio book for free, but I intend to buy a Kindle copy so I can revisit it whenever I like.

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WOW

What did you love best about Artemis Rising?

all of it this is a well written book

Any additional comments?

I really love books that have to deal with mythology and this one was really good Cheri is a great writer and I cant wait to read or listen to another book by her

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WOW

Would you listen to Artemis Rising again? Why?

this audio was very well done and worth listening to again

What was one of the most memorable moments of Artemis Rising?

it was all good

Have you listened to any of Caprisha Page’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no I have not

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To Myth Or Not To Myth

What made the experience of listening to Artemis Rising the most enjoyable?

The expressiveness of the narrator! I felt like I was there in Arethusa's head as she was trying to figure out what was the right path for her to follow. I felt like it was my story as well :) The voice acting was amazing!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Eva in all her myriad forms because in reality she was the story and the others just players in her quest for the truth and the reality of what she needed and wanted. She could only be destroyed if she allowed it. The others could only be saved if she wished it. She was an amazing and strong woman no matter her fears or experiences.

What about Caprisha Page’s performance did you like?

She was incredible! I bet she could do voice over for anime if she so chose. The versatility and range of her voice made each and every character come alive. I will definitely listen to more of her work!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Eva took back her name. That was incredibly gratifying. She was choosing herself. To be independent. To no longer let outside forces work upon her to her detriment. To break the curse of Belief and Faith and become herself only.

Any additional comments?

This is a stand alone novel. I wish there were more!


Eva has been raised to dedicate herself to Artemis as Arethusa just as her mother did before her. To become the myth personified in service to the Moon. The Goddess sends her a warning though her mother received a different vision. Which is the true vision? Should she continue on the path her mother laid before her or follow her instincts and find her own way? Is the way of the Goddess the right way? Does she even have a choice anymore?

Diogo is rich and spoiled and used to getting everything he wants. Except from his cruel and forbidding father. Eva intrigues him and he wants her for his own. At first he is merely trying to protect her. To woo her. But after he is maimed in her defense by his father something overtakes him. She becomes his obsession. Will he win? Will he own her in the end? Or will his twisted drives destroy them both?


Tristao has never know a father's love or a mother's kindness. He sees something in Arethusa that he has been waiting for his whole life... Hope. Finding her and rescuing her seems to be Fate. Is she the answer to his prayers? The girl who will share his life and give him the love he missed as a child? Will she help him get rid of his anger at his father's disinterest and abandonment? At the mysterious absence of his mother. Will she make him into something other than the favored oldest orphan?


***This book is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers who enjoy stories of the Old Gods filled with mystery, intrigue, Myth, action, adventure, supernatural forces, magic, mayhem and horror but, most of all, romance and the search for truth and true love despite Destiny or Fate :)

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Loved it.

A wonderful diversion. Loved the intriguing story and the location. Definitely worth of a movie or a mini series.

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A wonderfully beautiful story & a delicious listen

Where does Artemis Rising rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Right up at the top as one of my favorites. I will be looking for more from Cheri and/or Caprisha.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Artemis Rising?

The intriguing plot twists at the end, the rich and vibrant descriptions that bring the world to life and made me want to visit Portugal, as well as the sweet romantic scenes between Tristan and Eva.

Which scene was your favorite?

The lush descriptions of the water and the moon when Eva goes to her secret cave.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, if I could stay awake that long. The narrator’s voice is so nice to listen to that she lulls you to sleep as she reads you a delightful bedtime story of myth and magic. Caprisha’s voice doesn’t grate on your ears like some female readers do.

Any additional comments?

I loved how Cheri writes, and I loved how Caprisha performed male characters. She didn’t try to sound like a man and to me that actually made the dialogue from them more believable. It was never comical, which was so refreshing.

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Greek & Dark Age Mythology Collide

Cheri Lasota dug through mythology and came up with two seemingly unrelated stories, separated by vast amounts of time, and made them work together as the underlying thread for this wonderful story. Arethusa, a Greek nymph, Alpheus, a river god, and the god Artemis come from Greek mythology. Tristan, a Cornish Knight, and Isolde, an Irish Princess, hail from the Dark Ages. Both are stories of faith, duty, love, and a desire to be free.

The story is basically about allowing your destiny to be determined by others and the past or taking it into your own hands.

Caprisha Page's enjoyable narration provided each character with a unique voice and wonderful vocal emotions. She brought the words on the page to life.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast.

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Engossing, captivating story.

I listened to the audible version of this story, and really enjoyed the narration. It made many of the scenes even more dramatic and gave me a clearer picture in my head as they were happening.

That said, what I liked most about this story was the blend of Christian beliefs with mythical legends and pagan beliefs. It shows both good and bad in extremes. It is a very well-written story (although a bit lengthy - some scenes were a big long and drawn out). The story really comes alive through the thoughts and actions of the characters, especially in some of the more dramatic parts of the story.

You'll find love, lust, betrayal, intrigue and more is this story.

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Artemis Rising

If you could sum up Artemis Rising in three words, what would they be?

Long, tragic, tormentor

Any additional comments?

This story was a little drawn out for my taste. And I got so angry at how this young girl gets bullied by everyone and nothing is done about it. I felt this was just repeated over and over in the story. Of course she has learned this habit from her mother who always allowed her father to do the same. I did however like the twist near the end of the story.

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Beautiful story!

I received a review copy of this from the author. At the time I did not realize this was a sort of love story. I probably wouldn't have requested a copy if I'd known. Romance isn't what I usually enjoy listening to. This isn't a romance novel in my opinion and I'm glad I didn't know it was a love story. I would have missed out on a great book if I passed this up! Cheri is an amazing author and Caprisha did a wonderful job with the narration! I am a huge fan of mythology and this story combines different mythologies into one amazing story! I highly recommend this book and look forward to more by Cheri!

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