The Epic of Glenda Mesh

Christopher Fryer presents: THE EPIC OF GLENDA MESH
A modern retelling of “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” written in 2100 BC.

Glenda Mesh is a badass junior in high school who rules the modern-day city of Babylon like a monster because her parents are rich and she doesn’t care about anyone but herself. Who dares to stop her when she’s also the best track and field star in the country? No one, that’s who.

Until one day a red-headed orphan girl named Enkidu comes into town with a sad backstory and a grudge against tyrants like Glenda. When Glenda faces the reality that she’s become the villain in her own story, and sees the horrid legacy she’ll be leaving behind, she strives to change for the better. However, the only person willing to help her might be her new biggest rival.

In what she frames as a “Hero’s Quest,” Glenda will boldly take on the city of Babylon’s most heinous criminal in history. But when you’re chasing down a psychopath that even the cops are avoiding, it might be a sign that she’s getting in over her head. Chances are, it’ll only get worse from there.

Being a villain is easy. Being a hero is hard.

How will Glenda overcome a madman, a drug lord, a stalker, and an angry bull, and still expect to see the end of her junior year? Add in the stress of school, awkward family dinners, track meets with her rival, and a growing fear of death… Glenda Mesh will be tested in every way possible. It will be epic, to say the least.

Inspired by “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” written in Ancient Mesopotamia in 2100 BC, this novel puts a twist on that ancient tale by reversing genders, playing with the themes, and modernizing the plot. Though previous knowledge of the source material isn’t necessary, it does add a neat layer to the novel, and it’s recommended to look into after reading.

You’ll enjoy this book if you like: coming of age stories, gritty narratives, harrowing situations, family struggles, and complicated relationships, with ancient themes of finding purpose, overcoming challenges, handling grief, understanding love, and the want for immortality.

Read THE EPIC OF GLENDA MESH to discover Glenda’s fate. Will her Hero’s Quest end with her achieving a legacy to be proud of, or will her heroic endeavors send her to an early grave?