Hardcover, 384 pages
English language
Published Jan. 29, 2021 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia to be raised in the shadow of King Peleus and his golden son, Achilles. “The best of all the Greeks”—strong, beautiful, and the child of a goddess—Achilles is everything the shamed Patroclus is not. Yet despite their differences, the boys become steadfast companions. Their bond deepens as they grow into young men and become skilled in the arts of war and medicine—much to the displeasure and the fury of Achilles’ mother, Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals.
When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the men of Greece, bound by blood and oath, must lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. …
Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia to be raised in the shadow of King Peleus and his golden son, Achilles. “The best of all the Greeks”—strong, beautiful, and the child of a goddess—Achilles is everything the shamed Patroclus is not. Yet despite their differences, the boys become steadfast companions. Their bond deepens as they grow into young men and become skilled in the arts of war and medicine—much to the displeasure and the fury of Achilles’ mother, Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals.
When word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the men of Greece, bound by blood and oath, must lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny, Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Little do they know that the Fates will test them both as never before and demand a terrible sacrifice.
A tragedy of narcissistic proportions. Nicely written & well paced. Feels real without losing its mythic aura.
Reading time 3 days, 123 pages/day
This is a really lovely (re-)interpretation of the Iliad through the lens of romance writing. I really enjoy how the author has made the characters come to life in an unexpected way. Really easy and stress-free read. Absolutely recommend this book.
Such a beautifully written and captivatingly intimate work. I was so entranced and obsessed, I finished it in two days!
If you're a fan of historical tragic romance -and even if you aren't- this is THE book to read
New favourite book. It's perfect. I was so sceptic in the beginning, but the book won me over after a while. Such powerful story telling. It's the perfect preparation for reading the Illiad. I probably need to still read lots of other stuff beforehand, but it was a perfect introduction.
I have so many questions left, because some things were weird, but I will probably get it when I read the original. The writing was so beautiful. Since it's a retelling Miller had lots of creative room and she used it well. I cannot find any critic about this book. I think it has a goal, which was telling Achilles story from an LGBTQ point of view and it achieved it in a respectful, believable manner. I loved the well built characters, and the respect for historical sociological context.
And now I will go back to fangirling and cuddling the …
New favourite book. It's perfect. I was so sceptic in the beginning, but the book won me over after a while. Such powerful story telling. It's the perfect preparation for reading the Illiad. I probably need to still read lots of other stuff beforehand, but it was a perfect introduction.
I have so many questions left, because some things were weird, but I will probably get it when I read the original. The writing was so beautiful. Since it's a retelling Miller had lots of creative room and she used it well. I cannot find any critic about this book. I think it has a goal, which was telling Achilles story from an LGBTQ point of view and it achieved it in a respectful, believable manner. I loved the well built characters, and the respect for historical sociological context.
And now I will go back to fangirling and cuddling the book.
Good book guys. Read.
A familiar story told in a refreshing, exciting and wonderful way! Although the story is ultimately very sad, this book is absolutely recommended.
