The story of the Trojan War told through several view points of (for the most part) fictional, but very realistic, inhabitants of Troy. There is Xanthe, the older sister of Marpessa, a worker in the Blood Room who heals soldiers. Marpessa, a personal companion Helen herself, with the gift of God-sight. Polyxena, best friend to Xanthe. Iason, a friend to both Xanthe and Polyxena who cares for the horses of Hector, the Trojan hero. The three old palace gossips. They all live within the citadel of King Priam and his family. Revenge, love, lust, greed, power, war, and betrayal are all evident within this rather remarkable re-telling of one of the most famous semi-historical wars.

How each of the characters was fully developed. You got a bit of back-story for each one and each had their flaws and fine points so as to create believable and relatable characters. The author often used humor to lighten the mood after a particularly depressing event. Like death, which there is a LOT of. But the humor was good.

I also liked how the Gods and Godesses apeared to people. And how just when I thought I was going to have to kill Paris, or Hector, or Helen, for being so stupid, they did something redeeming that helped me root for them again. It was a very emotionally taxing book for me as I allowed myself to get so caught up in it, but it was well worth it.

Cry. Scream. Kick something. Hit ancient people over the head with blunt objects. Don't wanna give to much away, but (as you probably already know if you know anything about Troy) the ending bites. Gah.

But, almost surprisingly, I did want to read through it again. And I did. And still liked the book on the whole.

Depressed near the end, but before that, I felt very submerged in the lives of these people and their city. It was a pretty amazing experience.

did a great job in taking the reader to ancient Troy. A bit weak when it came to using era-appropriate terms in some places, though.

it is a wonderful illustration of the Trojan War and a very relatable story at that. The drama that takes place could happen at any high school in the world. And even though it did depress me a bit, I still wanted to read the whole thing all over again! Which I did later do. I also read the whole thing straight through, stopping only once 'cause my mother is cruel and forced me to eat something. Hee hee, .

if you have a weak stomach (thank the Maker I don't) what the Greeks do to the family of Hector will probably drive you to your knees before the porclain tower, if ya take my meaning. Also, beware of the love-making and sexual dialouge if ya don't like that sort of thing.

I can't stress this enough: If. You. Aren't. 13. DON'T. Read. This. Book. In the meantime, go read something age appropriate and appreciate your childishness while you still have it.

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Created Aug 19, 2003 at 10:41pm • Submit your own review...