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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
It was refreshing to read a version of the Iliad/Trojan War that is so creative, building up a whole world and layers of complex relationships and flawed characters that take a lot from their mythological versions, but also gain new interpretations and ideas. Deane creates a trans woman Achilles whose experience of transness is tied to being a demigoddess, and there is a lot she explores through the other trans characters too that creates a messy, complex version of ancient transness and how it relates to privilege, gender, community, and love.
As someone who is growing tired of all of the Greek myth 'retellings' that seem to simplify the texts and history they work from, it was exciting to read one that makes things messy and different, changing even the gods.
As someone who is growing tired of all of the Greek myth 'retellings' that seem to simplify the texts and history they work from, it was exciting to read one that makes things messy and different, changing even the gods.
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Pregnancy, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content, Slavery
slow-paced
I didn't care for the narrator in the audiobook, they were very monotone. I do think I want to read the book though
The selling point of this book was that this it was a trans Achilles retelling. That, to me, promised a lot of possible character development for her that wasn't originally there and yet very early on in the story
Achilles is 'granted her wish' to become a cis woman which magically solved all her issues, while completely forgetting and dismissing all of her former friends' who like her, were AFAB and did not get to change how she did just because she was a god's child.
Felt very disappointed and I was super excited about this story but they can't all be winners.
Felt very disappointed and I was super excited about this story but they can't all be winners.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Transphobia
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Pregnancy
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoy retellings of myths, but this ended up leaving me cold. There's a lack of focus with so many ideas and interests, it just got overwhelming, and the dream sequences make that worse. Plus, Achilles gets transformed and then dismisses anyone else who's trans?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Pregnancy, Dysphoria, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body shaming, Transphobia
Haven’t picked it up in a while. Idk the concept was interesting, but actually reading it didn’t catch my attention unfortunately. I’m sure I’ll give it another try eventually