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elysareadsitall's review against another edition
2.0
This story left me wanting. It was terribly slow to begin with, and then when it starts to pick up and get really exciting. It abruptly ends. The book seems to be building to some great punishment for the main character, but nothing happens to her. She ends up being sent to the island of the man she loves, but does she marry him or just get shipped back to Sparta? Don't know. The book ends with the order to send her to the island. Nothing really gets resolved. There was more place description than plot or character development.
dancarey_404's review against another edition
4.0
I'm no classicist, but I flatter myself that I know a bit more about ancient Greek history than the average Joe. But Cooney gave me a completely new perspective on the character of Helen, Paris and Menelaus. They became, for want of a better word, believable. As is so often the case, a wonderful book has been relegated to the YA shelves just because the protagonist is a young girl. Don't let that label keep you from reading this excellent tale. [Audiobook note: At first, I thought the narrator's voice was too deep for a young girl's. But once I got used to it, it did not impede my enjoyment. She does a first-rate narration.]
annacochran's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
circe stans would love this tbh
audreyapproved's review against another edition
5.0
The first re-telling of the Trojan War I ever read (maybe in middle school)
jaymeshaw's review against another edition
3.0
I thought that this was an interesting story involving Helen and Paris of Troy. Both are written as very cold and calculating instead of young, innocent lovers. I liked the main character Anaxandra - she was quite strong and made the decisions that were in her best interest. It was a bit violent and graphic for a YA novel though.
crernst25's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not typically a fan of historical fiction, but I like this era of history, so that's what drew me into the book. However, the book itself was very well written and I fell in love with the protagonist. The book takes you through the events of the Trojan War through another perspective and was a really great read. Highly recommend.
jjjina's review against another edition
5.0
Read this when I was a kid and did a reread after "cleaning" my room
I love a book about girls and this book is full of vibrant loving and dreaming girls and women. I love the way Anaxandra's world keeps growing with her capacity for love, her inner strength, and instinct to survive. Despite each misfortune and betrayal she endures, she never closes her heart to others or to life. She knows the value of quiet dignity but is unafraid to take control. This book gave me a lot to think about in terms of moral ambiguity, family, and just... the value of an individual. Maybe I'm projecting onto the story a bit but I liked it as just entertainment when I was a kid too. The writing style imbues an otherwise historical fiction type of story with magic and significance.
I love a book about girls and this book is full of vibrant loving and dreaming girls and women. I love the way Anaxandra's world keeps growing with her capacity for love, her inner strength, and instinct to survive. Despite each misfortune and betrayal she endures, she never closes her heart to others or to life. She knows the value of quiet dignity but is unafraid to take control. This book gave me a lot to think about in terms of moral ambiguity, family, and just... the value of an individual. Maybe I'm projecting onto the story a bit but I liked it as just entertainment when I was a kid too. The writing style imbues an otherwise historical fiction type of story with magic and significance.