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ginalucia's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
5.0
Is it possible to have so many retellings of The Battle of Troy and have them all be different?
Yes, okay? So keep them coming!
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Horses of Fire as much as I did. The battle and build-up to it are so vast and encompass so many characters, you could easily get lost in it.
But with this book, it simply isn’t possible because the main focus isn’t the battle. It’s the characters.
The three women Horses of Fire focuses on are each unique, complex, and distinctive. Not an easy feat when their stories are so interwoven.
I listened to the audiobook, which likely helped with their individual voices (literally). But regardless, I couldn’t help but love each one - even with their flaws.
This book contains one of my favourite forms of writing - character-focused world-building. You get a scope and feel for the location through the characters. They tell us how it feels to be there, they show us what they see and what to make of it - I love that.
This book doesn’t let up, you’re given very brief rests in between a lot of intensity, so bear that in mind. But honestly, I’m convinced. A.D. Rhine, sign me up for the next one!
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ginaluciayt
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Slavery, War, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Death of parent, and Infertility
savvyrosereads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
A retelling and reimagining of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of some of the women of Troy.
This one is a bit long, but it is SO good. I was enamored by the characters, each of whom were beautifully rendered and deeply fascinating. Andromache, in particular, is a figure I have never paid much attention to in myth but that I really enjoyed here, both in her own right and in her relationship with Hector.
As a lifelong horse-girl, I also loved the horses here (and Rhea’s interactions with them) and appreciated the role they played throughout the story. Finally, the action really picked up towards the final third of the book, and I was on the edge of my metaphorical seat to see what would happen and where everything would end up. I cannot WAIT for the sequel, DAUGHTERS OF BRONZE, which is coming in November!
If you enjoy myths and retellings, I highly recommend this one! The audiobook itself was also excellent and I liked all of the narrators!
CW: Death/war/violence/blood; sexual violence; physical abuse; grief; pregnancy/infidelity
A retelling and reimagining of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of some of the women of Troy.
This one is a bit long, but it is SO good. I was enamored by the characters, each of whom were beautifully rendered and deeply fascinating. Andromache, in particular, is a figure I have never paid much attention to in myth but that I really enjoyed here, both in her own right and in her relationship with Hector.
As a lifelong horse-girl, I also loved the horses here (and Rhea’s interactions with them) and appreciated the role they played throughout the story. Finally, the action really picked up towards the final third of the book, and I was on the edge of my metaphorical seat to see what would happen and where everything would end up. I cannot WAIT for the sequel, DAUGHTERS OF BRONZE, which is coming in November!
If you enjoy myths and retellings, I highly recommend this one! The audiobook itself was also excellent and I liked all of the narrators!
CW: Death/war/violence/blood; sexual violence; physical abuse; grief; pregnancy/infidelity
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, War, Classism, Violence, Child death, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Blood, Death, and Sexual violence
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