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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
actual_hobbit's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.75
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy!
This book is a must-read for any mythology lover. I was a bit daunted by the length at first, but it is truly worth every page.
The two authors give us a glimpse behind the walls of Troy - right in the middle of the Trojan War - and create extraordinary portraits of three underestimated women who will do anything to save their city.
A.D. Rhone's portrayals of Andromache and Helen are more nuanced than any I've ever seen before. Both characters are complicated, and they don't always making the right choices, but you can't help but root for both on every page. I already loved the character of Hector going into this, but after reading this book, I'm an Andromache-and-Hector girl forever.
I didn't realize Rhea, the other main character, was an original creation at first, but to me, this was a bold, smart choice. Through Rhea's eyes, we see legendary characters as real humans, full of emotion and turmoil, struggling to reconcile their dreams with the unfair positions fate has put them in. And we see the harsh realities of war: slavery, massacres, and the treatment of refugees. (And you can't help but cheer her on too!)
For anyone picking up this book, go into it knowing that you won't get an ending with full closure. The authors end this book in the middle of war, and as much as I would have read more, I'm grateful that they spared us from seeing these characters go theough the sacking of Troy. I think it was a compassionate, smart choice. My heart would have been broken to a million pieces if I had to read that after falling in love with these characters.
Listen to the full review on Books Are Magical Podcast: https://linktr.ee/booksaremagical?fbclid=PAAaYj50y6-loQnMQ1GX56l2bC039o9NgiEqCbf7nwODzzj8NBxNJaZ0vcHwg
This book is a must-read for any mythology lover. I was a bit daunted by the length at first, but it is truly worth every page.
The two authors give us a glimpse behind the walls of Troy - right in the middle of the Trojan War - and create extraordinary portraits of three underestimated women who will do anything to save their city.
A.D. Rhone's portrayals of Andromache and Helen are more nuanced than any I've ever seen before. Both characters are complicated, and they don't always making the right choices, but you can't help but root for both on every page. I already loved the character of Hector going into this, but after reading this book, I'm an Andromache-and-Hector girl forever.
I didn't realize Rhea, the other main character, was an original creation at first, but to me, this was a bold, smart choice. Through Rhea's eyes, we see legendary characters as real humans, full of emotion and turmoil, struggling to reconcile their dreams with the unfair positions fate has put them in. And we see the harsh realities of war: slavery, massacres, and the treatment of refugees. (And you can't help but cheer her on too!)
For anyone picking up this book, go into it knowing that you won't get an ending with full closure. The authors end this book in the middle of war, and as much as I would have read more, I'm grateful that they spared us from seeing these characters go theough the sacking of Troy. I think it was a compassionate, smart choice. My heart would have been broken to a million pieces if I had to read that after falling in love with these characters.
Listen to the full review on Books Are Magical Podcast: https://linktr.ee/booksaremagical?fbclid=PAAaYj50y6-loQnMQ1GX56l2bC039o9NgiEqCbf7nwODzzj8NBxNJaZ0vcHwg
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Violence, Sexual violence, Rape, Slavery, and Domestic abuse
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