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A review by cherie_mishu
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
5.0
"He is half of my soul, as the poets say."
Rating
Overall: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 4/5
Content and trigger warnings for:
↷murder (including animals), death, slavery, abduction, abandonment, torture, mention of rape, blood depictions, human sacrificing, physical violence, human trafficking, graphic mention of a plague, self-harm, child abuse, and war themes.
quick summary
The Song of Achilles follows Patroclus, The son of King Menoitius has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia, here he is unseen, another boy who was unwanted and living under the shadow of his father. Achilles is everything Patroclus is not: strong, beautiful, the child of a goddess. Achilles takes the shamed prince under his wing and as they grow into young men who are skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond becomes deeper—despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals. Patroclus follows Achilles into war risking everything they have learned and hold deer...
review
I loved the beginning of this book so much! I had thought that we would be seeing Achilles pov at throughout but it was actually Patroclus' - the plot had me engaged with the exile and what would happen to him and how Achilles and him would end up together.
However after a while I did start to feel bored about most scenes, it just felt like a large filler up until the war began, I'm also not really into Trojan mythology so most of this was a bit confusing for me personally and I didn't seem all to interested. My interest did increase when actually discussing this book with others though as I still had a fun time explaining what I likes and disliked but personally I wouldn't re read this book.
Conclusion
Pros: interesting characters and personalities
Cons: the sex scenes with minors... it was very uncomfortable to read and listen (audiobook)
Overall- 5/5 stars.
Rating
Overall: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 4/5
Content and trigger warnings for:
↷murder (including animals), death, slavery, abduction, abandonment, torture, mention of rape, blood depictions, human sacrificing, physical violence, human trafficking, graphic mention of a plague, self-harm, child abuse, and war themes.
quick summary
The Song of Achilles follows Patroclus, The son of King Menoitius has been exiled to the kingdom of Phthia, here he is unseen, another boy who was unwanted and living under the shadow of his father. Achilles is everything Patroclus is not: strong, beautiful, the child of a goddess. Achilles takes the shamed prince under his wing and as they grow into young men who are skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond becomes deeper—despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother Thetis, a cruel sea goddess with a hatred of mortals. Patroclus follows Achilles into war risking everything they have learned and hold deer...
review
I loved the beginning of this book so much! I had thought that we would be seeing Achilles pov at throughout but it was actually Patroclus' - the plot had me engaged with the exile and what would happen to him and how Achilles and him would end up together.
However after a while I did start to feel bored about most scenes, it just felt like a large filler up until the war began, I'm also not really into Trojan mythology so most of this was a bit confusing for me personally and I didn't seem all to interested. My interest did increase when actually discussing this book with others though as I still had a fun time explaining what I likes and disliked but personally I wouldn't re read this book.
Conclusion
Pros: interesting characters and personalities
Cons: the sex scenes with minors... it was very uncomfortable to read and listen (audiobook)
Overall- 5/5 stars.