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A review by nadiamasood
Horses of Fire by A.D. Rhine
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Okay, wow, what an absolutely epic feminist reimagining of the Trojan War! If you love Greek mythology, strong female characters, and a fresh spin on classic tales, this book is for you.
What’s so amazing? First off, the characters. Andromache, Helen, and Rhea (an original character, a servant who quickly became my favorite) are NOT the same old characters you’ve seen in Trojan War retellings. Andromache is a total warrior queen, and Helen? She’s so much more than just the "face that launched a thousand ships." Every character feels real, complicated, and totally worth rooting for. I loved them all.
The writing is stunning! It's poetic and vivid. I could almost hear the horses' hooves, taste the bitterness of war, and feel the raw emotions of the characters. It's one of those books where you live in it while reading. If you’ve ever loved a book for its atmosphere, this one nails it.
I’ve seen a few reviews mention that the pacing can be a bit slow at times, but honestly, I think that’s part of the charm. The buildup, especially as we dive deeper into these women's stories, is completely worth it. While there’s definitely action, it’s more about the emotional stakes than just battles. I love how the author focused on the often-invisible lives of the women and children who suffer during war, while the men go off to battle. The tension between personal desires and the larger battle for Troy is central, with palace intrigue and a profound bond of female friendship driving much of the plot.
This book is everything I wanted it to be and more. It’s rich, gripping, and beautifully written, with an ending that left me craving the next book in the duology. Can’t recommend it enough!
Who Should Read It?
This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in feminist reimaginings of classical myths. It's also perfect for readers who enjoy stories of personal courage, political maneuvering, and intricate character development set against the backdrop of one of the most famous wars in history.
What’s so amazing? First off, the characters. Andromache, Helen, and Rhea (an original character, a servant who quickly became my favorite) are NOT the same old characters you’ve seen in Trojan War retellings. Andromache is a total warrior queen, and Helen? She’s so much more than just the "face that launched a thousand ships." Every character feels real, complicated, and totally worth rooting for. I loved them all.
The writing is stunning! It's poetic and vivid. I could almost hear the horses' hooves, taste the bitterness of war, and feel the raw emotions of the characters. It's one of those books where you live in it while reading. If you’ve ever loved a book for its atmosphere, this one nails it.
I’ve seen a few reviews mention that the pacing can be a bit slow at times, but honestly, I think that’s part of the charm. The buildup, especially as we dive deeper into these women's stories, is completely worth it. While there’s definitely action, it’s more about the emotional stakes than just battles. I love how the author focused on the often-invisible lives of the women and children who suffer during war, while the men go off to battle. The tension between personal desires and the larger battle for Troy is central, with palace intrigue and a profound bond of female friendship driving much of the plot.
This book is everything I wanted it to be and more. It’s rich, gripping, and beautifully written, with an ending that left me craving the next book in the duology. Can’t recommend it enough!
Who Should Read It?
This book is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in feminist reimaginings of classical myths. It's also perfect for readers who enjoy stories of personal courage, political maneuvering, and intricate character development set against the backdrop of one of the most famous wars in history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Violence, and War
Minor: Sexual assault