Reviews

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

vbagnato's review against another edition

adventurous emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

pagancelt's review against another edition

4.0

I enjoyed Circe more, but this was still a wonderful story, beautifully told. Rather than a first-person perspective, this story is told by Achilles' dearest companion.

27chickpeas's review against another edition

4.0

(Audiobook) A nice epic about Achilles and the Battle of Troy. It had a slow start but slowly built. The character development is great and the reimagination of classic Greek tales is a delight.

ssolerrojas's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

definitelyfinch's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

srachelkh's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring 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

madwomanlibrary's review against another edition

5.0

I was warned but I didn’t expect to cry that much. Dear god I am wreaked. Charmed by the writing and heart warmed by the relationship Miller has adapted between Achilles and Patroclus in this story. I can’t get over the tender and quiet moments between them. This review deserves so much more than I can give it right now. I will need time to get a grip on my emotions.

readivine's review against another edition

4.0

Actual rating is 4.5 stars!

"A brother-in-arms sworn to a prince by blood oaths and love."

I read this book far too long than I usually do, partly because of school, and partly because I wanted it to last. (ALSO ALSO ACTUALLY ACTUALLY I WAS DISTRACTED WITH OTHER BOOKS WHICH IS VALID!) I've plunged into this knowing that I'll get hurt by the end. I've read Iliad a couple of times already in my post-Percy Jackson phase, so I was more than ready. But oh boy, I did not expect to fall in love with Patroclus so dangg hard.

This book skirts the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles, from their youth to their manhood. AND IT WAS SO GODDANG POETIC AND BEAUTIFUL. I've never read Miller's books and this was an undeniable gem! The short cutting sentences were a unique style yet it still delivered a great deal of beauty with it.

Spoiler

also that sex scene with the two fas so fcking poetic???? how could a writer even pull that off without mentioning the general gross parts of sex??? howww????

I love this book sooo soo soo much. YOU BETTER READ IT TOO. Also the audiobook is amazing?? I MEAN WHAT A SEXY VOICE FOR A NARRATOR. :>

christinabijou's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

gsroney's review against another edition

5.0

“Name one hero who was happy."
I considered. Heracles went mad and killed his family; Theseus lost his bride and father; Jason's children and new wife were murdered by his old; Bellerophon killed the Chimera but was crippled by the fall from Pegasus' back.
"You can't." He was sitting up now, leaning forward.
"I can't."
"I know. They never let you be famous AND happy." He lifted an eyebrow. "I'll tell you a secret."
"Tell me." I loved it when he was like this.
"I'm going to be the first." He took my palm and held it to his. "Swear it."
"Why me?"
"Because you're the reason. Swear it."
"I swear it," I said, lost in the high color of his cheeks, the flame in his eyes.
"I swear it," he echoed.
We sat like that a moment, hands touching. He grinned.
"I feel like I could eat the world raw.”