whorriorr's review against another edition
5.0
This is a retelling of the Trojan war, this time through the eyes of Hermoine, daughter of the legendary Helen of Troy. Unfortunately though, Hermoine does not share her mother's good looks.
So this was an amazing book. I am extremely interested in Greek Mythology and know a lot of background, those who don't would probably be confused about this book. Though it is based on a historical event and accurately describe much of ancient Greek life, there are a lot of mythological qualities as well. Such as constant interventions by Various God's.
This is an amazingly descriptive book, outlining a lot of Greek culture, but at the same time very down-to-earth and captivating. It not only describes before, during and after the 10 year Trojan war but also goes into Hermionie's relationships as well. Between her and her mother, friends, and her cousin/lover Orestes. It details her life as a Grecian princess, her life on the battlefield and her adventures fleeing her abusive husband and saving Orestes.
It is a very fun, educational and eye opening read.
So this was an amazing book. I am extremely interested in Greek Mythology and know a lot of background, those who don't would probably be confused about this book. Though it is based on a historical event and accurately describe much of ancient Greek life, there are a lot of mythological qualities as well. Such as constant interventions by Various God's.
This is an amazingly descriptive book, outlining a lot of Greek culture, but at the same time very down-to-earth and captivating. It not only describes before, during and after the 10 year Trojan war but also goes into Hermionie's relationships as well. Between her and her mother, friends, and her cousin/lover Orestes. It details her life as a Grecian princess, her life on the battlefield and her adventures fleeing her abusive husband and saving Orestes.
It is a very fun, educational and eye opening read.
bookishnicole's review against another edition
I got halfway through and was just so bored. The reviews look like that doesn't change much.
lavendermarch's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. Not as good as 'Helen of Sparta', which is written in a similar fashion, but better in other ways. A good book. I kind of liked the writing style, though it was a bit strange.
samoflarsen's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War, Rape, and Sexual violence
araleith's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know if it is because I don't know a lot of Greek myths or what, but this book felt like it just dragged on longer than it needed.
cetaylor05's review against another edition
3.0
Being the daughter of “the most beautiful woman in the world” is not all goodness and light. Not only is Hermione constantly comparing herself and being compared to her mother Helen of Troy, but - unfortunately - she is also universally found wanting. Although Helen’s impulsivity and egocentricism is rarely acknowledged by the general public, Hermione has the dubious honor of witnessing it firsthand as the queen forsakes her marriage and flees Sparta with the charming Prince Paris, leaving behind her distraught daughter, a trail of destruction, and chaos. This retelling of the myth of Hermione – Princess of Sparta, daughter of the “Face that Launched a Thousand Ships” and King Menelaus – is largely comprised of the Trojan War (from a backstage perspective) and its aftermath as it pertains to the protagonist. Hermione’s tale of woe is recounted in a plain-spoken, gritty, non-romanticized first-person point of view. Although it has a bittersweet ending, those in search of being regaled with soft-focus gilded accounts of war, heroism, bravery, and romance will find themselves sorely disenchanted as this novel tends to be more closely aligned with the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales than their Disney depictions.
mabry's review
2.0
The first section of this was awesome, but after that the storyline was a straight narration with little character depth.
jiohz's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
4.0
Very easy read with the setting of Greek Mythology. I loved how the author was able to combine Greek mythology into a new storyline and give voice to an otherwise unheard of character. I enjoyed reading about Hermonie’s strengths and her determination - be it to be close to her father while at war, going on a journey to find Orestes, and even her friendliness to go out of the way to befriend and show kindness to those around her.
There were parts of the story that I felt could have been more developed - mostly it was the parts where Hermione and Orestes falls in love. it could have been a better love story.
There were parts of the story that I felt could have been more developed - mostly it was the parts where Hermione and Orestes falls in love. it could have been a better love story.
cutebookworm's review against another edition
2.0
Why did i keep reading this book if I thought it was so bad?
Well
It was a great lesson in "please stop telling and please start showing."
Well
It was a great lesson in "please stop telling and please start showing."