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A review by viscountess_black
Mourned by Men by Katie Frendreis
adventurous
challenging
sad
fast-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
3.5
3.5/5 stars
Penthesilea is the youngest daughter of Otrera, the Queen of the Amazons. She grows in a society were women's opinions and suggestions are not only just accepted but implemented, they have value and learn to respect and be respected. Penthesilea and her sister Hippolyta, along a group of young women learn to fight and become warriors, as strong and fast as the men that constantly try to diminish them. This is the story of a princess and a future Queen who is in a constant fight with not only men, but also struggles with herself, as a woman.
What I loved: How the author describes not only the character's growth and adventures, but also shows us the changes and developments of the Amazon society. I'm not gonna lie, at first I was extremely confused because, even tho I'm not an expert on the mythology and history of the Amazon women, I do know a little and I had certain expectations for what to find and what to read about it, so it surprised me (and didn't sit well at first, to be honest) to find that it wasn't the way I expected it to be. I'm so glad I didn't stop reading and decided to open my mind to the book, since it is, after all, a retelling. I got to see those changes at the hand of Penthesilea, and for that, I'm immensely grateful.
What I liked: Penthesilea's growth and the initial relationship with her mother and her sister. It's heart warming to read their interactions.
What I disliked: The author's narration. I know, this is a retelling. Still, it didn't sit well with me that I'm reading a retelling, expecting a certain use of language, at least for the character dialogs, and instead of feeling like I'm reading Penthesilea's pov or story in The Iliad, I'm reading an american novel.
If you like The Song of Achilles, this book might be for you.
Thank you, Booksprout and World Castle Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book so I could give it my honest review.
Penthesilea is the youngest daughter of Otrera, the Queen of the Amazons. She grows in a society were women's opinions and suggestions are not only just accepted but implemented, they have value and learn to respect and be respected. Penthesilea and her sister Hippolyta, along a group of young women learn to fight and become warriors, as strong and fast as the men that constantly try to diminish them. This is the story of a princess and a future Queen who is in a constant fight with not only men, but also struggles with herself, as a woman.
What I loved: How the author describes not only the character's growth and adventures, but also shows us the changes and developments of the Amazon society. I'm not gonna lie, at first I was extremely confused because, even tho I'm not an expert on the mythology and history of the Amazon women, I do know a little and I had certain expectations for what to find and what to read about it, so it surprised me (and didn't sit well at first, to be honest) to find that it wasn't the way I expected it to be. I'm so glad I didn't stop reading and decided to open my mind to the book, since it is, after all, a retelling. I got to see those changes at the hand of Penthesilea, and for that, I'm immensely grateful.
What I liked: Penthesilea's growth and the initial relationship with her mother and her sister. It's heart warming to read their interactions.
What I disliked: The author's narration. I know, this is a retelling. Still, it didn't sit well with me that I'm reading a retelling, expecting a certain use of language, at least for the character dialogs, and instead of feeling like I'm reading Penthesilea's pov or story in The Iliad, I'm reading an american novel.
If you like The Song of Achilles, this book might be for you.
Thank you, Booksprout and World Castle Publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book so I could give it my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, and Murder
Minor: Animal death
This is a retelling of the war described it The Iliad by Homer. You can expect violence and murder. Also, misogyny but, you can already expect that.