Author: Janell Rhiannon
Category: Greek Myth and Legend
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Review:
I read Song of Princes: Volume 1 (Homeric Chronicles) as a member of Rosie Amber’s Book Review Team #RBRT
I do love reading about Greek mythology, although it’s normally in a non-fiction format or as a modernised young adult fictional twist. So when I read the blurb for Song of Princes, I couldn’t resist. I also love the cover design.
Greek Gods, Kings, and Queens, Nymphs and Heroes – Song of Princes has it all. I struggled with the pronunciation of some of the names (which is fairly normal for me), so I ended up giving them nicknames – this made for a much speedier read! The tongue tripping aside, I enjoyed this unique take on a well-established legend.
The story starts with the birth of Paris and Achilles, building a picture of their lives through infancy, to manhood. Told from a variety of viewpoints the author steers the story towards the start of the Trojan War. I’m not sure on the historical accuracy, but the author does tell a compelling story, bringing to life mythical characters such as Zeus, Paris, Achilles, and Aphrodite.
The start of this book showed great promise, but the pace lessens as you get further in. The ending fell a bit flat for me which is why I awarded 3.5 stars instead of 4.
Blurb:
The TROJAN WAR
SONG OF PRINCES, Book One of the Homeric Chronicles
Sing Muse. Sing of the shining citadel of Troy rising from the hot sands of Asia. Sing of the Greek palaces ascending from their rocky hilltops. Sing of one woman’s dream heralding the madness of men and the murder of innocents. From bull dancing rings and wild meadows, the Forgotten Prince must choose between love and a golden crown. From seclusion and safety, the Golden Warrior must choose between his honor and his life. From behind the Great Wall, the Golden Prince must choose between his family and his city. And from a rugged realm on the far side of Greece, the Warrior King must choose between his son’s life and certain exile. Here shepherds and princes, warriors and kings, and seers and lovers seek to conquer their passions, outwit destiny or surrender to it.
PARIS, the FORGOTTEN PRINCE. Abandoned at birth and raised as a shepherd, Paris believes he is destined for a simple life. His heart belongs to the nymph, Oenone, until the beautiful Helen forces him to choose. ACHILLES, the GOLDEN WARRIOR. Destined to live a short life, Achilles becomes the young lover of a princess who he abandons for the passions of war. He discovers that love is his only weakness. HEKTOR, the GOLDEN PRINCE. As guardian of the citadel, Hektor must balance his heart’s desire between the beautiful Andromache and the people he’s sworn to protect. ODYSSEUS, the WARRIOR KING. Forced into a war against his will, Odysseus leaves his young wife, Penelope, behind. Their love must stand the test of time and temptation.
Where did their legends begin before their lives converged at Troy in one of the most famous battles of all time? The HOMERIC CHRONICLES tell the stories of Paris, Achilles, Hektor, and Odysseus in one chronological tale, beginning before the ILIAD and ending long after the ODYSSEY. Blending both history and myth, the Homeric Chronicles will satisfy your love of Greek mythology, while paying homage to the original storyteller, Homer.
SONGS OF PRINCES begins with the birth of Paris and Achilles, and introduces us to a young Hektor and Odysseus. The journey of the princes begins…
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Shelley Wilson Author 