Rise of Princes by Janell Rhiannon

Hello Readers,

I’m excited to continue my journey through Janell Rhiannon’s Homeric Chronicles with the second instalment, Rise of Princes. After reviewing the first book, Song of Sacrifice, during Greek Myth May, I was eager to see how the story of the Trojan War would unfold next.

This captivating retelling unfolds on a grand, epic scale, as Janell masterfully weaves multiple perspectives from fierce warriors to meddling gods giving readers a fully immersive experience. The gods’ devious manipulations add a fresh, intriguing layer to this familiar Greek mythology tale, making the story feel new and exciting.

I am using a poster image sourced from Google because the cover on my Kindle doesn’t do it justice. I do not own the rights to this image. It is used here under Fair Use for review and recommendation purposes, in accordance with Sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright Act.

One of the highlights of this Homeric Chronicles series is the portrayal of strong female characters. Despite suffering at the hands of men who use them as pawns in the Trojan War, these women rise above their circumstances and play their own strategic games. Their resilience and complexity add emotional depth and make the story truly inspiring.

The characters are richly developed and multifaceted. Achilles brings humour and heart to the narrative, while Agamemnon’s arrogance makes him easy to dislike. Clytemnestra’s story pulls at my heartstrings as always, and Briseis navigates difficult challenges with strength and grace. I found the evolving connection between Briseis and Achilles especially fascinating.

Janell’s vivid descriptions bring every battle and quiet moment to life, and the fast-paced storytelling kept me hooked from start to finish. I read the book in one sitting, emotionally invested in the characters and eager for the next instalment.

Unlike many retellings focused solely on Helen and Paris, Rise of Princes explores a wide cast of complex characters and doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of war. Janell’s honest and powerful storytelling breathes new life into Greek mythology and the Trojan War.

If you love historical fiction, Greek mythology, or epic stories with strong female leads and richly developed characters, this series is must-read. I highly recommend Rise of Princes and can’t wait to see what happens next.

L x

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