Hello Readers,
A thank you to Janell for inviting me to be part of the beta
reading team for The White Island. It’s always a thrill to get an early look at
a new story but this one is truly something special. Without giving anything
away, the emotional journey woven throughout The White Island is masterfully
done. It pulls you in, holds you close, and stays with you. Spoiler Free Review
Happy Belated Publication Day
Title: The White Island
Author: Janell Rhiannon
Series: The Homeric Chronicles (#4)
Genre: Greek Mythology, Historical Fantasy, Romantasy
Pages: 610
Cover Image:
Synopsis: Odysseus whose heart is set on home must battle
the ghosts of war that haunt his visions as well as the wrath of Poseidon.
Penelope’s hold on the kingdom is threatened by the cunning suitors and the
traitors within her household. As Telemachus looks to his future amidst
increasing danger, he grapples with the absence of a father he has never truly
known. And when he experiences the tender stirrings of an unexpected and
forbidden love, he questions everything he thought he held dear.
Agamemnon arrives home with Cassandra and their child, shocking Clytemnestra
who reconsiders her plans for revenge. Could she be as ruthless as her husband?
She questions her resolve as she weighs the consequences. Agamemnon quickly
realizes his wife has secured substantial power in his absence and turns to
Orestes and Elektra to outwit her.
Neoptolemus, son of Achilles, struggles to carve a legacy in the shadow of his
father’s greatness. After Troy, he finds himself questioning everything on his
path to glory. And his war prize Andromache finds herself torn between grief
and accepting a new life with the man who murdered her family. She has no
forgiveness to offer until new threats emerge threatening to tear this new
world apart.
Helen and Menelaus return to Sparta under a delicate truce held together by an
unconventional marriage arrangement. This fragile unity is tested when they
must regain their throne and reclaim their lives.
Briseis travels with seven Myrmidons along the Thracian and Macedonian coasts
to Phthia. They guard her as their queen and widow of their fallen prince
Achilles. She carries a gift from the gods and they vow to protect her with
their lives. They are welcomed by Peleus and in this new home, Briseis finds
that love does conquer all.
The dead live.
Miniature Review
I’ve just finished The White Island by Janell Rhiannon, and
while I usually wait a day or two to process before reviewing, this one demands
something raw and immediate. This book still has its grip on me emotionally,
mentally, even physically. I laughed. I cried. I yelled. And now I just need
someone to talk to about it.
As a beta reader, I was lucky to read this Greek mythology
retelling ahead of release, but nothing prepared me for the emotional journey
Janell Rhiannon takes us on. The White Island is a powerful historical fantasy
novel that blends epic storytelling with rich mythological detail and deeply
human emotion. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just live in your head it
settles in your heart.
From chapter one, I was hooked. By chapter 30, I was
consumed. I even apologized to Janell for not giving feedback, I couldn’t stop
reading long enough to think straight.
Without spoilers: some characters get the endings they
deserve. Others took me by surprise. Characters I’ve disliked in other
retellings? Janell made me feel for them. And the journey with the Myrmidons?
One of my favourite parts it was raw, emotional, unforgettable. Briseis shines
in a way I didn’t know I needed.
If you love The Song of Achilles, Circe, or Elektra, this is
a must-read. Janell Rhiannon doesn’t just retell myth she reshapes it with
boldness, beauty, and heart.
L x
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