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mmatti300's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book honestly was a little disappointing. While I really enjoyed having klytemnestras perspective, the rest of the book felt very dry and exactly the same as every other Trojan war retelling. Maybe I feel this way simply because I have read quite a few, including the YA series Nobody’s Princess and Nobody’s prize that we’re similarly from Helens perspective. The writing style was also rather lackluster though there were a few stellar descriptions that fully encapsulated the vitriol and disgusting actions of the men. Since this is a debut, I can only hope that the strength of descriptions that Heywood showed glimmers of will be clearer in future books. A good book, interesting additions of Klytemnestra but overall more cookie cutter than I would have liked.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Rape, and Blood
Moderate: Slavery
Minor: Infidelity, Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Cannibalism, and Pregnancy
rileepickle's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I really enjoyed this novel, especially towards the end. I think the biggest issue I had with it was that it shifted from focusing on Klytemnestra to focusing on Helen in the latter parts of the novel. I found Klytemnestra's story much more interesting than Helen's, although Helen's was intriguing as well. I didn't like the way this novel ended, and had more questions about some of the plot points that weren't answered. Overall though, a fun and emotional read with lots of jarring scenes and important themes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Abortion, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment