Review: Rise of Princes by Janell Rhiannon

Title: Rise of Princes
Author: Janell Rhiannon
Series: Homeric Chronicles #2
Publication: March 1st 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Mythology, Retelling
Purchase it on: Amazon
Rating: 4/5★

As the Trojan War continues, the gods pit their chosen heroes against each other, fighting alongside them on blood-slick battlefields. Amid the carnage and chaos, Achilles and Hektor rise to fame, conquering and defending; enslaving and freeing the people of the Troad. 

While the glory of war belongs to the men…the heart of the Trojan War belongs to the women.

Clytemnestra claims Mycenae as her own and vows to make Agamemnon pay. Helen’s gift of beauty tangles with a dark truth in Troy. Briseis fears she’ll forget her past in Lyrnessus, as she adapts to life as Achilles’ war prize. Andromache despairs Hektor will cast her aside, when she fails to produce an heir for Troy. Penelope turns to Anticlea, Odysseus’ mother, for guidance in ruling Ithaka. Hecuba’s heart breaks, as she mourns yet another Trojan son murdered at Achilles’ hands.

A terrible shadow stretches over the land, and heroines must embrace their true strength becoming…unstoppable.

Sing, Muse, sing the song of princes…

It took me a while to get around to it but I finally read Rise of Princes. And I loved it! I've become a real fan of mythology retellings, especially when they revolve around the Trojan War, like this one. Just like with the first book, Song of Sascrifice, this was a fantastic read. It was definitely a worthy sequel and I can't wait to read book three.

I already mentioned this in my recent review of the first book but again I loved the writing so so so so much. It really was beautiful. The writing is just so detailed and wonderful to read. I couldn't get enough of it. I just can't say anything negative about it. 

I also loved reading about all the various characters, of course. There are quite a few but the author managed to write them all in such a uniquely way that it doesn't feel like too much like it sometimes can be with other books, if that makes sense. 

My favorite characters were Briseis and Achilles, especialy Briseis. In almost any retelling of this story I just can't help but ship them even though I know it won't end well for them. I absolutely loved how Janell Rhiannon wrote them. They make my heart ache so much. Seriously. I also continue to love Odyseuss because he's so clever and still devoted to his wife.

Aside from some romance (which can be very heartbreaking) there's also a lot of action and battles, obviously. This is omething that I also highly enjoy reading about. Give me all the battles! I also feel like I should mention there's also a lot of tragedy. There's definitely no shying away from the tough subjects in this book, which I love.

Like I said before I absolutely can't wait to read book three. I think it's coming out in December. This is perfect because that's actually my birthday month. I'm really looking forward to the next part of the story! 

About the author:
In graduate school, Janell focused on the ancient history of Greece and Rome. Hooked by the “sword and sandal” world, she studied everything she could about mythology and Alexander the Great.

The Homeric Chronicles series is dedicated to merging dozens of Greek myths, including Homer’s epics, with plays, history, and archaeology. Her intent is to raise the heroines’ voices equally alongside the heroes, opening up a traditionally male focused genre to a female audience.
She lives in CA and enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren. She has a pack of two big dogs and two cats.

Interested in knowing more about the Greek heroes and heroines of Greek myth? Listen to my podcast Greek Mythology Retold.
Click here for links to iTunes, iHeart, Spreaker, and more on.
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