I was a big fan of Claire Andrews from when I read Daughter of Sparta, the first book in the series. So when I saw this was available to request, I had to read it asap. I loved this as a Greek mythology retelling and thought it was a unique take on a retelling story. I was invested in what was going on and I loved the story of this novel. I can't wait to read more from Ms. Andrews.

"Despite Apollo’s assurances, I count down the ten days. I wouldn’t trust Poseidon even if he promised me those storms himself. I climb up to stare at the glistening Aegean Sea on the horizon, searching for the thousand ships that creep closer. They bide their time, picking off our allies on the coast one by one. Each day, Priam receives another letter, another kingdom burned."

This book was definitely a lot slower than the first but I still really enjoyed it. It definitely felt like the middle book of a series with the pacing. That being said, I really enjoyed how the relationships in this one changed and grew. I also loved all the Greek Mythology throughout. I'm definitely excited to see where the rest of the series goes!

I loved Daughter of Sparta, and this sequel is just as good, if not better! Claire Andrews brings Greek myths to beautifully-rendered life, and offers her own fresh spin. Compulsively readable and enjoyable.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown for the ARC of this book!

As a lover of Daughter of Sparta and Greek mythology in general, I was super excited for this book. I was a little nervous about it taking place during the Trojan War because I didn't want it to feel the same as all the other adaptations of the war that I've seen. Thankfully that was not the case. Of course the Trojan War plays out similar to the story we are all familiar with, but the author gave us a new fun spin and view points to the war. I loved Helen and was very happy to see her actually have a voice in this, where she is often just the object that started the war in other retellings. I also love that we see more of the gods' involvement in the war and them taking sides. I'm very much still rooting for Apollo and Daphne and was happy with how their relationship is progressing. The only downside was it felt a little slow in parts until it lead into the big reveal at the end and setup for the next book. I am super excited with where the book left off and am looking forward to reading more of Daphne's journey through ancient Greek mythology.

Something I've recently come to recognize is that women in Greek mythology are often vilified, even if they are the victims. So to have a feminist retelling that gives these women agency and choice? I am very much interested.

The first book, Daughter of Sparta, shows Daphne as a fierce fighter willing to defend her loved ones. Of course, like all the great tragedies, she is also a pawn in the gods' schemes. We know that Apollo's pursuit of Daphne leads to her end, but in this retelling, Daphne also falls in love with Apollo but refuses to act on it knowing that he will only break her heart, as he has done with so many others before. In this sequel, so lovingly written to give not only Daphne agency, but Helen as well, the women that we encounter has so much more depth than their literary male counterparts. While we still know how their stories end, you can't help but root for them anyways.

The myths and stories that we recognize are woven together so well, it was hard for me to distinguish what was the tale and what was author liberties. I thought this series was a duology but after that ending, I'm really excited to see where Daphne goes next!

This isn't something I typical read however I loved it so much it was freaking awesome ill definitely be purchasing

Okay. Here's the thing. When it comes to the Trojan War, I've always sided with the Greeks. Patroclus deserved better, Achilles is tragedy personified, and Odysseus is my favourite wily character. I will root for them every step of the way.

But this book… this book actually has me supporting the Trojans? I never thought this would happened. But wow. The way the origins of the war are presented, the reason for why Helen actually went to Troy in the first place, and the fact that Apollo helped build the cities walls - everything had me wishing for Troy's success. And I love that. I love how a new, inventive twist on the story has influenced me so much! What great storytelling!

My only teeny tiny, complaint would be the relationship between Daphne and Apollo. There's just not enough of it for me, especially with the massive length of this installment. There's sooo much pent up tension and angst but no consistent follow through. I understand why, there's a reason for it, but I'm dying here! Can't they just be together already??! lol.

Overall, this is a great series. It's actioned-packed, gives a new and different perspective to old myths, and always leaves the reader wanting more! I have a feeling the next book will be inspired by ‘The Odyssey’ and I can't wait!