House of Odysseus is the second book in Claire North’s The Songs of Penelope trilogy. It continues to follow Penelope’s struggles with managing Ithaca in Odysseus’ absence, and without stepping over the line of what society views her place as a woman and queen should be. Told from Aphrodite’s point of view, the book kicks off with Elektra returning to Ithaca with a seemingly insane Orestes. When King Menelaus tracks his nephew to the island under the guise of concern, Penelope’s role becomes much more complicated.

If you love mythology that gives a glimpse into what the women went through and showcases their strength and intelligence, this trilogy is perfect. Each character is so distinct. Penelope is perfectly written, walking the fine line between meek and mastermind; Menelaus is repulsive and boorish; Laertes is witty and entertaining; and the misogyny that oozes out of the male characters is perfectly counteracted by the sly and strategic females they continually underestimate.

Though I typical do not like modern language in my historical fiction, in this series I found it amusing without detracting from the story, if anything it adds just the right amount of zest! I also loved watching Penelope blossom into her queenliness and just being an overall bad a**.

As with the first book, it took a little bit for me to get into. However, unlike the first book, there was a lot more action and plotting that drew me into the story sooner. I do think I preferred Hera’s narration over Aphrodite’s (I found it more humourous, as well sometimes finding Aphrodite’s sexual descriptions a bit to explicit for my taste), but each of them offer different perspectives and it is such a creative way to write a story! I am not sure if the change to the story of Paris and the goddesses was intentional and a nod towards the differing versions of Greek mythology or if it was a missed error, so that was a bit confusing to me.

Overall, this is a great book for anyone who is enjoying the resurge of mythology retellings, especially ones from a female voice.

*thank you Redhook Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

I’m giving this 3 stars. I enjoyed this second book and the feminist perspective. I also really enjoyed Penelope as a character. It was a bit slow for me, which is why it’s only 3 stars. I overall enjoyed this books.

3.5 stars
The second entry in the Songs of Penelope series picks up pretty much where the previous novel ended. Orestes and Elektra are still on Ithaca, Penelope is still waiting for Odysseus and the suitors are still annoying. This book however, is much more exciting.

Narrated by Aphrodite (as Hera interfered too much and has been recalled to Olympus to act as Zeus's wife) this book moves as a faster pace and with more action and intrigue. Elektra and Orestes are in hiding after killing their murderous mother Clytemnestra. Orestes has gone mad or has maybe been poisoned and while he is supposed to be king of Mycenae he is unable to rule in his current state. Adding to all the stress is Menelaus (their uncle) has gotten word that Orestes is mad and unfit to rule and he wants to swoop in and take Mycenae for his own. However, Penelope is still just as cunning and has assembled a team of maids and Ithacan women to act as warriors and spies to keep the island safe. Penelope, her servants, Laertes and the suitors play a cat and mouse game with Menelaus with a fitting conclusion. Aphrodite's narration adds levity to the situation and the Egyptian Kenamon is a potential romantic interest for Penelope is Odysseus never returns.

I am so curious for the next book in the series and what will happen when/if Odysseus returns. I am especially concerned for Penelope's maids as we all know what happens to them in the original text.

This was an excellent entry in feminist re-tellings-of-Greek-Myths genre and while readers may have issues with the sometimes modern language I enjoyed the writing style a lot. I would definitely recommend.

I was provided a free copy of this book through NetGalley.

One of my favorite books last year was Claire North’s Ithaca. As soon as I finished it, I went online to see if it was a one-off or if there would be a sequel and was thrilled to learn it was just the first in a trio of novels focused on Penelope and her time waiting for Odysseus to return home to her. With that in mind, I’ve kept my eyes peeled and at last saw that the next novel in the series, House of Odysseus had a release date and preview copies available for request. Delving further into the consequences of the death of Clytemnestra and of Agamemnon before her, House of Odysseus shows once again that the women of Ithaca are ready to do what’s necessary to protect their homes and their livelihoods. For Penelope, that means testing her political acumen and her nerves against Menelaus and his machinations.

With Telemachus gone in search of his father, Penelope continues to wait and hold her suitors at bay as she focuses on the safety and prosperity of her island. But there’s a new disturbance when Orestes and Elektra arrive with the former in rough shape. Ill and apparently raving mad, there’s a chance he’s actually being poisoned, though who could be behind it is a mystery… and it might just be the guilt getting to him. He did kill his own mother as vengeance for the murder of Agamemnon. Not wanting to give their uncle Menelaus an opportunity to seize Orestes’ throne under the pretense of helping, they seek refuge and assistance from Penelope. It isn’t long after her agreement that Menelaus himself arrives on the island with several ships’ worth of Spartan soldiers to ‘visit’ his cousin-in-law and to explain his concern for Orestes and Elektra, his desire to help them as a good uncle should. With her options limited if and when Menelaus locates Orestes, Penelope struggles through the tangle of plots schemes, personal vendettas, and dangerous traps that could lead the queen and her people to subjugation at the hands of a tyrant.

As with the previous novel, House of Odysseus is narrated by a goddess, though not Hera this time – and not one I would have expected: Aphrodite. Getting to see the goddess of love’s perspective on Penelope, Elektra, Athena, Artemis, Helen and the women of Ithaca was an unexpected delight. Though she doesn’t hesitate to share her thoughts about the lustful sides to these women and goddesses, it is through her emphasis on non-romantic and non-physical expressions of love that her effectiveness as a narrator and her passion for the humans of the story shine. In each of these novels so far, North has done a wonderful and engaging job of demonstrating the depth and cunning of female characters that have long been portrayed in flat, stereotypical ways.

Where Ithaca dealt so heavily with appearance versus reality, House of Odysseus and Orestes’ plight shifts a lot of the thematic focus (especially towards the end of the novel) to the concepts of forgiveness, guilt, and vengeance. The Furies haunt the pages of the book as they torment Orestes directly and impact those around him. Seeing the way that the relationship between Clytemnestra and her children deteriorated and ended, Penelope can’t help but think of the strain between herself and Telemachus, wondering about the mistakes she has made as a mother and the responsibility she feels. Of course, with betrayals and the deceptions of politicking throughout the novel, these concepts mingle comfortably from the first through to the last pages.

If I had been eager to get my hands on a copy of House of Odysseus, I’m even more excited by the prospect of the final book in North’s Songs of Penelope series. Though Ithaca could have been a sturdy standalone novel, House of Odysseus ends with an obvious nod to what conflict lies ahead in the series’ final installment. So, I will spend the coming months looking for news of the final title along with its release date, and while I wait I will speculate on which of the goddesses will take their turn as narrator (there are two obvious candidates and I can’t decide which I’d prefer).

House of Odysseus is available on August 22, 2023.

This is the second book of The Songs of Penelope series, and know that I did not read the first book. This did not deter me from jumping right into House of Odysseus at the time when Penelope has been without a husband for far too long. Odysseus has long been gone and Penelope has no idea when/if he will ever regain his throne. This is even more difficult for her as, unlike Clytemnestra, she has no interest taking over her husband duties and become the official Queen of Ithaka sitting on her husband's throne. Elektra arrives urgently with her brother Orestes, King of Mycenae, who previously killed his mother Clytemnestra, and seems to not get past some poisoning someone has inflicted on his. Elektra want to hide her brother so he doesn't appear weakened and ill in front of his people. But he is not recovering from the poisoning. Penelope observes the patterns and she has her doubts on who the culprit of this ailment is sitting their with them, traveling alongside them, and maintains the poison in Orestes's system.

I have to admit that I enjoyed the beginning because if the exhilaration I automatically feel every time I start reading a new Greek mythology retelling. But I slowly started to get bored but the florid writing, the many unnecessary details I was skimming through. Too many characters. I love slow burns but this book was another level. Around 66% into the book, I suddenly woke up by a major twist related to a character I dislike and who pleasantly surprised me. So much so, I started rooting for her! The last 10% of the book were my favorite part. Everything gets untangled and I was impressed by the strength of some characters and I appreciated Claire North taking the time to give them a voice and letting them explain why they did what they did and the explanations were super satisfying. I love Penelope, Elektra and Helen so much. Exquisite characters who have so much to hide that most don't know their true selves. I am giving this book a 4 star instead of a 5 because the build-up was too long. Other than that, it was perfect!

A big thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for letting me enjoy an e-ARC in exchange on my honest review.

House of Odysseus was a great read! The story is told from the perspective of the Greek goddess Aphrodite and focuses on the happenings on Ithaca while Odysseus is on his Odyssey. There is a big focus on the storylines of Penelope, Orestes, Electra, and Helen. This was a read that was more light in tone, so it made it perfect for a summer read! I definitely recommend reading this for anyone who is a fan of mythology-based fiction!

I didn't realize this was book 2 in a series when I requested this ARC from NetGalley, so my review is probably skewed because of that.

Overall, this was a good read and it worked as a standalone for the most part. I really enjoyed the author's tone and can't wait to read Ithaca and North's other reads.

Thank You Claire North, Red Hook and Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and loved how Penelope, known for her wise cunning and survival skills in navigating those pesky suitors, flawlessly wove the most audacious plan to secure and defend her kingdom while using and turning her adversaries to her advantage. Its so Penelope! I loved it. The story was so well written and had me hooked from the start! I adore Greek retellings so this was right up my alley. Highly recommended!

If you haven't read a book by Claire North you are missing out on beautiful storytelling. This book and series has quickly become a favorite of mine.
The description of the characters, their unique personality, thier life choices and how it had affected them makes the reader connection with them easily. The author has a great grasp on how to convey each characters background and personality.
This book is a must read with strong female characters.
I cannot wait for the next book.



Description
House of Odysseus continues award-winning author Claire North's Penelope trilogy, "a powerful, fresh, and unflinching" reimagining (Jennifer Saint) that breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men.

On the isle of Ithaca, queen Penelope maintains a delicate balance of power. Many years ago, her husband Odysseus sailed to war with Troy and never came home. In his absence, Penelope uses all her cunning to keep the peace—a peace that is shattered by the return of Orestes, King of Mycenae, and his sister Elektra.

Orestes' hands are stained with his mother's blood. Not so long ago, the son of Agamemnon took Queen Clytemnestra's life on Ithaca's sands. Now, wracked with guilt, he is slowly losing his mind. But a king cannot be seen to be weak, and Elektra has brought him to Ithaca to keep him safe from the ambitious men of Mycenae.

Penelope knows destruction will follow in his wake as surely as the furies circle him. His uncle Menelaus, the battle-hungry king of Sparta, longs for Orestes' throne—and if he can seize it, no one will be safe from his violent whims.

Trapped between two mad kings, Penelope fights to keep her home from being crushed by a war that stretches from Mycenae and Sparta to the summit of Mount Olympus itself. Her only allies are Elektra, desperate to protect her brother, and Helen of Troy, Menelaus' wife. And watching over them all is the goddess Aphrodite, who has plans of her own.

Each woman has a secret. And their secrets will shape the world.

I hadn’t read North before, but as I’m currently on a Greek retelling kick, after decades of enjoying Norse mythology, I readily seek out the Greek retellings. But I won’t lie. House of Odysseus was a hard book to get into. It was impossibly slow, and I felt like I was reading a 600 page novel. It was when we broke the halfway mark, or so, that I started to really get into the storytelling. It wasn’t just the mundane day-to-day of the women.

Historically, we’ve often viewed Penelope and her situation with the suitors as a weakness; that she and her son could not get them out of the house was due to her inability as queen. But North has shown us that Penelope is anything but. It was interesting to see North’s take on Helen. While I’ve read the Odyssey countless times, you don’t get such a perspective on Penelope or Helen, and I liked North’s take on it.

And as the story includes Orestes, we often read of Clytemnestra, who my heart is still broken for after reading Costanza Casati’s beautiful book of the same name. Overall, this was a thought provoking take on the life on Ithaca and the palace in Odysseus’ absence. Thank you, Redhook Books, for sending over an advanced copy.

I think what I like about this Greek mythology series is how grounded and earthy Claire North makes the old stories feel, while also pulling back the divine curtain on the gods pulling the strings of their human puppets. I particularly enjoy the philosophical discussions between Athena and Aphrodite as they weigh in the balance what it means to be a woman, the foibles of men, and the tensions between justice and desire. Like the first book, I wasn’t too keen on the random, modern-feeling profanity *and* it was hard to read about the atrocities committed against women. But if you’re into mythological retellings, I recommend this feminist take on Penelope, “bereaved” queen and fierce woman.

House of Odysseus, the second installment in Claire North's Penelope trilogy, is a captivating and empowering retelling of the ancient myth of The Odyssey. The novel follows Queen Penelope of Ithaca, a woman of unparalleled wit and strength, as she navigates a delicate balance of power in her husband Odysseus's absence. The narrative amplifies the voices of women who have been wronged, outsmarted men, and displayed indomitable spirit in a world ruled by ruthless kings. North's masterful storytelling brings the ancient world of Ithaca to life, seamlessly blending mythology with contemporary themes of female empowerment and resilience.

Queen Penelope emerges as a compelling and complex heroine, showcasing her intelligence and cunning as she faces challenges to maintain peace on Ithaca, especially with the return of King Orestes of Mycenae and his troubled sister, Elektra. The story explores the power of female camaraderie and emotional intelligence, portraying women as formidable forces in a world dominated by ambitious men. While the narrative is told from the perspective of the goddess Aphrodite, the gripping plot and well-crafted characters captivate readers, making it an unforgettable and emotionally engaging reading experience.

"House of Odysseus" is a compelling addition to Claire North's Penelope series. Set on the picturesque island of Ithaca, the story follows the indomitable Queen Penelope as she maneuvers through a precarious balance of power.

North masterfully navigates the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and guilt as the characters' fates intertwine. Orestes' internal turmoil and the looming threat of his uncle Menelaus of Sparta, hungry for power, create a palpable tension that permeates the narrative. The women of the tale, Penelope and Elektra, wield agency and depth, defying their traditional roles in ancient myth. Their secrets, carefully guarded, hold the key to shaping the tumultuous world they inhabit.

North's prose is rich and immersive, conjuring a vivid landscape that transports readers to the ancient world. The narrative effortlessly oscillates between introspection and action, allowing moments of quiet contemplation to contrast with the mounting tension and inevitable conflicts.

This was such a fun sequel to Ithaca. I loved Aphrodite’s POV. I’m not a but mythology buff, so I struggled following the story and all the characters at times. But I still enjoyed it and looking forward to book three!

Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Pub Date: August 22, 2023

The second book in Clair North's Penelope trilogy this one picks up not long after the first, Ithaca. While Ithaca was narrated by a brutal Hera, this one is narrated by a hilarious and sassy Aphrodite; man are there some great quotes from her in this! It did take me a little while to get into the book but I was in a bit of a slump so that is either on me or I had to get used to the different narration style but once I did I was hooked!

The plotting and the maneuvering in this book! And the surprises! Looking forward to the conclusion of the trilogy!

I requested this not knowing it was second in a series. I definitely want to read book one now. I don’t feel like I missed anything though in reading this first. I love Greek mythology and learning about other cultures. I absolutely loved learning about Penelope aka Odysseus wife!

Claire North’s trilogy of Greek reworkings offers up three queens (Clytemnestra, Helen, and Penelope) and three goddesses (Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena). The first book, Ithaca, centered on Penelope and Clytemnestra, and was narrated by Hera in a fiercely, sharply wry voice. House of Odysseus picks up shortly after the close of book one and (wholly unnecessary spoiler alert for the old as dirt storyline) the death of Clytemnestra at her son Orestes’ hands. Here the focus remains on Penelope, while Helen (and to a lesser extent Electra) become the other centers of attention. The narrator, meanwhile, shifts from Hera to Aphrodite, who has her own inimitable style. For the most part, House of Odysseus maintains the high quality of its predecessor and leaves me eager for the final book in the series.

Penelope remains bedeviled by the plague of suitors inhabiting her home, but this soon becomes the least of her problems. First, Electra arrives on Ithaca with a possibly mad/possibly poisoned Orestes in tow. While the reader gets to see what Orestes sees — the maddening Furies punishing him for killing his own mother — the characters do not, and so they are left with a screaming mess of a supposed king. Bad enough for Orestes and his sister, but a crazed king is a short-lived king, especially with their uncle Menelaus seeking them out to offer his “assistance”, which in reality means showing the world Orestes is crazy (Electra has so far managed to keep it a secret), killing him, and declaring himself King of all the Greeks. Electra and Orestes have barely arrived and been secreted away before Menelaus himself shows up and, since none of Ithaca’s men have returned from Troy, he basically conquerors the island with a few soldiers and his charming but oh so menacing “I’m here to help” façade. He”s also brought along his famous wife, though she’s a bit more of a ditz and a drunk than her legendary persona. All of which leaves Penelope in a terrible position, one made even worse when a shocking murder takes place within her palace. To save her island, and herself, she has to solve the murder, cure Orestes, keep Orestes (sane or not) out of the hands of Menelaus, somehow get Menelaus off her island, find a traitor in their midst, and of course, deal with the suitors.

Luckily, as crafted by North, she is up to the job, Penelope remains the heart and mind of this trilogy, a true queen who finds ways to wield power despite all the constraints and strictures that seek to prevent her from doing so. Smart, wise, cautious, and pragmatic, she’s a fantastic creation, an older dignified woman who doesn’t need to be sassy or spunky, doesn’t need to bandy repartee. She thinks, she acts, she fears, she both bends and stands firm, she is defiant but not to the point of inanity. It’s a truly mature portrayal. And also a multi-faceted one. In book one, we see Penelope the Queen but also Penelope the mother thanks to the presence of her son Telemachus. Here, Telemachus is gone, off to search for his long-missing father, and the grief of her son’s absence still takes it toll on Penelope. But beyond that, we also see Penelope the woman, as one of the suitors becomes a true ally and friend, with the potential of even more, though I won’t say where that goes.

With Penelope the constant, Helen is the new addition and unfortunately, she can’t match up with her predecessor Clytemnestra from the first book (admittedly a tough bar to match). Helen has her moments, particularly in the latter part of the novel, but it’s pretty easy to see early on what North is doing with her character, which not only makes her storyline predictable but also means the reader has to sit through a seemingly weak character’s annoying tics and flaws while impatiently waiting for the inevitable shift. Fortunately, Helen’s husband Menelaus has more than enough presence, albeit a malevolent one, for both of them, He’s unnervingly compelling, charming yet chilling, and watching him and Penelope match wits is wonderful.

Meanwhile, the shift in narrative voice from Hera to Aphrodite loses some bite, loses some of that sharply incisive commentary Hera was so good at. But Aphrodite, unsurprisingly, has her own charms, it’s a lighter touch and adds some needed humor to a pretty dark, tense storyline. But the best part is her wide ranging musings in the nature of love in all its forms, not just the sexual. Her commentary on her sisters Athena and Artemis is particularly moving and thought-provoking. As a narrator, she doesn’t quite have the impact, the immediate impact of Hera, but she winds her way into your mind and lingers there.

My favorite Greek reimaginings remain the works by Madeleine Miller and Pat Barker, but North’s two books are alone in my “second tier” of such works, with not quite the sweeping power and lyrical grace of those other two but still better than the number of others I’ve read. Given what’s come so far, I have no doubt the next book will cement that placement, and given how this one ends, I’m especially looking forward to its arrival. Strongly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and RedHook for my copy of the House of Odysseus!

I read Ithaca a few months ago so I was very excited when I found that a second book was coming and imagine my delight when I got approved for the ARC! I was ecstatic! I thoroughly enjoyed Claire North's take on the first one and no surprise, I still do on the second one. I'm a little bit surprised that she chose Aphrodite as her narrator for House of Odysseus but it did kind of make sense a few chapters in on why. I enjoyed Aphrodite's narration a lot as it sheds her in a new light as she has been put in a stereotype. It showed more depth to Aphrodite's character.

I also loved every single interaction Laertes and Penelope has. I just find it so humourous whenever they are in a scene together. I am more enraged with Menelaus now after reading this book cause he's just the worst (second to Agamemnon). Helen in this (especially the ending) was just so surprising! Still hate Elektra. And Penelope, my queen. Nothing tops her. She's the best.

This was just so well written and I can't wait to get my hands on the physical book on its release!

In House of Odysseus, Claire North perfectly captures the voice of her narrator: the goddess Aphrodite. Aphrodite is powerful, clever, and effervescent. Written off by many, Aphrodite nonetheless holds influence whether mortals pray to her or not. One of Aphrodite’s favorite mortals, Helen of Troy, plays an important part in House of Odysseus. I appreciated how this story focuses on Helen’s tale after the war is over and Paris has been killed, because it feels like this period of time is typically not covered. Helen was forced to continue on after the final battle concluded and had to deal with the repercussions. Helen’s relationship with Menelaus was terrible to read, but I loved how she ended up with the upper hand. I enjoyed how skillfully Helen manipulates what people expect of her and uses that to her advantage.

Claire North artfully weaves together the stories of Penelope, Helen, and Elektra. North’s writing is detail-oriented and sets the scene beautifully. Readers will vividly feel the harshness of life on Ithaca and the tense political battles. Penelope is such a fantastic character and I loved how she was portrayed here. Penelope holds power in subtle ways and will fight to her last breath to maintain control of Ithaca. She never gives up on the hope of her husband and son’s return, while handling the suitors and invaders by outwitting them. Elektra was the character I knew the least about previously and I enjoyed learning her story, especially her bond with her brother. I also enjoyed how Athena, Artemis, and the Furies were also included in this tale.

Readers who enjoyed The Shadow of Perseus (Claire Heywood) and Psyche and Eros (Luna McNamara) would love this book! Claire North is quickly turning into an auto-buy author for me when it comes to Greek myths. I’d highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reimagined Greek mythology with excellent twists that focuses on powerful women’s stories.

Thank you so much to Claire North, Redhook Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc

Thanks to Claire North and Net galley for this arc
When I requested this book I didn’t know it was a the second book in series and I have to read the first one , and that didn’t disappoint talk .
I love the authors writing style .
I loved reading Aphrodite as the narrator and seeing the story through her POV was enjoyable
When it comes to the story I love d how strong Penelope was so strong she is one of my favorite characters from Greek mythology .
This book was just perfection.