The first book of the series was a bit sluggish, but interesting enough for me to finish. Unfortunately the pace of this follow up was equally as sluggish and not nearly as interesting. I abandoned it at about 30% read.

such a cool retelling of a greek classic. the writing was excellent and i enjoyed reading every word of it. 5/5

This duology flew to the top of my favorite Greek retellings. The characterization is excellent, andthe plot is well paced. Even though I knew exactly what was gonna happen, this managed to still break my heart. I didn't think it was possible for me to love Hector more, yet here we are!

Another error on my own part, choosing a book that is the second in a series rather than noticing and reading the first book first.

Daughters of Bronze tells the continuing saga of the women of Troy, mostly left out of Homer's epics. Andromache, Helen, Rita, and Cassandra all feature in this story. Those who enjoy mythical retellings, or expansions of them, will definitely enjoy this series. Fans of Madeline Miller (Circe, The Song of Achilles) should flock to this series as well, continuing the trend of modern retellings of legends.

I know the market is full of Trojan War retellings, but this one stands out to me because of its perspective on both Troy and the women involved in influencing the outcome of the war. While the events depicted are not "true" to the myth (which feels oxymoronic to say), they weave a far more compelling story than what's been depicted throughout history. I also appreciated the depth of the characterization for Andromache, Cassandra, and Rhea throughout the novel.

A Gorgeous Retelling of the Fall of Troy. This novel transported me to a time before Rome, offering a stunning and lyrical retelling of the Fall of Troy. Rhine masterfully weaves actual ancient history into the narrative, bringing depth and realism to the leading women of the story.

Andromache is portrayed as a believable and tactical warrior princess; Helen as a strong and resilient royal whose complexity goes beyond beauty; Cassandra as a clever, broken, yet unyielding seer; and Rhea as a quietly brilliant presence. Each woman is distinct, compelling, and vital to the story’s emotional and strategic arcs.

I especially appreciated the hopeful notes woven throughout the narrative—details the author notes are inspired by historical sources—which added a fresh layer of optimism to a tale often steeped in tragedy. The lyrical prose pulled me in from the first page and kept me immersed until the end.

Overall, this is an excellent read for fans of strong women, historical fiction, and timeless stories from the ancient world.

I'm shocked by how much I enjoyed this book. I don't read a lot of greek mythology but I really enjoyed this! I thought the writing was beautiful and loved all the characters! Many feelings were felt. Basically, I had a great time.

A gorgeous retelling of the Fall of Troy, this novel transported me to a time before Rome. Rhine pulls on actual ancient history to round out the leading women in this story, creating a believable and tactical warrior princess in Andromache, a strong and resilient princess in Helen, a clever and broken but still strong Cassandra, and a quietly brilliant Rhea. I appreciated the hopeful notes throughout the story, which the authors explain come from historical sources, as well as the lyrical writing which drew me into the tale. Overall an excellent book for fans of strong women and ancient stories.

Daughters of Bronze continues the retelling of the Trojan war through the eyes of its main female characters. I really like the author’s’ interpretation of events. It's so interesting as we all know the story but this version felt very real being right there with the women.

thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review.

I did not realize this was the second book in a series, so I do wish that I had read the first book before I read this. That being said, I enjoyed the different perspective on the Illiad and mythology. I liked the characters and the historical accuracy. This gives a great account about the Trojan War and how it actually could have happened. This is a great book if you’re looking for character development and a spin on traditional Greek mythology..

Daughters of Bronze is a sequel to Horses of Fire, both of them a female view of the Iliad. This follows the same characters, including Andromache, wife of Hector and a warrior in her own right, Helen, more than just a pretty face, Rhea, a horsewoman, and Cassandra, the seer. The men have a very different perspective than in the original story too, some better, some worse. I especially enjoyed Hector and Ajax. These are enjoyable books if you like ancient Greek history and are a fresh take. They are a little long.

I think I'm over this type of books for now. I enjoyed the first book but the second one felt more like a hassle to me, which makes me very sad because it's as well written as the first one and I'm sure it will be great for a lot of readers, it's just not my personal cup of tea anymore.

Daughters of Bronze is the second book in A Novel of Troy Duology. The narrative follows the story of four women Andromache, Rhea, Helen and Cassandra during the ending of the Trojan War. Andromache explores the divide between her roles as a warrior, wife the heir of the Trojan throne and a new mother. Rhea a young woman who has lost her family in the way experiences her roles as a trojan spy, her place in her newfound family and her emerging identity as a young woman during a time of intense unrest, war, uncertainty and impending death. Helen reflects on her history as a Achaean queen, role as a mother and journey to her life and servitude in Troy and consistently at war with her multiple roles as healer, mother and now captive. Cassandra demonstrates the challenge of knowing, the complication of holding so much and the challenge with others perception. Each of these incredible, complex and challenging women unpack their own individual identities, role in the Trojan war as well as their relationships with the male dominated society. This was an incredibly written novel encompassing so much emotional nuance, growth and sacrifice within it's pages. As a reader I loved being able to read this age old tale through a fresh lens especially a female one. I think what is captured so perfectly through this book is the multiple behind the scenes roles that women stood to play during this time, the depth of their sacrifice and the complicated power dynamics they had and also did not. I appreciated the unique perspective on a story I have already read through multiple lenses. This is by far my most favorite. Overall loved this book, not only did it tell a tale that I believe needed to be written but reinforced the necessary roles of women through history whether fantasy or reality.
Thank you to A.D. Rhine and Penguin Group Dutton Publishing for allowing me an opportunity to read this ARC.

I've been on a Greek mythology kick recently, and this was a beautiful addition to the reading spree. I don't even know that I have accurate words to describe it, but I'm an absolute sucker for strong female characters who shine in the face of patriarchal bs, and I LOVED that the authors allowed Helen to regain at least a little bit of her own agency, and gave her the chance to be Helen in her own right rather than just Helen as pawn and property. The depiction of Andromache as a true partner to Hector, an Amazon through and through, was also beautiful. Cassandra is, as ever, utterly tragic, but the sisterhood that is built among her, Andromache, Helen, and Rhea, was perfection. I just...I loved this book, so much, and I can't wait to recommend it to folks.

Let me just say this upfront: if Homer had let the women of Troy speak, plot, and absolutely dominate, we’d have gotten something a lot more like Daughters of Bronze. A.D. Rhine said, “What if we took all the Trojan War drama and handed the mic to the women who’ve been sidelined for 3,000 years?” And my gods, it works.

This is the kind of book that makes you want to put on a flowing robe, dramatically stare into the distance, and whisper, “Fate has always been a woman’s work.”

Every chapter feels like it’s carved in stone but burns like wildfire. The stakes are high, the heartbreak is real, and yet somehow, there’s still hope tucked between the bloodstained pages.

I love this series. Like, shout-it-from-the-city-walls love it. These characters are layered, powerful, and endlessly compelling. A.D. Rhine doesn’t just write women—she honors them, gives them space to rage, to heal, to outmaneuver gods and men alike.

Final word? If you like your historical fiction with the soul of a myth and the heart of a revolution, Daughters of Bronze delivers. Long live Cassandra’s truth and Helen’s second chances. Brava.

So atmospheric and beautifully written. This does not fall short at ALL in comparison to Horses of Fire. I love this perspective on a tale as old as time.

Review: Daughters of Bronze by AD Rhine
1st Book: Horses of Fire
I started the second book but felt lost so I read the first one—I’m glad I did. This is an epic saga retold from the women’s point of view—Helen, Andromache, and Rhea the horse girl. Each of these characters tells their story in first person, which can sometimes be confusing but in this case, each voice stood out on its own. The characterizations are so well done I had to stop before Troy actually falls because I knew, from the old stories, what was about to happen, as I’d become very attached to the characters. But for all the violence, the authors handled the endings well and gave this reader hope. There is a spiritual/metaphysical thread running through the story which culminates in the ending, too.
I highly recommend this epic historical fiction, the re-telling of the fall of Troy. 10 stars.

Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I managed to get the first book in this duology from the library before I read this one which helped with characterization and being prepared for changes from the traditional mythology. I did like that this felt more historically accurate to the era and location rather than being wholly Greco-Roman and that each character had agency. It is a very heavy book with a lot of dialogue and inner thoughts and happenings in a short amount of time. If you are deep into wanting to know more about the Trojan War and how it actually could have happened, this is a great book and series for you. If you are looking for gods fighting and more traditional retellings of this war, this is not for you. 3 stars.

"Daughters of Bronze" is a sweeping and emotionally charged retelling of the fall of Troy, giving long-overdue attention to the women whose lives were forever altered. The author crafts a vivid narrative that highlights the resilience, intelligence, and heartbreak of Andromache, Rhea, Helen, and Cassandra—each navigating their own personal struggles and challenges. For readers who love mythology retellings with strong character depth and historical richness, this is a must-read.

This was a great second novel in the series. I love greek mythology and really enjoyed following the sisters in this novel as they go to war. A great addition to the greek mythology retellings that have been coming out.