Daughters of Bronze is the second book in their duology of the Trojan War. You do not have to read Horse of Fire first, but it will give you even more depth to their characters if you do. The author’s military brat upbringing comes out in their understanding of military values and relationships among those who are serving. In line with their goal they have retold the story along lines that can be understood as historically plausible. Being able to appreciate a book for its story, a movie for how it is told in that way allows for an even greater appreciation for their craft.
As a Veteran I appreciated how they explored friendship, duty, hardship, glory and injury, both physical and moral. We get this story from a female viewpoint, alternating between Rhea, Andromache, Cassandra and Helen in 43 Chapters covering 4 Books. It is written as an Epic, and there is a depth and twists to what a reader of the Iliad expects the story to be as it unfolds that add color and truth that can be understood by the modern reader that they may not connect with in a traditional telling / reading of the story. This is much more than just the” Wrath of Achilles” and the God’s taking interest in what is happening with the Greeks and the Trojans.
While the story is given to us from the eyes and words of the daughters, the men, Menelaus, Agamemnon, Achilles, Patroclus, Ajax grow into descriptions that show us what was motivating them to be there on the plain before the walls of Troy. In this story Paris plays a new role, but has an age old motivation. We see the politics behind the leadership and defense of Troy and come to know Priam, Hector, Aeneas and a host of other characters. Traveling between the two cams Rhea works as a spy among the women who are captured and serving the Greeks and her trial becomes a twisted course through trust and love. I look forward to what these authors will tackle to retool, place in a “it could have been like this” pattern next.

Wow!! I loved everything about this! These women were so strong and fierce!! I love a good retelling of Troy and I loved that this story focused more on the women. I just can't say enough good things about this book! I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy when it's released!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Peguin Group for my digital ARC!!!!

What an achingly beautiful continuation of Horses of Fire. I loved the growth the characters go through and the continued focus on the Trojan women during the infamous Trojan war. 🗡️

I’d first like to say that the addition of Cassandra’s POV was not only a wonderful addition to the original three, but also provided a deeper look into her mind. I found her the most fascinating of the bunch because she holds so many personas inside herself. Her backstory is tragic and really shines a light on why women find it so hard to speak out about their violation and how their abuser goes untouched. 😔

Helen continues to astound me with her compassion and determination to stay strong and positive. I’ve been fully converted over to being a Helen fan, and I loved the ending she got in this tale. 🪴

Andromache got such an incredible glow up to motherhood and a more compassionate woman that I just found myself really falling for her character. She’s still proud and strong, but now she understands the world and even women better than before, but I loved that she never lost herself to motherhood like some people expect women to do. Her relationship with Hector just shined in this book, and you could feel the cold grip of grief when the expected fight between Hector and Achilles happens. 🏹

And Rhea. I honestly loved how she came to see the Achaeans in a different light thanks to her growing love for Ajax. My heart will never be the same now that I know a potential loving, teddy bear like personality could exist for such a formidable warrior. And their ending? . . . I’m ruined. 🥲

Despite some moments where I thought the ending felt a little sped up, I have found the book beautifully done and providing an incredible perspective from the “enemy” side of the Trojan War. 💔

Thank you to Dutton Books and NetGalley for accepting my request to read in exchange for an honest review, and a special thank you to the authors, A. D. Rhine, for making me fall in love with these formidable women. 🥹

Publication date: November 26!!

Overall book: 4.75/5 ⭐️
Overall series: 4.6/5 ⭐️ (or whatever the mean is)

∞
INFINITY STARS

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC and A.D. Rhine for this masterpiece.

Daughters of Bronze finishes the duology started in Horses of Fire. A beautiful retelling of the Trojan War through the eyes of the women in the center of it all - Andromache - wife of Prince Hector, Helen of Sparta - wife of a Greek king who is said to have started the war by fleeing to Troy with Prince Paris, Rhea - a refugee turned Trojan spy, and Cassandra - princess of Troy.

A.D. Rhine puts a new spin on a classic story and tugs on all your heartstrings with-developed and complex characters. Action, drama, joy, heartbreak, suspense, love - this book has it all.

It is a story that I couldn’t stop reading, and despite the satisfying ending, I was so sad that it was over. I want this duology made into a movie so I can watch it over and over. I LOVED this book.

If you love Greek historical/mythological retelling, don’t miss this one!

Thank you to NetGalley, Dutton, and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

“Because he is suffering. And suffering makes men cruel.”
“So what does it make us?”
“Women.”

WOW. An epic if there ever was one. Probably one of the best retellings of the Trojan war told by the perspective of 4 women who were key to the outcome. This was written so well and had me feeling all sorts of emotions. I wish i had known this was the second book in the duology so that i could’ve read the first one and gotten more background on these women and this story. The book is very long and dragged at times, but my god was it beautiful.

Daughters of the Bronze: A Fresh Lens on an Ancient Epic

A.D. Rhine's "Daughters of the Bronze," transports us back to ancient Troy, but with a twist: the saga is seen through the eyes of its formidable women. This novel stands as a bold reimagining of the Trojan War, exploring the impactful yet often uncelebrated roles women played in shaping its course.

The authors masterfully recreate the ancient world of Troy with vivid descriptions of the dusty plains, the bustling camps, and the tense atmosphere of a city on the brink. The political divisions within the enemy ranks, the detailed accounts of the Trojan and Achaean strategies, and the personal dramas unfolding within the city walls all contribute to a richly textured backdrop.

As we navigate through the intricate espionage and political machinations from the perspectives of Andromache, Rhea, Helen, and Cassandra, the authors bring us into the intimate corners of a city under siege, both physically and emotionally.

The central theme of "Daughters of the Bronze" is the significant impact of individual actions, especially those taken from the shadows. This theme is brilliantly embodied in Rhea's role as a spy. Despite her subtle presence, her actions and those of her network of female spies are pivotal. Through their covert operations, they manage to keep the Trojans one step ahead, demonstrating that the quietest voices can sometimes echo the loudest in history.

Cassandra’s visions add a mystical element to the narrative, blending prophecy with the harsh realities of war. Her struggle to be heard and believed adds a poignant layer to her character, reflecting the broader theme of underappreciated influences.

"Daughters of the Bronze" is not just a novel; it's an experience. It invites the reader to look beyond the grand narratives of history to the quiet, often unseen forces that shape events. The novel’s focus on the women of Troy— their struggles, their strategies, and their undeniable impact— offers a fresh and captivating perspective on a well-trodden story. This reimagined epic not only entertains but also enriches our understanding of what might have been, illuminating the unseen warriors of a legendary conflict.

I enjoyed the second book in this duology about the women of Troy. Andromache, fighter of men, becomes a mother in this book and her priorities now include protecting her son as well as her city. Cassandra, disregarded prophetess, leaves her tower, asserts herself over some of the personalities that she has developed to protect herself, and becomes more of an influence over the other women. Helen uses her gentle and compassionate strength to support her friends and leave Paris's shadow. Finally, Rhea (the only character not in the Iliad as far as I know), continues her dangerous spy work in the Greek camps and further develops her relationship with Ajax.

All of these women are very different characters- this was done extremely well. I think that each woman had sort of a tragic blind spot that led them into a bad decision or two. The book felt comfortable to come back to after reading the first book in the series. I found myself dreading the end of this book because I knew how it turned out for most of these women- none of them had a happy ending.

There were some difficulties too. Emotion was at such a fever pitch through the whole book that it sometimes felt exhausting. Every decision and action was so important and affected so many. Every dramatic emotion was earned but it was sort of like shouting all the time. On the other hand, being in a city more or less besieged would indeed feel that way.

There was a plot about getting Scamandrius out of the city and then back in that felt like a lot of wheel-spinning to me. It led to some character development but I felt like a lot of time was wasted on a decision that was immediately rescinded. The end of the war wasn't dwelled upon, which was rather merciful to the reader, but shorted the end of these womens' striving and stories.

I did very much admire this book. The authors have written the best ancient Greek story retelling that I've read since The Song of Achilles. There are a lot of myth retellings out there but I've found most of them wanting. I'd love to see if these authors collaborate together again.

Historical fiction novels, specifically those which retell the infamous Greek myths from a modern lens, are my favorite novels to read. This is especially true for retellings which give voice to historically marginalized perspectives or highlight social injustice and inequality. This book, which is the second publication of a duology, does just that.

Although this book is part of a duology, it can be read as a standalone Novel. Prior to reading this book, I had not read the first publication, Horses of Fire. I faced no difficulties jumping into the timeless story. I do recommend that readers have a familiarity with The Iliad by Homer prior to starting this novel simply because of the number of characters, perspectives, and plots which are encompassed within the story. I am very familiar with the epic which inspires this retelling, and I feel as though this level of familiarity is somewhat expected of the reader.

*NOTE: Please do not let this opinion deter you from this novel as my perspective is biased and I do not know what it is like to read this book without a prior understanding. If you wish to read The Iliad, I highly recommend reading the version translated by W. H. D. Rouse.

This story is told from multiple, first-person POVs which alternate throughout the chapters. Personally, I found Rhea’s perspective the most intriguing and unique to this ancient epic. I often found myself wishing for more chapters from her perspective and truthfully would have appreciated a novel that was solely her own story. Personally, I felt most connected to this character and both times I was brought to tears, it was her storyline which was responsible. The complexity to this character story is astounding and I believe it would benefit from having its own moment. That is not to say I did not enjoy the other perspectives, as every character develops the story in a way which is critical to the duology as a whole. With that said, I do feel a slightly shorter novel narrated from an expanded experience exclusive to Rhea may engage a wider audience.

I think that the authors biggest strength in this novel is their depiction of motherhood. This theme is discussed in depth and with an elegance which I have not previously encountered. As someone who has no desire to have children, and never has, it speaks volumes that I found myself empathetically longing for the experience of motherhood portrayed in this novel. Also notable of the authors was their decision to highlight Anatolian culture, especially in Andromache’s character. The authors recognize that the Greek lens through which this epic has historically been narrated likely overshadows the culture of the ancient people by whom the Trojans are inspired. I greatly appreciate the authors awareness of this bias and their effort to give voice to those whose stories are often left untold.

Although my reading experience was overal very positive, I did find the beginning/middle of the book to be slightly slow. With that said it is important to acknowledge that I read this book on my kindle as an EPUB and consequently, I do not think I was fully aware of the length of this novel while reading it. Therefore, it is likely that this perception of slow is construed by its intangible length. On a more positive note, I love how this retelling answered many questions which the Iliad left unanswered. Not only does this novel breathe fresh life into an ancient story but it provides an ending which is more satisfactory than the original. This is an incredibly thoughtful and well researched approach.

Overall, I would rate this read 3.75/5 stars.
If I considered Rhea’s chapters independently, I would rate this read 5/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton, for the opportunity to access an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

This is, hands down, one of the best Trojan War retellings out there (and I consider myself an expert source, because I'm almost positive I've read all of them and always do thorough research before/during/after my reading). I know that some people are concerned that the market has been oversaturated with mythological retellings, but if you're giving up on the genre, read this duology first.

To bring this all together, this is my review for Horses of Fire:
"I have been dying for an Andromache book and this one delivered!! It took me a second to really become invested, but once the story picked up, I couldn't put it down. I almost wish that I didn't know what's bound to happen in the second book, though, because I'm already depressed about it 🙃"

And boy, this delivered. The second installment held back no punches, and perfectly encapsulated how women can fight wars using skills men can't utilize. There was never a POV that wasn't relevant or captivating (which is always a risk with multi-POV books), but Andromache's and Rhea's were especially incredible. I loved their stories, and even though I knew of Hector's and Ajax's fates, I found myself still dying to read what happened next. I thought their stories were beautiful, and even though they were filled with grief that I could feel tangibly, the hope and strength they were able to find was incredibly impactful.

Thank you SO much to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the ARC. I'm so, so happy to have read this duology.

I am still in a state of emotion turmoil after finishing this book earlier today. I sobbed a billion times while reading, bawled my eyes out when I finished the book, and am currently a little misty eyed thinking about the book right now trying to write this.

The historical accuracy is on point, the characters feel so honest and true to life. I felt every single thing that happened to these women as they were going through it. The writing is exceptional and some of those lines about the ferocity of love mixed with anguish.....*chef's kiss* I am totally willing to be destroyed by this book again, but not any time soon.

This was a masterpiece. A beautiful story of womanhood, sisterhood and friendship. This was a beautifully woven retelling and reminded me of Madeline Miller, Natalie Hayes and Jennifer Saint

I finished this book a few days ago and had to sit with my feelings for a bit before I could put them into words. This series is so special and different from many other Trojan War retellings I’ve read over the years. It adds humanity to this story and these characters in a way I haven’t felt since I read Song of Achilles.

In this book, Helen becomes more than the woman who takes the blame for the war and takes her destiny into her own hands. Andromache grows into a warrior and mother who balances softness and strength in heartbreaking and inspiring ways. Had Troy not fallen, she would have been a queen for the ages. Cassandra is finally (finally!) believed, even when the outcome is devastating. And Rhea, who I think is a character wholly unique to this series, plays such a pivotal role that nothing in this book would have happened without her. Her character broke me a bit, especially with her relationship with Ajax and the women slaves who helped her. I also loved the context the authors gave to Hector’s fight with Achilles at the end. I can’t say much without spoiling the ending, but what they did adds so much depth to his character and takes a somewhat confusing moment in the myth and turns it into a moment of love and sacrifice.

The thing about mythology retellings is that these stories are thousands of years old. You know how the story ends before you even start the book. But the authors wrote an ending that remains true to The Iliad while still surprising me. It’s such a beautifully heartbreaking ending, and I appreciated the author’s note where they give context to the changes they made. I loved every second of this book! These women have my heart, and I will revisit this series in the future.

Another historical/mythological retelling, with the focus once again on the women of the conflict. This is a well-written and intriguing book, with much of the historical accuracy unknown as so few historical sources survive, and those that do are often blended with myth.

I love mythology retellings and stories, and this book did not disappoint. I love this book so much. I love when mythology stories and retellings give voices to women who have been silenced in a lot of mythological stories

This was a beautifully done Greek mythology retelling, I enjoyed the way we get to hear the story of four different women. I thought it was a breath of fresh air for the Troy elements and gave a great unique story. I enjoyed how this was written and had the elements that I was hoping for. I had enjoyed the Horses of Fire novel by A. D. Rhine and this had those elements that I wanted.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I was very excited to read this as I have been on quite the mythology/history retelling kick and specifically one related to these stories- about Helen, Cassandra, etc, having read books like Jennifer Saint’s Elektra and Claire North’s Ithaca recently. None of those works managed to make me care much for Helen, so I was pretty astounded when this author did! It was definitely a fresh take on an old tale and I appreciated that.

A.D. Rhine is the queen of ancient mythological fiction - and this one is her best yet! Here we finally - (in my opinion) - have a likeable Helen, who finds her inner strength. We have Andromache and Cassandra, two women whom fate dealt a cruel blow, and whose stories are finally told the way they were meant to be. And we have Rhea, an interesting character in her own right. All these women are given a voice in what was once a man's story. I loved every second of it and am so grateful I was granted an ARC. Anyone who loves historical fiction, women's fiction, mythology, or just plain good storytelling will find something to love in this book. I highly recommend it, but be forewarned - once you read it you will want to read everything else Ms. Rhine has ever written. Ten stars for this one!!!