I was not aware this was the second book in a duology so I would be unable to give an adequate review because of this.

This book was incredibly lengthy and overpacked with information. I tend to love Trojan war retellings, which is why I chose it, but I found this to be very complicated and took me way too long to get through. I think the characters were interesting and compelling, but not enough to add a star since I struggled so much to make myself get into this one. If you like dense historical retellings this is definitely the book for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great retelling and I really enjoyed this story. This was very well written and gripping.

I loved A.D. Rhine's "Horses of Fire" and "Daughters of Bronze" is a powerful follow-up. This richly evocative retelling of the Trojan War is from the perspectives of the women who shaped its course. Each character—Andromache, Rhea, Helen, and Cassandra—brings a fresh and compelling voice to the timeless legend, revealing the strength, loyalty, and resilience required to navigate a world dominated by war and loss. This is a masterful blend of myth and history that breathes new life into these familiar stories, highlighting the emotional depth and complexity of its characters. I found this book to be heart-wrenching and captivating, and a serious must-read for fans of historical fiction and Greek mythology alike.

Book: Daughters of Bronze
Author: A.D. Rhine
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank the publisher, Dutton, for sending me an ARC. This book has so much going for it. It is a retelling of the Trojan War, featuring some famous and not famous characters. We get to see the Trojan War as told by the women who were there. I struggled to get into this one. I think I am getting tired of Greek retellings.

In this one, we follow a group of women during the Trojan War. Lost within the timeless verses of Homer’s epic, the women of Troy finally step into the light. Their untold stories will forever alter the fate of the city. Andromache, a proven leader, must navigate her new role as mother to Troy's long-awaited heir. With threats looming ever closer, she faces the challenge of uniting a fractured city for a final stand. Rhea, a Trojan spy, finds herself unexpectedly falling for someone from the enemy camp. As the battle lines are drawn, she must grapple with her loyalties and the sacrifices she’s willing to make. Helen has from the broken captive she once was. Given a second chance, she must shed her past sorrows and use her healing abilities to protect Troy’s greatest hope. Cassandra, burdened by visions of Troy’s fate, knows that truth is only as powerful as the one who speaks it—and her insights have long been dismissed. But soon, everything will change. One hero will rise, another will fall, and this time, Cassandra will finally be heard.
The author masterfully reimagines the tales of Troy, weaving a rich tapestry that highlights the strength and resilience of its women. Initially, I struggled to immerse myself in the narrative, as the complex interplay of characters and their histories felt overwhelming. However, as I persisted, the layers of emotion and depth began to reveal themselves, transforming my reading experience.
The characterization is particularly commendable. Andromache’s evolution into a leader grappling with motherhood is both poignant and relatable. Rhea’s internal conflict between love and loyalty adds a compelling tension, while Helen’s journey of healing showcases the power of personal transformation. Cassandra, often sidelined in traditional narratives, shines as a voice of truth, and her story resonates deeply, highlighting the theme of being heard in a world that frequently silences women.
The prose is rich and evocative, immersing the reader in the vibrant yet tragic world of Troy. The author’s ability to blend historical context with powerful emotional arcs keeps you engaged, even if the initial chapters feel like a daunting climb. By the end, I found myself not just invested in the fate of these women, but also in the broader implications of their choices.
However, I found myself struggling to keep the characters straight, as their voices often blurred together. While I appreciated the attempt to showcase strong female figures, I was left wanting more depth and distinctiveness in their portrayals.
Andromache, Rhea, Helen, and Cassandra each have compelling stories, but their personalities sometimes feel too similar, making it challenging to differentiate their unique struggles and motivations. I wanted to connect with them on a deeper level, yet the lack of distinct voices made it difficult to fully engage with their arcs. Their strengths were clear, but their journeys could have benefited from more nuanced development.
The narrative does shine in its exploration of themes like loyalty, leadership, and healing, but it often feels like the characters are not fully fleshed out. Each woman faces significant challenges, yet their responses and growth felt somewhat generic, missing the complexity that would have truly set them apart. I found myself wishing for richer backstories and deeper emotional insights to enhance my connection to their experiences.
Despite these challenges, the book does have moments of brilliance, particularly in its portrayal of Troy’s struggles. However, I believe a more robust characterization would have elevated the story further, allowing readers to truly appreciate the unique strengths and voices of these women. Overall, while the premise is intriguing and the themes resonate, a bit more depth and clarity in the characters would have made for a more compelling read.
This book is a testament to the strength of female voices in a well-trodden epic. It challenges perceptions and invites readers to reconsider the roles of women in history, making it a rewarding read for those who stick with it. Once I embraced the journey, I discovered a powerful narrative that left me both heartbroken and hopeful. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on the tales of Troy.

Daughters of Bronze is an interesting take on the Trojan War told from the perspective of the women of Troy.. This is the second book of a duology, the first is Horses of Fire, but it works as a stand alone.

This retelling delves into the the people behind the famous men of the Trojan War - the women of Troy still had to carry on and keep the city running while the war is going on.

I was thoroughly captivated by Daughters of Bronze, just as I was with Horses of Fire! The author's remarkable writing evokes deep emotions, making this retelling of the Trojan War a powerful experience. This installment delves into the perspectives of key female characters, offering an authentic interpretation that adds fresh depth to the well-known story. Without revealing too much, I can say that the portrayal of the characters and their intricate relationships is beautifully crafted. The bond among the women and their readiness to sacrifice for one another is profoundly moving. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical fiction; it’s a must-read for its rich storytelling and emotional resonance!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin House for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinions!

Daughters of the Bronze by A.D. Rhine was a terrific book that reimagined the Trojan War from the perspective of the women.

I have really enjoyed reading the re-written mythology books over the past few years and the expansion of them by differing viewpoints. Rhine doesn't disappoint with this retelling of the Trojan War.

Four women's perception bring us into the seemingly never ending war - Rhea, Andromache, Helen, and Cassandra. The author weaves their vantage gracefully and I was pulled into their lives and impressions.

I think my previous knowledge of mythology helped me a bit, but don't let that put you off if you aren't familiar with everything, you can follow along. I really enjoyed revisiting these characters - particularly Helen and Cassandra.

If you like mythology or just want a different view on what we've always been told this is a great book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own and I liked the book so much that I'll be buying a physical copy when it comes out.

I am obsessed with mythology so I was very excited to receive this arc. And I was not disappointed! I loved reading about the continuation of the women of Troy after the first book. It was very interesting to read about their experiences and roles during the Trojan Wars. The story and retelling really gives a new perspective to these women and I loved everything about it. Once again full of emotions and beautiful writing I really enjoyed this book!

I have marked this as a want to read on Goodreads so I will not be posting an actual review yet but i got 37% through before the book deleted itself. It gave me 7 days to read it but i couldn’t finish it in 7 days and won’t let me redownload it. The point where I was at I felt like it could be a 4 star read. I really enjoyed the different POV’s specifically Rhea and Cassandra. There is quite a bit of suspense too which is really good to keep a person reading!

When I say that this is the first book I have read in a LONG time that has made me audibly gasp, it is the truth. I read the first book by the amazing writers known as AD Rhine and was hooked, so when I had the opportunity to get an early glimpse of the second, I jumped on it. This book FAR exceeded my expectations. The characters felt real, like I knew every single one of them and felt what they were feeling. AD Rhine does a brilliant job of bringing the myth behind the Iliad to light. And though it is obviously not full historical fact, I think it paints a beautiful picture. They do not shy away from the horrors of the war and it's aftermath, but also give a glimmer of hope along side that. Maybe it was because I just had my third baby (a boy), that I felt incredibly connected to Andromache. Her emotions surrounding her son and saving him made me feel heavy. I could understand her pain in a way I might not have before. I cried, I gasped, I laughed, this book is truly beautiful and I can't wait to buy a physical copy to display proudly on my bookshelf.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

An intense and incredible sequel that works as a standalone. I especially enjoyed the depiction of the women of Troy as strong, brilliant women, fighting for their homes at their men’s sides and not as dolls without agency of their own.

For readers familiar with Homer's Iliad, 'Daughters of Bronze' is an emotionally-charged version of the story, brimming with intensity and drama, though we may know the essential plot and where the characters are headed, the authors masterfully re-imagine this ancient tale with great attention to detail, making it seem brand new. A true page-turner, 'Daughters of Bronze' is a great follow-up to 'Horses of Fire.' Highlighting the unheard voices of the female characters, both books offer a compelling look at the Trojan War, drawing the reader in from the very first page.

“Daughters of Bronze” is a heartrending retelling of the Trojan War from the perspectives of Andromache, Cassandra, Helen, and Rhea. I really appreciated the focus placed on Andromache’s past as an Amazon, the depth and care given to Cassandra’s visions, and Helen’s skills and motivations. Rhea is continually forced to make impossible choices, and I felt the authors did such a great job of really making the reader feel her sense of conflict. This duology also almost entirely neglects the gods as players in the war, reframing it as the outcome of human choices and actions. The story was beautifully written, full of rich characters (Ajax, Hector, Aeneas, Briseis, Creusa, and more). I highly recommend this retelling for anyone who is looking for a fresh take on Greek mythology, or anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

I had a hard time getting into the story but overall appreciated the POV of women in the war. Still worth the read but didn't love it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reader's copy of the book. Even though I knew how this book was going to end, I still had some feels. This book was beautifully written and I loved it. This and its predecessor are definitely one of the better retellings I've read in a long time. I loved the personal perspectives from the women and I loved the slight change to the ending and when you read it, you'll know what I'm talking about. I really enjoyed the lack of deities being involved and that this was written to be more historical. Well done authors, well done and bravo.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin House for the early
ARC of Daughters of Bronze!
I was absolutely blown away by Daughters of Bronze, just as I was with Horses of Fire! The author's writing is truly remarkable, evoking strong emotions throughout the book.
Daughters of Bronze delves deeper into the retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of its key female characters. The author's interpretation of the events felt incredibly authentic, adding a new layer of depth to a familiar story. I don't want to give too much away to avoid spoilers, but the portrayal of the characters and their relationships was beautifully done.
The bond between the women and their willingness to sacrifice for each other was truly moving. I highly recommend this series especially for those who are into historical fiction.

Daughters of Bronze picks up after Horses of Fire with Andromache expecting her first child and Helen’s death being publicly mourned. Rhea is working with her cultivated female network in the Achaean camps to retrieve intel for the Trojans. The Achaeans are relentlessly battling the Trojans and Andromache’s allies as internal politics within Priam’s Council interferes with events. The end is near, but no one knows it. Almost no one.

There are now four POVs with Cassandra having her own chapters and a driving force in the plot. The book explores the emotional depth of the women’s bond and how they worked together to preserve Troy. They sacrificed their own safety to protect each other as they unravel the root causes of the war in hopes of ending it. The love and solidarity woven throughout the book underscores the inevitable tragedy. Reading this book will hurt because you are observing the steps that lead up to the fall of Troy. The book’s ending was comforting to read and showed their heroic efforts weren’t in vain.

This isn’t the ideal book for someone who is looking for a retelling drawn from critical analysis of classical texts. A.D Rhines adeptly used creative license where they could without retconning the Iliad. It could function as a standalone for anyone looking to read about the last year of the Trojan War. There are parts where the pacing was inconsistent and it is presumed the reader has prior knowledge of Greek Mythology. This is the story of war and the realities of that situation aren’t glossed over. I would give it a 4.5 as it is an overall solid book and a unique take on retelling the Iliad from a strictly historical angle.


TW: SA, abuse, killing, death, violence.

After reading and loving Horses of Fire last year, I was THRILLED to get an eARC of this one. And while I think Horses of Fire might be the better one, this was still such a pleasure to read. Strong characters, good pacing (except for a bit of a slump in the middle section), and surprisingly emotional writing.