Daughters of Bronze by A.D. Rhine is a captivating journey into the heart of the ancient mythology of Homer and the Iliad, weaving together rich historical detail with mesmerizing storytelling. As a lover of all things mythological and historical, I absolutely adored this book. This is the second book of an interconnected duology, but I did not have any trouble following the plot whatsoever.

Rhine's prose is enchanting, transporting readers to the vibrant world of ancient Greece. The narrative follows four women depicted during the time of the Iliad, immersing readers in a tale of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of family bonds. Each of the four women has their own stories to tell, but they are weaved so well together that they fit seamlessly together. Each character feels fully realized, with motivations and desires that resonate with modern readers despite the ancient setting.

I did struggle with the pacing of the book from the start, as the plot didn't particularly pique my interest until a little more than halfway through. And this is coming from someone who extensively knows Homer's Iliad and the Trojan War.

Overall, Daughters of Bronze is a mesmerizing read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and mythology alike. A.D. Rhine has crafted a captivating tale showcasing women's strength, even when history has tried to keep them shadowed.

The beginning is hard to follow at first, but that is due to me being unaware that this was a second installment to a duology (I do think the description needs to be a little more clear on this). I don’t think it was too difficult to grasp that I would’ve had to go back and read the first one before starting this, but I think it would have helped me connect more with the characters. Certain losses weren’t felt as hard because I didn’t know them well enough. There was also a lot of action happening off page that I found it hard to keep track of who was who and what side they were one. That being said, this was so beautiful. The prose was very moving. I cannot wait to read the first installment now.

Upon reflection, seeing as I just sobbed for an hour thinking of certain characters, I feel those losses very hard.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this eARC in exchange for an honest review

This is a must read if you love Greek mythology. In a way, it’s kind of a retelling of The Odyssey, but with an emphasis on relationships and the women that nurture them. I remember first reading The Odyssey and loving the story but not really connecting to the characters. In Daughters of Bronze I cared less about the story (maybe because I already knew how it would end) and more about the characters. It was interesting to see the women have their own unique personalities, and in some instances you wouldn’t think they’d get along with each other, but the thing that unites them is the way they fiercely protect the people and things they hold dear. I would definitely say this is a character driven novel and it might be beneficial to suspend what you know of The Trojan Wars so you can really get lost in the beauty of this novel. The thread of romance woven throughout was also a nice touch. Knowing how the story goes, I was pleasantly surprised at the ending. It was great! I didn’t realize this was part of a duology, and I plan on reading Horses of Fire next.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Books for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

First note - because I didn’t realize this when I started the book - this is the second book in a duology (maybe I fully missed this but it wasn’t immediately clear to me). That being said, it’s an easy book to pick up without having read the first, but I cannot wait to go back.

I absolutely loved this book. I’m all about historical fiction, and I definitely think about the Roman Empire. Daughters of Bronze follows four women of different political and social standings through the Trojan War. The authors (A D Rhine is two writers in one) took the Iliad and adapted the mythology to a more realistic historical retelling.

Andromache is an Amazon Queen married to Prince Hector of Troy. Cassandra is a Trojan Princess with the gift of sight, feared by most and trusted by few. Helen is the Spartan Queen, living in Troy and providing healing services throughout the city. Rhea is a servant in Hector’s house, and a spy in the Spartan camps. The women work together to aid their homeland in defense of the Spartan attack immortalized in the Iliad.

The story is well written with action and emotion woven throughout. If you’re familiar with the Iliad you know the basic tale, but AD Rhine have managed to create a refreshing take without straying too far from the source material. For example, the Iliad does not spend much time on Andromache, but making her an Amazon queen not only fits historically, it also offers additional characterization for how the men of Troy react and respond to her.

This story may revolve around a war, but as AD Rhine puts it “neither war, nor sickness, nor enslavement can stop us from weaving our lives together. As mothers and daughters and wives. As friends. For that is what women do.” It’s a story of epic proportions, told only as women can tell it.

As someone who reads a lot of myth retellings, I've found the genre to be getting very bogged down and repetitive, especially when it comes to the Trojan War. However, I think Daughters of Bronze (and the duology in general) is really the breath of fresh air that this genre needed. Some of the retellings I've read tend to be pretty clinical and maybe too focused on being true to the myth while trying to add in their own spin. I'm not an expert of how the myths were really told, so I have really don't know if this is supposed to be a faithful retelling, but the differences I saw in this book compared to others were honestly my favorite parts.
This is probably the most emotionally charged retelling I've read and I absolutely loved it. It really felt like I was reading about real people with real lives and motivations, instead of just distant mythical characters. I felt so much more connected to these characters and even though I knew their fates, I was so hoping it would change and was so devastated when it didn't. Of course this is a tragedy and I expected to be heartbroken over Andromache's story, but Rhea's and Cassandra's hit me so much harder than I was expecting.
Rhea's emotional and mental journey from the first book to the second was so incredible to read. She started alone, scared, and so unsure of herself and her abilities. I loved how she grew into this confident and powerful girl who had the love and trust of so many people. Additionally, as a sucker for romance, her doomed love with Ajax was one of my favorite parts of the story and broke my heart into a million pieces.
I also really loved how there were major changes made to the myth without changing any major outcomes. Every change made didn't change how the story traditionally ended, but just added this interesting layer to the story that we wouldn't have seen otherwise. It was also so fascinating to see this overarching theme in the books about whether or not the gods were real. Of the course the characters did truly believe in them but all of the major plot points that are traditionally attributed to direct actions from the gods. The one I think I can talk about without spoiling anything is how Cassandra's "madness" is more than likely DID than a curse inflicted on her by Apollo. The way it is described throughout the story, from how it was brought about, to how it presents itself, and to how all these parts of Cassandra interact with one another, is so obviously DID that it honestly makes her story even more tragic. To learn that her struggles in life were the result of human action and callousness, instead of this all powerful god that anyone would be defenseless against, makes her story much more realistic and heart-breaking.
I do have a few issues with the book. For example, there were also a few gods and goddesses from other cultures that I didn't know anything about and a few terms that were used that I didn't understand. It could have been helpful to have had a glossary with just a quick explanation for these more obscure concepts. I also really wish we could've seen a little more about Helen. She was a major catalyst for a lot of things that happened in this story (the obvious ones along with some others), and I feel like this is one of the few retellings that really paints her as a true victim, but also not entirely helpless. What we got about her and her motivations were really well done, and while I do think it was pretty well rounded, I wish we could've seen a little more of her, specifically more of her relationships with other characters in the story besides Paris.
I really enjoyed how everything wrapped up and think that overall this was a very well-done duology. While it did seem slow at times, I don't think this story was dragged out by any means. It gave all of its main characters (and quite a few side characters) very interesting and well-rounded journeys. I think everyone's endings, whether it was exactly how the myth described it or not, made sense and was very satisfying to their character and their storyline.
*This review will be the same for both Horses of Fire and Daughters of Bronze, since I didn't realize DOB was a sequel, got it from NetGalley, started reading, was pretty confused, realized it was a sequel, had to go buy HOF because I was enjoying DOB so much, and read both back to back*

I loved this book. At first I was nervous that it would be hard to keep track of all the characters, but very quickly I became immersed in the story and couldn’t put it down. I loved that this retelling focused on the women of the Trojan War. I would definitely read more from this author and will be recommending this book!

This had a frustratingly slow pace for me. The writing was solid, and it is an interesting feminist retelling of ancient myth (we love!) but it took a while for things, at least for me, to get going. Still an absolutely compelling narrative and fun though frustrating and heartbreaking to read. I am not sure that I would reach for this as a reread in a sea of mythological retellings, but that's a me issue!

Thank you to Net Galley and Dutton books for an ARC of this book!
I must say this novel was quite a dissatisfying myth reimagining. As a Classical civilizations student I felt that if the authors revisited the ancient texts a few more times, they would have been able to craft a more compelling narrative that expands and critiques the ancient canon.
“Daughters of Bronze” is a multi POV narrative that follows the famous female characters of the Trojan War: Andromache, Cassandra, and Helen and one character created by the authors: Rhea. This fictional character, Rhea was the most frustrating to read. In some ways the character of Rhea could have been tied to the character, Tecmessa from the ancient tradition. If the authors visited the tragic tradition in addition to the epic tradition, this character could have been given more depth. Tecmessa is a strong character in Sophocles’s “Ajax” and rarely gets the retelling treatment. This simple character name change and adjustment would have provided a layer of nuance that no prior retelling of this story has achieved.
The more recognizable characters were also frustrating. Although the authors do an interesting job centering Andromaches military tactics (which Andromache uses in book 6 of the “Iliad”) the character in this novel feels cold. Her relationships seem transactional. This choice did not allow me to empathize or understand all of her choices in the book.
I would have loved more time spent with Helen. The few glimpses we get of her POV are fascinating and feel fresh. Cassandra on the other had felt tired and overdone.
One thing that also struck me as a little off was the lack of interference or discussion of the gods. There are many scenes in the “Iliad” where the women pray to the gods, or the gods directly interfere with their lives. Their absence ultimately made the world of the novel feel underdeveloped. The gods are essential to understanding the society which the characters function in. Without their presence there is a lacking logic to the actions of the characters.
Overall I think this book had a lot of excellent ideas but poor execution. Rather than cramming all these complex themes and characters in one book I think this book would have benefited from a scaling back of ideas. By trying to achieve all these ideas, too many deviations are made from the plot of the Epic which inspired the book, leaving the reader discombobulated within the story.

Really Enjoyed! This book is for anyone who enjoys a little historical fiction specifically stories in the vein of Madeline Millers works. A.D. Rhine takes the story of the Trojan War and reimagines it from the perspectives of the women at the heart of the story. I thought this was super well done, emotional, captivating, and fresh. This story has be covered a million times but Rhine manages to bring something new and exciting to a beloved classic. There were quite a few POVs to contend with so its a bit of a slow start as each storyline takes off, but its never dull or pedantic. Thanks for the advanced copy!!

"Daughters of Bronze" is an exquisite masterpiece that breathes life into the legendary figures of Helen, Andromache, Rhea, Cassandra, and Queen Hecuba in a way that's both captivating and deeply moving. As you journey through the pages of this remarkable novel, you find yourself emotionally entwined with these iconic women, sharing in their joys, sorrows, and triumphs.

Through the skilled pen of the author, you cry tears of empathy, feel their wounds as if they were your own, and experience the profound depths of love that define their existence. Each character is brought to life with such vividness and authenticity that it's impossible not to become fully immersed in their world.

While "Daughters of Bronze" undeniably tugs at your heartstrings and leaves you grappling with a myriad of emotions, it does so with a sense of reverence and pride for the strength and resilience of these remarkable women. Their stories may break your heart in many ways, but it's a heartbreak that is tempered with admiration for their courage and unwavering spirit.

One caveat for readers is to ensure familiarity with the Battle of Troy and its major players, as this knowledge enriches the reading experience and facilitates a deeper understanding of the narrative. However, even for those less acquainted with the intricacies of this ancient tale, "Daughters of Bronze" remains an extraordinary work of literature that is both accessible and profoundly impactful.

In my own journey through its pages, I was so deeply moved by the power and beauty of this novel that I've made the decision to own both the audiobook and print versions, eager to revisit its splendor time and time again. "Daughters of Bronze" is truly a masterpiece that deserves a place of honor on every bookshelf.

4.5

A. D. Rhine made me cry more than once. The story was heartbreaking.

Rhine takes you on a journey through a retelling/reimagining of the Trojan War, a war often told in the favor of men. Instead, this retelling focuses on the women central to the story, a future Queen/mother, healer, spy, and oracle. Rhine beautifully crafts a story of loss, heartbreak, and love.

My only problem with the book was the pace. It took a while to get into.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the advanced copy of The Daughters of Bronze.

This story unfolds through the view of four women. Each one with their own important story to tell. They navigate their world together by leaning on each other for their individual strengths to endure a war that continues to take and take from them.

The story is written so you truly learn and understand each character and grow to care for each one of them deeply. The second half of the story kept me guessing and hoping for how the story would go, even when I knew what was destined to happen.

A. D. Rhine has written a beautiful story about the strength and determination of women who set their mind to a common goal, even when history is determined to keep them in the shadows.

Title: Daughters of Bronze
Author: A.D. Rhine
Stars: 5
Spice: none
Pros: This book is absolutely beautifully devastating. It will rip your heart out. Even knowing the story of the Illiad and the Odyssey, I was completely engaged in wanting to know what is next. The prose is beautiful, and story weaving is everything you could ask for.
Cons: there’s a lot to remember between names and stories in the beginning, so this is definitely a slow burn. It can be very confusing at first.
Favorite Quote: Still, in the hushed sanctuary of those early days with my son, I finally understood. Why we continue creating life, even when the world seems always on the verge of ending.
Format Commentary: Written in long chapters with a couple of poems.
Other Titles Similar: Reminds me somewhat of Madeline Miller’s recreations. This one felt more complex though.

Quick Synopsis: a retelling of the battle of Troy through the eyes of the women surrounding the battle. A realization that there is way more that can be done in a battle than what is

Characters-
The characters were well developed and interesting. They differed greatly which helped give the story depth. Their arcs were satisfying and each character got a decent wrap up.

Plot and theme-
The plot of this book was very engaging, as anyone familiar in The battle of Troy knows. The theme really hit home as the importance of the woman’s roles and just how much women were affected. Battle stories are usually about the male heroics in fighting. This book highlights the struggles, sacrifice and strength a woman’s role has in these epics.

Pacing-
I found that the story did drag in the beginning, learning all of the characters and their situations. Scott halfway through, the book flew.

Prose-
Beautifully written. Poetic and engaging. Full of emotion.

Primary emotion reading book-
Gut-wrenching empathy

5 Stars. This book is for the girls who read The Lightning Thief in elementary school and then hyper fixated on Ancient Greece, as well as anyone who enjoys reading beautiful writing and badass female characters.

Daughters of Bronze: A Novel of Troy is an alluring retelling of the Trojan War from the perspectives of the women who covertly lead and manipulated the conflict between Sparta and Troy. Told from four different perspectives the story is woven together piece by piece. The lives and relationships of the four main characters, Helen, Andromache, Rhea, and Cassandra, are englanged so tightly that they create an intricate dynamic that plays out beautifully by the end of the novel.

Although this is a sequel to A.D. Rhines novel Horses of Fire, I had no trouble grasping on the the storyline and characters. I am excited to now go and read the first installment of the duology.

Thank you o NetGalley and Dutton for this ARC.

Wanted to love but found it too hard to follow. The multiple POVs were so hard to keep straight. It was just too clunky
For me :(

Daughters of Bronze by A.D. Rhine is a beautifully written retelling of a well known era. Everyone I know at least has a basic understanding of the Trojan War and this books casts the light on the conflict of the women surrounding the war. I have recently found an immense love for historical fiction/retellings and this is one of the best books so far. Upon getting this ARC I didn't realize it was part of a dulogy but I didn't have any issues reading and understanding what was going on.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group for providing me the ARC ebook.

I adored this breath of fresh air into the world of classical retellings. A.D. Rhine together have painted a beautiful picture of the women in Troy at the very end of the war desperate for survival of their city and keenly aware of their fate if/when the city falls. Andromache is so much more than the wife of Hector and yet her love for him is part of what drives her, she is brilliant and trapped by the conventions of Trojan rules. Her upbringing in a different kingdom allowed for her to be more and with Hector she is able to use her knowledge to help. Helen, freed from the trappings of her Trojan husband uses her skills as a healer to aide the women in Troy and seeks a way to show her daughter back in Sparta her love. Cassandra, whispers secrets and prophecies but no one will believe her not when the priests say differently or when they lock her away. Rhea, spies on the Greeks for Hector and Andromache who saved her but she finds a peace in their camp and a love that makes her question her duty.

Together these women are all fighting in this war in a way so different than the men on the plains but equally as useful to their survival. I enjoyed the voice that this novel gave them all., in particular Helen's story as it is one of my biggest pet peeves to see her slut shamed in so many tales when she had not choice. I am excited to see where they go next in their writing.

This book is a beautiful retelling of the Trojan War, delicately re-woven through the lens of womanhood, motherhood, and sisterhood. The continuation of book one (Horses of Fire) Daughters of Bronze continues with characters we loved from book one and gives us a lot of character development and growth along with some additional POVs.

For me, the addition of having Cassandra’s perspective was great, and even more heartbreaking when you saw how tortured she was by her visions and how tragic it was to not be believed by those she loved. But really the main character that I think had such an incredible journey was the fiercely independent and stubborn Andromache going from Amazon soldier to mother. Every journey to motherhood is different, but Rhine somehow captured the life-changing, brain altering moment that a person becomes a mother. Her story, and showing her priorities intensify and shift was just really relatable.

I think fans of Song of Achilles and Circe will really love this fresh and unique take on the epic. Rhine’s writing and take on these characters is so compelling, and fun to read that as someone who loved the Iliad and knows the story, I still felt myself hoping for a happier ending for some of our heroines.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for this ARC.

Thank you so much netgalley for the arc! I loved horses Of Fire. It was an excellent debut. I was so excited to receive this arc and continue the story. The writing and World building were excellent the characters are unique. It's a time in history that not a lot of historical fiction books cover, so that was intriguing. I am a newfound fan of A. D. RHINE and can't wait to see what they write next! 🤗

I've read The Iliad. I've read A Song of Achilles. I know what happens at the end of the Trojan War but I still wanted to bawl constantly during this book. Probably because I got to know these women so well and love
them.

Though this was a seamless continuation of Horses of Fire, there was still some great character transformation/evolution.

There's much more of Cassandra and the strength she pulls from all aspects of herself.

Helen becomes more of the leader and caregiver that she's meant to be.

Andromache makes the transition from warrior to mother and that never seems to make her any less of either role. So much better than the hothead she was in the first book.

Rhea is no longer a mouse and I was rooting for her the whole time. Loved loved loved her relationship with Ajax.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton/Penguin Group for the advanced copy of this book.