This book was an absolute joy to read. I couldn’t put it down. Miller understands what makes Greek mythology interesting. The interactions between the humans and the Gods are always interesting and add a much needed supernatural element. I read Circe first, so I knew Miller could deliver on the dichotomy of a half-god character’s struggles. Let’s get into it.

First the characters. Achilles and Patroclus are an amazing couple. Their relationship develops so naturally and it feels well earned when they finally become a thing. Society doesn’t necessarily oppose their relations, but they expect Achilles to take a wife to continue his legacy, so they keep it on the down low. Achilles is headstrong and sees himself as invincible. It seems like he’s prideful, but really he’s oblivious and kindhearted. There are moments where his hubris is on full display and it made me feel bad for actually liking him. Patroclus is his anchor and keeps him balanced. His humanness really complements Achilles’ godliness and their interactions won me over. These two spend the entire story getting to know one another and growing together as humans. Thetis is Achilles’ godly mother and she is a force. She refrains from interfering in Achilles’ life much, but does visit to provide advice and berate his choice of companion. She does not like Patroclus at all and Achilles doesn’t care. Despite her disdain for him, she never harms him and it goes to show how much she respected her son and trusted him to make his own decisions. There are moments where Thetis shows some more troubling aspects of her parenthood (like abducting Achilles at one point), but overall she is there to steer him away from danger. She seems to play the role of a parent, but never puts her entire self into it. Briseis is another character that comes along later in the story, and though I didn’t know her for as long, she still left a sizable impact on me by the story’s end. She is handled so well up until the end, and I really enjoyed her interactions with Patroclus. She adds some flavor to the war camp and it’s very welcome. Patroclus and Achilles’ fathers don’t make much of an impact in the story other than their initial introduction and are mostly used to provide some backstory into the boys’ childhood. Chiron raises the boys for a short time and his teachings are integral to the development of their viewpoints. He has a very respectable air around him and his part of the story was a nice way to lead up to the real meat of the fiction.

If you are familiar with Greek mythology (I’m not really) you may know their story. They go to Troy to fight for Helen at the behest of the Greeks. Achilles is prophesied to be the greatest warrior of the time, but also it is said that he will die in battle at Troy. Patroclus doesn’t want him to go, but because of a bunch of reasons, they end up there anyway. Even if you know the story, Miller has spun it in such a way that even those with that knowledge, will be surprised at the turns the story takes. There are so many great moments that really show how much these men have grown. There is a brief stint of the story where they are on an island with a lowly king and his daughter. This section really highlighted some of the crazier parts of Greek mythology regarding society’s view of women and age of consent. Despite some of the subject matter being vulgar by today’s standards, it’s presented in such a way that it gets across the point it’s trying to make without causing supreme discomfort. Some scenes teeter on the verge of being too much, but their depictions don’t go too far. I don’t want to go too much into the moments within as each one is precious in its own right as the battle of Troy really ramps up the story. Despite a slow beginning to the battle, the lead up is just as enjoyable as the war. Much of the plot during this section is handled at the camp, rather than the battlefield, and it is to great effect. The politics of war and the vast differing kingdoms that have united in the effort to rescue Helen is ridiculous. Their teamwork does not suffer however as they have all agreed to fight for her honor. Honor is the main focus in this build up as it results in some unforeseen events, but I won’t go too far into that. Know that the Greeks believed honor was the most important characteristic of a man and there were very specific ways to be honorable. Insults to another’s honor are unacceptable and must be remedied whatever the cost. This goes for the honoring of the gods as well. They don’t impact the main story too much, despite Thetis’ interventions, up until the war camp. It’s a fairly grounded story until the final chapters, despite Achilles’ obvious strength. As it builds up however you can tell where it’s heading from the get-go.

I think this story is phenomenal. Miller, once again, breathes life into a crusty, old mythos and changes just enough to pull in a modern audience. The character depth, dichotomy of half-god characters and the navigation of a society based on a very specific view of honor, all add up to a one-of-a-kind read. (Well two of a kind because of Circe.) I hope that she continues writing fiction based around mythology because this is the best way to experience the story of Achilles and Patroclus.