29th out of 197 books
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Spoils of War
by
Aleksandr Voinov (Goodreads Author),
Raev Gray
When Achilleus, the greatest warrior who ever lived, falls before Troy (or Ilion, as it was known), Ares, God of War, stands ready to take his spirit with him to his palace. There, Ares demands that Achilleus yield to him. But can the embrace of a god and the offer of immortality make Achilleus forget his one true love, Patroklos?
ebook
Published
February 7th 2010
(first published February 6th 2010)
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A delightful short story. It would never occur to me to read stories this length much less pay for them but Achilleus and Ares in the hands of Voinov (and Raeve Gray) was just too tempting.
While the subtle references to the gods' characteristics as portrayed in Homer's Illiad brought a smile to me and SpoW was like stumbling upon a pretty seashell on the shores of Paphos, it was so short it was over before it even began, IMO.
While the subtle references to the gods' characteristics as portrayed in Homer's Illiad brought a smile to me and SpoW was like stumbling upon a pretty seashell on the shores of Paphos, it was so short it was over before it even began, IMO.
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I didn't like this short story because I couldn't find myself to care for Achilleus. I see alot of talk about how he really love Patroklos, even to forsake Ares's offer of granting Achilleus a godhead. Good for Achilleus for sticking with his true love, but I never emotionally connected to this love. For a mm-romance between two characters, one of them--Patroklos-- was only mentioned by name and never seen in a scene.
Another thing about Achilleus I didn't like is his wanting to kill an...more
Another thing about Achilleus I didn't like is his wanting to kill an...more
As a mythology lover, this short story is a quick delight filled with nuance, detail, and surprising emotion. When Achilleus dies on the battlefield Ares steals away with him to discuss an impressive offer. However, no offer is free and not only does Achilleus have to deal with the God of War’s price but also with his conflicting emotions and desires.
Here the brief scene is well written with a lot of background material littered in rather casually. There are almost too many names dr...more
Here the brief scene is well written with a lot of background material littered in rather casually. There are almost too many names dr...more
Elisa Ramblings
added it
When I was very young, Greek myths were my favourite, they were always so full of passion, love and vengeance mixed together.
Of all the heroes in the Illiade, probably Achilleus is my favourite too; true, he is maybe a bit too much interested in war, more than in justice, but his relationship with Patroklos and his rage for his death it’s probably one of the most interesting episodes of all the tragedy. The Priam’s sons are too spoiled, the other Greek heroes too complicated in thei...more
Of all the heroes in the Illiade, probably Achilleus is my favourite too; true, he is maybe a bit too much interested in war, more than in justice, but his relationship with Patroklos and his rage for his death it’s probably one of the most interesting episodes of all the tragedy. The Priam’s sons are too spoiled, the other Greek heroes too complicated in thei...more
This story takes Greek mythology as a base and uses it to create an unusual story of love, sex and war. The focus is on Achilleus, a brave and noble Greek warrior who dies during battle only to be taken up to Mount Olympus and shown the nature of submission by the god of war, Ares.
This story isn't a romance as such, but about the glory and brutality of war and sex. Ares takes Achilleus for his own before his brother Hermes is able to take Achilleus to Elysium and the waiting arms...more
This story isn't a romance as such, but about the glory and brutality of war and sex. Ares takes Achilleus for his own before his brother Hermes is able to take Achilleus to Elysium and the waiting arms...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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When I read the blurb of “Spoils of War” I immediately decided to read it. I like Greek mythology. All the political agendas as well as the quibbles among the gods always fascinated me. The fact that one of the main characters is Achilles was a slight drawback for me, however. If I had to choose between him and Hector I’d always go for the latter. I found Achilles’ extremely vindictive and petty behaviour after he killed Hector very disconcerting, but I admit that he was grief-stricken about Pa...more
Wonderfully written, although it reads more like an excerpt or book chapter than a short story.
This is a beautiful story in terms of mood and feel, an aching tone perfectly conveyed despite the shortness of the piece. The historical details are subtle, fluid, and evocative--very clearly the hand of Aleks we've all come to expect. The sex is SCORCHING hot (for this I blame Raev ;-p), the sort of dubious consent--half rape, half burning need--that I also associate very strongly with Aleks. It was in fact so hot that I consider having read it in the waiting room of a doctor's office a HUGE m...more
This short story is very good. There are nuances and references made to various figures in Greek mythology, which I really enjoyed. They are handled in such a way that I don't believe they would bog down the reader. I might be a little biased here, though, since I've done a good deal of reading in Greek mythology over the years, so the references all made sense to me and added depth.
Achilleus' internal conflict of enjoying the tryst and being offered immortality while also wanting to...more
Achilleus' internal conflict of enjoying the tryst and being offered immortality while also wanting to...more
Short but beautifully written fresh story about the moments immediately following Achilleus' fatal arrow blow to his heel. Ares, the God of War, has had his eye on Achilleus for quite some time and literally snatches him up from the battle field before the other gods take what he considers the ultimate prize.
Not only does Ares lust for battle and fury - he lusts for the flesh as well - Archilleus' in particular ;) Sure, he could wield his divine powers and make Achilleus submit s...more
Not only does Ares lust for battle and fury - he lusts for the flesh as well - Archilleus' in particular ;) Sure, he could wield his divine powers and make Achilleus submit s...more
Short story following the adventures of Achilleus after his death, when Ares God of War takes a special interest in the greatest warrior of them all. The character of Achilleus is well-realised and obviously draws from his portrayal in Homer. Ares is also convincing, but as such, I did not find him attractive. I would have liked Patroklos to have featured more in this story but that is perhaps my sentimentality. Some nice writing and a quietly touching ending.
This book should have been written in poetic form. The language (for the most part) was very lyrical. Reminded me of a translation from my high school Latin classes. (If only those classes had stories like this!) Achilles dies in battle and is taken by Ares as a spoil of war. Loved the ending. It was true to what I can remember of Greek mythology but still a surprise.
After Achilleus, the legendary Greek warrior, falls in battle, Ares comes to collect his soul. I really enjoyed this book. Voinov and Gray did a great job with the descriptions. I wish the piece had been longer, since it only took me about twenty minutes to read it. Definitely recommend for those M/M lovers with an interested in Ancient Greece or Rome.
Samantha
rated it
Very short tale of Achilleus' death and his time spent with Ares, the god of war. Ares demands that Achilleus submit to him body and soul in exchange for immortality as a god. But Achilleus' heart already belongs to another. Patroklos.
This was a very short entertaining read. Best of all, it was a free nook book!
This was a very short entertaining read. Best of all, it was a free nook book!
Okay nobody kill me for my difference of openion. This gets a good rank because of the amount of details put into such a short story. That alone warrents a decent rate. However I hated all the characters. It almost felt Withering Heights to me with the only redeeming quality of the MC was love.
I really liked this short story. And for a SHORT story, there was rather more “story” than expected. Achilleus is a fascinating character. I loved the sheer arrogance of Ares, the God of War. The dynamics of their relationship - the all-powerful God vs the obviously weaker but still proud mortal, makes a juicy read.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Nice short story about Ares' (the Greek god of war) attempt to take Achillius (more commonly spelled Achilles) into his house and make him a god after the warrior's death during the Trojan war.
NICE use of history! The setting, the items, the god... My love for the ancient world was nourished by this period piece. And it's nice to see the gods thwarted by mortals from time to time.
I really enjoyed this story. I've always loved Greek Mythology, and this little story grabbed me from the start. I only wish it were longer. Great story.
This is a well written short story. Ares was a great character and acted like the god he was.
This story was perfect for today's lunchtime quickie.
I loved this beautifully written, vivid, and riveting story of war, sex, revenge, and love that brings the gods and mortals of Greek mythology to life.
I want more!
I loved this beautifully written, vivid, and riveting story of war, sex, revenge, and love that brings the gods and mortals of Greek mythology to life.
I want more!
It's an Aleks book. Need I say more? Fantastic from start to finish.
I love the Greek sagas, so this was right up my street!
This is an intersesting speculative piece about what might have happened when Achilles (or Achilleus in this story) dies and gets snapped up by the god of war, Ares.
While the story focuses on their interaction, it is very clear that Achilleus doesn't want the god - he wants to spend eternity with Patroklos, the lover who died before him. Of course, the god of war gets rather upset about this...
While the story focuses on their interaction, it is very clear that Achilleus doesn't want the god - he wants to spend eternity with Patroklos, the lover who died before him. Of course, the god of war gets rather upset about this...
How much fun this was on one lazy weekend. There was an eXcessica call for submissions, the idea just happened, my co-author Raev Gray was game, and we banged this one out fast and easy. I've always wanted to write something about Achilles, and this was the perfect way to do it. I've practically grown up on the Iliad and the Greek myths, and I just don't believe that Patroklos was his cousin, so there...
This was a perfect scene with sex as only Ares could do it. :)
This is a great read. Rich in detail and fantastic imagery. I'd love to see a full length novel from this writing team around the two lovers. 4.5 stars, bumping up to 5 for good reads.
In short, this was amazing.
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