Torn from Troy

Odyssey of a Slave #1

by Patrick Bowman

Two-and-a half millennia after it was created, Homer's Odyssey remains one of humanity's most memorable adventure stories. In this re-creation of Homer's classic as a young adult novel, we see the aftermath of the Trojan War through the eyes of Alexi, a fifteen-year-old Trojan boy. Orphaned by the war and enslaved by Odysseus himself, Alexi has a very different view of the conquering heroes of legend. Despite a simmering anger towards his captors, Alexi gradually develops a grudging respect for them. As the Greeks fight off the angry Cicones, weather a storm that pushes them far beyond charted waters, and nearly succumb to the blandishments of the bewitching Lotus-eaters, he realizes that they are not the demons they were said to be, but people like himself.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Audiobook, Mythology, Adventure, Historical

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 15, 2011

About the author

Patrick Bowman was born in Ottawa and educated in Toronto. He has twenty years of writing experience, all of it in software, but has been fascinated by Greek mythology since stumbling over a copy of Bulfinch's Mythology in his father's library as a child. TORN FROM TROY is his first book. He presently makes his home in Toronto.



From the author himself;
Born Ottawa, Ontario; moved Toronto age 9; BSc from University of Toronto (computer science, psychology); worked in software for 20 years; currently trying writing. Married to a wonderful woman, Barbara Cox. Two girls, 10 and 14.

Reviews

[AudioBookReviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My original Torn from Troy audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Many have used Homer’s Odyssey and told the tale differently – focusing on different aspects of the tale or changing the time period and place. Patrick Bowman takes the tale of Odyssey and tells it from the viewpoint of a fifteen year old boy named Alexi.

Alexi sees his sister killed and then he’s captured and enslave by Odyssey who claims Alexi as his own and thus begins Alexi’s adventure. Like most 15-year-old boys, Alexi must learn to curb his tongue or it means certain death. Faced with life as an orphan and a slave, Alexi learns quickly to think on his feet and in doing so impresses Odyssey. Alexi witnesses first-hand the clash between the Cicones, experiences the deadly storm that knocks their ship beyond the boundaries of any known map; he tastes and almost surrenders to the enticing Locust eaters and helps the Greek soldiers and his master escape the mighty Cyclops.

Alexi is a captivating young man; his talents are brought to the forefront by his constant need to survive and the situations he finds himself. His fast wit and bravery is fascinating. Bowman takes Alexi and makes him real to his audiences. While the adventure is based upon apiece of historical fiction and mythology, the listener can lose themselves in the telling of the story as it spins out thus connecting with Alexi.

Bowman uses rich vocabulary to describe the battles and chaos. He does not rush through the telling of the Odyssey, he takes time to show the relationships within the Greek army, the other slaves and Alexi. The style in which it is written is fast paced, action packed and will appeal to most. I was delighted to learn that this is but volume one in a short series.

Gerard Doyle, narrator, did a delightful job of telling the story. His voice was soothing and reflected how I envisioned a 15-year-old boy who has not yet gone through puberty would sound. Immersing himself in the story, Doyle gave a captivating performance. He was like the icing on the cake so to speak.

This is a superbly done story by both the author and narrator. Its appeal is to a wider audience, although young adults will love it more so. This is one of those “don’t miss” adventures.

There were no production issues, everything was clear and smooth.

Audiobook was provided for review by the publisher.

[Leroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn From Troy was an amazing book.The story flows smoothly and is action packed even at the begining. for example when the greeks got inside the city and he and his siter had to hide uder a blanket in the darkest corner of the room well the greeks came. And also at the begining they leave some mysterys like who their father was.I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys greek myths.

The book always has something interesting every chapter.In the book my favourite part is when they get stuck in the cave.In general the book doesn't stop it's entertainment even at the end.This book is very much like the Odyssey.I think that it is fairly accurate to the Odyssey.

I think that the book was extremely good except for when he does not mention the cyclop's name.He also didn't mention some of Odysseus"s original companions.The book was a all around good book with only a few flaws.I think that this is one of the the best books based in medieval greece.

Alltogether I rate this book 5 stars.It is exciting fast paced story.I think that this book will win even more awards.I am excited to read the next of the series.I think everyone who likes greek mythology

[Shaeley Santiago · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure how to classify this book. It's an adaptation of the classic, Homer's Odyssey, set in ancient times but told from the perspective of a young boy taken as a slave in the raid on the city of Troy. Not having read The Odyssey in many years, it was a bit hard for me to remember the plot of that story and compare it to the events in this book. I will say, though, that the characters are very engaging, especially Alexi. I look forward to reading the next book in the series as the journey continues.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book review is on the intriguing novel: Torn from Troy by Patrick Bowman. I really enjoyed this novel because it is a nice short novel that you can read and love but it doesn’t leave you wanting more, and when your finished the book you don’t regret using your time to read it. I probably also like this novel because of the genre. The genre of this novel is sort of historical fiction but also has a lot of fantasy thrown in to it as well. For example: the battle for Troy was a real battle, and that's where the very famous tale The Trojan Horse came from. The fantasy part of the novel defiantly plays in the second half of the novel.

I am now going to do a quick summery about the novel. To start off the novel, the Trojans are getting attacked. There is a boy named Alexi and the whole story is through his eyes; Alexi is just being awakened by his sister because Mela (his sister) realizes that there is a war outside. They both try to escape and Mela ends up dying. Alexi goes out and is captured by the Greeks, who turn him into a slave, later in the novel, a medic. Alexi is sent out under the sail of Lopex, to go find the city of Ithaca, which is where the Greeks lived.

Some strengths of this novel is the type of novel. I mean that by the way it is written; I love the way you always understand and very rarely lose attention. For example on page 103 “The wind had died, and as I watched, the clouds began to part.” I love the way it is phrased, enough detail but not hard to understand and it gets to the point fast enough. Some things I did not like about the novel was the ancient words. There are constantly new words being introduced, but they are not explained through the story line or in any other way. An example of this would be on page 33 “The blade snagged my tattered chiton.” I had to find small hints that told me it was a piece of clothing.

My personal opinion for this novel would be 4 out of 5. I would rate Torn from Troy this way because, as said in the previous paragraph, the constant ancient words. I would change it by maybe making a small dictionary at the back or go into more description as to what it is. Other than that I found the book to be absolutely amazing and would change nothing else. I really recommend this novel for people who want to try out another genre because I can guaranty that anyone with even a small taste for mythology would love it. In conclusion: I think Torn from Troy is a fantastic read!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts off int he thick of action with Troy’s defenses having succumbed to Odysseus’s trick (the Trojan Horse). Alexi and his older sister were orphaned during the lengthy years-long siege on Troy. Alexi himself is half-Greek and his heritage may put him in greater danger. While Alexi’s sister manages to kill one Greek soldier, she is also tossed hard against stone. Alexi believes her dead and is taken captive. While he is 15 years old, he is small for his age and lies when asked, claiming to be 12. So, right off we see that the boy can think on his feet.

Mostly high adventure but with a touch of brutal reality mixed in, we see that being a slave, even a talented one, is not an easy life. While Captain Lopex (Odysseus) is usually fair minded, he is also a trickster. Other slaves also populate Alexi’s life, including a motherly woman (Cimia?) who watches out for him and tries to make sure he eats. Pen, a young Greek warrior close to Alexi’s age, tries to build a friendship only to hide it from all the other Greeks. Urey is the main antagonist, having lost his brother to Alexi’s sister’s dagger.

With a full cast of characters, Patrick Bowman sets them into an ancient Greece full of dangers. Desperate for fresh water, the crew eventually land in the realm of the lotus eaters. Beautiful women inhabit this isle and feed, water, wine, and drug the men. Not all make it away safely. The men land on another isle seeking to trade for meat and other food supplies only to end up going toe-to-toe with a cyclops. Not only must Alexi survive these traps, he must constantly watch his back around Urey.

Bowman built in the distinctions between Greeks and Trojans, showing cultural and religious differences. Alexi has a sharp tongue and calls the Greeks idiots in one fashion or another one too many times. If he’s not careful, he could end up with some permanent marks.

Narration: Gerard Doyle was a great voice for Alexi, giving the impression of a boy on the cusp of manhood. His feminine voices could have used a little more variety, but this did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torn from Troy is a retelling of The Odyssey from the point-of-view of a 15-year-old Trojan slave. For a book that I didn't have much hope for, I was really entertained.

Alexi is "Torn from Troy" when they are invaded by the Greeks. He is enslaved by none other than Odysseus himself. Alexi despises the Greeks, and has difficulty holding his tongue, which gets him into trouble over and over. The only thing that saves him is his knowledge of Trojan healing methods, which are more advanced than the Greeks'.

They face a harrowing, storm-ridden sea journey and have to fight off an advancing army. They are almost taken under the spell of the Lotus-eaters and almost eaten by a Cyclops. Alexi learns some secrets and is also keeping some of his own. He earns some respect from Odysseus. And in the end, we are left hanging as to what will be Alexi's fate.

I must admit that I know only the basic facts about The Odyssey, so I'm not sure how exactly this portrays that story. But Torn from Troy was exciting and fast-paced. Both Odysseus and Alexi are clever and get themselves (and all the Greeks) out of several life-threatening situations. Yes, some of it is a bit over the top and there is a lot of luck, but it's all great entertainment.

The audiobook, narrated by Gerard Doyle, is very good. The voices were helpful and not over the top. Very easy to listen to and understand.

There are two more books in the series, Cursed by the Sea God and Arrow through the Axes, and I'm looking forward to continuing. Recommend this to younger readers who enjoy mythical adventures.

[Eden · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover:

I like to see a well-drawn cover now and then, and this one captures the hurried atmosphere wonderfully. The juxtaposition of such natural colours and a unique title font finishes it off nicely, though I do wish the author name wasn't written in Times New Roman.

The book:

This may be written from a Trojan's point of view, but it doesn't make the adventure more original. That summary (which I wrote) doesn't end with a decision or call to action like usual blurbs, which reflects the plot's arc accurately; in the book the tension actually peeters out towards the end, with the action to be continued in the next book. This may or may not achieve the intended effect -- to keep readers waiting for the sequel -- given the writing's mediocre quality.

While the plot doesn't shine, Bowman does take the time to develop his cast of characters. Odysseus, or Lopex as he's known to his men, is equally brutal, cunning and fair, though right hand man Ury is a little too thoroughly evil. Kassander, a slave captured alongside Alexi, has secrets about his origins and past that weave conflict effectively into the story.

Bowman's borrowed action is faultlessly straightforward, to the point where it's nearly predictable. An simple adventure, Torn From Troy would probably go over best with the tween age group.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once I got used to the idea that the Greeks and the Trojans all had British accents, I enjoyed this adventure story which is a retelling of the Odyssey from the point of view of a captured Trojan slave.

The book begins with the sacking of Troy when 15-year-old Alexi watches his older sister killed and then runs and hides from the Greek invaders. He is captured and made a slave to Odysseus. He also makes an enemy of one of the Greek soldiers whose name I heard as Yuri. (The one disadvantage I have found to listening to audio books is not knowing how names are spelled.) Alexi's quick temper and disdain for the Greeks makes his first days as a slave difficult.

They have all sorts of adventures from storms at sea to encounters with the Lotus-Eaters and a cyclops. Because this is a continuing series, the further adventures told in the Odyssey will be parts of later books.

I liked the action. I liked the way Alexi gradually became friends with one of the young Greek soldiers. I liked the portrayal of Odysseus as a man who told two lies every time he opened his mouth. I liked that Alexi had learned about healing from his father. I thought the information about the way the Greeks and Trojans worshipped their gods was interesting.

Adventure loving students will enjoy this book and might even be tempted to read the Odyssey to find out what happens next.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torn From Troy was an amazing book over all it had action like when They battle the cyclops and Alexi running away from the Greeks.
This book was a fast paced book from the start.
It was all action with no stopping like a snowball rolling down a hill it kept on going and getting more exciting every page.
On the first page its Alexi's sister waking him up and running from the Greeks.
In the middle it's Alexi running in a battle dodging swords and people to deliver a message that will win the battle! At the end it is Alexi and the Greeks stabbing a cyclops in the eye! Then running away!
This book is a great book it gives you an great understanding of the characters.
Some things this book lacks is suspense, its really easy to tell what is going to happen it has allot of action but there are no parts ware you are like "No is he going to die or not????"
Over all I would give this book a four out of five stars!

[Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review on The book Torn from Troy
Patrick Bowman
Torn from Troy was a great book because I felt like I was in the story because of how the author wrote it. I liked trying the point of view from the slave because it was cool how the real story is over 1000 years old and there are still ways to write about this book today. I thought this book was really cool because it takes you through all the real things in the original story. Some examples are they almost got captured by the Lotus Eaters and the also met the Cyclops. It was a great story. I would definitely read the second book (If it was at our library). But the events that happened in the book were sometimes to fast for me and other people probably, so I had to re-read certain parts over. But overall I would give this book a 4 and a half out of five.

[J L's Bibliomania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Torn From Troy by Patrick Bowman is a retelling of The Odyssey from the perspective of a young Trojan slave, Alexi. I was entertained by the clear retelling, but did find our young protagonist to be just a bit too fortunate, and Alexi's rise from new captive to a favored companion of Lopex (as Odysseus was nicknamed) just a bit too pat. However, that complaint will likely be overlooked by younger readers. I chuckled at the way Mr. Bowman built up to the punchline in the story of the cyclops, Polyphemius, and Noba Gee.

Torn From Troy should appeal to middle grade readers who are looking for something to pass the time while they wait for the next book from Rick Riordan or for youngsters who are not quite ready for the world of Camp Halfblood.

I listened to this book courtesy of Audiobook SYNC

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever read The Odyssey through, but individual stories were definitely a part of my childhood. I enjoyed seeing things from the other side as Alexi is a Trojan boy who is taken as a slave after the Greeks sack Troy. I do plan to come back and finish the series eventually. I'm a little conflicted as to whether I'd encourage someone unfamiliar with the Iliad and The Odyssey to read these books though. I think there is something to be said for knowing the source material, but even readers unfamiliar with original version should find this a compelling read.

Paired with for the 2014 Sync audiobook giveaway.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good book for those who like historical fantasy fiction. Written for younger readers I was a bit surprised by the amount and level of violence but this is something that is pretty typical for epic battle type books. This is the story of a 15 yr. old boy who is taken from his home in Troy when the Greeks invade. The travel through battles and sea journeys together as he slowly makes his way up the ranks. A great book for boys who are fans of the books like the Ranger's Apprentice.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retelling of Homer's Odyssey as seen from the view of a teenage Trojan captured & enslaved by Troy's downfall. OK for the young end of the young adult audience, but why did the author not call Odysseus Odysseus or even Ulysses?

Gerald Doyle does a fine job with the narration.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to preview it before using it in my grade 6/7 class for a novel study. It provided an interesting perspective on the classic, The Odyssey, by Homer, as told from the perspective of a young Trojan slave. It was action packed, with some pretty gory scenes which will hopefully appeal to the pre-teen reader.

[M.J. Schwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is a YA novel I have completely enjoyed it! Its a page turner filled with imaginative action and superb character development! Great adventure novel and Im hooked on the series. Well done!

[Toi Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It doesn’t take long for the action of this story to pick up, none the less, I had trouble getting into it. I received a free audio version of this book from a summer reading program I signed up for and was determined the give the book a fair shot. I’m glad I did. The overall story and lasting impression was good. It’s a different spin on an ageless tale and I’m glad I finished the first installment.

After the fires of the Trojan War have burned out, Alexi, a 15 year old Trojan is taken as a slave by the Greeks and sent abroad to serve them on their journey because he just happens to speak Greek. The typical tale of the Odyssey is there in the background of this story, but all the vantage points are skewed. The great Grecian heroes are perceived as dirty barbaric oppressors and poor Alexi is caught between doing what must be done to survive or deciding whether or not there’s any point to trying to escape. With dangers lurking around every corner, path, and even wave, being a slave to the Greek armada might just be the safest place for him, if they don’t kill him first.

For me, this story is interesting enough to warrant me reading the next book, but then I do have a thing for finishing what I’ve started. I think this adventure will greatly appeal to the younger readers it’s targeted to, especially since many of them may not be as familiar with the original story as I am.

I’d recommend this to pre-teen and teen readers as well as anyone who likes new takes on old myths.

[Phoebe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexi and his older sister are abruptly awakened one night by the horrors of the Greek attack on Troy, after the wooden horse has been brought into the city. The two are orphans and struggle daily for survival, but they'd rather be alive and together than anything else. But Alexi's sister dies so Alexi can escape. He does his best, but is captured by the invaders and taken as a slave when they leave the shores of Troy and begin to sail for Ithaca. Their leader is Odysseus, and because of Alexi's ability to speak Greek and the basic medical skills he learned from his physician father, Odysseus rates him of higher value than the other slaves. This first book in a proposed trilogy sees the characters through the initial adventures of the Odyssey, including the raid on the Cicones, the visit to the isle of the lotus eaters, and the harrowing escape from the cyclops. This is an excellent introduction to the Odyssey and brings the events down to earth with a realistic, gritty feel. Kids will be captivated. 5th grade and up. Canadian author.

[Isabelle *the face behind the crazy* · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic retelling of a great story that I love. The plot line was well played out interesting the reader every page. I loved seeing how Alexis and Odysesus slowly got closer and how Alexis even though of him as a father figure. Alexis opinion of the Greeks slowly changed and he soon viewed them as people and not the barbarians that destroyed his home (seriously he has a right to be pissed) His sister being alive also makes me wonder... who the heck did she survive that fall down the stairs?! Boy the gods must be in her vavour, big time.Though I really want to see her again, Alexis misses her badly. I felt greatful for this retelling for one, it gave the opionion of a Trojan slave and second... I COULD UNDERSTAND IT! Seriously doesn't anyone get confused when trying to read a Greek myth? They talk so weird I have to be completely focused or I'm screwed. Anyway awesome book, ya da ya da ya da, u get it =D

[和泉美優 · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Alexis' city was burnt down, his sister killed, he's left a penniless orphan captured by the Greeks and used as their healer. When the war is over, Alexis is captured as a slave. Along the way to Ithaca,in a ship commanded by Odysseus the crew and Alexis are faced with various dangers-from the Lotus Eaters to cyclops. Will they survive?

I started reading this book, because it was a book in the Red Maple Reading Club. For some reason this book actually portrays some good in the Greeks-in the original mythology, the Greeks are portrayed as people who love warring against the Trojans and are basically savages. But in this book, some of the Greeks actually have hearts. Even though it isn't my favourite book, I'd say this book definitely intrigued me especially at the beginning. And that's why I finished the book.

I would recommend this book to Gabrielle because she likes Greek mythology and she liked The Fanatics and this book also has historical fiction.

[Lauren Stoolfire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Torn from Troy is a retelling of Homer's Odyssey. The story is told by Alexi, a 15 year old Trojan boy who is orphaned by the war and then becomes enslaved by Odysseus himself. Let's just say Alexi has a different view on the conquering heroes of legend. Over time, however, Alexi begins to realize that they aren't monsters but simply people like himself.

The story started off very promisingly right in the middle of all that action after Troy had fallen to Odysseus's Trojan Horse trick. I enjoyed it, but the more I continued the more it lost steam, and the promise along with it. Aside from the action, the author spends a very good amount of time developing the characters. We can really journey with Alexi over the course of his ordeal.

Finally, I listened to the audiobook which was a great performance, but it always kind of throws me when British accents are used with non-British characters.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn from Troy is about the voyage of Odysseus but told from the perspective of a slave. Alexi lives in Troy with his sister but the night after the people of Troy think they've won the war with the Greeks, the Greeks somehow get in the city and destroy it. Alexi gets caught and is given a choice to be a slave or to die. He choses to be a slave and is put on a boat and as he journies he faces danger that will change his life.
I picked this book up because this is a red mapel book and I need to read it so that I can vote for my favourite book in the end.
I finished this book because it's really good and also because I need to read it so I will know the story.
I would recommend this book to Aloka because this has alot of action and adventure in it and I know that Aloka likes action/adventure books.

[Randy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexi, a captured Trojan orphan, chooses slavery over death. Little did he know that he was choosing to be enslaved to Odysseus, the famed Greek warrior. As they set sail from Troy back to Ithaca, their boat is separated from the rest of the fleet. The adventures begin as Alexi tries two prove his worth and stay alive.

I picked this book up because it is a nominee for this year's Red Maple Reading Program. Also, as it is based on one of the most famous stories from Greek mythology, I was curious to see how the author handled the re-telling.

I finished it because I was curious to see how far in the story the author would progress.

I would recommend this to Eric as he likes history and this story blends history and mythology.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a former Classical Studies major, I love that there's an adaptation of The Odyssey for younger readers and the concept of telling it from the perspective of a captured Trojan teenager is sort of wonderful. Alexi is a great character. I would not have trouble recommending this to 7-10th graders looking for some good action. It's a little graphic in its depictions of violence, so I'd think first before recommending it to younger kids and the older ones could really just find a good translation of the original.

This is the first book in a series, and while I think it's strong, I'm not the target audience for the series, so I probably won't keep reading it.

[Erinna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't fairly rate this because I work at the publisher, so instead I'll quote what Canadian publishing magazine Quill & Quire said: "This inversion of Homer’s Odyssey, told from the perspective of a Trojan boy, offers raw adventure from beginning to end....First-time novelist Patrick Bowman borrows adroitly from ancient mythology for his action-packed story, the first of a planned trilogy.... The novel’s grisly details will be enjoyed by fans of blood and gore, but for all those with an interest in ancient times and a taste for adventure, Torn from Troy is a highly satisfying read."

[Sue Poduska · Rating 4 out of 5]

With stories of the Odyssey, written from a young Trojan’s viewpoint, this is an exciting, riveting, and fresh look at the Greek legends many of us think we know. Fifteen-year-old orphan, Alexi, witnesses his sister’s death and the deaths of many of his neighbors at the hands of the invading Greeks before he is taken captive. His cleverness and resourcefulness help him survive almost as much as his sharp tongue threatens his existence. Alexi is very likeable, as are some of the other slaves and soldiers, so we care what happens to them. This the first book in a trilogy about the slave.

[Alex_1491 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tory from Troy, in my view was a pretty good book. I liked how it was adventourous and action-packed. In the beginning it was kind of slow but as the story went on it got alot better. I would recommend this book to people who like adventure and fighting because it's about the Greeks rading Troy and other villages and encounter some trouble. Also, if you like history this would be good for you because the setting is back in time when there were Greeks and Trojans. So, if your looking for an adventourous, action-packed book, then this is a book you should try.

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Red Maple 2012 nomination.

This was a rolling riotous book. A good start to a series and a neat retelling of Homer's Odyssey told from a teen's perspective. I did not like that there was no glossary for the Greek terms used in the book. Sometimes I was wondering, is he talking about his clothes or his arm or what? The story had some holes and I wasn't sure how the main character (a slave) was able to survive with all his mouthing off. Overall, it was an interesting book that kept me turning pages right to the end.

[Julie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book I came to via my role as an educator (Dear George Clooney Please Marry My Mom is the other book...both are part of our library's Forest of Reading program for middle grades).

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book... I was worried it would be boring! But I ended up loving it. It's amazing to me how well he brings the past and the Greek myths to life. I would love to read the next in the series. A very good book and one I'd like to see more boys adding. This is classic adventure at its best!

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just finished reading Torn from Troy by Patrick Bowman it is about a boy named Alexi who lives in the streets of Troy with his sister but when he is captured by Greek's and is givin the option of slavery or death he must dicide his future quick or the Greek's will gladly dicide for him. This book is very well written but i did find myself bored most of the time because when there isnt any action it is very slow paced and it bores me. My complete rewiew on this is its a great book if you are looking for a slow read but if you like more action packed storys this proboly isnt the book for you.