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Heroes of Troy #2
A Hero's Welcome
TROY HAS FALLEN
The greatest city on earth has been reduced to a pile of smoldering ash, but the cost has been high. The fabled king Priam with the last remnant of the city, knowing all hope of survival is gone, sacrifice themselves in a last act of defiance to destroy the greek army.
His once mighty army destroyed, his alliances in ruins.
Agamemnon crawls for the safety of his fortress walls of Mycaenea well aware that enemies will smell blood in the water.
But after ten years at war, who could you trust to keep your throne safe?
Running for their very lives, the refugees of Troy search the sea's of the Mediterranean for refugee led by Aeneas. Somewhere they can survive, in the hope of one day bringing vengence to their home.
Achilles had a son, whom some call Pyrrhus.
Having missed the great war, he is determined to prove himself by hunting down the refugees.
Odysseus,
having helped them escape feels duty bound to find the refugees and warn them of their peril.
What People are saying:
Angus Watson, (Author of Age of Iron Trilogy & West of West Trilogy):
"Kelly's prose whisk you back three thousand years so you're shoulder with bronze armoured shoulder with Achilles, Agamemnon and the rest of the gang.
He's taken the Iliad and the Odyssey, shaken them up, swung them around and delivered them back, fizzing with adventure. How about the bible next Mr Kelly?
Kelly's remixed Ancient World is a thrilling, page turning joy.
The greatest city on earth has been reduced to a pile of smoldering ash, but the cost has been high. The fabled king Priam with the last remnant of the city, knowing all hope of survival is gone, sacrifice themselves in a last act of defiance to destroy the greek army.
His once mighty army destroyed, his alliances in ruins.
Agamemnon crawls for the safety of his fortress walls of Mycaenea well aware that enemies will smell blood in the water.
But after ten years at war, who could you trust to keep your throne safe?
Running for their very lives, the refugees of Troy search the sea's of the Mediterranean for refugee led by Aeneas. Somewhere they can survive, in the hope of one day bringing vengence to their home.
Achilles had a son, whom some call Pyrrhus.
Having missed the great war, he is determined to prove himself by hunting down the refugees.
Odysseus,
having helped them escape feels duty bound to find the refugees and warn them of their peril.
What People are saying:
Angus Watson, (Author of Age of Iron Trilogy & West of West Trilogy):
"Kelly's prose whisk you back three thousand years so you're shoulder with bronze armoured shoulder with Achilles, Agamemnon and the rest of the gang.
He's taken the Iliad and the Odyssey, shaken them up, swung them around and delivered them back, fizzing with adventure. How about the bible next Mr Kelly?
Kelly's remixed Ancient World is a thrilling, page turning joy.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2020
13 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Kelly
2 books134 followersIrish Author. Born in Donegal on the northern edge of the wild Atlantic way. If you have never been, I highly recommend that you visit and you will see exactly why I love history. Great teachers and a love of good historical fiction authors broadened my love of ancient history to a worldwide level. I would love to have a go at writing some of our own amazing Irish legends one day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 26, 2021
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by The Book Scene Tours.
A Heros Welcome is the second book in the Heros of Troy series. This book was another superb read with a great alternate ending than the usual books about Troy.
I loved how well plotted this series is and how finely tuned every aspect is! This had become one of my favourite mythical stories!
I loved the love story woven within this book which broke up some of the combat within it. This book focuses on the adrermath of the battle for Troy and contains many characters and mini stories within this one main story. As I say - very cleverly woven!
If you love Greek mythology or historical fiction, you must pick up this series! You won't be disappointed!!
A Heros Welcome is the second book in the Heros of Troy series. This book was another superb read with a great alternate ending than the usual books about Troy.
I loved how well plotted this series is and how finely tuned every aspect is! This had become one of my favourite mythical stories!
I loved the love story woven within this book which broke up some of the combat within it. This book focuses on the adrermath of the battle for Troy and contains many characters and mini stories within this one main story. As I say - very cleverly woven!
If you love Greek mythology or historical fiction, you must pick up this series! You won't be disappointed!!
December 17, 2020
Wow. Seriously awesome!
A Hero's Welcome is the sequel to The Fall of the Phoenix, and it brings an arsenal of intrigue and knifing characters to the table. After the shocking ending of book one, this one delivers the aftermath of Troy with a bite and lasting imprint. In no uncertain terms does this book not only cast off an imaginative revision of the legends, but it also demonstrates the strengths and skillful writing abilities of this author.
Troy has fallen and it is time for all parties to return to their homes or find a new one. Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, and his men venture on the long journey through the treacherous sea when a storm capsizes their ships and leaves them stranded. Standing out as one of my favorite parts of the novel, their arduous travel and coming of wakefulness, their struggles to heal and dust of is a feast for the reading senses conically descriptive, and it struck me most engrossing.
Agamemnon is looking forward to reuniting with his wife Clytemnestra and his children after his 10-year long absence. With his impending approach to his home, his anticipation to take his old place rises steadily and this sheds light upon the character as we know him, revealing a gentler core. There are further examples of this, when his beautiful young slave girl Cassandra, not his concubine in this rendition, fares into peril, and Agamemnon springs to action, revealing his tender side of the protector. Furthermore, in the scene where he meets his wife who bathes him to rid him of the filth from travel, he lets down his guard. Not only can he be ruthless and strategic, but his heart is ready to be back home.
A new component added in this aftermath of the story of Troy, are the voices of those back home, so as in the pov of Clytemnestra. As the wife of Agamemnon who was left for years with her children and ruling alone, we learn how she has fared while her husband was gone. If ever there was a character that can play her cards, it certainly is her. She has turned out to be the evilest and knifing character in this story and I loved it! This is what I live for in movies and books!
So what happened to the Trojans, left in the rubble?
"Odysseus had never thought to see anything like the slaughter of that day. Even the armour of the dead was irretrievable, mostly mashed together underfoot of the Greeks trying to get at the Trojans; any who had survived as far as the palace...he could still hear their screams. The flames which had consumed them, bathed in naphtha, had burned away, creating a chimney, the air drawn in had heated it to a smelting furnace until it became too hot and the stones had racked; then it had all come crashing down, sending a jet of fire into the sky with its last groan."
Along the main plotline of Agamemnon’s return, there is one major sideline amidst the many arteries this tale reaches. Led by Aeneas, cousin of Hector, the survivors of Troy are likewise traveling the seas to find a new home, and luckily for them, they find refuge. But nothing comes without a price. While one hand feeds the other, there will be use made of their presence, if not now, so later.
As the entire tale in its complexity unfolds, intrigue, political and personally driven gain, backstabbing, assassinations, and revenge motivate a big part in the web of A Hero's Welcome. With the broad range of pace and scope, there isn't anything missing in this page-turner with a bite. If you know a bit of Greek mythology or consider reading a bit about some of these characters, it is easy to see why they make such great material to inspire new stories. I wasn't familiar with all of the cast and so it was nice to read of Agamemnon's children, especially Orestes and Iphigeneia, who are part of the motivating factors that drive the plot. But, it wouldn't be a good story if there wasn't an antagonist mixing things up, and so the traitorous actions of Aegisthus combined with the knifing Clytemnestra raise the suspense, while Kelly ends chapters most cleverly at little cliffhangers. What is left is to speculate about Orestes’ intent when he finds out the truth about his mother and I am still wondering about that Cassandra girl, who seemed to take it all in and is devising her own agenda, maybe?
Such an exciting and razor-sharp read. The entirety of the novel, from plot, to characters to writing, stands in perfect phalanx at the ready for the reader’s enjoyment. Very well done and I highly recommend it. Since I read both novels by this author and loved them, I will stay tuned for what else he will write…impatiently.
Happy Reading, friends.
I received a physical copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
All opinions are my own. Thank you :)
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
A Hero's Welcome is the sequel to The Fall of the Phoenix, and it brings an arsenal of intrigue and knifing characters to the table. After the shocking ending of book one, this one delivers the aftermath of Troy with a bite and lasting imprint. In no uncertain terms does this book not only cast off an imaginative revision of the legends, but it also demonstrates the strengths and skillful writing abilities of this author.
Troy has fallen and it is time for all parties to return to their homes or find a new one. Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae, and his men venture on the long journey through the treacherous sea when a storm capsizes their ships and leaves them stranded. Standing out as one of my favorite parts of the novel, their arduous travel and coming of wakefulness, their struggles to heal and dust of is a feast for the reading senses conically descriptive, and it struck me most engrossing.
Agamemnon is looking forward to reuniting with his wife Clytemnestra and his children after his 10-year long absence. With his impending approach to his home, his anticipation to take his old place rises steadily and this sheds light upon the character as we know him, revealing a gentler core. There are further examples of this, when his beautiful young slave girl Cassandra, not his concubine in this rendition, fares into peril, and Agamemnon springs to action, revealing his tender side of the protector. Furthermore, in the scene where he meets his wife who bathes him to rid him of the filth from travel, he lets down his guard. Not only can he be ruthless and strategic, but his heart is ready to be back home.
A new component added in this aftermath of the story of Troy, are the voices of those back home, so as in the pov of Clytemnestra. As the wife of Agamemnon who was left for years with her children and ruling alone, we learn how she has fared while her husband was gone. If ever there was a character that can play her cards, it certainly is her. She has turned out to be the evilest and knifing character in this story and I loved it! This is what I live for in movies and books!
So what happened to the Trojans, left in the rubble?
"Odysseus had never thought to see anything like the slaughter of that day. Even the armour of the dead was irretrievable, mostly mashed together underfoot of the Greeks trying to get at the Trojans; any who had survived as far as the palace...he could still hear their screams. The flames which had consumed them, bathed in naphtha, had burned away, creating a chimney, the air drawn in had heated it to a smelting furnace until it became too hot and the stones had racked; then it had all come crashing down, sending a jet of fire into the sky with its last groan."
Along the main plotline of Agamemnon’s return, there is one major sideline amidst the many arteries this tale reaches. Led by Aeneas, cousin of Hector, the survivors of Troy are likewise traveling the seas to find a new home, and luckily for them, they find refuge. But nothing comes without a price. While one hand feeds the other, there will be use made of their presence, if not now, so later.
As the entire tale in its complexity unfolds, intrigue, political and personally driven gain, backstabbing, assassinations, and revenge motivate a big part in the web of A Hero's Welcome. With the broad range of pace and scope, there isn't anything missing in this page-turner with a bite. If you know a bit of Greek mythology or consider reading a bit about some of these characters, it is easy to see why they make such great material to inspire new stories. I wasn't familiar with all of the cast and so it was nice to read of Agamemnon's children, especially Orestes and Iphigeneia, who are part of the motivating factors that drive the plot. But, it wouldn't be a good story if there wasn't an antagonist mixing things up, and so the traitorous actions of Aegisthus combined with the knifing Clytemnestra raise the suspense, while Kelly ends chapters most cleverly at little cliffhangers. What is left is to speculate about Orestes’ intent when he finds out the truth about his mother and I am still wondering about that Cassandra girl, who seemed to take it all in and is devising her own agenda, maybe?
Such an exciting and razor-sharp read. The entirety of the novel, from plot, to characters to writing, stands in perfect phalanx at the ready for the reader’s enjoyment. Very well done and I highly recommend it. Since I read both novels by this author and loved them, I will stay tuned for what else he will write…impatiently.
Happy Reading, friends.
I received a physical copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.
All opinions are my own. Thank you :)
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
February 27, 2021
Another great instalment of this series!
This is a book that looks at the characters that you might not have liked from book 1, and it almost makes you feel sorry for them.
There is quite a bit of combat and cruelty, but there is also an underlying love story. I like the way the author is exploring new ways of telling old stories here.
This is not a reenactment of the events from the film starring Brad Pitt and Eric Bana. It is a new imagining of the events that take place after the siege of Troy.
Well done to the author. I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
Thanks for reading.
This is a book that looks at the characters that you might not have liked from book 1, and it almost makes you feel sorry for them.
There is quite a bit of combat and cruelty, but there is also an underlying love story. I like the way the author is exploring new ways of telling old stories here.
This is not a reenactment of the events from the film starring Brad Pitt and Eric Bana. It is a new imagining of the events that take place after the siege of Troy.
Well done to the author. I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
Thanks for reading.
January 18, 2021
A wide-ranging and intricate retelling of ancient legends, packed with Kelly's trademark revisionist twists.
This is a surprisingly different book to The Fall of the Phoenix, and all the more interesting for it. It's predecessor took a relatively straightforward approach, delivering an action orientated narrative centred around a limited number of protagonists (namely Achilles and Diomedes), culminating in possibly the best known moment in classical mythology (the Fall of Troy). Despite the shocking ending, it was in the main a retelling of a familiar story.
A Hero's Welcome is a far more complicated book; a tapestry of tales that casts its weave across a wide cast of characters in a broad range of situations. There's still plenty of action as they work their way towards the reunion of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra (and other seismic events), but this story is far more focused on the relationships between the characters and period detail. For me that's where Kelly really shines. This book is all about making the legendary past vividly real, and in that task it succeeds admirably. For those who are intimately familiar with Greek (and Roman) mythology, there is a special joy in seeing the characters they know and love brought to life.
This is a surprisingly different book to The Fall of the Phoenix, and all the more interesting for it. It's predecessor took a relatively straightforward approach, delivering an action orientated narrative centred around a limited number of protagonists (namely Achilles and Diomedes), culminating in possibly the best known moment in classical mythology (the Fall of Troy). Despite the shocking ending, it was in the main a retelling of a familiar story.
A Hero's Welcome is a far more complicated book; a tapestry of tales that casts its weave across a wide cast of characters in a broad range of situations. There's still plenty of action as they work their way towards the reunion of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra (and other seismic events), but this story is far more focused on the relationships between the characters and period detail. For me that's where Kelly really shines. This book is all about making the legendary past vividly real, and in that task it succeeds admirably. For those who are intimately familiar with Greek (and Roman) mythology, there is a special joy in seeing the characters they know and love brought to life.
November 16, 2020
To say that I have been eagerly awaiting Hero’s Welcome would be an understatement. I loved Fall of the Phoenix and the reimagining of all of the mythical heroes we know and love (or love to hate it). The question was – would Daniel be able to take it beyond the scope of the end of the Trojan War and extend it into the rest of the ancient mythology of Greece in Hero’s Welcome? The short answer: yes!
These books don’t just make the stories feel fresh – they feel enriched. While staying true to their ethos, Daniel adds depth through additional interactions and insights. Hero’s Welcome continues this trend, highlighting the author’s superb character interaction, vivid scenic descriptions, and punctuating moments that feel both epic, like their source material, yet far more human and heartrending because of the additional depth of the characters. Does this mean that I didn’t have a few qualms with it? No, but they were mainly personal and revolved around the nature of the beast of this story. The main thing to remember is that Hero’s Welcome is not a pure sequel as much as it is a continuation of the same overall story (think like the volumes of the Lord of the Rings – the Two Towers would not stand alone very well). Not only that, Daniel goes into detail about events in between the major myths, and from all sides. So we are following both the victorious Greeks serving Agamemnon, his family, and his home city while also following those who fled Troy (I can’t say more than that without getting into spoiler territory). When you have multiple storylines going on at once, there are two ways to handle it: large chunks at a time dedicated to one group or constantly updating the reader on both. Each option has its pros and cons. Daniel Kelly uses the switching back and forth option. This is likely to induce a page-turning experience because you are always trying to figure out what happens next with each group of characters. The downside is that some readers (like myself) like to absorb everything happening with one group and digest it before switching to another – the pro of the chunk strategy. Every time I would be getting settled into enjoying one group of characters, I would be switched back over to the others. This is the same as it was in book one, Fall of the Phoenix. The difference was that even though the groups may have been on opposites sides of a wall in battle, everyone was together in the same area and the interactions of each group directly impacted the other, so it didn’t feel quite as jarring to me as it did here with them being so independent of each other.
Still, with Daniel Kelly’s superb character interaction, it doesn’t really matter which group you are with – you’re going to be enjoying the ride. And if you like constantly being put on the edge of your seat and feeling the need to keep reading to learn more information, you will love his narrative choice. Other than that one gripe, I loved it. However, this book does need to be read only after reading Fall of the Phoenix. The Remus and Romulus plotline especially won’t make any sense without it. And don’t be upset that some story threads don’t have closure at the end of the book – this is the second link in a long chain. The good news is the main plotline (as informed by the book’s title), does reach a satisfying conclusion to give the reader that much-needed sense of resolution. A worthy continuation from this reimagining of the ancient Greek myths, and once again, I’m left eagerly awaiting the next!
These books don’t just make the stories feel fresh – they feel enriched. While staying true to their ethos, Daniel adds depth through additional interactions and insights. Hero’s Welcome continues this trend, highlighting the author’s superb character interaction, vivid scenic descriptions, and punctuating moments that feel both epic, like their source material, yet far more human and heartrending because of the additional depth of the characters. Does this mean that I didn’t have a few qualms with it? No, but they were mainly personal and revolved around the nature of the beast of this story. The main thing to remember is that Hero’s Welcome is not a pure sequel as much as it is a continuation of the same overall story (think like the volumes of the Lord of the Rings – the Two Towers would not stand alone very well). Not only that, Daniel goes into detail about events in between the major myths, and from all sides. So we are following both the victorious Greeks serving Agamemnon, his family, and his home city while also following those who fled Troy (I can’t say more than that without getting into spoiler territory). When you have multiple storylines going on at once, there are two ways to handle it: large chunks at a time dedicated to one group or constantly updating the reader on both. Each option has its pros and cons. Daniel Kelly uses the switching back and forth option. This is likely to induce a page-turning experience because you are always trying to figure out what happens next with each group of characters. The downside is that some readers (like myself) like to absorb everything happening with one group and digest it before switching to another – the pro of the chunk strategy. Every time I would be getting settled into enjoying one group of characters, I would be switched back over to the others. This is the same as it was in book one, Fall of the Phoenix. The difference was that even though the groups may have been on opposites sides of a wall in battle, everyone was together in the same area and the interactions of each group directly impacted the other, so it didn’t feel quite as jarring to me as it did here with them being so independent of each other.
Still, with Daniel Kelly’s superb character interaction, it doesn’t really matter which group you are with – you’re going to be enjoying the ride. And if you like constantly being put on the edge of your seat and feeling the need to keep reading to learn more information, you will love his narrative choice. Other than that one gripe, I loved it. However, this book does need to be read only after reading Fall of the Phoenix. The Remus and Romulus plotline especially won’t make any sense without it. And don’t be upset that some story threads don’t have closure at the end of the book – this is the second link in a long chain. The good news is the main plotline (as informed by the book’s title), does reach a satisfying conclusion to give the reader that much-needed sense of resolution. A worthy continuation from this reimagining of the ancient Greek myths, and once again, I’m left eagerly awaiting the next!
November 2, 2020
A Hero's Welcome by Daniel Kelly
Heores of Troy: Book II
"and Troy had been the greatest battle the world had ever known. Maybe he was somewhere in the charred ruin of the city he could smell even here. It had finally stopped smoking only when drenched by the rain of the passing storm, and blackened timbers still poked out of rock which had cracked and fallen in the heat.
The horrendous fires which had burned for days had done to the walls of Troy what no army ever could; now only a stretch of wall remained standing around the fabled gates, testimony of the greatness that had been."
I read the first book, The Fall of the Phoenix, back in April (I only found out about it this year) and it offered a truly blissful distraction from life.
It holds a very special place in my heart and it's one of the books that impressed me the most so far this year.
I'm very passionate about history, myths and legends, especially ancient Greek mythology, because ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy, was the source of some of the greatest literature, architecture, science and philosophy in Western civilization. Who wouldn't want to know more about fabled Gods and Godesses, warriors and heroes?
Daniel Kelly took, unarguably, one of the most enduring myths of all time and basically made it his own.
This story has been adapted countless times, but I can assure you, I've never come across anything like Daniel Kelly's works.
Whereas his debut novel was action-packed and concentrated heavily on the plot, on how the events unfolded and came to an end, "A Hero's Welcome" is rather character driven, which was nice for a change.
The story picks up directly after the events of "The Fall of the Phoenix".
Troy has fallen.
Nothing more of it remains than a pile of smoldering ash and the few survivors of the greatest siege the world has ever seen.
The different factions are scattered and the overall dynamics have changed.
"Agamemnon was losing hope, accepting the irony the he had fought a ten-year war to destroy Troy only to die in a freak storm. Then a shout came from the prow. The words were impossible to make out over the scream of the storm, but the noise of someone shouting drew the eye and the lookout was pointing at the coast to starboard. He couldn't believe it, was reluctant to believe it, having finally accepted his fate after all they had gone through. Agamemnon looked, straining to see as he leant from the railing in the direction the lookout bad pointed, while the ship once again tried to throw him overboard. He could see nothing but the crash of waves and sea spray competing for dominance over the thundering rain ghag was determined to be wetter than the ocean."
We follow the different perspectives of this story's main players and this time around they have a lot more depth to them.
They're much more nuanced and this adds a lot more heart to the book. I actually came to care for certain characters, especially one I don't want to mention here.
Different places are introduced and the world receives more dimension.
The writing style is brilliant, with beautifully discriptive prose, which made me finish this book in one sitting.
It was unpotdownable, a real page turner and two scenes truly stuck with me and gave me goosebumps, but I can't say anything about those without giving away too many spoilers.
So pssssssht.
Daniel Kelly, yet again, came up with gory and intense fight sequences, that keep the reader on edge and my only "complaint" about this book is that some chapters end a bit abruptly and get interrupted by the next chapter's different character's point of view, but that's not really a bad thing.
"A Hero's Welcome" is a brilliant piece of literature and I cannot recommend it enough! It left a huge impression on me and I like it even more than the first book.
It left me awestruck and if you already enjoyed "The Fall of the Phoenix", you'll definitely love this continuation of the story.
Heores of Troy: Book II
"and Troy had been the greatest battle the world had ever known. Maybe he was somewhere in the charred ruin of the city he could smell even here. It had finally stopped smoking only when drenched by the rain of the passing storm, and blackened timbers still poked out of rock which had cracked and fallen in the heat.
The horrendous fires which had burned for days had done to the walls of Troy what no army ever could; now only a stretch of wall remained standing around the fabled gates, testimony of the greatness that had been."
I read the first book, The Fall of the Phoenix, back in April (I only found out about it this year) and it offered a truly blissful distraction from life.
It holds a very special place in my heart and it's one of the books that impressed me the most so far this year.
I'm very passionate about history, myths and legends, especially ancient Greek mythology, because ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy, was the source of some of the greatest literature, architecture, science and philosophy in Western civilization. Who wouldn't want to know more about fabled Gods and Godesses, warriors and heroes?
Daniel Kelly took, unarguably, one of the most enduring myths of all time and basically made it his own.
This story has been adapted countless times, but I can assure you, I've never come across anything like Daniel Kelly's works.
Whereas his debut novel was action-packed and concentrated heavily on the plot, on how the events unfolded and came to an end, "A Hero's Welcome" is rather character driven, which was nice for a change.
The story picks up directly after the events of "The Fall of the Phoenix".
Troy has fallen.
Nothing more of it remains than a pile of smoldering ash and the few survivors of the greatest siege the world has ever seen.
The different factions are scattered and the overall dynamics have changed.
"Agamemnon was losing hope, accepting the irony the he had fought a ten-year war to destroy Troy only to die in a freak storm. Then a shout came from the prow. The words were impossible to make out over the scream of the storm, but the noise of someone shouting drew the eye and the lookout was pointing at the coast to starboard. He couldn't believe it, was reluctant to believe it, having finally accepted his fate after all they had gone through. Agamemnon looked, straining to see as he leant from the railing in the direction the lookout bad pointed, while the ship once again tried to throw him overboard. He could see nothing but the crash of waves and sea spray competing for dominance over the thundering rain ghag was determined to be wetter than the ocean."
We follow the different perspectives of this story's main players and this time around they have a lot more depth to them.
They're much more nuanced and this adds a lot more heart to the book. I actually came to care for certain characters, especially one I don't want to mention here.
Different places are introduced and the world receives more dimension.
The writing style is brilliant, with beautifully discriptive prose, which made me finish this book in one sitting.
It was unpotdownable, a real page turner and two scenes truly stuck with me and gave me goosebumps, but I can't say anything about those without giving away too many spoilers.
So pssssssht.
Daniel Kelly, yet again, came up with gory and intense fight sequences, that keep the reader on edge and my only "complaint" about this book is that some chapters end a bit abruptly and get interrupted by the next chapter's different character's point of view, but that's not really a bad thing.
"A Hero's Welcome" is a brilliant piece of literature and I cannot recommend it enough! It left a huge impression on me and I like it even more than the first book.
It left me awestruck and if you already enjoyed "The Fall of the Phoenix", you'll definitely love this continuation of the story.
January 29, 2021
More reviews at undertheradarsffbooks.com
I received these two books from the author in exchange for a honest review. I have decided to do a two for one review considering the fact that these books are relatively short and A Hero’s Welcome picks up directly where The Fall of the Phoenix ends. These two books are alternative history novels retelling the fall of Troy and the aftermath once told to us by the Greek poet Homer in the Iliad and the Odyssey. By studying Classic’s at university, I was intrigued to see how Daniel Kelly brought his own spin to the tales and they do not disappoint. The differences Daniel writes in his stories are small and subtle but they have huge ramifications to the plot and overall story. Lets take a deep dive and see what this is all about.
We all know the story of Iliad and how the Trojan prince Paris kidnapped the Spartan Queen provoking a war with Greece. Daniel Kelly starts the Fall of the Phoenix with the assumption that you have at least a basic understanding of classical history. In fact, the first chapter is Achilles standing at the Gates of Troy screaming for Hector to come and face him in battle. This is where the deviations start to take place as Hector and Achilles are not strangers but rather consider themselves brothers as they grew up and trained together as soldiers, but Achilles still has to defend the honor of his cousin Patroclus, whom Hector killed in battle. Hector does indeed fall in battle but not by Achilles sword, but be the arrow of a young Trojan boy named Diomedes. Achilles decides to take this boy with him to the Greek camps as his ward and away the story goes. Diomedes was an interesting character to read as he is young and ambitious but he carries with him a lot of baggage and pain.
Daniel Kelly’s writing style is very reader friendly but pacts a punch with the emotional swings. The best parts about these stories are knowing, at least to some degree what to except, and they Daniel will pull a very clever twist. As I sat on my couch chuckling to myself, I actually DM’d Daniel saying “I saw what you did there and I love it!” You will see a lot of those moments in these stories if you know your Greek history. We still get the Trojan Horse and the Fall of Troy but the twists that Daniel introduces sets the stage beautifully for A Hero’s Welcome when the Trojan King sends Aeneas and the Hero’s of Troy to a new world and build a new Troy for its people.
From here we move to book 2 A Hero’s Welcome, which deals with the survivors of Troy, on both sides of the battle. Here we follow several different story lines all taking us to different corners of the Aegean Sea. The two major characters I would say are Agamemnon and the Hero’s of Troy. First we follow Agamemnon as he is making his way across the Aegean following the ten year war with Troy to his homeland of Mycenean. Unbeknownst to Agamemnon, his wife has taken on another lover and when word reaches their ears, they have to prepare for the worst. We also follow Odysseus following the fall of Troy as he is searching the country side and sea for survivors. Finally we follow the Hero’s of Troy led by Aeneas as they sail to Carthage seeking shelter before they will need to continue on their quest. But the ancient city has more instore for the Hero’s then they realize and the beginnings of the Punic Wars are are about to take shape. Even though I knew how they tales of these characters would be told, Daniel once again inserts his own twists into the story and will send you on a ride you weren’t expected to take.
Usually alternative history books are hit or miss for me but with my love of classics as well as Greek and Roman history, I had a smashing time. I will say that these books will not be for everyone. There is very little in terms of fantastical events, creatures, or Greek Gods and this story is a lot more down to earth and meant to be experienced on a personal level. This includes the victories and defeats, the glory and turmoil, happiness and the pain. If you are a fan of alternative history stories, a classics buff, or looking for a good short read with familiar characters then this is the story for you. You will never know whom may be hiding in plain sight!
Cheers!
I received these two books from the author in exchange for a honest review. I have decided to do a two for one review considering the fact that these books are relatively short and A Hero’s Welcome picks up directly where The Fall of the Phoenix ends. These two books are alternative history novels retelling the fall of Troy and the aftermath once told to us by the Greek poet Homer in the Iliad and the Odyssey. By studying Classic’s at university, I was intrigued to see how Daniel Kelly brought his own spin to the tales and they do not disappoint. The differences Daniel writes in his stories are small and subtle but they have huge ramifications to the plot and overall story. Lets take a deep dive and see what this is all about.
We all know the story of Iliad and how the Trojan prince Paris kidnapped the Spartan Queen provoking a war with Greece. Daniel Kelly starts the Fall of the Phoenix with the assumption that you have at least a basic understanding of classical history. In fact, the first chapter is Achilles standing at the Gates of Troy screaming for Hector to come and face him in battle. This is where the deviations start to take place as Hector and Achilles are not strangers but rather consider themselves brothers as they grew up and trained together as soldiers, but Achilles still has to defend the honor of his cousin Patroclus, whom Hector killed in battle. Hector does indeed fall in battle but not by Achilles sword, but be the arrow of a young Trojan boy named Diomedes. Achilles decides to take this boy with him to the Greek camps as his ward and away the story goes. Diomedes was an interesting character to read as he is young and ambitious but he carries with him a lot of baggage and pain.
Daniel Kelly’s writing style is very reader friendly but pacts a punch with the emotional swings. The best parts about these stories are knowing, at least to some degree what to except, and they Daniel will pull a very clever twist. As I sat on my couch chuckling to myself, I actually DM’d Daniel saying “I saw what you did there and I love it!” You will see a lot of those moments in these stories if you know your Greek history. We still get the Trojan Horse and the Fall of Troy but the twists that Daniel introduces sets the stage beautifully for A Hero’s Welcome when the Trojan King sends Aeneas and the Hero’s of Troy to a new world and build a new Troy for its people.
From here we move to book 2 A Hero’s Welcome, which deals with the survivors of Troy, on both sides of the battle. Here we follow several different story lines all taking us to different corners of the Aegean Sea. The two major characters I would say are Agamemnon and the Hero’s of Troy. First we follow Agamemnon as he is making his way across the Aegean following the ten year war with Troy to his homeland of Mycenean. Unbeknownst to Agamemnon, his wife has taken on another lover and when word reaches their ears, they have to prepare for the worst. We also follow Odysseus following the fall of Troy as he is searching the country side and sea for survivors. Finally we follow the Hero’s of Troy led by Aeneas as they sail to Carthage seeking shelter before they will need to continue on their quest. But the ancient city has more instore for the Hero’s then they realize and the beginnings of the Punic Wars are are about to take shape. Even though I knew how they tales of these characters would be told, Daniel once again inserts his own twists into the story and will send you on a ride you weren’t expected to take.
Usually alternative history books are hit or miss for me but with my love of classics as well as Greek and Roman history, I had a smashing time. I will say that these books will not be for everyone. There is very little in terms of fantastical events, creatures, or Greek Gods and this story is a lot more down to earth and meant to be experienced on a personal level. This includes the victories and defeats, the glory and turmoil, happiness and the pain. If you are a fan of alternative history stories, a classics buff, or looking for a good short read with familiar characters then this is the story for you. You will never know whom may be hiding in plain sight!
Cheers!
December 9, 2020
A Hero’s Welcome is the sequel to The Fall of the Phoenix which I reviewed earlier this year. (Review here). While it is a direct sequel I think you can get away with reading this one by itself. Any questions you have about who characters are, or what has happened are eventually cleared up by the narrative. I do however highly recommend you check out the first book. It’s brilliant, and will only add to the enjoyment of this one.
A Hero’s Welcome takes a look at the aftermath of the battle for Troy. There are a few different stories that are happening at the same time, some of which intersect over the course of the novel.
Primary stories are;
Return of Agamemnon – Agamemnon is returning home after 10 years at the siege of Troy. It has been a long time since he has seen his wife and children but he wants to see the man his son has become most of all. Not only do we see the trials of his journey home but we get to see the story of his wife who is not best pleased at the return of her husband. While he has been away she has taken a lover who has more than a bone to pick with Agamemnon. Together they plot the Hero’s Welcome he deserves. A brilliant tale fraught with deception and peril. Absolutely brilliant.
Refugees of Troy – Led by Aeneas the survivors of Troy seek out new lands to rebuild their society. Backed up by the legendary Romulus and Remus they travel far from Troy in their search. They meet others on their journey – be they friend or foe time will only tell. Their journey is brilliantly told and again, I found these sections thoroughly enjoyable.
Other stories that course through the novel are equally enjoyable, though they do not take center stage like the main stories discussed above. Parts of these seem to be setting the back ground for what come to pass in future installments – if this turns out to be the case I can’t wait to see what Daniel does with these characters.
Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or not I think there is something here for everyone to enjoy. Daniel’s writing is superb throughout, he paints a picture that leaves little work in imagining you are right there with the characters. Taking on stories that have such a rich history is no small task but the author surpassed my expectations with this sequel.
Highly recommended.
A Hero’s Welcome takes a look at the aftermath of the battle for Troy. There are a few different stories that are happening at the same time, some of which intersect over the course of the novel.
Primary stories are;
Return of Agamemnon – Agamemnon is returning home after 10 years at the siege of Troy. It has been a long time since he has seen his wife and children but he wants to see the man his son has become most of all. Not only do we see the trials of his journey home but we get to see the story of his wife who is not best pleased at the return of her husband. While he has been away she has taken a lover who has more than a bone to pick with Agamemnon. Together they plot the Hero’s Welcome he deserves. A brilliant tale fraught with deception and peril. Absolutely brilliant.
Refugees of Troy – Led by Aeneas the survivors of Troy seek out new lands to rebuild their society. Backed up by the legendary Romulus and Remus they travel far from Troy in their search. They meet others on their journey – be they friend or foe time will only tell. Their journey is brilliantly told and again, I found these sections thoroughly enjoyable.
Other stories that course through the novel are equally enjoyable, though they do not take center stage like the main stories discussed above. Parts of these seem to be setting the back ground for what come to pass in future installments – if this turns out to be the case I can’t wait to see what Daniel does with these characters.
Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or not I think there is something here for everyone to enjoy. Daniel’s writing is superb throughout, he paints a picture that leaves little work in imagining you are right there with the characters. Taking on stories that have such a rich history is no small task but the author surpassed my expectations with this sequel.
Highly recommended.
April 12, 2021
Wow, I just finished ‘A Hero’s Welcome’ and am in awe.
I didn’t think I would love this book as much as I did, since one of my least favourite characters from the first books was one of the new protagonists but, oh boy, was I wrong. Plot twist after plot twist led to, even though I still wouldn’t say that I loved that certain character, me feeling at least some sympathy for him. I really didn't see that coming.:D But anyway, before I get too much into detail, let me start with the synopsis.
After the fall of Troy, our heroes go their separate ways. Romulus and Remus are searching for a new home for the remaining Trojans. Agamemnon is travelling home. We also get a glimpse of what happened while he was gone for ten years and how his enemies have used the time wisely to plan his overthrowal. New characters like Agamemnon's wife (Yay- a female POV!) and son are introduced.
Like in the first book, the story is told from different POVs, and I was hooked instantly. I think I finished it in three sittings. Kelly’s prose is beautiful. I adored how strategically he paced and planned the book. He introduced and placed the characters, made the reader forget about their existence, and then used them at the exact right moment. At one point, I was screaming out of frustration because I was so scared for one character till the story continued in another chapter, and the aforementioned forgotten characters stepped into motion. Remember the switching POVs? It felt like a cliff-hanger in the book itself. I was concerned. :D
Not to sound bloodthirsty, but I have to admit that I totally get why Clytemnestra was out for vengeance, even if how she approached things was questionable. Her plan was not as well thought through as she had hoped. And the revelation later! If Kelly has perfected one thing, it is how to write brilliant plot twists. I am still in awe.
I also adored the little glimpses we got of Diomedes. It was so good to see him happy and content with his travel companions. :)
The only thing I found a bit disappointing is that none of the female characters seemed to have a satisfying ending. One kills herself because of a man. One gets killed. One gets raped. Another one, which I thought would be her husbands equal, is just a hostess. Don’t get me wrong: I know that they live in a patriarchal society, but I would have loved for Carmenta to maybe be more of an equal in their marriage - not just someone who runs the household and serves tea. Hopefully, this is something that will be changed in the next book. :)
The book doesn’t have a cliff-hanger, but I think the last few pages make clear that ‘A Hero’s Welcome’ is not the last book in the ‘Hero’s of Troy’-series. I am looking forward to reading the next book of the series. My hopes are very high, and I really hope that Kelly might introduce us to more powerful female characters (that are pulling strings in the background). :)
I received an electronic copy of this novel from the author and Booktasters in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own. Thank you!
(Just something to keep in mind: I personally think using the words “Bar-bar-bar” as a placeholder for a “barbaric”- language that the protagonists can not understand is a bit problematic. Maybe “barked another order [in this foreign tongue],” or something similar would have been enough. To use “bar-bar-bar” as a constant gap-filler could be seen as kind of offensive (p. 154/155).)
I didn’t think I would love this book as much as I did, since one of my least favourite characters from the first books was one of the new protagonists but, oh boy, was I wrong. Plot twist after plot twist led to, even though I still wouldn’t say that I loved that certain character, me feeling at least some sympathy for him. I really didn't see that coming.:D But anyway, before I get too much into detail, let me start with the synopsis.
After the fall of Troy, our heroes go their separate ways. Romulus and Remus are searching for a new home for the remaining Trojans. Agamemnon is travelling home. We also get a glimpse of what happened while he was gone for ten years and how his enemies have used the time wisely to plan his overthrowal. New characters like Agamemnon's wife (Yay- a female POV!) and son are introduced.
Like in the first book, the story is told from different POVs, and I was hooked instantly. I think I finished it in three sittings. Kelly’s prose is beautiful. I adored how strategically he paced and planned the book. He introduced and placed the characters, made the reader forget about their existence, and then used them at the exact right moment. At one point, I was screaming out of frustration because I was so scared for one character till the story continued in another chapter, and the aforementioned forgotten characters stepped into motion. Remember the switching POVs? It felt like a cliff-hanger in the book itself. I was concerned. :D
Not to sound bloodthirsty, but I have to admit that I totally get why Clytemnestra was out for vengeance, even if how she approached things was questionable. Her plan was not as well thought through as she had hoped. And the revelation later! If Kelly has perfected one thing, it is how to write brilliant plot twists. I am still in awe.
I also adored the little glimpses we got of Diomedes. It was so good to see him happy and content with his travel companions. :)
The only thing I found a bit disappointing is that none of the female characters seemed to have a satisfying ending. One kills herself because of a man. One gets killed. One gets raped. Another one, which I thought would be her husbands equal, is just a hostess. Don’t get me wrong: I know that they live in a patriarchal society, but I would have loved for Carmenta to maybe be more of an equal in their marriage - not just someone who runs the household and serves tea. Hopefully, this is something that will be changed in the next book. :)
The book doesn’t have a cliff-hanger, but I think the last few pages make clear that ‘A Hero’s Welcome’ is not the last book in the ‘Hero’s of Troy’-series. I am looking forward to reading the next book of the series. My hopes are very high, and I really hope that Kelly might introduce us to more powerful female characters (that are pulling strings in the background). :)
I received an electronic copy of this novel from the author and Booktasters in exchange for an honest review, but all opinions are my own. Thank you!
(Just something to keep in mind: I personally think using the words “Bar-bar-bar” as a placeholder for a “barbaric”- language that the protagonists can not understand is a bit problematic. Maybe “barked another order [in this foreign tongue],” or something similar would have been enough. To use “bar-bar-bar” as a constant gap-filler could be seen as kind of offensive (p. 154/155).)
January 17, 2021
A Hero’s Welcome is the second book in the Hero’s of Troy series. It continues an already unique and intriguing alternate ending to the usual Troy. Instantly we are presented with the aftermath of the war for Troy with some obvious differences. The victors return home after a gruelling 10 year war, exhausted and longing for their home, while the last remnants of Troy are on the run. During the first part of the book there is a strong focus on Agamemnon’s return home, while his wife and son come to terms with this. It seems however, that both have different idea’s for Agamemnon’s return. I hugely enjoyed this part of the novel as there is rarely a focus on the aftermath of a well known battle, especially that of the antagonist. Kelly put a nice focus on each characters emotions and the effects the war had on them, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and made characters as morally ambiguous as Agamemnon more human and likeable. I found the focus on his son hugely interesting, especially the respect he has for a father who hasn’t been home in 10 years.
Despite enjoying this part of the novel, I was itching to read up on the survivors of Troy, however, it wasn’t until almost half way through the novel that I was greeted with a focus on these survivors. I’d say this was my only gripe with the book, but that might just be my impatience! The survivors whom I won’t name, in fear of giving away a huge twist from book one, are on the run and looking for somewhere to settle.
As in the first book, I found the characters highly interesting. Despite most of them being well known heroes, Kelly added an interesting depth to each character, through their motivations and interactions with each other. My favourite was Agamemnon’s son who is driven by his desire to stay loyal to his father, while also developing as a character by becoming a leader himself. It’s surprising how rarely such a plot is used, but it just works so well! The survivors of Troy are of course interesting in a very unique way. I thoroughly enjoyed following their quest, but also felt like it was just getting started by the end. There were of course a number of others characters including Achille’s son who is determined to hunt down the survivors of Troy and Odysseus who on the other hand is trying to save the refugees, making the amount of characters quite large, but still varied and interesting enough so that the plot didn’t get bogged down.
The writing continued to be top notch in this novel. The action as before is fantastic and movie-like. The book felt fast-paced and to the point, so that it wasn’t bogged down by overly descriptive detail and helped the story flow, making it easy to follow. Still, there is definitely a good amount of world-building in this book to transport the reader into the Bronze Age.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone, especially lovers of Troy, who are looking for a refreshing take on a genre that has been done many times before. You won’t regret it!
Despite enjoying this part of the novel, I was itching to read up on the survivors of Troy, however, it wasn’t until almost half way through the novel that I was greeted with a focus on these survivors. I’d say this was my only gripe with the book, but that might just be my impatience! The survivors whom I won’t name, in fear of giving away a huge twist from book one, are on the run and looking for somewhere to settle.
As in the first book, I found the characters highly interesting. Despite most of them being well known heroes, Kelly added an interesting depth to each character, through their motivations and interactions with each other. My favourite was Agamemnon’s son who is driven by his desire to stay loyal to his father, while also developing as a character by becoming a leader himself. It’s surprising how rarely such a plot is used, but it just works so well! The survivors of Troy are of course interesting in a very unique way. I thoroughly enjoyed following their quest, but also felt like it was just getting started by the end. There were of course a number of others characters including Achille’s son who is determined to hunt down the survivors of Troy and Odysseus who on the other hand is trying to save the refugees, making the amount of characters quite large, but still varied and interesting enough so that the plot didn’t get bogged down.
The writing continued to be top notch in this novel. The action as before is fantastic and movie-like. The book felt fast-paced and to the point, so that it wasn’t bogged down by overly descriptive detail and helped the story flow, making it easy to follow. Still, there is definitely a good amount of world-building in this book to transport the reader into the Bronze Age.
This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone, especially lovers of Troy, who are looking for a refreshing take on a genre that has been done many times before. You won’t regret it!
March 31, 2021
Once again, written in a tone reminiscent of folklore and myths, this novel was a splendid continuation of the fantastic legends of Troy and Greece. The best part of the book was the characters - morally grey, good and bad all of them - they were so humane and so realistic that you'd think you know them as your own uncles and aunts. The plot was weaved around the real tales in a brilliant way and the turmoils and conflicts kept me up reading it till I got to the ending. 10/10 recommended!!
May 20, 2021
A Hero's Welcome is the sequel to The Fall of the Phoenix. And just like the first book, Kelly has done a wonderful job portraying every events as the brilliant story teller she is. The book is well worded and everything has been explained to the finest and the fact that the author didn’t stretch the writing will certainly hook the readers to the book, without boredom. The book is a great read for anyone interested in fiction or fantasy and I’ll recommend it for anyone without hesitation.
January 10, 2021
Once again, Kelly's portrayal of the events surrounding the mysterious Troy is appropriately paced, well written and I found everything presented in the book very believable. The separate storylines came together satisfyingly and I will be rereading it in the future.
September 9, 2021
The second installment of Heroes of Troy, which has more humane touch to the story.
Finally the ten year long Trojen war is ended . Troy has fallen. Surviving parties are going home. Some are finding new homes. Some are in a quest to hunt down the refugees.
We could see different human emotions here . There istreachery, love ant some combat here. There are so many survivors and so many point of views. Different storyline are intervined to give an awsome reading experience. Another important thing to mention is the storyline is not influenced by movie adaptations and retellings. You will get a gripping reading experience till the end.
Finally the ten year long Trojen war is ended . Troy has fallen. Surviving parties are going home. Some are finding new homes. Some are in a quest to hunt down the refugees.
We could see different human emotions here . There istreachery, love ant some combat here. There are so many survivors and so many point of views. Different storyline are intervined to give an awsome reading experience. Another important thing to mention is the storyline is not influenced by movie adaptations and retellings. You will get a gripping reading experience till the end.
January 27, 2022
Daniel takes history and flips it on its head
Following up his retelling of The Iliad, Daniel takes a different approach in book 2. Rather than it being a retelling about the Odyssey, it’s a complete alternative story that he gives us as a multiple POV story of the aftermath and journey’s home that took place in The Fall of the Phoenix. As I said, there are several POV’s that we follow. Agamemnon’s voyage back home, we get to meet Agamemnons wife and son, and what is happening in Mycenae. Eduros’ trip back to Phthia to see Achilles father Peleus. Odysseus searching for survivors of the war and an opportune meeting with a boy named Pyrrhus, before sailing off to join Romulus and Remus on their trek to find a new home with captain Aeneas.
“As with all darkness, lights began to kindle in the windows of the houses and while there was that slim light, there was hope.”
What I love about Daniel Kelly’s story is that he takes known history/mythology stories and flips them on their head to give us his version while digging deeper to give a broader understanding of the ramifications of the war and what it has done to relationships and the lands themselves. This was such a good book, and like it’s predecessor, I am ashamed I let it sit on my TBR for so long! It’s going to be very interesting to see how the next book plays out, because he leaves several of the story lines open and boy does it get good!
Following up his retelling of The Iliad, Daniel takes a different approach in book 2. Rather than it being a retelling about the Odyssey, it’s a complete alternative story that he gives us as a multiple POV story of the aftermath and journey’s home that took place in The Fall of the Phoenix. As I said, there are several POV’s that we follow. Agamemnon’s voyage back home, we get to meet Agamemnons wife and son, and what is happening in Mycenae. Eduros’ trip back to Phthia to see Achilles father Peleus. Odysseus searching for survivors of the war and an opportune meeting with a boy named Pyrrhus, before sailing off to join Romulus and Remus on their trek to find a new home with captain Aeneas.
“As with all darkness, lights began to kindle in the windows of the houses and while there was that slim light, there was hope.”
What I love about Daniel Kelly’s story is that he takes known history/mythology stories and flips them on their head to give us his version while digging deeper to give a broader understanding of the ramifications of the war and what it has done to relationships and the lands themselves. This was such a good book, and like it’s predecessor, I am ashamed I let it sit on my TBR for so long! It’s going to be very interesting to see how the next book plays out, because he leaves several of the story lines open and boy does it get good!
March 13, 2021
I'd hazard a guess that more of history is learned through stories than historical research. Want to find out about orphans in London a couple of hundred years ago? Check out Oliver Twist. Need information on the US Civil War or World War I? Red Badge of Courage and All Quiet on the Western Front. The plight of immigrants and working conditions in the US is covered in The Jungle. I recently completed a fictional series by Millie Thom entitled "Sons of Kings" which taught me practically all I needed to know about England in the time of Alfred the Great. There are literally innumerable examples of history being passed on through fact-based fiction, in many ways more effectively than through the memorization of names, places, and dates. With regard to this dose of reality, it seems particularly apt when Daniel Kelly leads off A Hero's Welcome with a quote from Kipling - "If history were taught in the form of stories it would never be forgotten." If a reader wishes to get a picture of the ancient history of Greece in about 1200 BCE, he/she would be wise to consult "A Hero's Welcome", by Daniel Kelly. In this monumental book, Mr. Kelly proffers detailed allusions to the characters and action in the works of Homer, Virgil, and Aeschylus, yet he accomplishes all of this in one story, one novel. It's really quite remarkable. Mr. Kelly's story is at odds in some places with other chroniclers, but it's a fun story and it's my general sense that this version is actually preferable in parts to the original versions. The Greek oral tradition of about 700 BCE, the supposed time of Homer, would be unlikely to wither serious fact checking, so who knows what the actual truth may be?
In A Hero's Welcome, Greece's war with Troy has just ended. Greek heroes Achilles and Odysseus have revealed to Priam, King of Troy, the trickery behind the Trojan Horse, but Priam lets Troy be destroyed anyway. He dispatches Trojan hero (and also his son) Hector, newly acquired former Greek hero Achilles, (the two have renamed themselves Romulus and Remus, respectively) in company with another of his sons, Aeneas, to reestablish greatness elsewhere. Meanwhile, Agamemnon, King of Mycenae and leader of the Greeks, has misfortune in the Aegean on the way home and is shipwrecked. As Agamemnon continues his return to the Peloponnesian section of Greece, we learn a number of things about him. Wife Clytemnestra, who was never wild about Agamemnon in the first place and grew to hate him amidst stories that he had sacrificed their daughter Iphigenia to the gods to obtain favorable winds, plots Agamemnon's death with lover Aegisthus, in spite of opposition from son Orestes. Before departing Troy, Agamemnon takes Trojan princess Cassandra captive as his slave. Meanwhile, Aeneas, Romulus and Remus have a brief liaison with Dido of Carthage before settling in the land of the Etruscans in the western part of modern Italy. Odysseus gets relatively brief coverage in this book, but the wisdom for which Homer made him famous is revealed.
Unlike the stories of Homer, Virgil and Aeschylus, this book does not abound with gods, goddesses, and magic. Through dialogue and action, it instead focuses on the personalities of the heroes and villains. The characters of these ancients are revealed, including their strengths and weaknesses. It's a fun and worthwhile book and series.
In A Hero's Welcome, Greece's war with Troy has just ended. Greek heroes Achilles and Odysseus have revealed to Priam, King of Troy, the trickery behind the Trojan Horse, but Priam lets Troy be destroyed anyway. He dispatches Trojan hero (and also his son) Hector, newly acquired former Greek hero Achilles, (the two have renamed themselves Romulus and Remus, respectively) in company with another of his sons, Aeneas, to reestablish greatness elsewhere. Meanwhile, Agamemnon, King of Mycenae and leader of the Greeks, has misfortune in the Aegean on the way home and is shipwrecked. As Agamemnon continues his return to the Peloponnesian section of Greece, we learn a number of things about him. Wife Clytemnestra, who was never wild about Agamemnon in the first place and grew to hate him amidst stories that he had sacrificed their daughter Iphigenia to the gods to obtain favorable winds, plots Agamemnon's death with lover Aegisthus, in spite of opposition from son Orestes. Before departing Troy, Agamemnon takes Trojan princess Cassandra captive as his slave. Meanwhile, Aeneas, Romulus and Remus have a brief liaison with Dido of Carthage before settling in the land of the Etruscans in the western part of modern Italy. Odysseus gets relatively brief coverage in this book, but the wisdom for which Homer made him famous is revealed.
Unlike the stories of Homer, Virgil and Aeschylus, this book does not abound with gods, goddesses, and magic. Through dialogue and action, it instead focuses on the personalities of the heroes and villains. The characters of these ancients are revealed, including their strengths and weaknesses. It's a fun and worthwhile book and series.
March 23, 2021
The most amazing parts of these books is that I know exactly what’s going to happen, and I’m still nervous as hell going into the climax. The skill of Kelly’s writing truly bleeds through in The Heroes of Troy book 2.
Be warned: Spoilers Ahead.
I knew the story of Agamemnon going in, he gets killed by his wife and her lover upon returning home. What I did not know, was that somehow Kelly would take the most dis-likable, arrogant character and make me not just sympathize with him, but root for him! I was truly praying that the Mycenaean king would elude his fate get to meet his son, punish the traitors and rule over a united Greece once and for all. Alas it was not to be, but the fact that I flipped so completely was a genuine and appreciated surprise.
Character development improved so much in this book. I didn’t realize it until after finishing book 2 but in the first installment there were few characters that I had mixed feelings on. I either liked them or I didn’t, the second time around every character from Achilles to Cassandra (I could list them all but it’s like a dozen people) each had a dark side that was unique to them, and it brought this story to life in ways book 1 could not have done.
The two true winners of great written characters were Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. These two hit me hard and I was enraged when they both fell to that slime Aegisthus. My hat’s off to you Daniel Kelly, masterful work with them.
Other thoughts I’d like to touch on include: Watching our Troy refugees grow closer to founding Rome, meeting the Latins and foreshadowing the epic Carthaginian conflict was enjoyable as a fan of history. The rise of Orestes, and the foundations of Pyrrhus are setting up for an even more exciting book 3 and I cannot wait. Also, Markus’s story was the definition of bittersweet. He was not one of those characters with a dark side, I genuinely loved him and I don’t know how I didn’t see his death coming until he got wounded at the gate but I felt both for him and Orestes.
Criticisms:
Once again I don’t feel I’m giving a fair review unless I point out my criticisms, however minor they may be.
First off, I felt that it took too long for the story to get back to Romulus/Remus, their appearance and subsequent exodus had me revving to see what happened next and it was nearly 1/3rd of the way into the book before finding out where fate had taken them. I know I just complained about getting too many POVs in Book 1 but I would have liked to see some scenes from the perspective of Diomedes, he was genuinely my favorite character the first time around. I understand this period of his life was not the most exciting but I can’t wait to see what he grows into and I missed the young Hero of Troy this time around.
Conclusion:
A Hero’s Welcome improved on its predecessor in nearly every way, despite having less actual combat it is an even more exciting installment and I am eagerly awaiting book 3.
Be warned: Spoilers Ahead.
I knew the story of Agamemnon going in, he gets killed by his wife and her lover upon returning home. What I did not know, was that somehow Kelly would take the most dis-likable, arrogant character and make me not just sympathize with him, but root for him! I was truly praying that the Mycenaean king would elude his fate get to meet his son, punish the traitors and rule over a united Greece once and for all. Alas it was not to be, but the fact that I flipped so completely was a genuine and appreciated surprise.
Character development improved so much in this book. I didn’t realize it until after finishing book 2 but in the first installment there were few characters that I had mixed feelings on. I either liked them or I didn’t, the second time around every character from Achilles to Cassandra (I could list them all but it’s like a dozen people) each had a dark side that was unique to them, and it brought this story to life in ways book 1 could not have done.
The two true winners of great written characters were Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. These two hit me hard and I was enraged when they both fell to that slime Aegisthus. My hat’s off to you Daniel Kelly, masterful work with them.
Other thoughts I’d like to touch on include: Watching our Troy refugees grow closer to founding Rome, meeting the Latins and foreshadowing the epic Carthaginian conflict was enjoyable as a fan of history. The rise of Orestes, and the foundations of Pyrrhus are setting up for an even more exciting book 3 and I cannot wait. Also, Markus’s story was the definition of bittersweet. He was not one of those characters with a dark side, I genuinely loved him and I don’t know how I didn’t see his death coming until he got wounded at the gate but I felt both for him and Orestes.
Criticisms:
Once again I don’t feel I’m giving a fair review unless I point out my criticisms, however minor they may be.
First off, I felt that it took too long for the story to get back to Romulus/Remus, their appearance and subsequent exodus had me revving to see what happened next and it was nearly 1/3rd of the way into the book before finding out where fate had taken them. I know I just complained about getting too many POVs in Book 1 but I would have liked to see some scenes from the perspective of Diomedes, he was genuinely my favorite character the first time around. I understand this period of his life was not the most exciting but I can’t wait to see what he grows into and I missed the young Hero of Troy this time around.
Conclusion:
A Hero’s Welcome improved on its predecessor in nearly every way, despite having less actual combat it is an even more exciting installment and I am eagerly awaiting book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2021
Hero stories are always painted as everything going right and boom, end of the story. However, this book was amazing. Like it even had me imagine I was the main character in the story. However,
the combat, violence, love with the betrayal. Definitely, a nice touch from the author is finding new ways of telling old stories here.
the combat, violence, love with the betrayal. Definitely, a nice touch from the author is finding new ways of telling old stories here.
September 14, 2021
This book follows the journey of Agamemnon, Remus, Romulus and Aeneas after the end of the war against Troy. On his return journey to Greece, Agamemnon’s fleet of ships face a storm that wreaks havoc. Agamemnon with few of his soldiers find themselves ashore a few miles from Argos, from where they march towards Mycenae. At Mycenae, Agamemnon’s wife Clytemnestra along with her lover Aegisthus is plotting to murder the returning Agamemnon.
Remus, Romulus and Aeneas with the refugees of Troy wander on the vast ocean in search of a new home. On their journey, they encounter Dido, the Queen of Carthage, eventually landing on the coast of Italia where more challenges await them but with a promise of a home. The destroyed Troy is overtaken by Pyrrhus, the illegitimate and arrogant son of Achilles.
This book has a lot of interesting developments. This book casts a new light on the character of Agamemnon. We get to see Agamemnon as a war weary King yearning home who is also a well-respected leader. The book introduces an array of Greek and Spartan characters. Though this book lacked the action of the previous one, there was enough intrigue and drama to hold my attention.
I still struggled a bit to keep tab of all the characters. The author has done remarkable job of weaving a story that is fascinating and adventurous. There were multiple narratives following different characters life after the fall of Troy. I appreciate how the author has ended the book with no loose ends and a possibility for another book in the series. I enjoyed reading this book which is a brilliant sequel to The Fall of the Phoenix.
I highly recommend this series to fans of Greek mythology retelling.
Thank you @thebookscenestours and @heroesoftroy for having me as part of the book tour and for the gifted e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Remus, Romulus and Aeneas with the refugees of Troy wander on the vast ocean in search of a new home. On their journey, they encounter Dido, the Queen of Carthage, eventually landing on the coast of Italia where more challenges await them but with a promise of a home. The destroyed Troy is overtaken by Pyrrhus, the illegitimate and arrogant son of Achilles.
This book has a lot of interesting developments. This book casts a new light on the character of Agamemnon. We get to see Agamemnon as a war weary King yearning home who is also a well-respected leader. The book introduces an array of Greek and Spartan characters. Though this book lacked the action of the previous one, there was enough intrigue and drama to hold my attention.
I still struggled a bit to keep tab of all the characters. The author has done remarkable job of weaving a story that is fascinating and adventurous. There were multiple narratives following different characters life after the fall of Troy. I appreciate how the author has ended the book with no loose ends and a possibility for another book in the series. I enjoyed reading this book which is a brilliant sequel to The Fall of the Phoenix.
I highly recommend this series to fans of Greek mythology retelling.
Thank you @thebookscenestours and @heroesoftroy for having me as part of the book tour and for the gifted e-book in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2021
A Hero's Welcome is an amazingly executed sequel to the epic first book. I dived into this book immediately after I finished the first book, The Fall of the Phoenix since I loved it and I had to know what was going to happen to the characters. As expected, I loved it!
"The gods will have their due, he thought ruefully; not even Athena could protect them now. For his part, he had followed his master’s orders."
Troy has fallen. King Priam sacrificed himself in a last act of defiance to destroy the Greek army. Odysseus helps a few escape from there to the Seas of the Mediterranean led by Aeneas. They have to face many hurdles during their travel and make difficult decisions. I loved seeing Hector and Achilles together. Their travel was fun and intriguing to read.
Agamemnon travels back to Mycaenea after years of war and the travel changes him. There are enemies back in his home now who threaten his alliances.
"Writing had never been his strong point, her warrior king, and even their twelve-year-old daughter’s style far outclassed him."
I liked how human he felt in this book. I loved meeting his family and seeing a different side of the characters.
There were so many terrific chapters that I can't pick a favorite scene. This turned out to be a wonderful and exciting read.
"The gods will have their due, he thought ruefully; not even Athena could protect them now. For his part, he had followed his master’s orders."
Troy has fallen. King Priam sacrificed himself in a last act of defiance to destroy the Greek army. Odysseus helps a few escape from there to the Seas of the Mediterranean led by Aeneas. They have to face many hurdles during their travel and make difficult decisions. I loved seeing Hector and Achilles together. Their travel was fun and intriguing to read.
Agamemnon travels back to Mycaenea after years of war and the travel changes him. There are enemies back in his home now who threaten his alliances.
"Writing had never been his strong point, her warrior king, and even their twelve-year-old daughter’s style far outclassed him."
I liked how human he felt in this book. I loved meeting his family and seeing a different side of the characters.
There were so many terrific chapters that I can't pick a favorite scene. This turned out to be a wonderful and exciting read.
September 14, 2021
After the shocking yet satisfying ending of The Fall of the Phoenix, I was looking forward to reading the second book in the series and this book does not disappoint.
The greatest city on Earth, Troy has been reduced to nothing but rubbles and ash after a 10-year long war. After his army is destroyed, Agamemnon is ready to be return home to his wife Clytemnestra and his children.
On the other hand, the survivors of Troy are left to seek refuge in the hope of bringing vengeance to their home one day. Led by Aeneas, cousin of Hector, they travel across the sea and finally find a new home, but it comes with a price.
Action unfolding with the introduction of new voices, there is not a single dull moment in this page turner by author Daniel Kelly. Emotional reunions, revenge, assassinations along with an underlying love story, this book will leave you in awe of Kelly’s storytelling. The way he weaves together multiple storylines is commendable.
While the first book was majorly driven by the plot, the second book in the series is more character driven. The added voice of Clytemnestra adds depth and emotion to the story. I absolutely loved the descriptive writing style of the author and truly left me astonished. Looking forward to reading more from the author.
I was provided with a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
The greatest city on Earth, Troy has been reduced to nothing but rubbles and ash after a 10-year long war. After his army is destroyed, Agamemnon is ready to be return home to his wife Clytemnestra and his children.
On the other hand, the survivors of Troy are left to seek refuge in the hope of bringing vengeance to their home one day. Led by Aeneas, cousin of Hector, they travel across the sea and finally find a new home, but it comes with a price.
Action unfolding with the introduction of new voices, there is not a single dull moment in this page turner by author Daniel Kelly. Emotional reunions, revenge, assassinations along with an underlying love story, this book will leave you in awe of Kelly’s storytelling. The way he weaves together multiple storylines is commendable.
While the first book was majorly driven by the plot, the second book in the series is more character driven. The added voice of Clytemnestra adds depth and emotion to the story. I absolutely loved the descriptive writing style of the author and truly left me astonished. Looking forward to reading more from the author.
I was provided with a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 15, 2021
woah woah woah😮
After the first book i picked up this book right away and this was nothing short of what i expected it.
The fall of Phoenix was mostly driven by the plot but this book is more about the Characters and the story and perspective about them.
After the long 10 year Trojan war has come to an end, Troy has Fallen.
It brings the aspects of different characters, Agamemnon is heading back to his homeland Mycenaean, Odysseus trying to find his fallen comrades and other survivors and Aeneas is seeking shelter and among all other stories.
Daniel's writings style is very reader friendly, also he adds his own flavours!
Absolutely recommended it if you like historical fiction, literary fiction.
After the first book i picked up this book right away and this was nothing short of what i expected it.
The fall of Phoenix was mostly driven by the plot but this book is more about the Characters and the story and perspective about them.
After the long 10 year Trojan war has come to an end, Troy has Fallen.
It brings the aspects of different characters, Agamemnon is heading back to his homeland Mycenaean, Odysseus trying to find his fallen comrades and other survivors and Aeneas is seeking shelter and among all other stories.
Daniel's writings style is very reader friendly, also he adds his own flavours!
Absolutely recommended it if you like historical fiction, literary fiction.
Read
November 11, 2022Easy read, good pacing.
February 14, 2021
This second book builds on the relentless action and character building of the first book with a more measured and slower-paced historical fantasy that builds to a thrilling climax of violence, intrigue and betrayal.
This series started a unique take on the well-worn story of Troy, but this book breaks out of that, and creates some fantasy around parts of that history that are not well established or known. The return of the victors to Greece, and the disaster and conflict that awaits, is definitely worth the exploration. And Daniel does a great job of it in this novel, bringing a fictional but believable humanity to these mythological characters, and making it altogether a more engaging story.
A good book, and well worth a read for any historical fiction or fantasy fans out there.
This series started a unique take on the well-worn story of Troy, but this book breaks out of that, and creates some fantasy around parts of that history that are not well established or known. The return of the victors to Greece, and the disaster and conflict that awaits, is definitely worth the exploration. And Daniel does a great job of it in this novel, bringing a fictional but believable humanity to these mythological characters, and making it altogether a more engaging story.
A good book, and well worth a read for any historical fiction or fantasy fans out there.
April 7, 2022
Troy has fallen and the heroes leave for home to fall foul of the Gods. This second installment covers the fates of the likes of Achilles, Agamemnon, Odysseus... The book lead's onto the birth of Rome and gives an interesting take on this part of history leaving you wanting more, so roll on the next installment.
March 18, 2021
It’s an incredibly good novel, the author compiled some scenes from the Odyssey and the Aeneid, very little from the Iliad in terms of the fall of Troy, but I was fascinated that it tells the return to their homes of Agamemnon, Aeneas, the Myrmidons and Odysseus, which supposedly lived Pyrrhus (Achilles' son) of whom I don't remember anything. That's why I enjoyed it a lot because it have alternative endings that were compiled from other Greek tragedies and the books I mentioned, although it confused me a lot with some characters like Romulus and Remus who supposedly were Hector and Achilles, among other things that didn't happen or at least I didn't read them that way. My favorite character is Agamemnon and Orestes his son, amazing isn't it? Agamemnon surprised me because in this novel you can see a more human and less ambitious side, he realizes that 10 years of his life cost him a lot, he won a super war but in the end he lost the chance to see his family grow, to be with his wife and he recognizes it with sadness and some courage.I liked Orestes a lot because despite the physical resemblance to his father and being a young man, he had a warrior character and a great sense of honor and loyalty.
I would love to say that this novel is written for all people but no, I only recommend it for teens and adults who like epic or historical fiction novels, and especially those who like Greek and Roman mythology. What I didn't like is that the author gave twists to the story I knew mixing characters like Romulus and Remus whom supposedly were Hector and Achilles, that made me get lost in the story, I couldn't understand what they were referring to over and over again and that also happened with the story of Agamemnon, it's true that he's killed but not as mythology says, neither the end of Clytemnestra (Agamemnon's wife), Orestes and Pyrrhus, I know it's finally a novel and it has its fictional parts but sometimes the author confused me because of the mixture of stories that I hadn't read and the characters that didn't interact with each other.
Although it is a book that goes relatively fast, it isn't complicated, but if you want to know what it's talking about or who is the son of whom, you have to stop and look for some information, that took up a lot of my time, especially with the story of Aeneas, Romulus and Remus.
I would love to say that this novel is written for all people but no, I only recommend it for teens and adults who like epic or historical fiction novels, and especially those who like Greek and Roman mythology. What I didn't like is that the author gave twists to the story I knew mixing characters like Romulus and Remus whom supposedly were Hector and Achilles, that made me get lost in the story, I couldn't understand what they were referring to over and over again and that also happened with the story of Agamemnon, it's true that he's killed but not as mythology says, neither the end of Clytemnestra (Agamemnon's wife), Orestes and Pyrrhus, I know it's finally a novel and it has its fictional parts but sometimes the author confused me because of the mixture of stories that I hadn't read and the characters that didn't interact with each other.
Although it is a book that goes relatively fast, it isn't complicated, but if you want to know what it's talking about or who is the son of whom, you have to stop and look for some information, that took up a lot of my time, especially with the story of Aeneas, Romulus and Remus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2021
🗡️ A Heroes Welcome 🗡️
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The sequel to The Fall of the Phoenix was just as epic as the first book! The battle scenes were minimal but the intrigue and scheming brought every page an energy of it's own. The author included a few romantic scenes this time but they were tasteful and didn't district from the tone of the story. I actually liked following Agememnon's storyline more than I anticipated, given his character in the first book. His relationship with Cassandra was especially nice. It's interesting how all of the key players were tied together and moved around like chess players. The ending was phenomenal! I found myself wanting to reread some of my old Greek and Roman mythology books as well as looking forward to anymore books in this series. This was another five star book that I recommend to any historical fiction lover.⠀
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The sequel to The Fall of the Phoenix was just as epic as the first book! The battle scenes were minimal but the intrigue and scheming brought every page an energy of it's own. The author included a few romantic scenes this time but they were tasteful and didn't district from the tone of the story. I actually liked following Agememnon's storyline more than I anticipated, given his character in the first book. His relationship with Cassandra was especially nice. It's interesting how all of the key players were tied together and moved around like chess players. The ending was phenomenal! I found myself wanting to reread some of my old Greek and Roman mythology books as well as looking forward to anymore books in this series. This was another five star book that I recommend to any historical fiction lover.⠀
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February 10, 2021
This is book 2 in the Heroes of Troy series. And like the first one, this didn't disappoint either. I can officially say that author Daniel's series is the best Troy retelling I have ever read. This book tells the story of after the Trojan war ended and it is written so beautifully. It has its share of unexpected twists and turns, and I found myself so engrossed in its authenticity that I had to go back to recheck if certain events were actually mentioned in the Iliad by Homer that I might have missed. Definitely recommended.
February 11, 2021
Fabulous book, a real and genuine page turner. Better than The Fall of the Phoenix. Excellently drawn characters who you become invested in. The main timeline and events remain what we generally believe from legend to be that of Troy, Priam, Agamemnon, Hector, Achilles, et al, however the weaving of the personalities and the intrigue behind that accepted narrative is compelling.
August 5, 2021
This is the second book in a series that explores a moment in time that isn’t often covered. There have been many wonderful iterations of the fall of Troy not least by David Gemmell and equally many excellent fiction books on Rome. This series covers the bit in between. Æneas reputedly founded Rome but how did he do it? If you want a very enjoyable rich tale of how that may have happened I can’t recommend this series highly enough 😊
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