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A fascinating look at not just the childhood of Helen of Troy, but of the era in which she lived. The historical notes at the back of the book talk about how Helen would have lived not in Greece's Golden Age, when Homer was writing the Iliad, but centuries before in the Bronze Age. It put a whole new spin on the story: reading and writing were nonexistent, as was money, and the women of Sparta really would have been huntresses in their own right. Very intriguing! My only complaint is that there
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This book was really interesting! This is actually the SECOND book I've read that took place in Greece, although this one takes place very very very BC, and the other one (Pompeii) took place in 79 AD. BUT, both of them were very cool!
This book is about Helen of Troy when she was a little girl (14 at the end of the book) and still Helen, the crown princess of Sparta. In this version of the story, rather than being a "literal" daughter of Zeus (like mythology says), she is 100% mortal. People in ...more
This book is about Helen of Troy when she was a little girl (14 at the end of the book) and still Helen, the crown princess of Sparta. In this version of the story, rather than being a "literal" daughter of Zeus (like mythology says), she is 100% mortal. People in ...more
This is the fictional version of Helen of Troy's life - before the whole Troy thing. Helen, a princess of Sparta, is very different from her twin sister, Clytemnestra, both in looks and in interests. Helen wants to learn to fight like her brothers, Castor and Polydeuces, not weave and wait for a husband. She dresses like a boy and figures out how to get what she wants, and along the way meets many a legendary hero.
Atalanta, Theseus, and Jason are only three of the heroes that walk through this s ...more
Atalanta, Theseus, and Jason are only three of the heroes that walk through this s ...more
Dec 17, 2010
Wealhtheow
marked it as to-read
I really liked a short story by Friesner, "Thunderbolt," and she's apparently expanded that story into this series. Looking forward to reading it!
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YA fictional account of Helen of Troy growing up in Sparta. In this 1st person telling, she is an adventurous tomboy, who would rather learn swordplay and horse riding (taboo for women!) than needlework. There's a range of interesting female characters, such as Helen's ex-tomboy mother, annoying sister, independent Atalanta, sneaky but friendly Pythia. The men also get a range, from rigid to flexible, moral to greedy. The Greek gods do not make an actual appearance (except perhaps for dream sequ
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Interesting take on Helen of Sparta's early life. Not sure how credulous I should be, since so many books have anachronistic characters. I do think the Greek myths are woven together well, but there's still something lacking in the tale itself.
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Feb 13, 2009
Paige
marked it as to-read
May 25, 2009
Liz
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Feb 07, 2010
Philip
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Aug 18, 2010
Lisa
marked it as to-read
Feb 20, 2015
Brandie
marked it as to-read
