The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller -- Restarting August 15th 2025

[Karen]

Happy to discuss it with you although I've finished it. I found the first half quite slow-I'd be interested to know what you think of it.

[Maddie]

Yeah I'll be reading it. Picking it up from the library tomorrow. Not sure when I'll start it.

[Maddie]

Picked up this one a few minutes ago. Idk when I'll start it. Probably tomorrow :)

[Maddie]

I'm starting this now. Karen, I'll respond to your spoilers and add in some details from the plot so that I can count it as a br.

[Maddie]

Karen wrote: "Got a head start and 15% in I confess to being a bit uncertain. Patroclus seems to be falling in love with Achilles and I wasn't really expecting this. Suppose we need some background, but it's not..."

16% through now, and I agree. I mean, I'm familiar with some of the back story, but it is a little boring at the moment. Hoping it picks up. Weird that (view spoiler)[the boys didn't know why Patroclus was there for about a year, and I'd be seriously suspicious of Patroclus being chosen as a companion if I was the other boys. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Karen wrote: "25%-that went more quickly than I thought it would."

Really? I'm still thinking of how slow it it! (view spoiler)[I would be so scared for Thetis' visits! She's really intimidating. Wonder when they'll give into their feelings. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen]

I remember thinking for a story that wanted to drag out the setting-up, this part of their life was almost skimmed over. I think it was about halfway in before I felt it got engaging.

[Maddie]

Yeah true. It's was like 3 years gone.

[Maddie]

Karen wrote: "40%-delaying. An odd encounter-kind of depressing."

Just reached 40% through. This is actually a really slow read. Kind of considering DNFing it. I won't though.

[Maddie]

I gotta read it haha. Taken me this long.

[Maddie]

Going to read some more now. Not sure how long for.

[Karen]

Stick with it Maddison-it gets a lot better!

[Maddie]

Hoping to finish today.

[Maddie]

Karen wrote: "50% - this is richly written but an awful lot of time has been spent setting up what we know is coming. New audience perhaps makes this needed."

Yeah still pretty slow. I actually forgot about the prophecy! (view spoiler)[Sad how he didn't tell his dad :( And I hate the way Thetis treats Patroclus, even when Achilles asked for his protection. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Karen wrote: "78%-the depiction of war is graphic, but remarkably sensitively handled. I really like the way Miller is reimagining a character that people assume to know."

War? XD There wasn't really a war. It wasn't that graphic at all! I found the (view spoiler)[plague rather scary though. And I can't believe both Agamemnon's and Achilles' arrogance! How can they be so full or pride? I really like Patroclus as a main character, going to Agamemnon like that. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Going to try and finish this one tonight.

[Maddie]

Oh my gosh they're 28 now??? The jumps in this book are just too crazy. I can't follow. I can't picture them anymore.

[Maddie]

I've finished :) That ending almost made me cry happy tears. I'm pleased I didn't really know the story all that well, and that I didn't expect what came. The ending definitely made the story better, but it's still only a 2 star for me.

[Maddie]

Finished :D Reviewed the book

[[deleted user]]

You guys I am so horrible at this. I read the book but did not do any updates.

[[deleted user]]

Karen wrote: "50% - this is richly written but an awful lot of time has been spent setting up what we know is coming. New audience perhaps makes this needed."

I have not read the illiad so I am not familiar with the story past what Achilles means. I was not really familiar with the relationship but I'm glad I did not come here til after I finished reading the book because otherwise the updates would have spoiled the read for me.

[[deleted user]]

22% (view spoiler)[ I love the Centaur he stands up to the sea witch! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

40% (view spoiler)[ Even though Achilles mom was selfish and hid him and made him marry, at least he is able to have a child and be a father. It seems kinda stupid for Achilles to go to war for Helen, someone he doesn't know or care about. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

68% (view spoiler)[ The war did go on for too long and there is nothing to show for it. Troy will never submit! (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Finished... (view spoiler)[ Patroclus is just stupid. He tried to get Achilles to help with the war and he coaxed him and made him believe Patroclus would not be hurt but he died! (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Cinthia wrote: "22% [spoilers removed]"

I really couldn't remember anything from Pelion XD But I liked that scene too! I didn't even think that Chiron could beat the gods in position haha.

[Maddie]

I just couldn't believe Pyrrhus was like that. I liked the guilt that Achilles felt (view spoiler)[over Patroclus death. That's kinda what he wanted to achieve - to get Achilles to regret it and get over himself. (hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Reading from the 10th of September 2017

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[✨Skye✨]

17% (view spoiler)[ Really like this so far. Wasn't expecting a gay romance but I am seeing the start of one and I ship Patroclus and Achilles so much. I hate Patroclus' father and most of the men to be honest, even Achilles' father who is pleasant enough in character raped Thetis so he could marry her, though I do understand that's a historical/mythical context thing and most of the real myths do include rape. (hide spoiler)]

[Keyona]

28% (view spoiler)[I certainly was pleasantly surprised by this so far. I also was not expecting a gay romance novel. However I am HERE for it! It's such a slow burn, the love Achilles and Patroclus have for each other. Now that Achilles has been summoned by his father I'm curious to know how they will continue to hide their feelings. (hide spoiler)]

[✨Skye✨]

41% (view spoiler)[ This is such a cool storytelling method. Things that would be the entire plot of a different book are minor hiccups in this, like Achilles getting taken by Thetis. I don't know how to feel about Deidameia, and the fact she has slept with both Achilles and Patroclus now. I can't help but feel Patroclus really had no reason to do it, while Achilles was somewhat coerced into it. I did like seeing their time with Chiron, and love that Patroclus called himself son of Chiron. (hide spoiler)]

[✨Skye✨]

61% (view spoiler)[ Achilles appears to be becoming worse. He cares less for human life as shown by his actions in the raids and doesn't kick up much of a fuss about the sacrificed daughter. I am still dreading his death though. (hide spoiler)]

[✨Skye✨]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Such an emotional ending with the exchange between Patroclus and Thetis. This is definitely a new favourite, I loved every second of this and that last passage where they meet in death will stay with me for a long time. (hide spoiler)]

[Abi]

*****************************************************************************************************************************************

Reading from the 27th of September 2018

*****************************************************************************************************************************************

[[deleted user]]

I'm joining :)

[Raghad]

@tania Awesome!

[Ari]

10% (view spoiler)[A bit slow so far? I like Achilles being kind to Patroclus. I don't like Patroclus' father x.x (hide spoiler)]

[Keyona]

Joining in on this one!

[Natalie]

Haven't had a chance to start this yet, but hopefully soon! 8'D

[Sarah Elizabeth]

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Date changed. Restarting February 9th 2019. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Raghad]

up to chapter 6
(view spoiler)[
i love how much more confidant Patroclus has become.

and why Thetis is such a bitch!
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Raghad]

up to chapter 10
(view spoiler)[
finally some place his mother can't see them.
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Raghad]

up to chap 15
(view spoiler)[
Patroclus will follow achilles no matter where his mother send him. and she let him marry that girl , what the hell!

why did Patroclus sleep with her.i do not get it.
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Raghad]

up to chap 20
(view spoiler)[
Agamemnon killed his daughter as a sacrifice to the gods so he could save his brother's wife, what the fuck is wrong with him!
their is no guarantee that helena will even be saved
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Raghad]

up to chap 25
(view spoiler)[
Patroclus is to good hearted to be in this war. i love that he is trying to save those girls.
Helena might have gone with paris in her own well makes more sense.
i love the relationship between Brises and Patroclus, it is so sweet.
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Raghad]

finished
(view spoiler)[
well that was sad. achiles son is a monster, i'm glad he got killed.
(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]

[Anna 'Bookbuyer']

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Date changed. Restarting May 18th 2020. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
*********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[HeatherH]

ch 1-12

I really enjoy Miller's writing style. She is long winded at times so I can see why it doesn't work for some readers, but I'm liking it!

(view spoiler)[ I love watching this budding love between the MC and Achilles. Achilles mother and her interference is annoying. Now Achilles, thanks to her cons, will have a child on the way and I am curious how that will affect their lives. (hide spoiler)]

[Blue Butterfly]

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Date changed. Restarting June 25th 2020. Happy Reading ☺

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Blue Butterfly]

Chapter 10
(view spoiler)[So far the story is pretty interesting. The only thing I really knew about Achilles before reading this book is that he was a really good warrior in the Trojan war. Also, he was dipped in one of the rivers in the Underworld which gave him immunity everywhere except for his heel which is how he eventually ended up dying. I had never heard of Patroclus. (hide spoiler)]