HF April Read - Fall of Kings

[Purvika]

@Karolina very true.. Zidantas or Ox. He was a remarkable character (view spoiler)[ I couldn't believe when he was killed so brutally. Personally I didn't feel a pint of pity for the one who was burnt by Helikoan. As they were not the innocent bystanders rather they were mykenes. And few among those were responsible for Zidantas's death. They would have done something equally horrible to Helikoan if they had the capability of defeating him. The scene where Helikoan kiss Zidantas's head was too painful (hide spoiler)]

I too liked Argurios and his story.

What about Andromache ?

[Karolina Kat]

I am a bit torned when it comes to Andromache. I do like her overall: I love her strength and pride, and I did enjoy the moment (view spoiler)[when she punched Kreusa straight in her face! (hide spoiler)] Certain parts of her story were a bit unconvincing: (view spoiler)[I just couldn't really grasp the love she has for Helikaon - it was clearly visible on his part from the first moments in the Bay. (hide spoiler)] ANd it must be said - her portrayal is so interesting compared to Illiad!

And what about you - what was the moment that moved you the most?

[Purvika]

@Karolina one of my favorite scene was when (view spoiler)[ Andromache kneel down in front of the king for her maid. That showed her strength and honesty. She wouldn't bow for herself but for her servant. THAT part even king couldn't forget. I think Andromache did change king a bit otherwise he was not a man who would leave a woman alone.

Also the shooting scene. The punching obviously :D . Their first meeting how she from her eyes warns Helikoan. (hide spoiler)]

Apart from that. I think I liked every scene in which Helikoan was present. It didn't matter whether it was brutal or not. Oh and the scene where (view spoiler)[ he helps the little poor girl. Just at the start. I loved that scene. And oh when he dives from the cliff. (hide spoiler)]I loved everything about this book. And their characters.

[Anirudh]

@Karolina, Helikaon is more of a grim hero. He does many things which are cruel in the eyes of many. But he also does a lot of good.

Gemmel blends myth and prophecy well with the realistic world of Troy. That's the best part of the series.

What do you think about Odysseus and his character creation? I think he is the best and most important character in the book.

[Karolina Kat]

@Purvika, Helikaon is really colourful and I too enjoyed every bit of his story. In my opinion he proves to be far more interesting than what we know of Aeneas from Iliad.

@Anirudh, I agree 100% with you - I love the way in which myths, Iliad and original ideas are all joined together. I tihnk that's what make me not only enjoy this trilogy so much, but also want to slow down and read it closely.

And this brings us to Odysseus. From what I saw - you read the whole trilogy, I'm only at the beginning of book II, so I treated Odysseus as one of the many characters. In the first book Odysseus proves to be a very interesting character (so different from what we know). It was a great idea on Gemmell's part to twist the Odyssey. I do have a feeling that he's indeed far more important as I progress through the Shield of Thunder.

[Anirudh]

@Karolina, Yeah The twist on Odyssey and Odysseus is really nice. When he tells his story I used to trace all the myths to it. Really love that concept. How he kept telling stories and how soon they became legends

Same thing with Paris and Helen :)

[Karolina Kat]

@Anirudh true! The worst thing is that knowing how the whole story ends, I kind of wish that Gemmell comes up with yet another pretty twist on the classic and Agamemnon won't have his way (whishful thinking I suppose).

I have finished the Shield of Thunder and I really enjoyed the new characters that were introduced to the story, especially the Kalliades - Banokles relation. But, though in general it is still a great a book, I prefer the Lord of the Silver Bow. I got the feeling that the narrative was much more pleasing and even poetic at times, in the 2nd part - not so much. It may be due to the fact that this part is more war oriented.

[Ahtims]

Karolina wrote: "@Anirudh true! The worst thing is that knowing how the whole story ends, I kind of wish that Gemmell comes up with yet another pretty twist on the classic and Agamemnon won't have his way (whishful..."

I too preferred book 1 over this. As you say, it was more poetic and readable.

[Anirudh]

@Karolina, I can't say anything without spoilers on that part ;)

You caught up fast!
I think I liked the second and third book more because of the fight scenes :) as you said it focuses more on war and is less dramatic.

@Psmtih, second book was unreadable?

[Anirudh]

Too bad his other books are not as good as this series.

Will we discuss the books here itself? Technically this thread is for book 1..

[Srividya]

Sorry people for being absent for a long time but real life issues took predominance and I just couldn't come here!

As the discussions have not really been that extensive, I propose that we use this same thread for the entire trilogy. It is basically a continuation of the same story and the three books put together can easily form a massive tome, so in my thinking a single thread should be okay. However, if you feel the need for a separate thread, do let me know.. Now that I am back, I can do it or you can create it yourself. :)

Also will definitely read book 2 soon..perhaps only in the first week of June but will get there. Do start reading book 3 whenever you all decide and I shall join you. :)

PS - Do let me know about the thread, so that if you are using the same one, I can edit the heading to reflect the book that you are all discussing! :)

[Ahtims]

Single thread will do. I don;t think there would be too much discussions on this one.

[Em Lost In Books]

started it two days back and like previous two books this one is very good.

[Karolina Kat]

Manju wrote: "started it two days back and like previous two books this one is very good."

Can't wait to start it! :) I need to finish the Liar's key first though ^^

[Em Lost In Books]

Karolina wrote: "Manju wrote: "started it two days back and like previous two books this one is very good."

Can't wait to start it! :) I need to finish the Liar's key first though ^^"

how is red queen's war? good?

[Karolina Kat]

Manju wrote: "how is red queen's war? good? "

I find it even more enjoyable than the Broken Empire trilogy. I recently reviewed the Prince of Fools.

[Anirudh]

Karolina wrote: "Manju wrote: "how is red queen's war? good? "

I find it even more enjoyable than the Broken Empire trilogy. I recently reviewed the Prince of Fools."

@Manju, hear that? :D

[Em Lost In Books]

Anirudh wrote: "Karolina wrote: "Manju wrote: "how is red queen's war? good? "

I find it even more enjoyable than the Broken Empire trilogy. I recently reviewed the Prince of Fools."

@Manju, hear that? :D"

Read the review too.:P and I never said that I won't read prince of fools.

[Anirudh]

So how is the last book? Anyone finished?

[Ahtims]

Not started yet. -_-

[Karolina Kat]

I started the book today. I'm not far from the beginning, but dear me, I do loathe Agamemnon...

[Anirudh]

No hurry you both have 10 more days :)

[Em Lost In Books]

finished. :)

hurry up guys.

[Anirudh]

How was it? :)

[Ahtims]

Not even started. :-/
Shall try to, tonight

[Karolina Kat]

Manju wrote: "finished. :)

hurry up guys."

I'm chasing you Manju! 20% done ^_^

[Karolina Kat]

finished :)

I loved it!

[Em Lost In Books]

Great Karolina:)

So who was your favourite?

[Karolina Kat]

It's hard to choose just one character. Throughout the third part I grew very fond of Banokles and Odysseus though. And you?

[Em Lost In Books]

Hektor. Perfect son, greatest warrior, loving father and husband.:)

Banokles and Odysseus were good too but i didn't like King of Ithaka much this time around.

Helikaon?

[Anirudh]

Hercules :)

[Em Lost In Books]

Anirudh wrote: "Hercules :)"

No Hercules in the book.:P

[Karolina Kat]

Hektor was amazing, but I couldn't help but feel sad for him - so much burden on his shoulders. These feelings, unfortunately, reflected on my views on Helikaon and Andromache. I liked the fact that it is explicitly pointed out that Helikaon's actions did not differ much from the Mykene's, and I found (view spoiler)[the whole Red Demon's arrival very in place (hide spoiler)].

I think that what happened to Odysseus is the most beautiful way to play with orignal Odyssey's motifs, and it saddened me deeply.

[Anirudh]

I mean Achilles sorry :) I liked his fight :)

Also, there is mention of Hercules. I don't know who but someone mentions Heracles.

I liked the ending. It was very good

I loved Odysseus and his stories. It is a beautiful way of describing how a story can turn into legend.

[Karolina Kat]

Oh, the fight between Hector and Achilles was amazing!

[Anirudh]

Karolina wrote: "Oh, the fight between Hector and Achilles was amazing!"

Yes I loved it :) and the conclusion was also very good :)

[Karolina Kat]

Anirudh wrote: Yes I loved it :) and the conclusion was also very good :)"

I did not expect it to end this way, but then again the same may be said about the whole retelling of this tale.

[Em Lost In Books]

@Karolina: Hektor's story touched me most in the book. His relationship with Andromache was bitter sweet. They're best of friends and two people with a golden heart, so very kind.

Before the fight of Hektor and Achilles, I was sure that Hektor would be there till the very end but how that fight ended it was heartbreaking. I so wanted to kill Agamemnon and done with the book but still how the author carried forward the story was amazing.

Banokles and his friend, were outstanding too. Especially Banokles, when he was first introduced in the story, I never thought that he would play such an imports part but he totally surprised me.

[Em Lost In Books]

Oh and that part where Odysseus went to save Penelope from Mykenes was also done beautifully.

[Ahtims]

Am 60% through. In the thick of the battle and dreaming of it.
The Achilles here is a gentler version of the one I encountered in Troy movie [Brad Pitt - who seemed always sneering and acting high and mighty]
Hektor is the best of all, closely followed by Helikaon and Achilles.
Agamemnon is the hated one, with Priam closely vying for position no. 2
Among the mes dames, I am continuing my fondness for Andromache and the prophecy girl [her name eluding me].
Poor Helen and Paris.
After this series, I would never equate Helen with 'the face that launched a thousand ships'. Now onwards, in my mind, she is just another gentle soul, whose only ambition was to lead a peaceloving family life.

[Ahtims]

Finished. The last few pages were wow.
Enjoyed the book.

[Lavanya]

Hi Guys.. I am new to this Monthly book suggestions and discussions thing..
And I am yet to start off on the Troy Trilogy...
All three books are in continuity right? One long story?

[Ahtims]

Yes, Lavanya

[Lavanya]

Smitha wrote: "Yes, Lavanya"
Thanks... I'll get started with Book 1 then... and hopefully catch up...

[Ahtims]

These are easy reads -can be finished off in 7-10 days if you read the series back to back.

[Anirudh]

This discussion has probably come to a natural end. Perhaps the archives?

[Ahtims]

I completed the series. Thoroughly enjoyed. But specifics are already fading in my memory for a meaningful discussion.

[Anirudh]

Yes I think that is the case with most of us now