“Greece in the age of heroes. Awkward young prince Patroclus has been exiled to the court of King Peleus. Despite their differences, Peleus’s golden boy Achilles befriends the shamed prince. As they grow into young men, their bond blossoms into something deeper – despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother, the sea goddess Thetis. But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfil his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him.”
What is the book about?
Patroclus has always been a disappointment for his father, not like a man should be: he was awkward and weak. At age 10, after an unfortunate event, Patroclus is exiled from his kingdom and forced to leave the only home he had ever known. When he arrives in Phthia, it isn't too difficult for him to settle in, as he is just as much of a shadow as in his own kingdom, except now he doesn't have his princely title – he is a nobody. The King of Phthia's son, Achilles, is everything Patroclus's dad wanted him to be – strong, brave, handsome, a great warrior – and their paths should never have crossed. But, one day, Achilles decides to take the exiled prince under his wing and soon their friendship is no longer a lie. As they grow into young men, their friendship blossoms into something more, despite the constant reminder from Achilles's mother, the goddess Thetis, that Patroclus is worth 100 times more than Achilles. When Achilles is forced to go fight to bring back Helen of Sparta from Troy, where she was taken after being kidnapped, Patroclus willingly goes with him. The many years of battle test everything they have learnt and all they love. However, the Fates are not in their favour and they can never know when it will be the last time they see each other...
What were your initial thoughts on the book?
This is a book that I have wanted to read for a while now, but never got around to actually even buying it or asking to borrow it from anyone. It was just one of those books that I admired from afar and had a wish to read but I didn't think I would actually read it. It had been recommended so many times that I knew I was going to love it, but after a while I stopped thinking about it. Then, when I spotted it on the shelf of the college library, all the thoughts I had initially had my first learnt about this book came flooding back and I knew that I need to read it. After reading the blurb of the book, I thought that I was going to most likely enjoy the book, however there are certain books that I can never really know and I was quite unsure about this one because, although it's had a tonne of Incredible reviews, it wasn't the sort of book I usually read. However, I was quite optimistic and determined to enjoy it. Once I began to read, I had some doubts because it was a little bit slow starting, however soon those doubts disappeared and I realise that it was going to be another incredible read. The whole time I was reading, I was thinking about how badly I wanted to reach the end and find out what would happen, but I also knew it was going to be a tragic ending and I wasn't prepared for a very sad finish.
Who was your favourite character and why?
Strangely enough, there is no doubt in my mind that my favourite character was definitely Patroclus. Although to everyone else it just seems like he was in Achilles' shadow, he was incredible, brave and beautiful in his own way and, even though he didn't know how to fight very well and wasn't the traditional man that most people wanted him to be, he was still the most incredible character. At the beginning of the book I wasn't sure which of the two boys (Achilles and Patroclus) I liked better, however, once I got near the end of the novel, I knew that I would never have actually liked Achilles if it weren't for Patroclus, so it was a no-brainer when deciding who I liked better (especially after a certain attitude near the end of the book). He was so kind and sweet and thought about others rather than himself. When you found out that Achilles was going to have to go to the war, he didn't think about how he didn't know how to fight and he wouldn't be able to defend himself, all he thought about was that he wanted to be with Achilles and accompany him. He was such a special person and in a way he was like the good angel sitting on Achilles' shoulder, ready to tell him to make a different choice when he was going to make the wrong one. Without Patroclus, Achilles' path would have been very different and he would have led a more violent, bloody life. Without his dear companion, Achilles wouldn't be the hero that we know about today, Patroclus brought out the best in Achilles in every way and he was the saviour he didn't know he needed. Patroclus taught him kindness, compassion and love, and their relationship was definitely the best think to ever happen to either of them. Many people saw and still see these qualities as vulnerability and weakness, however, I believe that they show strength because you have the ability to show your emotions and confide in people.
What was your favourite part of the book and why?
After thinking it through very thoroughly, I have got to say that my favourite part has got to be the moment when both Achilles and Patroclus realise that their friendship has grown into something more and that they are no longer just companions, but so much more. I loved how, although it was never directly said, they loved each other so passionately. They didn’t even need to say the words to each other; they just knew through their actions, emotions and so much more. They lived and breathed their love and they were so much more than lovers, they were soulmates and the ending completely tore me apart. The ending was definitely the part that made me realise that I was so grateful to have read the novel, and, although this seems weird, I think it was also my favourite part, but it links so much to the build-up of their relationship and without the feelings between each other, it wouldn’t have been such a strong and influential conclusion.
What was your overall impression of the book?
Overall, I really loved the song of Achilles and there was nothing that I would change full stop one thing that I really loved about the book was how the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus was portrayed. The author never directly had them proclaim their love for each other; however it was shown to us through everything that the couple did. Every touch, every word, every glance was written in a way to show how much the two characters cared about each other. I especially loved how, with everyone else Achilles felt like he had to be the perfect unstoppable Hero that they all wanted him to be, but with Patroclus he was able to be his true self and he showed such kindness and affection for him that it made him such a more amazing person. Patroclus also found his home with Achilles because everywhere else he had felt like an outsider, exiled from his own home; finally he was accepted somewhere and cared for, like a real human being, and not a disappointment. Another thing that I loved about the book was the incredibly sad and tragic ending. Even though I wished that the characters would live happily ever after, I knew that descending was coming. The thing that made it much more emotional was the conversation that the two main characters had had together and how confident Achilles was when he said, “I'm going to be the first.” By the first, he was referring to the first Greek hero to be famous and happy. He then said that the reason for this was Patroclus. The fact that they swore it to each other and that they both believed that it could happen was what made the tragedy at the end more emotionally impactful. I knew there was no chance of this other happening, but I hoped with all my heart that there would be a chance of happiness for the two. One last thing that I definitely need to say about the book, which is also about the ending, is the final character that was introduced and how that showed that Achilles was definitely the person he was for only one reason: his love the Patroclus. There is a character introduced in literally the last chapter, and this character is basically the version Achilles would be if he had never even met his companion. Patroclus was the only one who stopped Achilles from becoming a ruthless, violent killer. I think this was most incredible thing for the author to do to really highlight the importance of the relationship and that there had been a purpose for there are romance and that, although Patroclus was not remembered by anyone and it was in fact Achilles who had all the fame, he was the only reason for Achilles being remembered so well. I wish I could say so much more and I am in real need of someone to talk to about this book, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone because it really is an incredible book and I believe that everyone should read it. You have not experienced books or life properly until you have read this book.
Would you recommend this book?
I undoubtedly recommend that you immediately read this book. I particularly suggest it for over 13 year olds and I suggest you prepare yourself for a lot of tears. It is perfect for people who love romance, adventure and don't mind a tragedy, but I know anyone who reads it will love it.
Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)
A beautifully written Greek tragedy with an incredible romance and adventure.
Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego
