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ninetalevixen
Took a little while to really get into this one — the hook was pretty good, then it dragged a bit — but I think the ultimate effect was achieved. Perfectly imperfect coming-of-age kind of story, flawed but lovable characters and realistic revelations.
3.75 stars.
Honestly, I expected to love this book a lot more than I did, so part of it is probably disappointment. But mythology + youth + boys in love seemed like such a promising premise, and the reality (almost inevitably) couldn't meet my expectations.
Patroclus' narration is very raw and honest, heartbreakingly human/mortal, but sometimes the prose seemed a little awkward, stilted. But I did love the characterization of Achilles, the man — or boy, really — who inspired the legend.
Honestly, I expected to love this book a lot more than I did, so part of it is probably disappointment. But mythology + youth + boys in love seemed like such a promising premise, and the reality (almost inevitably) couldn't meet my expectations.
Patroclus' narration is very raw and honest, heartbreakingly human/mortal, but sometimes the prose seemed a little awkward, stilted. But I did love the characterization of Achilles, the man — or boy, really — who inspired the legend.
Like many readers, I was drawn in by the lure of a wlw relationship in a highly traditional (read: patriarchal) society. With forbidden magic! And horses!
So of course I was pretty disappointed to discover that there's nothing really special about this story. The writing is straightforward, the plot fairly generic. I did appreciate the twisted humor of the protagonist being in a love triangle between opposite-gender siblings (how many books have I read with love triangles including two brothers? Far too many) but ultimately the things I did enjoy just weren't enough. The magic aspect felt downplayed; the horses and politics reduced to mundane asides of the aforementioned wlw relationship. The intrigue was somewhat interesting, I guess? But again, not really enough in the face of flat characters and what seemed to me excessive drama.
So of course I was pretty disappointed to discover that there's nothing really special about this story. The writing is straightforward, the plot fairly generic. I did appreciate the twisted humor of the protagonist being in a love triangle between opposite-gender siblings (how many books have I read with love triangles including two brothers? Far too many) but ultimately the things I did enjoy just weren't enough. The magic aspect felt downplayed; the horses and politics reduced to mundane asides of the aforementioned wlw relationship. The intrigue was somewhat interesting, I guess? But again, not really enough in the face of flat characters and what seemed to me excessive drama.
This is absolutely a lovely story of two boys, and the title is certainly aptly chosen. The representation - both in regards to culture and attraction/love - is undeniably wonderful, and there are some very poetic passages. But while I couldn't really explain exactly what it is, I just didn't love this book as so many people do.
3.5 stars.
Definitely controversial material, which I think was handled quite well. Honestly, I wanted to strangle most of the adults most of the time - so the message totally got through.
Definitely controversial material, which I think was handled quite well. Honestly, I wanted to strangle most of the adults most of the time - so the message totally got through.
