I DNF this book. It has everything to do with me and nothing to do with this beautifully written book. I read about 30% of Daughter of Bronze but I’ve been struggling to keep going. My plan is to listen to the audiobook (hopefully) or try again later.

This was a stunning well written epic! This read so well and so captivating. Hooked from the moment it opens to the moment it ended. Stunning.

Let just start with this: Daughters of Bronze was everything I want in a Trojan War retelling. It definitely reminded me why I love retellings as a genre.

This book doubles down on the grit, tragedy, and resilience of women caught up in a brutal war. It really nails how these women wielded power in their own ways that fit with their characters.

Adding Cassandra’s perspective was absolutley a good idea. I always love to read books with her as a character or an inspo—she's layered, tragic, and powerful in her own quiet way. Her backstory, especially dealing with trauma and silence, I think hits close to home for a lot of women. And then there’s Helen, who’s usually typecast as “the beautiful one". I was really glad to see her written as so much more in this one and the first one. Her compassion and inner strength really stood out, and by the end, I was fully on Team Helen.

Andromache’s growth into motherhood without losing herself was also so refreshing. She’s still the strong, proud woman we met in Horses of Fire, but with a new layer of compassion and understanding. Her relationship with Hector was also super well done, and when their inevitable showdown with Achilles arrived....

And Rhea! Her softening toward the Achaeans, especially with Ajax, added this surprising tenderness to the story. I'm not gonna spoil the ending but.... it was rough. In a good way.

While the ending did feel a bit rushed, it didn’t take away from the story’s impact. Rhine does an incredible job bringing us into the lives of these iconic women, showing that even amid the grief and destruction, there’s resilience, love, and strength. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves mythological retellings or historical fiction that puts women’s stories front and center. Highly recommend!

I would just like to say that even though I will not be finishing this book at this time, I do think it is wonderfully written and descriptive for the women of the Trojan War. As someone who studied Latin and ancient history/mythology, the details in this book were incredible. It made me feel like I was reading The Song of Achilles or A Thousand Ships, which are two of my favorite books. It is in no way related to the author or the writing that I will not be able to finish this book at this time, but because I have vasovagal syncope and this book has been triggering for me. I do plan on taking it in slowly and hope to finish it one day, it just won't be by the publication date. I do appreciate Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.

4.5 stars

Daughters of Bronze continues the story of Andromache, Helen, Cassandra and Rhea, from the first book, Horses of Fire. We continue to see these women struggle, sacrifice, fight and love as the story of the Trojan War continues.

Each of these women must face their own fears, and at the same time learn how to work and stand together to protect those they love and themselves. Andromache grows as a character in this book, as she becomes a mother. She fights to keep Hector and Andrius safe, but also knows when she needs to adapt and accept when she needs to take a different path, even though it is so hard for her to bear. Helen comes into her own, as she gets out from under the thumb of Paris and becomes a trusted friend to Andromache and healer to the people of Troy. Rhea’s love story with Ajax was heart-breaking, because as their love for one another grows, you know that the two cannot have a future together. Cassandra is finally able to face her abuser and stand on her own, without the protection of the Child, the Crone and the Wraith.

Even though the book’s main focus is on these four women, the writing really keeps you invested in other characters in the story, such as the other women working in the Achaean camps and the young boys from Troy who went out to fight one final time with Hector. Rhine’s writing is powerful in showing how this long drawn-out war destroyed the lives of so many, and the toll it took on men and women, old and young, and peasants and royals.

I felt like the story also gave us justice for the traitors working against Troy, as Paris’ plot is finally revealed and we find out who he has been working with all along. The plotting of these men leads to so much tragedy, and the way Rhine brings their characters to an end was satisfying to the storyline.

If you are looking for a book with strong female characters, historical fiction, and an epic mythological retelling, then I would definitely recommend both books in this duology, Horses of Fire and Daughters of Bronze.

This book takes a unique angle on the Trojan War by focusing on the women of Troy, but it’s not the easiest read. If you don’t already know your Greek mythology or realize it’s the second book in a series, it’s easy to feel lost. The pacing is slow, but it’s meant to dig deep into the story and characters. Cassandra’s chapters were a highlight, but overall, it’s probably best for mythology buffs or readers who’ve read the first book.

This book is a story of the Trojan war that is told from the perspective of the women of Troy who were keeping things running and acting as a sort of spy ring, while the war was being fought.

This book made me feel like I overestimated my knowledge of Greek myth given I usually really enjoy retellings. I do feel like the pacing was slower than I typically like, but likely necessary to give the full depth/breadth of information given.

I did really enjoy Cassandra's chapters, which isn't surprising because I felt I knew her story the best of all the women depicted in this retelling.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group/Dutton for the eARC of this book in exchange for my review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for Daughters of Bronze by A.D. Rhine!

The first book was good, but this was even better! I've read a LOT of books surrounding the Trojan War but this felt so new to me. I was starting to get to the point where a lot of the retellings blend together. But, the addition of Rhea's character added a new element. I loved the focus on the horses and how they brought Hector and Rhea together. I loved that Rhea started as Hector's but ended as a crucial part of their family, almost a daughter.

I actually loved this portrayal of Paris because it's more in line with how I always assumed he would have been. The dichotomy between the brothers was striking. I liked that there was original the same kind of stark difference between Andromache and Helen, but they ended up being more similar than they thought.

This book was absolutely brutal. I actively tried not to get too attached to the characters because I know the direction the war goes. But, I couldn't escape it. Andromache, Hector, and Rhea draw you in. And then eventually you start to fall for Helen and Cassandra and Ajax. Even the less prominent characters (Larion, Bodeca, the master of keys, Salama, Ven, Andromache's generals) were so well-written. There was not a single forgettable character between book 1 and book 2.

I did originally hate when they brought Ajax in as a character. I saw where it was going and it felt like a betrayal to Rhea's character and devotion at first. As the plot progressed, I started to see the importance of it and grew to really like them. The way Ajax showed up for Rhea at the end made me ugly cry.

I also think this was my favorite ending to a trojan war retelling. As I got closer to the end, I was just waiting to have the floor fall out beneath me. But, it never happened. The authors left enough open to interpretation, but it still felt complete. Their scheming didn't work 100% but it accomplished at least one crucial thing. And there was enough hope in the last few chapters that you didn't leave feeling heartbroken for every character. I gave this 5 stars and I will read anything by A.D. Rhine! Definitely top 3 greek mythology retellings for me (maybe higher)!

I am sorry, but I didn't realize that you need to have a pretty decent knowledge of greek mythology to know what is going on in this book. Unfortunately, I don't have that background and I was hopelessly lost while attempting to read this. DNF. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

DNF at 31% ~ 158 pages

I had no clue that this is the second of a duology. When I started this book, I felt so lost. It literally felt like a continuation of another book. Thus I looked into it and found out it is a second book. This would have been very helpful to know. Also, I think it would be imperative to read the first book since I’m guessing that is where you get the background information on everything! I had zero vested interest in the story and characters, which I was super bummed about since there are so many characters in this book. I love Greek mythology, but I am not extremely knowledgeable about each person, thus I need a reminder on who they are.

The other struggle I had was since I didn’t read the first book and I wasn’t vested in the characters, the book was very slow. So I had a hard time getting into the book. I feel like if I have read roughly 150 pages, I have made a very valiant attempt at reading the book.

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

A.D. Rhine really achieved an impressive feat here. By weaving together Homeric plot with mythology, the author created a brand new story that gave untold perspectives their due.

What I liked: the characters. Rhine gives depth to women from all different backgrounds with all different roles in the war. I was very invested in each character’s fate, and appreciated the author’s attention to detail. I also loved Rhine’s beautiful writing. Some of the book read like poetry in the best way.

Not necessarily an issue, but a word of warning. This book leans heavily on Greek mythology and often does not explain or give context. I found myself looking up myths and characters frequently. Again, not an issue, but a word of warning for those who are not already very into Greek mythology.

I absolutely recommend Daughters of Bronze. Thank you, thank you for this advance copy.

First, I would like to thank Penguin Group Dutton and NetGalley for the eARC of this Novel.

I cannot say enough good things about the writing style of A.D. Rhine! Each POV felt uniquely their own with nuances that made the characters feel real, even Cassandra was done in a way that was believable for her visions/gifts. This is a retelling of Troy, however, you do not need to have a background in the topic to feel immersed in this story. I love how the focus was the perspective of the women and how their subtle actions to fight back were portrayed and the story went in a direction that felt true to how it might have gone down in real life.

You fall in love with these women, which makes the ending even more heartbreaking- I highly recommend this modern retelling of Troy.

I am sorry, but I didn't realize that you need to have a pretty decent knowledge of greek mythology to know what is going on in this book. Unfortunately, I don't have that background and I was hopelessly lost while attempting to read this. DNF. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Told from the perspectives of the women of the city, the famous Battle of Troy plays out in a way never seen before. Andromache struggles to hold the political standing she used to now that she is pregnant with the heir of her city. Rhea fights conflicting feelings as she falls for a man she has promised to spy on. Helen refuses to be the victim she has been painted as, after being kidnapped and brought to the city. Cassandra knows the fate of the city, if only the right people believed her.

I did not realize there was another book that goes with this one, but I don't think it was required to read before because I understood this one just fine. I really enjoyed this book! One of my favorite genres/tropes is when male dominated mythology is written to showcase the women from the stories instead of the men. Rhine did a fabulous job with this.
While I loved all the women's POVs, Rhea is probably my favorite. I love the sneaky spy elements of her chapters, and how much faith Rhea has in her people to risk her life collecting information. I am also a big fan of forbidden love, so her struggle with her feelings was a plus. But regardless, the characters are all so well-written and I loved reading this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for the eARC!

I absolutely loved this book so much!!! I cried a lot but it was worth it. The only negative is that I think it was a little too long but regardless, ive been recommending to anyone who likes Greek mythology retelling a to read this duology

As a keen reader of books about Greek Mythology, I found this new take on the epic tale of the Trojan War to thrilling and different. Andromache doesn't usually have more than a supporting role in these stories, but here she is a warrior and a worthy queen-in-waiting. Helen is also given a different story in this book, perhaps a more believable one. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.

Did not finish book. Stopped at 39%.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton Books for the ARC!

Daughters of Bronze is the second book in a duology. It centers around the women of Troy during the Trojan War.
I was unaware that this was a sequel to Horses of Fire, and only found that out through some heavy digging. I wish it was clearer that this is a continuation of the story because the characters are already so established that I had no time to develop an attachment to them.
While the writing was good, and I was intrigued by the characters, I couldn’t get invested in this. I would’ve liked to see more of Cassandra because her POV was unique and really interesting.
Again, with it being the second book in a duology, as well as a very heavy mythology book, there is no indication of who’s who, or context for what’s happening—I only managed because I’ve read other Trojan War books—and there are so many names that I kept getting lost.
There was also a very detailed depiction of childbirth at the quarter mark, which was super out of place and made me very uncomfortable reading it.
I wouldn’t recommend reading this without reading Horses of Fire, but if you enjoyed the first book, you’ll probably like this.

CW: war; pregnancy/childbirth; death; mention of sex/assault; mention of slavery; misogyny; kidnapping/isolation; abuse (physical)

In *Daughters of Bronze*, E. Knight delivers a powerful and gripping conclusion to her duology that reimagines the mythic world of Troy through the lives of its women—figures often relegated to the sidelines of history. After the events of *Horses of Fire*, the Trojan War is reaching its bloody climax, and Knight deftly brings these women—Andromache, Rhea, Helen, and Cassandra—to the forefront, giving them agency, depth, and voice in a narrative where their fates have been traditionally overshadowed by male heroes.

The novel centers on four distinct and compelling female characters, each of whom is tasked with navigating the chaos, betrayal, and shifting alliances of the Trojan War. **Andromache**, once a loyal wife and mother, has stepped into the role of leader, but now, with Troy’s long-awaited heir in her care, she must unite a fractured city to make a final, desperate stand. Her journey is one of both strength and vulnerability, as she faces the ever-present weight of leadership and the pressure to protect her son and her people.

**Rhea**, a Trojan spy, presents an intriguing internal conflict as she falls in love with a man from the enemy camp. In a war where loyalty and love are at odds, Rhea’s decisions will have far-reaching consequences. She must decide where her true allegiances lie, and the cost of that choice becomes a central, heartbreaking theme.

**Helen**, once the object of blame for Troy’s fall, has undergone a profound transformation. No longer the broken woman brought to Troy as a captive, she’s now determined to reclaim her life and, with her healing powers, offer hope to the city’s shattered people. Knight’s portrayal of Helen is especially moving, as she seeks redemption and purpose beyond the myths of betrayal that have defined her for centuries.

Finally, **Cassandra**, the prophetess whose warnings have long been ignored, takes center stage in this novel. Knight gives Cassandra the chance to make her voice heard, a courageous act that reshapes her role in Troy’s fate. The narrative gives her the agency she’s always deserved, allowing her to carve out a place in the story that is as pivotal as it is tragic.

The novel’s strength lies not only in its rich character development but in the way Knight breathes new life into the myth of Troy. The story is both familiar and fresh, adding a nuanced layer of emotional depth to the ancient tale. The historical and mythical elements of the Trojan War are woven together seamlessly, with Knight’s vivid prose capturing the chaos of war, the complexity of relationships, and the unbreakable bonds that form in the face of destruction.

At its heart, *Daughters of Bronze* is a song of sorrow and love, a tribute to the often invisible women whose actions have shaped history. The narrative builds to a final, devastating confrontation, one that will change the fate of Troy forever. This epic conclusion is both thrilling and heartbreaking, with the weight of each character’s choice reverberating through the pages.

For readers who loved *Horses of Fire*, *Daughters of Bronze* offers a satisfying, emotional, and thought-provoking conclusion. Knight's deft storytelling transforms the myth of Troy into a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the power of women to shape history, making this an unforgettable read for fans of historical fiction, mythology, and strong, complex female protagonists.

I DNF’ed this at 41%. I am not sure if it is a me thing or the actual book itself. I usually love Greek mythology retellings, especially if it is feminist in tone, but the prose was so dense and the pacing felt off.

For full transparency, I have read A TON of heavy stuff in the last few weeks and I might just be looking for something a little lighter than this. This wasn’t terrible, it just wasn’t the right book for right now.

Another knock out!

I adore history and the recent uptick of historical/mythological retellings are all so fun and right up my alley! I loved the first book, Horses of Fire, and was so excited to get a chance to review Daughter of Bronze!

The weaving of women’s story through a familiar story is masterfully done and I couldn’t put this book down! Definitely want to keep a box of tissues nearby for the ending! Some TW like the last book for allusion to rape, graphic physical violence and death. All in all, 10/10 book and I will continue to look forward to new titles from this author!