Daughters of Bronze, a book by two authors (and friends) who clearly are committed to telling the story of a sisterhood with clarity, sympathy, and empathy, focuses on the interactions and friendships among Andromache, Rhea, Helen, and Cassandra. Although the men of the Iliad are also a seminal part of this tale, the strength of the book is the relationships of the four women and how they ended up in Troy. Occasionally, the cohesiveness of the writing is challenged by the point of view of having two authors, and yet, the reader is taken in by the strength of the women's connections.

Throughout the book, there are births, deaths, sanguinary battles, and deliberate killings of the aristocracy and royalty that target Patrocles. Achilles, Hector, Paris, and ultimately, Ajax. The dealing of women into the arms of these famous men, often as slaves for the rest of their lives, are not easy to comprehend. On the other hand, the romance of some of the women and the men they adore, even if, as in the case of Rhea and Ajax, they are from opposite sides of the warring factions, are strong and lovely.

The strongest, most emotional, and most compelling part of the book are how the women support each other. The four women commit to their sisterhood in order to save each other and their children and babies and relatives.

The men, on the other hand, fight with each other to death and extend this ugly war in order to show who is the best soldier and the most adamantine and driven fighter. The juxtaposition of women's solidarity and the men's more violent interactions are blatantly drawn and often frightening. At the same time, the interior and sensory descriptions of living quarters, including the kitchen, the privies, the laundry, and the nursery, in particular, of Scamandrius, are carefully drawn and add depth to the women's stories.

Thank you to Penguin Group Dutton and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book.

"Anguish and Joy
Two strands spun so tightly they can never be undone"

Daughters of Bronze is the follow up novel to Horses of Fire, and continues the stories of the women behind the battle of Troy. We follow Andromache, wife of Prince Hector, Helen of Troy who was brought to Troy by Paris, sister of Hector and Paris, Cassandra and fictional character Rhea who acts as a spy for Troy. We see the battle for Troy through their eyes and all the joy, sorrow, grief and loss that only women can feel amongst each other. While the men fought on the battlefield, the women fought on the other side of the wall, making sure that their children would have a city once the war was over. This is a story of the power and bonds women form, even in the worst of times and how they persevere even when the possibility of losing everything stares them in the face.

I enjoyed following the stories of each woman, however at times I wished that it broken up into separate parts so that we could read each through for awhile. Changing narrative every chapter took me out of the story at times just as I was getting invested in a particular moment in time. The writing was beautiful and lush, but I struggled with pacing at times. I think that some parts were overly descriptive and I would find myself scanning the page until we moved on. I don't know that this book was served well by being over 500 pages.

Ultimately I enjoyed my time in Troy and felt all the sorrow, rage, and protectiveness that the characters felt. Helen and Adromache were my favorite POVs. I give this book 3.75/5

Thank you to NetGalley, the authors and publishers for the opportunity to review this eARC of Daughers of Bronze!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

To start, I haven’t read the first of this duology, but if you have any knowledge of Greek mythology, that shouldn’t stop you from understanding and appreciating this retelling! I liked the elements, and characters, that were added and felt that each woman portrayed was incredibly realistic and refreshing. Below are some of my thoughts:

The good stuff:

I appreciated that you could feel the difference in each POV shift. I feel oftentimes authors struggle with this, but I could usually tell who was talking if I missed the chapter title or put the book down for a bit and picked it back up. Helen’s POV was by far my favorite and I loved how real she felt. Andromache is also very good, a difficult character to get right for sure. I liked her and Hector’s relationship.

The language is beautiful. There were quite a few phrases that I tucked away and highlighted because I enjoyed them so much. The authors craft a beautiful world that’s easy to visualize.

Some critiques:

This is probably because I didn’t read the first book, but I had a hard time keeping track of many of the side characters. There weren’t a ton of descriptions given for each one so they got cross-eyed for me at times.

The plot is slow-moving at times. Some chapters took awhile to get through.

I wasn’t a fan of this portrayal of Cassandra, but that could be personal preference.

All-in-all, I am very thankful to have been given a chance to read this! I gave it 4 stars and would very much like to go back to read the first one.

I liked this book a lot. It reminded me of books like Circe. I would recommend this to others who like that type of book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great retelling! I really enjoyed Rhine’s storytelling style and I loved the characters that Rhine chose to focus on for this story. This retelling was exciting and engaging and I can’t wait to read more stories from Rhine.

I always find myself starting reviews about the Trojan war and mythology the same...gimme more and I'm biased as I love them 99% of the time.

I'm loving the new era of retelling stories we have all heard but from the feminine voices that haven't been highlighted well all this time.

If we have strong women now, there had to have been strong women then. Supporting their households and families and husband's while dealing with this never ending war. I love how this was told. Even knowing what I know of Troy, you want Andromache to win with all of her dealings behind the scenes. I love that this gave women more of a helping hand, it was just the heroes on either side and the gods who chose their kin or favorites...it was about the women who aided the war in their own ways using their own talents and intellect. Always going to be here for it.


That said 4 stars because I hadn't read the first book and even while reading this knowing I was missing info, nothing told me this was a 2nd book. If it can be read as a standalone I think filling in some back story instead of just referring to the things that happened in the first would've been helpful.


Because I was mad at first reading this and reading Helen was dead.

Wow. WOW WOW WOW. I was sent early access to this without having heard of it, and was a little hesitant because 1) I hadn’t read the first in the series and 2) I’ve read A LOT of these feminist-skewed Greek myth retellings, and lately they haven’t been packing the punch I craved. But THISSSSSS. I have so many thoughts, it really blew all of my expectations out of the water!

Did I plan to finish this in one sitting and be writing this review at 3am? No I did not. But I could NOT STOP. I have mixed feelings because I will admit that I didn’t enjoy Helen or Cassandra’s chapters much, and they were largely skimmed. But Andromache and Rhea’s chapters might be some of my favorite mythological retelling chapters I’ve ever read??? If I was rating this on those chapters alone, it’d be 5 stars. And honestly, with how happy I am with the book overall, I’m already DYING to reread and read EVERYTHING because now that I’m not anxious to know how it will all end, I think I’ll definitely enjoy the other two POVs more, and I can easily see myself changing my overall rating to a 5.

I’ve definitely read books with POVs from all of these women before, but none of them have given me insight behind Trojan lines like this one. Hector and Andromache are my FAMILY now oh my GOD. I’ve never connected with them as much as I did in this and I am IN LOVE w them. I was constantly sobbing over them. Just absolutely loved everything to do with them and it was sooo interesting and refreshing to see them captured in this way! Rhea’s chapters were also so so great, I LOVED her relationship with Hector and Andromache; and Ajax???? I don’t think I’ve read a story where he’s featured this heavily but I LOOOOVED them!! I loved how she was our insight into the Greek camp and her storyline was so satisfying.

I absolutely loved the ways the authors adapted from the more popular version of the myths and they really made this story their own! I’m very much looking forward to rereading this (will def be getting a physical copy) and also going back to read the first one too!

Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.
The biggest reason for DNFing this title is that I found out it is the second book in a duology, even though it is not marketed as such. I believe it may not be marketed as such due to the possibility that this book could be read as a standalone, however, I found that it was hard to get into the story at all without having the background information.

First off, I only read the first two POVs, Rhea and Andromache, so I cannot speak on the characters in the story as well. But having four main POVs all in first person point of view can become very hard to track and differentiate between them.

Secondly, the first 50 pages referenced many many events that seemingly happened in book one, without explaining them very well, and ended up making me feel more confused by the setting and the history of the characters. If this book is not marketed as a second book, and has the option of reading it as a standalone, I would expect the author to give reader's more insight into past events, or only reference them if it is helping the reader understand.

Third is the accessibility of the story, which stems directly from point number two. I am not well versed in the history of Troy and the people that lived there. And therefore, without much help from the author in terms of past events, I felt like I did not belong. The writing style leant itself to nice description and did help me somewhat, but the plot was so heavy from the beginning I felt like I was diving right into a history textbook with no context. And perhaps that is the point, however, without much prior knowledge I felt like I was drowning in information with no way to process it.

Last is the amount of characters we were introduced to in the first 50 pages. I could not keep up with the people, and who they were.

All in all, I could not see myself being able to settle into the story without enough context to keep myself interested, and would have preferred as a reader to know there is a first part to this story already published that could help.

•Daughters of Bronze• The battle for Troy rages on in this sequel to Horse on Fire by A.D. Rhine. Andromache, Helen, Rhea, and Cassandra refuse to give up on the city, even when betrayal and treachery threaten everything they’ve worked towards. But as the story comes to an end and the daughters of Troy run out of options, they must choose which future to fight for.

The true tragedy on this book is knowing how it will end. Troy will fall. Heroes will die. Women will be ripped from their children, families will be separated. Hector and Andromache break my heart. But even knowing that end, you still read to see the lives of these characters unfold as they cling to hope and a future. To see the determination of Andromache, the conflict with Rhea, the hope in Helen, and the truth from Cassandra. Each brings a piece of the story, all working together: the Spindle, the Weaver, the Mouse, and the Hawk.

As with the first book, I loved the little twists on the classic myth of Troy: Paris as a villain rather than a star crossed lover. Cassandra as a traumatized seer rather than cursed by a Greek god. The fight between Achilles and Hector. The death of Achilles. The Trojan horse. In truth, this story is almost like the myth without the gods. Just humans making choices, good and terrible, no divine intervention.

Honestly, there was so much in this I loved. But there were moments that felt vague where I just wanted a little more. The appearance of the Amazons was a paragraph that I wish had been a longer; a true interaction with Andromache rather than a recounting. And the Achaeans’ infiltrating Troy simply happens, and more on this iteration of the “Trojan horse” would have added to the story. And this is a little thing, but they start calling Andromache’s son “Andrius” before Hector explains why he’s calling him Andrius instead of his full name.

This was a 4.5★ read for me (rounded up)! Lovers of Greek mythology, historical fiction, and tragic stories, this book is for you. Definitely read Horse of Fire before this one comes out in November!

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book!

This was a nice revision of the Troy tale, I liked the writing and would like to read more by Rhine. I do wish I had known it was a sequel, I enjoy reading series in order and I also feel the setup wasn’t fully there at the start of this book due to being in the prior. Fortunately I am familiar enough with the origin story that I was able to get going.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I typically really love retellings of Greek myths, but this book just didn’t work for me.

I liked some of the changes they made to the classic myth, but the overall pace of the book was painfully slow and there were way too many named characters to keep them all straight.

I didn't realize until starting that "Daughters of Bronze" is actually the second novel in a series - so while reading the first likely would have made for a more comprehensive experience, I wouldn't say it's necessary, especially for those who are familiar with Greek mythology (or, if you're like me and Greek mythology retellings are your cup of tea). This is, nonetheless, one of most detailed and complex retellings I've yet to read, and from the first few pages was an amazing adventure.

Set during the onslaught of the Battle of Troy, the novel rotates among four women's perspectives: Andromache, wife of Hector; Rhea, a Trojan spy sent across enemy lines to collect information; Helen, whom many blame for instigating the war; and Cassandra, sister of Hector and Paris, who's cursed with visions of the future. Their storylines merge and split, but each woman's perspective highlights a different perspective and aspect of the war. Andromache bears the duties of wife, mother, and ruler, and frequently finds herself clashing with the Council, scorned by the men who overlook her simply because of her gender. Rhea bears of the scars of losing her family as a young child, and her fierce loyalty to Hector and Andromache conflicts with her growing feelings for Ajax, one of the strongest warriors from the Achaeans' side. In Helen, we see not a vain or selfish individual, but one forced against her will into an abusive relationship, using her skills in healing to make the best of her situation. Cassandra's storyline was given the least focus and time, but I also came to empathize with the visions she never asked to see, and how little control she had over them.

I loved the writing and pacing of the novel, and appreciated not only how well-written and developed the characters were, but the detail placed in some of battle scenes; there were so many times my heart started racing while reading through the chapters! The authors did an incredible job taking what is typically accepted or known in these stories and spinning events on their head; without giving too many spoilers, I loved how they reimagined Astyanax's storyline and added so many layers to Ajax and Hector as characters. There are a number of other side and supporting characters introduced throughout the novel as well; I imagine reading the first novel (Horses of Fire) may have made these less confusing, but this didn't detract from the storyline at all.

Very much a recommended read when "Daughters of Bronze" is published in November 2024!

After loving the first in the duology so much, I was nervous to open the first page and start reading. But, shame on me because this book took my breath away. The authors have woven an epic tale that is as old as time, but reworked it and gave us different voices from within the known tale. Because of their writing choices and research, I was entranced the entire time I read it.
You don't know to know anything about this Greek saga to enjoy this because the characters are so multi-dimensional and the setting is to die for. If you are familiar, it doesn't feel old and just rewritten. It is new and fresh and really dives into what it would be like actually living the terror. My senses were emersed in the setting and my heart was tied to the main characters of this novel. I can't wait to read what they come up with next ! No pressure!

I love every novel I've ever read about the Trojan War, and this book is no different. "Daughters of Bronze" is everything I love in a story from this time period - beautiful tragedy, a showcase of women's strength, and multiple love stories sewn together. The prose of this work lulled me to an ethereal place while reading.

I was sad by the ending, or lack thereof, of the story of Rhea and Ajax specifically. I also found a few aspects of the book to be confusing; Cassandra's point of view did not make sense to me at all, and the inclusion of unexplained magical elements (like Atesh, the horse of fire) seemed strange. This book was also just really long, which is not a bad thing, but it did tire me out by the end of all the sadness.

Overall, I though this was a beautiful execution of women's stories from the Trojan War. Huge thanks to A.D. Rhine, Dutton, and NetGalley for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trojan stories are top tier Greek Mythology books, and A.D Rhine did a fabulous job. I'm obsessed with the females of this book, the way the author creates each scenes with intricate care, and the times I was shocked despite knowing how the Trojan War ends. Particularly, I liked the way Helen was portrayed in this retelling because made me understand her choices better.

This new trend of greek mythology retellings (well, maybe it's not a new trend but there have been some fabulous ones lately) absolutely delivers in this new AD Rhine novel. I wish I had a hard copy of this, as I've been making videos on the best Greek retellings and this novel of Troy would absolutely be included! If you like mythology and Homer, you have got to check this one out.

Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I read this book without knowing about Horses of Fire, but found my reading experience did not suffer for it. (Although now I need to go back and read the first in the series!)

In this Daughters of Bronze, we read from the perspectives of Helen, Andromache (a warrior and new mother), Cassandra, and Rhea, who uniquely connected to the Achaeans and plays such a crucial role that the story wouldn't unfold the same without her.

I also appreciated the context the authors provided for Hector's duel with Achilles. Without giving too much away, their interpretation adds significant depth to Hector's character, transforming a somewhat perplexing moment in the myth into one of love and sacrifice.

The thing about mythology retellings is that these tales are millennia old, and you know the ending before you even begin. Yet, the authors managed to craft an ending that stays true to The Iliad while still surprising me. It’s a beautifully heartbreaking conclusion, and I valued the author's note that explained the changes made. I loved every moment of this book!

Thank you to Net Galley for providing the copy of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

I adore how woman-focused this retelling is! Especially with such strong, amazing women. It broke my heart knowing where the story was going to end up, I definitely cried at least two times while reading this amazing book. Anyone that is a fan of "Circe" is going to love this book, I can't recommend it highly enough!

I enjoyed this retelling of the Trojan War, especially its focus on what the famous women of Troy were up to while the men got all the glory. It was a refreshing perspective on how Troy's leading ladies may have felt while their city was under siege, and the lengths they may have gone to to protect their loved ones and the city of Troy itself. I will admit that because it has been a while since I read the story of Troy, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters in the book, and it took a while for me to remember the characters' places in the story (not to mention their relation to each other). That said, I would recommend this book to those who want to re-read the story of the last days of the Trojan War from a new perspective.

An absolutely beautiful retelling of the end of the Trojan War. I loved this book and I highly recommend it to lovers of mythology, historical fiction, or war novels.

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.