**I received a copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest voluntary review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by my source.**

More often than not, when we read mythology we only get one character's story at a time. What was really cool here is that you follow along on a chronological timeline and you get to see those side stories and events that help shape the future of those well known events. Basically, you get the backstory of events and characters. And it's through those tidbits that we get stronger character development and understanding. The characters are no longer one dimensional myths but people you can empathize with and see in a more human light.

Women in historical works are often cast as beautiful objects for political moves or flighty, vengeful downfalls to empires. But what I really liked here was how we got to see the more integral role women play in classic myths. How there is more going on in their roles than spite or simply being in the right place at the right time. We get to see thought and pre-meditation for their actions; and how they drive the course of history.

It isn't as "in-your-face" about it as the synopsis may suggest but that's what I like the most. It's so subtle you don't even really notice it--because you really shouldn't: the women of classic Greek mythology play just as important (and equal) role in the events that follow as the men do.
As someone who isn't overly familiar with Greek mythology, I found that there were almost too many characters to keep track of.

Because we follow a linear timeline, we jump around from characters and locations pending their piece in the puzzle. So while we start the story with Hecuba and Paris, we only revisit periodically in the middle of the novel while we learn about the other players.

Once you get a feel for the cast of characters, this story becomes a compelling read! If you love epics and/or mythology, this is a must for you!

Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!

Full Review: https://wp.me/p7hLUw-2Qu
Actual Rating: 3.5/5 ( )

Everyone knows the stories of the Trojan War, but we often don't think of the women who gave up their children, their lives and their homes to appease their gods and their husbands. Queen Hecuba of Troy if forced to sacrifice her son Paris after a seer decrees that he will cause the downfall of Troy. Queen of Sparta, Leda has been taken by Zeus giving her two children by her husband and two children by Zeus. Her daughters, Clytemnestra and Helen will go on to endure different fates by husbands Agamemnon and Menelaus. Penelope, wife of Odysseus of Ithaca raises her son alone while Odysseus is called to war and waits 20 years for his return. From afar, the Gods and Goddesses watch and intervene in the lives of the mortals who desperately try to defy their will.

Song of Sacrifice is a fresh retelling of the Trojan War that focuses on the stories and emotions of the women, mothers and children of the story. Beginning with Hecuba who had Paris ripped from her to be sacrificed for her country and never recovered from the loss to Helen who viewed her beauty as a curse and was continually sold to the highest bidder instead of finding love for herself. The writing intricately investigates the inner thoughts and emotions of the female players both real and mythological while not losing sight of the bigger story. Song of Sacrifice does cover a very long time period and includes a large cast of characters, I often found myself having to stop and process all that was happening. With so much at stake- bloodshed, war, romance, family issues and mythology, Song of Sacrifice provides an epic and in-depth look at the people behind the Trojan War.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. ( )

This is a perfect case of "It's not you, it's me." when it comes to books. So let me start out by stating that Janell Rhiannon has done her research. It's apparent, from the moment that you open this book, that Song of Princes is prepared to take you deep into the Homeric legends. Although this is absolutely a retelling, the broad strokes of legend are vivid and spot on. The reader is pulled into a story of the ages. A story surrounding would be Kings and warriors, all leading up to the fall of Troy. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you're in for a treat.

What I really enjoyed about this story, more than anything, was the detailed characterization that Rhiannon put into each and every character. From the moment that Paris is born, the story that is woven around him brings every aspect of his character to life. I was so impressed at how quickly I fell into step with him, especially since I'm not much of a study in Homeric legends. The same was true of Achilles, of Hektor, and of Odysseus. I wasn't allowed to feel lost while reading this, despite my lack of previous knowledge. The story took my hand, and led me into this world of gods and goddesses.

The story itself is, quite honestly, a little dense. I'm not generally a reader of things historically based though so, again, this will probably very much suit anyone who is. The pacing is definitely spot on, however. Events are laid out in this pace that lies in that perfect space where nothing is ever boring. There's always something new coming to light, or a new character to meet. I have to say that the dialogue is what I really had the most difficult time with. It feels stilted, and unnatural. I've read books from different time periods before, and I know how easy it is to fall into that trap. Especially because, as I mentioned above, there's a lot of information to fit into a smaller amount of pages. Still, this was the one thing that really kept me from falling as deeply into the story as I wish I could have.

Truth be told, I know that this is a series that many readers are going to love. I don't blame them one bit. It's tough to take something that's already a legend, and mold it to your own devices. Rhiannon has accomplished just that. Readers who love this kind of book, filled with fate and fortune, will likely fall in love with Song of Princes as well.
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