For the past 2,500 years, everyone between the ages of eight and eighty recognizes the name Achilles. (And who hasn't heard of the Trojan horse?)
In Homer's ILIAD, Achilles is not a complex character. He's godlike in his power and his physical perfection (Brad Pitt played him in the movie version), and in every battle there's no question that buckets of blood will be shed by his opponents.
In this novel, Achilles is a man whom we envy but also pity. He bears the scars from every cut he's endured in battle: he's revoltingly ugly. Even though he heals from most wounds within a day, he feels pain just as you or I do.
We watch the story unfold through the eyes of two young orphans, Jem and Wren, both of whom are forced to become chariot drivers during the Trojan War. Achilles is their protector.
While stealing horses in Trojan territory, Wren is separated from her brother. She's saved by Hector, who becomes a father figure.
Hector is Troy's greatest fighter as well as the focus of Achilles' endless rage. But he's a man who loves his family (which now includes Wren), not war. Humble and kind, Hector is a soldier who prays daily, always asking for wisdom.
The two warriors are opposites in many ways, yet readers will embrace both and want neither to die. Brother and sister are reunited during the climatic battle. Jem drives Achilles' chariot; Wren controls Hector's horses.
Both men would die to save these children. Both twins would sacrifice everything to save their protectors.
THE WARRIORS SERIES: Books in the WARRIORS series can be read in any order.
Author's website: www.LeeSmyth.com
