by Homer
First published -750
The Greek ships have blockaded Troy for nine years when Achilles withdraws from battle in fury. The greatest warrior among the Greeks refuses to fight after Agamemnon seizes his prize, the captive woman Briseis. As Achilles sulks in his tent, the Trojans rally under Hector's leadership and drive the invaders back to their ships. The Greeks face destruction without their champion. Patroclus, Achilles' beloved companion, borrows the hero's armor and enters the fray, only to fall beneath Hector's spear. Grief transforms Achilles' anger into something darker. He returns to war not for glory or his countrymen, but for vengeance. The final confrontation between Achilles and Hector will decide Troy's fate, yet even in victory, the shadow of Achilles' own doom hangs over everything he does.
Genres: classics, fantasy, ancient, epic
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, grief
Setting: Greece, Troy
Period: ancient-history
683 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books
Content warnings: death, graphic-violence