Troy by Adele Geras

This story retells the Iliad through the eyes of teen servants to Hector, the ruler of Troy. While the Trojan war wages on, Xanthe and her sister, Marpessa are caught up in romantic triangles (yes there is more than one triangle) partially created by the goddess, Aphrodite. Xanthe falls in love with the soldier, Alastar, when he is brought in with injuries from the war and she nurses him. However, bored Aphrodite decides to have some fun and makes Alastar and Marpessa fall in love with each other. Then, there is the stableboy, Iason, who is in love with Xanthe—not that she notices. Starting to feel a little like Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream? There are appearances by other gods and goddesses and plenty of war, including the infamous Trojan horse.

This is a fun summer read for guys and girls. The romantic plot is predictable, but the new setting makes for an interesting story. There are some inconsistencies in the story, but if you are not looking for them, you probably won't notice. At times the love triangle can get a little convoluted. In spite of it's flaws, it is still a good read and may be a good pick for a book report or just to supplement your learning of the Trojan War.

Book; 12+; ISBN 978-0152045708; San Diego: Harcourt, 2002