Review of ANDROMAKHE Vol. I by Kristina O'Donnelly

Review of ANDROMAKHE: Vol I by Kristina O'Donnelly (see her website)

Mysteries, Blessings and Tragedy

BooksForABuck.com

Caught in a world being transformed, Princess Andromakhe still worships the triple goddess, but patriarchal gods and patriarchal lines of descent are everywhere overcoming the older ways. When her father offers Andromakhe up in marriage to cement his ancient alliance with Troy, Andromakhe can do nothing but obey--which isn't too bad as she is to marry Hektor (Hector), the great Trojan prince and champion. But Andromakhe was born with a prophesy that her blessing would turn to tragedy and soon war swirls around the gates of Troy as the Greek heroes unite to destroy the powerful city and reclaim the Spartan Princess, Helen, who seeks to use Alexis (Paris) to reclaim the maternal rule over Sparta.

ANDROMAKHE re-tells the great siege of Troy, with its heroic defenders and powerful attackers. From the tragedy of Troy, Andromakhe is next enslaved by Pyrros the son of Achilles, Hektor's killer. Surviving, and creating a new life for the other survivals of the great Trojan destruction becomes Andromakhe's dream.

Viewed by history as the 'good wife,' in contrast to bad-wife, Helen, in ANDROMAKHE, this powerful princess becomes both more human and more three-dimensional. Andromakhe loves her husband, joins with him in his hopeless battle to overcome the fates and oracles that assure the destruction of Troy and of their way of life. She recognizes her role as a commodity in the game of Empire, but wishes she could be an Amazon like Penthesilea, the Amazon Queen. Touched by the Goddess, Andromakhe can see the Olympian gods--and the havoc they wreck.

Author Kristina O'Donnelly (see more BooksForABuck.com reviews of novels by O'Donnelly) creates a respectful, but different vision of the ancient Troy story as told by Homer and the Greek playwrights. Rather than the male-centered heroics of Homer, O'Donnelly tells of the women they leave behind--of Andromakhe, Kassandra (Cassandra), Helen, and Hekabe, Priam's Queen and the mother of so many children killed in battle. O'Donnelly's research lets her bring an added dimension to the story--and to the magic. Magic, fate, prophesy, talking animals, and reincarnation all play a role in this richly textured and powerful story.

Andromakhe, Vol. I is the first of two volumes in O'Donnelly's Andromakhe Cycle (and in turn is part of her larger Lands of the Morning cycle that spans from Neolithic to Modern times). Volume I covers Andromakhe's early life, ending with the fall of Troy. It may be read independently, but readers will certainly wish to read Volume II--as Andromakhe struggles to survive captivity and create a new home for her exiled Trojans.

Four Stars

Approximately 115,000 words.

Reviewed 6/05/06

To buy ANDROMAKHE Vol. I for only $3.99, click the Buy Now button.

Supported formats: HTML, Adobe Acrobat PDF, Microsoft Reader, Palm Reader, and Aportis (for Palm) Reader.

Not sure? Read the first chapter for FREE.

Want to save some money? Buy the complete cycle, consisting of the two novels--Volumes I and II--for only $5.99--a $2.00 savings. Check it out here.

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POW! President and Author Caryn Day says "Kristina O'Donnelly does it again! Get ready to be swept away in this magnificently written classic story of history, love, war, suspense, action, bravery and mystery. Kristina's research of history combined with this fascinating tale takes the reader on an exciting fast paced journey. Andromakhe is a well written, hauntingly beautiful story. A must-read epic for all. (It would make a stupendous movie too!)"

Here's what author Piers Anthony has to say: "It's a grim, hard-hitting story showing the subjugation of women that was and still is standard practice in much of the world." Thanks, Piers Anthony. (P.S. Check out some of our reviews of Piers Anthony's books here.)

ANDROMAKHE has been named 2006 Historical Novel of the year by POW!. Congratulations, Kristina.

Too generous? Too stingy. Or did I miss the whole point? Send your comments to publisher@booksforabuck.com. I'll publish the best letters I get so let me know if I can use your name.

For another view of the Andromakhe legend, see The Trojan Women by Euripides.