About the Book:
The magic of mythology meets the grit of history in a blazing blockbuster retelling of the Persian Wars from award-winning author Tom Holland, lavishly illustrated by Jason Cockcroft.
I come to tell you a story. A story unlike any that has been told before.
The Trojan War is ancient history. The gods of Olympus are silent and have not appeared to mortals for generations. In the city-state of Sparta, young Gorgo’s mother gives a warning with her dying breath: the Persians are coming. The princess Gorgo, weaned on her nurse’s stories of gods and shapeshifters, never forgets her mother’s last words. When at last the drums of war begin to sound, she is swept up in a dangerous game of politics, treachery, and vengeance. With the blood of Herakles and Zeus himself running through her veins and the awakening of a dormant supernatural power, Gorgo, now queen of Sparta, must help lead her city-state against a mighty empire. Unraveling like prophecy and featuring stunning art from acclaimed illustrator Jason Cockcroft, Tom Holland’s dramatic reimagining of one of history’s most formidable wars will echo through the mind of the reader long after they have reached the final page.
*Review Contributed by Rachel Feeck, Staff Reviewer*
Is it myth or history? When it comes to the ancient Greeks, the line is often blurred. This book continues that tradition with an immersive, episodic tale of Gorgo, daughter of the King of Sparta and the fateful Persian wars.
I enjoyed this as an overall story, and a collection of tales. From her youth, Gorgo’s life is steeped in tales, from her lineage which traces back to Perseus and Zeus, to rumors of the snake that lives under Athens and the women who roam the hills as bears. Some of these were familiar to me, others completely new, and readers of all ages can find something to love in the variety of stories. The early chapters especially seem to entice younger eyes, since Gorgo herself is a child and observes the world through that lens, although fair warning, this is ancient Sparta – death and violence are a natural part of life and faced head on. Victory is mixed with sacrifice, heroism with loss.
Beyond the text, I also loved the illustrations (at least one full spread per chapter) and printed hardcover art. The oversize pages are a bit too heavy to hold for long, so be prepared with a prop or table, because after the first few stories, you won’t want to put it down.
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