Alright, fellow readers and mythological misfits, this book is as warm as the Mediterranean sea—thanks to Miller’s magical gift of making ancient Greece as visually vivid as a summer blockbuster. But let’s not get too comfy, because there’s a lot here to unpack! And yes, I’m looking directly at you, Patroclus.

Overall Rating: 4.2
Storyline: 4.0 Writing Style: 4.5 Character Depth: 4.0

Synopsis
The Song of Achilles takes us back to the golden shores of ancient Greece, where young Patroclus, a shy and awkward exile, meets Achilles, the golden boy of the Myrmidons and Greece’s future hero. As they grow from childhood companions into something much more complex, their bond deepens—leading them both into the heart of the Trojan War, where prophecy, fate, and love intertwine.

My Thoughts
So, let’s talk about Patroclus. I gotta admit, he had moments when I wanted to hand him a pair of metaphorical cojones. At times, his clinginess bordered on unhealthy obsession, like a teenager in love with a Jonas Brother. Yet, there’s something so endearing about his undying devotion… to a point. He feels like the eternal underdog I never wanted but since I’m stuck with him, I might as well accept him. Thankfully, there are moments where he does speak up (such as stepping up for Briseis) which makes tolerating his puppy dog vibes a bit easier.

Ah, Thetis, the ultimate ice queen. Now, she’s a character I loved to loathe. Initially, I couldn’t stand her—who knew a divine being could be this stubbornly single-minded? But here’s where it gets deep, folks. At first, I couldn’t stand her, but the more I thought about her, the more I saw her as a tragic figure in her own right. She’s not just a cold, overbearing mother—she’s a goddess watching her son walk a path she can’t change. It’s weirdly introspective to think that my bias would be different if Thetis were a “dad figure” and not a motherly one. This revelation had me contemplating the complexities of gender roles—headstrong women, regardless of their immortality, often catch more heat than they deserve.

In the end, her interactions with Pyrrhus—the “What if Achilles was a brat?” scenario—shed light on her protective instincts. Consistently bitter toward mortals, Thetis took to raising Pyrrhus as a defiant act to produce a better offspring than her rebellious, mortal raised Achilles. However, the end result of Pyrrhus’ character might have melted away the ice heart of Thetis, showing that maternal instincts are sometimes clouded by divine greed. In the end, she became more than a stubborn sea goddess to me; she became a cautionary tale of how power can both protect and blind.

And then there’s the whole Fate vs. Free Will debate. Talk about an existential crisis in ancient Greece, huh? The tension between fate and free will is what makes this story truly compelling. There’s a sense of inevitability hanging over every decision Achilles and Patroclus make. The prophecy looms, but it’s how they choose to live within that fate that gives the book its heart. Their choices, their defiance of destiny, and the love that binds them make the tragedy all the more heartbreaking.

Final Verdict
This book is a beautifully written, emotionally charged take on Greek mythology. It’s a story about love—both romantic and platonic—that will challenge how you think about fate, heroism, and relationships. While the story has its slow moments, the emotional payoff is well worth it. If you’re a fan of mythology with a modern touch, this book is definitely one to pick up.

Until next time, keep your Greek myths tragic and your heroes flawed.