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House of Odysseus

The breathtaking retelling that brings ancient myth to life
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( 4,194 ratings, 699 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
House of Odysseus by Claire North is a captivating story set in a world inspired by Greek mythology. It explores the aftermath of Odysseus's return to Ithaca and delves into the political and personal tensions that arise. As the tale unfolds, new challenges and alliances reshape the characters' destinies in unexpected ways, intertwining myth with human emotion.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy mythological retellings that bring a fresh perspective to classic tales. It intricately weaves themes of loyalty, heroism, and the consequences of war, providing depth to well-known characters while exploring new facets of their stories. If you're intrigued by narratives that blend action with emotional nuance, this book promises an engaging experience.

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House of Odysseus

From the multi award-winning Claire North comes the second book in a trilogy of stories retelling of the classic Greek myth of Penelope. It's time for the women of Ithaca to tell their tale . . .

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
'CLAIRE NORTH BRINGS A POWERFUL, FRESH AND UNFLINCHING VOICE TO ANCIENT MYTH' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne From the author of the critically acclaimed Ithaca - A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year - comes an exquisite and gripping new tale that breathes life into ancient myth. This is the story of Penelope of Ithaca, famed wife of Odysseus, as it has never been told before.

On the isle of Ithaca, Queen Penelope maintains a delicate balance of power. Many years ago, her husband, Odysseus, sailed to war with Troy and never came home. In his absence, Penelope uses all her cunning to keep the peace - but this is shattered by the arrival of Orestes, king of Mycenae, and his sister Elektra.

Orestes's hands are stained with his mother's blood. Not so long ago, the son of Agamemnon took Queen Clytemnestra's life on Ithaca's sands. Now, racked with guilt, he is slowly losing his mind.

Penelope knows destruction will follow in his wake as surely as the Furies circle him. His uncle, Menelaus, the battle-hungry king of Sparta, longs for Orestes's throne - and if he can seize it, no one will be safe from his violent whims.

Trapped between two mad kings, Penelope fights to keep war from Ithaca's shores. Her only allies are Elektra and Helen of Troy, Menelaus's enigmatic wife. And watching over them all is the goddess Aphrodite, who has plans of her own.

Each woman has a secret. And their secrets will shape the world.

Praise for the Songs of Penelope series:

'Darkly fascinating, raw and breathtaking' Jennifer Saint, author of Sunday Times bestseller Ariadne 'Richly poetic . . . This is an impassioned plea for the lost, disenfranchised queens of ancient Greece, a love letter to the silenced women of history' Booklist 'Penelope is proving to be an outstanding epic hero in her own right. A sensational retelling' Elodie Harper, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wolf Den 'Everything I've wanted in a retelling: a vibrant cast, full of suspense, told with a phenomenal narrative voice - this is an absolute masterpiece' Sarah Bonner, author of Her Perfect Twin 'Conjures up a world in which women, abandoned by their men, must weave their own destinies' The Times 'Claire North has set a new standard for Ancient Greek retellings. Absolutely sublime' Hannah Lynn, author of Athena's Child The Songs of Penelope series:

Ithaca

House of Odysseus

The Last Song of Penelope

Series: The Songs of Penelope

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

i>House of Odysseus by Claire North has been highly praised for its powerful and fresh take on ancient myth, with North's unique and contemporary voice captivating readers. The narrative, vibrant world-building, and exquisite character development, particularly of Penelope, have been lauded as outstanding. The wit and humour exhibited, especially through the character of Aphrodite, alongside the tension in the political and mythological elements, contribute to a thrilling reading experience. Reviewers eagerly anticipate the final instalment, appreciating the blend of evocative prose and engaging storytelling.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356516097

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 August 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 148.0mm

Height: 228.0mm

Weight: 560g

Pages: 432

About the Author

Claire North is a pseudonym for Catherine Webb, who wrote several novels in various genres before publishing their first major work as Claire North, The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August. It was a critically acclaimed success, receiving rave reviews and becoming a word-of-mouth bestseller. They have since published several hugely popular and critically acclaimed novels, won the World Fantasy Award and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, and been shortlisted for the Sunday Times/PFD Young Writer of the Year Award, the Arthur C. Clarke Award and the Philip K. Dick Award. They live in London.

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