The Greek myths have been a source of inspiration for artists and authors throughout history. The continuing popularity of novels that retell the myths, most recently focusing on the points of view of female characters, is a testament to the power of these ancient Greek stories. Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey have also inspired countless works, including two novels by A.D. Rhine, ‘Horses of Fire’ published in 2023 and ‘Daughters of Bronze’ set to be released November 26, 2024, both subtitled “A Novel of Troy.”

Highlighting the unheard voices of the female characters, the books offer a compelling look at the Trojan War, drawing the reader in from the very first page.

Andromache, the doting wife of Prince Hector, plays a major role in these books as she uses her cunning to outwit the invading Greeks, gathering a band of outcasts to become the military commander she was born to be before the life she and Hector have built is reduced to ashes. Rhea is a war refugee and a horse whisperer who finally earns a place and sense of belonging in Hector’s stables. To save her new home, she must become an unlikely spy and face down a forbidden love that will test all her loyalties. Helen is blamed by all for starting the Trojan War, but no one knows her real story. To escape her tormentor and foil a plot to undermine Hector, Helen must risk everything by revealing her true face to the one who despises her most.

In ‘Daughters of Bronze,’ the second book of this two-book series, Andromache has proven herself a capable leader, but can she maintain that hard-won status now that she is the mother to Troy’s long-awaited heir? With enemies closing in, Andromache must bring together a divided city in time to make a final stand, as noted in the book’s description.

Rhea, a Trojan spy, never expected to find love in the enemy camp. When the final battle lines are drawn, she must decide where her loyalties lie and how much she is willing to lose.

Helen is no longer the same broken woman first brought to Troy as a captive. Given a second chance at life, she must cast off her shroud of grief and use her healing gifts to save Troy’s greatest hope.

Cassandra has seen Troy’s fate, but she knows the truth is only as valuable as the person who tells it and few in Troy value her. All that is about to change. One hero will rise, another will fall and this time, Cassandra will have her say.

For readers familiar with Homer’s Iliad, ‘Daughters of Bronze’ is an emotionally-charged version of the story, brimming with intensity and drama, though we may know the essential plot and where the characters are headed, the authors masterfully re-imagine this ancient tale with great attention to detail, making it seem brand new. A true page-turner, ‘Daughters of Bronze’ is a great follow-up to ‘Horses of Fire.’

A.D. Rhine is the pseudonym of Ashlee Cowles and Danielle Stinson. “The authors are united by their military ‘brat’ upbringing, childhood friendship spanning two decades, and love of classical literature,” as noted on the Penguin Random House website. Cowles holds graduate degrees in Medieval History from the University of St. Andrews and Theological Studies (with an emphasis in the Ethics of War and Peace) from Duke University. Stinson holds a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University. “‘Horses of Fire’ and ‘Daughters of Bronze’ are the books they have always dreamt of writing together,” according to their author biography.