I liked this, and would recommend it. But the reviewers were so enthusiastic that I think my expectations were set too high.This is the story of Achilles - with the twist being
that it is told from the perspective of Patroclus (who was a significant character in the Iliad, but not that big a deal).
In this book, the boy Achilles selects Patroclus to be his special friend - an unlikely choice. Achilles has a goddess-mother who doesn't care for Patroclus. Achilles is fated to be the best warrior of his time, and there are some other unpromising prophecies about his future.
The two grow up together, including a couple years being trained by a centaur. Patroclus and Achilles do turn out to be special friends. Then comes the abduction of Helen and the Trojan War.
Quick read, creative approach, I liked the last couple chapters.
Hadn't realized that the story of Achilles' unprotected heel (targeted by archer Paris) was a later add-on (not part of the original Greek story).
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