A great retelling of the story of Achilles from the point of view of Patroclus (even after... you know)

Light and easy to read, with a pace that will satisfy young or first time (to the story) readers. Some beatiful prose and emotive writing. This book certainly makes the characters seem real and believable - expertly dealing with divinity in an incredibly grounded way.

Apollo's intervention at the walls of Troy here is perhaps my favourite adaptation I've read so far.

Yes, it's a romance story, but it's also much more. You know what is coming - I've avoided a spoiler above but whether by film, TV, or book the story of what happens in the siege of Troy is not a suprise. The focus on relationships and emotions hits harder given knowledge of what is coming and the constant sense of inevitability.