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Chapter 17:
It keeps getting back to me. Is Helen even in Troy? I mean if Troy is so damn rich, could the king brothers have deceived others into attacking Troy? I could be very wrong. I despised Agamemnon the moment his profile was described. Menalaus seemed comparatively better, but still clever. I had forgotten who Phoinix was, lol. So for myself: He is Peleus’s most trusted councilor. I’m loving Achilles being so unyielding here. It’s better in a place like this than his smiles and naïve mind.

Chapter 18:
I hate them all so much. That was cruel. How could he kill his own little daughter? And that bloody goddess Artemis wanted blood for blood. Damn her. I hated what Odyssues said, but of course that is why they called Achilles here. To be their weapon. At least, it means that Helen really must be on the line and their stupid egos. As for Achilles, my heart aches. I think he’ll change. This war will take so much for than just his dear life. Also, I hate how they involved Achilles in this to make a fool of him. Not fair.

Chapter 19:
This is so painful. It’s not a big book, but I cannot continue reading it without taking so many breaths between the pages. Oh Achilles. Patroclus never meant to kill that boy. He was just trying to defend himself. As for the first kill, that was great. I just wanna be like Thetis now and get them both out of there! Hector will be hard to kill.

Chapter 20:
I cannot stop hating Odysseus. He is clever, but I hate him. I don’t know why I felt for him in Circe, but still giving them the place at the end was better. As for the raids. Patroclus cannot help his conscience and Achilles cannot listen to his own. If he does, he’ll break. It’s a shame hoe stupid this world is.

Chapter 21:
I love how Patroclus saved her. It was so sad how her father taught her a couple words to be a good slave. I’m glad Achilles understood too that his presence would cause the girls more pain. War always feeds more on the innocent. Troy is really going to wait them out?

I was shook in chapter 18 when Achilles was supposed to marry Iphigenia and as she’s walking the isle gets right next to him ready to be married and they murder her slit her throat right there. That was so cruel who can do that to their own child . But I guess that was what they believed back then. And then when Patroclus went to Odysseus to ask him why would he do such a thing ,? Odysseus told him he should help to harden Achilles heart . That was so sad . I feel like if Achilles hardens his heart he will not be the same man Patroclus loves.

I’m starting to feel like that they are raiding and things . I think Patroclus’s part in the war is going to be like a doctor maybe that was why the made a point to mention it was part of their trading with Chiron. He’s already showing himself to be caring by helping the girl they took hostage.

I also feel like this war is stupid as hell there’s no way you can steal a girl out of her marriage bed that didn’t want to go . Pointless and I can’t believe Achilles agreed to help.

Oh yes, that whole chapter was so sad. And so cruel! I don't want Achilles to be different, but war can change you in so many ways.

Jillian wrote: "I’m starting to feel like that they are raiding and things . I think Patroclus’s part in the war is going to be like a doctor maybe that was why the made a point to mention it was part of their tra..."

I don't think so yet. I mean, he haven't really helped in anything at all. He is just free. But looking after the girls and listening to Achilles.

Jillian wrote: "I also feel like this war is stupid as hell there’s no way you can steal a girl out of her marriage bed that didn’t want to go . Pointless and I can’t believe Achilles agreed to help."

God, I hear you about this! I hate this. We don't even know if Helen is indeed in Troy. Also, she went willingly so why help her back! I hate all of this. Maybe this was just set up to get Troy's riches.

Chapter 22:
I think Helen was an excuse to start this shitty war. Patroclus wasn’t made for war or fighting. He cannot do it at all. I loved how in detail his experience was explained. This war won’t be ending anytime soon. Greedy men. It was weird to see Thetis even here.

Chapter 23:
I like Briseis and Patroclus’ bond. Why would Achilles feel relief on dying? I think what he saw in his dreams was a prophecy. Damn, I hope Patroclus won’t die but I think he’ll die too. No one told us how long he’ll live. Lol, I didn’t think he’ll be helping, but it’s good that Patroclus helps with Machaon. At least, he won’t feel useless and maybe even get some respect. Damn, Achilles has truly offended Hector. You know, strange as it might seem, I do like Hector.

Chapter 24:
Agamemnon better be grateful to Achilles. I’m enjoying how well Patroclus is doing. I’m glad he got good reputation. I hate these gods who keep making excuses to ruin lives. As for Briseis, I’m glad that Patroclus didn’t shove her away in the end. I think he’d want a child too. Briseis offered him everything. As for Achilles, I enjoyed that part too and I’m happy that he tried to be fair. It was new to see him jealous. For once, maybe someone could take Patroclus from him. The thought must have been new to him.

I can’t believe Patroclus is fighting I thought for sure he would have been like camp doctor!

Ch.23
Oh he is going to be a camp physician. I’m excited

I love Patroclus so much! I love them both. I just finished the book and I am brain dead.

I know I'm late to the party here, but AFTER the sacrifice of Iphigenia happened, I wasn't surprised Agamemnon would do that considering his family line, that they were cursed to be violent. I'm at Chapter 20.

I liked how they started fighting and Achilles gets a shield and just tells Patroclus to stand behind him. Just kinda cute to me. The first kill was good, and how Patroclus describes Achilles reaction like he didn't acknowledge that what he had just done was a miracle.

You're not late! I didn't about the curse. I don't hate his brother as much as I hate Agamemnon.

Yeah, and Patroclus took quite a while to notice that it was Achilles due to whom no one came near him. It was sweet. I ship them so damn hard.

(I'm just going to use a spoiler tag in case someone doesn't want to read this)

Boyfriend is really into Mythology and things like that also Homer/The Odyssey and I asked if he had read the Iliad and he said oh of course then I said this book is that story and he said among other conversation (view spoiler)[doesn't Achilles have a lover who dies, Patroclus or something like that. And I said don't say that... this book is a kind of a retelling from Patroclus's point of view. And he says oh yeah I could be wrong ... (hide spoiler)] Anyway there was a comment from the last section about this and I hope I didn't get spoiled, I just found the whole encounter humorous though and wanted to share. hehe

Oops, I am sorry that happened. I kinda had the same feeling from the moment the prophecy was told. I wished to be wrong :) Let's see what happens! I cannot wait to see what you both feel like when this ends! I spent that last 24 hrs or more just constantly thinking about these two beautiful boys.

It's all ok because the writing is so good even if I can imagine they're doomed based on the prophecy I will read through to the end no problem.

I also like how Patroclus was asking Achilles to take the girls in and how he is teaching them Greek. I feel bad for anyone who isn't taken in by them and has to deal with the other kings/campsites :( It's such a savage and sad part of history/war. I like how Miller is combating this with what Achilles and Patroclus are doing for these women.

I agree wholeheartedly with you. These boys are so precious to me!

I felt bad too, especially when Miller talked about the screams at night.