What a BEAUTIFUL book!!! I am going to start by saying this book deserves all the stars. ALL OF THEM! This book was equal parts enthralling and heartbreaking. I may or may not have sobbed (I one hundred percent sobbed).

Overall rating: 5/5

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Page count: 369

Published: September 20, 2011

Synopsis: Patroclus is an awkward young prince, who due to a shocking act of violence, gets exiled from his homeland to the court of King Peleus and his perfect demigod son, Achilles. Achilles and Patroclus form an unexpected friendship as they both grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine. Their unexpected friendships blossoms into something much deeper, an unshakable bond. When word of Helen of Sparta’s kidnapping comes, all the heroes of Greece are called to rage war on Troy in her name. Achilles, seduced by fame, and glory joins the fight, and out of love and fear, Patroclus follows, but little do they know that fate will demand a terrible sacrifice.

Overall thoughts:

I love Madeline’s retelling of Achilles’ story through the point of view of his closest friend, Patroclus. I specifically love how she cast the story as a romance between Achilles and Patroclus, and she did it beautifully. From the very first page of this book, I knew I was in for something extraordinary. The love between Achilles and Patroclus is so pure you can’t help but root for them, even though you know the story has a tragic end, especially if you’re familiar with the Iliad. Madeline wrote their love story in such a way; the love is almost tangible. As I read, I felt it in my gut, and I prayed to all the gods that nothing tainted their love. They were courageous, loyal, and loving to one another. I genuinely wanted to protect them at all costs. I also love how Madeline played on Achilles’ human side more than his god side. He’s likable and not a pompous prick as Achilles is often portrayed.  The Song of Achilles will forever be my top favorite romance story, even though it quite literally wrecked me. It was so worth the emotional turmoil this book left me in. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!