House of Odysseus

De: Claire North

Narrado por: Catrin Walker-Booth

This "powerful, fresh, and unflinching" reimagining from the award-winning author of the Penelope trilogy breathes life into ancient myth and gives voice to the women who stand defiant in a world ruled by ruthless men (Jennifer Saint).

On the isle of Ithaca, queen Penelope maintains a delicate balance of power. Many years ago, her husband Odysseus sailed to war with Troy and never came home. In his absence, Penelope uses all her cunning to keep the peace—a peace that is shattered by the return of Orestes, King of Mycenae, and his sister Elektra.

Orestes' hands are stained with his mother's blood. Not so long ago, the son of Agamemnon took Queen Clytemnestra's life on Ithaca's sands. Now, wracked with guilt, he is slowly losing his mind. But a king cannot be seen to be weak, and Elektra has brought him to Ithaca to keep him safe from the ambitious men of Mycenae.

Penelope knows destruction will follow in his wake as surely as the furies circle him. His uncle Menelaus, the battle-hungry king of Sparta, longs for Orestes' throne—and if he can seize it, no one will be safe from his violent whims.

Trapped between two mad kings, Penelope fights to keep her home from being crushed by a war that stretches from Mycenae and Sparta to the summit of Mount Olympus itself. Her only allies are Elektra, desperate to protect her brother, and Helen of Troy, Menelaus' wife. And watching over them all is the goddess Aphrodite, who has plans of her own.

Each woman has a secret. And their secrets will shape the world.

©2023 Claire North (P)2023 Redhook

Excellent reader, story could have used an editor

I liked the story, both this and the first half, but there were times where I just kept thinking, “Are you being paid by the word??” I loved the relationships between the women, and how the relationships between the queens developed. I wish it had happened sooner. That being said, I did listen to it all.

Love & Powerful Women

This is such a wonderful depiction of a classic story. Told through the eyes of Aphrodite; what she might sound like and what the women of Ithaca would do in dire situations is enthralling and enjoyable.

Great listen!!!

I love the imagination and details of this series! Puts an interesting new perspective on Greek Mythology.

Loved it!

Great story on the aftermath of Troy with new twists. Super narration. And a strong take on the plight of women in Ancient Greece

Great book

I loved this series. There is beautiful language throughout and interesting takes on the untold part of the famous story.

Absolutely loved everything about it

Excellent story and performance. Left me wanting another installment. I'm learning I love Claire North's writing style, especially in Greek myth reimaginings. Highly recommend this and the first installment, Ithaca.

Delightfully sassy

Can’t get enough of the smart sassiness of North’s characters in this series. A whodunnit to boost in this one.

Just perfect!

This was everything I could have wished for in a book two! So beautiful and exciting! Thank you!

A captivating book

The book did not completely engage me from the beginning. It took a little bit of time, but after a few chapters I was hooked. As always, Claire North’s writing is such a pleasure to listen to. This sequel is a good as the first, and I look forward towards the next book.

Excellent writing and narration

I love the author’s eloquent writing style, and the story is a cunning spin on the usual mythology narrative. There’s a little mystery, a little espionage. I especially enjoyed how all the women of the book powerfully subvert their expected gender roles. Well done. Looking forward to the next installment!