74 pages 2 hours read

Rosemary Sutcliff

Black Ships Before Troy

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1993

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff, the Trojan War begins after Eris, the goddess of discord, leaves a golden apple at a wedding, sparking a dispute among Hera, Athene, and Aphrodite over who is the fairest. Paris of Troy chooses Aphrodite, who promises him Helen, sparking the war. Achilles, initially hidden by his mother, joins the battle and plays a pivotal role. Following years of conflict, the Greeks use the Trojan Horse strategy to infiltrate and sack Troy, ending the war.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Black Ships Before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff is praised for its captivating retelling of the Iliad, appealing to both young readers and adults. Reviewers commend its engaging narrative and beautiful illustrations. Some find the language overly complex for younger audiences, and a few critique its faithfulness to the original myth. Overall, it’s a vivid and enriching adaptation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Black Ships Before Troy?

Fans of classical myths and historical fiction, particularly those who enjoyed The Iliad or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series, will appreciate Black Ships Before Troy. Sutcliff's vivid storytelling and rich characterizations attract both young readers and adults who enjoy epic tales.

Recommended

Reading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

1240L

Book Details

Genre

Mythology