Horses of Fire: A Novel of Troy

This debut novel from Rhine (the pseudonym for collaborative-writing pair Ashlee Cowles and Danielle Stinson) is the first in a planned duology, a modern retelling of The Iliad and the Trojan War that infuses Homer’s minor characters with new voices and ample development. Following the inner workings of the city of Troy and its people as they struggle during war, Rhine enables listeners to envision the ancient world and empathize with its inhabitants. Women protagonists Andromache, Rhea, and Helen convey individuality with unique quirks and strengths, while priestess Cassandra’s prophecies are particularly well crafted. Complexity within relationships between the women and their counterparts (Hector, Paris, and Priam) abound. Andromache, wife of Hector, longs to be involved in war strategy preparation as well as become a mother. Rhea, the horse-whisperer, becomes a spy, and Helen proves herself to be much more than a beautiful catalyst of war. The audiobook’s full narrating ensemble includes Saskia Maarleveld, Hillary Huber, Vaneh Assadourian, and Eva Kaminsky, all of whom shine in their respective roles.