Spoils of War by Aleksandr Voinov & Raev Gray
Title: Spoils of War 
Author: Aleksandr Voinov & Raev Gray
Publisher: Smashwords
Length: Short Story 5,500 words
Buy the book: Smashwords
Blurb:
Review:
When I read the blurb of “Spoils of War” I immediately decided to read it. I like Greek mythology. All the political agendas as well as the quibbles among the gods always fascinated me. The fact that one of the main characters is Achilles was a slight drawback for me, however. If I had to choose between him and Hector I’d always go for the latter. I found Achilles’ extremely vindictive and petty behaviour after he killed Hector very disconcerting, but I admit that he was grief-stricken about Patroklos’ death, which brings me back to “Spoils of War”.
The short story starts right after Achilles’ death when his soul is being claimed by two gods, Ares and Hermes. This is an interesting twist, since Ares usually never meddles with the dead. However, he is so interested in seeing Achilles being around longer that he makes an exception for him. Achilles is very tempted to take up Ares’ offer, since it would give him all the means for total revenge on the Trojans. But there is Hermes waiting and he has something to offer which might be even more rewarding.
I have never heard of or read anything by Aleksandr Voinov before but “Spoils of War” made me want to check out his other stories. The way the characters and their motivations are depicted is credible and Achilles change of tune was believable as well. As for the gods, the fact that the one opposes the other and Hermes does things just to spite Ares is typical divine behaviour (at least among the ancient gods) and fun to read. The one sex scene (you can’t call it love scene, not by any stretch of the imagination) is pretty hot and, um, powerful.
If you like Greek mythology this story is a must read. However, if you have no clue about the Trojan War and the involvement of the gods in it, you might want to read up about it first. A little prior knowledge will enhance the reading experience immensely.
[...] pretty excited because my first post for Three Dollar Bill Reviews is up. Check out my review of “Spoils of War” by Aleksandr Voinov & Raev Gray, a mythological short story featuring Achilles and Ares. [...]
Nice review, Rikki! I’m not into mythology myself, so probably won’t pick it up. However, I like it that the writer took an existing story and went a bit further.
Thanks Rikki – glad you liked it.
Hi, Rikki, I didn’t know you were reviewing for Three Dollar Bill Reviews now — good for you! You’ll be a great addition here. Thanks for the review of what sounds like a very interesting story.
Great review, Rikki.
I also really liked this story. I didn’t know anything about the myth – apart from a general knowledge about Greek gods and goddesses – but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. I loved the dynamics between Ares and the bold warrior Achilles.
Hey Ri
Great review – I have read other works by this author and I do like his voice and his style…
I would love to hear what you think of “Clean Slate” another book by this author…
Congrats on making TDB your home away from home…
E.H>
Thanks everybody. I’m pretty excited about being able to review for TDB Reviews and already feel quite at home.
E.H. I had never heard of Aleksandr Voinov before but I already noticed there is more from him. “Clean Slate”, yeah, I was thinking about that one, too. Also I am ogling “The Lion of Kent”.
Thanks for your review of SoW. I liked it very much myself. Can’t wait for Lion of Kent reviews.
I have to admit I’m ridiculously excited about Lion of Kent – Kate Cotoner is a wonder to behold and to work with.
Elaine and Aleksandr, I just finished Clean Slate. Lion of Kent is next on my list….
. It sounds really interesting, I love Lord and Squire stories.