It has been a little while since I read Ithaca, the first novel in Claire North's Odysseus series but one lesson I learned from my Greek Mythology Challenge is that when it comes to Greek mythology, a little (and I mean a tiny little) goes a long way. The Greeks were rough. And by rough, I mean total bastards. The more noble and celebrated the hero, the greater the chance that he behaved like a complete arsehole to any and all women who crossed his path. So I approach fiction rooted in Greek mythology with care. It can either be in poor taste or a gore fest. Even acclaimed authors such as Pat Barker have been wont to descend into torture porn when setting their writing in this era. But Claire North is one of the most thought-provoking novelists that I have ever come across and so I felt in safe hands.

Following on from the events of Ithaca, Penelope is still in charge in her husband's absence, still trying to fend off her suitors, still trying to protect her subjects while still appearing to be a meek and submissive female. Still still still still still. In the distant edges of the narrative, there are signs that Odysseus just might be packing up from his seven years on Calypso's island but for now, Penelope is on her own. But unfortunately not completely alone because once more there are visitors.

Last time, it was Elektra and Orestes seeking their mother Clytemnestra for the purposes of executing her for the murder of their father. This time, it is Elektra and Orestes but they are instead fleeing Mycenae because Orestes appears to have gone mad with guilt for his mother's murder. Hot on their heels is their concerned uncle Menelaus who only wants to help, to protect his brother's children and to offer support to his sworn brother Odysseus' wife in this difficult time. Of course, Menelaus does seem to want to achieve both these things by putting everyone under armed guard and blocking the exits.

In this instalment, North uses Aphrodite as a narrator where Ithaca was helmed by Hera. This does lead to an interesting shift in tone. Aphrodite is less cynical but also surprisingly thoughtful. She sees quite literally to the hearts of all of the characters including some rather stark observations, such as her verdict of Menalaus' son Nicostratus who has 'all the tender love-making skills of a broken pot.' I had a strange thought reading this book wondering what it must have been like to be an ordinary woman in those ancient times, praying to the deities on Mount Olympus while knowing that the world that the gods ruled over had no respect at all for females. But then it occurred to me quickly that the same could be said for Christianity. Just look at the world today. The difference for me personally is that I accept that the central message of Jesus Christ has been profaned by those who claim to speak in His name. Greek mythology is just misogyny and wall to wall femicide and rape. Medusa was raped by Poseidon in Athena's temple and it was Medusa who Athena chose to punish. Aphrodite describes the judgment of Paris as a moment where Hera and Athena were humiliated by Zeus. Even the goddesses are at the mercy of men.

As before, I found the cast list to be a little bloated. I struggled to keep track of the maids and priestesses. It is undoubtedly interesting to consider how the actions of those in the far background who never catch the eye of the poets could be nonetheless vital to the story. Even those who are remembered in song may be playing their cards close to their chest. One character I particularly enjoyed this time was Odysseus' father Laertes. He was rather in the background last time but in this second book, he provides some much needed comedy.Perhaps though given that so many of the characters are doomed to die upon the master's return according to the events of the Odyssey, I slightly shrank from getting too attached to anyone. I sort of hope that Kenamon the Egyptian can at least make his escape. The next book is going to be messy.

North's portrayal of Helen, formerly of Troy is truly fascinating. This is her in her post-wooden-horse career. Infamous inconstant wife, trotting in Menalaus' wake and smiling brightly, apparently unaware of her reputation. Penelope stares at her, shocked as Helen refers casually to Hector or Priam. Menelaus seethes when Helen screams at the sight of blood, as if she had not held his hand as they walked through the burning city of Troy. She knows what death is. She steadied the knife as he stabbed Deiphobus.

But North underlines what a truly bizarre character Helen is within the Trojan story. Abducted as a young child by Theseus, given in marriage to Menelaus, stolen by Paris, then as Paris' 'widow' she was then squabbled over by his brothers and ultimately allocated to Deiphobus, then the city fell and she ended up back with Menalaus again despite being stolen again on the way home. When one man’s turn ends, she seems to pass unprotesting to the next in line

She is apparently the most beautiful woman in the world but she never convinces as a romantic heroine. She and Paris hardly rank alongside Romeo/Juliet or even Orpheus/Eurydice. Helen is an object. She has no feelings. She is something all the men believe that they should get to have a go on. She might as well be a fancy sword. Her opinions about any of the various men who have claimed her are irrelevant. Throughout the whole of The Iliad, she has absolutely no interiority at all. North's depiction of how Helen has come to manage this is intriguing.

Penelope watches Helen and burns to ask her, why did you do it? We all wonder that. Did she love Paris or was it rape? Did she realise it would cause an all-out war? Did she know it would break the world asunder? Did she feel any guilt at all? I have read quite a number of Trojan war retellings that paint Helen in a variety of angles. Taking a step back from it all, my personal opinion veers more towards trafficking. She just gets passed around way too frequently for me to see her as having much in the way of choice. If she managed to find a way to manipulate the men who used her ... well, good luck to her.

North's depiction of the Ancient Greeks is more thoughtful than the average re-telling. She is also careful to sidestep the violence against women. Thus far, the series has been a study of how women can find agency in their own story. A woman can hold a bow to go hunting. She can have an axe to chop wood. What I find most heartening about North's version of events is that so far the Ithacan women have found a way through. I look at the approaching return of Odysseus with trepidation but I hope that Penelope and her maids continue their resourcefulness. This may be the House of Odysseus but it is clear that Penelope is the true queen.

Having loved Ithaca I was so excited to dig into this one and it did not disappoint! I adore the way the books have different narrators and having Aphrodite for this one was such a treat. Already got a copy of book 3 to get reading next!

I loved this sequel more than the first book which was a nice set-up book. You instantly feel for Penelope, the maids and Ithaca. Kenamon is a sweet character and I greatly appreciate the author's writing style.

Penelope is still fending off her unwanted suitors, thanks to the rules of Greek hospitality. The men are drinking the cellars dry and eating as much as they want, whenever they want, and still expecting Penelope to choose one of them. They all think Odysseus is dead.

Matters are only made more complicated by the arrival of Elektra and her brother Orestes, King of the Mycenae - and he isn’t doing at all well after his mothers murder. Then Menelaus turns up for a ‘visit’.

Really, Penelope is being sorely tested, but she’s canny enough to cope with whatever the fates decide to throw at her.

I enjoyed reading everything from Aphrodite’s point of view - at least you can’t accuse her of favouritism. These gods don’t seem to appreciate that humans have feelings too.

Claire North’s women in this story (Penelope, Elektra and Helen especially) is what makes it special. It’s clear that all three have been through a lot at the hands of men - yet they keep going.

I’m currently the third and final instalment from my local library. I know how it all ends, but I can’t wait to read Claire North’s version (no spoiler: it’s not disappointing me at all so far!).

This was a very interesting tale on what could have happened after the death of Clytemnestra which is great because often the story just ends there! I will admit I feel this story could have been condensed slightly as I did feel it lost the dramatic feel slightly at times. However, a strong second book in the series!

I really enjoyed Ithaca - Book 1 of this series - and Book 2 is just as compelling and brilliantly retold. My classics knowledge is very limited but these retellings do give a new perspective on the goings on of the time, and this one carries on the Penelope & Odysseus storyline - she is awaiting his return and it centres around the power struggles and shows the strength of the women left behind when others are threatening!

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit Books for sending me an ARC to review.

I love Greek Mythology retellings and those surrounding the Trojan War and the Odyssey are among my favourites. This second book in Claire's Songs of Penelope trilogy is beautifully written. We pick up where Ithaca left off, with Penelope inundated with suitors and having to fight off pirates. It is a well paced and thoroughly enjoyable read and had me smiling and laughing all the way through.

Any author shining light on the women of the stories and myths we have grown up hearing deserves so much praise and Claire is one of my favourites!

I’m very picky with mythology books and sadly this one just didn’t quite hit the spot for me, a little slow and not as gripping as I’d hoped

This second offering in the Songs of Penelope trilogy was fantastic - it is voiced by Aphrodite which was an inspired choice. Viewing the other goddesses as well as the human women of this already well known tale through the eyes of a goddess not immediately at the forefront of the original tellings gives the author room to really think about the ways in which these characters interact, what motivates them and what they might have been doing when the other Olympians eyes were focused on men and heroes.

The book is slow, and is also probably 100 pages longer than it truly needs to be. However,the characterisation of the women of this tale and the very clever addition of murders, mystery surrounding the relationship between Orestes and The Furies and then the ever present threat of Odysseus on the very peripheries of this tale make the length of the novel really worth it.

I continue to adore the addition of Kenamon to these tales. He is everything Penelope actually deserves and should be able to rely on in a man.

Retold Greek Myths are also my thing. The House of Odysseus takes us to Ithaca with Penelope and her suitors. We join the story just Penelope’s just after her son Telemachus has gone in search of Odysseus. Things are bubbling along in an OK kind of a way when Orestes and his sister Elektra arrive on the island followed swiftly by Menelaus. Furies swirl overhead and mayhem ensues. All told to us by Aphrodite who is a wonderful, flirty narrator.

4/5 stars! This is the second book in the Songs of Penelope series. The author's depiction of ancient Greek characters was surprising but often exciting as well. I loved where the story ended up, but it took us a long time to get there. I would say parts 30-60% of the book lacked the action to keep me drawn in. But I did like how it all wrapped up.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

These books provide an enthralling reimagining of Greek Mythology, telling the story of Odysseus’ wife Penelope as she waits for him to return home after the Trojan War.
The plot sees both a physical and internal battle for the resilient women of Ithaca, who are faced with navigating the political and personal turmoil of Odysseus’ absence.
North’s powerful storytelling brings depth and nuance to characters like Penelope, illuminating the lives and struggles previously little explored. The author’s writing style is very eloquent and is the perfect tone for this genre.

These books are not only faithful to their mythological roots, but also offer a modern perspective on these stories whilst encompassing the ever-present themes of heroism, loyalty and power.

Loved it. Artfully written and gripping all the way through. You can't go wrong with Penelope at the centre!

I've always loved Greek mythology and this book is clearly so well researched as it's true to the original myths whilst still building on them in ways that feel utterly believable.

Penelope still awaits the return of her husband Odysseus and fears for the safety of her son Telemachus who has set sail in search of his father.

Elektra and her mad brother Orestes arrive secretly on Ithaca seeking sanctuary but are pursued by Menelaus and his Spartan forces.

A masterful novel of political intrigue and manoeuvring, narrated by Aphrodite who delights in physical beauty and sensuality but who becomes transfixed by the bravery and cunning of the women of Ithaca.

A history dominated by men becomes the story of women seizing control of their own destinies. Skilful and adroit plotting with a pace that never sags, this is a commanding and compelling tale.

Superb storytelling.

I have to admit, I love all things Greek mythology so I knew I would breeze through this book with ease and honestly I was so hooked! The characters were artfully written an I honestly cannot praise this retelling enough. I would definitely like to read more books within the series and by Claire North!

Thank you for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

House Of Odysseus is the brilliant sequel to 'The Odyssey' retelling 'Ithaca', only these books are from Penelope's side of the story rather than her husband.

Following the events of the first book, Orestes and Elektra are back on Ithaca to ask for Penelope's help with not only their war-loving uncle, Menelaus, but also help for Orestes who is being poisoned by someone close to him.

I think i preferred this book over the first as more interesting characters were introduced (such as Helen of Troy, a very well known and famous woman at this time) and how in the first book i felt like I couldn't like Elektra and Orestes, in this one they didn't seem like the villains so I enjoyed reading about them.

I also liked that it was told through a different narrator, the first book was told by the Goddess Hera but in this one it's the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite, who definitely tells the story a little differently. It thought the wording was sometimes comedic and really beautifully written.
I'm aware there is going to be a third book in this series so l will definitely be reading and reviewing it!

I'd recommend this book to any fans of Greek mythology and if you want a retelling of 'The Odyssey.

Great great book. I am loving this series. I enjoyed this book just as much as I enjoyed the first! I love historical fiction and I have many and this one is not to be missed! Excellently written characters. Lots of intense moments. I flew through it couldn't out it down! I would definitely recommend this book!

Unfortunately, I could not find into this book at all. The writing was confusing and did not capture me at all. I am, however, very intrigued by this book and will give it another try later on. For now, unfortunately, it's a DNF.

I enjoy reading abut the Greek gods, goddesses and myths, and this was a highly entertaining and enjoyable addition to the treasure trove of books currently available on the subject.

Filled with plenty of excitement, intrigue and a fair amount of humour, this book is a treat.