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Odyssey of a Slave #2
Cursed by the Sea God (2)
Fiction. The second volume in the trilogy that revisions Homer's Odyssey is once again told from the viewpoint of Alexi, the young Trojan boy. Captured by Odysseus after the fall of Troy, Alexi is forced to accompany the Greeks on their sea journey home to Ithaca. Cursed by the Sea God contains many of the iconic adventures of the homeward journey, including the encounter with the keeper of the winds, the descent into Hades, the fateful visit to the cannibal Laestrygonians, the encounters with Circe the sorceress, the songs of the Sirens, and the deadly passage between the monster Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis. Having earned his master's respect in saving him from the Sirens, Alexi loses it all though mischance, and his own circumstances take a turn for the worse as he is given away to the most brutal soldier on the ship. It takes all of Alexi's skill and determination just to stay alive. The first volume in the trilogy, TORN FROM TROY, was nominated for the 2012 OLA Red Maple Award and has proved to be a best-seller.
200 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Bowman
7 books13 followersPatrick Bowman was born in Ottawa and educated in Toronto. He has twenty years of writing experience, all of it in software, but has been fascinated by Greek mythology since stumbling over a copy of Bulfinch's Mythology in his father's library as a child. TORN FROM TROY is his first book. He presently makes his home in Toronto.
From the author himself;
Born Ottawa, Ontario; moved Toronto age 9; BSc from University of Toronto (computer science, psychology); worked in software for 20 years; currently trying writing. Married to a wonderful woman, Barbara Cox. Two girls, 10 and 14.
From the author himself;
Born Ottawa, Ontario; moved Toronto age 9; BSc from University of Toronto (computer science, psychology); worked in software for 20 years; currently trying writing. Married to a wonderful woman, Barbara Cox. Two girls, 10 and 14.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 6, 2016
My original Cursed by the Sea God audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Alexi’s journey as slave to Odysseus continues on the fateful journey to Ithaca. This audio is based on Homer’s Odyssey; packed with action involving deadly encounters with Circe the sorceress, the Sirens and their deadly song, the cannibals of Laestrygonians and the keeper of the wind. Mistakes are made through bad decisions of which Alexi had no input but faces the consequences even as a piglet!
Removed from Lopex’s (Odysseus) favor through no fault of his own, Alexi must use his wits and knowledge to outsmart others in his company and save them from the curse of the sea god. Alexi is losing friends, but is able to redeem himself in the case of one. Alexi learns to not turn his back on his friends and his actions has consequences for all involved.
The audio was wonderful! A retelling of an old story with a fresh look – told from the view point of a slave. The moment when Alexi realizes Greeks are human too is moving and genuine. His perseverance and questioning of authority is witty and completely today – it is interesting to see how teenagers have not changed from day one until now! Bowman makes Alexi real and easy to build a connection with as with others in the series.
Bowman’s fresh take on Homer’s Odyssey is engaging and fun. I remember studying the Odyssey in high school and later in college – not once did we look at it beyond the view point of Odysseus or as stories legends are made. Hearing this told from the viewpoint of Alexi is interesting; further it raises the thought in one’s mind, “what other viewpoints are there?” Well written and crafted, Bowman is masterful in his story telling.
His character building is excellent as well. There are some characters you just love to hate! I thought telling the story of Pen was an excellent addition to the story. Demonstrating how easy it is to forget one’s beginnings, peer pressure and bullying.
The narrator, Gerard Doyle did an amazing job at bringing the characters to life with his voice and enthusiasm. His voices were well suited for the tale with just the right amount of excitement, sadness, and wonder strategically placed. His voice over all is calming and light. His accent is wonderful and comes across as natural.
Although this is an old story, Bowman’s freshness and Doyle’s accomplished narration makes it all new and entertaining.
There were no audio issues, everything went smoothly.
Audiobook was provided for review by the publisher.
Alexi’s journey as slave to Odysseus continues on the fateful journey to Ithaca. This audio is based on Homer’s Odyssey; packed with action involving deadly encounters with Circe the sorceress, the Sirens and their deadly song, the cannibals of Laestrygonians and the keeper of the wind. Mistakes are made through bad decisions of which Alexi had no input but faces the consequences even as a piglet!
Removed from Lopex’s (Odysseus) favor through no fault of his own, Alexi must use his wits and knowledge to outsmart others in his company and save them from the curse of the sea god. Alexi is losing friends, but is able to redeem himself in the case of one. Alexi learns to not turn his back on his friends and his actions has consequences for all involved.
The audio was wonderful! A retelling of an old story with a fresh look – told from the view point of a slave. The moment when Alexi realizes Greeks are human too is moving and genuine. His perseverance and questioning of authority is witty and completely today – it is interesting to see how teenagers have not changed from day one until now! Bowman makes Alexi real and easy to build a connection with as with others in the series.
Bowman’s fresh take on Homer’s Odyssey is engaging and fun. I remember studying the Odyssey in high school and later in college – not once did we look at it beyond the view point of Odysseus or as stories legends are made. Hearing this told from the viewpoint of Alexi is interesting; further it raises the thought in one’s mind, “what other viewpoints are there?” Well written and crafted, Bowman is masterful in his story telling.
His character building is excellent as well. There are some characters you just love to hate! I thought telling the story of Pen was an excellent addition to the story. Demonstrating how easy it is to forget one’s beginnings, peer pressure and bullying.
The narrator, Gerard Doyle did an amazing job at bringing the characters to life with his voice and enthusiasm. His voices were well suited for the tale with just the right amount of excitement, sadness, and wonder strategically placed. His voice over all is calming and light. His accent is wonderful and comes across as natural.
Although this is an old story, Bowman’s freshness and Doyle’s accomplished narration makes it all new and entertaining.
There were no audio issues, everything went smoothly.
Audiobook was provided for review by the publisher.
July 30, 2017
This series never fails to impress me!
I'm really not a fan of Odysseus, because in Homer's Odyssey, he came across more as a whimp? than a hero (imo). Whereas this book, you can really see the heroic acts of Odysseus! He's incredibly smart, and quick on his feet. I finally understand why he'd be a leader and considered a hero.
Additionally, I'm almost always on edge during fights and dangerous adventures, because there is always the potential for someone to die.
It's a shame no one really knows about this series!
I'm really not a fan of Odysseus, because in Homer's Odyssey, he came across more as a whimp? than a hero (imo). Whereas this book, you can really see the heroic acts of Odysseus! He's incredibly smart, and quick on his feet. I finally understand why he'd be a leader and considered a hero.
Additionally, I'm almost always on edge during fights and dangerous adventures, because there is always the potential for someone to die.
It's a shame no one really knows about this series!
November 18, 2019
Again...a superb book by a excellent writer! Dont miss reading the second in the series!
May 6, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this continuation of the tale of the slave Alexi and Captain Lopex (Odysseus). Alexi is growing as a character and it’s not all smooth sailing for him. He makes mistakes in this book, big mistakes that cost him and others. Of course his nemesis Urey really wants to end his life and I would have been worried for Alexi except I know there is a Book 3 out there. Still, it looked like Alexi was going to have some nasty scars or be missing a limb a few times.
The mini adventures were amusing and engaging. On the Isle of the Winds we have a ruler who was unaware of the depths of consequences his orders had on his people. And we spent some quality time at Circe’s and I think (though it is only hinted at) Lopex got some special quality time with Circe. ;) My favorite was the adventure into Hades and how Alexi, Lopex, and the others escaped. Though I have to say that the most touching bit of this book was concerning Alexi’s friend Pen, the other slave Alexi’s age on this mad voyage. Alexi learns harshly what it can mean to ignore a friend.
The ending was very satisfying. I really want to tell you why I found it satisfying, but then I would be handing out a major spoiler to the book. So I will simply say that it is worthy. Patrick Bowman has found a way to pump new energy into this ancient tale, opening it up to a new generation. I’m a fan of the ancient tale; I just happen to think this is pretty darn good too.
Narration: One again, Gerard Doyle is a great voice for Alexi. He does young and curious and occasionally impertinent well. He also does a very decent stern Lopex. Circe’s sultry, seductive voice also came through very well, especially when she was talking to the pigs.
The mini adventures were amusing and engaging. On the Isle of the Winds we have a ruler who was unaware of the depths of consequences his orders had on his people. And we spent some quality time at Circe’s and I think (though it is only hinted at) Lopex got some special quality time with Circe. ;) My favorite was the adventure into Hades and how Alexi, Lopex, and the others escaped. Though I have to say that the most touching bit of this book was concerning Alexi’s friend Pen, the other slave Alexi’s age on this mad voyage. Alexi learns harshly what it can mean to ignore a friend.
The ending was very satisfying. I really want to tell you why I found it satisfying, but then I would be handing out a major spoiler to the book. So I will simply say that it is worthy. Patrick Bowman has found a way to pump new energy into this ancient tale, opening it up to a new generation. I’m a fan of the ancient tale; I just happen to think this is pretty darn good too.
Narration: One again, Gerard Doyle is a great voice for Alexi. He does young and curious and occasionally impertinent well. He also does a very decent stern Lopex. Circe’s sultry, seductive voice also came through very well, especially when she was talking to the pigs.
July 21, 2016
Alexi was taken as a slave when the Greeks sacked Troy. Since then he has been travelling with Odysseus and his men. Here, they encounter Aeolus, the cannibalistic Laestrygonians (whom they call the ‘ship breakers’), Circe, Hades, Scylla and Charybdis (unnamed), the sirens, and wind up on the island of Helios, the sun god. Throughout, Alexi must survive his own tale. The Greek sailor and bully Ury is doing his best to kill Alexi in mistaken revenge for the death of Ury’s brother in Troy. Others on the ship help protect Alexi, but Odysseus blows hot and cold, and Alexi never truly understands him. Will Alexi survive this voyage and finally escape?
I mostly enjoyed this, which was a pretty straight take on the Odyssey, with Alexei's tale added in. The violence was too much for me, but apparently doesn't bother the kids who read it. I was interested in the characterization of Odysseus, who could be pretty sneaky and unreliable--interesting interpretation (though where did the author get the name Lopex for him?). Alexei was a sympathetic character and there was lots of action and description, so violence aside, this one was a winner.
I mostly enjoyed this, which was a pretty straight take on the Odyssey, with Alexei's tale added in. The violence was too much for me, but apparently doesn't bother the kids who read it. I was interested in the characterization of Odysseus, who could be pretty sneaky and unreliable--interesting interpretation (though where did the author get the name Lopex for him?). Alexei was a sympathetic character and there was lots of action and description, so violence aside, this one was a winner.
April 22, 2014
This was a really good book, and a great continuation of Torn from Troy. I love how in this book, and it's preceder, have many creatures from Greek myths that confront them like sirens, wraiths of the dead, sorceresses, and more. I would recommend this book to those who like Greek mythology and legend, but be warned, it does have a slightly annoying very pace fast pace.
July 26, 2016
Action packed with mythical characters, Alexi's journey with Achilles (Lopex) continues in the sequel to Torn From Troy. Recommended for avid followers of Greek Mythology and Riordan fans. Some disturbing content: Beheadings, murder, suicide.
February 7, 2015
I love this trilogy. In the library these books never make it to the shelves because people either have reserves or see them on the cart and take them out. They are a great modern re-telling of Homer's wonderful classic. Love it.
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October 15, 2018An easy study in plot.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews