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The Full Disclosure Iliad: From Mythic Origins to Trojan Horse
The Trojan War like you’ve never heard it before—complete, compelling, and finally, fully told.
For over three thousand years, Homer’s Iliad has thrilled and mystified readers. It begins in the middle, ends without warning, and tosses mortals and gods together in glorious chaos. It's brilliant—but it's only one piece of a much bigger story.
In The Full Disclosure Iliad, storyteller and modern bard Jeff Wright fills in the blanks. Drawing from Homer, the lost epics of the Trojan War Cycle, ancient plays, Roman retellings, and modern scholarship, he brings the full epic to life—from the divine spark that started it all to the fall of Troy itself. No missing backstory. No unresolved endings. Just one sweeping, battle-scarred, heartbreak-filled tale that finally makes sense.
Told with humor, heart, and a deep love for myth, this is Homer for the modern age—rich with rage and glory, beauty and grief, and, of course, one very famous wooden horse.
Whether you’re new to the classics or already on a first-name basis with Achilles, The Full Disclosure Iliad invites you to experience the Trojan War as it was meant to be epic, human, and utterly unforgettable.
Jeff Wright is a twenty-first-century Homeric bard, bringing ancient myths roaring back to life on stage and to nearly two million listeners through his award-winning podcasts Trojan The Podcast and The Podcast.
Reviews of Trojan The Podcast
“Whether you're a lifelong Homeric scholar or dipping your toes into epic literature for the first time, Jeff Wright does utter justice and beyond to one of the greatest stories of all time.”
— Sawyer Westbrook, Apple Podcasts
“Jeff’s storytelling is fast-paced, funny, literate and informed.”
— epicenthusiast, Apple Podcasts
“FINALLY someone has made this story accessible to everyone.”
— Shadwell von Bernstein, Apple Podcasts
“An immersive telling of the causes and events of the Trojan War with all the grisly details, human emotion, and a fair bit of humour, too.”
— kieran barrett1993, Apple Podcasts
“I laughed. I cried. I raged. I have been so moved by the story…[Jeff’s] skills as a storyteller are unsurpassed.”
— PsyD123, Apple Podcasts
“A rollicking good time! Witty, accessible, and entertaining.”
— Marvinian, Apple Podcasts
For over three thousand years, Homer’s Iliad has thrilled and mystified readers. It begins in the middle, ends without warning, and tosses mortals and gods together in glorious chaos. It's brilliant—but it's only one piece of a much bigger story.
In The Full Disclosure Iliad, storyteller and modern bard Jeff Wright fills in the blanks. Drawing from Homer, the lost epics of the Trojan War Cycle, ancient plays, Roman retellings, and modern scholarship, he brings the full epic to life—from the divine spark that started it all to the fall of Troy itself. No missing backstory. No unresolved endings. Just one sweeping, battle-scarred, heartbreak-filled tale that finally makes sense.
Told with humor, heart, and a deep love for myth, this is Homer for the modern age—rich with rage and glory, beauty and grief, and, of course, one very famous wooden horse.
Whether you’re new to the classics or already on a first-name basis with Achilles, The Full Disclosure Iliad invites you to experience the Trojan War as it was meant to be epic, human, and utterly unforgettable.
Jeff Wright is a twenty-first-century Homeric bard, bringing ancient myths roaring back to life on stage and to nearly two million listeners through his award-winning podcasts Trojan The Podcast and The Podcast.
Reviews of Trojan The Podcast
“Whether you're a lifelong Homeric scholar or dipping your toes into epic literature for the first time, Jeff Wright does utter justice and beyond to one of the greatest stories of all time.”
— Sawyer Westbrook, Apple Podcasts
“Jeff’s storytelling is fast-paced, funny, literate and informed.”
— epicenthusiast, Apple Podcasts
“FINALLY someone has made this story accessible to everyone.”
— Shadwell von Bernstein, Apple Podcasts
“An immersive telling of the causes and events of the Trojan War with all the grisly details, human emotion, and a fair bit of humour, too.”
— kieran barrett1993, Apple Podcasts
“I laughed. I cried. I raged. I have been so moved by the story…[Jeff’s] skills as a storyteller are unsurpassed.”
— PsyD123, Apple Podcasts
“A rollicking good time! Witty, accessible, and entertaining.”
— Marvinian, Apple Podcasts
- GenresMythology
505 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 28, 2026
I enjoyed The Full Disclosure Iliad by Jeff Wright. Wright takes on the ambitious task of telling the entire story of the Trojan War, expanding beyond the narrow window covered by Homer’s Iliad, by weaving together ancient and Byzantine traditions into a single, highly readable narrative. What makes the book especially effective is the balance between scholarship and storytelling. Wright clearly knows the material deeply, but he never lets the academic side overwhelm the momentum of the story. The characters feel vivid and distinct, and the narrative moves with the energy of an oral tale rather than a dense work of Homeric scholarship.
One of my favorite features was the “disclosure” sections after each chapter, where Wright explains what sources he used, what he changed or omitted, and where he filled in gaps with his own interpretations. It creates a fascinating blend of adaptation, commentary, and retelling that feels both transparent and entertaining. As someone who teaches mythology and classical literature, I found myself constantly thinking about how this book might shape future readings of the Iliad in the classroom. I would absolutely recommend it, especially for readers who love Greek myth but feel intimidated by academic Homeric studies, and I’ll definitely be pointing my mythology students toward both this book and Wright’s podcasts.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the author for an advanced copy of the book.
One of my favorite features was the “disclosure” sections after each chapter, where Wright explains what sources he used, what he changed or omitted, and where he filled in gaps with his own interpretations. It creates a fascinating blend of adaptation, commentary, and retelling that feels both transparent and entertaining. As someone who teaches mythology and classical literature, I found myself constantly thinking about how this book might shape future readings of the Iliad in the classroom. I would absolutely recommend it, especially for readers who love Greek myth but feel intimidated by academic Homeric studies, and I’ll definitely be pointing my mythology students toward both this book and Wright’s podcasts.
Thank you to Netgalley and to the author for an advanced copy of the book.
May 15, 2026
Review of advance copy from NetGalley.
Jeff Wright’s Full Disclosure Iliad expands Homer’s epic into a sweeping retelling of the entire Trojan War, beginning with the events that set it in motion and ending with Troy in ashes. Drawing from a huge range of mythological sources, Wright weaves them together into one brutal, tragic and deeply human story.
What struck me most was how modern the themes still feel. Achilles’ rage, the pursuit of honour and immortal glory, the inevitability of fate, the devastation caused by pride, and the horrific cost of war all feel painfully relevant thousands of years later. Beneath the gods, prophecies and bronze armour are recognisably human people driven by grief, love, ego and revenge.
An easy 5 stars from me. I enjoyed it immensely and have already preordered a hard copy to sit beside Homer and Virgil on my shelf.
Jeff Wright’s Full Disclosure Iliad expands Homer’s epic into a sweeping retelling of the entire Trojan War, beginning with the events that set it in motion and ending with Troy in ashes. Drawing from a huge range of mythological sources, Wright weaves them together into one brutal, tragic and deeply human story.
What struck me most was how modern the themes still feel. Achilles’ rage, the pursuit of honour and immortal glory, the inevitability of fate, the devastation caused by pride, and the horrific cost of war all feel painfully relevant thousands of years later. Beneath the gods, prophecies and bronze armour are recognisably human people driven by grief, love, ego and revenge.
An easy 5 stars from me. I enjoyed it immensely and have already preordered a hard copy to sit beside Homer and Virgil on my shelf.
May 23, 2026
arc from net galley!
this book is perfect for current or potential fans of jeff’s podcasts. i was so excited to get this ARC. of course, i am a huge fan of jeff’s podcasts, and i was so touched when he took the time to respond to my little fan email a few years ago. it was a big deal for me when he announced THE BOOK! jeff’s knack for perfectly balancing countless retellings and a few of his own inventions is nothing new to his podcast listeners.
i was already ready to root for this book, but i have to be honest… the cover is a nightmare. it looks like those scholastic book fair books aimed at mischievous middle school boys that i always stole from my brother’s room.
upon reading, i was expecting something a little more academic, which was my mistake. this is classic jeff: cheeky, sarcastic, and unpretentious. this book has a distinctly oratory style, and would would best read aloud. its humor (sometimes flippancy) carry the story quicker than winged sandals. i tore through it. the down-to-earth narrative style is an endlessly fun way to acquaint oneself with the story of the trojan war.
i’m not sure how i feel about the “jeff’s notes” sections. they provide some really fascinating context (though maybe that’s just me being a nerd), but i wish they were built into the narrative sections, which are already charmingly heavy-handed (?) with bias.
there are a few grammatical mistakes and clunky sentences. also, it seems thetis referenced a prophecy to her husband that he couldn’t have known about…? and the book explains “ichor” twice within ten pages. furthermore, if i have to read the word “meantime” ONE MORE TIME, i will blow up. it’s in there like FIFTEEN times. i counted. but as this is just an ARC, there is time for edits.
overall, this book is an absolutely fantastic way to introduce one’s self to the iliad. you can become an expert quickly without even having read the poem yet— though everyone ought to read it still.
just like when i finished the podcasts, i am so sad to be finished with this story again. until next time.
this book is perfect for current or potential fans of jeff’s podcasts. i was so excited to get this ARC. of course, i am a huge fan of jeff’s podcasts, and i was so touched when he took the time to respond to my little fan email a few years ago. it was a big deal for me when he announced THE BOOK! jeff’s knack for perfectly balancing countless retellings and a few of his own inventions is nothing new to his podcast listeners.
i was already ready to root for this book, but i have to be honest… the cover is a nightmare. it looks like those scholastic book fair books aimed at mischievous middle school boys that i always stole from my brother’s room.
upon reading, i was expecting something a little more academic, which was my mistake. this is classic jeff: cheeky, sarcastic, and unpretentious. this book has a distinctly oratory style, and would would best read aloud. its humor (sometimes flippancy) carry the story quicker than winged sandals. i tore through it. the down-to-earth narrative style is an endlessly fun way to acquaint oneself with the story of the trojan war.
i’m not sure how i feel about the “jeff’s notes” sections. they provide some really fascinating context (though maybe that’s just me being a nerd), but i wish they were built into the narrative sections, which are already charmingly heavy-handed (?) with bias.
there are a few grammatical mistakes and clunky sentences. also, it seems thetis referenced a prophecy to her husband that he couldn’t have known about…? and the book explains “ichor” twice within ten pages. furthermore, if i have to read the word “meantime” ONE MORE TIME, i will blow up. it’s in there like FIFTEEN times. i counted. but as this is just an ARC, there is time for edits.
overall, this book is an absolutely fantastic way to introduce one’s self to the iliad. you can become an expert quickly without even having read the poem yet— though everyone ought to read it still.
just like when i finished the podcasts, i am so sad to be finished with this story again. until next time.
May 29, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I teach Ancient History and have always been fascinated by the Trojan War, so I loved seeing these characters and events brought to life in such a vivid, human way. The relationships, emotions, and even the humour made the story feel real rather than distant mythology. It was clearly well researched without ever feeling heavy or difficult to follow. A great read for both longtime fans of Greek myth and people discovering the story for the first time!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Iliad by Homer starts in utter chaos and ends without a proper conclusion, giving no clear reason why the great Trojan War started or how it ended.
The Full Disclosure Iliad by Jeff Wright is a masterpiece, told from the very beginning to the end, unlike Homer’s Iliad
The author has been living with this story for 25 years, and the effort and heart put into this book are clearly apparent. Jeff Wright’s writing is wonderful, and at the start, I wondered if I was reading one of Rick Riordan’s novels. The writing carries a similar lightness, humour, and the pull to draw in any reader. Despite the grim nature of the plot, I found myself laughing at the humour the author includes throughout the book.
But the greatest aspect of the book is not the writing or the story, but rather the author's perspective. After each chapter, there are Jeff's Notes on Chapter XX, which include present-day facts, commentary on characters and the plot, and the reason behind choosing a particular story among the many variations. I have to admit, at one point, I was reading just to see what the author had to say after each chapter.
The author explains things I didn't know about - xenia, aristeia, modern-day Troy, early Sparta, etc. I also loved the various ways the author interpreted certain parts of the story, such as Helen being described as "Pawn of Gods and Men", and the Trojan Horse could be an earthquake (🤯). The author also reimagines certain parts, such as Penelope's aid in fooling Palademes, the secret pathway being the sewage system, and many more, as the original story had contradictory tales and loopholes. The author also presents different stories surrounding an event, such as the various accounts of Achilles' death or Oenone's. The author openly called on the stupid parts of the story, such as the portrayals of Oenone's death. He also points out the actual reality, like Briseis being nothing more than property in Achilles eyes, the Bronze Age's definition of "Hero", the measurement of "honour" for each hero, and the reality of war crimes such as sexual violence.
I can keep going on, but in short, the author draws out every part of the story, dissects, rebuilds it, and hides nothing from the reader.
I am crazy about mythology, especially Greek mythology. I remember one huge book on the Iliad with pretty illustrations from the local library, which I had read twice and underlined throughout (which was definitely not allowed) before returning it. Of course, I was angry about many things - the portrayal of women, the gods' actions, the pointlessness of everything.
Yes, the two times I read that book from the library, I was fuming inside, and I was extremely comforted to find the author was equally frustrated.
Some books are meant to be reread multiple times, and to me, this is one of them. I really do hope the author goes on to write The Full Disclosure Odyssey and The Full Disclosure Aeneid.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for giving me the chance to read this exceptional book.
The Full Disclosure Iliad by Jeff Wright is a masterpiece, told from the very beginning to the end, unlike Homer’s Iliad
The author has been living with this story for 25 years, and the effort and heart put into this book are clearly apparent. Jeff Wright’s writing is wonderful, and at the start, I wondered if I was reading one of Rick Riordan’s novels. The writing carries a similar lightness, humour, and the pull to draw in any reader. Despite the grim nature of the plot, I found myself laughing at the humour the author includes throughout the book.
But the greatest aspect of the book is not the writing or the story, but rather the author's perspective. After each chapter, there are Jeff's Notes on Chapter XX, which include present-day facts, commentary on characters and the plot, and the reason behind choosing a particular story among the many variations. I have to admit, at one point, I was reading just to see what the author had to say after each chapter.
The author explains things I didn't know about - xenia, aristeia, modern-day Troy, early Sparta, etc. I also loved the various ways the author interpreted certain parts of the story, such as Helen being described as "Pawn of Gods and Men", and the Trojan Horse could be an earthquake (🤯). The author also reimagines certain parts, such as Penelope's aid in fooling Palademes, the secret pathway being the sewage system, and many more, as the original story had contradictory tales and loopholes. The author also presents different stories surrounding an event, such as the various accounts of Achilles' death or Oenone's. The author openly called on the stupid parts of the story, such as the portrayals of Oenone's death. He also points out the actual reality, like Briseis being nothing more than property in Achilles eyes, the Bronze Age's definition of "Hero", the measurement of "honour" for each hero, and the reality of war crimes such as sexual violence.
I can keep going on, but in short, the author draws out every part of the story, dissects, rebuilds it, and hides nothing from the reader.
I am crazy about mythology, especially Greek mythology. I remember one huge book on the Iliad with pretty illustrations from the local library, which I had read twice and underlined throughout (which was definitely not allowed) before returning it. Of course, I was angry about many things - the portrayal of women, the gods' actions, the pointlessness of everything.
Yes, the two times I read that book from the library, I was fuming inside, and I was extremely comforted to find the author was equally frustrated.
Some books are meant to be reread multiple times, and to me, this is one of them. I really do hope the author goes on to write The Full Disclosure Odyssey and The Full Disclosure Aeneid.
Thank you to the publisher and the author for giving me the chance to read this exceptional book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Some works of literature are so perfectly constructed that any attempt to reimagine or modernize them feels less like an homage and more like an intrusion. For me, this adaptation falls squarely into that category.
The Iliad is one of the great masterpieces of human storytelling — a work that has endured for nearly three millennia precisely because of its power, complexity, and grandeur. This version strips much of that away. Rather than making Homer more accessible, it left me feeling that the source material had been flattened and oversimplified, trading the epic's rich texture for something far less worthy of it.
There is a fine line between making a classic approachable and diminishing it in the process. Unfortunately, this crosses that line. The treatment it applies simply isn't one the Iliad needed — or deserved.
For readers new to Homer, I'd encourage you to seek out one of the acclaimed modern translations — Emily Wilson's or Caroline Alexander's come to mind — which manage to make the epic both accessible and electrifying without sacrificing its soul.
A well-intentioned effort, perhaps, but one that left this reader longing for the original.
The Iliad is one of the great masterpieces of human storytelling — a work that has endured for nearly three millennia precisely because of its power, complexity, and grandeur. This version strips much of that away. Rather than making Homer more accessible, it left me feeling that the source material had been flattened and oversimplified, trading the epic's rich texture for something far less worthy of it.
There is a fine line between making a classic approachable and diminishing it in the process. Unfortunately, this crosses that line. The treatment it applies simply isn't one the Iliad needed — or deserved.
For readers new to Homer, I'd encourage you to seek out one of the acclaimed modern translations — Emily Wilson's or Caroline Alexander's come to mind — which manage to make the epic both accessible and electrifying without sacrificing its soul.
A well-intentioned effort, perhaps, but one that left this reader longing for the original.
May 27, 2026
Review of advanced copy from Net Galley
As someone who has listened to Jeffs podcast more than once through I was thrilled when he announced the book. The cover is not to my taste and looks to me to be aimed at tweens rather than adults. That being said this is the perfect introduction to the Trojan war. It's easy to read and makes what can seem completely overwhelming in the form of Homers Iliad translations perfectly accessible for beginners. I enjoyed Jeff's Notes at the end of the chapters but did start skipping over after the first few. As a Classics student I did lose interest about 60% of the way through and had to push on but I think this was probably down to expecting something just slightly more academic. I do think this would be an awesome book for a teenage developing classicist, someone dipping their toes into ancient history or an academic who just wants a fun read on their summer holiday.
As someone who has listened to Jeffs podcast more than once through I was thrilled when he announced the book. The cover is not to my taste and looks to me to be aimed at tweens rather than adults. That being said this is the perfect introduction to the Trojan war. It's easy to read and makes what can seem completely overwhelming in the form of Homers Iliad translations perfectly accessible for beginners. I enjoyed Jeff's Notes at the end of the chapters but did start skipping over after the first few. As a Classics student I did lose interest about 60% of the way through and had to push on but I think this was probably down to expecting something just slightly more academic. I do think this would be an awesome book for a teenage developing classicist, someone dipping their toes into ancient history or an academic who just wants a fun read on their summer holiday.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I knew very little about the The Iliad before reading The Full Disclosure Iliad, but I think it was the perfect deep dive into mythology for me. Before this book, I only had a basic understanding of Greek mythology and some of the major characters, so I was nervous that the Iliad would feel confusing or overwhelming. However, this retelling made the story much easier to follow while still keeping it interesting and meaningful.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the way it connected different myths, characters, and events that I had heard about before but never fully understood. It helped me see how so many stories and figures in Greek mythology relate to each other, which made the reading experience much more engaging. I also appreciated how the author explained the motivations and conflicts between the characters, because it made them feel more human and relatable rather than just legendary figures from an ancient story.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, whether they are already familiar with the Iliad or completely new to it like I was. It works well as both an introduction to Greek mythology and a deeper exploration of one of its most famous stories. After finishing it, I feel like I have a much stronger understanding of the Iliad and a greater appreciation for mythology as a whole.
It was also so interesting to know the different adaptations of the same story!!! The Jeff’s notes were priceless
One of my favorite parts of the book was the way it connected different myths, characters, and events that I had heard about before but never fully understood. It helped me see how so many stories and figures in Greek mythology relate to each other, which made the reading experience much more engaging. I also appreciated how the author explained the motivations and conflicts between the characters, because it made them feel more human and relatable rather than just legendary figures from an ancient story.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone, whether they are already familiar with the Iliad or completely new to it like I was. It works well as both an introduction to Greek mythology and a deeper exploration of one of its most famous stories. After finishing it, I feel like I have a much stronger understanding of the Iliad and a greater appreciation for mythology as a whole.
It was also so interesting to know the different adaptations of the same story!!! The Jeff’s notes were priceless
June 1, 2026
Amazing Epic with Well Told "Fill-Ins"
Of course, I have read the original Iliad by Homer (allegedly) and know that it begins with the feud between Achilles and Agamemnon and ends with the funeral of Hector. However, it is great to have the entire saga tied together in a coherent manner. Also, the notes after each chapter were quite enjoyable.
Of course, I have read the original Iliad by Homer (allegedly) and know that it begins with the feud between Achilles and Agamemnon and ends with the funeral of Hector. However, it is great to have the entire saga tied together in a coherent manner. Also, the notes after each chapter were quite enjoyable.
June 24, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance readers copy!
As someone rather familiar with the Iliad, there wasn't too much in the way of "new" information to me as far as the story itself goes, but I really appreciated the additional historical context. It certainly added depth.
While initially I found the informal tone a touch jarring, I ended up quite enjoying it, and I can see how the moder tone and language would be an easier access point for people. You can tell the author has put a lot of time and energy and passion into this project. I'd not hear of Jeff Wright before, but now I'm going to have to go check out his podcast.
#netgalley #arc #jeffwright
As someone rather familiar with the Iliad, there wasn't too much in the way of "new" information to me as far as the story itself goes, but I really appreciated the additional historical context. It certainly added depth.
While initially I found the informal tone a touch jarring, I ended up quite enjoying it, and I can see how the moder tone and language would be an easier access point for people. You can tell the author has put a lot of time and energy and passion into this project. I'd not hear of Jeff Wright before, but now I'm going to have to go check out his podcast.
#netgalley #arc #jeffwright
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews