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Heracles Trilogy #1
Son of Zeus
The epic story, the greatest hero of them all
Heracles, renowned for his strength and spirit, has done something terrible. His gilded life lies in ruins. Seeking the Oracle he is given a new mission: pay penance by becoming the slave of his sworn enemy.
Twelve impossible labours await him. To restore his reputation, he must face monsters and mythical beasts that will test him to his limits and beyond. For he has become a a pawn of Gods: of Zeus's pride and, above all, Hera's jealousy...
Can he fight back? Or even survive?
The astonishing new series from bestseller Glyn Iliffe takes us on an unforgettable journey of monsters, myth and man.
Heracles, renowned for his strength and spirit, has done something terrible. His gilded life lies in ruins. Seeking the Oracle he is given a new mission: pay penance by becoming the slave of his sworn enemy.
Twelve impossible labours await him. To restore his reputation, he must face monsters and mythical beasts that will test him to his limits and beyond. For he has become a a pawn of Gods: of Zeus's pride and, above all, Hera's jealousy...
Can he fight back? Or even survive?
The astonishing new series from bestseller Glyn Iliffe takes us on an unforgettable journey of monsters, myth and man.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2018
66 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Glyn Iliffe
14 books96 followersGlyn Iliffe studied English and Classics at university where he developed a passion for the ancient stories of Greek history and mythology. Well-travelled, Glyn has visited nearly 40 countries, trekked in the Himalayas, spent six weeks hitchhiking across North America, and had his collar bone broken by a bull in Pampolna.
He is married with two daughters and lives in Market Harborough.
He is married with two daughters and lives in Market Harborough.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 6, 2023
I think the audio file I listened to was cuckoo for cocoa Puffs because the middle of this book was somehow utterly incomprehensible to me and I don't see why it should have been; I think some chapters were out of order. And then seemingly 25% of the book is a single fight with a lion. And then just when the ending of the book is good, the audiobook just....finishes....and the book isn't over. It was the middle of the final fight!! So weird.
Anyway the book was fine
Anyway the book was fine
January 19, 2021
It was ok, an interesting humanization of an oversized legend. The second and third labors have been flipped in the name of dramatic license and there are other embellishments to the legend, but it all fits together neatly. An easy enough read, but I struggled to really connect with the characters.
That said, it served its purpose as research for a game I'm setting up for my kids.
That said, it served its purpose as research for a game I'm setting up for my kids.
April 11, 2018
A wonderful retelling of the trials of Heracles. This book is the 1st in a trilogy and starts just after Heracles killed his children in a crazy frenzy. It features 3 of the 12 labors that Heracles must accomplish to understand why he committed such a heinous act and to atone for his crime. Son of Zeus is a well-researched and entertaining book that fans of Greek and Roman mythology will enjoy.
August 6, 2018
Heracles, the natal result of a Zeusian dalliance, is the subject of Mr. Iliffe's new series. Son of Zeus is a wonderful telling of the first part of the Heracles myth; the enmity and hatred of Hera toward him is the focal point as Heracles struggles mightily not only with the first three challenging labors but with his own peace of mind as he tries to understand why he murdered his children. Heracles, while known for his strength, is shown to be a man totally driven to find the redemption he is promised, and it is this aspect that drives the narrative. The three labors in this tale are marvelously written; the rank bestiality and cunning of the Nemean Lion; the absolute innocence of a young girl in the Ceryneian Hind; the seeming unstoppable Hydra, take the reader into the heart of the action and drama. While Heracles is up against impossible tasks, his wife Megara is also trying to come to grips with the horror she had gone through. This story line, her search for the answer as to why he did what he did, is crafted in a heart rending fashion, and is another example of the authors skill in presenting believable characters. I am certainly looking forward to book 2, the author ends book 1 with a lovely nugget for us to chew on.
4 stars
4 stars
July 10, 2018
I recently finished Son of Zeus, by Glynn Iliffe. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The book's planned publishing date is April 16, 2018.
This book is about the Son of Zeus, Heracles (or Hercules if you go with the Roman version). This tells about Heracles after he murdered his children because of a fit of madness created by Hera, Zeus's husband who hates Heracles because Zeus cheated on her by sleeping with another lady. Heracles is, of course, grief-stricken because of the terrible act he committed. To rid himself of his grief, he goes to the Oracle who tells him he must work as the king's slave (which he should have been if Hera had not interfered) and complete ten tasks, or labors. The story follows Heracles as he goes through his first few labors.
I loved this book. And I don't think it was just because I find mythology awesome and fascinating. I think one of the reasons I liked this book so much, was because it seemed real. Not realistic per say, but more... I'm not sure what word I'm looking for. What I mean by this is when you hear the myths and all, it doesn't give too much detail to what else is going on, or convey the characters thoughts and feeling. That would probably be the reason why I really liked this, that you got a lot more detail. I definitely recommend this book, especially to anyone who finds greek myths or other legends/myths, but really to anyone who likes a good story.
This book is about the Son of Zeus, Heracles (or Hercules if you go with the Roman version). This tells about Heracles after he murdered his children because of a fit of madness created by Hera, Zeus's husband who hates Heracles because Zeus cheated on her by sleeping with another lady. Heracles is, of course, grief-stricken because of the terrible act he committed. To rid himself of his grief, he goes to the Oracle who tells him he must work as the king's slave (which he should have been if Hera had not interfered) and complete ten tasks, or labors. The story follows Heracles as he goes through his first few labors.
I loved this book. And I don't think it was just because I find mythology awesome and fascinating. I think one of the reasons I liked this book so much, was because it seemed real. Not realistic per say, but more... I'm not sure what word I'm looking for. What I mean by this is when you hear the myths and all, it doesn't give too much detail to what else is going on, or convey the characters thoughts and feeling. That would probably be the reason why I really liked this, that you got a lot more detail. I definitely recommend this book, especially to anyone who finds greek myths or other legends/myths, but really to anyone who likes a good story.
September 18, 2018
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Heracles’ twelve labours are among the most well-known of Greek myths, but this book still managed to create something new and interesting for readers. The best parts of this book were undoubtedly its action sequences. Every one was well-written, engaging and exciting; by far the strongest aspects of the book. That said, Heracles’ reflections upon the actions that led him to servitude are also thoughtful and nuanced, giving depth to a character who very easily could have been reduced to simple brute strength with a splash of remorse. Son of Zeus offers a reflective Heracles, powerful and brave but also riddled with guilt and trapped in the cycle so often experienced by Greek heroes: rise and ruination.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Heracles’ twelve labours are among the most well-known of Greek myths, but this book still managed to create something new and interesting for readers. The best parts of this book were undoubtedly its action sequences. Every one was well-written, engaging and exciting; by far the strongest aspects of the book. That said, Heracles’ reflections upon the actions that led him to servitude are also thoughtful and nuanced, giving depth to a character who very easily could have been reduced to simple brute strength with a splash of remorse. Son of Zeus offers a reflective Heracles, powerful and brave but also riddled with guilt and trapped in the cycle so often experienced by Greek heroes: rise and ruination.
April 20, 2023
I found this book because I was looking for more books narrated by Joe Jameson. I love Greek mythology so I knew I needed to read this, even though I hadn't seen it mentioned before yet.
This is the first book in a retelling of the Heracles mythology and more specifically the ten labours he has to do. To be honest, as much as I love Greek myths, I know little about Heracles really. So I can't really judge if the retelling is accurate. But I did really like the writing style and the personal background of Heracles (not as the legend he is made out to be). It was great to read about. We also see other POVs, but the main one is Heracles'. I actually felt sorry for him at times and can't wait to see what exactly made him do the things he did.
I'll definitely be continuing with the series soon. I'm glad I'm doing a mix of this, listening to the brilliant narration and the e-book.
This is the first book in a retelling of the Heracles mythology and more specifically the ten labours he has to do. To be honest, as much as I love Greek myths, I know little about Heracles really. So I can't really judge if the retelling is accurate. But I did really like the writing style and the personal background of Heracles (not as the legend he is made out to be). It was great to read about. We also see other POVs, but the main one is Heracles'. I actually felt sorry for him at times and can't wait to see what exactly made him do the things he did.
I'll definitely be continuing with the series soon. I'm glad I'm doing a mix of this, listening to the brilliant narration and the e-book.
August 3, 2020
He leído bastantes novelas que recrean leyendas y mitos griegos, pero nunca una de Heracles. Y es que, mientras que hay decenas de novelas sobre la Guerra de Troya, Odiseo o Aquiles, parece que ningún autor se decidía a contar la historia del hijo de Zeus. Por eso, en cuanto vi este libro, me llamó la atención.
La novela no ha sido una decepción, pero tampoco un descubrimiento. Omite gran parte de los orígenes de Heracles, lo cual es una pena, y se centra en sus tres primeros trabajos. La trama es ágil, pero los personajes son algo planos y no parecen evolucionar nada. Es una lectura ligera para pasar un par de tardes, y si eres fan de la mitología griega la recomiendo. Si no, hay libros mucho más interesantes.
La novela no ha sido una decepción, pero tampoco un descubrimiento. Omite gran parte de los orígenes de Heracles, lo cual es una pena, y se centra en sus tres primeros trabajos. La trama es ágil, pero los personajes son algo planos y no parecen evolucionar nada. Es una lectura ligera para pasar un par de tardes, y si eres fan de la mitología griega la recomiendo. Si no, hay libros mucho más interesantes.
January 13, 2023
Listened to it in audiobook form on Spotify. Don't expect complet 100% one to one original source mythology ... it is still fiction. But the fiction was definitely brought to life in here. I felt like I was experiencing the same horrors and adventures as Hercules.
The book might get a bit tired some if you read in one sitting, but as an audiobook, whenever I travelled, was the perfect way for me.
The book might get a bit tired some if you read in one sitting, but as an audiobook, whenever I travelled, was the perfect way for me.
August 19, 2018
This is the story of Heracles, one of many illegitimate children of Zeus. It is the journey of Heracles and the 12 labors he must face.
I loved reading this story. As I read it,I felt as if I were there, watching everything with my own eyes. My heart cried for him and for everything he went through. I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
I loved reading this story. As I read it,I felt as if I were there, watching everything with my own eyes. My heart cried for him and for everything he went through. I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
July 3, 2019
Glyn Iliffe's retelling of Heracles’ story added a freshness, vivid colour and characterisation to the much beloved Greek myths I grew up with. It was exciting, wondrous and full of action. I simply couldn't "turn the pages" fast enough, deserving every single one of my five stars.
It was amazing
It was amazing
September 16, 2018
Loved it!!
Heracles has been a favourite of mine since childhood so this was very refreshiing and enjoyable I will follow the author to see further new twists on these classics that helped shape my life.
Heracles has been a favourite of mine since childhood so this was very refreshiing and enjoyable I will follow the author to see further new twists on these classics that helped shape my life.
December 23, 2018
Great arête.long of a Classic
Glyn Iliffe is a wonderful story teller. I love Greek Myths and Glyn's style is evocative and easy to read. I brought the next book in the Hercules series before I was half way through. Read all the Odysseus novels and they are just as great.
Glyn Iliffe is a wonderful story teller. I love Greek Myths and Glyn's style is evocative and easy to read. I brought the next book in the Hercules series before I was half way through. Read all the Odysseus novels and they are just as great.
November 9, 2018
Son of Zeus is fantastic. I really enjoyed this thrilling story. Looking forward to the next chapter of the Hercules trilogy.
December 10, 2018
Great read
Engrossing and captivating, all the requisites of a great story that's hard to put down, a real page Turner.
Hope theres more.
Engrossing and captivating, all the requisites of a great story that's hard to put down, a real page Turner.
Hope theres more.
December 20, 2018
Loved this one - https://www.alwroteabook.com/2018/12/...
April 30, 2019
Great story!
I didn't know what to expect while reading this book. I'm a fan of Greek gods and Hercules is one of my favorite bastard of the king of gods. Let the stories begin!
I didn't know what to expect while reading this book. I'm a fan of Greek gods and Hercules is one of my favorite bastard of the king of gods. Let the stories begin!
January 27, 2020
The story is really well constructed, and goes along at a fast pace. You not only see Heracles strengths but also his vunerabilities, a good start to the triology
March 5, 2021
Pretty good so far. It is a trilogy and does stop mid way. This one only goes into 3 of the 10 trials Hercules goes through. I will continue to read the others as it was enjoyable.
May 31, 2021
An excellent read from the modern day homer
October 30, 2021
Simply amazing. Crazy action. A wonderful perspective on one of the greatest heroes.
March 30, 2022
Hercules made mortal
Loved how the author played on Hercules grief and the burden he faced and the battle for his soul and his legacy
Loved how the author played on Hercules grief and the burden he faced and the battle for his soul and his legacy
August 27, 2018
Heracles(Hercules)is the son of Almecedes and Zeus (who slept with her while pretending to be her husband Amphitryon). As a birthday present Zeus gives his son immeasurable physical strenght(he lets Hera nurse him without her knowledge so he acquired this supernatural power of the goddess herself). Well,Zeus's good lady wife,the goddess Hera,is not best pleased with this dalliance and even less with the outcome. So Hera, who's middle name is revenge,works out a plan to get rid of this abomination. Meanwhile,Heracles has sowed some of his wild oats and is settled with his loving wife Megara and and their 3 children in Thebes when disaster strikes,in a fit of madness, he kills his 3 sons. After wandering for a while he asks the oracle of Delphi for advice. She tells him in no uncertain terms that if he wants to find out the truth about that night of madness and wants to find some redemption, he has to perform certain labours. For this reason he becomes a slave to his cousin who is king of Tiryns(also thanks to the lovely Hera ). Of course Hera does not want Heracles to find out the truth nor find any atonement so she has her hand in the choice of these famous labours.This is historical fiction based on Greek mythology but it reads as a fantasy story(the lion of Nemea,a white hind with golden antlers and a seven headed snake)albeit with a sad and bitter undertone. One can not help but feel sorry for this giant who's life is manipulated by the whims of the gods. This is the first part of the trilogy (3 labours done,9 more to go)but it is not the classic retelling of the myth,Heracles and the other characters are so much more than individual parts of this myth. Yes,I think I will probably follow Heracles his further adventures...
July 4, 2018
One of my favourite Greek adventure stories!
The story of Heracles was being told to Odysseus, one of the victors at Troy. Heracles was the most famous hero in all the Greek city-states. He was the son of the King of Olympus, Zeus, and the mortal woman, Alcmene, who made Hera (Zeus’s wife) jealous. Heracles was also the twin brother of Iphicles who became an advisor to King Eurystheus.
Hera was horrified because Zeus blessed Heracles more than Hera’s own children. She was full of hatred and sent two snakes to kill Heracles who caught and killed them with his bare hands before he was one year old! Iphicles became jealous of Heracles because their mother loved Heracles more than him.
Heracles had to become King Eurystheus’s slave because the gods told him so. Heracles killed his own sons. The king gave him ten most difficult labours.
Glyn (the author) explains that his novel is a bit different from the ancient Greek text about Heracles to spice up the adventures for the readers. I want to read Glyn’s next novel about Heracles’s remaining labours. I love this book!
Caesar 13
Breakaway Reviewer received a copy of the book to review
The story of Heracles was being told to Odysseus, one of the victors at Troy. Heracles was the most famous hero in all the Greek city-states. He was the son of the King of Olympus, Zeus, and the mortal woman, Alcmene, who made Hera (Zeus’s wife) jealous. Heracles was also the twin brother of Iphicles who became an advisor to King Eurystheus.
Hera was horrified because Zeus blessed Heracles more than Hera’s own children. She was full of hatred and sent two snakes to kill Heracles who caught and killed them with his bare hands before he was one year old! Iphicles became jealous of Heracles because their mother loved Heracles more than him.
Heracles had to become King Eurystheus’s slave because the gods told him so. Heracles killed his own sons. The king gave him ten most difficult labours.
Glyn (the author) explains that his novel is a bit different from the ancient Greek text about Heracles to spice up the adventures for the readers. I want to read Glyn’s next novel about Heracles’s remaining labours. I love this book!
Caesar 13
Breakaway Reviewer received a copy of the book to review
July 14, 2019
A good retelling, with purposeful changes.
I enjoyed it and especially appreciated the author's end note for clarity. Appropriate for PG-13, I think. I look forward to the second book
I enjoyed it and especially appreciated the author's end note for clarity. Appropriate for PG-13, I think. I look forward to the second book
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews