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Bellerophon: Son of Poseidon
A single mistake can change a life forever.
Lero once had everything a man could want. The son of Poseidon, he was a gift from the gods to the queen of Corinth. But in one moment of foolish pride he lost everything—his family, his home, and the city he’d grown up expecting to rule.
Banished, Lero flees to Ethra, his betrothed, but the plans they’d made for a life together lay in ruins. With the coffers of Corinth no longer at his disposal, Lero now needs enough wealth to provide a home—and to hire warriors to defend it. His only option is to use his skills in the bloody art of war, selling his sword for the hope of a future.
King Proteus of Tiryns offers Lero that chance, but it doesn’t come free. Proteus maintains power with fear, and the intrigue in his court soon has Lero firmly in his grasp. Lero spends his days killing men he doesn’t hate for a king he can’t respect. And if he doesn’t find a way to escape soon, it’s likely the next life Proteus claims will be Lero’s own.
But trying to fight his way free may cost Lero everything he’s been fighting for…
Lero once had everything a man could want. The son of Poseidon, he was a gift from the gods to the queen of Corinth. But in one moment of foolish pride he lost everything—his family, his home, and the city he’d grown up expecting to rule.
Banished, Lero flees to Ethra, his betrothed, but the plans they’d made for a life together lay in ruins. With the coffers of Corinth no longer at his disposal, Lero now needs enough wealth to provide a home—and to hire warriors to defend it. His only option is to use his skills in the bloody art of war, selling his sword for the hope of a future.
King Proteus of Tiryns offers Lero that chance, but it doesn’t come free. Proteus maintains power with fear, and the intrigue in his court soon has Lero firmly in his grasp. Lero spends his days killing men he doesn’t hate for a king he can’t respect. And if he doesn’t find a way to escape soon, it’s likely the next life Proteus claims will be Lero’s own.
But trying to fight his way free may cost Lero everything he’s been fighting for…
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2019
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Cathleen Townsend
11 books65 followersCathleen Townsend trained as a social scientist, and at various times has been a teacher, a waitress, a donut baker, and a construction worker. She's survived parenting, scuba-diving with a Mako shark, and a plane crash.
Her stories, both whimsical and serious, are drawn from the rich sources of folklore and history to inspire the belief that a single person can make a difference in the world, even if that world contains a dragon or two.
Cathleen lives in California’s beautiful gold country, and in her mind, dwarves and pixies also lurk in the oak- and pine-covered hills. She enjoys chatting with readers on her blog at cathleentownsend.com.
Her stories, both whimsical and serious, are drawn from the rich sources of folklore and history to inspire the belief that a single person can make a difference in the world, even if that world contains a dragon or two.
Cathleen lives in California’s beautiful gold country, and in her mind, dwarves and pixies also lurk in the oak- and pine-covered hills. She enjoys chatting with readers on her blog at cathleentownsend.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 2, 2019
My rating 4.5
The book "Bellerophon: Son of Poseidon" by Cathleen Townsend is a very well written book, we can tell fairy tale set in an old Greece. In the book, the memory of the Greek gods, monsters, and as the main character Bellerophon who is the son of Poseidon. I must admit that as a child I devoured stories from Greek mythology, and this my book so reminiscent of the myths that I loved to read. The book brought me back to childhood with his story and really liked it. The writer is a solid evoke the world of ancient Greece in which they talked legends like this story. The story is like all legends; this story is interwoven with a love story and heroism of the main character Lero. During exercises with swords, because of his youthful pride accidentally kills his brother and was expelled from his father in the world. Lero goes to the king Proteus rulers of city Tiryns and puts it in his service as a mercenary. He will have to prove his courage in the many wars that King Proteus leads with his rivals. But his way of redemption will be painful, full of unexpected upheaval because he will be found in the powerful intrigues of Greek gods. I would recommend the book to lovers of Greek mythology and fairy tales.
The book "Bellerophon: Son of Poseidon" by Cathleen Townsend is a very well written book, we can tell fairy tale set in an old Greece. In the book, the memory of the Greek gods, monsters, and as the main character Bellerophon who is the son of Poseidon. I must admit that as a child I devoured stories from Greek mythology, and this my book so reminiscent of the myths that I loved to read. The book brought me back to childhood with his story and really liked it. The writer is a solid evoke the world of ancient Greece in which they talked legends like this story. The story is like all legends; this story is interwoven with a love story and heroism of the main character Lero. During exercises with swords, because of his youthful pride accidentally kills his brother and was expelled from his father in the world. Lero goes to the king Proteus rulers of city Tiryns and puts it in his service as a mercenary. He will have to prove his courage in the many wars that King Proteus leads with his rivals. But his way of redemption will be painful, full of unexpected upheaval because he will be found in the powerful intrigues of Greek gods. I would recommend the book to lovers of Greek mythology and fairy tales.
April 30, 2019
In Cathleen Townsend's Bellerophon: Son of Poseidon (2019), Prince Bellerophon--affectionately called Lero--is a gift from the gods to an earthly couple. He is half man and half god but raised human with no knowledge of his background. After an unfortunate mistake, he is exiled from Corinth, the city he would have ruled at his father's death, and forced to make a living by selling his fighting skills to another king. He leaves behind his betrothed who gallantly agrees to wait for him until he can provide enough money to satisfy the required wedding purse. Because he is a talented warrior, he quickly finds a position which works well until politics and jealousy interferes and he is forced to move on. Gathering the money to marry while staying true to himself turns out to be a daunting task, even with the assistance of the gods. This is a fun story with plenty of twists and unexpected turns.
At its core, it is "Boy loves girl and will do what he must to win her" but in its fullness, it is so much more. I recommend this to those who love to see the gods at play in the human world.
At its core, it is "Boy loves girl and will do what he must to win her" but in its fullness, it is so much more. I recommend this to those who love to see the gods at play in the human world.
March 22, 2019
This is the story of Lero (Bellerophon), a demigod ignorant of his heritage. He faces numerous no-win scenarios, fight valiantly, and discovers the truth behind his family after an arduous journey. What’s truly enjoyable about the book is how human Lero remains throughout the narrative; the writing is not stiff, it’s quite believable and human. The prose is also sharp. Just serious enough to match the material, but thoroughly entertaining throughout.
It’s one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in a while. Definitely recommended.
It’s one of the most enjoyable books I’ve read in a while. Definitely recommended.
May 17, 2019
Cathleen Townsend delivers, once again, a well-told tale.
Drawing on mythology often backfires for writers, in my opinion, but this book shows a clear intent to stay true to the legends of the gods while expanding on characters that may have only been briefly touched upon in the standard stories.
Poseidon and Medusa had a brief and ill-fated affair, which led to the birth of Bellerophon and his brother, Pegasus. Bellerophon is given to a king and queen to be raised, and things progress well until an accident leads to him being expelled from the kingdom.
Trying desperately to hand on to the love of his life and marry her in spite of his banishment, Bellerophon offers his service to another kingdom, led by a king of questionable ethics, and soon finds himself in wars that he would never have sought to be part of.
Well written battle scenes follow, and friendships develop over time between the Prince and his fellow soldiers.
Naturally, gods and goddesses work behind the scenes to hinder or aid Bellerophon's progress in building his fortunes and trying to win the hand of his love, which means nothing worth having is ever going to come easily for Poseidon's progeny.
I refuse to spoil things by going into further details. I would encourage anyone who has a love of mythology, battle stories and romance to read this book ASAP. Very enjoyable!
Drawing on mythology often backfires for writers, in my opinion, but this book shows a clear intent to stay true to the legends of the gods while expanding on characters that may have only been briefly touched upon in the standard stories.
Poseidon and Medusa had a brief and ill-fated affair, which led to the birth of Bellerophon and his brother, Pegasus. Bellerophon is given to a king and queen to be raised, and things progress well until an accident leads to him being expelled from the kingdom.
Trying desperately to hand on to the love of his life and marry her in spite of his banishment, Bellerophon offers his service to another kingdom, led by a king of questionable ethics, and soon finds himself in wars that he would never have sought to be part of.
Well written battle scenes follow, and friendships develop over time between the Prince and his fellow soldiers.
Naturally, gods and goddesses work behind the scenes to hinder or aid Bellerophon's progress in building his fortunes and trying to win the hand of his love, which means nothing worth having is ever going to come easily for Poseidon's progeny.
I refuse to spoil things by going into further details. I would encourage anyone who has a love of mythology, battle stories and romance to read this book ASAP. Very enjoyable!
March 20, 2019
This novel will satify both YA and adult readers alike. From page one, the reader is thrust into ancient Greece-complete with its gods, demi-gods, monsters and more. Lero has been blessed with a perfect life. He's heir to the throne of Corinth. He's bethrothed to a beautiful princess. He's loved by his mother. Respected by his peers. And it all comes crashing down with the strike of a sword. Suddenly he's banished and if he still wants to marry his princess he must amass a fortune to secure their future. His only hope is to sign on as a fighter for another King and amass the rewards for his skills on the battlefield. It's not the path he'd chose but if all goes well it will bring the riches he needs to marry the woman he loves. And of course, not all goes well. The Gods can't help but mettle, afterall even if he doesn't know it, he is Poseidon's son.
This epic style tale is full of danger, romance, battles and intrigue that provides a refresing escapeism read. The characters are welldrawn. The plot fully fleshed. An the suspense is drawn to the very end.
This epic style tale is full of danger, romance, battles and intrigue that provides a refresing escapeism read. The characters are welldrawn. The plot fully fleshed. An the suspense is drawn to the very end.
June 23, 2019
Another well-written fantasy from Cathleen Townsend. From the beginning of the story I was drawn to the main character Lero, and his quest to redeem himself and provide a home for his betrothed. The supporting characters are likeable and a source of humour and some touching moments in the story.
Set during Ancient Greece, when the Gods were revered and sacrifices made at their temples, this novel is full of action, adventure, intrigue and a little romance. It’s definitely a book I would recommend to lovers of the Ancient Greek Gods and the adventure stories set during that period.
Set during Ancient Greece, when the Gods were revered and sacrifices made at their temples, this novel is full of action, adventure, intrigue and a little romance. It’s definitely a book I would recommend to lovers of the Ancient Greek Gods and the adventure stories set during that period.
March 26, 2019
This is an absolutely marvelous story and I loved every minute of reading it. I only paused my reading to prepare one meal and ate that while reading. I finished the last page at 6:50 am with great satisfaction and sadness. I did not want it to be over but Bellerophon will bring me happy memories until I read it again. I sincerely hope that you enjoy it at least half as much as I did.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
April 8, 2019
Greek Salad in progress...
Lero loves Ethro, and Philomena loves Lero. A vague love triangle ensues, but it feels interchangeable. Two women long for the same man, and he feels guilty about remaining faithful to Ethro. And that's it. What these relationships require is something compelling and relatable. A couple of examples: The Great Gatsby (the novel by Fitzgerald) and Uncle Vanya (the play by Chekhov) illustrate the psychological/social turmoil that the characters have to endure in distinct scenes, that if removed, rearranged, or omitted, dilute or ruin the rest of the story. Granted, in these classics there are passages that can be omitted, but not pages where the set up is pertinent to the reveal.
Lero is banished from his kingdom for accidentally killing his brother, and we're off. However, the battle sequences also feel interchangeable and a little too antiseptic. There isn't anything that sets one battle apart from another as a significant turning point or reveal. It feels like watching video game characters regenerated for a level that's harder than the last, without depiction of the horrors of war: gangrene, crude amputations without anesthetic, wounds that lead to slow agonizing death, the guilt of those who survive, etc. It doesn't have to be that gruesome, just more poignant somehow. Movies, like the good Star Wars episodes, visually depict battle sequences that are stand-alone set pieces, and again, if removed, rearranged, or omitted, dilute or ruin the rest of the story.
I have no issue with humans mixing with immortal creatures. DC and Marvel have been doing it for years. It's Superman and Lois Lane all over again. What matters are that the stakes, encounters, and depth, aren't run of the mill. Maybe throw in a little I Claudius backstabbing intrigue (Derek Jacobi/BBC)?
Flaws aside, I think the author's personal writing style is excellent regarding the re-imagined world building of Greek gods, and in some ways comparable to Fitzgerald. I give this novel three stars for that. If the author continues the series, I would like to know what's really tormenting, haunting, motivating the main characters below the surface lives they lead.
Lero loves Ethro, and Philomena loves Lero. A vague love triangle ensues, but it feels interchangeable. Two women long for the same man, and he feels guilty about remaining faithful to Ethro. And that's it. What these relationships require is something compelling and relatable. A couple of examples: The Great Gatsby (the novel by Fitzgerald) and Uncle Vanya (the play by Chekhov) illustrate the psychological/social turmoil that the characters have to endure in distinct scenes, that if removed, rearranged, or omitted, dilute or ruin the rest of the story. Granted, in these classics there are passages that can be omitted, but not pages where the set up is pertinent to the reveal.
Lero is banished from his kingdom for accidentally killing his brother, and we're off. However, the battle sequences also feel interchangeable and a little too antiseptic. There isn't anything that sets one battle apart from another as a significant turning point or reveal. It feels like watching video game characters regenerated for a level that's harder than the last, without depiction of the horrors of war: gangrene, crude amputations without anesthetic, wounds that lead to slow agonizing death, the guilt of those who survive, etc. It doesn't have to be that gruesome, just more poignant somehow. Movies, like the good Star Wars episodes, visually depict battle sequences that are stand-alone set pieces, and again, if removed, rearranged, or omitted, dilute or ruin the rest of the story.
I have no issue with humans mixing with immortal creatures. DC and Marvel have been doing it for years. It's Superman and Lois Lane all over again. What matters are that the stakes, encounters, and depth, aren't run of the mill. Maybe throw in a little I Claudius backstabbing intrigue (Derek Jacobi/BBC)?
Flaws aside, I think the author's personal writing style is excellent regarding the re-imagined world building of Greek gods, and in some ways comparable to Fitzgerald. I give this novel three stars for that. If the author continues the series, I would like to know what's really tormenting, haunting, motivating the main characters below the surface lives they lead.
December 27, 2019
Preface: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
After a training exercise goes horrifically wrong, Bellerophon, son of a Greek king, finds himself exiled and destitute. He wants nothing more than to marry his betrothed and live an ordinary life, but now that he is no longer a prince, he has nothing to offer her. Lero must pledge himself to a new king in order to earn enough money to marry his betrothed - but the gods have other plans.
Honestly, this was pretty good! Ancient Greece is a unique setting, and it was actually handled pretty well. There are a lot of details of the day-to-day of Greek life and customs that similar novels skim over, which I enjoyed. Religion is especially hammered in as being part of the characters' daily lives, in ways both big and small.
The main protagonist, Lero, is honorable and likable. He's easy to root for, as is his main desire - to marry his betrothed, whom he dearly loves. I found myself just waiting for his betrothed to get the axe in order to spur him into some sort of revenge plot or something similar, but thankfully that doesn't happen. The author actually respects her female characters enough not to make them just pawns of the narrative. The male characters are interesting too - a lot of them are just brawny boneheads, but some of them have some shades of complexity to them, which I appreciated.
I will say the novel does get weaker around the 2/3rds mark, when the plot switches from the basic conceit (earning money for marriage) to something very different. It's still enjoyable, but definitely weirder, especially when it introduces Lero's brother. The bits with the gods are also kinda weak, in that they don't amount to anything aside from explaining why things happen to Lero the way they do. I expected Hera to be running some sort of scheme to get back at Aphrodite for neglecting her son, but that doesn't happen. The god bits end up feeling very shallow.
Other than that, this novel was a pleasure to read. If you like action-driven stories, or swords-and-sandals films, you'll very much enjoy this book.
After a training exercise goes horrifically wrong, Bellerophon, son of a Greek king, finds himself exiled and destitute. He wants nothing more than to marry his betrothed and live an ordinary life, but now that he is no longer a prince, he has nothing to offer her. Lero must pledge himself to a new king in order to earn enough money to marry his betrothed - but the gods have other plans.
Honestly, this was pretty good! Ancient Greece is a unique setting, and it was actually handled pretty well. There are a lot of details of the day-to-day of Greek life and customs that similar novels skim over, which I enjoyed. Religion is especially hammered in as being part of the characters' daily lives, in ways both big and small.
The main protagonist, Lero, is honorable and likable. He's easy to root for, as is his main desire - to marry his betrothed, whom he dearly loves. I found myself just waiting for his betrothed to get the axe in order to spur him into some sort of revenge plot or something similar, but thankfully that doesn't happen. The author actually respects her female characters enough not to make them just pawns of the narrative. The male characters are interesting too - a lot of them are just brawny boneheads, but some of them have some shades of complexity to them, which I appreciated.
I will say the novel does get weaker around the 2/3rds mark, when the plot switches from the basic conceit (earning money for marriage) to something very different. It's still enjoyable, but definitely weirder, especially when it introduces Lero's brother. The bits with the gods are also kinda weak, in that they don't amount to anything aside from explaining why things happen to Lero the way they do. I expected Hera to be running some sort of scheme to get back at Aphrodite for neglecting her son, but that doesn't happen. The god bits end up feeling very shallow.
Other than that, this novel was a pleasure to read. If you like action-driven stories, or swords-and-sandals films, you'll very much enjoy this book.
June 3, 2019
This is an interesting book, and there's a lot I enjoyed about it. I loved the setting, in ancient Greece. The author included lots of fascinating details that made the day to day life real come alive, but not so much the story felt bogged down.
I enjoyed the story as well. The battles were intense, the fight with the chimera harrowing and climactic, and the political machinations enjoyably dirty and dramatic.
If I had a criticism, it would be the main character. He's a little too good, and I sometimes wished he was a little more naughty. Ancient Greek myths tend to have tragic, larger than life heroes with a fatal flaw, often hubris. Lero could have used a little more lusty swagger, if you ask me. On the other hand, I loved his relationship with Pegasus and his friendships with all the warriors.
Overall, this book is an enjoyable read, and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes Greek myths and fantasy. It's a good choice for someone looking for the grownup version of the Percy Jackson books.
I enjoyed the story as well. The battles were intense, the fight with the chimera harrowing and climactic, and the political machinations enjoyably dirty and dramatic.
If I had a criticism, it would be the main character. He's a little too good, and I sometimes wished he was a little more naughty. Ancient Greek myths tend to have tragic, larger than life heroes with a fatal flaw, often hubris. Lero could have used a little more lusty swagger, if you ask me. On the other hand, I loved his relationship with Pegasus and his friendships with all the warriors.
Overall, this book is an enjoyable read, and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes Greek myths and fantasy. It's a good choice for someone looking for the grownup version of the Percy Jackson books.
April 10, 2019
Plenty of action with many well done battle scenes. There's a bit of romance as well to keep things interesting but it doesn't slow down the action. Lero starts out as a prince, but loses everything because of one mistake. He ends up fighting as a paid mercenary trying to carve out a life for himself and his love interest. But greedy kings and deceitful women always seem to come between him and his goal. Eventually he is sent on an impossible mission to kill the fire breathing Chimera (everyone is sure that will be the end of him). But it turns out there's something special about Lero that even he didn't know. I liked the story and the action in the book. And although it is based on a Greek myth, I didn't need to know a lot of Greek mythology to enjoy the story.
May 28, 2019
Bellerophon: Son of Poseidon is true to Greek mythical tradition and many of the details here are enlightening. I teach a little bit of mythology to my sixth graders, but I have never read much of Pegasus. I appreciated the mythical elements, though at times, the book is so densely packed with details, especially in the beginning. There are a lot of battle scenes, and that is not particularly my sort of thing, but they do seem to fit in with the character's journey.
The plot is quite interesting though, with lots of twists and turns, and the gods and goddesses are just as capricious and meddlesome as in other Greek myths I have read. I really got drawn in toward the last half of the book .
The plot is quite interesting though, with lots of twists and turns, and the gods and goddesses are just as capricious and meddlesome as in other Greek myths I have read. I really got drawn in toward the last half of the book .
October 31, 2020
Gods. Love. Battles. Friendship. And Pegasus! I'm only sometimes a fan of Greek mythology, and I'm rarely a fan of battle scenes, but this book has a little bit of something for everybody.
The scheming gods are portrayed excellently. Lero himself is the typical almost-too-good-to-be-true hero, but through his unrelenting goodness he makes a series of loyal friends. The whole cast of characters is entertaining, and the antagonists are perfectly frustrating. I personally tend to skim the battle scenes and go straight for the drama!
I don't remember if I picked this up on sale or free through the author's email list, but either way, it's worth it for a bit of historical/mythological light reading!
The scheming gods are portrayed excellently. Lero himself is the typical almost-too-good-to-be-true hero, but through his unrelenting goodness he makes a series of loyal friends. The whole cast of characters is entertaining, and the antagonists are perfectly frustrating. I personally tend to skim the battle scenes and go straight for the drama!
I don't remember if I picked this up on sale or free through the author's email list, but either way, it's worth it for a bit of historical/mythological light reading!
June 7, 2019
The son of Poseidon is cast from his home after a tragedy and must make a new life for himself, one of wealth and reputation if he intends to keep the woman he is betrothed to. Skilled with a sword, he offers his services in battle. Petty kings and meddling gods don't make it easy for Bellerophon (Lero) to win the woman he loves.
This retelling of the myth of Bellerophon brought to life a story that I was only vaguely familiar with, adding depth to the characters, details to flesh out the story, and plenty of romance, intrigue, and battle scenes. Recommended for both YA and adult readers, and anyone who enjoys mythology.
This retelling of the myth of Bellerophon brought to life a story that I was only vaguely familiar with, adding depth to the characters, details to flesh out the story, and plenty of romance, intrigue, and battle scenes. Recommended for both YA and adult readers, and anyone who enjoys mythology.
June 23, 2019
I have read some of Ms. Townsend's other tales and I must say I do enjoy her writing style. She has a way with words most certainly.
But, I did have a hard time with this book. I am not a fan of Greek mythology, never have been and I honestly don't believe I ever will be. Truthfully I am not sure why, it simply has never really interested me I guess. I'm funny that way.
For no reason other than my own predisposition to the subject matter, I just simply could not 'get into' the story. That's on me and not the author...
Having said that, I did enjoy the writing style and would recommend the book to fans of the genre.
But, I did have a hard time with this book. I am not a fan of Greek mythology, never have been and I honestly don't believe I ever will be. Truthfully I am not sure why, it simply has never really interested me I guess. I'm funny that way.
For no reason other than my own predisposition to the subject matter, I just simply could not 'get into' the story. That's on me and not the author...
Having said that, I did enjoy the writing style and would recommend the book to fans of the genre.
June 8, 2019
Cathleen Townsend's tale of an exiled prince, wars, scheming gods and love was a pleasure to read. Prince Bellerophon, who is the son of Poseidon and Medusa, lives a charmed life until a drastic mistake changes his life and he is thrown to the fortunes of fate and the whims of the gods.
This book is well written, beautifully descriptive and cleverly plotted. The machinations of the gods Poseidon, Athena, Hera and Aphrodite were just delightful, as they worked at cross purposes to use Lero to further their own causes.
Highly recommended!
This book is well written, beautifully descriptive and cleverly plotted. The machinations of the gods Poseidon, Athena, Hera and Aphrodite were just delightful, as they worked at cross purposes to use Lero to further their own causes.
Highly recommended!
March 27, 2019
Gods, heroes and plenty of swordplay, this is the epic adventure has it all. Lero, son of Poseidon, fights for the woman he loves and to regain the life he lost in a moment of startling tragedy.
The writing fully immerses you in fantastical version of ancient Greece where gods walk (and meddle) among men. The story is propulsive and engaging. You won't want to put it down.
The writing fully immerses you in fantastical version of ancient Greece where gods walk (and meddle) among men. The story is propulsive and engaging. You won't want to put it down.
July 15, 2019
This is a retelling of an ancient greek myth, that of Lero (Bellerophon) son of the god, Poseidon. It has a fare amount of intrigue, passion and action, but overall, I didn't really find it particularly interesting or memorable. The plot was a bit too slow-moving for my taste, and the characters difficult to relate to. Perhaps die-hard fans of ancient Greece might appreciate it more.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews