Achilles The Making of a Hero

by Ryan Thompson (other)

Achilles is a young man with incredible strength capable of striking fear in those around him. But where does his abnormal strength come from? And why will no one, including his father, tell Achilles about his past, including whatever happened to his mother? Patroclus is a young man on the run. His only hope is to run fast enough to escape his violent past. If it were to ever catch up with him, it would surely mean his death. Together, Achilles and Patroclus are going to become unlikely companions and embark on an adventure to become friends and true heroes, but first they need to learn how. The legendary centaur, Chiron, trainer of heroes, will have to teach Achilles and Patroclus what it means to be heroic, and how to accept who they are. But will it be enough? The training will be dangerous, and it is going to push both boys to their physical limits. Achilles and Patroclus are going to have to learn to come to grips with their own pasts, and accept each other’s as well. By successfully completing Chiron’s training they will receive a final quest to see if they are ready to become heroes. If they thought the training was tough, it is nothing compared to the quests Chiron will have in store for the boys. To survive and return home as true heroes, Achilles and Patroclus are going to have to use all of their skills and abilities while completing tasks that will take them all the way to the underworld, and the river Styx. Achilles, the hero from Greek mythology is brought to life in this tale that explores his early years, before he became the hero warrior at Troy. Now find out the path Achilles and his friend Patroclus must take to become true heroes.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2019

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating read!

Mr. Thompson has a way with words! What a breathtaking tale of the young Achilles. The story was full of action and easily accessible for all readers. I look forward to see what is next for Achilles!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! It’s a reimagining of the story of Achilles. I love Greek mythology and twists on classic tales. Fun and easy read.

[Blake Chamness · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story of adventure and friendship! It is a fun introduction to the characters of Greek mythology and made me want to pick up the Iliad so I can brush up on what happens next for Achilies!

[Elena J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Achilles: The Making of a Hero by Ryan Thompson reimagines one of mythology’s most enduring figures through the eyes of youth before the glory, before Troy, before legend consumed the man. What emerges is a stirring origin story about courage, identity, and the fragile bond between two boys destined to become heroes.

Achilles is not yet the invincible warrior history remembers; he’s a young man wrestling with secrets, haunted by questions about his past and his mother’s fate. Patroclus, running from violence and shadow, finds in Achilles a mirror of his own struggle strength and vulnerability intertwined. Under the stern and wise guidance of Chiron, the legendary centaur who trains heroes, the two are tested not only in skill but in spirit. Their journey pushes them to confront fear, loyalty, and the price of greatness.

Thompson writes with cinematic scope and emotional intimacy, transforming myth into something profoundly human. The battles are fierce, but the heart of this story lies in its quiet moments where friendship becomes brotherhood, and fate becomes something to challenge, not simply accept.

For readers who love Circe, The Song of Achilles, or Percy Jackson, Achilles: The Making of a Hero strikes the perfect chord between mythic adventure and emotional realism. It’s both a thrilling retelling and a deeply felt exploration of what it means to grow up under the shadow of destiny.