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Adventures of Odysseus #5
The Voyage of Odysseus
Odysseus's greatest challenge is only just beginning The armies of Troy have been defeated and the city lies in ruins. His oath fulfilled, Odysseus can at last sail for Ithaca and the long-awaited reunion with his family. But the gods, who were once his allies, have turned against him. Exiled with the warrior Eperitus , he is thrust into a world of seductive demi-gods and man-eating monsters. As they struggle from one supernatural encounter to another, never knowing what the next landfall will bring, their chances of ever returning home grow fainter. Tensions reach breaking point between Odysseus and his crew. Even the faithful Eperitus's loyalties are divided. Eventually only one hope remains. For Odysseus to see his wife and son again, he must tread the paths of the dead and descend into the pits of Hell itself...
398 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2019
36 people are currently reading
305 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 30, 2016
“From one adventure to another the pace never lets up. Like Homer’s original, Glyn Iliffe’s series is destined to become a classic!”
That’s the strapline I gave to Glyn Iliffe for the cover of this book and I think it about sums it up. The Trojan War is over and it’s time – at last! – for Odysseus and his men to go home. Back to the wife and child he hasn’t seen for a decade. But it’s not going to be that easy is it?
Anyone who’s ever read the Odyssey will know there’s still a lot of story to be told and Glyn uses this book to do so. Gone are the schemes and plots to get inside Troy and, in their place are fantastic islands populated by bizarre monsters like the Cyclops. Truly this is a tale of magic and adventure!
And yet, the characters Glyn has created are – here more than ever before – portrayed as REAL people, with real flaws and emotions. They attack an innocent village, for example, purely so Odysseus can gather some more plunder (wealth and slaves) to take back from the long war. This is how it was back then and the author doesn’t shy away from it – it’s just a part of life, but it really shows us the type of hard men we’re dealing with and it’s a great counterpoint to all the fantasy that permeates the story.
The battle scenes are excellent – vivid, exciting and brutal, while the pacing of the tale is just about perfect, drawing the reader in from the very start and not letting go until the end. And it’s a long book so you’re really getting your money’s worth here, as Odysseus and his side-kick Eperitus lurch from one horrible situation to another, even visiting Hades along the way.
Glyn Iliffe has been lucky in a way with this series because much of the tale has been written for him, so he “just” has to flesh it out in his own style. BUT that can also be a curse and I think the end of this particular book shows that. If you know the story of Odysseus from Homer’s original you will know his voyage home is not an easy one – far from it. And as a result this novel is very dark, with a lot of death and sadness and I did feel it started to become rather oppressive just as it neared the end.
But things finish on a hopeful note and the next book is set up perfectly!
Glyn is now self-published and I think this new novel really proves his mettle as a writer. Given his original books had the benefit of major in-house editors, cover designers etc I can say this, and his previous self-published book The Oracles of Troy, stand alongside them and, in fact, are probably BETTER.
The Voyage of Odysseus should be out NOW – I hope you pick up a copy, but DO start at the beginning if you haven’t read the previous books. They’re ALL excellent.
Steven A. McKay, author of Wolf's Head (The Forest Lord Book 1)
This review first appeared on my website, and I was sent an advance copy of the ebook by the author.
That’s the strapline I gave to Glyn Iliffe for the cover of this book and I think it about sums it up. The Trojan War is over and it’s time – at last! – for Odysseus and his men to go home. Back to the wife and child he hasn’t seen for a decade. But it’s not going to be that easy is it?
Anyone who’s ever read the Odyssey will know there’s still a lot of story to be told and Glyn uses this book to do so. Gone are the schemes and plots to get inside Troy and, in their place are fantastic islands populated by bizarre monsters like the Cyclops. Truly this is a tale of magic and adventure!
And yet, the characters Glyn has created are – here more than ever before – portrayed as REAL people, with real flaws and emotions. They attack an innocent village, for example, purely so Odysseus can gather some more plunder (wealth and slaves) to take back from the long war. This is how it was back then and the author doesn’t shy away from it – it’s just a part of life, but it really shows us the type of hard men we’re dealing with and it’s a great counterpoint to all the fantasy that permeates the story.
The battle scenes are excellent – vivid, exciting and brutal, while the pacing of the tale is just about perfect, drawing the reader in from the very start and not letting go until the end. And it’s a long book so you’re really getting your money’s worth here, as Odysseus and his side-kick Eperitus lurch from one horrible situation to another, even visiting Hades along the way.
Glyn Iliffe has been lucky in a way with this series because much of the tale has been written for him, so he “just” has to flesh it out in his own style. BUT that can also be a curse and I think the end of this particular book shows that. If you know the story of Odysseus from Homer’s original you will know his voyage home is not an easy one – far from it. And as a result this novel is very dark, with a lot of death and sadness and I did feel it started to become rather oppressive just as it neared the end.
But things finish on a hopeful note and the next book is set up perfectly!
Glyn is now self-published and I think this new novel really proves his mettle as a writer. Given his original books had the benefit of major in-house editors, cover designers etc I can say this, and his previous self-published book The Oracles of Troy, stand alongside them and, in fact, are probably BETTER.
The Voyage of Odysseus should be out NOW – I hope you pick up a copy, but DO start at the beginning if you haven’t read the previous books. They’re ALL excellent.
Steven A. McKay, author of Wolf's Head (The Forest Lord Book 1)
This review first appeared on my website, and I was sent an advance copy of the ebook by the author.
May 20, 2016
*4.5 Stars
We are finally here, The Voyage of Odysseus - The Odyssey of Homer retold in a modern style. This is the one that I have been waiting for since I first met Eperitus back in the King of Ithaca.
This is book 5 in The Adventures of Odysseus series, needless to say, I enjoy Glyn Iliffe’s writing. There is something special about how he has taken this ancient sage and made it fresh, exciting and new.
The Odyssey is probably the best known work of Homer. I can only imagine that it is a daunting task to retell this story and keep everyone happy. In my opinion, Glyn Iliffe has once again worked his magic in breathing new life into this epic tale. He has made the trials of Odysseus tangible and real. Through Eperitus, we see the real decisions made by the King of Ithaca, the good ones and the bad. The Epic Hero of Homer’s Odyssey had become a real man, one who makes mistakes that cost good men their lives and cost him the faith and confidence of his men.
I thought that this was going to be it; that I would see Odysseus arrive home to his wife and son. From day one I wondered what would happen to Eperitus. Does he get back to Ithaca? Does Eperitus get his happily ever after? But no! Glyn Iliffe has another book up his sleeve. When an author makes you care about the characters this much and makes you crave the next book, he is doing something right.
We are finally here, The Voyage of Odysseus - The Odyssey of Homer retold in a modern style. This is the one that I have been waiting for since I first met Eperitus back in the King of Ithaca.
This is book 5 in The Adventures of Odysseus series, needless to say, I enjoy Glyn Iliffe’s writing. There is something special about how he has taken this ancient sage and made it fresh, exciting and new.
The Odyssey is probably the best known work of Homer. I can only imagine that it is a daunting task to retell this story and keep everyone happy. In my opinion, Glyn Iliffe has once again worked his magic in breathing new life into this epic tale. He has made the trials of Odysseus tangible and real. Through Eperitus, we see the real decisions made by the King of Ithaca, the good ones and the bad. The Epic Hero of Homer’s Odyssey had become a real man, one who makes mistakes that cost good men their lives and cost him the faith and confidence of his men.
I thought that this was going to be it; that I would see Odysseus arrive home to his wife and son. From day one I wondered what would happen to Eperitus. Does he get back to Ithaca? Does Eperitus get his happily ever after? But no! Glyn Iliffe has another book up his sleeve. When an author makes you care about the characters this much and makes you crave the next book, he is doing something right.
April 21, 2016
The War is over. The Horse came through. The Skaen Gates have fallen and Priam's Pride is a smoking ruin. Time to load up the loot and slaves and head on out for a leisurely cruise back to kith, kin and kingdom ruling. Ah, but wasn't there something about a 10 year waiting period before the kith, kin and kingdom stuff? A tumultuous 10 years and a journey that will test everything in a man; courage, loyalty, faith and friendship. Odysseus, mastermind of the Greek's long awaited victory, is no longer a favorite of the gods, try as he may to appease them; no longer the confident King as he is threatened by those he has lead all those years; no longer does his vaunted intellect and cunning prove effective or wise. This journey back home to Penelope, a wife under siege by those who would replace the rule of Laertes son, Odysseus, is brought to luxuriant life in this, part 5 of The Adventures of Odysseus. The author brings the reader into the constant drama surrounding Odysseus, Eperitus and the rest of the Ithacans; bringing to life the horrors faced, the circumstances that threaten to unravel everything they hold dear. I kept thinking, man, how much more can they take? Well, they'll have to take more as this book covers the first half of the journey...there's more to come and that's, methinks, a good thing. 5 stars
February 12, 2016
Brilliant
This is the fifth book in the series and I have read all of them. a fantastic read kept me turning the pages very hard to put down looking forward to the next book
This is the fifth book in the series and I have read all of them. a fantastic read kept me turning the pages very hard to put down looking forward to the next book
November 14, 2020
I'd say there's spoilers ahead, but if you have any inkling of the story of Odysseus, none of what I'm about to mention will come as any surprise.
So book 5 is all about the trials of Odysseus and his crew of friends and enemies trying to get back to Ithaca.
They come across, Cyclops, Lotus Eaters, Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, Laestrygonians, Circe, Aeolus, the cattle of Hyperion and ends with the meeting of Calypso and Odysseus. On top of this, add in Eurylochus and Selagos with their own nefarious agenda's and you have a whole heap of trouble.
The tale goes that Odysseus eventually returns to Ithaca alone and twenty years after he left. At the end of this book we're about 12 to 14 years into his tale and don't expect all of Eperitus, Astynyme, Omeros, Polites, Antiphus and Eurybates to make it to the end of the book, in fact don't expect many of them to do it!
And even though I know the story back to front and was expecting bad things to happen, it still wasn't easy to take and some bits still annoyed/upset me, but that's because I love these characters.
Oh well, all good things come to an end, roll on the final book and some final shocks!
So book 5 is all about the trials of Odysseus and his crew of friends and enemies trying to get back to Ithaca.
They come across, Cyclops, Lotus Eaters, Sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, Laestrygonians, Circe, Aeolus, the cattle of Hyperion and ends with the meeting of Calypso and Odysseus. On top of this, add in Eurylochus and Selagos with their own nefarious agenda's and you have a whole heap of trouble.
The tale goes that Odysseus eventually returns to Ithaca alone and twenty years after he left. At the end of this book we're about 12 to 14 years into his tale and don't expect all of Eperitus, Astynyme, Omeros, Polites, Antiphus and Eurybates to make it to the end of the book, in fact don't expect many of them to do it!
And even though I know the story back to front and was expecting bad things to happen, it still wasn't easy to take and some bits still annoyed/upset me, but that's because I love these characters.
Oh well, all good things come to an end, roll on the final book and some final shocks!
April 12, 2021
The one in the series that everyone probably looked forward to, this has some excellent retellings of some of the more recognised adventures of Odysseus. The cyclops and sirens chapters are particularly outstanding, and Circe is played with a sense of emotion and contempt that hits the mark pretty well. Top notch historical adventure writing, even if a somewhat darker turn at the end.
May 27, 2017
Intriguing yet tiresome
This is a difficult book to read moreso because it doesn't have happy endings but instead perpetual mishap and despair. And yet the tome is worth reading especially after the previous 4 books in the series.
This is a difficult book to read moreso because it doesn't have happy endings but instead perpetual mishap and despair. And yet the tome is worth reading especially after the previous 4 books in the series.
February 6, 2019
Finished book5 #TheVoyageofOdysseus & onto book6 #ReturntoIthaca by #GlynIliffe .Really enjoyed the Author's note detailing the freedoms he took from the original #Homer #TheOdyssey . #GoodReads #GreekMythology #AdventuresOfOdysseus
July 6, 2018
Another great read
Fantastic yet again. The pace never let's up, poor Odysseus doesn't get a moment. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book.
Fantastic yet again. The pace never let's up, poor Odysseus doesn't get a moment. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire book.
March 5, 2024
I thought this was great!
May 5, 2016
Source: Free ebook copy from Glynn Iliffe
Rating: 5 stars for excellent---fabulous
Summary:
The Voyage of Odysseus is the story of Odysseus and Eperitus's long voyage home after the Trojan War. During the journey home to Ithaca they encounter islands with strange creatures and humans inhabiting: Cicones, Lotus-Eaters, Cyclops, Laestrygonians, Sirens, and Circe. Some of these creatures tear apart and eat humans; and some want body and mind control of the men. At the beginning, there are twelve ships, but the peril at sea, dangers on the islands, and power struggles among the men leave few survivors. Meanwhile, Odysseus's wife is plagued with other suitors hoping for marriage, and his son becomes a man with out a father.
Eperitus is a loyal comrade in arms fighting alongside Odysseus. Epiritus's great love is Astynome.
My Thoughts:
The story of Odysseus, the Trojan War, and his journey home is known to readers of mythology. Glyn Iliffe retells through the use of vivid imagery, the emotions of the home sick men, the tired and haggard feelings of the battle weary men, mythical creatures who have no qualms about defeating and killing those who have already suffered, and the dream all humans have of just wanting to go home.
There are several reasons I have awarded 5 stars for excellent for The Voyage of Odysseus.
An emotional story. Feelings of homesickness, fear of the unknown, betrayal, destruction of those things in life most precious, a powerful love story, a battle fatigued body, and sacrifice. These descriptions pulled at my heart. I felt apart of the story, because I cared for the characters. Further, I can relate to some of the feelings they felt.
External and internal conflicts. The external conflicts are the war and monsters they fought. An external conflict is any opposition outside the body. The characters also struggled with internal battles: betrayal, sacrifice, and homesickness.
The characters are sometimes aided by the gods, but they are flesh and blood humans. They wrestle with mythical creatures and bleed and die. They are kept close to the edge of super-human strength, yet Iliffe reminds me they are mere men and women, and thus vulnerable.
The primary goal is presented throughout the story. It is hoped for, yearned for, cried over: home. The comfort and joy of home. It is a goal all military men and women yearn for, live for, and die for. This is the "it factor" of The Voyage of Odysseus: the travel home and all that it takes to achieve.
The Voyage of Odysseus is the 2nd book I've read in this series.
Rating: 5 stars for excellent---fabulous
Summary:
The Voyage of Odysseus is the story of Odysseus and Eperitus's long voyage home after the Trojan War. During the journey home to Ithaca they encounter islands with strange creatures and humans inhabiting: Cicones, Lotus-Eaters, Cyclops, Laestrygonians, Sirens, and Circe. Some of these creatures tear apart and eat humans; and some want body and mind control of the men. At the beginning, there are twelve ships, but the peril at sea, dangers on the islands, and power struggles among the men leave few survivors. Meanwhile, Odysseus's wife is plagued with other suitors hoping for marriage, and his son becomes a man with out a father.
Eperitus is a loyal comrade in arms fighting alongside Odysseus. Epiritus's great love is Astynome.
My Thoughts:
The story of Odysseus, the Trojan War, and his journey home is known to readers of mythology. Glyn Iliffe retells through the use of vivid imagery, the emotions of the home sick men, the tired and haggard feelings of the battle weary men, mythical creatures who have no qualms about defeating and killing those who have already suffered, and the dream all humans have of just wanting to go home.
There are several reasons I have awarded 5 stars for excellent for The Voyage of Odysseus.
An emotional story. Feelings of homesickness, fear of the unknown, betrayal, destruction of those things in life most precious, a powerful love story, a battle fatigued body, and sacrifice. These descriptions pulled at my heart. I felt apart of the story, because I cared for the characters. Further, I can relate to some of the feelings they felt.
External and internal conflicts. The external conflicts are the war and monsters they fought. An external conflict is any opposition outside the body. The characters also struggled with internal battles: betrayal, sacrifice, and homesickness.
The characters are sometimes aided by the gods, but they are flesh and blood humans. They wrestle with mythical creatures and bleed and die. They are kept close to the edge of super-human strength, yet Iliffe reminds me they are mere men and women, and thus vulnerable.
The primary goal is presented throughout the story. It is hoped for, yearned for, cried over: home. The comfort and joy of home. It is a goal all military men and women yearn for, live for, and die for. This is the "it factor" of The Voyage of Odysseus: the travel home and all that it takes to achieve.
The Voyage of Odysseus is the 2nd book I've read in this series.
May 18, 2025
Glynn Iliffe ftw!
Για άλλη μια φορά μας ταξίδεψε στη Μυθολογία της Αρχαίας Ελλάδας, ανάμεσα σε κύκλ��πες, γίγαντες, μάγισσες και άγνωστα νερά! Όπως προδίδει ο τίτλος, το βιβλίο πραγματεύεται το ταξίδι της επιστροφής του Οδυσσέα (και του Ηπείρητου, φυσικά) στην Ιθάκη με όλες τις αντιξοότητες, τις οποίες γνωρίζουμε ήδη από τα έπη του Ομήρου. Παρόλα αυτά, ο συγγραφέας μάς αναπαράγει την τόσο γνωστή ιστορία μέσα από τη δική του οπτική.
Αν δεν έχετε διαβάσει τα προηγούμενα βιβλία της σειράς, κάντε μεταβολή και ξεκινήστε τα από την αρχή! Αξίζει! Αν έχετε διαβάσει ήδη τα προηγούμενα, τότε τι περιμένετε; Ξεκινήστε την ανάγνωση!
Για άλλη μια φορά μας ταξίδεψε στη Μυθολογία της Αρχαίας Ελλάδας, ανάμεσα σε κύκλ��πες, γίγαντες, μάγισσες και άγνωστα νερά! Όπως προδίδει ο τίτλος, το βιβλίο πραγματεύεται το ταξίδι της επιστροφής του Οδυσσέα (και του Ηπείρητου, φυσικά) στην Ιθάκη με όλες τις αντιξοότητες, τις οποίες γνωρίζουμε ήδη από τα έπη του Ομήρου. Παρόλα αυτά, ο συγγραφέας μάς αναπαράγει την τόσο γνωστή ιστορία μέσα από τη δική του οπτική.
Αν δεν έχετε διαβάσει τα προηγούμενα βιβλία της σειράς, κάντε μεταβολή και ξεκινήστε τα από την αρχή! Αξίζει! Αν έχετε διαβάσει ήδη τα προηγούμενα, τότε τι περιμένετε; Ξεκινήστε την ανάγνωση!
August 26, 2016
Just superb! Reading this during my stay at Kefalonia made it even more special!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews