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Spoils of War
When Achilleus, the greatest warrior who ever lived, falls before Troy (or Ilion, as it was known), Ares, God of War, stands ready to take his spirit with him to his palace. There, Ares demands that Achilleus yield to him. But can the embrace of a god and the offer of immortality make Achilleus forget his one true love, Patroklos?
26 pages, Nook
First published February 6, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 30, 2012
Ares God of War..."voice the clash of swords and the thunder of war drums."
...felling men seemingly in passing, roaring like a bull with rage, blood flowing from his hands and face and armour, like spilled wine. There was only one amongst the gods like that...'Ares, god of battle...' and bloodlust, and rage."
When Achilleus, son of Peleus wakes after falling at a deathly battle he finds himself with Ares god of war, and is presented with an offer of godly immortality, reverence and revenge. Not for nothing though, there's always a catch, a price with these Gods.
" 'I take men between my thighs, Ares,' Achilleus gritted his teeth. ' But you won't be satisfied with that, will you?'
'I am not a man. I am a God.'"
Spoils of War is a short story (too short) The writing is breathtaking. The sex is raw, fierce, highly erotic and heart stoppingly magnificent.
..."the god's touch aroused him - hotter than any other lover, less a thrust than a lightning strike, a gust of black wind, hitting him right in his core, making him shudder and tense."
^^^^I say no more!
...felling men seemingly in passing, roaring like a bull with rage, blood flowing from his hands and face and armour, like spilled wine. There was only one amongst the gods like that...'Ares, god of battle...' and bloodlust, and rage."
When Achilleus, son of Peleus wakes after falling at a deathly battle he finds himself with Ares god of war, and is presented with an offer of godly immortality, reverence and revenge. Not for nothing though, there's always a catch, a price with these Gods.
" 'I take men between my thighs, Ares,' Achilleus gritted his teeth. ' But you won't be satisfied with that, will you?'
'I am not a man. I am a God.'"
Spoils of War is a short story (too short) The writing is breathtaking. The sex is raw, fierce, highly erotic and heart stoppingly magnificent.
..."the god's touch aroused him - hotter than any other lover, less a thrust than a lightning strike, a gust of black wind, hitting him right in his core, making him shudder and tense."
^^^^I say no more!
June 11, 2017
Very short tale of Achilleus' death and his time spent with Ares, the god of war. Ares demands that Achilleus submit to him body and soul in exchange for immortality as a god. But Achilleus' heart already belongs to another. Patroklos.
This was a very short entertaining read that will leave you wanting more. I love the Greek gods and their egos. They are so fickle in their desire of beauty, sex, and power.
Read
March 29, 2010How much fun this was on one lazy weekend. There was an eXcessica call for submissions, the idea just happened, my co-author Raev Gray was game, and we banged this one out fast and easy. I've always wanted to write something about Achilles, and this was the perfect way to do it. I've practically grown up on the Iliad and the Greek myths, and I just don't believe that Patroklos was his cousin, so there...
January 24, 2013
very short, beautifully written, loved every sentence, the desire, the grief...
even though it's only 20 pages long it's breathtaking...
simply a must read!
"If I could have you back, I would relish being a shepherd. I’d give all that glory to hear your lips say my name. Your smile is all the immortal glory I need."
January 25, 2011
This is a beautiful story in terms of mood and feel, an aching tone perfectly conveyed despite the shortness of the piece. The historical details are subtle, fluid, and evocative--very clearly the hand of Aleks we've all come to expect. The sex is SCORCHING hot (for this I blame Raev ;-p), the sort of dubious consent--half rape, half burning need--that I also associate very strongly with Aleks. It was in fact so hot that I consider having read it in the waiting room of a doctor's office a HUGE mistake; read this one in private, folks :D
Be warned that there is significant head-hopping in this piece, and sometimes that makes it hard to figure out who's talking or thinking. That structural issue is the only thing keeping this from a 5-star rating for me. I also wish it were a little longer, but mostly just because I was enjoying it so much I didn't want it to end. Only one scene (the one at the very end) felt like it could have benefited from more time and space on the page; the rest of it was paced and developed exactly as it should have been: a sort of fast-moving fury of narrative that very much matched the characters themselves.
I recommend this story very highly. It's a delicious lunchtime nibble--a thoroughly immersive, super hot short escape.
Be warned that there is significant head-hopping in this piece, and sometimes that makes it hard to figure out who's talking or thinking. That structural issue is the only thing keeping this from a 5-star rating for me. I also wish it were a little longer, but mostly just because I was enjoying it so much I didn't want it to end. Only one scene (the one at the very end) felt like it could have benefited from more time and space on the page; the rest of it was paced and developed exactly as it should have been: a sort of fast-moving fury of narrative that very much matched the characters themselves.
I recommend this story very highly. It's a delicious lunchtime nibble--a thoroughly immersive, super hot short escape.
February 26, 2010
This story was perfect for today's lunchtime quickie.
I loved this beautifully written, vivid, and riveting story of war, sex, revenge, and love that brings the gods and mortals of Greek mythology to life.
I want more!
I loved this beautifully written, vivid, and riveting story of war, sex, revenge, and love that brings the gods and mortals of Greek mythology to life.
I want more!
Read
February 24, 2010When I was very young, Greek myths were my favourite, they were always so full of passion, love and vengeance mixed together.
Of all the heroes in the Illiade, probably Achilleus is my favourite too; true, he is maybe a bit too much interested in war, more than in justice, but his relationship with Patroklos and his rage for his death it’s probably one of the most interesting episodes of all the tragedy. The Priam’s sons are too spoiled, the other Greek heroes too complicated in their actions, Achilleus is more primal, love for war and love for a man are what pushes him.
In this short story the authors imagined what could have happened after his death. What if Ares, the god of War, decides to kidnap Achilleus for his own pleasure? It’s not the first time that some gods decide to rise mortals to immortality thanks to their behaviour in life, and who better than Achilleus honoured Ares? But Ares didn’t consider that, yes, Achilleyus loved war, and so in a way he loved also Ares, but he probably loved more Patroklos. It’s for Patroklos that he, in the end, died, not for the glory of Ares.
Achilleus has two choices: becoming immortal and being Ares’ favourite, or trying to find Patroklos in his alterlife; but even if he chooses to go for Patroklos, the man will not remember him, when mortals die they drink from the river Lethe to forget all their human life.
This is nothing else than a scene, but it’s good in details (all the hints to the Greek myths are masterly peppered all around) without being too heavy: it’s clear that the authors want for the reader to be aware that they know their matter, but they manage it without being boring. To counterpoint all mythological details, there is a more than “human” sex scene, and in this case the details are not fantastical, but very much real. And in the end, the authors have pity for the romantic reader, and Achilleus’ choice will be one of love.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/96...
Of all the heroes in the Illiade, probably Achilleus is my favourite too; true, he is maybe a bit too much interested in war, more than in justice, but his relationship with Patroklos and his rage for his death it’s probably one of the most interesting episodes of all the tragedy. The Priam’s sons are too spoiled, the other Greek heroes too complicated in their actions, Achilleus is more primal, love for war and love for a man are what pushes him.
In this short story the authors imagined what could have happened after his death. What if Ares, the god of War, decides to kidnap Achilleus for his own pleasure? It’s not the first time that some gods decide to rise mortals to immortality thanks to their behaviour in life, and who better than Achilleus honoured Ares? But Ares didn’t consider that, yes, Achilleyus loved war, and so in a way he loved also Ares, but he probably loved more Patroklos. It’s for Patroklos that he, in the end, died, not for the glory of Ares.
Achilleus has two choices: becoming immortal and being Ares’ favourite, or trying to find Patroklos in his alterlife; but even if he chooses to go for Patroklos, the man will not remember him, when mortals die they drink from the river Lethe to forget all their human life.
This is nothing else than a scene, but it’s good in details (all the hints to the Greek myths are masterly peppered all around) without being too heavy: it’s clear that the authors want for the reader to be aware that they know their matter, but they manage it without being boring. To counterpoint all mythological details, there is a more than “human” sex scene, and in this case the details are not fantastical, but very much real. And in the end, the authors have pity for the romantic reader, and Achilleus’ choice will be one of love.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/96...
July 10, 2010
This is an intersesting speculative piece about what might have happened when Achilles (or Achilleus in this story) dies and gets snapped up by the god of war, Ares.
While the story focuses on their interaction, it is very clear that Achilleus doesn't want the god - he wants to spend eternity with Patroklos, the lover who died before him. Of course, the god of war gets rather upset about this...
While the story focuses on their interaction, it is very clear that Achilleus doesn't want the god - he wants to spend eternity with Patroklos, the lover who died before him. Of course, the god of war gets rather upset about this...
November 16, 2016
Dang, of course it's not on Kobo or Amazon, it's free! Yay.
April 17, 2011
This short story is very good. There are nuances and references made to various figures in Greek mythology, which I really enjoyed. They are handled in such a way that I don't believe they would bog down the reader. I might be a little biased here, though, since I've done a good deal of reading in Greek mythology over the years, so the references all made sense to me and added depth.
Achilleus' internal conflict of enjoying the tryst and being offered immortality while also wanting to recover Patroklos comes off as genuine and heartfelt. Ares lust for Achilleus and the perspective he has on the whole scene as a god is equally engaging.
The one issue I encountered was the frequent jumping of perspective in the narrative, likely a result of the piece being co-authored. At times, it jumped rapidly and pulled me out of the story, but for most readers, I don't think it will be much of a problem. The writing itself is excellent and engaging, so the head-hopping can be forgiven. If the piece had been longer, it would have been more of a problem, but for a short story like this one, it didn't do too much damage.
My favorite aspect of this story might strike some readers as odd, but I loved the subtle interaction between Ares and Hermes. There is rivalry there and a touch of humor that made me smile from ear to ear. The end actually sparked hope in me for a spin-off short story that would involve Hermes, since I loved the personality that Voinov and Gray gave him in his small appearances.
Overall, this is an excellent, quick read. The imagery is vivid, the emotions well-conveyed, and the contrast of Achilleus' love and devotion to Patroklos with the violent lust and passion Ares emulates and inspires makes this an engaging short story. Well worth the $0.99.
Achilleus' internal conflict of enjoying the tryst and being offered immortality while also wanting to recover Patroklos comes off as genuine and heartfelt. Ares lust for Achilleus and the perspective he has on the whole scene as a god is equally engaging.
The one issue I encountered was the frequent jumping of perspective in the narrative, likely a result of the piece being co-authored. At times, it jumped rapidly and pulled me out of the story, but for most readers, I don't think it will be much of a problem. The writing itself is excellent and engaging, so the head-hopping can be forgiven. If the piece had been longer, it would have been more of a problem, but for a short story like this one, it didn't do too much damage.
My favorite aspect of this story might strike some readers as odd, but I loved the subtle interaction between Ares and Hermes. There is rivalry there and a touch of humor that made me smile from ear to ear. The end actually sparked hope in me for a spin-off short story that would involve Hermes, since I loved the personality that Voinov and Gray gave him in his small appearances.
Overall, this is an excellent, quick read. The imagery is vivid, the emotions well-conveyed, and the contrast of Achilleus' love and devotion to Patroklos with the violent lust and passion Ares emulates and inspires makes this an engaging short story. Well worth the $0.99.
July 14, 2010
After Achilleus, the legendary Greek warrior, falls in battle, Ares comes to collect his soul. I really enjoyed this book. Voinov and Gray did a great job with the descriptions. I wish the piece had been longer, since it only took me about twenty minutes to read it. Definitely recommend for those M/M lovers with an interested in Ancient Greece or Rome.
February 25, 2010
This was a perfect scene with sex as only Ares could do it. :)
March 15, 2010
As a mythology lover, this short story is a quick delight filled with nuance, detail, and surprising emotion. When Achilleus dies on the battlefield Ares steals away with him to discuss an impressive offer. However, no offer is free and not only does Achilleus have to deal with the God of War’s price but also with his conflicting emotions and desires.
Here the brief scene is well written with a lot of background material littered in rather casually. There are almost too many names dropped and a few could have been taken out without losing any effect. The level of detail is impressive though from the small nuances of wall reliefs to flaming chariots. The main thrust of the story is the conflicting desires of love and rage, war and retirement. After so many years of waging war and vengeance, Achilleus must decide if he can ever really give that up. After so long, the power and rage that comes from blood, war, sex, and mortality is a heady combination that is not easily denied. Especially in the face of immortality and immeasurable power.
Ares and Achilleus are well suited in the short scene, which is explicit, yet there is a happy ending of sorts. I personally wish that final scene had extended just a few minutes more but perhaps that would have ended too cliché and I could imagine a sappy “running on the beach” scene, yet still sweet and romantic. Either way the thread of love mixed with the violence of the time and characters is a nice contrast. The only other negative is that sometimes the point of view changed sharply when I wasn’t expecting it and I was confused as to who was thinking what/when.
Overall for a very quick short scene, this really delivers especially for those mythology fans that will enjoy a quick look at fiery and charismatic Gods. Since this is on Smashwords, you can even set your own price and the suggested price of $0.99 is a steal for this offering. Definitely check this out, it’s worth reading.
Here the brief scene is well written with a lot of background material littered in rather casually. There are almost too many names dropped and a few could have been taken out without losing any effect. The level of detail is impressive though from the small nuances of wall reliefs to flaming chariots. The main thrust of the story is the conflicting desires of love and rage, war and retirement. After so many years of waging war and vengeance, Achilleus must decide if he can ever really give that up. After so long, the power and rage that comes from blood, war, sex, and mortality is a heady combination that is not easily denied. Especially in the face of immortality and immeasurable power.
Ares and Achilleus are well suited in the short scene, which is explicit, yet there is a happy ending of sorts. I personally wish that final scene had extended just a few minutes more but perhaps that would have ended too cliché and I could imagine a sappy “running on the beach” scene, yet still sweet and romantic. Either way the thread of love mixed with the violence of the time and characters is a nice contrast. The only other negative is that sometimes the point of view changed sharply when I wasn’t expecting it and I was confused as to who was thinking what/when.
Overall for a very quick short scene, this really delivers especially for those mythology fans that will enjoy a quick look at fiery and charismatic Gods. Since this is on Smashwords, you can even set your own price and the suggested price of $0.99 is a steal for this offering. Definitely check this out, it’s worth reading.
May 23, 2011
I didn't like this short story because I couldn't find myself to care for Achilleus. I see alot of talk about how he really love Patroklos, even to forsake Ares's offer of granting Achilleus a godhead. Good for Achilleus for sticking with his true love, but I never emotionally connected to this love. For a mm-romance between two characters, one of them—Patroklos—was only mentioned by name and never seen in a scene.
Another thing about Achilleus I didn't like is his wanting to kill and enslave every Ilion, including women and children. I read stories with hateful protagonists, but they always have a reason for their hate, even if such a reason is simply sociopathy. But considering Achilleus actually loves someone, sociopathy isn't that reason. I don't know, it just seem to be anti-characteristic of an honorable warrior. Maybe I'm just reading in it too much and that Achilleus was just saying that to placate Ares. *shrug*
I didn't really understand why Ares would offer Achilleus a godhead. Wouldn't making more gods make more competition? Especially among worshippers, which would lead to religious wars. I know, I know, Ares, god of *wars*. But even god of wars need worshippers or else there's no point in being a god. You can't be a leader without followers, a god without worshippers.
I believe if the short story had a scene where Achilleus and Patroklos reuniting and then making love, then I would have rated the story higher.
Another thing about Achilleus I didn't like is his wanting to kill and enslave every Ilion, including women and children. I read stories with hateful protagonists, but they always have a reason for their hate, even if such a reason is simply sociopathy. But considering Achilleus actually loves someone, sociopathy isn't that reason. I don't know, it just seem to be anti-characteristic of an honorable warrior. Maybe I'm just reading in it too much and that Achilleus was just saying that to placate Ares. *shrug*
I didn't really understand why Ares would offer Achilleus a godhead. Wouldn't making more gods make more competition? Especially among worshippers, which would lead to religious wars. I know, I know, Ares, god of *wars*. But even god of wars need worshippers or else there's no point in being a god. You can't be a leader without followers, a god without worshippers.
I believe if the short story had a scene where Achilleus and Patroklos reuniting and then making love, then I would have rated the story higher.
April 25, 2010
Short but beautifully written fresh story about the moments immediately following Achilleus' fatal arrow blow to his heel. Ares, the God of War, has had his eye on Achilleus for quite some time and literally snatches him up from the battle field before the other gods take what he considers the ultimate prize.
Not only does Ares lust for battle and fury - he lusts for the flesh as well - Archilleus' in particular ;) Sure, he could wield his divine powers and make Achilleus submit sexually without breaking a sweat, but where's the fun and challenge in that? No, Ares would much rather manipulate him ;) It was fun to read about Achilleus, who's apparently always been a top, and his struggle with a mixture of shame and desire.
Does Ares get to keep the Spoils of War? There's one thing Achilleus wants more than divinity - his fallen lover Patroklos. I would love to see a continuation of this story reuniting Achilleus & Patroklos :)
Not only does Ares lust for battle and fury - he lusts for the flesh as well - Archilleus' in particular ;) Sure, he could wield his divine powers and make Achilleus submit sexually without breaking a sweat, but where's the fun and challenge in that? No, Ares would much rather manipulate him ;) It was fun to read about Achilleus, who's apparently always been a top, and his struggle with a mixture of shame and desire.
Does Ares get to keep the Spoils of War? There's one thing Achilleus wants more than divinity - his fallen lover Patroklos. I would love to see a continuation of this story reuniting Achilleus & Patroklos :)
October 30, 2011
4.5 stars
A very short story, but it still managed to captivate me. Got my heart racing two times and there is only 15 pages of it! I deem it good writing. Oh, and I would have loved to see how There was this one paragraph that did it for me: "If I could have you back, I would relish being a shepherd. I’d give all that glory to hear your lips say my name. Your smile is all the immortal glory I need."
A very short story, but it still managed to captivate me. Got my heart racing two times and there is only 15 pages of it! I deem it good writing. Oh, and I would have loved to see how There was this one paragraph that did it for me: "If I could have you back, I would relish being a shepherd. I’d give all that glory to hear your lips say my name. Your smile is all the immortal glory I need."
July 15, 2012
Short - however, full bodied. I wanted the story to continue because I began to fall in love with the characters - what really amazed me was that Voinov and Gray could write such a visually colorful moving story, in under 60 pages. It really is great writing. You could taste the blood and sweat and dust and pride. It was a story of how true warriors can attract the attention of the Gods and in death will you choose glory and revenge or love.... this is one that I will read again, and that does not occur often.
November 10, 2012
Very brief. It was an interesting, though tentative, exploration into the world of The Iliad. It didn't seem very conclusive - was actually quite abstract - but still, rather good. I get that the vagueness and ambiguity might have been the authors' intent/the effect they were going for, but honestly, I wanted something a little more concrete.
There were parts where much was alluded to rather than portrayed where I would have wanted it portrayed. Still, it was an interesting and rather evocative read.
There were parts where much was alluded to rather than portrayed where I would have wanted it portrayed. Still, it was an interesting and rather evocative read.
October 27, 2011
Short story following the adventures of Achilleus after his death, when Ares God of War takes a special interest in the greatest warrior of them all. The character of Achilleus is well-realised and obviously draws from his portrayal in Homer. Ares is also convincing, but as such, I did not find him attractive. I would have liked Patroklos to have featured more in this story but that is perhaps my sentimentality. Some nice writing and a quietly touching ending.
August 26, 2012
Spoils of war
I'm having a strong feeling of confusion right now. I loved the idea of this story, but the head hopping kept pulling me out every few lines. So I was mostly confused the entire time. And right now I'm sitting here trying to figure out what really happened in the end. Am I supposed to know what happened or is that left open to my interpretation? This probably deserves a reread...unfortunately I am not a re-reader.
I'm having a strong feeling of confusion right now. I loved the idea of this story, but the head hopping kept pulling me out every few lines. So I was mostly confused the entire time. And right now I'm sitting here trying to figure out what really happened in the end. Am I supposed to know what happened or is that left open to my interpretation? This probably deserves a reread...unfortunately I am not a re-reader.
February 8, 2010
I really liked this short story. And for a SHORT story, there was rather more “story” than expected. Achilleus is a fascinating character. I loved the sheer arrogance of Ares, the God of War. The dynamics of their relationship - the all-powerful God vs the obviously weaker but still proud mortal, makes a juicy read.
September 25, 2012
This one just didn't do it for me...i'm not much of a fan of the Greek Gods (although i do like Sherrilyn Kenyon quite a lot so...) Maybe as a short story it was just too short for me, or maybe I don't know the characters as well as i should in order to appreciate it. It wasn't a bad read, just not for me.
June 6, 2011
I love the mythology of this story! The only thing I didn't like was that it was too short! Will we ever find out is Achilleus finds Patrokios? And what of Ares? Is he just going to let him go? So many questions that still need answers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2011
Okay nobody kill me for my difference of openion. This gets a good rank because of the amount of details put into such a short story. That alone warrents a decent rate. However I hated all the characters. It almost felt Withering Heights to me with the only redeeming quality of the MC was love.
August 3, 2014
Just thinking... "Sing, Goddess, of the rage of Peleus' son Achilles, the accursed rage that brought great suffering to the Achaeans." Spoils of War seems like the beginning of a longer story, with the dead Achilleus first accepting Ares' deal and then fleeing to Patroclus' island.
May 19, 2013
I love Greek Mythology & their arrogant gods. I love Aleksandr Voinov's writings. I did not love this effort. Voinov said it was written quickly and it shows. I expect more from Voinov and from the gods.
September 28, 2013
I enjoyed reading this very much. To me Achilles had always appeared extremely proud and presumptuous. However in this story I liked him. The short story is well honed and draws you in immediately making you feel for Achilles and his loss and his options.
February 8, 2010
I really enjoyed this story. I've always loved Greek Mythology, and this little story grabbed me from the start. I only wish it were longer. Great story.
May 6, 2016
Wonderfully written, although it reads more like an excerpt or book chapter than a short story.
May 4, 2010
This is a well written short story. Ares was a great character and acted like the god he was.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews