Sparrows in the Wind

Starred review from September 5, 2022
A nonconformist epic fantasy by Levine (A Ceiling Made of Eggshells) centers the events of the Trojan War around two courageous female protagonists. Fourteen-year-old Trojan princess Cassandra worries about the responsibility of acting as kanephoros—balancing a full basket on her head while leading the city to celebrate a god or goddess. Apollo blesses her with the gift of prophecy when all proceeds smoothly; after she rejects his kiss, however, he appends a curse: no one will believe her portents. Cassandra allies with wind god Eurus to forestall the war she sees coming, but a combination of divine meddling and human willfulness, including the malicious actions of Cassandra’s twin Helenus, bring it about anyway. As the war rages, the narrative’s focus switches to Rin, a young Amazon princess eager to prove herself in battle. When the Amazons ride to aid the Trojans, Rin befriends Cassandra, and together, the prophet and the warrior work to avoid the terrible future Cassandra has foretold: the enslavement and murder of her family, and the burning of her beloved Troy. Twining the source material with contemporary sensibilities, Levine emphasizes strong female protagonists in a richly imagined, urgently told mythological variation. Ages 10–up. Agent: Ginger Knowlton, Curtis Brown.

September 1, 2022
Pleased with Cassandra's offering, Apollo gives her the gift of prophecy, but when she turns down his sexual advances, he curses her so she won't be believed. Cassandra then foretells the sack of Troy and her own enslavement and murder -- a grim premise for a novel, but Levine's Cassandra never stops trying to avert the tragic future she sees. Her efforts win her a few crucial allies, including her brother Hector, a minor wind god named Eurus, and (once the Amazons side with the Trojans against the Spartans) the Amazon princess Rin. But all of Cassandra's attempts fail, even barring Paris and Helen from seeking refuge in Troy. Through a clearly evoked Aegean setting, unique customs, and certain poetic turns of phrase, Levine immerses readers in a Bronze Age society, contrasting the strictures placed around Cassandra and other Trojan women with the freedom and agency enjoyed by the Amazons, whose culture is also meticulously portrayed. Cassandra's friendship with the Amazon princess adds another intriguing strand to the narrative. Purists may object to Levine's modifications, but modern readers most interested in grrrl power won't mind. In the end, does Cassandra succeed in saving Hector from death at the hands of Achilles and the city of Troy from the wooden horse outside the gates? I could tell you -- but best to read it for yourselves. Anita L. Burkam

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from October 15, 2022
Grades 6-8 *Starred Review* The Trojan War sets the stage for this epic retelling, delivered through the perspectives of two princesses, Cassandra of Troy and Rin of the Amazons. The novel's first half belongs to 14-year-old Cassandra, who, after rebuking a sexual advance by the god Apollo, is cursed by him to see the future yet be believed by no one. What follows is an adventure through the backstory of the Iliad, wherein Cassandra--aided by Eurus, mischievous god of the east wind and bashful love interest--fights to save her city from its terrible fate. The second half jumps several years to when young Rin and her small company of Amazons come to Troy's aid. She befriends an ostracized Cassandra, now grown, and their fates intertwine up through the end of the war, which is beautifully reimagined by Levine. This is unquestionably a work of fantasy, though it draws on historical influence, placing readers believably in ancient Troy. Despite the setting, the focus is less on war and more on the characters' hearts, minds, and dealings, and it makes for a fascinating ride through the famous epic. Levine's simple, crystalline prose is pure pleasure, and with so much ground to cover, events are often dispatched in brief passages, reflecting perhaps a Homeric style. All in all, a delight for young fans of Greek myths and a thoughtful adventure for fans of upper-middle-grade fantasy.

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Starred review from August 15, 2022
Inspired by the saga of Cassandra and the Trojan War, this retelling takes a fresh, female-centered view of events. All 14-year-old Cassandra wants is to perform well as the kanephoros, leading a procession to the altar in the sacred grove for the upcoming festival honoring Zeus. Well, she would also like the god Apollo to give her the ability to foretell the future. All goes well until she rejects Apollo's advances and he attaches a curse to his gift of prophecy: She will be able to see what is to come, but no one will believe her pronouncements. Not only that, he also bestows the gift of prophecy on Helenus, her twin brother. Helenus foresees the conflict over beautiful Helen and pursues her even though he knows her kidnapping will have dire consequences for their family. Meanwhile, Cassandra is befriended by Eurus, the god of the east wind, but between her curse and the culture's limits on women's lives, her efforts to save her family, her people, and her city seem doomed. Enter Amazon Princess Rin, whose life is the opposite of Cassandra's--Amazons hunt, fight, serve as mercenaries, and govern themselves. Cassandra and Rin's friendship and their attempts to change Troy's destiny make for a compelling read, weaving history, legend, and imagined possibilities. This welcome addition to Greek mythology-inspired stories centers multidimensional female characters often lacking in traditional tales. An original, superbly executed reimagining of a story with enduring appeal. (cast of characters, author's note) (Adventure. 10-14)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2022
Pleased with Cassandra's offering, Apollo gives her the gift of prophecy, but when she turns down his sexual advances, he curses her so she won't be believed. Cassandra then foretells the sack of Troy and her own enslavement and murder -- a grim premise for a novel, but Levine's Cassandra never stops trying to avert the tragic future she sees. Her efforts win her a few crucial allies, including her brother Hector, a minor wind god named Eurus, and (once the Amazons side with the Trojans against the Spartans) the Amazon princess Rin. But all of Cassandra's attempts fail, even barring Paris and Helen from seeking refuge in Troy. Through a clearly evoked Aegean setting, unique customs, and certain poetic turns of phrase, Levine immerses readers in a Bronze Age society, contrasting the strictures placed around Cassandra and other Trojan women with the freedom and agency enjoyed by the Amazons, whose culture is also meticulously portrayed. Cassandra's friendship with the Amazon princess adds another intriguing strand to the narrative. Purists may object to Levine's modifications, but modern readers most interested in grrrl power won't mind. In the end, does Cassandra succeed in saving Hector from death at the hands of Achilles and the city of Troy from the wooden horse outside the gates? I could tell you -- but best to read it for yourselves.

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)