Customer Reviews

The Amazon and the Warrior

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As both a writer and a historian I am always pleased when it is clear that someone has done research. Unfortunately, while it is very obvious that Hand has done more than average layperson research into the Amazon legend, especially the Achilles & Penthesileia legend, she does not pull the story out well. For example, I could forgive the embellishments to the narrative, it is, afterall, a very short legend only truly expanded in Late Antiquity to anything than just the battle. But there are too many characters who get their own chapters in this book. Given the title I wanted the book to focus on Penthesileia and Damonides -- when it did, it was very well written and interesting to read. Instead we seem to spend time in several characters' heads and it gets distracting. Also in the first part of the book, Achilles et al take off for Amazon regions and the Amazons know they are there but nothing happens -- why was that even in there? Overall disappointed.

"The Amazon and the Warrior" is entertaining, but is a fairly broad interpretation of the legend of the Trojan War. Judith Hand is great for putting her characters in the middle of the action. It's great summer reading, but for a better view of the Trojan War from the women's point of view, I recommend "The Firebrand" by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

Just across from Troy, the Greek Commander and the mightiest of warriors Achilles and a few of his men killed the Amazon warrior mother of the then young Penthesilea and apparently abducted her sister. Pentha watched in fear and hiding. Vowing to kill the invincible Achilles, Pentha joined her mother's people. Several years later Pentha is the Warrior Queen of the Amazons.

Pentha meets Damonides when he helps her escape from a simple rope trap by catching her as she tumbled to the ground. They become lovers, but disagree about what to do about the Greeks who have laid siege on Troy. Pentha feels this is her opportunity to avenge her mother's death while Damon, once a great warrior, has turned away from the sword and opposes her plan of attacking the Greeks at the walls of Troy. He fears for her and her people as the odds would be overwhelming even with surprise on their side. She says after Troy Achilles will come for Themskyra. He knows he will back his beloved though he prefers the plow to the sword having seen death first hand.

THE AMAZON AND THE WARRIOR is a fabulous retelling of one of the legendary short sagas of Ancient Greece. When title characters are on center stage, the plot is filled with action, plenty of romance, and a feel for the era through she as a warrior queen and he a retired warrior wary of war. However, when the author heroically brings the depths and other perspectives of other heroes, the plot creaks from sidebar overload. Still, this is a fine read because Ms. Hand provides an enthralling look at the Ancients.

Harriet Klausner

The Amazon and the Warrior by Judith Hand is an interesting historical novel set during the end of the Trojan War. The story is billed as the legend of Penthesilea, Queen of the Amazons, and deals with a former warrior and this fiery-haired leader of the fierce warrior women who fill myth and legends.

While the story seems to have a good historical foothold, and the action moves along with battles and sword fights and hunting, combined with a few love scenes, I found the story to be predictable. Not because it's a historical story and yes, we all know how the Trojan War ends, but because the characters seemed to lack and true depth of emotion. I knew that Damonides and Penthesilea would become lovers, and frankly, many of the major movements of the story are telegraphed far in advance.

I wanted more emotional depth from these characters, wanted to feel more engaged with the story. Instead, I found it reading like an interesting history book, not engrossing, but something to read to pass the time. If you don't expect great things from this novel or historical accuracy, it's an interesting tale.

Its a definite collectors item. Its also a very moving story. I couldnt put it down.