Title: Polyxena: A Story of Troy
Author: H. Allenger
Publisher: Toplink Publishing
ISBN: 978-1475954494
Pages: 412
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: Christa Hill

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The story of Polyxena takes a new look at what happened after Troy fell, written from the perspective of a young woman. The story weaves together myth and romance in a unique way, as this clever novel is gripping from the first to the last page. It is both a political story as much as it is a foray into family culture.

Author H. Allenger’s tone and pace of the story are very effective in bringing across the atmosphere of a legend to both new readers and history buffs alike. Polyxena is a character with numerous impossible goals and a fixation on doing what is right. She is willing to sacrifice herself for love of her home and family. Along this road of discovery and reflection, the author also adds in new elements of surprise when it comes to the nature of relationships. Since Polyxena’s one true love is Achilles, it breaks down cultural and sociological divides, as it looks at whether love can transcend earthly boundaries.

From a personal perspective, I found the novel heavy on the romance, more than what is in the political power play, which is what was originally introduced at the start of the book. It seems as though Polyxena is emotionally paralyzed by her memories of love lost and is incapable of fighting injustice. A few chapters are so heavily weighed down with fantasies making it challenging as a reader to assess what is taking place in the present. While the story flows fairly naturally, I believe Polyxena could have had more nuance and gumption in her development.

Allenger is certainly a capable writer with a clear interest in details. Allenger takes time to construct a complex world; weaving past events into present situations. There is history, perspective and truth in the writing. The first-person perspective is well done as the story begins by identifying and introducing the character from the start. I would definitely recommend this book to history and romance literature fans seeking a new and creative twist to the combination of popular themes.