Easily one of the best books I've ever read. I'm still dazed by the ending. Transness permeates this book on every level and it comes through so clearly as someone who is trans. The story this book tells is weaved so well, full of hope and sorrow. Maya describes the ineffable with such dexterity, I can see the fight of the gods play out in my mind with all its mystery and splendor. Her writing can sometimes border on the likes of Alex Garland, but never too much that the larger picture becomes obscured. The main characters have such fierceness and tenderness about them. I didn't realize how much I wanted a womb of my own until Deane described how Achilles felt when she grew her own.

The ending felt akin to something out of Evangelion - the fury and power of a woman becoming manifest, so much so that she cheated even death and slew the gods themselves. Yet still at the end it was driven by love.

It's so hard to find the words for this book. The trans moments resonated with me so strongly,

I felt Deidamia's sorrow at the growth (and loss) of Achilles, Melia's pain at Helen's magic, and her joy of finding other kallai, the surprise at seeing Brisewos and knowing immediately what he represented.

I honestly cannot recommend this book. It's filled with such history and passion and love. I will be singing its praises until my voice runs dry.