Feedback. Love it or loathe it, as an author you certainly can’t ignore it. When I was first published, my fragile ego was so terrified of bad reviews and feedback that I would ask my wife to read everything first. Nowadays, I’m more thick skinned. Not that it isn’t disheartening to receive a negative comment, but you just have to shrug your shoulders and accept there are people who say nice things, too.
The publishers of Son of Zeus are taking a graduated approach to marketing the book, but reviews and feedback are starting to build up. Here are the comments I’ve seen so far:
“I loved this book. And I don’t think it was just because I find mythology awesome and fascinating. I think one of the reasons I liked this book so much was because it seemed real. Not realistic per se, but… you got a lot more detail. I definitely recommend this book.”
Dragon’s Lair book blog
“One of my favourite Greek adventure stories! I want to read Glyn’s next novel about Heracles’s remaining labours. I love this book!”
5 stars, Breakaway Reviewers
“It reads as a fantasy story (the lion of Nemea, a white hind with golden antlers and a seven headed snake) albeit with a sad and bitter undertone. One cannot help but feel sorry for this giant whose life is manipulated by the whims of the gods. This is the first part of the trilogy (3 labours done, 9 more to go) but it is not the classic retelling of the myth, Heracles and the other characters are so much more than individual parts of this myth. Yes, I think I will probably follow Heracles’s further adventures…”
4 stars, Books, Dogs and Cats blog
“Enthralling…can’t put it down.”
5 stars, Amazon review
“I love Glyn Iliffe’s story telling and of course I find the era of his stories really interesting, they are almost believable. I enjoyed the Troy series and will have trouble waiting for the next one in this series.”
5 stars, Amazon review
“Enjoyed the book. I always enjoy books by Glyn Iliffe.”
4 stars, Amazon review
“Absolutely loved it. Can’t wait for the next one. Please let me know when the next one comes out!”
5 stars, Amazon review
“Long winded narrative in places.”
2 stars, Amazon review
“Glyn once again captures the imagination with the personal touch he gives this hero we all know from our childhood. Little bits of detail he adds to his stories really help you picture yourself there alongside Heracles. While taking some liberties with the legend it’s like reading a new tale, not just a re-hashing of the same old story. I’m a big fan of this already and really looking forward to the next instalment. If you’re a fan of Simon Scarrow or Ben Kane this is right up your street.”
5 stars, Amazon review
“Another excellent book by Glyn Iliffe.”
5 stars, Amazon review
“Most people know of Heracles/Hercules and his labours. Glyn Iliffe has taken the myths and as he did with Odysseus given them flesh but retaining the involvement of the Greek gods. Highly recommended and looking forward to the sequels.”
5 stars, Amazon review
“An excellent telling of the first three trials of Heracles with flashbacks to previous events. These flashbacks expand the story without spoiling the narrative. I look forward to the next two books.”
5 stars, Amazon review
“Good from the beginning.”
5 stars, Amazon review
“Really enjoy his first book of the tale of Hercules after having read his Odysseus’s series of books, which I really enjoyed, I am looking forward to the next in the series.”
4 stars, Amazon review
“This book was great. The author really made the story come alive while providing some necessary background on who Hercules was within the myth and then really pulled you into the first several Tasks. Looking forward to the next book”
5 stars, Amazon review
“A wonderful retelling of the trials of Heracles. This book is the first in a trilogy and starts just after Heracles killed his children in a crazy frenzy. It features 3 of the 12 labours that Heracles must accomplish to understand why he committed such a heinous act and to atone for his crime. Son of Zeus is a well-researched and entertaining book that fans of Greek and Roman mythology will enjoy.”
4 stars, Amazon review
Haven’t read the book yet waiting for paperback but having read all the reviews and knowing Glyns works of Odysseus I’m finding it very hard to wait for it to come out.No nails left taken up smoking again and the malts almost gone!!!
As an avid ancient historical novel devourer (and amateur historian), Glyn has not let us down with this new (It better be!) series. Superb craftmanship and a master storyteller.
Now, master storyteller, get back to work, because we need, we demand, MORE !
Thanks Dene. Don’t worry, the second installment is in the editing stage so will be available later this year.
PS – apologies for not replying sooner, I’ve been on my holidays.
Hi Glyn,
Congratulations once again on yet another great read(Hero of Olympus).
I can honesty say that I have enjoyed all of the books that I have read of yours,I really am looking forward to your future work about Jason and the Argonauts.
Keep up the great work.
Kind regards
Rob.
Thanks Rob, much appreciated.