Argo (Blades of Bronze, 1)

A new take on the classic Greek myth of Jason and the Golden Fleece. I am a huge fan of Greek mythology and was really drawn in by the fact that this was a action filled retelling, unfortunately this just didn’t work for me as much as I had hoped. It definitely goes along with the main points of the original myth but something about the writing just didn’t connect to me and I found myself having a hard time wanting to finish reading this. This is the first book in the series and ends up on a cliffhanger. There is a more political and realistic take on the original myth and a bit less of the mythological aspect.*Thanks netgalley and Aria & Aries for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

‘Argo’ is the first book in classicist Mark Knowles’ Blades of Bronze series and is a retelling of the tale of Jason and the Argonauts though with a difference.Knowles clearly wished to erase the fantastical elements from Jason’s story and making it more of a Bronze Age historical adventure. It is quite a long novel and while there was a fair amount of boys’ own action and adventure, the pace often slowed down to a crawl.‘Argo’ was somewhat redeemed for me by Knowles’ Historical Note in which he wrote: “When I began to write Argo, I resisted the temptation to take on Ray Harryhausen by conjuring monsters, mythical beasts and demigods from the blank page: there is only ever going to be one winner in that particular contest.” Fair point though plenty of others have managed to write powerful retellings of myths and legends without stripping out the magic.He went on: “I was more interested in creating a realistic world populated by relatable characters acting upon plausible motives, whilst still preserving the wonder and liminality of the distant myth.“I feel that I would have preferred if Knowles had provided this intention as an opening Note to Readers. As for preserving the wonder, I didn’t feel any wonder. It was an okay adventure but I felt that it lacked depth or sense of the numinous apart from a few scenes of Medea.I am intending to read the next book ‘Jason’ though with the awareness going in that while its characters will often be saying ‘by the gods’ that the gods are unlikely to have any agency. I am curious in seeing how Medea’s story plays out given that she does seem to have a genuine devotion to Hecate.I do feel ‘Argo’ will appeal to readers who are seeking a retelling of myth in this realistic style. However, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

I used to devour sagas of the Icelandic variety so was intrigued to see how this retelling of a different type of fabled voyage would grab me. As with any epic tale with a large cast of characters, it takes a bit of time to manoeuvre all the pieces into position – something the author handles well with scenes giving little glimpses into the would-be Argonauts’ attributes (alongside the main challenge laid down to Jason by King Pelias). But it is from the moment Jason and his crew are first tested in battle that this book truly hits its straps, at once turning a bunch of strangers into a band of brothers and forging a far stronger bond between this reader and the characters.Since the battles come along with satisfying regularity from that point, it’s a good thing the author has a particular skill – and obvious relish – for portraying the huge set pieces. I doubt as much blood has been spilled on beaches since the opening to Saving Private Ryan. Cleverly, the violent encounters invariably bring out loyalties, rivalries, debts of gratitude (and ingratitude) that linger in the crew’s interactions during the quieter moments. I thought that was nicely done.The sense of this being a voyage into the unknown is well maintained throughout, neither reader nor Argonauts ever sure if the next shoreline will bring a tribe offering food, sex, death, or any combination of the above. What is known, however, is that the level of research contained within this story must have been epic in itself, and there is no fudging the details – for example, the degree to which increasingly distant languages are understood, and who among the crew has the wherewithal to communicate (no Star Trek “universal translator” on this voyage).To its credit, the book manages to wear all the research lightly when it could easily have been burdened by a weightier, academic feel. Indeed, alongside this fresh take on the various historic accounts of Jason’s voyage (the author explains in the notes there is no single, overarching version) it is fun to spot the moments where Knowles has created Earthly explanations for previously supernatural elements of the story.Could there be some nuggets of historical truth in this “realistic” retelling from which the more fantastical versions grew? Given the nature of how oral storytelling works, and how myths are born, it is tempting to think so. I look forward to the next in the trilogy.

I was privileged to be able to read an early draft of Argo some time ago and in the interim it’s clear that Jason has grown a pair so to speak. Mark Knowles’ formidably researched re-telling of this epic myth has produced an epic and at times visceral book that neatly side-steps the easy path of fabled creatures and fantastical beings. Instead he opts for portraying well known characters in a real life manner given them human flaws and real earthly substance.. Jason’s journey based on revenge sees a real personal growth and his development into a leader of men, later becoming a reluctant killer and true warrior. The tense interplay between characters is well portrayed.The story is a long way from a back slapping boys cruise to foreign shores and more like a special forces mission. The story telling and Sven-setting is cinematic and I can truly imagine it as a movie - which I would love to see. The author’s in-depth knowledge of his subject matter is plain to see and he has cleverly interwoven dark tones to create a book of true class. It must have been an all-consuming feat to go from that early draft to this final version as the two are poles apart with this one being far superior in every way. The tantalising ‘to be continued’ already has me waiting in hope that it won’t be too long before I can continue my own journey with Jason and his craw. A while ago when I read that early copy I wondered who the audience might be. Well, for those who know the story already I believe you will find something new and for those who don’t then it’s time to go on your own journey of discovery. Superb.

I love Greek myths. I love the film Jason and the Argonauts. So, here is a book telling the tale. Well, the story is there. There is great detail and the whole story is being told not only the simpler version used to great effect in the film. It is clear and easy to read but...where is the heart? Where is the compulsion to turn the page, to find out what happens next? I could read it very easily but I don't want to. It isn't boring. It just lacks the spark of life. I am really sad and disappointed.

Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story. This glorious hero quest is packed with intrigue, adventure, mystery, and beautifully written skirmishes, raising the stakes higher and higher as the crew venture into darker and more treacherous lands. The characters are well drawn and compelling, each with their own flaws and motives woven into the plot. The tribal politics, subversion and battle scenes leave you hungry for more of this dazzling epic, so I hope it won’t be too long until a sequel is released!