Cassandra: A Delphic Woman Novel    by Kerry Greenwood Order:  USA  Can Poisoned Pen, 2013 (2013) Hardcover, Softcover      Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth The second of author Kerry Greenwood's Delphic Women novels, Cassandra (the first being Medea), is a wonder of history retold, research of huge proportions, and a vivid imagination. On Mount Olympus, Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, is bored. She challenges Apollo, Sun God and her brother, wanting to pit her power against his. The game begins using mortals as pawns. And so Cassandra and her twin brother Diomenes become part of the wager, puppets of the Gods. Cassandra has the gift of prophecy and Diomenes is granted healing hands. As readers, we are treated to Cassandra and Diomenes as very young children. We watch them grow up to the point that they enjoy having non-penetrating sex – with each other! Brother and sister! The Gods have their actors, need a stage, and choose the wealthy city of Troy. Parts of this tale were a little too raw for me. However the story line was captivating. As we follow Cassandra and Diomenes, we learn that she is plagued by her ability of prophesy, while he develops the art of healing. Troy, of course, is attacked in a fit of greed. War becomes real. Combatants slay with little regard as to which side anyone is on. Blood runs in the streets. Ships are set ablaze with their crews jumping into the hands of their enemies. Babies are separated from their mothers only to be thrown over cliffs. War is hell. As was this. I am glad I did not live in this era. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Historical books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews