The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: Spicy Chapters, Reviews & Free Download
Story Summary
The Song of Achilles retells the Iliad through the eyes of Patroclus, beginning with his exile as a young prince and ending with the tragedy at Troy. After being cast out of his home, Patroclus is brought to Phthia, where he meets Achilles — a demigod prince destined for glory. What begins as an unlikely friendship gradually deepens into a profound, forbidden love.
Under Chiron’s guidance, they grow into young men, bound by choice, loyalty, and fate. But when Helen is taken and war rises, Achilles must decide between a long, quiet life or immortal fame. Patroclus follows him to Troy, where their bond is tested by honor, prophecy, and the gods themselves.
The novel blends mythology, romance, and tragedy into a coming-of-age epic about love powerful enough to echo beyond death.
Main Characters
Patroclus
Age: Starts around 10; late teens during Troy
Ethnicity: Greek
Hair Color: Not explicitly stated
Eye Color: Not stated
Identity: Exiled prince / narrator
Gentle, observant, and unwavering — Patroclus loves Achilles with a devotion that shapes both their fates.
Achilles
Age: Similar age to Patroclus (late teens during Troy)
Ethnicity: Greek, half-divine
Hair Color: Golden
Eye Color: Green
Identity: Prince of Phthia / demigod warrior
Destined for glory, fiercely talented, and caught between fate and the boy he loves.
Every Spicy Chapter — Detailed Breakdown
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Chapter 9 — The First Touch
In Chiron’s cave, Patroclus lies beside Achilles as they fall asleep after a long day of training. The warmth of Achilles’ skin and the closeness of their bodies turns into a tentative intimacy. Achilles reaches for Patroclus’ hand in the dark, fingers brushing lightly. Nothing explicit happens, but the awareness is unmistakable.
“I felt him slide his hand into mine.”
Chapter 11 — Their First Kiss
While bathing in the river, Achilles steps close to Patroclus, water running between them. Achilles touches his face, then leans in and kisses him for the first time. It’s soft, unsure, and brief — the kind of moment where the world pauses around them.
“He leaned forward and kissed me.”
Chapter 12 — The Night They Become Lovers
In the mountains under Chiron’s care, Patroclus and Achilles finally cross the line from longing to action. Achilles undresses first, and Patroclus follows. The scene is implied, never explicit — bodies close, breath shared, hands exploring carefully.
“We were like gods at the dawning of the world.”
Chapter 18 — Intimacy in the Heat
During the unbearable stillness at Aulis, Patroclus and Achilles spend long days alone in their tent. The book references “the hundred games we make for each other,” implying physical closeness and sexual play without graphic detail. It’s a quiet intimacy born of boredom, youth, and desire.
“Even Achilles and I… with the hundred games we make for each other…”
Goodreads Reader Reactions
Overall Rating: ~4.4 stars
Positive Reactions:
“This book broke me beautifully.”
“A love story so soft it hurts.”
“The writing feels like poetry in motion.”
“Achilles and Patroclus own my entire heart.”
Critical Reactions:
“The pacing is slow in the beginning.”
“I wanted more time with them before Troy.”
Overall:
Readers call it “a myth retold with devastating tenderness” — a romance and tragedy wrapped into one unforgettable story.
Related Books
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By Madeline Miller:
1️⃣ Circe
A feminist retelling of the witch-goddess Circe, filled with magic, loneliness, and reinvention.
2️⃣ Galatea
A mythic short story exploring obsession and autonomy.
If you like mythic romance:
- A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes — Trojan War from the women’s voices.
- Ithaca by Claire North — Penelope’s political war while Odysseus is gone.
These books expand the mythological landscape without repeating The Song of Achilles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is The Song of Achilles about?
A retelling of the Iliad through Patroclus, focusing on his lifelong bond and romance with Achilles.
Q: Is The Song of Achilles spicy?
Only mildly. The intimacy is implied, emotional, and never graphic.
Q: What genre is The Song of Achilles?
Mythology retelling / historical fantasy / tragic romance.
Q: How many chapters are in The Song of Achilles?
33 chapters.
Q: How many pages is The Song of Achilles?
Approximately 368 pages (varies by edition).
Q: How old is Achilles in The Song of Achilles?
He grows from childhood to his late teens/early twenties during the war.
Q: Is The Song of Achilles appropriate?
Generally recommended for older teens/adults due to war themes, death, and implied intimacy.
Q: When was The Song of Achilles published?
2011 (UK), 2012 (US).
Q: How many pages are in The Song of Achilles?
Around 368 pages.
Q: What age is The Song of Achilles for?
Typically 16+ due to mature themes.
Q: What is the theme of The Song of Achilles?
Love, fate vs. free will, heroism, mortality, and the cost of glory.
Q: Is The Song of Achilles gay?
Yes. The central romance is between Achilles and Patroclus.