If you're a fan of historical fiction, especially stories set in the ancient world, you'll love the fresh perspective Jo Graham brings to epic history. Black Ships reimagines the Aeneid through the eyes of Gull, an oracle and a strong female protagonist, blending a gripping mix of adventure, mythology, politics, and heartfelt human drama. Expect richly detailed settings (think windswept seas, bustling ancient Egypt, and war-torn Mediterranean coasts), three-dimensional characters, and a moving look at survival after Troy's fall. Readers who enjoyed works like Mists of Avalon or the Kushiel series, or anyone interested in ancient myths told from a woman's viewpoint, should definitely check this out.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found the pacing slow at times, especially in the novel’s middle, and thought the ending felt rushed or tried to cram too much into a few chapters. If you’re expecting non-stop action or pure fantasy, you may be disappointed - supernatural elements here are rooted in religious mysticism rather than magic. A few people didn’t connect with the first-person narrative or the emotional tone, finding Gull distant. Romance lovers looking for a central love story might find the relationship dynamics understated or secondary to the epic itself.

A beautifully written, evocative retelling of the Aeneid from a unique female perspective - perfect for historical fiction fans and myth lovers, though those craving action-packed or romance-focused tales may want something faster paced.

About:

"Black Ships" by Jo Graham is a retelling of Virgil's Aeneid from the perspective of Gull, an oracle of the Lady of the Dead. The story follows Gull's journey from a slave child to a respected priestess, guiding Prince Aeneas and the Trojan exiles through various adventures in the Mediterranean region, ultimately leading them to the founding of Rome. The writing style is described as engaging, historically convincing, and filled with lush descriptions of the ancient world.

Characters:

The characters are well-rounded, with believable emotions and relationships that evolve throughout the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing blends poetic elements with clear, accessible prose, creating an evocative historical atmosphere.

Plot/Storyline:

The novel depicts the Wilusans' quest for a new home post-Troy, illustrating Gull's evolution as their oracle and the ensuing challenges.

Setting:

The setting immerses readers in a vividly imagined ancient world, incorporating various historical influences.

Pacing:

While the pacing is generally steady, it experiences fluctuations, particularly speeding up towards the end.

You must know that, despite all else I am, I am of the People. My grandfather was a boatbuilder in the Lower City. He built fishing boats, my mother said, and once worked on one of the great ships tha...

Notes:

The novel is a retelling of Virgil's Aeneid, focusing on the aftermath of the fall of Troy.

The story is told from the perspective of Gull, a female oracle and the daughter of a Trojan slave.

Gull becomes an acolyte and later the Oracle (Pythia) of the Lady of the Dead.

The protagonists embark on a journey to find a new homeland, which eventually leads to the founding of Rome.

Graham blends historical fact with myth, accurately depicting the Mediterranean region and its cultures.

The book explores themes of love, identity, war, and survival in a time of upheaval.

Gull's character development reflects her transition from a vulnerable child to a respected oracle and leader.

The author incorporates detailed descriptions of ancient naval warfare and the ships used during that era.

There are subtle portrayals of complex relationships, including a love triangle involving Gull, Aeneas, and his captain, Xandros.

Graham's writing evokes the beauty of antiquity while addressing harsh realities and social conditions of the time.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of rape, violence, slavery, and war.

Has Romance?

There is a significant romantic subplot, with relationships that influence the characters' journeys.

From The Publisher:

"Haunting and bittersweet, lush and vivid, this extraordinary story has lived with me since I first read it." - Naomi Novik, author of His Majesty's Dragon

The world is ending. One by one the mighty cities are falling, to earthquakes, to flood, to raiders on both land and sea.

In a time of war and doubt, Gull is an oracle. Daughter of a slave taken from fallen Troy, chosen at the age of seven to be the voice of the Lady of the Dead, it is her destiny to counsel kings.

When nine black ships appear, captained by an exiled Trojan prince, Gull must decide between the life she has been destined for and the most perilous adventure - to join the remnant of her mother's people in their desperate flight. From the doomed bastions of the City of Pirates to the temples of Byblos, from the intrigues of the Egyptian court to the haunted caves beneath Mount Vesuvius, only Gull can guide Prince Aeneas on his quest, and only she can dare the gates of the Underworld itself to lead him to his destiny.

In the last shadowed days of the Age of Bronze, one woman dreams of the world beginning anew. This is her story.

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Black Ships

Jo Graham

Book 1 in the series:Numinous World

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