Introduction

The Trojan War threatens Troy’s allies and the Greek supply raids spread. A young healing priestess, designated as future queen, must defend her city against both divine anger and invading Greeks. She finds strength in visions of a handsome warrior god; will that be enough when the half-immortal Achilles attacks? Hand of Fire, a tale of resilience and hope, blends history and legend in the untold story of Achilles’s famous captive, Briseis. 

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Excerpt

That’s what it’s come to, Briseis thought, women defending the palace with cooking pots. She reached up to the burning places on her cheek and chest where Mynes’s whip had struck her.
She sent Eurome to warn Maira and prepare Hatepa, though they would keep what was happening from the queen for now. Then Briseis started up the ladder to a defense tower.
A tremendous crack rang out and the ground shook beneath her. It felt like a lightning strike, dangerously close, but the sky was clear blue. What had happened? She climbed to the top and looked toward the Great Gate of Lyrnessos. Where the wooden beams and stone supports should have been, a cloud of dust and debris arose. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1. Early on Briseis faces several crises and takes on adult responsibilities, although she is only fifteen at the time. Did you find her character believable? Did you find parallels to contemporary teenage life?

2. What do the varied responses of women to the violent circumstances they face in this novel show about human nature and about some women’s resiliency in the face of tragedy? What does the novel say about the source of women’s strength?

3. Is Achilles’ half-immortality more of an advantage or disadvantage to him? Where and how can he find happiness?

4. What does Hand of Fire show about friendship? Are women better at friendship than men or vice versa in this book?

5. This book balances history and myth. Did you feel the history was reliable and engaging? Did Starkston’s representation of famous heroes and gods from Greek mythology differ from your expectations? Did you find the author’s vision persuasive?

6. Why does Briseis choose to accept Achilles’ love? Do you sympathize with her decision?

7. What do the novel’s various symbols—hands, fire, the sea, springs, mountains, wolves, weaving—show about the underlying themes for you?

8. The author has said she views Hand of Fire as predominantly hopeful despite the violence and death depicted through its plot. Do you agree?

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