“A strange destiny has brought me to this point, circumstances contrived by displeased gods and goddesses; I am able, at least in part, to determine my own causality behind these, for it’s true that I rejected Neoptolemus’s advances, but I never once professed to love him.”
– an excerpt from the book
Author Reputation Press is honored to publish “Polyxena: A Story of Troy” by H. Allenger. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
“Polyxena: A Story of Troy” by H. Allenger is a historical fiction novel that intertwines themes of forbidden love, self-discovery, and the complexities of fate against the backdrop of the legendary Trojan War. The narrative follows Polyxena, the daughter of King Priam of Troy, as she faces dire circumstances following the fall of her city.
Author H. Allenger grew up in Montana and graduated from high school in Spokane, WA. He earned his BA in political science from Eastern Washington University of Arkansas through its overseas extension program while stationed at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. After seven years as an officer in the US Army and thirty-one years working for the Seattle School District, he retired fully in 2008 to pursue his true passions, which include archaeology, art, history, mythology, and writing. He presently resides in Seattle, Washington, and enjoys traveling the world.
After Troy falls, Polyxena, daughter of King Priam, faces death for having rejected the advances of her captor. She relates her thoughts to Aphrodite, the goddess she holds responsible for having orchestrated her fate, to find solace and overcome her fear of death. She recounts how she was sent as an envoy to the Amazons to secure them as allies in the war and how she becomes a captive of Achilles when he defeats them, and the two find romance in each other.
After returning to Troy, she tries to keep their forbidden love a secret, but, through treachery, her brothers learn of it, leading to a tragic outcome for them both. As she tries to make sense of it all, Polyxena’s introspection leads her to a surprising conclusion about the life she has lived. All the personages associated with the Trojan myths—Helen, Cassandra, Priam, Paris, and others—are given fresh life in this epic retelling of the classic story.
Allenger’s portrayal of Polyxena reveals a character that is smart, fearless, and wise beyond her years. Throughout her trials, she develops relationships with other mythological figures, navigating the emotional complexities of her interactions while facing the realities of her situation. The author employs a narrative style that allows readers to witness Polyxena’s growth and resilience amid adversity.
Set against the backdrop of ancient Greece, the novel explores the aftermath of the Trojan War while incorporating mythological elements from Greek history. Readers are introduced to key figures from Greek mythology, such as Achilles and Agamemnon, providing a rich context for Polyxena’s dilemma and highlighting her connections with these legendary characters.
The novel centers around Polyxena’s self-discovery as she navigates the romantic legacy of Troy. As she embarks on this journey, she ultimately reaches a surprising conclusion about the life she has lived, revealing the depth of her character and the challenges she faces. The story encapsulates the theme of forbidden love, particularly in her relationship with Neoptolemus, which intertwines her fate with that of the city she once called home.
“Polyxena: A Story of Troy” by H. Allenger is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: https://authorreputationpress.com/bookstore/polyxena-a-story-of-troy/.