The Crucible of Achilles

By: Takis John Pepe

Narrated by: Chiquito Joaquim Crasto

It is believed Homer was blind, yet this adaptation proves his vision was far reaching and his insight into the human condition more relevant than ever. The Iliad is revitalized in this contemporary version with a central focus on the epic's deadliest hero, Achilles. This time, Archie is 27-year-old combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, achieving moderate celebrity as the crowd favorite of an underground fight club. Blessed as a fighter, he yearns for a life of peace but is thrust into the greatest battle he will ever know when confronted by a dangerous rival and his own mortality. Homer's original yarn has been stretched across the millennia, weaving seamlessly man's battle with himself, his enemies and his God into today's modern fabric.

©2016 Takis John Pepe (P)2016 Takis John Pepe

Inside the Mind of a Warrior

Would you listen to The Crucible of Achilles again? Why?

Yes because the author's use of language very eloquently tells several story lines and now that I know the big picture I want to listen for the nuances that weave each together.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Crucible of Achilles?

The flashbacks of the soldier's time in Afghanistan.

What aspect of Chiquito Joaquim Crasto’s performance would you have changed?

I didn't care for his portrayal of a female's voice. At times the story was difficult to hear. To me it sounded muffled.

If you could take any character from The Crucible of Achilles out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Archie's Popou because he seems to have greatly influenced who Achilles is.

Any additional comments?

This is a beautifully written story that reads like a Greek Tragedy, with the hero being an American Veteran of the Afghanistan War. The clarity of expression invokes a deep emotional response to one man's inner struggle with his attempt to reconcile all that he was with all that he now finds himself to be. Highly recommended. I wanted to listen to the whole story through and am looking forward to the next novel!

Heartfelt and emotional

Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting the the author . It was be accident that I bumped in to him when I was purchasing hardware for my sailboat . We both discovered we are novice sailors , he helped me with what I needed and asked if I had ever read Joshua Slocums' book: Sailing Around the World Alone . And indeed I had read it twice . We briefly marveled at the story and its adventure . John asked me if I listened to audio books and when untold him that I did he quite modestly told me of this novel, and casually added that he was the author and gave me a link to the book.
I just finished listening to the book . This is a book written from the heart . Provocative and very instructive on every day life , bravery, and honor .
Having met the author added a dimension to the story that provide a particular perspective that made me more curious and wanting to hear more about Archie's pain, suffering and humanity .
I hope John provides more of these insights through future characters he writes about .
All in all it was a good read , a contemporary story linked to history, ethnicity and honor in war and life