Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
Exploits caught my eye with its promise of classical adventure and dark humour. The idea of an ancient Greek tragic actor conscripted into war felt like a mash-up of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead meets 300, and I was very much here for it. From the outset, Lennon’s irreverent tone and modern flair brought the ancient world crashing vividly to life.

✅ What I Liked:
The voice. Oh, the voice. Charmides, the narrator, is the very definition of a reluctant hero, vain, self-deprecating, and oddly loveable. Lennon’s wit is razor-sharp, and the dialogue between Charmides and his friend-cum-frenemy Thersites practically crackles with tension, comedy, and layered history. I loved how theatre and performance were woven throughout the story, elevating what could have been a straightforward war tale into a thoughtful exploration of masculinity, identity, and legacy.

The pacing never dragged, even when the characters were trudging through war camps or arguing about the ethics of tragedy. The anachronistic humour felt intentional and added to the surreal theatricality of the whole thing.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
Occasionally, the modern turns of phrase felt a bit too jarring, it pulled me out of the ancient setting just enough to remind me that this was very much a retelling, not an immersive historical. While that won’t bother everyone, it might not be for purists who prefer their classical fiction straight-faced and scholarly.

Also, while I appreciated the philosophical undertones, there were moments when the book teetered on the edge of being too clever for its own good, though thankfully, it never quite fell off that ledge.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you liked The Song of Achilles but wish it had more sarcasm, or if you’re a fan of irreverent historical fiction like Kaikeyi or A Thousand Ships, this is your next read. It’s witty, weird, and surprisingly moving, with just enough blood and theatre to keep you turning pages.

💭 Final Thoughts:
Lennon has pulled off something genuinely unique with Exploits: a classical bromance full of heart, hubris, and hilarity. It feels both timeless and completely modern. While it might not be everyone’s cup of hemlock, for those willing to embrace the absurd and the tragic in equal measure, this is a triumph.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – A brilliantly bold bromance in a toga