Patrick Bowman

My original Cursed by the Sea God audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Alexi’s journey as slave to Odysseus continues on the fateful journey to Ithaca. This audio is based on Homer’s Odyssey; packed with action involving deadly encounters with Circe the sorceress, the Sirens and their deadly song, the cannibals of Laestrygonians and the keeper of the wind. Mistakes are made through bad decisions of which Alexi had no input but faces the consequences even as show more a piglet!

Removed from Lopex’s (Odysseus) favor through no fault of his own, Alexi must use his wits and knowledge to outsmart others in his company and save them from the curse of the sea god. Alexi is losing friends, but is able to redeem himself in the case of one. Alexi learns to not turn his back on his friends and his actions has consequences for all involved.

The audio was wonderful! A retelling of an old story with a fresh look – told from the view point of a slave. The moment when Alexi realizes Greeks are human too is moving and genuine. His perseverance and questioning of authority is witty and completely today – it is interesting to see how teenagers have not changed from day one until now! Bowman makes Alexi real and easy to build a connection with as with others in the series.

Bowman’s fresh take on Homer’s Odyssey is engaging and fun. I remember studying the Odyssey in high school and later in college – not once did we look at it beyond the view point of Odysseus or as stories legends are made. Hearing this told from the viewpoint of Alexi is interesting; further it raises the thought in one’s mind, “what other viewpoints are there?” Well written and crafted, Bowman is masterful in his story telling.

His character building is excellent as well. There are some characters you just love to hate! I thought telling the story of Pen was an excellent addition to the story. Demonstrating how easy it is to forget one’s beginnings, peer pressure and bullying.

The narrator, Gerard Doyle did an amazing job at bringing the characters to life with his voice and enthusiasm. His voices were well suited for the tale with just the right amount of excitement, sadness, and wonder strategically placed. His voice over all is calming and light. His accent is wonderful and comes across as natural.

Although this is an old story, Bowman’s freshness and Doyle’s accomplished narration makes it all new and entertaining.

There were no audio issues, everything went smoothly.

Audiobook was provided for review by the publisher. show less

I hadn't read a description of this book before I started listening to it, so it was a fun surprise to discover it to be a slave's eye view of the Homeric hero. The author seems to have really done his homework on the history and culture of the ancient Greeks. Being already familiar with the setting and the story, I felt this telling dragged. Someone much younger would probably enjoy this a lot more. It's well written and engaging, just not quite engaging enough to hold my interest.

My original Torn from Troy audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

Many have used Homer’s Odyssey and told the tale differently – focusing on different aspects of the tale or changing the time period and place. Patrick Bowman takes the tale of Odyssey and tells it from the viewpoint of a fifteen year old boy named Alexi.

Alexi sees his sister killed and then he’s captured and enslave by Odyssey who claims Alexi as his own and thus begins Alexi’s adventure. show more Like most 15-year-old boys, Alexi must learn to curb his tongue or it means certain death. Faced with life as an orphan and a slave, Alexi learns quickly to think on his feet and in doing so impresses Odyssey. Alexi witnesses first-hand the clash between the Cicones, experiences the deadly storm that knocks their ship beyond the boundaries of any known map; he tastes and almost surrenders to the enticing Locust eaters and helps the Greek soldiers and his master escape the mighty Cyclops.

Alexi is a captivating young man; his talents are brought to the forefront by his constant need to survive and the situations he finds himself. His fast wit and bravery is fascinating. Bowman takes Alexi and makes him real to his audiences. While the adventure is based upon apiece of historical fiction and mythology, the listener can lose themselves in the telling of the story as it spins out thus connecting with Alexi.

Bowman uses rich vocabulary to describe the battles and chaos. He does not rush through the telling of the Odyssey, he takes time to show the relationships within the Greek army, the other slaves and Alexi. The style in which it is written is fast paced, action packed and will appeal to most. I was delighted to learn that this is but volume one in a short series.

Gerard Doyle, narrator, did a delightful job of telling the story. His voice was soothing and reflected how I envisioned a 15-year-old boy who has not yet gone through puberty would sound. Immersing himself in the story, Doyle gave a captivating performance. He was like the icing on the cake so to speak.

This is a superbly done story by both the author and narrator. Its appeal is to a wider audience, although young adults will love it more so. This is one of those “don’t miss” adventures.

There were no production issues, everything was clear and smooth.

Audiobook was provided for review by the publisher. show less

Part of the Odyssey as seen through the eyes of a 15-year-old Trojan slave. A little bit graphic (the Cyclops was NOT gentle), but an interesting look at the well-known legends.

I listened to this on a car trip with my 11-year-old, and he liked it well enough to ask me to get the second book in the series.