The book is great; the characters are interesting and the plot keeps you hooked. 

The main negatives are the huge gaps in time (jumping from months to years, sometimes in the same chapter), which is obviously to get to the fast-paced drama quicker. I think the establishment of Achilles and Patroclus’ relationship is good, but it takes up a lot of the book and is sometimes boring when you know what is coming. 

When Patroclus is killed the narration change is strange and feels out of place, especially as the book goes into the present tense. I found it a little hard to follow.

The writing is solid otherwise.

I think the way Patroclus describes Achilles is heart warming, but somewhat one dimensional. It is frustrating as he has little self-respect, and the fact he

threw himself into battle just to end up dead was, indeed, shocking.

I actually really enjoyed it overall, you can feel their love grow for one another despite the dire circumstances.

Perhaps, the book is slightly overhyped, but it is still a good read and I would recommend it overall.