The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley – Troy as Kassandra Sees It | Rite of Fancy Book Review

Troy, as Kassandra sees it.

A short summary of The Firebrand:

In The Firebrand by Marion Zimmer Bradley, the story of the Trojan War is retold through the eyes of Kassandra, the cursed prophetess of Troy. Gifted with foresight but doomed never to be believed, Kassandra watches helplessly as pride, politics, and prophecy converge to destroy her city. From her youth among priestesses of Apollo to her captivity in Mycenae, Kassandra’s journey reframes a familiar myth with the power of a woman’s voice, one that questions fate, faith, and the choices that shape civilizations.

My favorite Marion Zimmer Bradley quote from the book:

"Customs have no reason; they simply are."

- Marion Zimmer Bradley, The Firebrand

Questions to ponder while reading The Firebrand:

Can a different point of view change the truth?

Do you like snakes?

My thoughts about The Firebrand:

Marion Zimmer Bradley transforms the Iliad into something intimate and fiercely feminine. Seen through Kassandra’s eyes, the grand war becomes a deeply human tragedy, one marked by arrogance, divine interference, and the struggle to preserve dignity in the face of inevitable loss.

The themes of goddess worship, intuition, and the silencing of women’s truths flow throughout the narrative, making it a powerful feminist retelling. I especially appreciated how Bradley contrasts the logic of the gods with the fragile morality of mortals, showing how belief can both sustain and destroy.

It’s also a reminder that the spoils of war,  the things taken by force or pride, rarely bring joy to those who claim them. The Firebrand is mythic, haunting, and full of timeless lessons about voice, vision, and value.

For the beginning of the story, visit Book 1 of the Bucket List Book Adventure: The Iliad — and for a companion reflection, read the Rite of Fancy review of The Spear of Achilles.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

Her online photography gallery can be found at shop.takethebackroads.com

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