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Sumerians #2
Gilgamesh
The second book in the enthralling and lyrical Sumerians trilogy, retelling the Epic of Gigamesh, perfect for fans of Madeline Millar, Lucy Holland and Jennifer Saint.
Now is the time of the gods of war.
Gilgamesh, soon to be crowned King of Uruk, travels north to find his homelands in flames and his family on the run. A blood-red moon brings warnings of a new kind of war, and in the far north, the enemies of Sumer are massing.
Inanna and Ninshubar sail south to take their revenge upon Enki, the king of the water gods. Armed with the master mee and struggling to understand its true nature, Inanna will face impossible demons in her quest to fully comprehend the power she has inherited.
Meanwhile Ereshkigal, queen of the underworld, has a mysterious visitor. This dark stranger brings with him the threat of dangers far more terrible than Enki, or even Sumer’s warlike neighbours. Because a long time ago, in a realm faraway, a little girl was taken from her family. Now, a vengeance, long prophesied, is about to unfold.
As the forces of chaos rise across the riverlands, Gilgamesh must battle against overwhelming odds to save the city he loves, and the Anunnaki will soon discover that no one can escape the sins of the past. Not even the gods.
Now is the time of the gods of war.
Gilgamesh, soon to be crowned King of Uruk, travels north to find his homelands in flames and his family on the run. A blood-red moon brings warnings of a new kind of war, and in the far north, the enemies of Sumer are massing.
Inanna and Ninshubar sail south to take their revenge upon Enki, the king of the water gods. Armed with the master mee and struggling to understand its true nature, Inanna will face impossible demons in her quest to fully comprehend the power she has inherited.
Meanwhile Ereshkigal, queen of the underworld, has a mysterious visitor. This dark stranger brings with him the threat of dangers far more terrible than Enki, or even Sumer’s warlike neighbours. Because a long time ago, in a realm faraway, a little girl was taken from her family. Now, a vengeance, long prophesied, is about to unfold.
As the forces of chaos rise across the riverlands, Gilgamesh must battle against overwhelming odds to save the city he loves, and the Anunnaki will soon discover that no one can escape the sins of the past. Not even the gods.
512 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2024
109 people are currently reading
1552 people want to read
About the author
Emily H. Wilson
3 books172 followersEmily H. Wilson is the author of the Sumerians trilogy, three historical novels set in Ancient Mesopotamia. She was formerly the editor in chief of New Scientist, and is currently working on her first work of science fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
November 24, 2024
need the third book ASAP
August 7, 2024
Gilgamesh was a beautiful lyrical read that kept the feel of the classics of old but given a breath of life. I was instantly captivated by the writing style and voice given the characters. You feel as if you are being transported back to Ancient Mesopotamia and part of those stories and legends.
There is a softness to the style due to it’s lyrical nature but Wilson does not shy away from the battle and bloodshed either. If you are a fan of historical fantasy or the ancient classics you will adore this. I will most certainly be re-reading this and the first book in the series in the near future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for the e-ARC. My review is completely honest and left voluntarily.
There is a softness to the style due to it’s lyrical nature but Wilson does not shy away from the battle and bloodshed either. If you are a fan of historical fantasy or the ancient classics you will adore this. I will most certainly be re-reading this and the first book in the series in the near future.
Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for the e-ARC. My review is completely honest and left voluntarily.
September 17, 2024
Amazing! Full of quests, magic, creepy underworlds, battles and loyal companions. The tone was so unique. Funny amidst all the drama.
October 15, 2024
I never reviewed the first book of the Sumerians trilogy, called Inanna. It was a normal middling retelling which at least has the credit of having its own plot rather than, as most retellings these day, simply doing a retelling as a means of looting someone else's copyright free plot. Unfortunately, that plot involves the revelation that . A very dubious, "Americana"-influenced plot-twist, and one that means that our little book here is three things at once, at least:
1) It is historical fiction, taking place c. 2700 BC, in Early Dynastic Sumer;
2) It is science fiction, as it involves
3) It is a retelling, meaning that I want to see how it uses the wonderful, potent motifs of mythology, which have inherent power as the sacred traditions of a people.
How well does it do for these three areas? Well, middling for all of them, regrettably.
The worst of all is by far is 1) so let us start there: people reading historical fiction want a bunch of different things, depending on the person, but the one thing they do want, is for the story to accurately capture the feeling of the time period. Our novel here utterly fails at that: Gilgamesh and his comrades not only have horses, bought from "Asia", which is forgivable if cringeworthy, but they ride these hoses: we are in 2700 BC!! No one was riding horses then! And if they don't ride horses, they ride mules, no one rides the iconic Sumerian chariots ever, at any point here! Stirrups are mentioned as if they weren't a Chinese invention from 3000 years later on. Everyone is a "rider" here, oh yes - are we hanging out with early Indo-European raiders rather than Early Dynastic Mesopotamian civilization?
It goes on: people drink "tea" multiple times. There was no tea anywhere in 2700 BC. Beer, however, that essential and beloved drink to which the Sumerians wrote entire hymns around, is mentioned once. At one point, a machete is used - I hope I don't have to explain that machetes are very recent things. All warfare is siege warfare, after which the kings/gods are brutally publicly executed and the priestesses raped - this is a complete fantasy, warfare was not so conducted in Early Dynastic Sumer, even when terror was used. Furthermore, this book focuses on the "Akkadians", Semitics then, as attacking Sumer and creating the first empire - okay, we are some 500 years too early then, because this is a storyline belonging to the real-life Sargon of Akkad. But also the Semites are at once too different from the Sumerians, and too similar. They worship entirely different gods and want to show that these are false gods (they are right, technically) by killing them; at the same time they have wholly identical customs in everything. No reference of semi-nomadism or anything.
All in all, in the historical field, this novel is an ambiguous failure: it entirely fails to capture the feeling of Early Dynastic Mesopotamia, its constant belief in gods, its mode of warfare, its clothing, weapons, cuisine, everything.
As science fiction, it is ill defined, amorphous and the SF elements are set up in such a way in which any new given element from an unseen realm can be introduced at any point. Overall, it is not the most interesting SF story.
As retellings, well, this story barely is one? In the sense in that only rough "plot" elements rather than actual motifs, themes, etc from the myths are used. A huge array of myths are used here, "Inanna and Enki", "Enlil and Ninlil", "Nergal and Ereshkigal", "Poem of Erra" and elements of others, yet none of this matters as only the rough outlines of the plots of these stories, the least important thing about them, are used. On the other hand, this lack of relation to the myths does prevent the inherent banality that comes with retelling a myth with no new "angle", which makes this more of a middling experience than a truly terrible one.
The writing style too, is "middling" in the highest degree, consisting of short non-descriptive sentences which are good for keeping the plot real quick-paced and interesting but bad for providing actual emotion or depth of scene.
Overall, meh. I gave the previous book 3 stars mostly on the potential of the next books, and I can see now that that good faith was wasted, but I did not dislike it so much that I wouldn't read the third one of the trilogy, is the best I can say.
1) It is historical fiction, taking place c. 2700 BC, in Early Dynastic Sumer;
2) It is science fiction, as it involves
3) It is a retelling, meaning that I want to see how it uses the wonderful, potent motifs of mythology, which have inherent power as the sacred traditions of a people.
How well does it do for these three areas? Well, middling for all of them, regrettably.
The worst of all is by far is 1) so let us start there: people reading historical fiction want a bunch of different things, depending on the person, but the one thing they do want, is for the story to accurately capture the feeling of the time period. Our novel here utterly fails at that: Gilgamesh and his comrades not only have horses, bought from "Asia", which is forgivable if cringeworthy, but they ride these hoses: we are in 2700 BC!! No one was riding horses then! And if they don't ride horses, they ride mules, no one rides the iconic Sumerian chariots ever, at any point here! Stirrups are mentioned as if they weren't a Chinese invention from 3000 years later on. Everyone is a "rider" here, oh yes - are we hanging out with early Indo-European raiders rather than Early Dynastic Mesopotamian civilization?
It goes on: people drink "tea" multiple times. There was no tea anywhere in 2700 BC. Beer, however, that essential and beloved drink to which the Sumerians wrote entire hymns around, is mentioned once. At one point, a machete is used - I hope I don't have to explain that machetes are very recent things. All warfare is siege warfare, after which the kings/gods are brutally publicly executed and the priestesses raped - this is a complete fantasy, warfare was not so conducted in Early Dynastic Sumer, even when terror was used. Furthermore, this book focuses on the "Akkadians", Semitics then, as attacking Sumer and creating the first empire - okay, we are some 500 years too early then, because this is a storyline belonging to the real-life Sargon of Akkad. But also the Semites are at once too different from the Sumerians, and too similar. They worship entirely different gods and want to show that these are false gods (they are right, technically) by killing them; at the same time they have wholly identical customs in everything. No reference of semi-nomadism or anything.
All in all, in the historical field, this novel is an ambiguous failure: it entirely fails to capture the feeling of Early Dynastic Mesopotamia, its constant belief in gods, its mode of warfare, its clothing, weapons, cuisine, everything.
As science fiction, it is ill defined, amorphous and the SF elements are set up in such a way in which any new given element from an unseen realm can be introduced at any point. Overall, it is not the most interesting SF story.
As retellings, well, this story barely is one? In the sense in that only rough "plot" elements rather than actual motifs, themes, etc from the myths are used. A huge array of myths are used here, "Inanna and Enki", "Enlil and Ninlil", "Nergal and Ereshkigal", "Poem of Erra" and elements of others, yet none of this matters as only the rough outlines of the plots of these stories, the least important thing about them, are used. On the other hand, this lack of relation to the myths does prevent the inherent banality that comes with retelling a myth with no new "angle", which makes this more of a middling experience than a truly terrible one.
The writing style too, is "middling" in the highest degree, consisting of short non-descriptive sentences which are good for keeping the plot real quick-paced and interesting but bad for providing actual emotion or depth of scene.
Overall, meh. I gave the previous book 3 stars mostly on the potential of the next books, and I can see now that that good faith was wasted, but I did not dislike it so much that I wouldn't read the third one of the trilogy, is the best I can say.
August 5, 2024
Gilgamesh by Emily H Wilson is Book 2 of The Sumerian Trilogy. I read the first book, Inanna last year and have been looking forward to reading this one and it didn't disappoint.
The story is carefully woven from threads of ancient myths, archaeological records and a little bit of imagination to create a rich and vivid narrative. We hear from multiple POVs Marduk, Gilgamesh, Inanna, Ereshkigal, Ninshubar and Ninlil. I found these characters captivating and well drawn.
I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of myth retellings that are looking for something a little different.
Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for providing me with a copy to read and review.
The story is carefully woven from threads of ancient myths, archaeological records and a little bit of imagination to create a rich and vivid narrative. We hear from multiple POVs Marduk, Gilgamesh, Inanna, Ereshkigal, Ninshubar and Ninlil. I found these characters captivating and well drawn.
I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of myth retellings that are looking for something a little different.
Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for providing me with a copy to read and review.
July 13, 2025
I am now very interested in getting my hands on the real/ first version of the tales of Gilgamesh. So many questions.
I think with a few tweaks this trilogy would make a great movie/ movies.
I think with a few tweaks this trilogy would make a great movie/ movies.
August 16, 2025
Ik hou steeds meer van deze serie! Echt een aanrader voor iedereen die van (goede) mythologische hertellingen houdt, maar ook eens nieuwe verhalen wil ontdekken! Ik begin alvast aan het derde!
September 19, 2024
Astonished by this one. A far better intelligible story than the first book, in light of it, which stands very strangely on its own. I am desperate to know what happens next, and finally I have become curious to investigate more of the ancient texts than just the Epic and the Exaltation.
October 26, 2024
Wilson writes in a way that makes you never want to put the book down.
September 26, 2024
Wilson’s retelling of ancient Sumerian myth follow four main characters: Gilgamesh, Innana, Ninshubar (Innan’s vizier and a goddess herself); and Marduk (of whom more later). Wilson’s Gilgamesh is a bit of a Jack-the-lad—cheeky, cheerful, and trying his luck. But, as Wilson tells us herself, it was the desire to resuscitate Innana that motivated her (https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...). It's not all sandals and swords, though. There are teasing hints of sci-fi, particularly in the underworld’s gates and the fact that it can also fly.
Whereas Gilgamesh leaps from the page, Innana is on a slower burn, only gradually becoming herself. She starts the trilogy as a child, aware that she is the goddess of love, but not yet the goddess of war. In the first book, she is docile, sexually abused by her grandfather and then handed over as wife to an oafish husband. Relatively passive and indeed weakened after her descent into the underworld, she is dependent on Ninshubar’s help and vigilance. Only gradually does she come into herself, becoming something powerful and terrible towards the end of the second book. Ninshubar is the most exotic of the main characters, a huntress from the far south, wild and mortal-born who becomes a goddess only after being saved from death. And Marduk is the most mysterious. Pale-skinned and red-haired, he is rescued and adopted and then lost again to Ninshubar, who spends much of the first two books seeking him. He has been enslaved. But there are hints that he is much more than he seems.
Gilgamesh is probably the most developed character in Wilson’s cast list. But she has other tricks up her sleeve. This is a thoroughly modern re-telling, yet it retains some of the feel of the original, with subtle nods to the Sumerian storytelling tradition. As in the original, the characters go off on quests, wandering and battling around the landscape of Sumer. And, with hints of the original, there are repeating refrains, such as Ninshubar’s “one step and then the next.”
The first book, Innana, is arguably closest to the original, incorporating several of the ancient stories. Here we get Gilgamesh’s bromance with Enkidu, and here too we get Innan’s descent into the underworld (which is the subject of a different surviving myth). The cities and fields of ancient Sumer are there, the temples and palaces, even the smells. By book two, Gilgamesh, great forces are in motion, devastating the lives of the humans and gods of Sumer. Sumer’s enemies overrun the city states and we learn that the gods, the Annunaki, are not the only gods in Heaven. Another, older, group of gods seek revenge on their kin. Here too, Wilson draws on antique sources, plaiting together stories that ran through Mesopotamiam creating a huge mythological landscape. The Enuma Elish is the earliest complete creation myth that has come down to us. In this myth, the primordial being, Tiamat, Mother of All Things, fights her grandchildren and is overthrown by her grandson, Marduk. By the end of the second of Wilson’s book, Tiamat is there and seems to have declared war on the Annunaki. My bet is that Marduk is going to slay her in the final book of the trilogy.
Whereas Gilgamesh leaps from the page, Innana is on a slower burn, only gradually becoming herself. She starts the trilogy as a child, aware that she is the goddess of love, but not yet the goddess of war. In the first book, she is docile, sexually abused by her grandfather and then handed over as wife to an oafish husband. Relatively passive and indeed weakened after her descent into the underworld, she is dependent on Ninshubar’s help and vigilance. Only gradually does she come into herself, becoming something powerful and terrible towards the end of the second book. Ninshubar is the most exotic of the main characters, a huntress from the far south, wild and mortal-born who becomes a goddess only after being saved from death. And Marduk is the most mysterious. Pale-skinned and red-haired, he is rescued and adopted and then lost again to Ninshubar, who spends much of the first two books seeking him. He has been enslaved. But there are hints that he is much more than he seems.
Gilgamesh is probably the most developed character in Wilson’s cast list. But she has other tricks up her sleeve. This is a thoroughly modern re-telling, yet it retains some of the feel of the original, with subtle nods to the Sumerian storytelling tradition. As in the original, the characters go off on quests, wandering and battling around the landscape of Sumer. And, with hints of the original, there are repeating refrains, such as Ninshubar’s “one step and then the next.”
The first book, Innana, is arguably closest to the original, incorporating several of the ancient stories. Here we get Gilgamesh’s bromance with Enkidu, and here too we get Innan’s descent into the underworld (which is the subject of a different surviving myth). The cities and fields of ancient Sumer are there, the temples and palaces, even the smells. By book two, Gilgamesh, great forces are in motion, devastating the lives of the humans and gods of Sumer. Sumer’s enemies overrun the city states and we learn that the gods, the Annunaki, are not the only gods in Heaven. Another, older, group of gods seek revenge on their kin. Here too, Wilson draws on antique sources, plaiting together stories that ran through Mesopotamiam creating a huge mythological landscape. The Enuma Elish is the earliest complete creation myth that has come down to us. In this myth, the primordial being, Tiamat, Mother of All Things, fights her grandchildren and is overthrown by her grandson, Marduk. By the end of the second of Wilson’s book, Tiamat is there and seems to have declared war on the Annunaki. My bet is that Marduk is going to slay her in the final book of the trilogy.
August 9, 2025
Sensacional! Fiquei completamente compenetrado pela ambientação e pela escalada de tensão que foi sendo construída na alternância dos capítulos de ponto de vista. Durante toda a leitura eu tive a sensação de ser uma história muito séria (por abordar assuntos realmente muito sérios: guerra, vingança, sequestro, domínio religioso, traumas do passado, segredos familiares e vários tantos outros), mas a todo momento eu ria pelos momentos cômicos que criavam um equilíbrio excelente ao longo das cenas.
São as personagens que movem a história. Inanna abraça o poder. Ninshubar encontra o que buscava. Ereshkigal se transforma. Gilgamesh luta por seu povo. Marduk segue em frente. Ninlil encara o abismo. Cada personagem tem sua trajetória, e o mais legal é quando elas se entrelaçam e a gente vê um pelos olhos e palavras do outro.
Bem interessante o enredo da queda da Suméria pela conquista Acádia, assim como uso da narrativa dos Anunnaki e a contranarrativa dos acádios pelo controle da população. Igualmente intrigante a questão dos Anunnaki, os Anzu e o Grande Acima.
Apesar de ao final eu estar preferindo o primeiro livro, Inanna, por causa de todos os mistérios ao redor dos deuses, de seus “poderes” e natureza, Gilgamesh é tão bom quanto, justamente por ampliar e explorar a fundo esse mistérios, sem perder o ar misterioso.
Ansiosíssimo para a conclusão da trilogia!
São as personagens que movem a história. Inanna abraça o poder. Ninshubar encontra o que buscava. Ereshkigal se transforma. Gilgamesh luta por seu povo. Marduk segue em frente. Ninlil encara o abismo. Cada personagem tem sua trajetória, e o mais legal é quando elas se entrelaçam e a gente vê um pelos olhos e palavras do outro.
Bem interessante o enredo da queda da Suméria pela conquista Acádia, assim como uso da narrativa dos Anunnaki e a contranarrativa dos acádios pelo controle da população. Igualmente intrigante a questão dos Anunnaki, os Anzu e o Grande Acima.
Apesar de ao final eu estar preferindo o primeiro livro, Inanna, por causa de todos os mistérios ao redor dos deuses, de seus “poderes” e natureza, Gilgamesh é tão bom quanto, justamente por ampliar e explorar a fundo esse mistérios, sem perder o ar misterioso.
Ansiosíssimo para a conclusão da trilogia!
February 17, 2025
Reviews:
Gilgamesh. Audio Book.(Tantor Media with a slow reader whose different voices and accents I did not appreciate)
We are back with Inanna, Gilgamesh, and Ninshubar. Once again, too many characters to juggle. Ereshkigal meets Erra (Nergal). Gilga tries to rekindle his relationship with Della, his “wife”. Marduk also gets some chapters, as does Ninlil. There's some boring drama with Haga and Ninshubar (who dies). The story is still padded and there's still too many boring drag on scenes.
Ninlil is the mother of Nergal and he wants to take em back to heaven with the master magic bracelet and the head of the rapist. A war is waged but that’s arguably the most mundane part as Inanna gets powers and Eresh gets laid via Nergal.
They all gather and meet in hell. Nergal is trying to leave, Inanna is trying to kill him, it comes to a head with- a cliff hanger. Do they stay in hell? Does Inanna die? Do I care?
Gilgamesh. Audio Book.(Tantor Media with a slow reader whose different voices and accents I did not appreciate)
We are back with Inanna, Gilgamesh, and Ninshubar. Once again, too many characters to juggle. Ereshkigal meets Erra (Nergal). Gilga tries to rekindle his relationship with Della, his “wife”. Marduk also gets some chapters, as does Ninlil. There's some boring drama with Haga and Ninshubar (who dies). The story is still padded and there's still too many boring drag on scenes.
Ninlil is the mother of Nergal and he wants to take em back to heaven with the master magic bracelet and the head of the rapist. A war is waged but that’s arguably the most mundane part as Inanna gets powers and Eresh gets laid via Nergal.
They all gather and meet in hell. Nergal is trying to leave, Inanna is trying to kill him, it comes to a head with- a cliff hanger. Do they stay in hell? Does Inanna die? Do I care?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2024
Gilgamesh
Author Emily H. Wilson
✨Book two of The Sumerians Trilogy✨
The book is beautiful written with wonderful imagery. The author does an excellent job with world building. The story takes place in 4000 B.C. It is filled with Gods & War. There is multiple POV’s. You will go between Gilgamesh, Marduk, Inanna, Ninshubah and Harga’s point of view. The story is so intricate you may feel intimidated, but it all comes together into a rich story. A war was prophesied, because of little girl that was taken 400 years ago. The power struggles among the Anunnaki make you realize that they cant evade the consequences of their past.
If you enjoy stories rich in history, Gods, and vivid imagery… you’ll need to add this to your TBR!
Author Emily H. Wilson
✨Book two of The Sumerians Trilogy✨
The book is beautiful written with wonderful imagery. The author does an excellent job with world building. The story takes place in 4000 B.C. It is filled with Gods & War. There is multiple POV’s. You will go between Gilgamesh, Marduk, Inanna, Ninshubah and Harga’s point of view. The story is so intricate you may feel intimidated, but it all comes together into a rich story. A war was prophesied, because of little girl that was taken 400 years ago. The power struggles among the Anunnaki make you realize that they cant evade the consequences of their past.
If you enjoy stories rich in history, Gods, and vivid imagery… you’ll need to add this to your TBR!
November 16, 2024
Her first in the series was terrific! This one is not that good. I finished the audio version and fell asleep during the ending.
April 14, 2025
2.5 stars, rounded down. I enjoyed the first one a lot more, though if it resembles this one in terms of writing I don't really understand why I did. The writing here was very repetitive and the dialogue somewhat stilted. Not something I necessarily remember from the first one, which did have more atmosphere and mythological-historical slice-of-life moments if my memory serves me correctly. This has none of that (though I like the image of Inanna raging with a storm pouring out of her and the exploration of her warlike nature). It is more of an action novel than anything else, which is not my cup of tea.
I will probably still read the third one because I am vaguely interested because of book 1 and I somewhat surprisingly liked the childishness and aloofness of Ereshkigal (I mean, it happens when you are isolated from everyone else for a hundred or so years).
And: tea and riding horses in ancient Mesopotamia? Where are the chariots and beer? The science fiction parts of this book are also kind of lame -- it seems to me that aliens with powers come down to earth to cosplay as gods is one of the staples of the genre (which I admittedly didn't read a whole lot of). This is not necessarily a bad thing, but not an interesting twist on mythology either. I also kind of hate the fact that at this point all of the main characters turn out to be some kind of 'god', which doesn't ground the story at all.
I will probably still read the third one because I am vaguely interested because of book 1 and I somewhat surprisingly liked the childishness and aloofness of Ereshkigal (I mean, it happens when you are isolated from everyone else for a hundred or so years).
And: tea and riding horses in ancient Mesopotamia? Where are the chariots and beer? The science fiction parts of this book are also kind of lame -- it seems to me that aliens with powers come down to earth to cosplay as gods is one of the staples of the genre (which I admittedly didn't read a whole lot of). This is not necessarily a bad thing, but not an interesting twist on mythology either. I also kind of hate the fact that at this point all of the main characters turn out to be some kind of 'god', which doesn't ground the story at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2025
I liked this more than Inanna , but I found the integration of the more sci-fi elements a little odd. This book veers off from the mythology significantly, and while it is entertaining (especially the last 100 pages or so), the inaccuracies are jarring.
July 5, 2025
perfect part two of the sumerians Trilogy. this parts continues where that last one ended and also introduces more and new plots and characters. Most characters go through meaningful changes and the events depicted are amazingly well written. i absolutely adore these books. The author (Emily Wilson) has become one of my favourite authors. cant wait for the last part. and the cover looks stunning.
January 13, 2025
I'm enjoying this epic. I particularly like that the author shows behind the scenes on where parts of the story originate. I'm awaiting the final act.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
this book was unreal. so silly and fun among all the absolutely heart-wrenching drama. i’m devastated and delighted and i need the next book NOW!!!!
December 27, 2024
2.75/5 stars
I like book 1 more than this one, the dialogues in this book made me think the characters are all fools and bland. They can’t feel any emotion even the feeling that they confess to others.
Gilgamesh is the most boring character ever. He is weak, stupid and good for nothing. Ereshkigal is drama queen but her acting is so cringe. She supposed to be childish and exaggerating yet it’s like she was pretending to be that lame. I have a little connection with Inanna, of all the characters, she is the one who has brain and capability for being goddess. But still doesn’t possess enough personality to make me like her.
The plot also weak, the twist can’t save this book from being a boring one. I don’t hate this book, just don’t have any impression after finished it.
I like book 1 more than this one, the dialogues in this book made me think the characters are all fools and bland. They can’t feel any emotion even the feeling that they confess to others.
Gilgamesh is the most boring character ever. He is weak, stupid and good for nothing. Ereshkigal is drama queen but her acting is so cringe. She supposed to be childish and exaggerating yet it’s like she was pretending to be that lame. I have a little connection with Inanna, of all the characters, she is the one who has brain and capability for being goddess. But still doesn’t possess enough personality to make me like her.
The plot also weak, the twist can’t save this book from being a boring one. I don’t hate this book, just don’t have any impression after finished it.
September 5, 2024
Gilgamesh is about to be crowned King of Uruk. His homeland is devastated and most of his family is on the run as Sumer's enemies gather strength. Inanna and Ninshubar seek revenge on Enki, and Inanna is struggling to understand the power she inherited. Meanwhile, Ereshkigal, queen of the underworld, has a visitor warning about a dangerous new threat, and a prophesied vengeance. Even the gods cannot escape their fate.
This book follows the first volume of the trilogy. King Akka still hates Gilgamesh with a passion given his former womanizing and the tricks he plays to get out of battles. He doesn't believe in the Annunaki as gods, only as mortals pretending to be gods to gain political power. It doesn't help that using their powers drains the energy of the melam in their veins so that they are starting to grow old and slow down. Their weapons can also slowly be drained of power, so they aren't the fearsome things that helped them start their rule over the city-states. The king bears down on Uruk, laying siege and vowing revenge. Inanna has Ninshubar helping her get her own revenge, and they are also looking for Ninshubar's adopted son. Ereshkigal is first afraid of the newcomer that has arrived but then comes to love him as well despite the warnings he gives and the fact that death comes in his wake.
There are new POV's in this book, and the stories that were hinted at in the first novel come to play here. We know that the older generations of Annunaki had done deplorable things with their power, which had led the family to flee the Heavens and come to Earth. With the continued fighting among the humans, many of the Annunaki have fled to save themselves. A few others still have reason to stay and fight with their favored people and cities, but war has come on all fronts. The losses from the first book pale in comparison to this one, as it is now a prolonged city siege. Inanna doesn't know how to truly use the power of her weapon, so it takes her a long time to figure it out and it drains her energy. Ninshubar must protect her then, and this is the story thread that I'm the least connected to.
The story is engaging and gives an interesting spin on life in 4000 BC. The language people use reflects that time, and the relationships of the Annunaki keep changing as well. Gradually we find out the truth of the oldest tales, fleeing the Heavens and Creation, and that the Annunaki aren't as powerful as they like to say they are. This isn't the end of the trilogy, and there is bound to be more devastation as the enemies on earth and from the Heavens come for the Annunaki after centuries of hiding.
This book follows the first volume of the trilogy. King Akka still hates Gilgamesh with a passion given his former womanizing and the tricks he plays to get out of battles. He doesn't believe in the Annunaki as gods, only as mortals pretending to be gods to gain political power. It doesn't help that using their powers drains the energy of the melam in their veins so that they are starting to grow old and slow down. Their weapons can also slowly be drained of power, so they aren't the fearsome things that helped them start their rule over the city-states. The king bears down on Uruk, laying siege and vowing revenge. Inanna has Ninshubar helping her get her own revenge, and they are also looking for Ninshubar's adopted son. Ereshkigal is first afraid of the newcomer that has arrived but then comes to love him as well despite the warnings he gives and the fact that death comes in his wake.
There are new POV's in this book, and the stories that were hinted at in the first novel come to play here. We know that the older generations of Annunaki had done deplorable things with their power, which had led the family to flee the Heavens and come to Earth. With the continued fighting among the humans, many of the Annunaki have fled to save themselves. A few others still have reason to stay and fight with their favored people and cities, but war has come on all fronts. The losses from the first book pale in comparison to this one, as it is now a prolonged city siege. Inanna doesn't know how to truly use the power of her weapon, so it takes her a long time to figure it out and it drains her energy. Ninshubar must protect her then, and this is the story thread that I'm the least connected to.
The story is engaging and gives an interesting spin on life in 4000 BC. The language people use reflects that time, and the relationships of the Annunaki keep changing as well. Gradually we find out the truth of the oldest tales, fleeing the Heavens and Creation, and that the Annunaki aren't as powerful as they like to say they are. This isn't the end of the trilogy, and there is bound to be more devastation as the enemies on earth and from the Heavens come for the Annunaki after centuries of hiding.
August 18, 2025
I have been loving Emily H. Wilson's Sumerians trilogy, and the 2nd volume, Gilgamesh, is as good as the first. In this age where myths from so many corners of the world are being dug up to join the Greek myth retelling craze, I was instantly all-in on a fantasy adaptation that leveraged the Epic of Gilgamesh and other (much neglected) Mesopotamian myths.
This fantasy series has continued to delight. The volumes are fast, compelling reads with characters I care about, each flawed, each with their own distinctive voice. I love how Wilson has braided the story of Gilgamesh with myths of Inanna, Ishtar, Ninshubar, Ereshkigal, and more. As with all good myth retellings, readers familiar with the stories will know enough to feel forebodings but not enough to predict the entire tale, and readers unfamiliar will love being introduced to a new cast of deities.
Gilgamesh continues where volume one, Inanna, left off, exploring the mysteries of the dark figure who has entered the Underworld and the true story of what happened to Ninlil. It took me 24 hours to fly through this one! I don't want to give too much away, because I hope this review of the series as a whole convinces my fellow readers to jump into this fun, dramatic series. The third and final volume, Ninshubar, just came out on August 5, and it's on my list to read any day now.
Content warnings for sexual assault, violence, pedophilia, trauma.
This fantasy series has continued to delight. The volumes are fast, compelling reads with characters I care about, each flawed, each with their own distinctive voice. I love how Wilson has braided the story of Gilgamesh with myths of Inanna, Ishtar, Ninshubar, Ereshkigal, and more. As with all good myth retellings, readers familiar with the stories will know enough to feel forebodings but not enough to predict the entire tale, and readers unfamiliar will love being introduced to a new cast of deities.
Gilgamesh continues where volume one, Inanna, left off, exploring the mysteries of the dark figure who has entered the Underworld and the true story of what happened to Ninlil. It took me 24 hours to fly through this one! I don't want to give too much away, because I hope this review of the series as a whole convinces my fellow readers to jump into this fun, dramatic series. The third and final volume, Ninshubar, just came out on August 5, and it's on my list to read any day now.
Content warnings for sexual assault, violence, pedophilia, trauma.
January 15, 2025
Emily H.Wilson, author. “INAANA” and “GILGAMESH.
This book is such a refreshing take on an old, old story. The writing is a wee bit tongue in cheek which I really enjoyed, otherwise it might have been too heavy and text-booky as it is complicated…….
This is the compelling story from the Epic of Gilgamesh along with fragments of other Mesopotamian writings. It’s evident that Emily Wilson has done a huge amount of research to bring this story together for our delectation.
“Gilgamesh” is just as brilliantly eloquent of the feelings and emotions of the people, as “Inaana” which I feel should be read first, as it sets the tone and the history..
Highly recommend it, and well done to the author for getting just the perfectly right tone for giving the protagonists their own unique voices, pain, feelings and quirks.
Just wonderful.
Little turns of phrases which succinctly engage your own mind.
“a moment later I realised that the rain had stopped. It was falling all around us but it was not falling on me. Instead, Harga was there, an axe in each hand”.
Oh terrible to have to wait till June 2025 for the next book!!!!! But thank you clever Emily Wilson for such a story.
This book is such a refreshing take on an old, old story. The writing is a wee bit tongue in cheek which I really enjoyed, otherwise it might have been too heavy and text-booky as it is complicated…….
This is the compelling story from the Epic of Gilgamesh along with fragments of other Mesopotamian writings. It’s evident that Emily Wilson has done a huge amount of research to bring this story together for our delectation.
“Gilgamesh” is just as brilliantly eloquent of the feelings and emotions of the people, as “Inaana” which I feel should be read first, as it sets the tone and the history..
Highly recommend it, and well done to the author for getting just the perfectly right tone for giving the protagonists their own unique voices, pain, feelings and quirks.
Just wonderful.
Little turns of phrases which succinctly engage your own mind.
“a moment later I realised that the rain had stopped. It was falling all around us but it was not falling on me. Instead, Harga was there, an axe in each hand”.
Oh terrible to have to wait till June 2025 for the next book!!!!! But thank you clever Emily Wilson for such a story.
April 15, 2025
I thought she told the story so well, it felt so real. She captures the magic of the old gods but in a way that makes them more human too. Thats a thin line of genius. So glad I found the series. So much good reading. I like the bite sized chapters with so many characters....that converge well. She conveys power and inner emotional state so well....inner dialogue so well...inner experience so well. You really get to sit with each character as she takes us deeper into the unfolding and none of the characters feel immature even when some characters lack character...like Gilgamesh. She portrays it all with some gravity. Even though some of the characters were young....they weren't portrayed superficially. Sex wasnt sensationalized even though there was sex and desire. It focused on the story around sex, desire and love or lack of which is how I like to read books. I feel satisfied but hungry for the next book. She didn't waste my time just to get me to the next book...Like I had a decent meal. There's no better feeling after finishing a piece of a series.
Well done. ;)
Well done. ;)
August 31, 2025
I have always had an interest in the story of Gilgamesh, and Ms. Wilson has made a compelling and grand tale for him in the early history of human culture. Along with the pantheon of Sumerian gods,
the story she has so vividly woven around them has the essence of a Sumerian mythic saga. In that we know nothing, actually, of the origin and destiny of the Annunaki, only what we have from the clay tablets and a few ancient scriptures; she has invented this tale in the voice of the ancient myths about their rise and eventual downfall. More than ever, I am astonished by her vast knowledge of the current historical records of the Sumerians, and it is entertaining to see how she has woven and sprinkled her historic knowledge into this fantastic story. I was very young when I read The Lord of the Rings in the 70's and this trilogy has had the same effect as reading the trilogy then. With very well written prose and a compelling plot, I have enjoyed every page. Thank you Ms. Wilson, for a fine and rewarding tale.
the story she has so vividly woven around them has the essence of a Sumerian mythic saga. In that we know nothing, actually, of the origin and destiny of the Annunaki, only what we have from the clay tablets and a few ancient scriptures; she has invented this tale in the voice of the ancient myths about their rise and eventual downfall. More than ever, I am astonished by her vast knowledge of the current historical records of the Sumerians, and it is entertaining to see how she has woven and sprinkled her historic knowledge into this fantastic story. I was very young when I read The Lord of the Rings in the 70's and this trilogy has had the same effect as reading the trilogy then. With very well written prose and a compelling plot, I have enjoyed every page. Thank you Ms. Wilson, for a fine and rewarding tale.
January 3, 2025
I loved this dreamlike story of ancient Mesopotamia, where there was little distinction between gods and men. Gods had special powers and lived long, but they were as vulnerable as humans and could feel the same emotions, such as sadness and pain. The gods are portrayed as beings trying to restore some better world from which they originally came, but in the process, they are making things worse through their mischievous, selfish behaviours. In this primaeval and brutal world, even gods are not in control of events, and they are legitimate targets in wars humans waged. It is a metaphor: when you rise up against another kingdom and attack it, the gods must be destroyed also, as they represent the idea of that kingdom. You have to destroy your enemy not just physically but also the very idea of it. But you cannot completely eradicate those ideas: they would survive, changing names and shapes and could resurrect in future. And so the legend continues.
August 10, 2024
Gilgamesh by Emily H Wilson is the second book in the Sumerians series, and although I had not read the first book, I did not find it too hard to follow the storyline. I had read that the story of GIlgamesh could be the basis for Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, and there are certainly parallels – Gilgamesh is a demigod as is Achilles in The Iliad and there’s an epic journey home which parallels that of Odysseus in The Odyssey, and the usual battles found in ancient stories between Gods and humans, and each other. I really liked the point of view chapter style, which helped to move the storyline on whilst amalgamating other stories associated with the legend of Gilgamesh. It was a 4/5 read for me, but before I read the next book in the series, I feel I need to visit book 1 then revisit book 2 in order to get the full story.
October 15, 2024
The Epic of Gilgamesh is my all-time favorite story of love, adventure, and history. I was skeptical of this trilogy at first because of my own beliefs about this time period. However, I was also fascinated and super curious about this retelling. I really enjoyed this second book! After the author’s explanation that she does add her own narration to fill in gaps, it allowed me to read this as a fictional read and new perspective. With that in mind, I thoroughly enjoyed it! It made me think about characters in a new way- such as Anzu, as well as how the life of Enlil unfolded for him. I just finished it, but already am looking forward to reading it again to pick up anything I may have overlooked.
June 24, 2025
An epic continuation of the Sumerians trilogy, with gods and men battling over ancient Sumer. Very different in tone to most fantasy and/or historical fiction. I found the names difficult - none were familiar, and a lot began with En- or Nin-. I think I need to draw up a family tree to understand it better.
One additional point - the title should be prosecuted under the Trades Description Act. I expected that either Gilgamesh was the main character, or that the book relied heavily on the Epic of Gilgamesh for its plot. Neither was true. Gilgamesh was a main character, but by no means the most significant one, and in the footnotes at the end Wilson explained the alternative Sumerian legends she drew upon for this book. Pooh!
One additional point - the title should be prosecuted under the Trades Description Act. I expected that either Gilgamesh was the main character, or that the book relied heavily on the Epic of Gilgamesh for its plot. Neither was true. Gilgamesh was a main character, but by no means the most significant one, and in the footnotes at the end Wilson explained the alternative Sumerian legends she drew upon for this book. Pooh!
December 2, 2024
Pacing issues. I had to force myself to get through the middle.
another issue is that is sounds way too British, the characters are very British. The relationship between Gilgamesh and his sidekick has been so over-done in British Hero writing that I wanted to just stop reading.
Every character sounded alike.
The best part was the last 50 pages, but in a nearly 500 page book that's mean to do to your readers. The whole book was a travel book, everyone was going back and forth with all the action happening at the very end. It could have been cut down to 250 pages easily and been better for it.
another issue is that is sounds way too British, the characters are very British. The relationship between Gilgamesh and his sidekick has been so over-done in British Hero writing that I wanted to just stop reading.
Every character sounded alike.
The best part was the last 50 pages, but in a nearly 500 page book that's mean to do to your readers. The whole book was a travel book, everyone was going back and forth with all the action happening at the very end. It could have been cut down to 250 pages easily and been better for it.
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