[link|http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0380817926/sr=8-1/qid=1155436248/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-3578233-1658224?ie=UTF8|In paperback].

When a book's forward begins with the list of translations and experts consulted and referenced, you should get the idea that the author means to be accurate. Indeed, a good bit of the basis of the book plays on this accuracy.

This is a wonderful treatment of the subject matter. Simmons is a very good author. Here's how the book begins:

Rage. Sing, O Muse, of the rage of Achilles, of Peleus' son, murderous, mankiller, fated to die, sing of the rage that cost the Achaeans so many good men and sent so many vital, hearty souls down to the dreary House of Death.

If you like Shakespeare or Proust then you will enjoy this book as well.

Recommended.

But yes, the Deus Ex Machina theme runs throughout Ilium (and the characters even joke about it at one point).