A different story. A sequel, good ending. ( )

In this second installment of Helen of Sparta, Helen has been found by her family and returned to Sparta. As a daughter of Zeus, she was given the gifts of beauty and foresight. With her knowledge of the future, she tried to avoid war by escaping to Athens with her beloved King Theseus. However, with Theseus caught in the Underworld, Helen was left vulnerable. Back in Sparta, the King wastes no time marrying off Helen so an heir for Sparta is set. The games are underway and many eligible men are seeking Helen’s hand, but can Helen defy her fate and stop a marriage to Menalaus? And What of Theseus lost in the Underworld? What of Paris, the shepherd boy that Helen met long ago? What of the gods and their path for each player?
I could not wait to get my hands on this book! After reading the first, Helen of Sparta , I wanted to continue to see how Helen forged her own path in a world that seemed determined to let her do anything but that. Helen continues to be determined and cunning, not passively bending to the will of the gods, but actively trying to forge her own future. Even though I knew what would eventually become of her, I kept my hopes up for Helen to have things go her way. I became completely absorbed in each character’s story as the point of view changed between Helen, Paris, Theseus, Polypoetes, Odysseus and Menelaus. Everyone’s purpose and motivation came through strongly, shining light on all of the different personalities and reasons for their actions. Descriptive writing brought the time period to life and I could easily imagine the different palaces, Paris’ hill and even the Underworld. Again, I loved the blend of historical fiction and mythology making for an exciting and fascinating sequel.

This book was received for free in exchange for an honest review. ( )