HELEN OF SPARTA

Please join author Amalia Carosella as she tours the blogosphere with HF Virtual Book Tours for Helen of Sparta, from April 1-22.

Publication Date: April 1, 2015 Lake Union Publishing Formats: eBook, Paperback ISBN-10: 1477821384 Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 Long before she ran away with Paris to Troy, Helen of Sparta was haunted by nightmares of a burning city under siege. These dreams foretold impending war—a war that only Helen has the power to avert. To do so, she must defy her family and betray her betrothed by fleeing the palace in the dead of night. In need of protection, she finds shelter and comfort in the arms of Theseus, son of Poseidon. With Theseus at her side, she believes she can escape her destiny. But at every turn, new dangers—violence, betrayal, extortion, threat of war—thwart Helen’s plans and bar her path. Still, she refuses to bend to the will of the gods. A new take on an ancient myth, Helen of Sparta is the story of one woman determined to decide her own fate.

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About the Author

Amalia Carosella graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelors degree in Classical Studies and English. An avid reader and former bookseller, she writes about old heroes and older gods. She lives with her husband in upstate New York and dreams of the day she will own goats (and maybe even a horse, too). For more information, visit her blog at www.amaliacarosella.com. She also writes fantasy and paranormal romance as Amalia Dillin. You can also connect with Amalia on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter here and here.

my thoughts:

We've all heard the story of Helen of Troy.  In some versions, Helen is a victim, in others, she's a temptress, but always the story revolves around Paris and 'the war'.  Well, this is a different tale.  This is the years prior to the great war.  The years of Helen's youth and her capture by Theseus, King of Athens.  The story of Helen's abduction by Theseus is a mere footnote in the books, but the author has managed to create a compelling and highly entertaining story revolving around Helen's time with Theseus.  Years before her marriage to Menelaus, years before Paris, years before the great battles.  As we discover, one cannot escape one's fate.  What do I mean by this?  Well, no spoilers, you just have to read the book to find out!  Would the great battle have even occurred if Helen had not been 'abducted' by Theseus?  Intriguing thought.    This Helen is a likable, charming young woman. She is not the meek victim, nor is she a frivolous simpleton.  She is a strong, independent young woman attempting to foil the will of the petty and foolish gods.  She is a daughter of Zeus, ignored by her father and living with a mortal mother, Leda, who feels both contempt and disdain for her.   If you like the ancient stories, if you like stories with strong women, you will enjoy this version of Helen's story.

Helen of Sparta Blog Tour Schedule

Wednesday, April 1Review at UnshelfishReview at Let Them Read Books

  Thursday, April 2Review at Flashlight Commentary

  Friday, April 3Interview at Flashlight Commentary

  Saturday, April 4Review at History From a Woman's Perspective

Monday, April 6Review at Curling Up By the FireSpotlight at A Literary Vacation

  Tuesday, April 7Spotlight at leeanna.com

  Wednesday, April 8Review at Historical Reads and Views

  Thursday, April 9Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book!

  Friday, April 10Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

  Monday, April 13Interview at Book BabeSpotlight at Historical Fiction Obsession

Tuesday, April 14Review at Forever Ashley

  Wednesday, April 15Review at Just One More ChapterSpotlight at CelticLady's Reviews

Thursday, April 16Review at 100 Pages a Day

  Friday, April 17Review at Impressions in Ink

Saturday, April 18Spotlight at Passages to the Past

  Monday, April 20Review at Book Lovers ParadiseInterview at The Maiden's Court

  Tuesday, April 21Review at Broken Teepee

  Wednesday, April 22Review at Ageless Pages Reviews