✨ 3/5
What is Helena's story in The Iliad?
Shadows of Sparta is a fantasy romance retelling of The Iliad by C.R. Jane, but this time the focus is on Helena.
While reading, I realized that Helena was the trigger or rather the excuse used by the kings to wage this massive war, conquer Troy, and massage their egos. Yet nowhere is it clearly established whether she was kidnapped, ran away willingly, or was under some kind of spell. Homer says she ran away, but Homer has never been particularly good at representing women in his stories. Anyway, not to digress, Helena's story is not widely known.
C.R. Jane takes her character and weaves an interesting tale filled with magic, power, betrayal, love, and passion. I especially liked how Helena's beauty is used as a weapon or even how lust itself becomes a weapon. Menelaus is also a well-written character; as you read the book, you begin to hope for his death.
That said, this is the first book in a trilogy, which is why it feels more like an introduction than a complete story. Many elements remain unexplained, which I assume will be revealed in future books. Achilles also feels promising as a character, but it's still early. Not much about him has been revealed yet. I also didn't fully understand the Achilles-Helena arc in the book. Helena says that "he sees her," but nothing substantial has happened between them for him to make that claim.
To be honest, I loved Paris more. ;)
I think Book 2 will be a more exciting read. Secrets will be revealed, and there will be more action. I also hope to see Helena become a more powerful FMC rather than remain as helpless as she seems in Book 1.
Thank you so much @podiumentertainment for this copy.
Author - @crjaneauthor
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