SHADOWS OF SPARTA

A woman fights to become queen to save a dying Sparta in Jane’s historical romantasy.

Ever since King Menelaus drove out the gods, the land of Sparta has suffered. Its people have endured a famine as well as the Dread, a relentless sickness. Helena, a “famed beauty” from the village of Amyklai, sees a chance to help Sparta. Menelaus will choose a new queen from several candidates, including Helena; she’ll just have to make it through the Trials, whatever those may be, and then she can ensure that the Spartans outside Menelaus’ palace walls will have enough to eat (something that undoubtedly doesn’t concern the king). While Helena catches nearly everyone’s attention, it’s Achilles, captain of the king’s guard, who quickly grabs hers. (“His hair had been pulled back in Spartan fashion, revealing a face both terrible and divine, cheekbones like the edge of a drawn bow, a mouth made for commands.”) But neither can act on how they feel, since queens, even prospective ones, must be “untouched.” Further complicating matters, a cloaked stranger with magical abilities arrives in Sparta at a time when only Menelaus has such powers. Jane’s novel, which opens a planned trilogy, moves at a deliberate pace, which allows for a meticulously developed potential romance between Helena and Achilles. The supporting cast members, from Menelaus to Anysa, Helena’s fellow queen candidate, continually reveal surprising layers. While this first installment largely unfolds in the palace, the Spartan setting is vivid. The Dread’s “red mist” is outright horrifying, and the story is flush with bizarre creatures, such as the tentacled Karybdis and the tiny, mouselike Roz, who becomes Helena’s endearing companion. As the story rolls along, Helena faces myriad dilemmas, not knowing whom she can trust, worrying over the perpetually raging Dread, and unearthing a devastating secret. It all builds to a tense, memorable ending that will leave readers craving a sequel.

Dynamic characters headline this fascinating retelling of the Helen of Troy tale.