Book: Shadows of Sparta by C.R. Jane
Reviewed by Booksbystarlightandshadows
Rating: 4/5
I really enjoyed this; I love a good retelling and although this has plenty of nods to the original Greek myth, it is very much its own story. Its on the slower paced side with plenty of world building to start but there were a few curve balls thrown in I didn't see coming and I am 100% invested!
Helena is definitely more than just a pretty face; she is strong, loyal and willing to sacrifice for her people. Helena is used to unwanted attention but this time she is willingly accepting her treatment with the hopes of helping her people. Although there are darker scenes mentioned, a lot of it happens off page but the threat of King Menelaus is always lurking. There are some lighter moments though and Helena's relationship with Anysa was one of my favourite parts; I loved their camaraderie in the trials and the humour brought some balance to some of the more sombre scenes.
The romance is currently love triangle shaped (we're not counting King Menelaus - I love a redemption arc but I can't see him every being a serious contender). Achilles is an absolute power house; the yearning is real with lots of stolen moments and not so subtle glances throughout. I'm on the fence about him though as I don't really think Achillles is ready to defy the King for Helena. Does he have a plan or is he tied to the King in some way? I'm not sure yet but there is a magical element which I'm hoping is explored more in the series.
Theron had pretty much won me over purely for how he wound up Achilles at every opportunity but he had me at "rest". It was my Mr Darcy hand flex moment! I love his character; he had me laughing in just about every scene and nothing phased him at all. I'm really not sure which way this is going to go though as both MMCs offer Helena different things and aren't simple good guy/ bad boy stereotypes either. We're also waiting for a pivotal character from the myth to make an appearance so all bets may be off!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read