I adore him! Anyhow, this story explores Helen wanting to desperately escape her destiny and a young Paris who makes a name for himself. The people in this story or the gods really never had any redeeming qualities in my opinion. At first I wasn’t sure how it was going to work but it did. I was really taken back a little by Paris. But she did and delighted us all with a new look and By Helen’s Hand surprised me more than the first book.

When I read the first book Helen of Sparta I couldn’t imagine how Carosella could bring a fresh take on the story or characters for that matter. The story of Helen and Paris is an ancient tale blended with Greek Mythology. Without Theseus’s strength to support her, can Helen thwart the gods and stop her nightmare from coming to pass? Every step she takes to protect herself and her people seems to bring destruction nearer. As the men circle like vultures, Helen dreams again of war-and of a strange prince, meant to steal her away. In order to avoid marriage to Menelaus, a powerful prince unhinged by desire, Helen assembles an array of suitors to compete for her hand. Cruelly separated from Theseus by the gods, and uncertain whether he will live or die, Helen is forced to return to Sparta.

After defying her family and betraying her intended husband, she found peace with her beloved Theseus, the king of Athens and son of Poseidon.īut peace did not last long. Helen believed she could escape her destiny and save her people from utter destruction. With divine beauty comes dangerous power.

Helen of Sparta by Amalia Carosella