avoraciousreader68's review
3.0
*Book source ~ NetGalley
From Goodreads:
This is the story you were never told about Helen of Troy, the face that launched a thousand ships. A bargaining chip for her father and brothers, Helen learned of seduction and lust but was denied love until one of her suitors, a young Odysseus, showed her a world she had always imagined. Despite her wishes, however, she is married to Menelaus and her fate is decided for her. That is until a young man from Troy named Paris ignites in her a desire she cannot control. Together, they will test the power of the gods and give in to passion that will lead them to be remembered throughout history.
There are many tales out there about Helen of Troy and the face that launched a thousand ships, but this one is a bit different. At least, different than I’ve seen, but I have to admit to having very little knowledge of her story except the most basic from a Mythology class long ago. Told from Helen’s POV her life is actually quite the bummer. However, there is lots of steamy sex included. I have to confess that a good portion of Helen’s life bored me, so the steamy bits were a welcome addition. And the war that resulted in her selfishness just boggles my mind. I really couldn’t stand her by the end.
From Goodreads:
This is the story you were never told about Helen of Troy, the face that launched a thousand ships. A bargaining chip for her father and brothers, Helen learned of seduction and lust but was denied love until one of her suitors, a young Odysseus, showed her a world she had always imagined. Despite her wishes, however, she is married to Menelaus and her fate is decided for her. That is until a young man from Troy named Paris ignites in her a desire she cannot control. Together, they will test the power of the gods and give in to passion that will lead them to be remembered throughout history.
There are many tales out there about Helen of Troy and the face that launched a thousand ships, but this one is a bit different. At least, different than I’ve seen, but I have to admit to having very little knowledge of her story except the most basic from a Mythology class long ago. Told from Helen’s POV her life is actually quite the bummer. However, there is lots of steamy sex included. I have to confess that a good portion of Helen’s life bored me, so the steamy bits were a welcome addition. And the war that resulted in her selfishness just boggles my mind. I really couldn’t stand her by the end.
readinglinesdeb's review
5.0
I have to admit this was the first historical romance I have ever read in my life. I have always had something for the greek/mythical type of movies/tv shows and now I think I love the books too. This novella was well written and I had moments where I never even wanted to put the book down. The steamy love scenes added to this book as well. What I really loved about the book was the use of the language, it wasn't too classical or old, but still written with the right sense of the time of when the book was taking place (Am I making any sense?)
Helen was definitely a woman with a mind of her own and would not bow down to all the male dominance of her time. Everything was done on her terms. I loved her character very much and even hated how cruel the men were in that time. I imagined myself living back then and knew that it was not something I would be cut out for. If you are looking for a happy ending that is something that this book does not have, but if you have heard the story of Helen of Troy you already know that.
Helen was definitely a woman with a mind of her own and would not bow down to all the male dominance of her time. Everything was done on her terms. I loved her character very much and even hated how cruel the men were in that time. I imagined myself living back then and knew that it was not something I would be cut out for. If you are looking for a happy ending that is something that this book does not have, but if you have heard the story of Helen of Troy you already know that.
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