In this original Greek myth, MJ Pankey’s gods, goddesses, heroes, and heroines come alive in their flawed complexities to deliver a riveting tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
WHEN A MADMAN SEIZES THE THRONE, THE GODS ON OLYMPUS FALL SILENT, AND THE ISLE OF HELINTHIA DESCENDS INTO DECAY…
Anassa Iptys’ glorious city burns. Forluna escapes with the rightful heir, a descendent of Apollo, and hides him away. But the new Anax, Charixes, is relentless. He will not rest until his hands are drenched in their blood.
Under Charixes’ rule, the gods abandon the island, and a devastating famine ravages the population. Desperate to win divine favor and end Charixes’ cruelty, Dargos persuades Kelric and Gadnor to join him in rebellion. They embark on a quest to rally support for war, leaving Dargos’ sister, Gonivein, safe behind the walls of Shallinath.
But the Anax’ spies have been watching, waiting for the right opportunity to strike. Capturing Gonivein is the devastating blow Charixes needs to crush all opposition to his tyranny.
To defeat him, they need the gods on their side. The heir of Apollo can bring them back.
There’s just one problem: only Forluna knows where he is, and she has vowed to take her secret with her to the Underworld.
“An AMAZING DEBUT filled with gods and goddesses, heroes and villains, love and loss, blood and tears: everything a fantasy novel needs to keep readers turning the page late into the night!”
— Maria V. Snyder, New York Times Bestselling author of The Poison Study
“In Epic of Helinthia, MJ Pankey flawlessly combines the magic and mythology of ancient Greece with the richness and scope of the epic fantasy genre. With a fabulous cast of characters, breathless action and a driving plot, this adventure is not to be missed.”
— A.D. Rhine, author of Horses of Fire
“Epic of Helinthia is a page-turner of an epic-fantasy debut! Inspired by ancient Greek culture and mythology (and well-researched, too), this story is rich with political intrigue, plot twists, and betrayal, oh my! Can’t wait to see what happens next.”
— Sharon Lynn Fisher, author of Salt & Broom
“From its harrowing first chapter to the firm, inspiring final lines, Epic of Helinthia is a memorable, high-stakes adventure—the first in a trilogy of fantasy novels in which mortals and immortals clash over the future of the island they all hold dear.”
— Foreword Clarion Review
“Pankey explores all the characters in captivating ways that drive the plot forward and keep tensions high. Plot-wise, there are so many twists and turns; I was on the edge of my seat throughout this epic tale. Pankey delivers a fantastical adventure of mortal rebellion and divine games. Recommended!”
— Historical Novel Society
“MJ Pankey’s Epic of Helinthia is the work of an author whose adroitness with prose, dialog, and characterization makes this an irresistible addition to the genre of the pseudo-historical novel.
— Craig Jones for Indiereader
(IR-Approved)
“The deft composition of intricate plot, engaging characters, and brisk pace lures readers in like the strings of Apollo’s lyre and refuses to let them go.”
— The Bookish Historian
“An eminently readable and enthralling epic.”
— L.E. Harper, author of Kill Your Darlings
“Epic of Helinthia is a beautifully written historical novel with a perfect touch of Greek mythology—it has the magic and mystery without repeating the already familiar stories.”
— Silja Evelyn, author of Pretty Boy
“Entertaining from the beginning, this novel is for anyone looking for a tale with action, pathos and the myths of Ancient Greece given a new, intriguing life. Well worth the time to read.”
— Amazon Reviewer
“A mythical retelling but the author added her own voice to her characters. An enjoyable story and well written characters. The world building is wonderful and it was a charming read.”
— Amazon Reviewer
“…the ending absolutely lends itself to the feeling that this is the first step to an epic journey that will stretch for years and have many twists and turns throughout it – just like the epic poems by Homer.”
— Amazon Reviewer
“…I finished it in one sitting as I could not put it down. It’s a fresh take on Greek mythology retellings, in that the author has created her own mythos within the story.
— Amazon Reviewer
“LOVED this story. Missed several nights sleep. Looking for the next one in this series.”
— Amazon Reviewer
“Amazing! What an “epic” read, I want more of Helinthia now! Each of the main characters leaves a piece of their soul in your heart. I am so invested in their futures, please don’t keep your readers waiting!”
— Amazon Reviewer