Thank you to NetGalley and MJ Pankey for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts on it!

This was such an exciting book! The switches between different points of view were fantastically spaced out- it kept the pacing lively without feeling jarring to pick up new plot threads. Once you got over the initial terminology learning curve you were along for the ride.

I also really loved how nuanced each of the character motivations are. Telling the story through multiple perspectives was a strong opportunity to give windows of insight into each of the main perspectives. Every character was flawed in their own way but held their internal logic so consistently that none of their actions seemed overly irrational or self-contradictory.

I'm excited to not only see where the rest of this series goes, but pick up any other projects MJ may embark on!

This was not for me! I struggled to get through it, although I generally love retelling of mythology. This story was bleak, tedious. I thought the writing style/descriptions were fine but couldn’t get invested in any characters. Thank you NetGalley for a digital copy

Wow wow wow! I did have a hard time getting into this book but about 25% in, I really started to enjoy it. I really liked the multiple perspectives and the action packed scenes.
I received this ARC from NetGalley. Thank you so much for the interesting read.
The twist at the end really got me! I did not see that coming.
Spoilers below:
And I did have a hard time with the end and knowing that Loric died- or rather unknown death. I felt like there were a lot of loose ends, especially with multiple characters. There were a few decisions made that I had a hard time getting behind, but sometimes that's how life works.
Overall, very enjoyable

As a lover of Greek mythology retellings, I immediately jumped at the chance to read "Epic of Helinthia". Some important points for readers: while this novel is inspired by these myths, author M.J. Pankey has crafted a brand new, fictionalized island called Helinthia with its own governing bodies and citizens. While there is some overlap in the gods and goddesses worshipped, there is very little otherwise that you'd find in previous lore.

"Epic of Helinthia" is told across rotating character perspectives, starting with siblings Dargon and Gonivein; Dargon serves as the basileus to his city state (polis) while his younger sister struggles to accept the responsibilities he believes she's capable of. Instead, Gonivein's focus is on Kelric, the son of the basileus of polis known as Shallinath who is depicted as a harsh bully, constantly picking on his younger brother Gadnor. The story focuses on the ongoing rebellion that Dargon is trying to lead against the king, and gains support from Gadnor and Kelric; however, the storyline branches out across each of these characters as they physically get separated and must come to terms with their own personal truths and battles.

I did enjoy the overall storyline and Pankey's writing; it's fluid and descriptive and easily painted the scenes of battle in my mind as the story unraveled. It's clear as well she's done a fair amount of research and work crafting such a complex society and world, with such an extensive cast of characters. However, I struggled for much of the book to get a grasp of the characters and setting; there is an extensive amount of world-building at play, given the differing polis, the hierarchy of governing powers, and the different social structures and classes built out. While there is a guide at the beginning of the novel to help with some of the terminology used, I still found it hard to get a good grasp of the storyline until much farther in than I would have anticipated. There are 5 differing perspectives included in the storyline as well, which also felt excessive; I didn't think Kelric's view added much to the novel as he was one of the more one-dimensional characters. While the overall pacing was steady, the identity of one of the key individuals that the group searches for is heavily hinted at about halfway through the novel, which felt off in terms of pacing for me. I also was surprised at the amount of romance elements that were thrown in across the novel as well as it was not one of the primary genres noted.

I think for those that typically enjoy Fantasy/Sci-Fi novels that have an extensive amount of world-building will find "Epic of Helinthia" right up their alley as it would definitely do well in a series. However, this is not the typical Greek mythology-based story that has become popular of late, so readers should be prepared in advance.

I didn’t think I was a Greek mythology gal but I think I am now! I really loved this. The beginning was a bit confusing. There are a lot of characters and multiple POVs but the author did a great job explaining everything that’s happening. There’s also a glossary bit in the beginning with phrases and characters and it’s very helpful! These are some morally gray characters but they all go through their own journey and growth throughout the book and it’s so fun to read. I loved the different relationships formed throughout the book and just the almost reimagining of Greek mythology with all new characters. I am so sad I have to wait for book 2 but you best believe I will be reading it! Thank you so much Netgalley, MJ Pankey and Victory Editing for the eARC. Pre order and enjoy the ride!

Great book and can't wait to see what follows! In the beginning of the book I almost put it down, but due to the great cover and being a mythology lover I decided to press on and I was not disappointed with that decision at all. It took some time to warm up to the characters and for the story to really start moving along, but when it does it's just great. Very human characters with flaws, I liked the way the gods were interwoven in the story and the plot is very interesting. Anyone who like mythology, a bit of mystery and character building should give this book a chance!

***Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this book***

The book is compelling and the writing is gripping. It is a Greek mythology. The characters were so interesting and enjoyed the interwoven mystery in the plot about the heir of the throne and Apollo’s temple. I particularly liked the author’s writing and how the plot unfolded. And I learned more about the Greek gods and goddesses with an intriguing characters. Author has done a brilliant job by creating such a brilliant characters. I will keep my feedback short to not give spoilers about the plot. I highly recommend it to people who love Greek mythology and retellings.

Thank you Netgalley, Author and Publisher.

Pankey weaves an achingly breathtaking tale, set to the backdrop of Ancient Greece, rich with strong characterisation, an unforgettable plot and an exquisite narrative.

I was drawn to this book because I love Greek Mythology and the cover is stunning. I was a little hesitant going in though because the characters in this book are mostly all original creations of the author. I was pleasantly surprised at how refreshing these additions felt. Even though most of the characters are new, there are some fun cameos from important figures in Greek mythology. With so much new lore, as well as the potentially unfamiliar terminology, these recognizable characters offer a way to ground readers, and lend credibility to the story. Amidst the numerous books focusing on retelling a familiar story of tried and true characters, settings, events, etc, Epic of Helinthia offers a unique and fresh tale.

I found the pacing of the story to be perfect, the character's dialogue interesting, and the overall writing engrossing. The characters all have their flaws, all of them pretty insufferable toward the beginning of the novel. Their growth as a result from the trials they're put through, allowed my love for them to grow with them. I loved the mystery and suspense created by questioning the motives and alliances of nearly every character. There were certain scenes where I was genuinely shocked at what had just occurred or had been revealed. I cannot wait to see how this tale unfolds in future books.

A fabulous read. I enjoyed this book a lot and didn’t want it to end.

Thank you to the writer, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC!
As a fan of mythological retellings, I've been thrilled by their increasing popularity in recent years. While the quality of these works can vary greatly, I found MJ Pankey's 'Epic of Helninthia' to be a strong and enjoyable read. The author expertly blended ancient Greek historical details with fantasy elements, creating a refreshing contrast to the typical medieval setting found in modern fantasy literature.

For those who enjoy additional background information, the maps and supplementary materials provided by the author can be incredibly useful. Although, I must admit that at times, I found myself having to consult the glossary multiple times for certain details, which did detract from my overall reading experience. Additionally, reading this on an e-reader was more challenging than reading a physical book.

The novel's multiple points of view, particularly the intriguing character arcs of Forluna and Loric, kept me invested in the story from beginning to end. Unlike other narratives with multiple perspectives, where I tend to become more attached to some characters than others, I found myself engrossed in all of the characters' journeys as the book progressed.

I recommend this novel to anyone who shares my enthusiasm for mythology, fairytale retellings, and historical fiction and fantasy. I look forward to reading more from this author and exploring their imaginative worlds.

Thank you to NetGalley, MJ Pankey, and victory Editing for the arc of this book!

Now this book was so beautifully written. I love Greek Mythology and I was transfixed with this book that I was in this book watching everything unfold. I loved the way MJ wrote everything. The world building , action scenes, and the way she places each character and where they go to their situation was breath taking. Gonivein and Forluna were my favorite Characters because of who they are to what they possess in themselves. My coworkers and my husband was asking me what was wrong with me because I laughed and cried in this book. I do want more stories like this and if there is a second book to this story , I’d be buying it so fast.

I'm a huge fan of books with a new take on mythology, and this book did not disappoint. There's dragons, there's Gods, there's fight for the throne.
The characters could have a bit more personality, and the writing style did not always capture me, but overall, I'm intrigued how it will continue!

Thank you for netgalley for the advanced reading copy of elic of Helinthia. Epic of Helinthia was just that an absolute epic. Their island on the brink of war from a usurper to the throne once ruled over by apollo's heirs. The unlikely group of people have to make their way through constant hardships all over the island. The unlikely few who become friends and the closest betrayals to save their island from falling into complete ruin by finding the true heir and restoring peace.
This was fantastic, I loved it so much more than I could have hoped. It was lengthy to be honest but it made it worth it. The suspense the author wrote in, the betrayals thrown about. The absolute biggest twists and turns, the ending not what I expected of course because that came out of left field I had no way to guess untill maybe 75% of the way through. Just wow. As soon as I always thought all hope was lost all the sudden one thing makes it better and the unlikely band has hope, until it's torn down again of course. Absolutely fantastic and I cannot wait for this release!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early access to the e-book of MJ Pankey’s Epic of Helinthia.
I was really looking forward to to this blend of a new fictional story blended with Greek mythology as the first part of a series. Set on an island, it tells the tale of typical power struggles between powerful men and the women who play vital roles in the story. However, I sadly found that it didn’t grab my attention - if a book really captures my imagination I don’t want to put it down but I found the first half of the book, especially, quite laboured. At times, the language used was quite jarring and interrupted my attention as I raised an eyebrow, and I was somewhat disappointed by reinforced gender stereotypes. It was ok, but I’m not sure I would want to read the next instalment.

“there's one thing I've learned about men, it's that they require very little to justify unbridled violence."

You know by now how much I love mythology and Greek history in general so I couldn't pass up this read! "The Epic of Elinthia" is precisely epic. The author has built an entire world set in ancient Greece by mixing historical realism with the Mythological part: In fact, from the very beginning you can see the effort the author has put into the details by inserting terms used in ancient Greece and customs and rituals derived from the beliefs of the time, managing to create a decidedly real setting.

🏛️Come every respecting Greek Epic there are several characters with each their own role to play: all of them are well characterized and thanks to the different points of view, we can see the plot continue as we witness the growth of each character. The thing I liked ti all the main characters is that they are all flawed,human with each their own personality and thinking that until the end will continue to evolve.

🏛️The writing is the well-balanced combination of action,adventure,mythology,descriptions and character development. Also, one thing I really appreciated was the presence of the glossary,map and hierarchies at the beginning of the book that immediately proved to be very useful!

✨ If you are a fan of retellings then I can't help but recommend this epic first chapter full of adventure, gods,oracles, friendship,political intrigue and a touch of romance! I personally loved it which is why I thank to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read the arc!

I whipped through this book. It has a fast pace, short chapters, and rotating perspectives, which really drives the story forward — and the story itself is multi-layered. While political intrigue is the dominating story element, M.J. Pankey also explores the relationships between characters, their pasts, and their identities. Characters like Kelric are insufferable from the get-go, and some of his redeeming qualities are not made apparent until quite late in the story (to surprising effect), whereas characters like Gadnor and Forluna are sympathetic from the start, making their development that much more satisfying. Regardless, Pankey does a great job of bringing her characters to life, however you may feel about them! The deities also have an actual, material presence in the world, with their own unique characterizations, which I really liked.

Pankey's writing flows well and is clear and descriptive, with some passages that offer truly powerful visuals to support the world she's built — which is fleshed out, yet not so expansive that I get lost in or overwhelmed by the setting. The simple map of important locations provided at the beginning of the book is useful for following the story and grounding the reader in place. On a micro level, there were unfortunately two scenes I had a particularly averse reaction to as a reader. I don't feel the author was sadistic in her descriptions like other writers (looking at you, George R.R. Martin). Each offending incident was really just two or three sentences each of highly visual, upsetting content, which speaks to the effectiveness and power of Pankey's writing. I was ultimately just left feeling unsure of the descriptions' purpose, and would advise others of potentially upsetting content pertaining to sexual violence and animal death. And as a counterpoint to the first content warning, I was really impressed with the descriptions of consensual sexuality — one in particular, at the end of Chapter 22, I found really gentle and satisfying as a reader. I appreciated Pankey's approach to those scenes.

Overall, I was really engaged with the characters, setting, and narrative of Epic of Helinthia. I love when multiple characters are allowed to lead the reader through the story from their own perspectives, and the breaking up and reunion of the various travelling parties was simultaneously nerve-wracking and satisfying. The reader is fed the perfect amount of information to keep them guessing while giving them just enough clues to maybe start piecing things together. I'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel, so I can find out how both the story and the characters continue to evolve.

And finally, a shout-out to the line describing "Dawn's rosy fingers" — I loved the subtle Homer reference!

My thanks to NetGalley and the author for the digital ARC.

Combining Greek mythology with a varied cast of characters, M. J. Pankey brings a fresh take on the mythological-retelling genre, creating a fictional tale worthy of its epic namesake.

Epic of Helinthia presents a multitude of characters whose motivations vary widely - some, shy and humble, others, boastful or infuriating - but all benefit from an expertly crafted world wherein humans are, once more, at the whim of the gods. It is truly the characters that make this book what it is, and it is a credit to the author that they invoke such strong, and varied, emotional responses.

I say this because there is one character who just won't die and, whilst they're quite critical to the plot, their continued existence pains me (you know exactly who I mean if you've read it). But, again, this is to Pankey's credit, because I love to loathe this character.

Not only that, but the plot itself is excellent; slightly twisty in places, with the backdrop of ancient Greek life, it seems to line up the plotlines nicely for what is to come - I am excited to read on!

My profound thanks to the author and to NetGalley for providing an electronic advanced reading copy in return for my honest feedback. I will be aggressively plugging this on my socials at the time of publication!

Thank you NetGalley and M. J. Pankey for this advanced reading copy... it's been a while since I've written a review of an ARC but I felt very encouraged to start again with this novel!

On the island of Helinthia, a cruel tyrant has just seized the throne, and Dargon is determined to bring him down and replace the king. With whom, he is not quite sure. Dargon balances his reputation, his sister's desire to marry the rakish Kelric, the complex politics of his island, and the wisdom and secrecy of a nymph hidden deep in the forest.

I'm a sucker for books like Circe and Ariadne, and I think it is important to note that while M. J. Pankey draws upon historical and mythological inspiration, the characters and locations are purely from her own creation. She even adds another goddess to the list of popular Greek gods that we are already familiar with, who specifically watches over and protects the island of Helinthia. I love how Pankey infused her language with terminology from ancient Greece. Additionally, the story kept me entertained as she took us on a several journeys across these new lands, and over time, I learned to love the characters as their personalities evolved and developed.

I would have appreciated more scenes with the women characters; this book does not pass the Bechdel test, but the female characters are unique, strong, and independent from their male counterparts despite the patriarchy that rules the island. I also felt myself pining for more visual descriptors of the characters and the locations. They do pop up from time to time, but I didn't feel myself necessarily transported. This is one of the major aspects that I look for when I read a book: does the story and prose transport me into a new world?

The book also shifts between at least 4 different points of view, so I had to pay special attention to whose point of view I was reading before starting a new chapter. Overall, this was a great read, and I like the direction that this book is going and would definitely consider picking up the sequel (as it seems to have ended with quite the set up!). However, I don't think that this book would be at the top of my list in terms of recommendations.

like the title said, this was epic! even with me being such a greek mythology nerd, I was very confused for the first 10 to 15% of the book but once you get into it, it flows very easily. The pacing dragged a bit towards the end but overall it was fine. I liked how heavily it went into the mythology because, as I mentioned, I'm a Nerd, capital N. A good fantasy/ Greek mythology story and I recommend it! 4 stars