Shadows of Sparta: the hottest new dark romantasy of 2026 inspired by Greek mythology

Enter the world of Sparta as you’ve never experienced it before with the much-anticipated dark romantasy based on the myth of Helen of Troy, from USA Today bestselling author C.R. Jane.

Sparta is dying.

Gods once ruled the land, until King Menelaus cast them out and crowned himself in their place. Now drought scorches the earth, and a mysterious affliction steals the breath from the living, while defiance is answered with blood.

When the king resurrects the ancient trials meant to choose his queen, Helena becomes her dying village’s only hope. Marked by a terrible beauty, she steps forward not for glory – but for survival. But beauty alone cannot save her from a crown stolen from the gods.

Alone in a dangerous court, Helena must decide whom to trust: Achilles, a legendary warrior bound to the throne by blood and oath, or a mysterious prisoner bearing forbidden magics and long-buried. One guards her cage. The other whispers how to escape it. And one of them is lying. If Helena chooses wrong, Sparta will not simply fall. It will kneel.

With the fate of her people resting on her shoulders, Helena must claim the throne of Sparta – or be destroyed by it.

‘The love is tangled, the danger is mounting, and this fantasy romance will captivate you from the very first page’ RAVEN KENNEDY