Publication Date: May 10, 2016
Lake Union Publishing
eBook & Paperback;

Genre: Historical Fiction

With divine beauty comes dangerous power.

Helen believed she could escape her destiny and save her people from utter destruction. After defying her family and betraying her intended husband, she found peace with her beloved Theseus, the king of Athens and son of Poseidon.

But peace did not last long. Cruelly separated from Theseus by the gods, and uncertain whether he will live or die, Helen is forced to return to Sparta. In order to avoid marriage to Menelaus, a powerful prince unhinged by desire, Helen assembles an array of suitors to compete for her hand. As the men circle like vultures, Helen dreams again of war—and of a strange prince, meant to steal her away. Every step she takes to protect herself and her people seems to bring destruction nearer. Without Theseus’s strength to support her, can Helen thwart the gods and stop her nightmare from coming to pass?

My Thoughts:

The story of Helen and Paris is an ancient tale blended with Greek Mythology. 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. But she did and delighted us all with a new look and By Helen’s Hand surprised me more than the first book. I was really taken back a little by Paris. Carosella gives a fresh take on him. At first I wasn’t sure how it was going to work but it did. You see I’ve never cared for him at all. The people in this story or the gods really never had any redeeming qualities in my opinion. Except for Theseus I should say. I adore him! Anyhow, this story explores Helen wanting to desperately escape her destiny and a young Paris who makes a name for himself.

Much of what Helen went through was so exhausting and I kept wondering how much more could she possibly go through! In other stories I’ve read about these two I was never convinced of the reasons why Helen would want to run away with Paris. How could he possibly help her if no one else could? I really can’t say more about this particular situation so you must read this story to find out.

My hats off to Carosella. It’s not easy blending myth with history and she does a splendid job with this tale. I am delighted she has brought back to life the story of Helen and Paris. A truly intriguing story with myth, betrayal, love, hate, intrigue and much more.

Stephanie M. Hopkins

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

About the Author

Amalia Carosella graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelors degree in Classical Studies and English. An avid reader and former bookseller, she writes about old heroes and older gods. She lives with her husband in upstate New York and dreams of the day she will own goats (and maybe even a horse, too). For more information, visit her blog at www.amaliacarosella.com. She also writes fantasy and paranormal romance as Amalia Dillin.

You can also connect with Amalia on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter here and here.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, May 16
Tour Kick Off at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, May 17
Review at The Reading Queen

Wednesday, May 18
Review at Book Lovers Paradise

Thursday, May 19
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Monday, May 23
Review at Creating Herstory

Tuesday, May 24
Review at Book Nerd

Wednesday, May 25
Review at Let Them Read Books

Thursday, May 26
Review at Helen’s Daughter

Wednesday, June 1
Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective

Friday, June 3
Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!

Monday, June 6
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Wednesday, June 8
Interview at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!

Thursday, June 16
Review at Impressions In Ink

Friday, June 17
Review at Layered Pages

Monday, June 20
Review at Just One More Chapter

Wednesday, June 22
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, June 24
Tour Wrap Up at Passages to the Past

Giveaway

To win a $40 Amazon Gift Card, sponsored by Amalia Carosella, please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below.

Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on June 24th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

By Helen’s Hand