Shadows of Sparta - C.R. JaneGenre: Fantasy, romantasy Pages: 448 Series: Book one in The Spartan Flame Trilogy Blurb: In Sparta, queens aren't born they're forged in blood, magic, and betrayal. Gods once ruled the land, until King Menelaus cast them out and crowned himself in their place. When he 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.

and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo

a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain

from a 24-hour day to one that begins and ends in just six hours

And when it’s revealed

the swift punishment she expected never materialises

Pullman's Grimm Tales of wicked wives

Decades after a rebellion tore through the Isle of Sidhe

Death has a name

the one person Meryn can trust is Stark Therion – the dark

not even the gods will be able to stop what’s coming…

Pages: 416 pages

James Joyce's earliest major work