HERA: Kingdom of Lies

by

Betsy Ellor

A riveting reimagining of Greek mythology's portrayal of Hera, the queen of all the cosmos.

HERA: Kingdom of Lies by Betsy Ellor is a vivid and riveting reimagining of the Greek goddess Hera's story, from before her marriage to Zeus to after. The goddess of marriage, motherhood, and family, Hera, is most often portrayed as jealous, quarrelsome, and vindictive, yet she is inevitably standing up to Zeus in support of the people and her dominions' responsibilities. Ellor's story brings together various tales involving the goddess and her relationship with Zeus and presents them in a lively, dramatic, and compelling fashion that had me reading this book from start to finish in one day. 

Beginning with her life on the island of Samos, Hera is the queen of a growing population of refugees fleeing from Zeus's war against Kronos (her father) and the Titans. Hera is a gifted and capable leader who is not afraid to get her hands dirty and is revered by the people. She is a confident young woman (in immortal years) who pitches in to serve however she can. The author deftly works in Hera's unique and unbelievable origin story and her rescue from captivity by Zeus, establishing that she has long harbored tender affections for her liberator. When the war is won, she is delighted by his eager courtship, but his ego and man-baby antics quickly disillusion her. Her drastically changed feelings for him resulted in violent and tragic consequences as well as pregnancy. Readers sensitive to this type of story element should take note. The attack is brutal and gut-wrenching to read, but Hera doesn't let it destroy her; rather, she uses it to strengthen her resolve to do what she can to temper Zeus's frequently thoughtless actions and poor decisions that affect their people. 

While traditional versions of the same stories often feel dry and dusty, Ellor's fresh narrative really makes Hera's tales, warts and all, come to life. You could feel her emotions, understand her actions, and see how she strives to embody the best of marriage, motherhood, and family. The book closes with the promise of more story yet to come, and I can hardly wait. 

I recommend HERA: KINGDOM OF LIES to readers of modern takes on ancient mythologies. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through WOW! Women On Writing Book Tours.