Oracle of Helinthia, the gripping sequel to Epic of Helinthia, plunges readers back into a world of gods, magic, romance, and political intrigue. Picking up where the first book left off, this installment deepens the stakes as characters face both the fallout from previous events and fresh challengesThe pacing leans less on action and more on character development and emotional depth, offering richly layered plotlines that explore the complexities of power, loyalty, and personal growth.Pankey masterfully blends mythology with human emotion, crafting a tale that is both epic and intimate. Fans of Greek mythology, political fantasy, and character-driven narratives will find this a thrilling continuation — and a promising setup for what’s still to come.

Second book did not disappoint. Giving this a 3.75 out of 5 stars. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Picking up right where Book 1 finished, Oracle of Helinthia is definitely more character driven than the first installment. You really get to learn more about the characters and their inner workings and how that affects the decisions they make. I REALLY like the addition of Lithaneva as one of the protagonists and POVs of the story, especially for reasons I will not talk about here because *spoilers*.

I will admit that with character driven plots like this one, there can be pacing issues where certain plotlines feel like they aren't progressing. A good like, 66% of the story is planning that will come to fruition in the next installment, which some might find boring or too slow. Since there are so many POVs in the story, this makes up for the slow pacing a bit because you are jumping from one perspective to another, but at the same time this can make it a bit confusing to keep everything straight.

Can't wait for the next installment!

I’m really enjoying this series. It is a tense, mythology based fantasy with lots of political plotting and backstabbing. What I like about this is it’s not a retelling but an original story with mythology woven into the narrative.

This book is the sequel to Epic of Helinthia and picks up in the aftermath of the first book. I don’t want to say too much about the plot as it would be impossible to avoid spoilers.

The book follows the same format as the first book - a slower build up to a nail biting climax which leaves you eager for the next instalment. I was open mouthed at the plot twist towards the end of the book. I ended up another late night to finish it as I was gripped.

We continue follow our main characters - Dargos, Gonivein, Kelric, Gadnor and Forluna as well as a newer addition Lithaneva, daughter of Anax Charixes (who continues to eye up total control of the entire island of Helinthia. Lithaneva allies herself with the rebels against her father)

The characters adjust to their lives, following the events of Epic of Helinthia, which brings individual difficulties. Despite this they all have a good amount of character development, however I still struggle with Kelric who generally remains a volatile, arrogant and entitled - albeit we get more insight into his own personal trauma that has likely left him like this but I really hope he deals with it as the series progresses as my jaw hurts from clenching it in frustration during his chapters!

Tor, Gadnor and Forluna remain favourite characters along with our favourite Greek divinities who make sporadic appearances. At this point I’m not sure which goddess I’m rooting for here though so I’ll see when I read the third instalment which I’ll be certain to read.

Overall I think these books deserve more attention and are a really enjoyable, original read with great world building, intrigue and edge of the seat moments

There are a number of trigger warnings at the end of this book that readers may wish to check out before reading if need be

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC. My review is my own opinion

I loved being back in Helinthia. The Oracle of Helinthia is set in a fictional island in Ancient Greece and tells an original story featuring the Greek gods. The setting is impeccably written including the gods themselves. You can tell the author did a lot of research in telling this story.

While the plot is high stakes, I would describe this as a character study and the characters are amazing. They are all well rounded and their POVs are so distinct that they feel real.

Ultimately, I think pacing suffered so these other elements could shine. It was much too long for what actually happened and the end of this book seemed like it should have been the halfway point, which left the story feeling incomplete.

However, the plot did pick up at the end and left me excited to read the next installment.

Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an Advanced Reader’s Copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in a series based on Greek mythology, but revolving around fictionalized people and places, as well as a new goddess – Helinthia.

I requested this book without realizing it was a sequel to the previously published Epic of Helinthia, but lucky for me, that hardly mattered. Pankey managed to perfectly weave in enough backstory and place references to the first novel at the right times, so I was rarely, if ever, confused. Huge props to the author.

The story follows several characters throughout Pankey’s Greek inspired landscape, over which impending war and the beginnings of a famine loom. Lithaneva, an independent-minded princess, married to a man in a relationship with another man, daughter of a cold and murdering anax, and lover of Helinthia the goddess, attempts to aid a rebellion from her isolated and dangerous position across the kingdoms. In Golpathia, Forluna, nymph and protector of the heir, plots against enemies – both empirical and personal. Gadnor, the heir apparent, fights to find his footing in society and earn the respect of his contemporaries and betters. His older brother, Kelric, navigates the difficulties of leadership, subverting the anax’s spies, and the first days of marriage with his new bride, Gonivein, who is recently disabled, proclaimed an oracle of Apollo, and wading through grief. Beside them all stands Dargos, Gonivein’s elder brother and protector, who ends up needing to protect himself.

Pankey has created a wonderful and unique world here, putting a fresh spin on both age-old classics and the recent revival of Greek myth retellings in modern literature. The plot is well paced, the writing strong, and the character arcs – especially Kelric and Forluna’s! – well done and intriguing for the reader. I plan to go back and read the previous installment – as well as look out for the third in years to come.

Oracle of Helinthia by MJ Pankey, the second installment of the Epic of Helinthia, was a fabulous read. This was my first exposure to this author, and she did not disappoint. The world building was exquisite, and the characters are amazing. I cannot wait to explore her other works.

Thank you to Muse and Quill Press for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Audiobook Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: May 07 2025

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Gosh, writing this review is going to be tricky. It's been two years since the first book in the Helinthia series was published so I will admit to being very hazy on the details so that absolutely affected my reading of this second book. But I also wasn't expecting five open-door sex scenes (they are not my preference). And, to be honest, political intrigue is, well, intriguing but I hate the mind games, the deceit, the deliberate miscommunication, and the refusal to share the truth (even with people you love!). I won't dock this book down to two stars but my three stars is an indication of my confusion and frustration with how the plot unfolded and how the characters behaved.

“Oracle of Helinthia,” sequel to “Epic of Helinthia,” shows our protagonists facing the consequences from the first book as well as new obstacles and challenges. Lithaneva plays double agent between Helinthia and her father as he escalates his conquest of the island. Gonivein recovers from physical and emotional scars while navigating new waters in her relationship with Kelric. Kelric continues to be the worst. Forluna tries to orchestrate the salvation of Helinthia by arranging a marriage between Lithaneva and the heir of Iptys. Dargos faces betrayal at every turn, and Gadnor is named strategos and must soon adopt a new mantle.
The first book in this series was perfectly adequate (I gave it 3.5 stars), but nothing mind-blowing. I understand now that the first book needed to set everyone up to be where they are at the start of this novel, which is where all the intrigue really takes place. There’s less action here but more pivotal character and plot moments. Each character faces their own individual trials that seem to place them in situations that are only impossible because of their unique flaws or positions, which to me is the mark of excellent writing. As alliances shift and relationships develop, the stakes continue to increase. If you are interested in a Greek mythology-inspired historical fantasy rich with conflict, this is the story for you.

I loved Epic of Helinthia, and this sequel did not disappoint, it's as good as I expected. It perfectly continuous with the story,and we can see how the characters develop. Very nicely written and again we can see the love and research from the author into this story. Can't wait to read the next one, and fins out the rest of the story.
If you gods, goddesses, mythology, this saga is for you.

I always say that the second book is better than the first and I’m yet again proven right. I loved these characters in the first book but they become so much more complex in Oracle of Helinthia. The character development was so so good. It felt like being in their heads and the writing was so compelling that the constant motion of the story had me shocked when I turned the page and it was the acknowledgments. Well done.

Oracle of Helinthia continues the story started with Epic and leaves me hungry for a book three to this amazing series. The Pacing was perfect allowing for intricate world building and story layering while keeping up the intensity in a way that had each chapter ending catapulting me into the next chapter's opening. I will give a major cliff hanger warning for my fantasy series friends that struggle with those but for me it is one of the draws to this sort of writing.
I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy and will definitely be recommending this title to others.

When I saw that Oracle of Helinthia was available on NetGalley, I ran to request a copy.

I loved Epic of Helinthia, and this second book did not disappoint!

One of my favorite things about this series is that things take time. When characters hold grudges, they don’t forgive right away. When they’re hurt, physically or mentally, they don’t just heal three pages later. (By the way, Gonivein, girl, you’re never gonna heal properly if you keep pushing yourself like this…)

The characters feel so real. They have complicated, sometimes even contradicting emotions, but I always get where they’re coming from, even if I don’t agree. (Yes, Kelric, I’m looking at you.)

Speaking of Kelric, this man drives me crazy. Every time he did something awful, I hated him. Then we’d get his POV, and even with his justifications, I still hated him. But as soon as we switched back to Gonivein’s POV, I kind of forgave him—just like she did. And it’s not even like we learned anything new! That just shows how well the author played with perspective in this book. (Or maybe I’m just soft and naive at this point, who knows? Lol.)

This book wasn’t action-packed. I was expecting a certain big event to happen, but it didn’t, though I guess it will in the next book. There were some smaller moments pushing the plot forward, but even without huge action scenes, I was never bored. Honestly, I would’ve finished even faster if I hadn’t been worrying about my phone battery dying.

Anyway, I need the next book ASAP!

Following on from Epic of Helinthia, the village of Tyldan has been massacred spreading fear amongst the people of Golpathia. While Anax Charixes is forming his battle plans, the gods have chosen new oracles - a sign that they are returning to Helinthia.

But mortals are still the playthings of the gods and their motives and alliances are unclear. As war looms, Kelric discovers spies have infiltrated his city, putting Gonivein, Dargos, Gandor and their alliance with the rest of the rebels at risk.

This second book in the series (Epic of Helinthia) was just as magical as the first. I loved that we understood a little more behind the famine and the war that Charixes is waging. The motives of the main characters also change a little as we learn more about what Charixes is planning and how the various gods are involved.

The pacing was a little slower than in the first book and while it doesn’t cover much of a time period, there’s important strategic alliances and strategies at play which I hope will be extended upon in the next book.

Really loving this series and can’t wait to see where it goes!

Thanks to Muse and Quill Press, the author and NetGalley for my copy of the e-book in exchange for my honest review

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this sequel to Epic of Helinthia. I loved the first book and this one did not disappoint in the slightest. Picking up from where Epic left off, we’re transported back to the world of gods, goddesses, heroes and villains. Mixing mythology and romance, magic and treason, this is a breathtaking read, full of wonderful characters I loved. I cannot wait for the next instalment.

Last year I had the pleasure of reading the first book in @authormjpankey Epic Of Helinthia series. And then I had to wait. But the next instalment was well worth the wait. Picking up where the last novel left off the fight to save the island of Helinthia continues. The Gods have made oracles, made demands and offer gifts to their chosen people. Prophecy’s will offer some warning of what is at play and what will come to pass.
If you haven’t read the first book you will absolutely need to before diving into this one, but it’s a delightful read.
I happily finished the book but the story is still unfolding. I cannot wait for the next instalment. Oracle of Helinthia releases May 7 2025.
Thank you to @netgalley and Muse and Quill press for allowing me to review this book.
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3.75 stars. I'm torn on how to rate this book because the story was fun and interesting, but the plot barely advanced. There were a few moments where I expected the pace to speed up or an event to act as the catalyst, but basically everything that happened in this book was just positioning pawns or planting the seeds for conflict. It took me a little longer to read than I expected because the POVs changed so frequently that it didn't give me enough time to get sucked into each character's story. I still really enjoyed reading it, but it was like I was on edge for the whole story and then left without a resolution at the end. I'm hopeful to see more of Apollo in the next book because Kelric really needs to grow up.

Thank you NetGalley and MJ Pankey for the ARC.

A good second part in the trilogy. The action is mostly set in Kelric’s house and concerns the decisions on how to prepare for the coming war. In the background the shadowy network of Leirions and the ever-present goddesses all compete to influence the next steps. Amongst that the unlikely antihero Gadnor strives to become the man he is destined to be.

"Oracle of Helinthia," the second installment in the "Epic of Helinthia" series, plunges readers deeper into a world of warring gods, political intrigue, and the desperate struggle for survival. The smoke rising from Tyldan sets a grim tone, effectively conveying the growing dread that permeates Golpathia and the wider world of Helinthia.

This book expands upon the foundation laid in the first installment, delving further into the complexities of the political landscape and the enigmatic motives of the gods. The emergence of new oracles adds an element of divine mystery, leaving readers to question the true intentions of these powerful beings. The whispers of doom that take root in Golpathia create a palpable sense of tension, driving the narrative forward with a sense of urgency.

Gadnor's ascension to strategos and his subsequent rivalry with Golpathia's leaders provide a compelling central conflict. His struggle to prove himself amidst political maneuvering and the looming threat of Anax Charixes creates a sense of high stakes. Princess Lithaneva's warnings of a plot to crush the rebellion add another layer of intrigue, forcing Gadnor to navigate a treacherous path.

The multiple perspectives offered in the narrative allow for a comprehensive view of the unfolding events. Kelric's discoveries of spies within the city, Forluna's anxieties about the rebellion's vulnerability, and Lithaneva's strategic maneuvers all contribute to the overall sense of impending doom. Gonivein's harrowing visions of the future add a layer of tragic inevitability, raising the stakes even higher.

The author skillfully blends elements of Greek mythology with original storytelling, creating a world that feels both familiar and unique. The themes of political intrigue, divine intervention, and the resilience of the human spirit are explored with depth and nuance. The bonds of love and friendship are tested in the face of overwhelming darkness, adding emotional weight to the narrative.

"Oracle of Helinthia" is a compelling continuation of the "Epic of Helinthia" series, offering a dark and gripping tale of war, prophecy, and the struggle for survival. The intricate plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric world-building make it a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and Greek mythology. The book leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment, eager to see how the fate of Helinthia will unfold.

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC of Oracle of Helinthia.

Book 2 in the series picks up almost immediately after book 1 ends. We start with our unlikely band of allies trying usurp the current ruler of Helinthina's island and place the rightful ruler on the throne. This book is one of the few instances where I feel like the sequel is better than the first!! The writing is incredible and I have fallen in love with so many characters that I can't wait to see what happens in book 3. My only critique would be that while I like have multiple POV's in a book I feel like there may be to many and it can sometimes make the storyline hard to follow but even with that I would 100% recommend this series to anyone who loves Greek Mythology and a good adventure!!!

The book "Oracle of Helinthia" had the potential to be captivating, and I genuinely hoped to enjoy it. However, despite my enthusiasm, I found myself struggling to connect with the narrative. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it beyond the first few chapters, as the writing style and pacing didn't resonate with me. It seems that, while the story may appeal to some readers, it simply wasn't my cup of tea.