“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.
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #greekmythology #oracleofhelinthia #mythologybooks #readersofig

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.

Oracle of Helinthia by MJ Pankey is a masterpiece! I couldn't put this book down for a second. So so good. I rated it 5 stars because I really loved every single second of it.

I loved Epic of Helinthia, and Oracle of Helinthia is an amazing continuation of the story. This book explores the aftermath of the events in the first book and I loved watching the characters grow (or becoming worse in some cases).

Oracle of Helinthia builds perfectly on the previous novel, exploring the themes of rebellion, honor, and how far people will go to protect what is important to them. I found something to like in (almost) all of the main characters. Gonivein's character resonated with me the most- she's come so far since the begining of Epic of Helinthia, and although she still has a lot of growing to do, I can't wait to see how she changes in the next books! Kelric, on the other hand, can kick rocks.

MJ Pankey does an excellent job creating an immersive world that makes you feel as if you've stepped into a world where gods and goddesses interfere with the world of mortals for glory and entertainment. I can't wait to read the next book!

With how much I loved Epic of Helinthia, the sequel had a lot riding on its shoulders - and it exceeded my expectations flawlessly. I reread Epic to prepare for Oracle, and I’m so glad I did as Oracle has so many different intricacies and plot points hidden throughout that at no point was I ever certain which way the cards would end up. While I would say that Epic felt more like a story that actively took you along for the ride (literally in the case of Gonivein), Oracle is one that develops around you and forces you (and the characters) to respond. While Oracle generally occurs in one single location, at no point is there nothing going on, nor can we (the reader) rest as we watch the political tension rise around everyone.

Oracle begins with us having a new point of view - Lithaneva - and in doing so we’re able to get a much better understanding of the politics of the world outside of Dargos’ perspective. As the daughter of the Anax, having her perspective is key to understanding the fate of Helinthia under his rule - and why, exactly, she is working with the resistance to remove him from power. I loved having this extra point of view, as it humanizes those we wouldn’t find sympathetic otherwise - such as her new husband Branitus, who we meet in Epic. I was shocked by how much I loved him as a character, as before every instance we meet of him is in a public, formal setting through Dargos or Gandor’s eyes.

With both Dargos and Gonivein now being fugitives after the events in Epic, their safety is much more fragile throughout Oracle - in many ways, resting on the goodwill of Kelric. With Kelric deciding to continue to marry Gonivein, despite doing so potentially alienating the Anax against the wishes of his polis, the political landscape suddenly becomes much more treacherous for everyone living in Golpathia. I really liked the new perspective that living in a different area, without Dargos being able to be a main playing character anymore, allowed for the understanding of the world building within this book. During Epic we’re lead to believe that Dargos’ dislike of the Anax, and desire to overthrow him is a political secret held only to his closest allies - but then we find out in Oracle that this isn’t the case, and that Dargos might have been too certain of his ability to do so and had potentially told too many people of his open dislike of the Anax. This causes strife for anyone who is too openly friendly with Dargos - including Kelric - and makes it much harder for Dargos to ensure political safety for not only himself, but his sister and Forluna, as well.

I also really liked that, despite both Gonivein and Tor being confirmed as the oracles of Apollo and Artemis, this doesn’t add too much safety to Gonivein’s life. While being the Oracle of Apollo has some political benefits, being the sister of Dargos in some ways almost negates those benefits, and so she is still very much in danger. I also found it fascinating that, rather than excitement, the general feeling within the polis of there being two new confirmed oracles, when there hadn’t been any in years, to be anxiety over what the gods are planning to happen. The idea being that, in times of prosperity the gods don’t bother with the whims of mortals, but only during times of strife they do. And so, with the two new oracles added, tensions within the polis are continuously rising as everyone is on edge about potentially even worse things happening in the future.

With so much political strife and tension in the air, every decision any character makes winds up having far-reaching consequences - even those no one is aware about. With sides being chosen in the sand everywhere around, it’s only when the dust finally settles that we will find out who is truly on which side. Oracle is a fantastic second book, as despite much of the book occurring in one single location, so much is going on to help set up the worldbuilding and characterization that at no point do you hit a slow spot - or feel like a certain perspective isn’t needed to fully understand what is going on. Every character within this book is forced to make some extremely difficult decisions, and no one ends the book the same person they started it with - and especially not the same people they were in Epic. This series is absolutely one to read for anyone who is a fan of Greek retellings (despite this being an original story), political strife, and in-depth worldbuilding. I cannot wait to see how this story develops as this series continues, and I will absolutely be coming back for more the second I can.

(I also did not see that ending coming, and I'm so excited to see how that plays out in the future!)

Side note: The author is a PHENOMENAL writer when it comes to characterization. AT NO POINT could I tell if I liked or hated Kelric, as the second I felt one way he would do something that would change my mind. And at no point did anything he did not feel like a genuine response from him! I feel like I was Gonivein during the entire novel, constantly switching between forgiving and loving him, and wanting nothing to do with him. There are a few other characters who I loved watching their characterization build and change throughout this novel as they grew as people, but none were as striking to me as Kelric. Legitimately, at no point was I certain how, exactly, I felt about this man, and I loved it. At no point could I simply write him off in my head as someone I disliked, and yet, even during the times I was on his side I was still unsure about his true motives or how he would respond to whatever new issue had arisen. I ended Epic hating him and wanting him nothing the worst, and left Oracle unsure about my actual feelings about him because at no point did I not understand his actions.

A huge thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing this e-ARC.

Really nice continuation, excited for the next one already.

I was a bit out of the story when i started reading this, and i must admit that i sometimes had trouble keeping my attention on the story, but that could just be because of my timing for reading this. However, still I noted the thrilling story that was written, and This plot goes places that i had not expected. These characters are complicated, there is no clear good or bad, which keeps you on your toes.

thank you to netgalley and the author for sending me the book in exchange for an honest review

The new instalment in Epic of Helinthia focuses on Golpathia, where we hear Gonivein, Kelric, Dargos, Gadnor and Forluna. From Thellshun we hear Princess Lithaneva. Are present everywhere: the gods, playing their own cruel games with the humans as their living chess pieces. War is brewing, people are getting agitated and famine is still there as a punishment from a jealous Hera.

Anax Charixes is gathering his troups. Kelric discovers that the Leirion, the anax' spies are in the city watching his every move and threatening Gonivein. Golpathia all of a sudden gets two oracles, one for Apollo and one for Artemis. It's very unclear why, because at the same time a lot of terrible things are going on.

I couldn't stop reading and finished Oracle of Helinthia in two days. I enjoy this fantasy world inspired by Greek mythology. The characters are the strong suit in this book. They get a lot of new layers: Kelric is more insecure than he seems, Gadnor discovers parts of him he didn't know existed, Gonivein goes through a lot... At the end no one is the same person anymore.

The ending is a nice set up for nr 3 and that's the only downside of reading series when they get published: that I can't go and just grab the following one :) By the time the next one is out you have forgotten details that matter. So: very much looking forward to the next one!

Thank you MJ Pankey, Muse and Quill Press, NetGalley en BookSirens for the ARC!

I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series by author MJ Pankey, “Epic of Helinthia,” and I looked forward to reading the next installment, “Oracle of Helinthia.” But, oh my goodness! I did not expect to rush through this sequel in just two days! And, the ending DEFINITELY has made me wanting more —IMMEDIATELY! It is a cliffhanger to rival “Who shot JR?” from the 1980’s night time soap opera “Dallas!” (I hope some of you reading this are old enough to remember that!)

This sequel to “Epic” was much easier for me to follow and understand than the first in the series, though I enjoyed reading that one very much. I’m not sure whether the sequel, “Oracle,” was easier to follow BECAUSE I read the first book and was familiar now with the characters or whether, after finishing the first and being slightly unsure of everyone’s relation to each other I took time to study the the Positions and Hierarchy list contained in the book’s glossary. Normally I don’t take time to read these things in advance of starting a book and at best only sometimes even glance at them once finished reading, but in this instance I wish I had bothered to read it before delving into the first book.

This sequel also contains as much or more intrigue than the first, which makes it a compelling read. Additionally, it contains several instances of overt, highly descriptive sexual content. At brief intervals throughout the book I felt that I was reading an explicitly torrid romance novel instead of an adventurous, epic tale of Greek mythology

Again, many thanks to MJ Pankey for providing me with an advanced copy of the second installment of the Epic of Helinthia series, “Oracle of Helinthia.” I am providing my review voluntarily.