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The House of Atreus #2
Helen's Judgement
“We all blamed Helen.”
Helen’s Judgement tells the epic story of Greek mythology’s most scapegoated Helen of Troy.
Haunted by her decision to leave her child behind when she fled her unhappy marriage, Helen seeks to build a new life in Troy with her lover, Paris. She yearns to recreate the childhood family she lost when she married Menelaus, but her outraged husband vows to regain her by force, at the head of a vast army.
Facing hostility from all sides, Helen must decide where her loyalty—and her safety—lies.
Perfect for readers of Greek mythology and fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe, Jennifer Saint’s Elektra, and Pat Barker’s The Women of Troy.
Helen’s Judgement tells the epic story of Greek mythology’s most scapegoated Helen of Troy.
Haunted by her decision to leave her child behind when she fled her unhappy marriage, Helen seeks to build a new life in Troy with her lover, Paris. She yearns to recreate the childhood family she lost when she married Menelaus, but her outraged husband vows to regain her by force, at the head of a vast army.
Facing hostility from all sides, Helen must decide where her loyalty—and her safety—lies.
Perfect for readers of Greek mythology and fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe, Jennifer Saint’s Elektra, and Pat Barker’s The Women of Troy.
432 pages, Paperback
Published March 25, 2025
About the author
Susan C. Wilson
2 books35 followersSusan C Wilson is a working-class Scottish writer. She developed a passion for ancient Greece during childhood, after stumbling across tales of gods and heroes while browsing the dictionary for naughty words. She loves to explore what makes us human: the eternal motivations, desires and instincts that cross time and place.
While researching her novels, she gained a diploma in Classical Studies from the Open University. She also has a degree in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University. Most recently, she completed a Minoans and Mycenaeans course from the University of Oxford.
X: @BronzeAgeWummin
Bluesky: @susancwilson.bsky.social
Instagram: @susancwilsonauthor
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While researching her novels, she gained a diploma in Classical Studies from the Open University. She also has a degree in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University. Most recently, she completed a Minoans and Mycenaeans course from the University of Oxford.
X: @BronzeAgeWummin
Bluesky: @susancwilson.bsky.social
Instagram: @susancwilsonauthor
Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 23, 2025
The beautiful princess Helen is married off to Menelaus of the house Atreus and torn away rather harshly from her former life in Sparta. Menelaus is not a bad husband, but Helen would rather have accepted the young Achilles his proposal. When Prince Paris of Troy comes to stay with them, he sets his eye on her. Hoping for a better life, Helen decides to flee with him to Troy, upon which Menelaus’ brother Agamemnon sees his chance to start a war.
I enjoyed Wilson’s first book about Clythemnestra (Clythemnestra’s bind), which really added something to the genre and is perhaps my favorite Clythemnestra book (and there are so many!). So I had high hopes for this book, the sequel. Although I didn’t expect that a book about Helen was actually going to be a complete retelling of the Trojan War. Which this one turned out to be.
Besides Helen, Achilles is a dominant perspective in this book. Why Achilles again, no idea. The problem is that this makes this story begin to look very much like “A song for Achilles” and “The silence of the girls” where both Achilles is a dominant character.
Helen is a rather shallow character at times and Paris is a sex-crazed good-for-nothing. Those two, I don’t like them and no book manages to change my opinion :). Achilles, in turn, is an ambitious young man blinded by his love for Patroclus. He too is not my favorite character. If this had been the very first retelling of the Iliad I read, I would have loved this book. Now I mostly have a “I have already read this” feeling. I would have loved to read fragments from Menelaus, Agamemnon, Hecabe, Priam or Cassandra’s perspective…
However, there are some ‘new’ little elements in the story. Like the dramatic circumstances of Helen’s marriage to Menelaus, Agamemnon himself provoking Helen’s robbery, Andromache’s love for Paris, Helen’s betrayal and her end. I also liked the role of Calchas and his daughter Astynome, though it is unfortunate when they suddenly disappear from the plot.
I wonder if Wilson will write a third book about the House of Atreus. I suspect we will go back to Clythemnestra and both Cassandra and Elektra will play a role (a bit like Saint’s Elektra). I also read in the note afterwards that Wilson wrote this book first and then Clythemnestra’s bind, so in that case I have every hope that her next novel will be even more interesting.
This is not a bad book to start reading about the Trojan War, but if you have already read other retellings about it you can skip this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
Dutch review:
Helen wordt uitgehuwelijkt aan Menelaus van het huis Atreus en nogal hard weggerukt uit haar vroegere leven in Sparta. Menelaus is geen slechte echtgenoot, maar Helen had liever Achilles zijn aanzoek aanvaard. Wanneer prins Paris van Troye bij hen komt verblijven laat hij zijn oog op haar vallen. En dan besluit Helen met hem mee te gaan naar Troye, waarop Menelaus' broer Agamemnon zijn kans schoon ziet om een oorlog te ontketenen.
Ik genoot heel hard van Wilson's eerste boek over Clythemnestra, dat voegde echt iets toe aan het genre en is misschien wel mijn favoriete Clythemnestra boek (en er zijn er zoveel!). Ik had dus grote hoop voor dit boek, het vervolg. Al had ik niet verwacht dat een boek over Helen eigenlijk een volledige hervertelling van de Trojaanse oorlog ging zijn.
Naast Helen is Achilles een dominant perspectief in dit boek. Waarom weeral Achilles, geen idee. Het probleem is dat dit verhaal daardoor wel heel hard op 'A song for Achilles' en 'The silence of the girls' begint te lijken.
Helen is met momenten nogal oppervlakkig en Paris is echt een op seksbeluste nietsnut. Die twee, ik moet ze niet en geen enkel boek slaagt er voorlopig in mijn mening te veranderen. Achilles is dan weer een ambitieuze jongeman verblind door zijn liefde voor Patroclus. Ook hij is niet mijn favoriete personage. Als dit de allereerste hervertelling van de Iliad was geweest die ik las, had ik dit boek echt geweldig gevonden. Nu heb ik vooral een 'heb ik al gelezen gevoel'. Ik had zo graag eens vanuit Menelaus, Agamemnon, Hecabe, Priam of Cassandra gelezen, maar soit.
Er zitten een aantal 'vernieuwende' kleine elementen in. Zoals de dramatische omstandigheden van haar huwelijk met Menelaus, Agamemnon die zelf Helen's roof uitlokt, Helen's verraad en haar einde. Ook de rol van Calchas en diens dochter Astynome vond ik mooi uitgewerkt, al is het jammer wanneer die plots verdwijnen uit het plot.
Ik ben benieuwd of Wilson nog een derde boek over het huis van Atreus gaat schrijven. Ik vermoed dat we dan terug naar Clythemnestra gaan en dat zowel Cassandra als Elektra een rol zullen spelen. Ik las in de noot achteraf ook dat Wilson dit boek eerst schreef en dan pas Clythemnestra's bind, dus in die zin hebben er alle hoop in dat haar volgende roman weer beter gaat zijn.
Dit is geen slecht boek om te beginnen lezen over de Trojaanse oorlog, maar als je er al andere boeken over hebt gelezen kan je deze overslaan.
Bedankt aan Netgalley en de uitgever voor een exemplaar van dit boek in ruil voor mijn eerlijke mening.
I enjoyed Wilson’s first book about Clythemnestra (Clythemnestra’s bind), which really added something to the genre and is perhaps my favorite Clythemnestra book (and there are so many!). So I had high hopes for this book, the sequel. Although I didn’t expect that a book about Helen was actually going to be a complete retelling of the Trojan War. Which this one turned out to be.
Besides Helen, Achilles is a dominant perspective in this book. Why Achilles again, no idea. The problem is that this makes this story begin to look very much like “A song for Achilles” and “The silence of the girls” where both Achilles is a dominant character.
Helen is a rather shallow character at times and Paris is a sex-crazed good-for-nothing. Those two, I don’t like them and no book manages to change my opinion :). Achilles, in turn, is an ambitious young man blinded by his love for Patroclus. He too is not my favorite character. If this had been the very first retelling of the Iliad I read, I would have loved this book. Now I mostly have a “I have already read this” feeling. I would have loved to read fragments from Menelaus, Agamemnon, Hecabe, Priam or Cassandra’s perspective…
However, there are some ‘new’ little elements in the story. Like the dramatic circumstances of Helen’s marriage to Menelaus, Agamemnon himself provoking Helen’s robbery, Andromache’s love for Paris, Helen’s betrayal and her end. I also liked the role of Calchas and his daughter Astynome, though it is unfortunate when they suddenly disappear from the plot.
I wonder if Wilson will write a third book about the House of Atreus. I suspect we will go back to Clythemnestra and both Cassandra and Elektra will play a role (a bit like Saint’s Elektra). I also read in the note afterwards that Wilson wrote this book first and then Clythemnestra’s bind, so in that case I have every hope that her next novel will be even more interesting.
This is not a bad book to start reading about the Trojan War, but if you have already read other retellings about it you can skip this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
Dutch review:
Helen wordt uitgehuwelijkt aan Menelaus van het huis Atreus en nogal hard weggerukt uit haar vroegere leven in Sparta. Menelaus is geen slechte echtgenoot, maar Helen had liever Achilles zijn aanzoek aanvaard. Wanneer prins Paris van Troye bij hen komt verblijven laat hij zijn oog op haar vallen. En dan besluit Helen met hem mee te gaan naar Troye, waarop Menelaus' broer Agamemnon zijn kans schoon ziet om een oorlog te ontketenen.
Ik genoot heel hard van Wilson's eerste boek over Clythemnestra, dat voegde echt iets toe aan het genre en is misschien wel mijn favoriete Clythemnestra boek (en er zijn er zoveel!). Ik had dus grote hoop voor dit boek, het vervolg. Al had ik niet verwacht dat een boek over Helen eigenlijk een volledige hervertelling van de Trojaanse oorlog ging zijn.
Naast Helen is Achilles een dominant perspectief in dit boek. Waarom weeral Achilles, geen idee. Het probleem is dat dit verhaal daardoor wel heel hard op 'A song for Achilles' en 'The silence of the girls' begint te lijken.
Helen is met momenten nogal oppervlakkig en Paris is echt een op seksbeluste nietsnut. Die twee, ik moet ze niet en geen enkel boek slaagt er voorlopig in mijn mening te veranderen. Achilles is dan weer een ambitieuze jongeman verblind door zijn liefde voor Patroclus. Ook hij is niet mijn favoriete personage. Als dit de allereerste hervertelling van de Iliad was geweest die ik las, had ik dit boek echt geweldig gevonden. Nu heb ik vooral een 'heb ik al gelezen gevoel'. Ik had zo graag eens vanuit Menelaus, Agamemnon, Hecabe, Priam of Cassandra gelezen, maar soit.
Er zitten een aantal 'vernieuwende' kleine elementen in. Zoals de dramatische omstandigheden van haar huwelijk met Menelaus, Agamemnon die zelf Helen's roof uitlokt, Helen's verraad en haar einde. Ook de rol van Calchas en diens dochter Astynome vond ik mooi uitgewerkt, al is het jammer wanneer die plots verdwijnen uit het plot.
Ik ben benieuwd of Wilson nog een derde boek over het huis van Atreus gaat schrijven. Ik vermoed dat we dan terug naar Clythemnestra gaan en dat zowel Cassandra als Elektra een rol zullen spelen. Ik las in de noot achteraf ook dat Wilson dit boek eerst schreef en dan pas Clythemnestra's bind, dus in die zin hebben er alle hoop in dat haar volgende roman weer beter gaat zijn.
Dit is geen slecht boek om te beginnen lezen over de Trojaanse oorlog, maar als je er al andere boeken over hebt gelezen kan je deze overslaan.
Bedankt aan Netgalley en de uitgever voor een exemplaar van dit boek in ruil voor mijn eerlijke mening.
April 8, 2026
4.5⭐️
Not a quick read, but I really enjoyed the way the storylines connected, especially with the previous book… a tragedy just like any other Greek mythology book I’ve read. I feel like I have increased my value as a trivia teammate after reading this book.
Not a quick read, but I really enjoyed the way the storylines connected, especially with the previous book… a tragedy just like any other Greek mythology book I’ve read. I feel like I have increased my value as a trivia teammate after reading this book.
March 7, 2025
An incredibly fascinating take on Helen of Troy and the events surrounding this well known tale of history. Wilson drives home the tension and pain in her representation of the events, alternating from vantage points of Helen and Achilles as the momentum unfolds. Helen's story is always told with disdain as a woman who wanted it all and cared for no one. But Wilson provides a lot of thought provoking material that really had me contemplating these people and events for quite some time.
As a fan of Greek Mythology, I was captivated by every page of this novel, much like I was with the first book "Clytemnestra's Bind". Every character is rich in depth and provided with so many insights into experiences that shape their decisions. Nothing is a simple cause and effect, but a rippling of activities that color the landscape and paint a picture that is never easy to understand. But does provide more clarity about how someone could come to the decisions they did. Not that I might agree with their choices, but Wilson creates an environment that makes it easy to understand the complexity of these events.
One of the things I appreciated the most from this retelling is how Wilson portrays the early half of the book of Helen's marriage to Menelaus and the second half of her marriage to Paris.
Helen's marriage to Menelaus, while it was unwanted by Helen, he was a kind, and even caring husband. He treated her well but she was disillusioned by this idea of falling madly in love with the most handsome of men and living out her days in rapture. During these times of violent husbands and disregard for women, she couldn't have ended up with a better option. While he was portrayed as a little meek, he was the sweetest man she could have married.
But then she meets Paris and is overwhelmingly bewitched by his beauty. Allowing herself to be lured into his lies and following him across the sea and abandoning her comfortable life and daughter. But Paris is adequately represented as a mostly empty vessel, caring only for himself and only coveting Helen's beauty. His only focus is that he has the most beautiful wife in the world, but cares very little for her outside of that.
This struggle portrayed in the book is the most riveting of the emotional distress Wilson portrays. It's a complicated juxtaposition of how Helen went from a mostly comfortable life to one of complete rejection all because of these ideas and whims she has about pairing with a beautiful man.
The other elements of this book that really drew me in were related to Achilles' perspective. He's written as a very complicated character. One that is blindly focused on his desire to be remembered as the greatest warrior of all time and those ambitions driving him to reckless behavior. But also how rationally he processes war strategy.
The men in the Achaean troops look to him for inspiration and he carries such a strong influence on everyone that when he's betrayed by Agamemnon, his refusal to fight changes the entire dynamic in the battlefield. Wilson also incorporated an interesting take on Achilles and his cousin Patroclus that I hadn't expected. One where they were lovers, but also had their own individual wives and relationships. It was an interesting take and made all the events that unfold that much more intense because of their bond.
If you're a fan of Greek Mythology or this historical time period, I highly recommend this book and Clytemnestra's Bind. They are captivating and so well written you'll be lost in the rich history as it unfolds!
As a fan of Greek Mythology, I was captivated by every page of this novel, much like I was with the first book "Clytemnestra's Bind". Every character is rich in depth and provided with so many insights into experiences that shape their decisions. Nothing is a simple cause and effect, but a rippling of activities that color the landscape and paint a picture that is never easy to understand. But does provide more clarity about how someone could come to the decisions they did. Not that I might agree with their choices, but Wilson creates an environment that makes it easy to understand the complexity of these events.
One of the things I appreciated the most from this retelling is how Wilson portrays the early half of the book of Helen's marriage to Menelaus and the second half of her marriage to Paris.
Helen's marriage to Menelaus, while it was unwanted by Helen, he was a kind, and even caring husband. He treated her well but she was disillusioned by this idea of falling madly in love with the most handsome of men and living out her days in rapture. During these times of violent husbands and disregard for women, she couldn't have ended up with a better option. While he was portrayed as a little meek, he was the sweetest man she could have married.
But then she meets Paris and is overwhelmingly bewitched by his beauty. Allowing herself to be lured into his lies and following him across the sea and abandoning her comfortable life and daughter. But Paris is adequately represented as a mostly empty vessel, caring only for himself and only coveting Helen's beauty. His only focus is that he has the most beautiful wife in the world, but cares very little for her outside of that.
This struggle portrayed in the book is the most riveting of the emotional distress Wilson portrays. It's a complicated juxtaposition of how Helen went from a mostly comfortable life to one of complete rejection all because of these ideas and whims she has about pairing with a beautiful man.
The other elements of this book that really drew me in were related to Achilles' perspective. He's written as a very complicated character. One that is blindly focused on his desire to be remembered as the greatest warrior of all time and those ambitions driving him to reckless behavior. But also how rationally he processes war strategy.
The men in the Achaean troops look to him for inspiration and he carries such a strong influence on everyone that when he's betrayed by Agamemnon, his refusal to fight changes the entire dynamic in the battlefield. Wilson also incorporated an interesting take on Achilles and his cousin Patroclus that I hadn't expected. One where they were lovers, but also had their own individual wives and relationships. It was an interesting take and made all the events that unfold that much more intense because of their bond.
If you're a fan of Greek Mythology or this historical time period, I highly recommend this book and Clytemnestra's Bind. They are captivating and so well written you'll be lost in the rich history as it unfolds!
April 25, 2025
4.5 stars
Helen's Judgement by #netgalley use of Atreus novels and cleverly weaves depth and flesh into the characters without glossing over the gritty details. It is entirely possible to read this without having read book 1, Clytemnestra's Bind, but it is an astounding read, and I would recommend it. In this second book, we hear from two figures in Greek mythology: Helen and Achilles.
Helen's story takes us from her youth and her girlish desire to marry a handsome hero for love. Her hopes are thwarted early when she is married off against her wishes to Menalaus. Despite his kindness, she is unhappy in the binds of marriage and motherhood and yearns for the love and spirit of her youth and that illusion of an all-consuming true love affair. Along comes Paris... Paris blinds her with his beauty, but he is an empty vessel. When Helen fleas Troy for love , her hopes are misplaced. Her beauty is blamed across mythology as the "face that launched a thousand ships", but is she solely to blame? Her husbands fury will stop at nothing to kidnap Helen back by force and return her home. Helen is caught between two unhappy places. Her story is interspersed with that of Achilles, whose birth we learn provoked a vision for his mother, where she learned that her son must make a choice - a happy life lived in peace and spurning war, or an unhappy one pursuing war and glory. Achilles had a thirst for the fame following a win in great battle. He is willing to follow the machinations of war for his own gain. Helen's Judgement gives us both sides of the conflict in the Trojan War and exposes the lack of winners on both sides. All are pawns in a vicious and bloody game. #helensjudgement #susancwilson #neemtreepress #thetrojanwar #helenoftroy #paris #achilles #greekmythology #booktour
Helen's Judgement by #netgalley use of Atreus novels and cleverly weaves depth and flesh into the characters without glossing over the gritty details. It is entirely possible to read this without having read book 1, Clytemnestra's Bind, but it is an astounding read, and I would recommend it. In this second book, we hear from two figures in Greek mythology: Helen and Achilles.
Helen's story takes us from her youth and her girlish desire to marry a handsome hero for love. Her hopes are thwarted early when she is married off against her wishes to Menalaus. Despite his kindness, she is unhappy in the binds of marriage and motherhood and yearns for the love and spirit of her youth and that illusion of an all-consuming true love affair. Along comes Paris... Paris blinds her with his beauty, but he is an empty vessel. When Helen fleas Troy for love , her hopes are misplaced. Her beauty is blamed across mythology as the "face that launched a thousand ships", but is she solely to blame? Her husbands fury will stop at nothing to kidnap Helen back by force and return her home. Helen is caught between two unhappy places. Her story is interspersed with that of Achilles, whose birth we learn provoked a vision for his mother, where she learned that her son must make a choice - a happy life lived in peace and spurning war, or an unhappy one pursuing war and glory. Achilles had a thirst for the fame following a win in great battle. He is willing to follow the machinations of war for his own gain. Helen's Judgement gives us both sides of the conflict in the Trojan War and exposes the lack of winners on both sides. All are pawns in a vicious and bloody game. #helensjudgement #susancwilson #neemtreepress #thetrojanwar #helenoftroy #paris #achilles #greekmythology #booktour
July 22, 2025
"When the time comes, a wise charioteer always knows when to hand over the reins."
This was a fascinating potrayal of both The Trojan War and Helen's character. Various liberties were taken regarding the original myth, but they served the story incredibly well. Although the presence of the gods is excluded in favour of realism, major plot points are still established and developed quite successfully. This book also includes the best interpretation I've seen of Neoptolemus since Barker's 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘺. It's no easy feat making a child this unsettling both to other characters, as well as to the reader. My only considerable gripes concern the exclusion of the duel between Menelaus and Paris and the way Agamemnon and Andromache are written. Yes, Agamemnon is probably one of the most despicable characters in Greek Mythology, for valid reasons, but his constant depiction as a moustache twirling villain doesn't make for a very compelling story. On the other hand, some decisions in relation to Andromache were a bit unusual. That being said, this is still a very fresh take on the myth and one I would certainly recommend! Since I also really enjoyed 𝘊𝘭𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢'𝘴 𝘉𝘪𝘯𝘥 I will be on the look-out for any of Wilson's future works.
This was a fascinating potrayal of both The Trojan War and Helen's character. Various liberties were taken regarding the original myth, but they served the story incredibly well. Although the presence of the gods is excluded in favour of realism, major plot points are still established and developed quite successfully. This book also includes the best interpretation I've seen of Neoptolemus since Barker's 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘳𝘰𝘺. It's no easy feat making a child this unsettling both to other characters, as well as to the reader. My only considerable gripes concern the exclusion of the duel between Menelaus and Paris and the way Agamemnon and Andromache are written. Yes, Agamemnon is probably one of the most despicable characters in Greek Mythology, for valid reasons, but his constant depiction as a moustache twirling villain doesn't make for a very compelling story. On the other hand, some decisions in relation to Andromache were a bit unusual. That being said, this is still a very fresh take on the myth and one I would certainly recommend! Since I also really enjoyed 𝘊𝘭𝘺𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢'𝘴 𝘉𝘪𝘯𝘥 I will be on the look-out for any of Wilson's future works.
December 2, 2024
Thank you to Neem Tree Press and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️4.5⭐️
Helen’s Judgement, the second installment in the House of Atreus series, is a gripping retelling of the Trojan War that can be read as a standalone. I have not yet read Clytemnestra’s Bind but that did not hinder the reading experience nor my understanding.
The story alternates between the perspectives of Helen and Achilles, offering a balanced exploration of both the Trojan and Achaean sides of the conflict. Spanning from their adolescence, the narrative delves into the motivations of both characters: Helen’s longing for the familial warmth she lost, which drives her to escape with Paris, and Achilles’ relentless desire for glory despite knowing the fatal prophecy that shadows his path.
What really stands out is how raw and unflinching this retelling is. There’s no romanticising the Trojan War here, Wilson dives into the brutality of it, especially the toll it takes on women.
Helen’s character is richly developed, moving beyond just "the face that launched a thousand ships," to reveal a nuanced figure driven by longing and survival. Achilles, on the other hand, brings the grit of battle, always torn between his thirst for glory and his loyalty to his family. Their perspectives balance each other well—Helen’s introspection contrasts with Achilles’ focus on the war itself.
The pacing dips a bit around the middle, but the climax more than makes up for it. All in all, Helen’s Judgement is a gritty, compelling take on the Trojan War, with well-developed characters and a fresh perspective on familiar myths. I can’t wait to read Clytemnestra’s Bind and any further instalments in this series.
⭐️4.5⭐️
Helen’s Judgement, the second installment in the House of Atreus series, is a gripping retelling of the Trojan War that can be read as a standalone. I have not yet read Clytemnestra’s Bind but that did not hinder the reading experience nor my understanding.
The story alternates between the perspectives of Helen and Achilles, offering a balanced exploration of both the Trojan and Achaean sides of the conflict. Spanning from their adolescence, the narrative delves into the motivations of both characters: Helen’s longing for the familial warmth she lost, which drives her to escape with Paris, and Achilles’ relentless desire for glory despite knowing the fatal prophecy that shadows his path.
What really stands out is how raw and unflinching this retelling is. There’s no romanticising the Trojan War here, Wilson dives into the brutality of it, especially the toll it takes on women.
Helen’s character is richly developed, moving beyond just "the face that launched a thousand ships," to reveal a nuanced figure driven by longing and survival. Achilles, on the other hand, brings the grit of battle, always torn between his thirst for glory and his loyalty to his family. Their perspectives balance each other well—Helen’s introspection contrasts with Achilles’ focus on the war itself.
The pacing dips a bit around the middle, but the climax more than makes up for it. All in all, Helen’s Judgement is a gritty, compelling take on the Trojan War, with well-developed characters and a fresh perspective on familiar myths. I can’t wait to read Clytemnestra’s Bind and any further instalments in this series.
January 28, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was happy to check Helen's Judgement out after really enjoying the first book in the series, Clytemnestra's Bind. While it was definitely a solid, well written story, I sadly didn't enjoy it as much as the first installment.
The main reason was that, while in the first I got really attached to Clytemnestra, here I struggled a little with Helen. While I mostly sympathized with her, and understood her actions even if I often didn't agree with them, she didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
Another reason I didn't completely love the book was the fact that, while half of it followed Helen, the other half followed Achilles. On one hand, I understand why the author made this choice, because having the whole book told through Helen's eyes would have been probably a little boring and Achilles' narration gives us a view of the Greeks. However, I never cared for Achilles (not only here, but in general - I must be the only one), and I would have much preferred another point of view's, possibly a woman's (Briseis?).
Still, the problems I had with the book were mostly a matter of personal preference and, as I said, the story was definitely well written, with some very raw, painful moments, and an especially powerful ending which I really didn't see coming.
I'm looking forward to the next installment, where hopefully my darling Clytemnestra will come back and get her revenge.
I was happy to check Helen's Judgement out after really enjoying the first book in the series, Clytemnestra's Bind. While it was definitely a solid, well written story, I sadly didn't enjoy it as much as the first installment.
The main reason was that, while in the first I got really attached to Clytemnestra, here I struggled a little with Helen. While I mostly sympathized with her, and understood her actions even if I often didn't agree with them, she didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
Another reason I didn't completely love the book was the fact that, while half of it followed Helen, the other half followed Achilles. On one hand, I understand why the author made this choice, because having the whole book told through Helen's eyes would have been probably a little boring and Achilles' narration gives us a view of the Greeks. However, I never cared for Achilles (not only here, but in general - I must be the only one), and I would have much preferred another point of view's, possibly a woman's (Briseis?).
Still, the problems I had with the book were mostly a matter of personal preference and, as I said, the story was definitely well written, with some very raw, painful moments, and an especially powerful ending which I really didn't see coming.
I'm looking forward to the next installment, where hopefully my darling Clytemnestra will come back and get her revenge.
October 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐
Helen's Judgment reimagines the story of Helen of Troy, casting her not as the passive beauty of legend but as a conflicted and resilient woman grappling with the fallout of her decisions. Susan C. Wilson’s retelling dives into Helen’s inner world, haunted by her choice to leave behind her child and marriage for Paris, and seeking to recreate the family she lost. But the looming war, led by her vengeful husband Menelaus, throws her into a maelstrom where her loyalty and survival are constantly tested.
Wilson cleverly alternates between Helen's and Achilles' perspectives, enriching the narrative with both the Trojan and Achaean sides of the conflict. Achilles' viewpoint, in particular, offers a raw and fascinating look at the Achaean campaign, adding depth to the war’s brutal realities. While Helen's chapters focus on her emotional journey, Achilles' give the book a needed balance with a sharp portrayal of military life.
What stands out most in Helen's Judgment is the way Helen’s character is explored. No longer merely the face that launched a thousand ships, she is fully fleshed out as a woman battling societal expectations and her own guilt. This portrayal makes Helen feel far more grounded and relatable, showing her strength in enduring the hostility she faces on all fronts. However, while her characterisation is strong, Achilles often steals the show with his more dynamic and engaging narrative, which flows more smoothly than Helen’s introspective chapters.
Wilson also strips away much of the romanticised myth, replacing it with a harsh and realistic portrayal of war and its impact, particularly on women. The grit and brutality make for a powerful, though at times unsettling, read. The book’s pacing slows a bit in the middle, but it’s all in service of a dramatic, high-stakes ending that makes the tension worth it.
Ultimately, Helen's Judgment is a well-crafted retelling, offering readers a more intimate look at one of history's most scapegoated women. It’s perfect for fans of modern mythological retellings, though those expecting a romanticised version may find the stark realism surprising.
Huge thanks to Edelweiss and Neem Tree press for an Arc of ‘Helen’s Judgement’
Helen's Judgment reimagines the story of Helen of Troy, casting her not as the passive beauty of legend but as a conflicted and resilient woman grappling with the fallout of her decisions. Susan C. Wilson’s retelling dives into Helen’s inner world, haunted by her choice to leave behind her child and marriage for Paris, and seeking to recreate the family she lost. But the looming war, led by her vengeful husband Menelaus, throws her into a maelstrom where her loyalty and survival are constantly tested.
Wilson cleverly alternates between Helen's and Achilles' perspectives, enriching the narrative with both the Trojan and Achaean sides of the conflict. Achilles' viewpoint, in particular, offers a raw and fascinating look at the Achaean campaign, adding depth to the war’s brutal realities. While Helen's chapters focus on her emotional journey, Achilles' give the book a needed balance with a sharp portrayal of military life.
What stands out most in Helen's Judgment is the way Helen’s character is explored. No longer merely the face that launched a thousand ships, she is fully fleshed out as a woman battling societal expectations and her own guilt. This portrayal makes Helen feel far more grounded and relatable, showing her strength in enduring the hostility she faces on all fronts. However, while her characterisation is strong, Achilles often steals the show with his more dynamic and engaging narrative, which flows more smoothly than Helen’s introspective chapters.
Wilson also strips away much of the romanticised myth, replacing it with a harsh and realistic portrayal of war and its impact, particularly on women. The grit and brutality make for a powerful, though at times unsettling, read. The book’s pacing slows a bit in the middle, but it’s all in service of a dramatic, high-stakes ending that makes the tension worth it.
Ultimately, Helen's Judgment is a well-crafted retelling, offering readers a more intimate look at one of history's most scapegoated women. It’s perfect for fans of modern mythological retellings, though those expecting a romanticised version may find the stark realism surprising.
Huge thanks to Edelweiss and Neem Tree press for an Arc of ‘Helen’s Judgement’
September 30, 2024
Great retelling of the story of Helen of Troy. The story is told from two perspectives, Helen herself and Achilles, whose viewpoint enables the Achaean side to be told.
Helen, is portrayed as a young woman very much disillusioned with her life and future, after she is suddenly betrothed to Menelaus. She wishes to have a marriage like the family she grew up in, failing to see that she could have had this, if not for the way in which she was forced to marry Menelaus and (of course) traumatised by the incessantly awful Agamemnon and his exploits. She enters her marriage resentfully and is perpetually disappointed. Menelaus cares for Helen and their daughter Hemione but, in this story, he is portrayed as fairly meek and nothing like his brother and Helen keeps him emotionally at arms length during their marriage.
When young Paris of Troy sweeps her off her feet Helen feels this is her chance to have the kind of marriage she dreamed of, intoxicating, passionate and loving. We all know the Trojan war comes next, devastating both sides of the war. Helen is left in an impossible situation, knowing she is blamed by both sides of the fighting and fighting for her own survival.
Helen is portrayed as a more rounded character in this tale, most seem to make her quite weak. She handles the hostility well and continues to try to integrate herself into her Trojan life and new family. I enjoyed reading her perspective and enjoyed the counterbalance of Achilles. I felt for Helen throughout this book as she was had any say in her own future taken from her, married off and couldn’t see what she could have had if things had been different and she had not been so opposed to Melelaus from the off (understandably so but still..)
I enjoyed this book and I’ll be looking to read Clytemnestra’s Bind as well. Thanks to NetGalley and Neem Tree Press for an ARC of this book. This is an honest review.
Helen, is portrayed as a young woman very much disillusioned with her life and future, after she is suddenly betrothed to Menelaus. She wishes to have a marriage like the family she grew up in, failing to see that she could have had this, if not for the way in which she was forced to marry Menelaus and (of course) traumatised by the incessantly awful Agamemnon and his exploits. She enters her marriage resentfully and is perpetually disappointed. Menelaus cares for Helen and their daughter Hemione but, in this story, he is portrayed as fairly meek and nothing like his brother and Helen keeps him emotionally at arms length during their marriage.
When young Paris of Troy sweeps her off her feet Helen feels this is her chance to have the kind of marriage she dreamed of, intoxicating, passionate and loving. We all know the Trojan war comes next, devastating both sides of the war. Helen is left in an impossible situation, knowing she is blamed by both sides of the fighting and fighting for her own survival.
Helen is portrayed as a more rounded character in this tale, most seem to make her quite weak. She handles the hostility well and continues to try to integrate herself into her Trojan life and new family. I enjoyed reading her perspective and enjoyed the counterbalance of Achilles. I felt for Helen throughout this book as she was had any say in her own future taken from her, married off and couldn’t see what she could have had if things had been different and she had not been so opposed to Melelaus from the off (understandably so but still..)
I enjoyed this book and I’ll be looking to read Clytemnestra’s Bind as well. Thanks to NetGalley and Neem Tree Press for an ARC of this book. This is an honest review.
April 23, 2025
She's the most scapegoated herione in Greek mythology, but theres never just one side to any story. This new framing uncovers the complexities of Helen of Troy - a woman tormented by the blame placed on her by others, and tortured by her own guilt.
"We all blamed Helen"
Haunted by her decision to leave her child behind in fleeing her unhappy marriage, Helen seeks to build a new life in Troy with her lover, Paris. She yearns to recreate the childhood family she lost when she married Menelaus, but her outraged husband vows to regain her by force, at the head of a vast army. Facing hostility from all sides, Helen must decide where her loyalty - and her safety - lies.
I was really interested in this book after my mum had mentioned it. I have always been a fan of greek mythology and history and this book doesnt disappoint.
I havent read the first book yet, but definitely going to after this one. I tend to lean into more fantasy and paranormal books with a splash of thriller and crime, so this was out of my usual but that was a good thing. I love a story telling from more than one character. I feel it gives more depth to the book and really does help to get lost in it.
Im not going to lie at first I did struggle to get into it and did put in down a few times but I kept at it (I dont like to DNF a book) but honestly Im glad I stuck at it as it came with a gritty, captivating retelling of the Trojan War.
It is a well written book and a fantastic retelling. Would highly recommend if your into greek mythology.
Thank you to the write reads for including me on this tour and also to Neem Tree Press and of course the author Susan C. Wilson.
I love being able to try new genres and find amazing books I wouldnt usually go to.
"We all blamed Helen"
Haunted by her decision to leave her child behind in fleeing her unhappy marriage, Helen seeks to build a new life in Troy with her lover, Paris. She yearns to recreate the childhood family she lost when she married Menelaus, but her outraged husband vows to regain her by force, at the head of a vast army. Facing hostility from all sides, Helen must decide where her loyalty - and her safety - lies.
I was really interested in this book after my mum had mentioned it. I have always been a fan of greek mythology and history and this book doesnt disappoint.
I havent read the first book yet, but definitely going to after this one. I tend to lean into more fantasy and paranormal books with a splash of thriller and crime, so this was out of my usual but that was a good thing. I love a story telling from more than one character. I feel it gives more depth to the book and really does help to get lost in it.
Im not going to lie at first I did struggle to get into it and did put in down a few times but I kept at it (I dont like to DNF a book) but honestly Im glad I stuck at it as it came with a gritty, captivating retelling of the Trojan War.
It is a well written book and a fantastic retelling. Would highly recommend if your into greek mythology.
Thank you to the write reads for including me on this tour and also to Neem Tree Press and of course the author Susan C. Wilson.
I love being able to try new genres and find amazing books I wouldnt usually go to.
October 14, 2024
Helen's Judgement is the second installment in The House of Atreus series, but honestly, it could be read alone. Either way, it’s worth every page.
If you've been desperate for a more detailed and intimate experience of what it was like for Helen of Troy, this is it. As a bonus, you get Achilles' side of the story, which is as detailed as it is harrowing.
This book is harsh, so if you're looking for a romantic retelling, you're not going to get it. But that's exactly what makes it so good. It's unsettling and upsetting. Less fantasy and more gritty reality mixed with ancient myth.
It does get a little slow towards the middle, but the story requires it because the last quarter needs all that built-up to bring the drama to its peak.
If you want to feel a thousand things, give this a go.
Wondering if this mythology book is for you? Here’s some at-a-glance info:
Spice levels: Open door scenes, some a little more detailed than others.
Fantasy levels: None, gods are talked about but do not appear.
Rep: Queer rep throughout, although it’s a bit more subtle.
Trigger warnings: Sexual abuse, war, grief, death.
The format I read it in: Physical.
Thank you Neem Tree Press, for my advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel
Want to understand my book rating system? You can find it
If you've been desperate for a more detailed and intimate experience of what it was like for Helen of Troy, this is it. As a bonus, you get Achilles' side of the story, which is as detailed as it is harrowing.
This book is harsh, so if you're looking for a romantic retelling, you're not going to get it. But that's exactly what makes it so good. It's unsettling and upsetting. Less fantasy and more gritty reality mixed with ancient myth.
It does get a little slow towards the middle, but the story requires it because the last quarter needs all that built-up to bring the drama to its peak.
If you want to feel a thousand things, give this a go.
Wondering if this mythology book is for you? Here’s some at-a-glance info:
Spice levels: Open door scenes, some a little more detailed than others.
Fantasy levels: None, gods are talked about but do not appear.
Rep: Queer rep throughout, although it’s a bit more subtle.
Trigger warnings: Sexual abuse, war, grief, death.
The format I read it in: Physical.
Thank you Neem Tree Press, for my advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews and book recommendations, check out my YouTube channel
Want to understand my book rating system? You can find it
April 11, 2026
At first thought, a reader might think that a book about Helen would be more interesting than a book about her sister, Clytemnestra. After all, the entire Trojan War centers on Helen and the decisions she made. But that didn’t turn out to be the case.
While Clytemnestra’s life was filled with tragedy, Helen, until her affair with Paris, lives a rather sedate life. Even with the author adding to Helen’s life (there’s really very little actually written about the woman,) she’s remains something of a cypher. Her reasons for leaving with Paris, who comes off even more shallow than Helen, aren’t very good ones. I was completely surprised by the change from what actually has been written about her.
The parts of the book that switch to Achilles’ POV are only slightly better, as he’s only a slightly better person. Rather petulant, he brings about his own tragedies. Usually I’m more moved by the death of Patroclus, but here it was given rather short shrift.
The books are advertised as a trilogy, so I’m hoping that the rest of Clytemnestra’s story will be told. Unless that, too, is radically changed, Agamemnon is in for a surprise.
While Clytemnestra’s life was filled with tragedy, Helen, until her affair with Paris, lives a rather sedate life. Even with the author adding to Helen’s life (there’s really very little actually written about the woman,) she’s remains something of a cypher. Her reasons for leaving with Paris, who comes off even more shallow than Helen, aren’t very good ones. I was completely surprised by the change from what actually has been written about her.
The parts of the book that switch to Achilles’ POV are only slightly better, as he’s only a slightly better person. Rather petulant, he brings about his own tragedies. Usually I’m more moved by the death of Patroclus, but here it was given rather short shrift.
The books are advertised as a trilogy, so I’m hoping that the rest of Clytemnestra’s story will be told. Unless that, too, is radically changed, Agamemnon is in for a surprise.
Did Not Finish
March 19, 2025Unfortunately a dnf at 35%, at least for now. Three main reasons for that:
1. There are massive changes compared to the myths, that don't at all work for me, and that I don't understand the point of. One of them is addressed in the author's note but the rest goes unexplained.
2. Half the book is actually the story of Achilles. Not that it's bad, but I was excited to read a book about Helen, not yet another Achilles retelling.
3. Achilles and Patroclus are cousins which is a choice I could roll with honestly but then you've got Achilles being downight obsessed with him and saying stuff like 'Patroclus knew he didn't need to be worried about Deidamia" babe why should your COUSIN be worrying about your girlfriend like that's completely personal but the lines are too blurry for my taste
1. There are massive changes compared to the myths, that don't at all work for me, and that I don't understand the point of. One of them is addressed in the author's note but the rest goes unexplained.
2. Half the book is actually the story of Achilles. Not that it's bad, but I was excited to read a book about Helen, not yet another Achilles retelling.
3. Achilles and Patroclus are cousins which is a choice I could roll with honestly but then you've got Achilles being downight obsessed with him and saying stuff like 'Patroclus knew he didn't need to be worried about Deidamia" babe why should your COUSIN be worrying about your girlfriend like that's completely personal but the lines are too blurry for my taste
December 26, 2024
as a greek, its hard to come across a retelling that I enjoy. this was good, and if goodreads wasn't insufferable I'd give it more specifically 3.5 - whilst this was about Helen, it often fled from her. Equally, like most retellings, the focus is on the drama, the tragedy, and whilst thats accurate to our mythology, our mythology in almost ALL retellings I've ever read is missing the beauty, the joy. With all books, my angle is if there is deep sadness there is also deep contentment; not in the artificial form of victories but pure, genuine happiness. and that's just missing, as always in retellings, from this. Still yet - it was written well and I had some quotes I absolutely loved.
February 20, 2025
I don’t know how since this hasn’t been released but I purchased this book from my local bookstore back in January.
Achilles is a much more compelling and 3 dimensional character than Helen. I wish the book covered more Greek warfare tactics instead of basically describing the war scenes like everyone just went a large field everyday and ran around impaling each other.
It’s a large and daunting feat to cover the entirety of the Trojan War like this and keep it under 500 pages but it just left more to be desired
Achilles is a much more compelling and 3 dimensional character than Helen. I wish the book covered more Greek warfare tactics instead of basically describing the war scenes like everyone just went a large field everyday and ran around impaling each other.
It’s a large and daunting feat to cover the entirety of the Trojan War like this and keep it under 500 pages but it just left more to be desired
April 22, 2025
Being a huge fan of anything Greek mythology, I jumped at the chance to tour with Helen's Judgement. The book is the second in Wilson's mythology retelling series, The House of Atreus and I absolutely loved it!
Greek mythology has always been a huge passion of mine and Wilson's retellings are a fresh and fascinating take on those stories of ancient times.
I was already familiar with all the characters and loved the new Helen. The character had so much strength and resilience, making her feel real, relatable and helped bring her story to life.
Told from the POV of Helen and Achilles we venture into both sides of conflict, the Trojan and Achaean wars.
An absolutely fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable take.
Greek mythology has always been a huge passion of mine and Wilson's retellings are a fresh and fascinating take on those stories of ancient times.
I was already familiar with all the characters and loved the new Helen. The character had so much strength and resilience, making her feel real, relatable and helped bring her story to life.
Told from the POV of Helen and Achilles we venture into both sides of conflict, the Trojan and Achaean wars.
An absolutely fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable take.
March 25, 2025
I was really looking forward to this book after reading the first book, Clytemnestra's Bind. I don't think you need to read the first book to understand the plot, especially if you are very familiar with the myths of Troy. There were some differences to the traditional myths but they make sense in the context of the story. For example, Paris doesn't kill Achilles in battle but sneaks to the Greek camp to kill him on the day of Hector's funeral, when there was a truce. It adds to Paris' characterisation as a coward and how he's trying to impress his father. I wasn't that fond of the ending when Helen is sacrificed, which seems to be in place of Polyxena. The explanation of this being what Achilles has heard in the afterlife does mean that the whole story is just how certain characters want the story to be remembered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2025
DNF, kept trying but it didn’t provide any value that hasn’t been done more successfully in other books. I found it annoying that this book was actually about Achilles while Helen was relegated to a minor character, shown by the narrative pov.
January 14, 2025
Fantastic book! I recommend it for all readers.
July 6, 2025
Lyrical and deliberate—a myth seen through a modern lens.
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